Get to Know Sea Moss and Its Benefits for Health
Sea moss may have become a common thing for consumption. Plants that have recently become a trend have health benefits that are not inferior to seaweed. Some Hollywood actresses like Kim Kardashian West often add sea moss to their smoothies.
Reporting from Well and Good, sea moss is a species of red algae found on the Atlantic coastline in North America, Europe, and the Caribbean Islands. "This sea moss has been used for many years as an alternative medicine in Jamaican and Irish cultures, and has recently become quite popular in the healthcare industry," said Lisa Richards, CNC, nutritionist, and author of The Candida Diet.
"Those who eat sea moss get benefits ranging from immune support to mood and emotional enhancements," he says. "Maintaining digestive health is one of the most popular benefits of sea moss because it acts as a prebiotic in the gut," says Richards.
Prebiotics are ingredients that feed the good bacteria in your gut, which promote the growth of good bacteria in your gut. In addition, sea moss has a slimy and sticky texture that is rich in fiber (similar to chia seeds and flaxseeds).
"It's a texture that allows the colon to function better, heals the lining of the intestine, and cleanses the intestines of harmful bacteria," says Richards.
Sea moss is also rich in certain key minerals, such as magnesium and iron, which are useful for healthy bodily functions. "The amount of iron in sea moss is very significant," says Amy Gorin, RDN, owner of Amy Gorin Nutrition.
"One hundred grams of sea moss contains 8.9 milligrams of iron, which can meet almost half of the daily requirement for iron," he said.
In addition, sea moss also contains folate which is good for health for pregnant women and protein. Richards also said that Sea moss is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids which are important for the health of your brain and heart.
