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Irish Sea Moss (aka Chondrus Crispus) is a pretty common ocean-dwelling plant that’s found all across the perimeters of the Atlantic Ocean. And yet, many of us have never heard of it before. That’s a shame because studies show that it has many nutritional health benefits.
And did you know that Irish Sea Moss isn’t a moss at all? It’s a type of algae that can also be considered a species of seaweed. There is so much misinformation regarding this plant! However, that doesn’t negate the incredible benefits that Irish Moss holds.
Maybe you feel like you’ve been lied to or have been misled - but fear no more! We’re here to provide you with the information you need about this beneficial supplement. Irish moss is a fantastic supplement that you don’t want to miss out on. After all, these Irish Sea Moss benefits that we’re about to share with you are all positively true and backed by science.
Here are four super great benefits of taking an Irish Moss supplement!
Irish Sea Moss May Support Cellular Health
One of the things that make Irish Sea Moss unique is that it contains lots of carotenoids [1], the thing responsible for giving the plant the rich red color. Carotenoids are beneficial because they pack this natural Sea Moss supplement full of antioxidants, which are well-known for improving cellular health.
Irish Sea Moss also reduces cancer risk through producing amino acids similar to mycosporine (MAA). While that sounds like a lot of gibberish, what’s important to know is that recent studies show that mycosporine may have the ability to induce apoptosis of HeLa cells. In other words, MAA may induce the death of unhealthy cells [2].
Also, Irish Sea Moss is made up mostly of polysaccharides that have a reputation for maintaining healthy cell integrity [4]!
There are several components to Irish Sea Moss that scientists have been studying as a serious combatant for cancer development. That’s an enormous punch for such a small supplement!
Irish Sea Moss May Support Heart Health
Cancer risk management isn’t the only thing this miracle alga is good for. Irish Sea Moss is also great for your heart!
Irish Moss contains an abundance of Omega-3 fatty acids [1]. Those are the good fats that doctors are always recommending because they’re known for being beneficial for your heart and preventing heart disease and other health issues later on down the road.
Unsurprisingly, many people don’t get enough Omega-3 fatty acids in their diet, especially those who don’t eat meat often or at all. That’s because these good fats are usually found in fish and other meats. Sometimes, it’s hard to separate the bad fats from the good fats. Good news is that Irish Sea Moss only has healthy fats! So, supplementing with Irish Moss for heart health can be an excellent idea and future investment for yourself.
Irish Sea Moss May Help Regulate Blood Sugar
Remember earlier when we mentioned how Irish Sea Moss contains lots of carotenoids, which have many health benefits? Well, there’s more!
Irish Sea Moss contains a very particular type of carotenoid called fucoxanthin. What makes fucoxanthin different from other carotenoids is that research indicates it could help regulate and stabilize blood sugar, which is excellent because blood sugar that gets too high or drops too low can be dangerous.
So if you’re having trouble stabilizing blood sugar or interested in preventing future blood sugar issues, an Irish Moss supplement could be the way to go.
Irish Sea Moss May Support Healthy Thyroid Function
Given that Irish Sea Moss comes from the sea, it’s pretty evident that it contains lots of iodine, a mineral commonly found in the ocean. However, what may not be so obvious are the benefits that consuming a proper amount of iodine holds.
Iodine is an essential mineral responsible for helping organs function properly. More specifically, iodine is vital for healthy thyroid function [3]. The thyroid is a gland located in your neck, which produces hormones for the entire body. A thyroid that doesn’t function properly could be responsible for many issues, including improper weight gain or weight loss, irregular menstrual cycles, mood swings, and much more.
And, unless you eat seafood quite often or cook with sea salt, the chances are that you’re not getting enough iodine in your diet. No wonder thyroid issues are so common!
For example, Ocean Optima™ Irish Moss dietary supplement typically contains 133 µg per one vegetable capsule. Each capsule contains 450 mg of certified organic Irish Moss powder. Recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for iodine is 150 µg/day for adults and 220 µg/day for pregnant women.
Luckily, there’s an easy solution for getting more iodine in your diet - Irish Sea Moss!
Are There Any Health Risks Associated with Irish Sea Moss?
One of the great benefits of taking natural supplements like Irish Moss is that they typically have fewer side effects than other medications. However, there are a few minor health risks to keep in mind.
Carrageenan, the material that makes up most of Irish Moss, is commonly used as a filler for many foods. It’s perfectly safe. However, carrageenan can sometimes be turned into what is known as poligeenan, which can be harmful. This is super rare because carrageenan requires a specific environment for this to occur and no research indicates that it can take place in the human body. However, trace amounts of poligeenan can sometimes be found naturally in some types of seaweed plants [1]. It is rare, though.
It is also wise to keep total iodine consumption in mind. Iodine is a healthy and necessary mineral, but just like most vitamins and minerals, too much can be a bad thing. However, taking an Irish Sea Moss supplement alone will not provide more iodine than needed.
Where can I Buy Irish Sea Moss?
You didn’t think we’d leave you hanging, did you? Of course not!
If you’re interested in trying Irish Moss for yourself, we highly recommend Superfood Science’s Ocean Optima Irish Sea Moss supplement. It’s made with 100% organic Irish sea moss that is sustainably harvested in the wild. It’s also non-GMO, vegetarian-friendly, and kosher certified!