Irish Moss
Irish moss is a type of red algae harvested from the Atlantic coastline of North America, Great Britain, Iceland, and, as the name suggests, Ireland.
The human body is made up of 102 minerals and Irish Moss contains a whopping 92 of them. It also provides a wealth of other important nutrients including; protein, beta-carotene, B vitamins, pectin, vitamin C and sulphur. One of the most important of these nutrients is a sulphur-containing amino acid called taurine, which is more abundant in Irish moss than any other seaweed – a nutrient that is commonly lacking in vegetarian and vegan diets.
It is an excellent immune boosting food that can be invaluable in the recovery from debilitating illness. Its high vitamin and mineral content make it the perfect food to replenish and revitalize the body after a long battle with disease.
Also known as carrageen moss, Irish moss is a rich source of protein and various minerals. Because Irish moss becomes jelly-like when boiled in liquids, it is used to thicken puddings and custards.
The flakes can also be sprinkled directly onto foods or into simmering soups and stews.
Precautions
Seaweeds contain naturally high levels of iodine. This product is harvested from the sea therefore occasional shell fragments may be present in the product. Consumption of this product may cause a serious or life-threatening reaction in persons with allergies to fish or shellfish. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications. Sea moss can contain heavy metals such as iodine, which can lead to health complications if consumed in excess amounts. Too much iodine in your diet can potentially damage your thyroid and interfere with hormonal balance. To be safe, it's best to consume raw sea moss in moderation.
Irish Moss is thought to help reduce the appetite due to its ability to absorb moisture, increasing its volume and filling the intestinal tract with a bulking type material, thus increasing the feeling of fullness. Its gentle laxative effect can promote the elimination process of waste through the gastrointestinal tract. The aforementioned iodine content can boost metabolism which in turn will increase energy and can help to accelerate weight loss.