IRISH MOSS & SEA MOSS
BECAUSE OF CLIMATE CHANGE WE NEED TO EAT FOODS THAT ARE INEXPENSIVE DELICIOUS AND AID IN OUR OVERALL HEALTH MANY OF THOSE SUPERFOODS COME FROM OUR OCEANS TODAY WE SPOTLIGHT A COMMON HEALTH DRINK FROM THE CARIBBEAN IRISH MOSS AND ITS LESS COMMONLY KNOWN COUSIN SEA MOSS!
Seaweed, including Irish moss specifically, is one of the best plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids. These fats are critical for a healthy heart. In fact, getting enough omega-3 fatty acids is connected to a lower risk of heart disease, blood clots, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.Sea moss and Irish moss are different species of seaweed that have distinct differences in appearance, availability, and smell. In addition, sea moss sourced from the ocean has more nutritional value than pool-farmed sea moss. Both Irish moss and sea moss offer the same nutritional benefits when consumed.
Sea Moss is also a “chelator”.: a binding agent that suppresses chemical activity by forming chelates.Chelation is a type of bonding of ions and molecules to metal ions. It involves the formation or presence of two or more separate coordinate bonds between a polydentate ligand and a single central metal atom. These ligands are called chelants, chelators, chelating agents, or sequestering agents. Irish moss also has chelators but consists mainly of polysaccharide carrageenan (55%) and also contains nearly 10% protein and about 15% nutritional mineral matter similar to sea moss. It is also rich in iodine and sulfur.
What that means in simple English is that Irish and sea moss has a chemical called ligands that bind to the heavy metals in your body that cause sickness and scrub it away like a brillo pad does a pan basically cleaning your cells.The chelating agents in sea moss remove toxic metals from the body. They are also being studied in the treatment of cancer.The heavy metals most commonly associated with poisoning of humans are lead, mercury, arsenic and cadmium.Some foods that we think of as healthy are actually slowly hurting us. The most common foods with heavy metals include: Fish: Unfortunately, all fish have some level of mercury. Brown rice contains up to 80% more arsenic than white rice.and leafy green vegetables: Eat your veggies but in moderation.There is the belief that sea moss should be taken in the morning, as it's thought to support your energy throughout the day due to its iron content. However, when to take sea moss is actually up to you. You can take it in the morning if that works for you, or you can take it before bed if that works better. Finally, Irish moss may have blood-thinning properties, so people taking blood-thinning medication should avoid it. Pregnant and breastfeeding people should also avoid sea moss because there is not enough research on its effects on these populations.
PREPARATION
Put a cup of cleaned Irish Moss into a bowl and cover it with enough filtered/spring water to submerge the seaweed (with a little extra over the top as the seaweed will expand and absorb the water. Cover it and leave for 12 – 24 hours. Carrageenan is a refined and highly processed derivative from sea moss. This gum extract is what is commercially used in many food and drinks such as ice cream, syrups, beverages and used as a stabilizer or to add texture. Many people are under the impression that pure sea moss is not healthy when it's actually the highly processed substance that comes from Irish moss that is problematic. For this recipe we are working with pure/unrefined sea moss which has not undergone any high processed treatment. The drink itself is minimally processed and not boiled to retain as much nutrients as possible.
TRADITIONAL RECIPE The traditional method for making Irish moss is non vegan.
First of all you would rinse the moss several times to remove any debris and sea salt. Then leave the moss to soak and expand overnight in water so it is easier to boil. From there you would transfer the Irish moss and water into a large pot.Then add thickeners - Isinglass - a substance that comes from the stomach of a sturgeon, gum arabic and linseed (flaxseed)
All of the aforementioned would be brought to the boil for 30-40 minutes to make a thick gelatinous substance.
Next you would allow the liquid to cool slightly then strain off the liquid which would turn completely into a panacotta/blancmange type of gelatin.
Once the sea moss gel is portioned, a small amount is added to the blender along with sweetened - condensed milk/honey/milk along with spices and vanilla.
Some people turn things up a notch by adding stout, rum, guinness or peanuts for additional flavor.
Remember Irish moss is quite a potent drink known as a love potion in the Caribbean so many women would prepare this for their spouse.
Nowadays the drink has evolved so much that it is consumed by both genders.
VEGAN RECIPE The healthiest way to make Irish moss or sea moss health drinks!
Don't boil the Irish or sea moss - As Irish moss is packed with so much nutritional value, one of the main recipe modifications is to NOT boil the moss but let the moss soak overnight along with the linseed. You won't get that extra thick gelatin, but you will preserve most of the nutritional value which is a lot more than the boiled version.Isinglass and arabic gum is optional -
As this is a vegan recipe, Isinglass is forbidden. Gum arabic is merely a thickener and because we are using the entire sea moss there is no need to add any.
Drain off the water from the moss - to create a thick substance without boiling out the nutritional value we will…
Puree the entire moss - The whole sea moss will be used, nothing is to be wasted. Add the moss/flax water to a high speed blender and puree into a gel consistency.
To sweeten add Agave nectar, coconut nectar, monk fruit sugar or maple syrup as good vegan alternatives to honey. You can also use condensed coconut cream or milk for additional sweetness and texture.
Coconut milk or almond milk work really well as the base. After making this recipe many times I would highly recommend using almond milk and coconut milk combined as it really compliments the taste better so that no one will know it is vegan unless you choose to tell them. Some people add pure vanilla, cinnamon or even milk-less and sugar free melted dark chocolate. Store any leftover sea moss gel - Some people suggest storing it in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks beyond that I wouldn’t recommend it unless it was frozen..
BENEFITS
1. Supports immune function: Sea moss is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the body against cellular damage and support immune function.
2. Supports thyroid function: Sea moss is a natural source of iodine, which is essential for the production of thyroid hormones. These hormones are important for regulating metabolism and energy levels.
3. Promotes healthy digestion: Sea moss contains soluble fibre, which can help promote healthy digestion and regular bowel movements.
4. Supports healthy skin: Sea moss is rich in vitamins and minerals that can help support healthy skin, including vitamins A, C, and E, and calcium, magnesium, and zinc.
5. May support weight loss: Sea moss is low in calories but high in fiber, which can help you feel full and satisfied after eating. It may also help support a healthy metabolism.
6. Promotes healthy hair: Sea moss contains vitamins and minerals that can help support healthy hair growth and prevent hair loss.
7. May improve joint health: Sea moss contains anti-inflammatory compounds that may help reduce inflammation and pain associated with conditions such as arthritis.
8. Supports heart health: Sea moss contains potassium, which is important for regulating blood pressure and promoting heart health.
9. May help regulate blood sugar: Sea moss contains soluble fibre, which can help regulate blood sugar levels and prevent spikes in glucose.
10. May support respiratory health: Sea moss contains compounds that may help support respiratory health and reduce symptoms associated with conditions such as bronchitis and asthma.
11. Supports mental health: Sea moss contains magnesium, which is important for maintaining healthy brain function and may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
12. May improve exercise performance: Sea moss contains compounds that may help improve exercise performance and reduce fatigue during physical activity.
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