Upon reading the name, the first thing that comes to mind is that Irish moss is also the name of moss, but it is not true. It is actually a form of seaweed or algae.
The Irish moss is popular because, in Irish moss, there is Jelly like substance, which is the perfect vegan gelatin solution. Besides this, it is rich in many benefits. If you want to know about it, the perks one gets by adopting it in your diet and its nutritional value, then this informative article is for you. Let’s start
What is Irish Moss and where does it come from?
Irish moss has the scientific name “Chondrus crispus.” Sometimes also refers to carrageen moss which is the Irish word that means rock. It belongs to the red algae category and can be grown along the Atlantic coast of Europe and the United States.
The Irish moss has a great value from early history in 1810 and was used to treat respiratory problems. The most interesting fact about Irish moss is that during potato fame time in 1846-48 was considered the “poverty food” and connected the Irish moss to failure and hardship. But after some time, people concluded that it has a lot of benefits on health ranging from minor to major.
Nutritional value of Irish Moss
Following is the quantity for 2 tbsp (1/8 cup) (10g) of Irish Moss
| Caloric information | ||
| Amount per Selected | %DV | |
| Calories | 4.9 (20.5 kJ) | 1% |
| From Carbohydrates | 4.4 (18.4 kj) | |
| From Fat | 0.1 (0.4 kj) | |
| From Protein | 0.4 (1.7 kJ) | |
| From Alcohol | 0.0 (0.0 kJ) | |
| Protein and amino Acid | ||
| Amount per Selected | %DV | |
| Protein | 0.2g | 0% |
| Carbohydrates | ||
| Amount per Selected | %DV | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 1.2g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.1g | 1% |
| Starch | — | |
| Sugars | 0.1g | |
| Fats and Fatty Acids | ||
| Amount per Selected Serving | 0.0 | % dv |
| Total Fat | 0.0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.0g | 0% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.0g | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0g | |
| Total omega 3 fatty acid | 4.7mg | |
| Total omega 6 fatty acid | 0.2mg | |
| Protein and Amino Acid | ||
| Amount per Selected Serving | %DV | |
| Protein | 0.2 g | 0% |
| Vitamins | ||
| Amount per selected value | DV | |
| Vitamin A | 11.8 IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 0.3mg | 1% |
| Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol) | 0.1mg | 0% |
| Vitamin K | 0.5mcg | 1% |
| Thiamin | 0.0mg | 0% |
| Riboflavin | 0.0mg | 3% |
| Niacin | 0.1mg | 0% |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.0mg | 0% |
| Folate | 18.2mcg | 5% |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.0mg | 0% |
| Pantothenic Acid | 0.0mg | 0% |
| Choline | 1.3mg | |
| Minerals | ||
| Amount per selected Value | %DV | |
| Calcium | 7.2mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.9mg | 5% |
| Magnesium | 14.4mg | 4% |
| Phosphorus | 15.7mg | 2% |
| Potassium | 6.3mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 6.7mg | 0% |
| Zinc | 0.2mg | 1% |
| Copper | 0.0mg | 1% |
| Manganese | 0.0mg | 2% |
| Selenium | 0.1mcg | 0% |
| Sterols | ||
| Amount per selected serving | %DV | |
| Cholesterols | 0.0mg | |
| Others | ||
| Amount per Selected Value | ||
| Alcohol | 0.0g | |
| Water | 8.1g | |
| Ash | 0.5g | |
| Caffeine | 0.0mg | |
| Theobromine | 0.0mg |
Benefits of Irish Moss
After having a look at nutritional value you get the idea about how rich is the Irish moss now, lets look to the benefits
1. Boost the Immunity
The research suggested that Irish moss have antiviral properties, which increase the immune response in the body and against the Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Moreover, it will also benefit common alignments such as cold and build the resistance to fight against the infections. Thus by taking the Irish moss individual can protect himself from many infections.
2. Protect from Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s is a neurological disorder that can affect individuals belonging to any ethnicity. However, until no cure has been invented, but its management is possible. Research on worms was carried out, which suggested that extracts from Irish moss can lessen the α-synuclein, which improves Parkinson’s symptoms and prevents it from prognosis. But similar studies need to carry.
3. Effective for the Herpes
Herpes strain 1 can be a reason for oral and facial infections. The research suggested higher sulfate and protein levels will work against the Harpes 1. Hence this will be an effective remedy to be used for Herpes.
4. Prevention of Thyroid Disease
The cause of thyroid gland enlargement is due to lack of iodine Hence the Irish moss rich in iodine is an important dietary solution for the thyroid. But always keep in moderate amounts because the excess of iodine also leads to thyroid diseases.
5. Improve the Mood
A systematic review suggested that magnesium is highly beneficial for patients having depression. However, some past researches suggested it may lower the symptoms of ADHD and Hamilton Anxiety as well. In Irish moss, a significant amount of magnesium making it a considerable herbal remedy for treating mental illnesses.
6. For the Gut Health
All seaweed is beneficial for digestion as it contains a rich, thick jelly-like substance that strengthens the mucus membrane and prevents ulcers. Furthermore, the study also suggested that it created the probiotic effect that will help smooth digestion and eliminate the bad gut bacteria.
7. Healthier Skin
Irish moss will be an excellent substance to achieve healthier skin. It has been proved that Irish moss is very good for dry skin which is why it is used by several cosmetic companies as one of the essential ingredients. Moreover, it prevents other skin illnesses like eczema and psoriasis.
How to consume Irish Moss
According to the FDA, iodine should be taken only up to 225 micrograms. Thus Irish moss is rich in iodine, so it has been recommended to take up to 2 to 4 tablespoons at the maximum.
You can take it in the form of powder, capsule, or gel form.
Moreover, you can cook some delicious dishes from it, such as soup, salad or sauces.
Side Effects
Following are the potential risk factors.
- Consuming Irish moss in great quantities can cause thyroid problems.
- Causes the vomiting or burning skin
- Lead to bowel cancer
Final verdict
Irish moss has a lot of benefits from relieving depression to the prevention of Parkinson’s disease. But it is recommended to take it in moderate quantities. So what are you waiting for?
