Sea Moss
Sea Moss, Algae, or Seaweed?
The whole world has heard about sea moss at this point and if you haven’t, you're about to find out. Let’s begin with the word “sea moss”. “Sea moss” is a common name, a slang term for algae. Another common name for algae is seaweed. Algae are little photosynthetic organisms throughout the world's water systems. Not only do they provide Earth with 70% of its oxygen, but they're also the mother to all plant life on land. Social media refers to colorful algae as “full-spectrum sea moss” or other inaccurate terms. In actuality, you have macroalgae (big algae/seaweed/sea moss) & microalgae (small algae). Macroalgae are categorized into 3 groups: red algae, brown algae, and green algae. Many brands sell “gold sea moss” at a premium. The truth is, there is no such thing. “Gold sea moss” is a marketing term for algae that has been sun-dried for so long that the nutritional pigment has been oxidized. The algae species commonly recognized as “gold sea moss” is actually a red algae species that has lost its nutritional pigment. This is a shame given how therapeutic algae pigments are.
Sea Moss in Human Health
The therapeutic abilities of algae are well documented, with more still to uncover. People throughout the world consume algae as a means of dealing with viruses; and chronic diseases such as cancer, arthritis, diabetes, autoimmune, ocular, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular diseases. Sea moss is also well known to be useful in weight management and muscle synthesis for those pursuing body goals. Each algae species has its chemical profile that can vary seasonally, and based on the ecosystem it comes from.
Algae are rich in nutrients such as omega 3’s, taurine, B vitamins, vitamins A, C, and K, essential minerals (calcium, iron, iodine, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, cobalt), pigments and unique dietary fibers.
Sea Moss Throughout the Globe
Long before scientists used algae to make Petri dishes, cultures around the world utilized it as an integral part of their daily lives. Of course, we honor Dr.Sebi for sparking today’s popularization of “sea moss”, but before him, the Rastas on the islands were “boiling the moss”. In Ireland, Irish Moss (Chondrus Crispus) saved the Irish from the Irish Potato Famine of the mid-1800s. They would mix Irish Moss with their beverages to fortify their diet with key missing nutrients. This practice traveled with them to the Caribbean.
Coastal nations have their native algae, and globally algae are commercially major. Most of the algae in the “sea moss” market is grown via aquaponics. Our preference at Light Body Herbals is wildcrafted algae, always. That’s not to say algae sourced by other means is without purpose. Farmed algae are commonly used in food products, cosmetics, animal feed, biofuel, pharmaceuticals, and natural supplements
Irish Moss
The algae that “the culture” is concerned with is Chondrus Crispus, better known as Irish Moss (my favorite algae). Chondrus Crispus is a red alga that grows in cold Northern Atlantic waters. In a world full of algae, Chondrus Crispus may be the most important for human consumption. It has more phosphorus than any other algae, making it a perfect tool for managing the body’s fat metabolism to go along with the iodine and natural carrageenan fibers. The carrageenan fiber in Chondrus Crispus has been recognized as a major antiviral agent within recent years and studies are continuing still. Chondrus Crispus is often confused for a tropical species of algae from places like the Caribbean. True Irish moss grows only in cold northern Atlantic waters.
How to use Sea moss
Sea moss is easy to use. It can be taken straight from a spoon or you can put it in a smoothie or soup. Many people use the sea moss gel to bake and I often use various seaweeds as spices. You can use algae as a binder or emulsifier in the kitchen. People even feed their dogs sea moss to assist with canine ailments. From desserts to facial masks and hair products, sea moss can be easily integrated into your life. We are proud to have our Chondrus Crispus Compound become a mainstay in your life.