But the similarities between sea moss and Gracilaria stop here, as they dont belong to the same order. If youre accustomed to tropical sea moss, you may be surprised by the aroma and flavor of our authentic Irish moss. Sea moss belongs to the red algae group. I want to touch on pills flakes and powders because you see a lot of it in the market. I love sea moss!!! Brown Macroalgae as Valuable Food Ingredients. Do your research, The most balanced article on sea moss/Irish moss that I have come across. Below is a photo I took of my personal stash of Jamaican Sea Moss. It has more protein, chlorophyll, and iron than sea moss. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical advice. The information presented in this blog is intended to empower readers with a research backed knowledge base about different health supplements. But they could be legit! Species type, location, and temperature are far more important. The algal material (10 g) was cut The reason for the confusion is people in the warmer climates call the sea moss that grows there "Irish Moss.". When you purchaseCertified Organic Irish moss milled flakes or powderfrom Maine Coast Sea Vegetables, you can rest assured its alwaysChondrus crispus,hand-harvested from the clean, cold waters of the North Atlantic. It's typically grown on ropes if ocean or pool farmed (more on that later). Related article: How to tell the difference between real and fake sea moss? lol. Here you will find a collection of filling vegan recipes as well as tips to help keep you healthy and curvy! With the new wave of interest among health and fitness groups, some producers have increased the price but if you shop around among reputable brands, you can find affordable prices. Because the demand is so high it is possible for these companies to be sold out. I'm not saying you should or should not buy pool grown, ocean-farmed, or wildcrafted sea moss. It is not intended for people with eating disorders, pregnant women, women who are nursing, infants, or children. ), "Alkaline" Vegan Recipes (Inspired by Dr. Sebi), What are the 2 Main Different Types of Sea Moss, Dr. Sebi video on Sea Moss (Genus Gracilara), Advantage(s) of Genus Gracilaria Sea Moss, Disadvantage(s) of Genus Gracilaria Sea Moss, Where to buy Highly Quality Genus Gracilaria Sea Moss, Dr. Sebi Video on Sea Moss (Chondrus Crispus), Advantage(s) of Chondrus Crispus Sea Moss, Disadvantage(s) of Chondrus Crispus Sea Moss. Seaweeds are macroalgae. Spirulina, also called blue-green algae, is a microalga, unlike sea moss. A teaspoon ofIrish moss flakes or powder(about 3-4 grams) added to a smoothie contains as much iron as 50 grams of raw spinach and meets 10% of your daily magnesium requirement. Well go through and answer some frequently asked questions so you can have all the information at your fingertips before diving into this enterprise. Chondrus, Kappaphycus,andEucheumaare naturally rich in carrageenan, which comes in different forms depending on species. CrossRef Google Scholar Lemos, D. & A. Rodriguez, 1993. Between a longer growing season and the pool farmed versions, you can find this type of moss in almost every corner of the market with ease. Marine seaweed is a rich source of bioactive compounds, such as diterpenes and SPs, which prevent infectious disease [246,247]. They usually contain higher iodine levelsthan green or red ones. Their color can range from yellow to dark brown. However, Chondrus crispus is considered superior due to its higher nutrient content and medicinal properties. Introducing large amounts of poligeenan into the system has been connected to large occurring ulcers within the stomach and system. What is the Best Salt Substitute? Chondrus Crispus has flat fan-like wide shape tops that look like leaves or flowers to me at least. I found this 102 Mineral Photo on Pinterest and it made me ask myself this question: From my understanding the body only needs 16 to 22 minerals give or take. This iron helps your body create more red blood cells which move oxygen more efficiently from your lungs to your cells. Its hard to verify today, but possibly Dr. Sebi was aware ofpublications going back to 1985or even earlier to 1971 describing Irish moss tank culture in Nova Scotia. I know of really reputable companies that call it Irish Moss when indeed it's Genus Gracilaria, but again it's just an honest mistake. We discussed this controversy in more detail in thisblog post. Alfredo Bowman, known as Dr. Sebi, may be the most well-known enthusiast of the nutritional and curative properties of Irish or sea moss, and the company he founded lives on today (Bowman died in 2016). Both species grow on rocks however Genus Gracilara can grow on ropes too. Discover Organics Nature Sea Moss Products. Copyright Office. Its become a major benefit to vegans and vegetarians as its high in iron which many who adhere to the lifestyles lack. The FDA recommendation is less than 225 micrograms each day so only use one to two servings equaling about 2-4 tablespoons of sea moss each day to keep your levels at a healthy space. ", I'm not saying that statement isn't true. Enjoy Fast and Free Shipping on Orders Over $50 in the Contiguous US. Sea moss is a vegan, gluten-free source of many nutrients, including Vitamin B2, calcium, magnesium and zinc. I have even seen some sea moss that is blue and purple. Chondrushas several cousins that are often marketed as Irish moss or sea moss. To understand how it differs from other seaweeds and edible sea vegetables, lets see the characteristics of each group. Hello Gina! They work superbly together and are often used in synergy in health supplements. We just have to know what we are looking at. They may also positively affect digestion, metabolism, and even ones mood. Things like beta-carotene, vitamin B, vitamin C, sulfur, magnesium, calcium, and zinc are all packed into this tiny package! From my current knowledge, Irish Moss only grows on rocks. This article is long, so feel free to use the Table of Contents to jump to the section you want to look at. Your email address will not be published. Sea moss grows in the water along the coasts of the Atlantic Ocean, mainly in Northern Europe and North America, and in warmer waters like the Caribbeans, where its extremely popular. With the recent influx of whole-genome sequencing information of seaweeds namely E. siliculosus (brown seaweed), Chondrus crispus and Porphyra umbilicalis (red seaweed), and sea grass Z. marina, new suites of opportunities have emerged to investigate the PA metabolism [4]. Its has also know anti-viral properties. So helpful in explaining the differences and what to look for. However, the nutrients and their density may vary depending on the origins, as seaweeds get their nutrients from the water in which they grow. Remember color DOES NOT denote a species. Some might enjoy this remedy with a dash of good Irish whiskey! Is there a difference between sea moss and Irish moss? Weve come across self-proclaimed online sea moss experts claiming that there are two species of sea moss: Gracilaria and Eucheuma cottonii. Also, it grows on the coast of Ireland. Using sea moss gives your body the tools to treat and relieve those cold and flu-like symptoms via a powdered form. The recipe to get this done is simple! Irish immigrants settling in Jamaica adopted the nativeGracilariaspecies as their new Irish moss, where its still known by that name today. A detailed study of the lipophilic composition of Codium tomentosum, Ulva lactuca, Gracilaria vermiculophylla and Chondrus crispus macroalgae cultivated in the Portuguese coast was carried out by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry before and after alkaline hydrolysis. Irish moss benefits for the medical world. AlthoughGracilaria, KappaphycusandEucheumacan be wild-crafted,most of the worlds supply of these species comes from farms located in Southeast Asia. are attributed to these compounds. hi. In my opinion, that makes it a decent option. I only call it this because this is the sea moss that Dr. Sebi is referring to when he mentions the "scientific backing; Chondrus Crispus aka Irish Moss or Irish Sea Moss. Really appreciate the time you put into the article and how detailed your were on each point. Sea moss is also sometimes called Carrageenan moss as a reference to its high content of polysaccharide carrageenan (55% of its dry weight). These are all things in the health community we are told to lessen in our bodies and to stay away from. So glad it was helpful!!! Other sea mosses also contain these gelatinous carbohydrates, making them similarly useful both in food and for the skin. This gelling property is one of its most famous attributes, and it helps explain why Irish moss is especially good for skin care lotions and creams. Business Hours: Monday through Friday (9am-5pm), Use left/right arrows to navigate the slideshow or swipe left/right if using a mobile device. There can also be some red strands mixed in but for the most part, this variation is yellow. The principal constituent is a mucilaginous body, made of the polysaccharidecarrageenan, which constitutes 55% of its dry weight. Kelp is often used as a generic term loosely (but wrongly) applied to lots of different seaweeds. It comes from similar fishing grounds as the Certified Organic Irish moss thats been milled into flakes or powder, and its harvested, processed, and packaged following the same guidelines. All Rights Reserved. Sea moss is potent so there is no need to over-consume if you are living an overall healthy lifestyle. Depending on where it grows, sea moss is sometimes referred to as Irish moss, Jamaican moss, or Caribbean moss. Both Genus Gracilaria and Chondrus Crispus can come in varying colors. Also look up Larch HansonHe has been harvesting Maine Coast sea vegetables for over 45 years!! This lasts quite a while and gives you all the benefits of every type of moss. It is still used today to make traditional medicinal teas and cough medicines, to combat colds, bronchitis and chronic coughs. There are a lot of good vendors out now. Yes, sea moss is a seaweed. Jamaican Sea Moss (Genus Gracilaria) Jamaican sea moss, also sometimes loosely called Irish moss, belongs to the genus Gracilaria. But I would have to do more research before I make the claim that it has "92 minerals out of the 102 minerals the body needs. Kelp is commonly used in sushi and can be added to soups, stews, or salads, for example. Any supplement comes with some risks and while sea moss is an all-natural supplement there are some risks associated with using too much of the product. Because it's rare, it's hard to acquire and limits on how much you can get. Chondrus crispus and Eucheuma are then classified into two different families (Gigartinaceae for sea moss, and Solieriaceae for Eucheuma). Smell: Irish moss has a distinct, noticeable smell compared to Genus Gracilaria, which has a mild smell. It can also be found on the Atlantic coasts of Canada and North America. Rather than venture out into a series of trial and error experiments, weve got some practical application methods available for you here! Location affects mineral and iodine content, and temperature affects lipid composition and probably other aspects as well. Spirulina is incredibly nutritious and is another popular supplement used to prevent and treat numerous health conditions. The form of Irish Moss in the photo I took above is Irish Moss whether it's golden yellow, purple, or green. JUST ONE OF MANY SUCCESSFUL CLINICAL TRIALS BELOW: CHONDRUS CRISPUS IS THE SEA MOSS KNOWN TO BUILD THE BODY DUE TO ITS WATER STORING ABILITY (200 TIMES ITS OWN BODY WEIGHT).. MADE POPULAR BY THE LATE GREAT ALFREDO BOWMAN AKA DR. Some people really don't know that there is a difference in sea moss. Poligeenan can cause problems within the digestive tract that might eventually lead to cell mutations found in cancers. The following article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to prescribe or treat any type of medical condition or disease. mar. Make sure YOU DO IT! Understand that farming becomes necessary because of the increasing demand for a product (when it becomes commercialized) This can help prevent depleting natural resources from the sea which disrupts the ecosystem. Each post is carefully reviewed by team members for information accuracy and its respective scientific support. It can grow both in salt water and fresh water. This can make the paler varieties resemble noodles. Just like with any supplement there are differences between brands and breeds of the plants used in sea moss extracts. In Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, it is boiled with milk and cinnamon to make the thick drink Irish Moss and its believed to be an aphrodisiac (!). Gracilaria, also known as purple sea moss or Jamaican sea moss, and Chondrus crispus, the original Irish sea moss, have a lot in common. Both are excellent natural sources of minerals and vitamins and supplement each other. The major advantage of using this species of sea moss besides its high nutrient content (Read Sea Moss Nutritional Benefits), is that it grows all year round. If seaweeds are compared to terrestrial plants, they have a higher proportion of essential fatty acids as eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) fatty acids. We don't believe in that as it will not have the same nutrients as being raised in its natural environment. thank you. Numerous articles have been written describing its benefits, how to use it, and where to get it. The idea of eating seaweed plain or blending it up in your morning smoothie can sound a little off-putting but for many the taste is minimal and youre able to get the same benefits without sacrificing your taste buds. I truly think everyone should continue to dot heri research to see if sea moss is best for them. However, there are two main ones that are currently popular today; Genus Gracilaria and Chondrus Crispus. Genus Gracilaria grows in warmer waters most popular Jamaica and St. Lucia (it's not exclusive to these areas but these are the areas you often hear this species being sold from). With the spike in popularity, many companies have started producing a fake version of the supplement to cash in on the trend. In fact, aquaculture accounts for over 97% of the global supply ofallseaweedsabout 77 billion pounds worth! Great article! Magnesium 0%. Great article. You can use the Table of Contents to go directly to that section. It was readily consumed by the Irish citizens during the Irish Potato Famine when food was so scarce. Like sea moss, spirulina is exceptionally nutrient-rich and contains high levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. If youre like much of the country, you probably didnt grow up near the ocean and the idea of sea moss as a supplement may seem like an alien experiment. Where to buy Highly Quality Chondrus Crispus. While iron is most commonly found in animal products like meat and seafood, sea moss has 9 milligrams of iron per 100 grams making it 9 times more potent than chicken! This also pushes the price much lower when youre looking for the best cost-benefit analysis. I have not heard of them. Hi, I'm Gina Marie, the face behind Vegan With Curves. Chondrus is known as Irish moss and its main health benefit is the amount of potassium chloride in the product. Just make sure youre not overconsuming algae to avoid iodine poisoning. We sell Maine Coast Irish Sea Moss (Chondrus Crispus) and obtain our sea moss directly from the harvester. Many purchase a years supply and make it last from harvest to harvest. Well done! Below is a photo I took of my personal stash of Irish Sea Moss. This potassium chloride is great for dissolving phlegm often found in the mucous membranes which relieve inflammation. I'm sure now that it's trending, more studies on this both varieties will come out. Additionally, TheFitnessTribe.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. Note the various colorations and the rounded, fingerlike fronds. True kelps are actually brown seaweeds known as Phaeophytes, and it may be surprising to learn that sea mosses arent even distantly related to kelps even though both groups are called seaweed. Related: 7 Tips to on How to Build Curves on a Vegan Diet, In the video above, in the Chondrus Crispus section, at mark 0:45 (jump to video), Dr. said: "It's supposed to have, potassium iodide, potassium phosphate, a large percentage of calcium and magnesium.". This multi colored Full Spectrum Sea Moss has a plethora of minerals and vitamins that the body needs daily for proper function. The powder is also white and Im realizing after reading this that since it is chondrus crispus it should be darker if its authentic right? (You can't lift weights without healthy joints). Eventually, we recommend taking spirulina and sea moss together and getting the best of the sea! Since it's now trending (and will be soon thrown in the "superfood" category) now, there are some (not all) companies taking advantage of this and jacking up the prices which are heartbreaking to see. Giant kelp, for example, is one of the largest algae and can reach 20 meters. This lasts quite a while and gives you all the benefits of every type of moss. (It's potent stuff so you don't need a lot anyway). Related article: Can sea moss help with menstruation? Purple sea moss is another popular variety of sea moss you often see. Just because Genus Graciliara comes in the color purple doesn't make it Chondrus Crispus (Irish Moss). Both Genus Gracilaria and Chondrus Crispus can come in varying colors. I love how you break down everything bit by bit. I tried making it into a gel on my own (thinking it would be more cost efficient) and it tastes horribly salty. Although less common than sea moss, it also offers excellent benefits for health. For an in depth overview of Chondrus crispus, its benefits, nutrient content, and nutritional data, read this post: Despite some similarities, Chondrus crispus is generally considered the superior sea moss variety due to its higher nutrient content and more potent medicinal properties. These are often used as interchangeable terms but they refer to the two main varieties of seaweed on the health care market, genus gracilaria, and Chondrus crispus. Their long-chain aliphatic al The enzymes were used alone or in combination . Color can be a helpful but not always reliable trait. Antioxidants (Basel). Im so glad I found this article. Vitamin B6 0%. People also sometimes wonder if sea moss is the same as kelp. A study recently published inMarine Drugsshowed that temperate (cold water) seaweeds contained more total lipids and heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids than tropical (warm water) seaweeds. So you see, these are both sea mosses but different species. Like sea moss and most edible seaweeds, Chlorella is very nutrient-dense. These are just the ones I have personally tried so far that I find reasonably priced and of high quality. 92 Minerals out of 102 Minerals the Body Needs? You decide what to do with it. Epi-phytes and other contaminants (sand, shells) were eliminated by successive washings with sea water and deionised water. This moss grows as a thin fingered string that is often yellow or golden. I have found my two new suppliers and I appreciate you for directing your readers to them. In conclusion, Chondrus crispus and Genus gracilaria are both wild-grown sea moss varieties that offer a nice range of health benefits. We do not believe in that method is it does not receive the same nutrients as being in its natural environment (on the rocks). Now just because something is farm-raised DOES NOT make it harmful or devoid of nutrients. Let it solidify in the fridge for several hours until its a more gelatinous mixture. Related to the question of wild vs farmed is the issue of real vs fake or pool grown sea moss. Over time, this degraded form of the components can cause inflammation which will cause issues with nutrition absorption. I realize that on a metaphysical level, one could argue that everything that exists outside of us exists within us and I do agree with that statement. Unfortunately some people do "rope grow" that as well. Gina, THANK YOU for this article and sharing what you've learned! However, theyre known to contain more iron and magnesium than the red and brown types. PMID: 31480675; PMCID: PMC6769643. Rather than turning to heavy-duty chemicals and medications, taking a supplement like a sea moss can help control those blood sugar levels and return them to normal. )Carrageenan is also used as a suspension agent and stabiliser in lotions and medicinal creams. Botanists classify plants with a specific taxonomy order which goes as follows (from the largest to the most specific): kingdom, division, class, order, family, genus, and species. It's called "Jamaican Purple Sea Moss" and again is often misinterpreted as Irish Moss. Whew, that was a lot. Like most seaweeds, sea moss is highly nutritious, offering an abundance of minerals including iron, potassium, calcium, and magnesium; vitamins A, E, and C; dietary fiber; high levels of iodine; as well as unique bioactive polysaccharides being studied by scientists for their health benefits. This. You can't make a gel with it as you do with sea moss. Once youve created the gel youll be able to add it to your foods or drinks however you want or need to get the benefits it provides. And most importantly, why is it so special? I've been purchasing IRISH MOSS (it's labeled chondrus crispus) but it looks yellowish/tan). Before you go out and pick up the first thing you can see that seems like sea moss, weve got a comparison and some helpful hints that will give you the confidence to pick your next supplement with confidence. In the video above, in the Genus Gracilara section, at mark 0:45 (jump to video), Dr. said: "It locks onto a rock, onto a rock, and from that rock, it receives its nutrients. Irish moss is much harder to come by. Chondrus Crispus talus flat-shaped, edible, and many contain albumin, mineral, iodine, and sulfur. I say innocently mistaken because it is not my belief that companies are purposely calling it Irish Moss to be deceptive. Calcium 1%. It could possibly be gracilaria but again, you cannot turn powder into gel. So as of today, there is really not to much worry about getting "fake " or "pool grown" Chondrus Crispus. This species also grows all year long, making it more readily available throughout the year. This is the most common way to consume the Irish or sea moss and gives you the benefits without adding extra ingredients or pulling away from the essential function. As you can see, you can have a variety of light purple and even green color "leafs" in one bag. Chondrus crispus and Eucheuma are then classified into two different families (Gigartinaceae for sea moss, and Solieriaceae for Eucheuma). He's describing what he was holding up which was a strain of Genus Gracilaria. . Sea moss, scientifically known as Chondrus crispus, is a type of algae or seaweed. Thanks to recent discoveries about its incredible health benefits, sea moss is the new buzz on the health and wellness forums. The benefits are extensive and many users prefer this variety. Press the space key then arrow keys to make a selection. Species is most likelyEucheuma denticulatum(spinosum). Genus gracilaria on the other hand, maintains a lighter greenish-yellow color but can also be purple. Sea Moss is a generic term for a species of red algae and has numerous health benefits such as the ridding of herpes, diabetes, mental illness, bone health, and much more. However, if your thyroid is working correctly and you take too much of this seaweed supplement it can cause serious harm by throwing off the natural balance. I'm simply just asking questions as any thinking human being should do. Eating and consuming Irish moss can help keep blood spikes at bay if you already struggle with diabetes. There is a good chance that you will find sand in the package and this is a good sign that the product is real Irish moss. One chemical found in Irish moss specifically is fucoxanthin that gives the moss its red-brown color and helps to regulate blood sugar. Sea moss has high levels of iodine which helps the body moderate thyroid hormones. My parents are Jamaican and they said that they know it's not Irish Moss, that's just how they refer to it in Jamaica lol. Bot. It is mainly used to treat low iron levels during pregnancy and for menstrual cramps, cholesterol, depression, and other health conditions. Various traits have been described that supposedly allow one to tell the difference between wild harvested, farmed, or pool grown sea moss. Nutritionally, edible green seaweeds are packed with minerals and vitamins. Just because I don't list a company doesn't mean they are not high quality. About 24,000 Zanzibaris are employed in this sector; 80% of them are women. If youre seeking authentic, wild-harvested Irish mossChondrus crispus -look no further! Gracilariaprovides over 80% of the worlds agar supply, which is a gel forming polysaccharide used in foods, cosmetics, and also to make agar plates for growing bacteria in labs. The original Irish moss goes by the Latin nameChondrus crispusand it has a natural distribution limited to rocky North Atlantic coastlines. We review medical research published in highly respected scientific journals to present educational information about a supplement or health topic. These products may look similar to the real thing but wont offer the benefits that real, naturally grown sea moss will. Add the sea moss and the fresh or filtered water to a blender and combine for 1-2 minutes until its completely smooth. Hi Kera! Irish moss is having a moment in the spotlight. You wont end up with fake versions but its hard to get your hands on when you want this specific type of Irish sea moss. The organism also consists of nearly 10% dry weight protein and about 15% dry weight, -like odour and because of the abundant cell wall polysaccharides it will form a, when boiled, containing from 20 to 100 times its weight of. Genus Gracilaria can grow on both rocks and ropes. If you have any questions and concerns, feel free to leave them in the comment section. Your body wont turn one chemical into another and cause more problems so as long as you consult with your doctor, the supplement wont cause such major issues. Gracilaria - Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-diabetic properties are attributed to these compounds. This allows our content to remain unbiased and objective. While the three seaweeds may look similar, they are different. It happens occasionally in nature and may end up in your batch of Irish moss but its a low risk in and of itself. Correct me if Im wrong but it seems like the chondrus crispus has more nutrients? Effects of seawater exchange, pH and carbon supply on the growth of Gracilaria tikvahiae (Rhodophyceae) in large-scale cultures. Ocean-Farmed Sea Moss grows on ropes as well, however, it grows in the natural sea and isn't tampered with until time of harvest. None of the content on this site is or should be considered medical advice. 2019 Sep 2;8(9):365. doi: 10.3390/antiox8090365. Chondrus Crispus has a slight edge but they both contain a high amount of nutrients. The nutrient count on this type of moss is extremely high but one of the best benefits is that it grows year-round so its always in good supply when you need another batch. However it often innocently mistaken as "Irish Moss" when in fact it doesn't grow near Ireland. LikeChondrus,theyre rich in carrageenan, and in the 1970s they replacedChondrusas the worlds major source of it. Always check with your doctor before starting a new supplement. Remember Irish Moss is the Chondrus Crispus species and not Genus Gracilaria regardless of the color. Related article: How much sea moss can you take daily? You can simply measure out a full teaspoon of moss as an ingredient to keep the complexity of the whole preparation to a minimum. What is Irish Moss and Why Do People Use It? Like Chondrus crispus, Dulse, scientifically known as Palmaria palmata, is a red seaweed.