Sea Moss
Benefits of Sea Moss
- Thyroid function
- Skin
- Energy-yielding metabolism
- From: Europe, Ireland
- Form: Plant extract
What is Sea Moss?
Also referred to as Irish sea moss, Chondrus crispus is a species of red seaweed (algae) that is relatively small in size. It grows on the Atlantic shores of North America and some parts of Europe.
Seaweeds are naturally rich in bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, sterols, alkaloids, flavonoids, proteins with essential amino acids, and poly-unsaturated fatty acids. Sea moss contains nutrients including iron, B vitamins, vitamin A, Omega 3 fatty acids and good amounts of iodine.
What does the research say about Sea Moss?
Iodine contributes to the normal production of thyroid hormones and normal thyroid function. It also contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism, the process of converting the food we eat into energy for our body and mind, and to the maintenance of normal skin. Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal skin, and iron contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
Seaweed also contains phytochemical compounds that have been studied in relation to brain function. When we eat seaweed, it interacts with the gut microbiome, and this interaction can produce small 'bioactive' molecules. Researchers are interested in how gut bacteria are involved in producing messengers like serotonin (our 'happy hormone') and GABA (a calming neurotransmitter). Seaweed has been studied in relation to both intestinal health and brain health.
Polysaccharides from red seaweed, including the sulfated galactans 'carrageenans', 'agarose', 'alginate' and 'agar', have antioxidant properties. Naturally occurring carrageenan from red seaweeds has been studied for its biological activity, including its effects on the immune system.
Selenium
Selenium is an important mineral for the immune system. It also helps maintain healthy hair and nails and is necessary for the use of Iodine in thyroid hormone function.
Shatavari
Often referred to as the 'Queen of herbs', Shatavari has been used for thousands of years to help with cramps, irritability, and coping calmly with stress.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is vital for our immune system, fighting off infections and in the production of white blood cells. It is also essential for healthy skin, vision and eye health.
Vitamin B1
Vitamin B1 contributes to normal energy metabolism, the normal functioning of the nervous system, our psychological function and our heart health.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is 'The Energy Vitamin' and is essential for the production of red blood cells, fuelling our energy and helping maintain a healthy heart.
Vitamin B2
Vitamin B2 is an antioxidant, a compound that keeps the number of unstable molecules (known as ‘free radicals') at a healthy level in the body.
Vitamin B3
Vitamin B3 supports our brain function by helping transport messages through it, and in breaking down the foods we eat into energy which it supplies to the brain.
Vitamin B5
We need B Vitamins to convert the glucose we gain from food into energy. Missing out on B Vitamins means we can feel fatigued, suffer from low moods and irritability.
