Irish Moss

In reality, it’s not actually moss – it’s part of the seaweed family and can be used in food, health and several other industries. The most commonly used part of this red, tree-like algae is a substance called Carrageenan.

Irish Moss is a plant that grows on the Atlantic Ocean coasts of Great Britain, Europe and North America – so, it’s not only Irish. It’s also one of the most popular edible seaweeds, so it’s fairly common over the world.

1. It’s rich in iodine which is essential for your thyroid.
2. It’s rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for improving joint health and more.
3. It’s full of antioxidants like Fucoxanthin and other carotenoids which help your body manage free radicals.
4. It’s high in fibre, which can help you feel fuller for longer.

As with any supplement and diet addition, there are some potential side effects to consider. Most of these tend to be related to overconsumption, so it might be best to only incorporate Irish Moss into your diet in moderation.

• You could consume too much iodine and negatively impact your thyroid.
• It’s not a pleasant texture or taste.
• Its poligeenan by-product may cause intestinal inflammation.

Irish Moss has a strong taste and an unusual texture, so there are a variety of ways you can partake of the benefits:

• Tinctures – these can be applied drop by drop and the taste can be masked in juice. Aim for 2-3 drops up to 3 times per day.
• Capsules or pills – these are great for the powdered version of Irish Moss, and you won’t taste it at all. Plus, they can be portioned out well in advance. Aim for no more than 1000mg a day.
• On its own – it’s recommended to consume no more than 4-8g of Moss a day.