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Where Does Sea Moss Come From?

Where Does Sea Moss Come From?

Sea moss is a type of algae that can be found in multiple oceanic environments. There are many benefits to consuming sea moss, making it a sought-after ingredient.

Available in multiple colors and different forms, this article looks at where sea moss comes from, and how it is harvested and processed.

sea moss in nature

Where Does Sea Moss Come From?

Sea moss grows naturally in the Atlantic Ocean on the coasts of North America and Europe.

You can also find other types of sea moss.

Irish sea moss and Jamaican purple sea moss are found in warmer waters.

These types of sea moss are found in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, Asia and Africa.

How Is Sea Moss Harvested?

Most commonly, sea moss is harvested in the Caribbean by a process called wildcrafting.

Wildcrafting is the collection of herbal remedies from natural sites rather than the cultivation and harvesting of the same plants on farms. (Source)

This method removes human intervention from the process and solely takes moss from where it occurs naturally.

Sea moss is also grown by using sustainable farming practices.

Those who do grow it do so in pools or a controlled manner in the ocean. (Source)

While it is much easier to grow sea moss in the ocean, its natural habitat, farmers still try to farm it in pools that replicate ocean environments.

Moss grown in pools tends to create gelatinous sea moss, the nutrient content is not the same as the moss grown in the ocean.

sea moss harvested

How Is Sea Moss Processed?

Once the sea moss is harvested, it is processed in multiple ways.

Sea moss is made into multiple products that can be used internally and topically.

These products can include:

  • Powder
  • Capsules
  • Extracts
  • Gels

Remember, how it's prepared and then consumed will determine a href=”/what-does-sea-moss-taste-like/”>what sea moss tastes like.

1. Powder

Sea moss powder is made by drying sea moss and grinding it into powder.

This powder is often used in smoothies or even in cooking.

This makes a great addition to food and drinks that can benefit wellness.

3. Capsules

Capsules are first made into powder then placed into capsules.

You can take these capsules daily, or even several times a day depending on the brand.

3. Extracts

To make a sea moss extract, you would infuse sea moss into a liquid solvent.

This solvent is often alcohol or vegetable glycerin.

The sea moss is left in the solvent for enough time for the liquid to absorb the nutrients and medical components offered by the sea moss.

These supplements are usually taken by placing it under the tongue multiple times a day.

This extract can also be placed in capsules for those who do not like the taste.

4. Gel

Sea moss gel is made by washing the moss, soaking it, and blending it to form a paste.

This paste is then refrigerated to help form it into a gel.

Benefits Of Sea Moss

Sea moss is a very beneficial supplement for both men and women no matter if it is taken topically or orally.

These benefits include:

  • Improving Immunity
  • Improving Digestion
  • Replenishing Essential Vitamins
  • Protecting the skin
  • Treating Minor Wounds
  • Assisting with Anti-Aging

When taking sea moss, it is important to select wisely.

Make sure you get the best sea moss that you can, and know the included ingredients.

sea moss benefits

Risks of Sea Moss

Even though it is mostly safe, there are also risks associated with taking sea moss.

Some of these risks include:

  • Burning or Reddening of the Skin
  • Nausea or Vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Sea moss can also contain large amounts of iodine, which means that it is important to limit your consumption.

If you are taking an excessive amount of iodine, you can get a thyroid dysfunction that can lead to thyroid cancer.

If you are concerned about taking sea moss, you can always talk to your primary care physician.

Conclusion

Sea moss naturally occurs in an ocean environment, even though some people try to recreate the ocean environment in pools.

Most commonly found in the Caribbean, sea moss can be collected naturally or sustainably farmed.

How sea moss is grown and collected can have an impact on the nutrients contained in the moss.

Sea moss comes with many benefits that can help both men and women, but it is not without risks.

When taking sea moss, make sure you are reading the label on the packaging to determine if it was regulated or tested. Also, keep an eye on the ingredients to make sure you are not taking something you are sensitive to.

Adam Author

About the LifeHacker Guy

Hi, I'm Adam the founder of the LifeHacker Guy.

I have a First Class Honours degree in Sports Science from Brighton University, specialising in exercise physiology and nutrition. In my youth I was a competitive Triathlete and long-distance runner placing top 10 in most triathlon races I completed.

Since suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, I moved into web development, after a couple of years I then moved onto developing a number of online businesses. I've recently taken a sabbatical and I'm now looking to make big changes in my life, hopefully this may resonate with you - join me in my journey!

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