The health benefits of sea moss are widely acknowledged. It is a type of red algae harvested from Carrageenan, an ingredient used to thicken milk products. Honduran sea moss is a red seaweed with a rich nutritional profile. Another name for it is gold sea moss. It is harvested from the ocean of Honduras and is sundried to preserve its natural mineral profile. This sea moss has several health benefits. The raw, plant-based ingredient filled with 92 minerals is commonly ingested in gel form. Let’s explore this popular sea moss more in this blog.
An Overview of Honduran Sea Moss
Honduran sea moss is a unique seaweed native to the waters of Honduras. Scientifically known as Gracilaria, it belongs to the family of red seaweed. The sea moss is found in warm tropical waters of the Caribbean Sea, where it develops dense clusters in nutrient-rich areas along with rocks and coral reefs. There are various species of this moss, each with its unique properties and characteristics. The coastal communities of the regions where this sea moss is found have been using it for medicinal and culinary purposes for several centuries. This sea moss is harvested by locals, who gather the raw moss by hand during low tides. It is also cultivated by farms in controlled environments, mimicking the habitat of the natural ocean. Once collected, the raw moss is dried and prepared for consumption.
Nutritional Profile
Raw Honduran sea moss has several essential minerals and vitamins. Here is its detailed nutritional profile.
1. Vitamins and Minerals
This sea moss has the following vitamins and minerals:
- Calcium – This mineral is important to build and maintain strong teeth and bones.
- Magnesium – It is essential for healthy nerves, muscles, and bones and maintaining blood sugar levels.
- Iron – Iron is used by the body to make haemoglobin that transports oxygen to all body parts. It is also necessary to make certain hormones.
- Potassium – Potassium is necessary for all bodily functions. It helps the heart function optimally and enables the movement of nutrients and wastes around the body’s cells.
2. Dietary Composition
Honduran sea moss contains Carrageenan, a thickening agent with several health benefits. Besides, sea moss is a good source of insoluble and soluble dietary fibres. It helps promote digestive health and regulates cholesterol and blood sugar levels. This sea moss also contains trace amounts of amino acids and proteins. It has a low-fat content and overall calories, making it ideal for those wanting to maintain a healthy weight.
Read Also: Sea Moss Benefits for Men
How Should You Consume Honduran Sea Moss?
The most common way to consume Honduran sea moss is by ingesting it in gel form. As a gel, it can be added to almost everything you consume. For example, add one to two tablespoons of the gel to your smoothie, juice, herbal tea, and even water. Alternatively, the gel can be directly applied to retain moisture and improve skin health.
Can You Prepare and Consume Raw Honduran Sea Moss?
Yes. You can make Honduran sea moss at home and consume it. However, this is only applicable to those who can get their hands on the raw sea moss. Here’s how to prepare it for consumption at home.
- Rinse the sea moss thoroughly. This step is important to remove debris, salt, and sand from it.
- Put the moss in a bowl and fill it with cold water.
- Let it remain in this state for six hours.
- After this, you will see the moss becoming soft and pliable.
- If it doesn’t turn soft, let it soak in the water for a few more hours.
- When the moss becomes soft, drain the water.
- Put the sea moss in a blender.
- Add fresh water and blend till the ingredients have a gel-like consistency.
- Depending on how thick you want the gel to be, you can add more or less water.
- Store this gel in an air-tight container in your refrigerator for two weeks.
- You can use this gel just as you would use a store-bought one.
Benefits of Taking Honduran Sea Moss
The efficacy of this sea moss is directly linked to the environment where it goes. Generally, Honduran sea moss offers many benefits due to its rich nutritional profile.
1. Protects the Body Against Illnesses
Honduran sea moss contains many vitamins: A, C, B1, B2, B9, and B12. The B group of vitamins, especially B9 (folate) and B2 (riboflavin), is crucial for energy production in the body. It boosts energy levels in individuals who consume Honduran sea moss. The moss also has several antioxidants and minerals. All of them help the body to function at its best at all times. They help the body fight against various infections and illnesses by strengthening the immune system.
2. Helps Maintain Skin Health
The vitamins and minerals in Honduran sea moss promote skin health. They provide hydration and elasticity to the skin and protect it from environmental damage.
3. Support Proper Functioning of The Thyroid Gland
Honduran sea moss contains high levels of iodine, a mineral necessary for the optimal functioning of the thyroid gland, which regulates metabolism and energy levels. As such, Honduran sea moss is ideal as a supplement for those with iodine deficiency.
4. Improves Digestive Health
Digestive health is critical for overall well-being. Honduran sea moss contains soluble fibre, which is of prebiotics, which boosts the growth of good gut bacteria. This, in turn, enhances digestive and gut health.
Also Read: Onion and Honey Benefits for Your Health
Final Words
Honduran sea moss is one of the most nutrient-dense foods. In recent years, its usage has grown because of its health benefits. However, it’s important to incorporate it into your diet only after consulting your healthcare professional. Consuming it after getting professional advice will help nourish your body with its goodness.
