July 11, 2023

The Incredible Benefits of Sea Moss and Bladder Wrack

It’s widely known and scientifically proven that healthy eating and healthy food are an essential part of leading a healthy lifestyle. Good nutrition and regular, moderate exercise and the benefits thereof are vital for an enhanced quality of life. The ocean provides a bounty of nutritional value, one of which is seaweed. There are two types of seaweed, namely sea moss and bladder wrack which provide a myriad of health benefits.

Many types of seaweed have reached superfood status. A superfood is a marketing term for a foodstuff that is packed with a massive component of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and is assumed to provide numerous health benefits. Superfoods are considered to be paramount to optimal health and well-being.

It really does make sense to consume food types that are incredibly nutritionally rich rather than food that’s nutritionally deficient. Superfoods provide a substantial amount of nutrients and very few calories and that’s why they are recommended for weight loss and immune functioning. Many types of seaweeds are considered superfoods. Here’s why sea moss and bladder wrack are considered amongst them. 

Chondrus crispus or more commonly known as sea moss is a type of red algae which is mineral rich and has many nutritional and medicinal benefits. Also known asIrish moss or carrageen moss (the Irish word carraigín means "littlerock"), it grows in the Atlantic ocean along parts of North America andEurope. It is rich in iodine and sulphur minerals.  

Benefits of sea moss:

Optimal thyroid function

Sea moss contains high levels of iodine which contribute to peak thyroid function. The thyroid gland is responsible producing hormones that control your basal metabolic rate (BMR) which affects your metabolism, digestive system functioning and healthy weight.

Immunesystem

Sea moss is said to have has antiviral, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. TheIrish have used sea moss for centuries for treating sore throats, chest coughs, tuberculosis, bronchial infections and pneumonia. In fact this is how a famous Irish cough syrup came about as it uses seaweed extract as one of it’s main ingredients.

Digestion

Sea moss has probiotic qualities which are ideal for digestive functioning. It’s a great natural remedy for those who suffer from leaky gut, ulcers, gastritis, indigestion, and constipation. Sea moss’ mucilaginous texture makes it a good soothing agent for mucus membranes in the body especially those found in the gut.

Skin

The skin is the body’s largest organ, offering the greatest protection from the elements. Sea moss gel can be applied directly to the skin and is effective in treating sunburn, dermatitis, psoriasis, acne and eczema because of it’s anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties.

 

Sea moss has been used as a herbal medicine and natural remedy by many cultures around the world for hundreds of years and there is obviously many pros to it’s usage. However, it's important to keep in mind that there hasn’t been a large amount of research done on it’s healing properties. Therefore it’s advisable to consult a health practitioner before administering new supplements to your natural medicine regimen.  

Benefits of bladder wrack:

Fucus vesiculosus or more commonly known as bladderwrack, black tang, rockweed, bladder fucus, sea oak, cut weed, dyers fucus, red fucus, and rock wrack is a seaweed found on the coasts of the North Sea, the western Baltic Sea, and theAtlantic and Pacific Oceans. It’s primary minerals are beta-carotene, iodine, bromine and potassium. It was discovered in 1811 and used to treat goitres (owing to it’s high iodine content) and has since been used for thyroid complications. 

Bladder wrack is rich in other vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, zinc, and vitamins A and C. It’s also full of phytonutrients (health-promoting plant compounds) which include phlorotannins and fucoxanthin known for their anti-oxidant benefits. Anti-oxidants avenge free radicals (harmful compounds) that damage cells and lead to chronic disease and premature aging.

Anti-inflammatory

Bladder wrack contains Fucoidans and Fucans which are sulfated polysaccharides found in most brown seaweeds. These substances have been researched for modulating a healthy inflammatory response, and have shown strong properties for supporting a healthy immune system and intestinal flora. Because of it’s anti-inflammatory properties it is known for it’s relief of pain in the joints caused by rheumatoid arthritis.

 

Heart health

Bladder wrack contains Fucoidan which is believed to help reduce high cholesterol levels. Bladderwrack can help maintain adequate levels of high density lipoproteins or HDL for optimal heart health and functioning.

 

Skin

Fucoidan also promotes elasticity of the skin which helps with anti-aging. It’s also great for healing minor wounds and skin irritations.

 

Eye health

Bladder wrack is also rich in beta carotene which helps reduce the oxidative stress of blue light (sunlight and light from screens). It also protects the surface of the cornea, lubricating it, helping with dry eye relief.

 

As mentioned previously, always take precautions when trying new products because some products may not mix well with drugs or other natural products.

At New Life we stock a number of sea moss and bladder wrack supplements and look forward to helping guide you on your journey to optimal health and wellness.

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