Sea Moss – Nutritional Value and How to Prepare it
Sea Moss, or Irish Moss, is a natural source of about 92 to 99 of the 102 minerals that our body is made of. No wonder it’s been dubbed as a superfood and is all the rage these days!
And that’s not all – Sea Moss also contains a variety of vitamins, proteins and fatty acids, elements required by our body to function optimally.
But before we list some of the major components found in sea moss, remember that these figures will vary a little depending on the habitats of the sea moss.
So let’s explore and dissect this plant-based miracle food a bit more deeply.
Minerals Present in Sea Moss
The major minerals present in sea moss are:
- Iodine
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Sulfur
- Calcium
- Iron
- Selenium
- Sodium
Each mineral plays a vital role in maintaining proper functioning of the human body, from supplying energy to regulating digestion and detoxifying blood.
Vitamins Present in Sea Moss
Sea moss is packed with almost all the essential vitaminsthat are required for proper functioning of the human body. These include:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
Each vitamin has its own role – maintaining bone and skin health, blood clotting, and fending off diseases such as night blindness, scurvy and rickets.
Fatty Acids Present in Sea Moss
Sea Moss contains a good quantity of fatty acids as well, such as Omerga-3 and Omega-6, which are required by the body to maintain brain development and boost overall health and well-being. And the best bit, they're really good if you want to shed some unwanted weight!
Preparing Sea Moss & Making Sea Moss Gel
Store-bought sea moss usually isn’t clean, since it is obtained directly from the ocean, and might have dirt and dust on it.
Here’s how to clean sea moss before you go ahead and start adding it to your favorite recipes:
- Wash the sea moss in running water for at least 3 to 4 times, then soak it for about 15 minutes.
- Remove the sea moss gently and boil it in water (1:5 ratio) on medium heat for at least half an hour, stirring it periodically.
- Strain the boiled sea moss in a bowl.
- Let the strained sea moss rest in water for about an hour until it thickens and can be used as a gel and added to teas, smoothies, drinks, puddings, cakes, and so much more!
You can also blend the boiled sea moss along with the strained water, let it cool down for about an hour, and then use it as a gel.
Sea Moss Tea Recipe
Here’s a simple tea recipe you can make using sea moss gel.
Ingredients Required:
- 300 ml of water
- 1 tablespoon sea moss gel
- Sugar/sugar derivatives to taste
- Ginger/Basil leaves
How to Prepare:
- Add ginger/basil leaves to water
- Boil for about 10 minutes
- Add the sea moss gel and sugar/sugar derivatives
- Mix well
- Servehot
Sea moss is definitely a nutrient-dense and energy-filled package that you don’t want to miss. For more easy-to-make recipes and exciting products, stay tuned to the Herbal Vineyards.
Reference
https://medium.com/eat-algae/sea-moss-2362b5c2dcac