Irish moss is not something you would want to gaze at on your dinner table. You probably imagine the green algae that taste like grass and give no pleasure to your mouthfeel. Seems like the healthy nutrients cannot compensate for the dreadful taste. Nonetheless, you have no reasons to get frustrated because every boring product can transform into a delectable meal or beverage. Irish moss is not an exception. Mixed with sweet ingredients, this drink loads you with vitamins and minerals. Most importantly, it tastes so amazingly good that you will be astounded to realize you are guzzling sea moss. In this article, we will discuss the sea moss notion, its potential benefits, and an award-winning recipe for a delicious Irish sea moss drink.
One confusion that takes over the minds of people is that they are sure that Irish moss (Chondrus crispus) is moss when in fact, it isn’t.
So what is it? Sea moss is a type of algae or seaweed. This red, edible plant pools along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean in Britain, Europe, and North America. This type of moss is widely used in a number of industries, but one of its most common uses is in food (3).
Carrageenan is a jelly-like substance that makes up the Irish. Carrageenan is often used as a vegan substitute for gelatin, as well as a general emulsifier (2). Therefore, you can find this substance in ice cream or infant formula. Different studies surrounding Carrageenan and Irish moss, highlight both positive and negative potential health effects.
Before we dive into the main properties of sea moss, let’s take a look at its nutritional value.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) FoodData Central, 2 tablespoons (tbsp) or 10 grams (g) serving of Irish moss contains approximately:
The same serving of sea moss also contains the following vitamins and minerals:
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Have you ever tasted the algae sweet smoothie? If not, then you have the possibility to prepare a healthy drink– the Irish moss.
Irish moss is a Jamaican beverage in which the main ingredient is Irish moss or red algae Gracilaria. The traditional drink involved boiled milk with sugar or honey and different spices, such as cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg.
Some recipes include other sweet ingredients, like condensed milk, and additional thickening agents, like gum arabic or isinglass. For extra fat, some athletes add rolled oats or linseed oil. There is also a peanut version of this beverage which is called a peanut punch.
Irish sea moss beverage is hailed as a source of protein making it widely touted by athletes and bodybuilders. Due to its thick consistency and rich mouthfeel, you won’t feel food cravings for a few hours. Therefore, if you want to drink something to stay satiated for longer, then Jamaican moss is your right choice.
Further, you will find out the best properties that this beverage proposes.
The main ingredient of the Irish moss drink is sea moss, which is packed with a whole range of possible benefits.
After enjoying Jamaican Irish moss beverage you may:
Thus, the Irish moss drink benefits are versatile and provide your body with positive nutrients. In a moment, you will learn how to prepare the sweet and delectable Irish moss beverage.
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The above-mentioned properties of Irish sea moss show that this drink may be good for people who desire to support their immune system and maintain a healthy weight. There is a safe dosage for daily consumption but people are advised to see their healthcare provider before taking it.
If you have decided to incorporate the seaweed beverage into your meals, then you can take advantage of the following recipe with essential tips.
Before we get into the recipe itself, here are a few tips that will make your Jamaican moss beverage more healthy and vegan-friendly:
For the sea moss gel:
For the single drink:
Nutritious value per 1 serving (1 cup) (4):
This recipe is courtesy of That Girl Cooks Healthy.
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Even though Irish sea moss is loaded with many possible health benefits that might improve your body’s overall function, some studies have shown that carrageenan may lead to negative effects.
The point is that under certain circumstances, carrageenan can be converted into “degraded carrageenan”. It is regarded to be toxic and might evoke several health issues.
No scientific evidence indicates that your body can convert carrageenan to poligeenan, but some seaweed can contain poligeenan naturally (3).
Therefore, the consumption of Irish moss:
People should be careful with the amount of dosage of sea moss. If you are an adult, then you can consume from 2 to 4 tablespoons of Irish moss per day. This dosage is considered safe.
When people hear the word “moss”, they usually imagine something swampy or grassy, with the absence of delicious taste whatsoever. Jamaican Irish moss drink, however, can amaze every exotic-beverages admirer. Since Irish sea moss is a plant that thrives in cold conditions, it is rich in an earthy taste.
If you like seafood, like oysters and clams, then you will enjoy the Irish moss drink. Depending on how you prepare it, you can end up with an exquisite combination of freshness and thick consistency. Seafood smoothie lovers will enjoy the beverage and its benefits.
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Irish moss is a Jamaican beverage that includes the main ingredient– Irish moss or in other words, red algae Gracilaria. The traditional drink involves boiled milk with sugar or honey and different spices, such as cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg.
This drink contains many nutrients that may promote heart health, help make your muscles stronger, and support thyroid and gut health.
When preparing, note that, rather than cooking, soaking it in water will better maintain the healthy vitamins it has. Due to its earthy taste and thick consistency, the Jamaican moss beverage can keep you satiated for longer as well.
Although in some cases, Irish moss can lead to adverse effects, with the right amount and dosage, you will avoid this problem.
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