16 Inspiring Purple Sea Moss Benefits for The Body

Purple sea moss, also known as Irish moss or carrageen moss (scientifically referred to as Chondrus crispus), is not naturally purple in its fresh state. It is typically reddish-brown or dark purple after it has been harvested and dried.  The drying and processing methods can give it a purple appearance, which may be why it is sometimes referred to as purple moss. 

It’s primarily harvested for creating health supplements and as a thickening ingredient in commercial foods. Purple sea moss can be harvested from various locations around the world. It is commonly found along the shores of Ireland, in addition to Ireland, it can also be found in other regions such as the northern coasts of Canada, where it thrives in cold waters. 

Furthermore, it is also harvested in Jamaican waters, which is often referred to as Jamaican sea moss. These different locations provide sources for the harvest of purple sea moss, making it available to different communities globally. Purple sea moss is not a moss but a type of seaweed, and it belongs to the red algae (Rhodophyta) group.

Despite its name, purple sea moss is a form of marine algae rather than a true moss.  So now that you understand what sea moss is, let’s get into the 16 actual benefits of using it on the body. 

1. Nutritional Superfood

Purple sea moss is a highly nutritious food that is known for its rich mineral and vitamin content. With approximately 92 different minerals and vitamins, purple sea moss is often recommended as a beneficial dietary addition to your diet. The abundance of nutrients and minerals in sea purple moss qualifies it as a superfood, as incorporating sea moss into one’s diet can help fulfill a portion of the body’s daily nutritional requirements.  

2. Help with Thyroid Issues

Purple sea moss can be beneficial for individuals dealing with thyroid. The thyroid gland relies on iodine to produce essential thyroid hormones, which play a crucial role in regulating growth, repairing damaged cells, and maintaining a strong metabolism.

Purple sea moss is a natural source of iodine, and its inclusion in the diet can potentially aid in the treatment of thyroid conditions. The iodine content in sea moss contributes to its ability to enhance thyroid function and may promote the overall well-being of your body systems. By incorporating sea moss into their routine, individuals with thyroid disorders can harness its advantageous properties.

3. Heart-Healthy

Purple sea moss stands out with its notable high fiber content, surpassing that of many foods and vegetables. This high fiber content can contribute to improved blood sugar control, making it potentially beneficial for individuals seeking to manage their blood glucose levels.

By incorporating sea moss into their diet, individuals may potentially reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. A high blood level glucose level can damage a person’s blood vessels and lead to heart problems and even strokes.  

Some experts suggest that sea moss may have a positive impact on heart health. It is believed to help lower levels of LDL cholesterol, which is a significant factor in the development of heart disease. This potential cholesterol-lowering effect of purple sea moss offers promising benefits for cardiovascular health.  

4. Weight Loss

Consuming a diet high in fiber can contribute to feeling full for longer periods and may aid in weight loss. Fiber is known for its ability to add bulk to the diet and reduce hunger. When you eat foods high in fiber, they tend to take longer to chew and digest, which can prolong the feeling of fullness and control appetite.

High-fiber foods are typically less calorie-dense compared to low-fiber foods. This means you can consume a larger volume of food while keeping your overall calorie intake much lower. By including fiber-rich sea moss into your meals, and food such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, you can help create a sense of fullness with fewer calories and lose weight.

5. Skincare Powerhouse

Purple sea moss, derived from red algae, offers numerous benefits for the skin, making it a skincare powerhouse. Its abundance of minerals and vitamins makes it particularly soothing for skin conditions.

Purple sea moss contributes to maintaining a healthy complexion by promoting a refreshed and radiant appearance. Its antibacterial properties act as a protective barrier for the skin, making it suitable as both a cleanser and a moisturizer. The high sulfur content in sea moss can also be beneficial in the treatment of acne.

6. Can Help Protect Against the Sun

Sea moss is showing promising potential for providing UV protection against the sun in a study. While further research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness, initial findings are encouraging. Incorporating sea moss into skincare products, such as sunscreens, could offer added UV protection and support for healthy skin.

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of sea moss make it a compelling ingredient for combating the harmful effects of the sun. Although a sea moss sunscreen is not yet mainstream in the market with more promising results, it might become mainstream soon.  

7. Photoaging

In addition to its potential for sun protection, sea moss has also demonstrated promising results in combating photoaging when used as a cream. Photoaging is the premature aging of the skin caused by prolonged exposure to solar radiation. Sea moss, with its rich antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has shown effectiveness in the fight against photoaging.

Studies have highlighted the ability of sea moss to modulate inflammatory responses and fight against free radicals, which are key factors in photoaging. By incorporating sea moss into skincare products, particularly creams, it may be possible to harness its benefits in reducing wrinkles, and fine lines caused by sun damage. 

8. Help with Diarrhea 

Sea moss has been traditionally used as a remedy for digestive issues. Its high fiber content can help regulate bowel movements and help with digestion. Additionally, sea moss contains a gel-like substance that can help soothe and coat the digestive tract and alleviate symptoms of diarrhea.

While sea moss may offer potential benefits for managing diarrhea, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis. If considering the use of sea moss for diarrhea, it’s advisable to consume it in moderation and monitor its effects. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that the sea moss is properly prepared and sourced from a reliable and reputable supplier.

9. Help with Dysentery

Dysentery is an intestinal infection characterized by inflammation of the colon and the presence of loose and watery stool. It is commonly caused by bacteria, parasites, or viruses that infect the gastrointestinal system. People who have experienced consuming street food in certain regions like Southeast Asia, as I have, may be familiar with this condition due to the potential risks associated with foodborne illnesses and the cleanliness of the food preparation.  

The condition can cause you to have severe abdominal pain, cramping, fever, and dehydration. Dysentery is often spread through contaminated food or water, if you have a weak stomach then you might want to avoid the street food altogether.

10. Fight Against Diabetes 

If you have diabetes then consider increasing your fiber intake as it can have a positive impact on managing the condition. Including more fiber in your daily diet can help improve overall health and blood sugar levels. Sea moss, known for its high fiber content as mentioned earlier, can be a valuable addition to the diet of people with diabetes. 

The rich fiber content in sea moss can contribute to better blood sugar control and support the fight against diabetes. Incorporating sea moss and other fiber-rich foods into your diet can be a beneficial strategy in the fight against diabetes. Also don’t forget to add vegetables and fruits to your diet.  

11. Help with Gastric Ulcers

Gastric ulcers, also known as stomach ulcers, are open sores that develop on the lining of your stomach. They can be caused by a bacterial infection such as Helicobacter pylori or long-term use of certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Other factors that may contribute to the development of gastric ulcers include excessive alcohol consumption.

Sea moss, known as a traditional remedy in some cultures like Japan, has been used for various health purposes over the years. Japan has recognized it in traditional medicine for its potential benefits in the treatment of gastric ulcers.

The specific use of sea moss for gastric ulcers in Japan may be attributed to its potential soothing properties. Sea moss contains mucilaginous compounds that can form a protective layer over the gastric lining, helping to alleviate irritation and promote the healing process of the stomach. The high mineral content in sea moss, including potassium and magnesium, may also contribute to its potential beneficial effects on gastric ulcers.

12. Can Help with Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a disorder characterized by the progressive loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the human brain. This leads to a wide range of symptoms, including tremors, rigidity, slowness of movement, postural instability, cognitive impairment, depression, and sleep disturbances. Unfortunately, there is currently no known cure for Parkinson’s disease, and treatment mainly focuses on managing symptoms.

However, emerging research using sea moss suggests that the methanolic extract from Chondrus crispus may hold promise in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. The potential therapeutic effects of sea moss in Parkinson’s disease are thought to be linked to its ability to alleviate oxidative stress and up-regulate stress response genes. The research using sea moss to fight Parkinson’s disease can be inspiring, and bring hope for people living with the disease. 

13. Can Help with Alzheimer’s Disease

Emerging research suggests that purple sea moss may have potential benefits for brain-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s.  Preliminary findings indicate that sea moss could be a valuable superfood with potential therapeutic properties for various brain-related conditions.

Alzheimer’s disease can be a challenge for both patients and their families, as someone who has interacted with individuals affected by Alzheimer’s, you can attest to the profound impact it has on memory loss and overall well-being. The condition demands extensive care and support from family members as well as from the community, as patients with Alzheimer’s often face unpredictable situations due to their impaired memory.

Many accounts depict individuals with Alzheimer’s disease wandering off and getting lost, which poses significant challenges for their caregivers. The experience of repeatedly reintroducing oneself to a family member who constantly forgets can be very frustrating and emotionally taxing on anyone.

This daily routine highlights the profound impact of memory loss on both the individual with Alzheimer’s and their family.  Hopefully, more research can be done on purple sea moss with a more conclusive result that can further expand the study into something fruitful.  

14. Improve Fertility 

If you’re experiencing difficulties conceiving a baby, which is becoming increasingly common in today’s society, you might consider trying sea moss soup as a potential meal. Sea moss has been known to support reproductive health, and incorporating it into your diet could help increase your chances of having your first child. The study however was conducted on male rats, so it would most likely be more beneficial for the men to give purple sea moss a try. 

Does Purple Sea Moss Boost Testosterone?

According to a study, an increase in testosterone levels from purple sea moss consumption was deemed insignificant. The study explored the various aspects of male fertility, including testosterone levels, the findings did not show a significant impact on testosterone levels from purple sea moss consumption.

15. Better Sex

Seafood has long been associated with increased sex drive and better sexual experiences. It’s commonly believed that foods like fish and oysters have aphrodisiac properties. However, there’s another addition to this list that can benefit vegan eaters as purple sea moss can also improve sex drive in men.

Purple sea moss is gaining attention as a natural ingredient that can potentially enhance men’s sex drive. So, if you’re looking to spice things up in the bedroom, consider adding purple sea moss to your meal before you get wild.  

16. Good for Hair

Purple sea moss offers many benefits for hair and is commonly used in various hair products, including conditioners. Due to its rich nutrient profile and natural properties. When used in hair care routines, purple sea moss provides deep hydration, nourishment, and strengthening effects.

Its high mineral content, including iron, iodine, and magnesium, promotes healthy hair growth by supporting the production of essential proteins. Additionally, purple sea moss contains vitamins A, C, and E, which are known for their antioxidant properties that protect the hair from damage. The gel-like consistency of purple sea moss acts as a natural conditioner, making the hair softer, smoother, and easier to manage.  

Conclusion 

Sea moss is an interesting plant and food. It is worth trying due to its numerous health benefits listed in this article. If you enjoy trying unique and nutritious foods, I recommend giving Luo Han Guo Tea a try. It is one of my favorite teas and has a delightful taste.

Thanks for reading! If you value self-improvement, I strongly recommend exploring the world of self-help books and discovering its numerous benefits.

By AL Tran