Health or Hoax: Benefits of Sea Moss

Now let’s talk about these benefits for a second, better yet, let’s fangirl over them for a minute: 

Supports gut health

Sea moss has prebiotic effects (we know how important prebiotics and probiotics are in our digestive health. If you don’t, not to worry, we have an article coming soon on that too) and is rich in dietary fiber that provides nutrition to the healthy bacteria in your intestines which, of course, let’s us have regular bowel movements and eliminate constipation woes. 

Supports weight loss

Sea moss has a substance known as fucoxanthin that promotes weight loss. There are limited studies on this component but studies nonetheless and anecdotal evidence. It also has iodine that aids in the production of thyroid hormones which controls the body’s metabolism, leading to weight loss and the regulation of other hormones (next point)

Supports thyroid function

Iodine present in sea moss helps the thyroid to function effectively and produce the hormones (thyroxine and triiodothyronine)that the body requires to carry out certain processes for our survival and wellbeing; all while preventing hypothyroidism. Sea moss is a perfect supplement to take while pregnant as the iodine promotes the hormones needed for proper bone and brain formation in fetuses’. 

Supports immunity

Potassium helps the body recover and heal from illnesses while aiding in muscle, digestive and cardiovascular health. It is vital in the synthesis of proteins within the body as well as the metabolism of carbohydrates; these are important when referring to immunity since the synthesis of proteins speak to the production of antibodies for viruses and bacteria as well. 

Fights against cancer

Fucoxanthin helps to fight against genetic markers of colorectal cancer and therefore reduces the risk factors. It not only causes cancer cell apoptosis (destruction) but also decreases the motility of certain cancer cells (cell migration) thus reducing the risk of the cancer metastasizing. How awesome is that?! It just further supports the claim made by many that food is medicine. 

Fights against neurodegeneration

Sea moss is abundant in magnesium which is essential to muscle fiber contraction/relaxation as well as the transmission of neuronal signals from the brain to the nervous system. Magnesium allows for optimal neuromuscular coordination and attention/focus. There have also been studies that prove magnesium helps prevent depression, low moods and memory loss by optimizing neuronal signals and receptors.

Supports fertility and uterine health

Iodine, B vitamins, calcium and zinc create, what I like to call, a fertility superhero. All these minerals and vitamins working together allow the body to make up for inconsistencies that may lead to infertility and poor uterine health. As previously discussed, the iodine helps promote hormones needed for different biological processes; B vitamins aid in the timely release of the egg from your ovaries for fertilisation, calcium is vital in triggering the growth of embryos (it also allows for fertilization by creating an alkaline environment for the sperm to travel in the reproductive tract), zinc ensures regular ovulation, therefore, helping with conception (it aids men with low sperm counts and low levels of testosterone!) 

Supports healthy hair and skin

When applied topically, sea moss gel can eliminate microorganisms due to the Sulphur-rich property. Sea moss also contains silicon which is an essential nutrient to keep skin looking young; it allows for blood flow towards the surface of the skin to increase the production of collagen and reduce fine lines/wrinkles. This production of collagen causes anti-inflammatory responses that calm skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea. Your body also uses collagen to produce hair proteins and improve hair follicle health

I think we can all agree that the benefits of sea moss are out of this world! An apple a day keeps the doctor away? Well so does two tablespoons of sea moss gel a day! But we have to remember that consistency is key; that is the only way to see improvement and results naturally.