By Amber, Supplements Buyer & Algae Enthusiast
Of all the hot new products hitting the wellness scene lately, perhaps none is more hyped than sea moss. This gooey, gelatinous wonder has been all over social media. Its users tout effects like increased libido, clearer skin, and more energy. But what's the science behind it? And why does it have so many different names?
So, what exactly is sea moss?
Simply put, sea moss is a form of red algae (a seaweed) that's been used all over the globe for centuries as a food source and health product. The nomenclature, however, can get a bit complicated -- let's get into that next.
Irish Moss? Sea Moss? Jamaican Moss? What's with all the different names?
While the terms 'Irish moss' and 'sea moss' are often used interchangeably, Irish moss generally refers to seaweed belonging to the variety of chondrus crispus. The word for this type of algae in Gaelic is 'carraigín', anglicized as 'carrageen'. It's where we get the English word 'carrageenan', a type of carbohydrate often added to improve the texture of products like ice cream, yogurt, and toothpaste. Chondrus crispus is a thick-leafed, dark purple plant that grows in the cold waters of the Northern Atlantic ocean, and is capable of surviving with minimal sunlight.
Sea moss (also called Jamaican moss or Caribbean moss) is also a type of red algae, but it belongs to the genus gracilaria or eucheuma. It's generally thinner and yellow or pale gold in color, and it lives in warmer waters (especially in the Caribbean, hence the name), southern Africa, and Asia.
A lot of confusion occurs because the two types, once prepared into gel, look similar and have almost identical health properties. To put it simply, all Irish moss is sea moss, but not all sea moss is Irish moss. If you're unsure about what exactly you're getting, just verify the species of the algae -- it's usually printed on the package.
What are the health benefits?
Sea vegetables in general are known for their high concentrations of phytonutrients. Both gracilaria and chondrus crispus contain high levels of minerals including potassium and magnesium, as well as vitamins like folate (B9) and beta carotene (a form of Vitamin A). It also contains prebiotic fiber, which may improve gut health by contributing to a healthy microbiome. Its high sulfur content may contribute to skin health, and the high levels of B vitamins may provide an energy boost.
How do I use it?
Sea moss is an incredibly versatile product -- you can add it to juice or smoothies, take it in capsule form, or even apply it topically as a refreshing skin treatment!
So, does it matter which one I take?
At the end of the day, the short answer is this: not really. Because both Irish moss and sea moss have tons of beneficial nutrients, the differences between them are going to be minimal. The key is to make sure you use sea moss that's been wild-harvested (rather than commercially grown in tanks), because tank-grown sea moss lacks many of the nutrients that make sea moss so healthy.
What kinds of sea moss do you offer at Cambridge Naturals?
We stock two brands of sea moss gel, Ocean's Promise and Herbal Vineyards. Both are Black-Owned brands; Herbal Vineyards is also Woman-Owned! We also stock capsules of dried powdered sea moss from Ocean's Promise. Ocean's Promise also offers sea moss blended with bladderwrack (another beneficial form of seaweed) and burdock root (a member of the genius Arctium used for its detoxifying benefits).
No matter your budget or lifestyle, there's sure to be a form of sea moss that works for you. Check out our full section of products online, or come in to chat with us about this amazing algae!