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Sea moss is becoming increasingly popular as a superfood. Its popularity is based on its many health benefits and nutritional value for the human body, as well as its many uses. But ,you’re probably wondering, “Sea Moss vs. Irish Moss.” “Aren’t they the same?”
Actually, they’re not. Irish moss and Sea moss are not the same plant, despite their similar health benefits.
Sea Moss vs. Irish Moss
What Is Irish Moss?
Chondrus Crispus is the scientific name for Irish moss. It grows on the rocks and tide pools of the North Atlantic Ocean’s colder regions, such as the British Isles, Canada, and Maine.
During the Irish potato famine of 1845–1849, the Irish were the first to document the use of Irish moss. Millions of people were starving and without food during the Irish potato famine.
The Irish were forced to look to the sea for food, which is where they discovered Chondrus Crispus. Chondrus Crispus, or Irish moss, was named after the Maine coast sea vegetables that helped the Irish people survive the famine.
Chondrus Crispus is mostly made up of carrageenan, proteins, amino acids, and minerals like zinc and sulfur. Carrageenan, a gel-like substance sourced from Irish moss, is insoluble in water, making it an excellent thickener for foods and beverages.
What Does Irish Moss Look Like?
Irish moss has a flat, fan-wide top, just like flowers. It is also available in a variety of colors, including dark purple, green, and red. It is important to note that its color is much darker than that of the other tropical seaweeds.
Unlike other types of seaweed, Irish moss is uncommon and difficult to find growing all year.
You can buy IRISH MOSS Vegetable Capsules here.
Potential Benefits of Irish Moss
For centuries, Irish moss has been used as a source of nutrition. Scientific studies have discovered that organic Irish moss may have numerous health and wellness benefits, including:
Vitamin-rich: Packed with nutrients (vitamins E, K, A, and F, as well as potassium, to name a few), Irish moss is a dietary supplement that can provide your body with much-needed nourishment.
Could Boost the Immune System: Scientists believe that Irish moss may have antibacterial and antiviral properties that support immune system health due to its high potassium chloride content.
Skin Nourishment: Irish moss, a common ingredient in skincare products, is thought to have moisturizing and balancing properties when applied topically.
What Is Sea Moss?
Sea Moss (genus Gracilaria) is a type of red algae that grows in the warmer Atlantic Ocean regions of South America and Africa. Gracilaria has hundreds of varieties, of which only a few dozen are known.
Agar, sterols, fatty acids, amino acids, and phenolic compounds are the main components of sea moss. Most people buy sea moss because it provides 80% of the world’s agar supply, which is a gel-forming polysaccharide that acts as an adhesive in food and cosmetics.
You can buy organic wildcrafted sea moss gel here.
What Does Sea Moss Like?
Sea Moss is a small, spiny sea vegetable that looks like red leaf lettuce. It comes in a variety of colors, including green, yellow, purple, red, brown, and black.
Potential Benefits of Sea Moss
Many people consume sea moss because of its alleged health benefits. Some of the primary potential advantages of using sea moss include:
Thyroid health: Sea moss is high in iodine, a micronutrient required for proper thyroid function.
Boosting Immunity: Supplemental seaweed improved immune modulation and immune response in salmon, according to one study. More research is needed to determine whether it also aids immunity in humans.
Improving gut health: Seaweeds are high in live bacteria and fiber, both of which support a healthy gut microbiome.
Helping in weight loss: Fiber-rich seaweeds and microalgae can help you feel full and avoid overeating. Fucoxanthin, a compound found in seaweed, has been shown in studies to promote fat metabolism in rats.
Improving heart health: According to some studies, seaweed may lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and might act as a blood thinner, potentially lowering the risk of heart disease.
How Can You Tell the Difference Between Sea Moss and Irish Moss
It is difficult to distinguish between sea vegetable species, especially when dried sea moss is packaged and labeled incorrectly.
Among the distinctions to be aware of are:
Appearance: Irish moss has a multi-branched, fan-like appearance with flattened blades, whereas Genus Gracilaria has a finger-like appearance, making the sea moss look like noodles.
Color: Because Irish moss grows in cold environments, it has deeper and darker red or purple shades than sea moss.
Because tropical seaweeds are exposed to more sunlight while growing and drying, sea moss varieties have pale colors. Looking at the color of the seaweed helps distinguish them, but it is not a reliable method.
Smell: Because sea vegetables have different genetic compositions, they have different smells. Chondrus Crispus has a strong smell as opposed to Genus Gracilaria, which has a mild smell. Depending on the species of seaweed you’re looking for, the smell can help you tell them apart.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
There are numerous advantages to taking sea moss on a daily basis, including better digestion, increased nutrient absorption, and thyroid health.
Certain people should avoid eating sea moss because it is high in iodine, specifically those with thyroid conditions.
It is recommended to take Sea Moss Gel first thing in the morning (on an empty stomach), but it can be taken at any time of day or night.
Despite being two different plants, the similar properties of Irish moss and Sea moss are beneficial to all who consume them. Choose whichever option is available and affordable to you.
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