What Is Irish Sea Moss & Why Do You Need It?
Updated: Apr 3
Irish sea moss is a sea plant/vegetable found primarily between North America and Europe along the rocky Atlantic coasts (1). Irish Sea moss contains 92 of the 102 vitamins and minerals the human body is made of, meaning the body needs these vitamins and minerals to function correctly.
Sea Moss is similar to seaweeds and algae, growing in various colors, including shades of red, yellow, green, purple, brown, and black. The most common type of sea moss is Irish sea moss, also known as Chondrus crispus, and is considered a superfood.
Irish Sea Moss Recommendations
How to Make Irish Sea Moss Gel
Benefits of Irish Sea Moss
High In Vitamins & Minerals
Irish Sea moss contains 92 of the 102 vitamins and minerals the human body is made of, meaning the body needs these vitamins and minerals to function properly (3).
25 Of The 92 Vitamins & Minerals Found In Irish Sea Moss:
Calcium is stored mainly in your bones but is also found in the blood. Calcium is essential for the function of many enzymes, blood clotting, muscle contraction, normal heart rhythm as well as the formation of bone and teeth (4).
Folate is usually found in dark, leafy green vegetables, and it’s recommended that adults consume 400mcg per day to avoid deficiencies. Folate is fundamental in the formation of red blood cells as well as the growth and function of healthy cells (5).
Iron is an essential mineral for the body that helps transport oxygen throughout the body. More specifically, iron is a crucial component of hemoglobin, which is the substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs throughout your body (6).
Zinc is a nutrient found in your body and food that assists your immune system and metabolism while also improving wound healing and your sense of taste and smell (7).
Copper aids in iron absorption and helps the body form red blood cells while keeping your blood vessels, nerves, immune system, and bones in optimal health (8).
Sodium isn’t just table salt; it’s also an electrolyte and mineral that your body needs in the correct, healthy forms. Sodium is necessary to keep your body’s fluids properly balanced as well as a key aspect in the functioning of your nerves and muscles (9).
Iodine is an essential mineral for the body. The thyroid gland uses it to generate thyroid hormones responsible for many functions, including inducing body growth and development, including the brain, especially for the fetus during pregnancy (10).
Boron is a mineral that directly affects how your body handles the vitamins and minerals your body needs, such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Boron is also said to increase the body’s estrogen levels in post-menopausal women and healthy men while maintaining healthy bones, proper mental function, and even killing the yeast that causes vaginal infections (11).
Magnesium is responsible for more than 300 bodily functions, so I cannot go over all of them, but to name a few functions involved with magnesium are protein synthesis, blood glucose control, blood pressure regulation, and muscle and nerve function (12).
Manganese is an essential trace element that is a cofactor for many bodily functions such as blood clotting, hemostasis, bone formation, immune response, and even reproduction (13).
Phosphoric Acid is a mineral made from phosphorus and is naturally found in the body. Phosphoric acid works directly with calcium to help form stronger bones and teeth as well as support kidney function, energy levels, muscle recovery after a hard workout, and produce DNA and RNA in the body (14).
Potassium, like sodium, is an electrolyte as well as a mineral that’s important to many bodily functions like relaying messages between your brain and body, regulating heart and muscle contraction, reducing blood pressure, reducing water retention, protecting you against strokes, kidney stones, and even osteoporosis (15).
Soluble Potash is another form of potassium that is found directly in the earth and used as a potassium fertilizer in place of artificial and manufactured chemicals and carries the same vital functions of the body as regular potassium (16).
Selenium is a trace element that is nutritionally essential to the human body and plays many crucial roles in bodily functions like reproduction, thyroid hormone metabolism, DNA synthesis, protection from oxidative stress, and protection from infections (17).
Sulfur is the third most abundant element in your body and is present in two amino acids that your body uses to make proteins (methionine and cysteine). Sulfur is needed for your body to build and repair DNA, assist in food metabolism, and contribute to the health of your skin, tendons, and ligaments while also protecting your cells from damage that may lead to severe diseases like cancer (18).
Alginic Acid is a natural carbohydrate that can help alleviate symptoms of heartburn, upset stomach, indigestion, stomach ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and other conditions caused by excess stomach acid (19).
Mannitol, like alginic acid, is a natural carbohydrate that naturally occurs in many fruits and vegetables and is said to have positive effects on oral health and blood sugar levels (20).
Laminarin contributes to your dietary fiber intake, which plays a role in cancer prevention (anti-tumor effect) and is said to show significant growth inhibition against E. coli, Listeria monocytogenes, S. aureus, and Salmonella typhimurium (21).
Nitrogen fills about 78 percent of the air you breathe every day but unfortunately gets almost immediately exhaled right after; Nitrogen’s most common form in your body is through proteins that contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. Nitrogen is essential to DNA and the transfer of genetic information as well as cell replacement, growth, and tissue repair (22).
Vitamin A is a fat-solvable compound that your body needs for many bodily functions like maintaining healthy vision, immune system functions, bone health, growth, development, reproduction, reducing acne, and even reducing the risk of certain cancers (23).
Vitamin E isn’t just a vitamin; it is also an antioxidant found in many foods that may help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals amongst many other bodily functions like boosting the immune system, widening blood vessels, preventing blood clots, and even mental processes (24).
Vitamin K, like vitamin A, is a fat-soluble compound that your body needs for many things, including blood clotting, bone metabolism, regulating blood calcium levels, cognitive health, and heart health (25).
May Promote Heart Health
Heart health is significant, considering it’s estimated that every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a heart attack (26). Many studies have been conducted on the heart health benefits of seaweed, and Irish sea moss is a seaweed. Some of these studies have concluded that Irish sea moss has the potential to reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol (27), act as a blood thinner (28), and even help reduce the risk of heart disease (28).
May Support Immunity
Immunity is essential, especially right now in the world’s current state. One study found that supplementing seaweed improved immune modulation and the body’s immune response (29). Since Irish Sea moss is a seaweed and the specifics of the vitamin and mineral compounds, it’s safe to assume Irish sea moss is likely to support immunity.
May Support Thyroid Health
The thyroid produces several essential hormones for your growth, development, and overall health (30). Irish sea moss is rich in iodine, and iodine is a micronutrient crucial for the thyroid to function in a healthy manner (31).
May Improve Gut Health
The human gut is quite complex as a healthy gut contributes to many health factors, including a robust immune system, heart health, brain health, improved mood, restorative sleep, and better digestion (32). Studies have found that Irish Sea moss is an excellent source of live bacteria, sort of like a prebiotic (33) and fiber. Irish sea moss is also great for supporting a healthy gut (34).
May Improve Blood Sugar Levels
Studies have found that seaweeds have a compound called fucoxanthin, which is a compound that reduces high blood sugar (35). Another study found that seaweeds have a compound called Latinate, which is a compound that prevents blood sugar spikes in animal studies (36).
May Help Support Weight Loss
Weight loss is something many people struggle with, especially here in the United States. Seaweeds and microalgae are rich in fiber, and fiber can help you feel full and prevent overeating. Some studies even found that the compound in seaweeds, fucoxanthin, promoted fat metabolism in rat studies (37).
⚠️ Warning: The Holistic Hipppie is not a functional medicine practitioner. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This content is not medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or replace medical guidance. The Holistic Hipppie assumes no liability for the application of the information discussed.
Irish Sea Moss Recommendations
Happy Fox’s Sun-Dried, Organic, Wildcrafted, Raw Irish Sea Moss is an organic algae superfood that's naturally rich in minerals and vitamins to nourish your body. Sea moss is known to soothe digestion, relieve congestion, improve the immune system, boost energy, balance the thyroid, and speed-up exercise recovery. Plus, sea moss is rich in collagen to nourish hair and skin as well as strengthen nails and joints.
Red's Kitchen Sink's Wildcrafted, Raw Irish Sea Moss is reported to contain a WHOPPING 92 minerals & nutrients the body needs for daily function, including iodine, zinc, calcium, potassium, sulfur, iron, and silica! It’s also naturally loaded with selenium, phosphorus, manganese, B-complex vitamins, AND more! Discover one of nature's most complete superfoods!
How to Make Irish Sea Moss Gel
With all the amazing benefits of this superfood, I usually make an unflavored jar of Sea Moss Gel with the following recipe but included flavored instructions for those who may be interested:
What's your favorite way to enjoy Irish sea moss?
