Sea moss is rich in natural minerals, high in iron, omega 3s, and antioxidants that make it an all-around immunity booster and weight-loss aid, which is why companies are harvesting it from beaches as far off as Ireland and the Caribbean, and consumers are adding it to everything from smoothies to acai bowls and rice and beans.

It would be hard to identify one particular plant that has all the vitamins and minerals your body needs, but sea moss comes close: It contains vitamin B2, vitamin B12, calcium, chromium, magnesium, zinc and other nutrients, and has been used as a natural medicine to treat or reduce flu-like symptoms.

What is Sea Moss and where does it come from?

Sea moss, also known as Irish Moss, is a seaweed, a macro-algae. It is sold in bunches that look just like the translucent yellow seaweed you’d find washing up on beaches along the Atlantic seaboard and the Caribbean. Sea moss comes from both organic harvesting and man-made pools, and where it’s grown affects the composition of the plant and its health benefits. Vital Vegan believes that “wildcrafted” sea moss from the ocean is better, so they only harvest their sea moss from the Caribbean, specifically Jamaica.

Less than two centuries ago, sea moss was used as a health treatment for tuberculosis and pneumonia. It’s also been used as a food to nourish people who worked in potato fields because it was an inexpensive source of nutrients. Because it was used by poor farmers, the seaweed was thought of as a “poverty food,” and forgotten by health seekers, due to the negative association. Dr. Sebi, the well-known herbalist with a cult-like following, brought sea moss back to the attention of his followers and recommended it to his patients to treat chronic illnesses. Now mainstream, sea moss is available at health markets and online through companies that grow it in ocean pools and harvest it to sell.

Sea Moss Nutrients

Twenty grams or 4-tablespoons of raw sea moss provides the following:

• Calories: 10
• Protein: 0.5 grams
• Total fat: 0 grams
• Total carbs: 3 grams
• Fiber: 0.5 grams
• Total sugar: 0 grams
• Calcium
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Phosphorus
• Zinc
• Copper

7 potential health benefits of Sea Moss

The health benefits of sea moss are explained in the video below by author and vegan herbalist Paul Otote. Sea moss for weight loss and immunity are the most common usages, among many others such as muscle building, reduced inflammation, and more.

1. High in iron and boosts energy 

Sea moss is full of iron, which many plant-based eaters lack because it’s commonly found in animal foods like meat, poultry, and seafood. Sea moss contains about 9 milligrams of iron per 100 grams, which means sea moss has 9 times more iron than chicken. When you’re feeling fatigued or low energy, it may be because your iron levels are low, since iron helps your body create red blood cells to move oxygen from your lungs to your cells. On top of taking a healthy iron supplement, try adding sea moss in a gel form to your smoothies and see if you begin to notice the difference in your energy. If you have ever been diagnosed with mild anemia, sea moss could work to help your body get the iron you need.

2. Contains more than 90% of the nutrients our bodies need 

The tiny spiral yellow seaweed is extremely nutrient-dense, it’s almost like nature’s multi-vitamin. Otote explains “sea moss has 92 of the 110 minerals the body is made from,” and he calls it the “powerhouse.” Sea moss contains beta-carotene, vitamin B, vitamin C, and sulfur as well as minerals like magnesium, manganese, calcium, phosphorus, and zinc. All these contribute to healthy cell functioning in the body.

3. Promotes healthy weight loss

Sea moss contains high levels of iodine, a mineral found in a limited amount of foods. Our bodies need this mineral in moderation to produce thyroid hormones. “The body also needs thyroid hormones for proper bone and brain development during pregnancy and infancy,” according to a study by the National Institute of Health. The key is to get the right amount, however, and not too much.

Sea moss contains the vital thyroid hormone precurses that are important for healthy thyroid function and your body’s metabolism. So if your thyroid is not functioning properly it can be beneficial and aid in weight loss. But before you use sea moss to boost thyroid hormones or as a weight-loss supplement, check with your doctor because you don’t want to overdo these hormone precursors either. Moderation is the most important thing with thyroid function.

4. Can help build muscle

The seaweed is rich in protein with 6 grams of protein per 100 grams of sea moss. Specifically, it contains an amino acid called taurine, which helps the body burn fat and build muscle. Taurine has the ability to make the body burn fat instead of carbs during cardio, according to Otote.

5. Strengthens the immune system

Sea moss also helps the body fight back against everyday aging and inflammation, in what could be called “the anti’s:” Anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral. It’s used as a treatment to help prevent and relieve cold and flu-like symptoms, in powdered form. “It can be used to prevent colds but also help you heal and recover from sickness,” Otote says. Sea moss contains potassium chloride, which helps the body reduce inflammation and people take it to lower their risk of infections because of its positive impact on the immune system. Otote sums it up as a no-lose additive: “Sea moss when you’re ill is a win, and sea moss when you’re healthy is a win, it’s a win-win.”

6. Improve skin and hair health

Sea Moss contains high levels of sulfur which helps balance the skin’s bioflora, helps build collagen, strengthens the skin, and boosts elasticity, according to studies. Sea moss also contains vitamins A and K which helps fight against environmental stressors linked to aging, acne, and hair loss.

7. Sea moss is rich in omega-3 fatty acids

Seaweed, including sea moss, is a valuable source of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which play a key role in the metabolism, and support cell growth and metabolic pathways, according to a study published by MPDI. Researchers also note omegas are crucial to early stage human development, and contribute to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, including obesity and heart disease, and may even protect against cancers and inflammation.

Side effects of sea moss

In rare cases, sea moss can cause the following:

• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Burning sensation in the mouth, throat, and stomach

How often to take or eat sea moss and how to use it

Sea moss can be consumed every day in a gel liquid form to add to your smoothies, acai bowl, or even applied directly to your skin or hair as a brightening treatment. The seaweed can also be used as a baking subsite for eggs, which makes it an easy way to get minerals into your diet through baking so use sea moss when you bake cookies, cakes, and muffins. You can also use it as a roux or a thickening gel in grains like rice or quinoa, farro, or when making beans. The recommended amount and dosage for sea moss is about 1 to 2 tablespoons per day, preferably consumed with food. Watch our video tutorial on how to make sea moss at home.

• Acai bowls
• Smoothies
• Hair and skin treatment
• Egg substitute for baked goods
• Salad dressings

Where to buy sea moss

One company that caught our eye is Vital Vegan, Inc. which harvests sea moss from the shores of Jamaica and sells it as dried plants and powdered supplements or in gel form. Vital Vegan sells sea moss supplements and drinks. “Our goal is to put out a product in its most pure and natural form that will assimilate with the body,” says the website. Vital Vegan Inc. harvests its own sea moss from the coastlines of Jamaica.

Looking for more tips, recipes, and information? Here’s everything you need to know about sea moss.

The post For Natural Weight Loss, Immunity and Energy, Just Add Sea Moss appeared first on The Beet.

The algae is native to the Atlantic coastlines of North America, Europe, and the Caribbean Islands and became mainstream with the help of natural herbalist, Dr. Sebi, who recommend the algae as a go-to herb for cleansing and fasting to his patients. Whether or not you stand by his alkaline diet or not, Dr. Sebi sure had at least one thing right, because sea moss is a healthy food that everyone can benefit from adding to their diet.

Sea Moss Contains 92 Trace Minerals

Sea moss contains 92 of the 110 trace minerals your body needs to function at its healthiest, including iron, mostly found in red meat which makes this one of the most important minerals for plant-based eaters or vegetarians. In fact, there is 9 times more iron in sea moss than there is in chicken. Another plus side for plant-based eaters is that there are 6 grams of vegan protein per 100 grams of sea moss, an easy way to make sure you’re supporting your muscles.

Aside from the extraordinary nutritional benefits, sea moss is also used to treat or reduce flu-like symptoms due to its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. Its also been used as a weight-loss tool because the moss contains a vital thyroid hormone that aids healthy thyroid function and metabolism. To reap all these important benefits and feel your healthiest, learn how to make sea moss gel with this easy recipe and video tutorial so you can add it to your smoothies, soups, salad dressings, use it as an egg replacement, and more.

The video produced by longtime vegan and The Beet’s Strategic Advisor Sun Sachs, (who is also our unofficial Godfather) takes you through a step-by-step process on how to turn the scruffy, sandy seaweed into a soft gel so you can store it in your fridge for a few weeks or your freezer for a couple of months and use it daily. Sun ordered his sea moss from Amazon, but we also recommend using wild-crafted sea moss as its harvested directly from its natural habitat, rather than man-made pools. After you make the gel, use it in one of these five sea moss recipes. Try this recipe and tag us @thebeet in your post so we can share your final masterpiece in this article. Watch the video and see how the cat goes wild for sea moss.

Your Guide to The Best Plant-Based Protein Powders: We Tasted 9 Bestsellers

1. Vega Protein & Greens

The base of Vega is pea protein, brown rice protein, and sacha inchi (a seed eaten like a nut) protein. One serving of Vega has only 80 calories and 15g of protein. Vega’s protein powder is a great choice for anyone who struggles to get enough greens in their diet. The proteins are combined with alfalfa powder, spinach powder, broccoli powder, and organic kale powder giving you 2 servings of veggies in one scoop. The taste of this protein was described as “artificial” whereas others thought it tasted like birthday cake. We recommend adding this into a smoothie, but luckily all you have to add is fruit since Vega has the greens covered. This low-cal powder won’t break the bank at $1.20 a scoop.

2. TB12 Vanilla Plant-Based Protein

Tom Brady’s TB12 pea protein powder consists of simple ingredients with no additives. For anyone who is allergic to soy or nuts, TB12’s pea protein-based powder is a great option. It’s hard to say no to this powder with 24 grams of protein. Don’t hide this powder in a smoothie, mix it with water and you will immediately see a thick consistency resembling a vanilla milkshake. Not only does it look like a milkshake, but it tastes like it too. TB12 recommends drinking this powder up to 20 minutes after a workout for the best recovery. You have to order this powder on the TB12 website since it isn’t available in stores or on Amazon. Less than $2 per serving!

3. PlantFusion Complete Protein

PlantFusion is a blend of peas, artichokes, algae, and superfoods. The deep yellow-gold coloring of PlantFusion’s protein powder set this brand apart from the rest. Some testers found the flavor wasn’t overwhelming, making it a great addition to a smoothie, whereas others felt the powder was sweet. For those of you who aren’t a fan of Stevia, buy the natural, no-stevia blend. This protein powder is low in fat, and carbs, making it a great choice for anyone wanting to lose weight while still getting enough protein (21g a serving). PlantFusion’s powder has a sweetness not everyone enjoyed since Stevia is an ingredient. $1.20 a scoop, makes this a deal!

4.Vivo Perform

Vivo Perform is the most superfood-packed protein powder of this bunch. Athletes will appreciate this protein powder made of pea protein, hemp protein, plant-based BCAA (branched-chain amino acids), reishi mushrooms, acai berries, lucuma fruit powder, maca powder, and turmeric extract. Vivo Perform is $59 on Amazon so go straight to their website for a cheaper price at $51 for the pouch pictured below. With 25g of protein and complete amino acid profile helps athletes to build, perform, recover, and absorb. If you want a quick protein drink after a workout, use a shaker bottle when mixing or this powder will stick to the sides of the cup. In the mood for a protein-filled breakfast? Add to your oatmeal or smoothie bowl with this recipe.

5. Elevate Plant-Based Performance Protein

Elevate is a pea and hemp protein-based powder that also is made with sweet potato powder. For anyone looking to convert from whey protein powders, Elevate is the plant-based protein for you. This powder is meant to be used in beverages such as smoothies. The thin consistency doesn’t mix well with water and becomes chalky. If you aren’t in the mood for a protein smoothie, add a scoop to your pancake batter. For a complete recipe check out Elevate’s Chocolate Chip Banana Protein Pancakes. This powder is another affordable choice at $1.60 a scoop.

6. Momentous Absolute Zero

Momentous protein powder is a combination of pea and rice protein concentrate. Testers liked the initial scent of mint and thought it was refreshing. This powder is perfect for anyone who likes sweeter drinks. Momentous powders are NSF International Certified for Sport, which means the product label is 100% accurate and there are no banned substances present in this powder. This is one of the pricier protein powders at $60 a tub but is worth it for athletes looking for a clean and effective post-workout powder. We recommend either mixing with water or adding to a smoothie for a more nutrient-dense drink. The priciest powder of the bunch at $3 per serving.

7. Garden of Life

Garden of Life is made of pea, buckwheat, amaranth sprout, and brown rice. We didn’t love the green color of the powder or the way it smelled but once we mixed it with water, it tasted surprisingly good. Garden of Life is the easiest to mix with water, plan-based milk or in a smoothie. The vanilla flavor isn’t overpowering so you can add this to any combination of smoothies and not be overwhelmed by the taste of vanilla. And it’s only $1.20 per scoop!

8. Tone It Up Plant-Based Protein Vanilla

Tone It Up protein powder is a blend of sunflower seeds and pea protein. The minute we opened the container, everyone loved the smell of this powder. Tone It Up is known to be a great addition to baked goods. The next time you make your protein muffins, add Tone It Up to the mix. We don’t suggest adding this powder with just water but instead a smoothie with fruits and veggies.

9. Nuzest Clean Lean Protein

The name of this powder says it all. Nuzest is the cleanest protein powder since it is made out of only 3 simple ingredients: Pea protein isolate, natural vanilla flavor, and thaumatin (a low-calorie sweetener). For $45, you are supposed to get 20 servings out of one container, but at a glance that didn’t seem accurate. This high protein, low carb powder is perfect to blend with plant-based milk and ice. The consistency is smooth and adds thickness to any protein shake.

The post How to Make Sea Moss Gel to Boost Immunity, Energy, and Your Metabolism appeared first on The Beet.

You have probably heard of sea moss, but the question is: How do you use it in recipes, and what’s the best way to get it into your diet? We’ve gathered five easy and delicious ways to add this powerful plant to your daily diet. Here’s exactly what you need to know about sea moss, including where to buy it, what it tastes like, and creative ways to add it to your meals, for all the right reasons.

What is sea moss, which one is safe to buy, and where can I get it?

First, sea moss is not a new discovery. Over 2,000 years ago, the Irish harvested sea moss and used it as natural medicines and a homemade remedy to treat illnesses. Sea moss is a red, micro-algae and is native to the coastlines of North America, Europe, and the Caribbean, but now often harvested and protected in pool farms, mostly located in Jamacia and Antigua.

Sea moss is sold in bunches and looks like the translucent yellow seaweed you’d find washing up on beaches along the Atlantic seaboard and parts of the Caribbean. When you buy sea moss, look for “wildcrafted” on the package, which tells you it’s 100% naturally grown and made without preservatives. Because the alga takes about three months to replenish after it’s been picked, real sea moss isn’t as readily available as fake sea moss, which is made in factories and contains preservatives and salts. (This is a growing concern as demand for the miracle plant grows.)

Trusted Sea Moss brands:

• Vital Vegan Inc: This family company harvests its sea moss from the beaches of Jamaica. Its product is wildcrafted and never farmed, and they work to keep the ecosystem in balance.
• Red’s Kitchen Sink: Their sea moss comes directly from the waters off the island of St Lucia. They do not alter the sea vegetable in any way. So when you get your package, rinse it thoroughly, washing away any debris from the sea. With all-natural sea moss, you need to clean it before you use it in a recipe. For prepared sea moss gel, click here.
• Organic Sea Moss: Gently grown in the unpolluted, warm Atlantic waters of St. Lucia in the Caribbean. This company never uses bleach, chemicals, and any fertilizers used ever.

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Use It to Boost Immunity and Lose Weight: 5 Major Health Benefits of Sea Moss

Sea moss is full of incredible health benefits, which is why the tiny spiral yellow seaweed is considered a “powerhouse” food. Here are five reasons you should add it to your diet according to popular herbalist Paul Otote.

1.Sea Moss Will Boost Your Energy Levels

Sea moss is full of iron, which many plant-based eaters lack because it’s commonly found in animal foods like meat, poultry, and seafood. Sea moss contains about 9 milligrams of iron per 100 grams, which means sea moss has 9 times more iron than chicken.

2. Sea Moss is vitamin-rich and contains 90% of nutrients our bodies need

Sea moss has 92 of the 110 minerals the body is made from, says Otote and he calls it the “powerhouse.” Sea moss contains beta-carotene, vitamin B, vitamin C, and sulfur as well as minerals like magnesium, manganese, calcium, phosphorus, and zinc. All these contribute to healthy cell functioning in the body.

3. Sea Moss promote natural weight loss

Sea moss contains iodine, the vital thyroid hormone precursor that is important for healthy thyroid function, and your body’s metabolism.

4. Sea Moss helps your body build muscle

The seaweed is rich in protein, with 6 grams of protein per 100 grams of sea moss. The best way to get the benefit is with the sea moss gel added to your post-workout smoothie.

5. Sea Moss helps build a healthy immune system

Most importantly, given the current health situation, sea moss also helps the body fight back against all types of immune threats, including viruses and everyday aging and inflammation. Otote calls this “the anti’s:” Anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral. It’s been used for hundreds of years as a treatment to help prevent and relieve cold and flu-like symptoms, in powdered form.

“It can be used to prevent colds but also help you heal and recover from sickness,” Otote says. Sea moss contains potassium chloride, which helps the body reduce inflammation and people take it to lower their risk of infections because of its positive impact on the immune system. Otote sums it up as a no-lose additive: “Sea moss when you’re ill is a win, and sea moss when you’re healthy is a win, it’s a win-win.”

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To add Sea Moss to your meals, simply make it into Sea Moss gel in your blender

The best part about sea moss is that you can add it to most of your favorite meals. Sea moss has a thick consistency and works well as a roux to add to stir-fries, rice, and beans, bread, baked goods, smoothies. The smell of sea moss is a slightly “under the sea” ocean aroma but it’s easy to get rid of that seaweed scent by soaking it in limes. (Follow the video below as blogger West Indie Ray shows you how to eliminate the odor.)

Before you add sea moss to your smoothies, bowls, rice, bread, first you need to prepare the algae and blend it into a gel. This liquid is your base to add to tasty, healthy recipes. We researched the best and easiest sea moss gel video tutorial so you can watch and make the gel on your own.

West Indie Ray, a popular blogger, explains the health facts from Dr.Sebi who used sea moss in his practice. She points out that sea moss on its own has an “under the sea” taste, which she gets rid of by soaking limes into the mix. Then, she soaks the sea moss mixture, adds it to her blender, and shows the final gel form. She also points out that sea moss should be stored in an amber mason jar to protect the sea moss from absorbing any harmful chemicals.

Sea Moss Recipe 1. This Nutrient-Dense Sea Moss Smoothie

After you make the gel, add the liquid to your smoothies. Take your favorite ingredients like bananas, apples, raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, and greens like kale, spinach, and sprouts, then add just 3 tablespoons of sea moss gel and blend. This is a healthy recipe that’s easy to make and tastes delicious.

Or, try this smoothie recipe (below) from Red’s Kitchen Sink, a company that harvests sea moss from St. Lucia.

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Or, try this sea moss smoothie made with natural vegan ingredients and has a nutty, festive-holiday taste. The recipe is attached to the image below.

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Sea Moss Recipe 2. A Nutrient-Dense Sea Moss Acai Bowl

Similar to a smoothie, blend together acai berries and sea moss gel, for the base of your bowl. Then add your favorite toppings like kiwis, coconut flakes, seeds, and nuts. You won’t even taste the sea moss gel but still reap all the health benefits.

Sea Moss Recipe 3. Add It to Your Rice and Beans For Texture

Rice and beans are an easy, healthy recipe to make. You probably have a go-to recipe for rice and beans or simply heat rice on the stovetop until it’s cooked through. After you drain the rice, add 2-3 tablespoons of sea moss gel for a thicker consistency. Then, add your cooked beans to the mixture and enjoy.

Sea Moss Recipe 4. Make Delicious Dessert with Sea Moss Custard

In this strawberry rhubarb fool with Irish sea moss custard recipe from Food Network, make a delicious, tasty, healthier-for-you dessert with a half cup of sea moss gel. The ingredients list includes non-plant-based foods but we recommend easy swaps so you can enjoy this dish completely dairy-free. Instead of milk, add your favorite nut milk, and instead of egg yolk, use one tablespoon of flax egg and three tablespoons of water, the ratio is 1 to 3. This recipe calls for three egg yolks, triple the flax seed ratio.

Sea Moss for Clear, Bright Skin: Make this Sea Moss Face Mask

After you have your sea moss gel preparation, add the mixture to a face mask for clear, glowing, bright skin. We researched an all-natural sea moss face mask recipe made with superfood ingredients like algae gel, maca powder, chlorella powder, kelp powder, spirulina, turmeric, and clay.

If you have a favorite plant-based recipe that includes sea moss, send it to us via email at info@thebeet.com.

The post Health Benefits of Sea Moss and How to Use it With These 5 Easy Recipes appeared first on The Beet.