Sea Moss Q & A
Q: What is sea moss?
A: Sea moss is a slang term for algae. Algae are the photosynthetic life forms that produce 70% of the world's oxygen.
Q: Why is sea moss good for health?
A: Algae provides your body with a wide variety of minerals, fibers, vitamins, pigments, amino acids, nucleic acids, and other therapeutic phytonutrients in a bioavailable form. Not only have algae been studied for their bioactive metabolites, but real treatments have been developed from this research.
Q: Are sea moss and Irish moss the same thing?
A: The short answer is no.
In Ireland, algae are beloved and have a deep history. Irish migrants moved to the Caribbean and brought with them their “Irish Moss” lingo as they assimilated into the Caribbean culture. That isn’t to say the Caribbean doesn’t have its own experience with algae; in fact, it’s just as rich. It is the Caribbean where the natives were reminded of moss that grows on trees and called their algae “sea moss” in honor of “tree moss”. Many cultures have different names for their algae. The “Sea moss or Irish Moss" question is just a matter of cultural lingo confusion. Beyond history there is a major difference between the strains of algae commonly called sea moss and Irish moss. Irish moss refers to cold-water algae and sea moss refers to warm-water algae. The difference may seem small but it means the algae live in different worlds. The two different environments mean different nutrients, different lighting, different tides, stresses, etc. The term Irish moss refers to Chondrus Crispus, a species of red algae. Another Irish moss, Bladderwrack (Fucus Vesiculosus), grows in the same cold waters as the Chondrus Crispus. Sea moss typically refers to warm water algae, like Gracilaria or Eucheuma Cottonii. So no, sea moss and Irish moss are not the same things.
Q: Where do you source your sea moss?
A: The algae we use comes from the Northern Atlantic Oceans.
Q: Is Sea moss gel with fruit good?
A: Many people make “flavored sea moss” (gel blended with fruit). Making algae gel with fruit is not ideal because the fruity sea moss spoils 3 to 4 times faster than normal algae gel. Sea moss gel with fruit is more of a smoothie than it is a real sea moss gel.
Q: Is sea moss like a prebiotic?
A: Algae has been well documented to function in humans and animals as a prebiotic. Algae boost beneficial microbiome populations and strengthen diversity while working to fight biotic pathogens.
Q: Is sea moss good for pregnancy?
A: Algae is great for nutritional support during pregnancy. In particular, algae is known as a good source of iodine which feeds the thyroid gland. In the case of pregnancy, this is very important because the mother’s thyroid is responsible for the development of the baby's muscles, bones, nerves, etc. Also, certain algae like the ones we use in the Chondrus Crispus Compound are rich sources of DHA, making them a great tool for brain development.
Q: Should I have sea moss gel or sea moss capsules?
A: Capsules are the king of convenience since you can just pop & go but our Chondrus Crispus Compound Gel is the superior formula. No gel is the same. It’s based on the expertise of the maker.
Q: How do I store sea moss?
A: Whole-leaf algae and capsules are best when stored in a cool dry place. To optimize the chemical profile keep the goods away from light. The gel must be refrigerated.
Q: How do I use sea moss gel?
A: Utilization is limited to your imagination. Understand that sea moss has been a global culinary mainstay for centuries. It is used in smoothies, soups, cookies, cakes, bread, cornbread, cheesecake, stews, nut milk, broths, baby food, sauces, drinks, antiseptics, etc. Sea moss gel is even used as a hair and face mask and a range of other cosmetics.
Q: Does sea moss gel expire?
A: Refrigerated gel lasts 3 to 6 weeks. To extend the life minimize the time the gel is out of the fridge, use a sterile spoon, and don't leave the jar unsealed for extended periods. You can freeze gel and it will last months. Gel with fruit in it spoils in 7 days.
Q: Can you freeze sea moss gel?
A: Whole-leaf algae, capsules, and gel can be frozen safely.
Q: How much should I take sea moss?
A: Algae is a food that in many cultures is consumed throughout the day. To start it may be best to take a couple of capsules or a couple of tablespoons of gel to get acclimated. From there you can increase your consumption.
Q: What’s the difference between gold, purple, and full-spectrum sea moss?
A: Language like “gold, purple and full spectrum” is not real or accurate terms. These words are better categorized as cultural slang. There are 3 types of algae: red, brown, green, and blue-green for a fourth honorable mention. When you research it is important to know these lingo nuances.
Q: What is the best species of sea moss?
A: Some algae are better suited for something than others. For example, Nori is better for B12 than Chondrus Crispus but Chondrus Crispus is the best algae for phosphorus. The goal determines which algae are best.
Q: Does cooking sea moss decrease the nutrition?
A: No. The idea that cooking algae decrease its nutritional value is a myth. Some studies show that when Chondrus Crispus is cooked the levels of beta-carotene are increased. Beyond that, cooking the gel allows us to release the hydrated fibers from the cell wall of the algae.
Q: Should sea moss gel be cooked?
A: Absolutely! Most people will simply soak their algae and then blend it. This process is incomplete and does not create a true gel. Instead, something comparable to an algae smoothie is created. The fiber in the cell wall of the algae is what forms the gel. In short, the fiber has to be heated and cooled to create a gel. If you are not cooking the algae you are not making qualified "sea moss gel", and it will not affect your body the same way a properly made gel would.
Q: I've heard "carrageenan is bad for you". Is it true?
A: Carrageenan is the name of the fiber in the cell wall of our favorite algae Chondrus Crispus. Carrageenan has been used in food, cosmetics, and many other industries for centuries. Today companies extract carrageenan via acid-hydrolysis to create poligeenan or degraded carrageenan. Poligeenan is often confused with carrageenan. Essentially an algae extract is heated, mixed with salts and acids then frozen to create poligeenan. The difference is carrageenan is still a part of the whole algae, balanced by its other components as nature intended. Studies show poligeenan can be harmful to the human gastrointestinal system.
Q: Can I take too much sea moss?
A: For our compounds specifically, with gel start by consuming a tablespoon or two before trying more. If you have capsules try starting with just 2 before consuming more. Algae is globally recognized as a safe food and is one of the oldest human foods. The nutrient to pay attention to is iodine. The recommended daily intake of iodine in America is 140 mcg, and the upper limit is set at 1,100 mcg. Most Americans are on the lower end of the spectrum, and many are below 140 mcg. The average Japanese citizen consumes 1,000 - 3,000 mcg of iodine daily and the official Japanese upper limit is set at 3,000 mcg, almost 3 times higher than the American limit. Algae are the highest source of iodine with varying levels amongst species. In a world of low iodine levels, and rampant metabolic disease algae iodine content is a therapeutic hero. However, many are wary of their iodine levels getting too high. Although, iodine toxicity is seldom seen. Your body uses nutrients like selenium, and zinc to manage iodine levels. I diet rich in these nutrients is necessary for optimal health. We make recommendations such as brazil nuts, and Kamut wheat as nutrient solutions.
Q: Can children consume sea moss?
A: Yes. Properly prepared sea moss gel is best for children but capsules provide a convenient option. There are many species of algae that protect infant gastrointestinal systems and support healthy muscle, bone, and brain development. Galactose, which is the main sugar present in breast milk, is also the primary component of the fiber in Chondrus Crispus. It is the DHA and Galactose that make Chondrus Crispus the perfect brain food. Algae is one of the best sources of taurine an amino acid critical for neurotransmitter development, and improving an infant's liver's ability to better process waste.