Why Use Sea Moss? 7 Potential Benefits

Sea Moss is becoming an increasingly popular superfood in the health foods sphere. This edible seaweed contains 92 of the 102 nutrients and minerals the human body uses. This article will cover 7 topics researchers have explored in relation to this seaweed superfood.

A Quick Overview

Before diving directly into these topics, you can learn more about wild sea moss here first:

• Irish Sea Moss (Chondrus crispus): The Beginner’s Guide
  
  
• What Is Wildcrafted Sea Moss?
  
  
• How To Identify Real Vs. Fake Sea Moss | 3 Easy Tips
  
  
• Sea Moss Capsules Vs. Gel: What Should You Choose?
  
  
• How To Make Sea Moss Gel: Five Easy Steps
  
  

Topics Researchers Have Explored

People consume sea moss as part of a balanced diet. Most studies were performed in cell and animal models, however there is research on seaweed and human health. According to research, seaweeds contain unique bioactive compounds not present in terrestrial food sources, including different proteins (lectins, phycobiliproteins, peptides, and amino acids), polyphenols, and polysaccharides, making seaweeds a novel source of compounds studied for human health applications; you can read more on PubMed (1).

More human studies are needed; for now, much of the available research comes from animal studies. These have explored seaweed in the context of thyroid function, the immune system, gut health, weight management, heart health, blood sugar, and fertility.

1. Traditionally Used to Support Thyroid Function
   
   

Iodine is used by the body in creating thyroid hormones. The body does not make iodine naturally on its own, so it must be absorbed through the diet. Maintaining adequate iodine levels is part of a balanced diet.

Seaweeds have the ability to concentrate iodine from seawater (2). One human study looked at thyroid-stimulating hormone concentrations after using seaweed supplements for two weeks; you can read more on PubMed (2). This suggests seaweed is a natural source of iodine, which the body uses to support thyroid function as part of a balanced diet.

2. Traditionally Used to Support Immune Function
   
   

Sea moss is popular among those looking to support immune function. Using a Caenorhabditis elegans (round worm) model, one study explored Chondrus crispus water extract in the context of host immunity; you can read more on PubMed (3).

Further, one animal study explored seaweed supplementation in the context of immune modulation and immune response (4). Human studies are still needed to better understand these topics in people, but these preliminary results are of interest to researchers.

3. Studied in the Context of Gut Health
   
   

Chondrus crispus has also been studied in the context of the gut microbiome. The results of an animal study conducted on rats explored consumption of Irish sea moss and its prebiotic effects, such as the composition of gut microbial communities and immune modulation; you can read more on PubMed (5).

In a second animal study, the subjects this time being layer hens, researchers explored dietary supplementation using red seaweed as a potential prebiotic in the context of performance, egg quality, and gut health (6). The prebiotic effects of Chondrus crispus in humans have not yet been studied to date. Ultimately, more human studies are needed on this topic.

4. Studied in the Context of Weight Management
   
   

In addition to iodine and other minerals and nutrients, seaweed and other microalgae are also a natural source of fiber. Fiber is a popular part of many balanced diets as it helps you feel full.

Additionally, studies have explored a compound present in seaweeds called fucoxanthin. In animal studies, researchers looked at it in the context of fat metabolism in rats (7), (8), (9). Human studies are still needed to better understand this topic.

5. Studied in the Context of Heart Health
   
   

Cholesterol is a substance found in your blood. While your body needs it, maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is part of a balanced lifestyle.

Some studies have explored the consumption of seaweed and other microalgae in the context of LDL cholesterol; you can read more on PubMed (10), (11), (12). Researchers continue to study seaweed in the context of heart health.

6. Studied in the Context of Blood Sugar
   
   

One study explored fucoxanthin, the same compound studied for fat metabolism, in the context of blood sugar in rats (13). A separate animal study explored another compound in seaweed called alginate in the context of blood sugar in pigs (14). Human studies and clinical trials are still needed to better understand these compounds in people.

7. Studied in the Context of Fertility
   
   

There is some anecdotal interest in Chondrus crispus and fertility. In addition, Chondrus crispus was studied in male rats, looking at epididymal spermatozoa as well as histopathological examination; you can read more on PubMed (10). Researchers continue to explore these topics.

A Quick Recap

Irish Sea Moss is a popular superfood packed with minerals and unique bioactive compounds that cannot be otherwise found in typical food sources. These compounds and the dense nutrient profile of sea moss are why it has become such a popular subject of research.

Wild moss or microalgae has been studied in the context of thyroid function, immune function, gut health, weight management, heart health, blood sugar, and fertility. There is a lack of human research; however, the results of animal studies are of interest to researchers studying seaweed.

Medical Disclaimer

Please speak with your doctor or other licensed healthcare professional before beginning any new supplement including Irish Sea Moss. None of the content on this site is or should be considered medical advice. The purpose of this article is simply to highlight relevant research for those curious about Irish Sea Moss.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.