I’ve been known to experiment with some intriguing health practices, and now I can add eating seaweed to that list. Sea moss has become quite popular lately for its health benefits, and a delightful way to consume more of it is by enjoying these tasty apple cinnamon sea moss gummies.
What is Sea Moss?
Sea moss is indeed a moss that thrives in the ocean, specifically among the red seaweeds. Its scientific name is Chondrus crispus, and it grows in the rocky regions of the Northern Atlantic Ocean. But why consume it?
Benefits of Sea Moss
This superfood offers a range of health benefits backed by substantial research. Although most studies have been conducted on animals or in vitro, some human studies exist. Sea moss is packed with essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, which include:
– Iodine
– Calcium
– Magnesium
– Phosphorus
– Potassium
– Sodium
– Iron
– Zinc
– Fiber
– Oligosaccharides
– Protein (27% protein)
– Antioxidants
The Science Behind Irish Sea Moss
A study conducted in 2021 discovered that sea moss positively influenced sperm motility (along with other fertility markers) in male mice, suggesting that red seaweed could enhance male fertility. Research from 2015 examined its potential effects on pathways related to Parkinson’s Disease, with promising results in combating neurodegenerative disorders. Various studies have indicated that it possesses anti-inflammatory properties, which could be advantageous for chronic inflammatory metabolic disease.
Other studies have analyzed its impact on digestive health. Sea moss is rich in dietary fiber and demonstrates prebiotic effects. Supplements containing sea moss can enhance gut health by boosting beneficial bacteria and reducing harmful pathogens.
Several animal studies have noted its potential to support the immune system, similar to elderberry, by combating the flu virus. A 2016 study explored sea moss’s capability to fight salmonella bacteria, significantly reducing its growth and biofilm formation.
Human studies have shown that it helps improve energy levels, reduce pain and digestive issues, and enhance mood. It also benefits musculoskeletal issues.
This seemingly insignificant algae supports numerous body systems!
Sea Moss, Iodine, and Thyroid Health
Being a good source of iodine, some sources suggest that seaweed can support thyroid health. However, they also caution that excessive iodine can be detrimental. The primary source of iodine in developed countries is iodized salt, which I try to avoid.
Individuals following the typical standard American diet (SAD) likely consume enough iodine from processed foods. Refined salt is considered the leading source of iodine in developed countries. If someone uses a lot of iodized salt and consumes large amounts of seaweed daily, it might not be an advisable combination.
People with hypothyroidism or autoimmune thyroid issues may benefit from reducing iodine intake. In my personal experience recovering from autoimmune disease, excess iodine relieved my condition. However, this varies depending on the individual and their specific condition. When uncertain, consult your natural healthcare provider.
How to Use Sea Moss
Raw sea moss works well in smoothies, particularly berry ones, where its taste is subtle. Non-GMO organic sea moss gummies are available at select health food stores or online platforms like Amazon. For those seeking alternatives, sea moss capsules or powder exist.
Look for wildcrafted sea moss without preservatives or additives. It may also be labeled as organic Irish sea moss. The powder I used for these sea moss gummies included bladderwrack & burdock root.
Organic bladderwrack, a brown seaweed also replete with health benefits, is rich in essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals like iodine, vitamin C, and phytochemicals. Research links it to weight loss, anti-cancer effects, and blood sugar regulation.
Burdock, another superfood ingredient used both internally and in skincare products, is a prebiotic that aids in liver protection, supports a healthy weight, and promotes clearer skin. The European Medicines Agency does not endorse burdock during pregnancy because of its potential to affect uterine muscles.
Sea Moss Gel
A prevalent method of using sea moss is by making sea moss gel. To prepare it, soak a piece of dried sea moss in water overnight, then blend it until smooth and store it in a jar in the fridge. Homemade sea moss gel can last up to several weeks in the fridge.
Sea Moss Skin Care
You don’t have to consume Irish sea moss gummies to reap the health benefits. Thanks to its high antioxidant and nutrient content, sea moss gel is also a favored skincare ingredient. The peptides, amino acids, and other nutrients offer hydration and protection against environmental stressors. It can also be used as a face mask.
Where to Buy It
Pressed for time to create your own? While I couldn’t find premade gummies without sugar, dyes, or other additives, there are numerous ways to incorporate sea moss. You can use it for sea moss gel or add its powder to smoothies.
Tips for Making Sea Moss Gummies
These gummies are naturally gluten-free and use natural sweeteners like juice and honey. They aren’t vegan due to the gelatin, but gelatin comes with its own health benefits. There are vegan sea moss gummies that use agar agar, though I haven’t tried them.
I opted for apple juice with cinnamon to disguise the seaweed taste. Fresh-pressed, unfiltered apple juice is a healthier choice. The cinnamon sticks boost antioxidants and antimicrobial properties. You could replace them with cinnamon powder, but I wanted to prevent a gritty texture.
Many sea moss gummy recipes suggest making sea moss gel first, but the powdered version is more shelf-stable and quicker, which I preferred.
The simplest option is to pour the mixture into an 8×8 glass dish and cut it into squares. To create fun shapes for kids, there are various silicone mold options. Regardless, they’re filled with delectable apple cinnamon flavor!
Apple Cinnamon Sea Moss Gummies Recipe
These delightful gummies offer apple cinnamon taste with sea moss’s health benefits.
Instructions:
1. Grease the bottom and sides of the baking dish with oil.
2. Add 1 cup of apple juice and the cinnamon sticks to a pot with a lid. Bring to a boil, then turn off the heat and let it steep for 15 minutes.
3. While the apple cinnamon blend is steeping, pour the other 1 cup of apple juice into a shallow bowl. Sprinkle the gelatin over it evenly to bloom.
4. Remove the cinnamon sticks from the warm apple juice and mix in honey and sea moss powder.
5. Stir the gelatin apple juice mixture and gently whisk it into the warm apple juice mixture. Avoid rapid whisking to prevent foam.
6. Pour the mixture into the baking dish. Refrigerate for at least an hour.
7. Cut the gelatin into cubes and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Apple Cinnamon Sea Moss Gummies Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 32
% Daily Value*
Fat: 0.05g – 0%
Saturated Fat: 0.01g – 0%
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g
Sodium: 9mg – 0%
Potassium: 34mg – 1%
Carbohydrates: 5g – 2%
Fiber: 0.3g – 1%
Sugar: 4g – 4%
Protein: 3g – 6%
Vitamin A: 2IU – 0%
Vitamin C: 0.3mg – 0%
Calcium: 9mg – 1%
Iron: 0.1mg – 1%
* Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Notes:
– You can pour the gelatin into smaller, shaped molds if desired. Try gummy bears, robots, dinosaurs, or whatever your kids like!
– Since these are a nutrient-dense food, I don’t worry about precise dosage.
Have you ever tried sea moss before? What benefits did you notice? Share your experience in the comments!
References:
1. Andersen, S., et al. (2019). Iodine in Edible Seaweed, Its Absorption, Dietary Use, and Relation to Iodine Nutrition in Arctic People. Journal of Medicinal Food, 22(4), 421–426. https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2018.0187
2. Cincotta, J. (2022). 5 Benefits of Bladderwrack: Dosage & Safety. The Botanical Institute.
3. Frediansyah A. (2021). The antiviral activity of iota-, kappa-, and lambda-carrageenan against COVID-19: A critical review. Clinical epidemiology and global health, 12, 100826.
4. Glenn, L. (2011). Burdock – The Purifying Root. American Botanical Council.
5. Ibrahim, N. M., et al. (2021). The effect of Red Seaweed (Chondrus crispus) on the fertility of male albino rats. Saudi journal of biological sciences, 28(7), 3864–3869.
6. Kulshreshtha, G., et al. (2015). Enzyme-assisted extraction of bioactive material from Chondrus crispus and Codium fragile and its effect on herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). Marine drugs, 13(1), 558–580.
7. Kulshreshtha, G., et al. (2016). Red Seaweeds Sarcodiotheca gaudichaudii and Chondrus crispus down Regulate Virulence Factors of Salmonella Enteritidis and Induce Immune Responses in Caenorhabditis elegans. Frontiers in microbiology, 7, 421.
8. Liu, J., et al. (2015). Neuroprotective effects of the cultivated Chondrus crispus in a C. elegans model of Parkinson’s disease. Marine drugs, 13(4), 2250–2266.
9. Liu, J., et al. (2015). Prebiotic effects of diet supplemented with the cultivated red seaweed Chondrus crispus or with fructo-oligo-saccharide on host immunity, colonic microbiota and gut microbial metabolites. BMC complementary and alternative medicine, 15, 279.
10. Liu, Z., et al. (2019). Anti-Cancer Activity of Porphyran and Carrageenan from Red Seaweeds. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 24(23), 4286.
11. Palmieri, B., et al. (2018). Clinical effects of overwintered-stressed Chondrus Crispus and non-overwintered-stressed Chondrus crispus dietary supplementations. Asian Journal of Medical Sciences, 9(6).
12. Robertson, R. C., et al. (2015). The Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Algae-Derived Lipid Extracts on Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-Stimulated Human THP-1 Macrophages. Marine drugs, 13(8), 5402–5424.
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