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Irish Moss: Health Benefits And Virtues
Irish Moss: Health Benefits And Virtues

Video: Irish Moss: Health Benefits And Virtues

Video: Irish Moss: Health Benefits And Virtues
Video: Seaweed as a Superfood - Vitamins, Minerals, Fiber and Protein 2024, March
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Irish moss, or Chondrus crispus, is a type of seaweed that has been used in Ireland for centuries, and is popular in Brittany and the Caribbean. Depending on the region, carrageenan acted as fodder for livestock, padding for mattresses, and treated illnesses like pneumonia and tuberculosis. Nowadays, it finds its place of choice in the kitchen, medicine and the beauty sphere. So, after the uses and benefits of spirulina, let's decipher the multiple virtues of another magical algae!

Chondrus Crispus or Irish moss: history, uses and health benefits

Irish moss Irish red seaweed health benefits uses
Irish moss Irish red seaweed health benefits uses

In Brittany, Chondrus Crispus is called pioka in Breton and white or curly seaweed in French. Healthy and delicious, it is widely used in Breton cuisine for the preparation of traditional cakes and desserts. In Ireland and throughout the Anglo-Saxon world, the red seaweed is known as "irish moss", while in the Caribbean it is simply called "sea moss". Much consumed in Ireland during the great famine of 1847-1848, Irish moss is also used in the preparation of several recipes and remedies. It even participates in the composition of certain alcoholic drinks.

A nourishing gelling agent rich in minerals

health benefits composition red algae irish moss
health benefits composition red algae irish moss

This red algae is rich in nutrients, in particular in minerals. Like seafood, Irish moss is very rich in minerals and antioxidants. What's more, it contains 92 of the 102 minerals found in the human body, which is one of its biggest benefits. Important nutrients like bromine, iodine, beta carotene, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, pectin, vitamins B and C are also present. However, its peculiarity remains its gelling properties which represent a valuable ally in the preparation of raw meals. Because of this, red seaweed makes a superb alternative to animal gelatin. It is also a great substitute for nuts in many recipes, while making them less caloric and more nutritional!

A natural remedy for the intestine

Irish moss benefits health benefits uses remedy grandma
Irish moss benefits health benefits uses remedy grandma

With its calming properties, Irish moss asserts itself as a natural remedy effectively combating digestive disorders. It is therefore perfect for those of you with problems, such as gastritis, nausea, indigestion, constipation and ulcers. In addition to cleaning and maintaining the intestines clean and the optimal digestive process, the red algae also has a prebiotic effect. In other words, it promotes the intestinal flora, which in turn promotes better absorption of nutrients. When it comes to its anti-inflammatory effects, the foam has the potential to heal the intestinal walls and fight against burns, vomiting and nausea.

how to use irish moss for health irish moss gel
how to use irish moss for health irish moss gel

Finally, for the list of health benefits to be complete, it must be mentioned that the seaweed has a very pleasant effect on the symptoms of excessive alcohol consumption, while replacing the ions destroyed during dehydration! In addition, there is already much research proving the important role of Irish moss in the treatment of a number of diseases and infections like AIDS, for example.

How to consume it? Risks and dangers

health benefits and advice consumption gel mousse ireland
health benefits and advice consumption gel mousse ireland

Although the virtues of Irish moss are several, it should be consumed sparingly. The right dosage? You should only use one c. teaspoon of dried seaweed diluted in a cup of water, limiting yourself to one or two cups a day at most! In fact, there are a number of recipes that include Irish mousse: meringue, salad dressings, mayonnaise, ice cream and vitamin smoothies. However, the best way to take full advantage of its health benefits is to prepare a gel.

Easy Irish Mousse Gel

how to prepare homemade Irish mousse gel
how to prepare homemade Irish mousse gel

Ingredients:

  • 25 g of dry seaweed
  • 2 cups of cold water

Soak the dry seaweed in 2 cups of cold water for a few minutes to re-inflate the foam. Then wash the seaweed well and cut its hard pieces, soak it again in 2 cups of lukewarm or slightly hot water for 30 minutes or until it sets. Some people prefer to let it soak for several hours, but this is not necessary. In a blender, then mix the algae with the soaking water for 1 min or until a gel forms. And There you go ! Your multi-use gel is ready to use for our next recipe! Store it in the refrigerator for a week or up to 10 days.

Vegan mayonnaise with Irish mousse gel

Easy vegan mayo recipe with Irish mousse gel
Easy vegan mayo recipe with Irish mousse gel

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of vegetable milk (almond)
  • 1 C. mustard
  • 1 C. coffee sugar
  • 1 C. teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup olive oil
  • 3/4 cup Irish moss gel

Mix the vegetable milk, mustard, sugar and salt in your food processor. Slowly pour in the olive oil and continue to mix at low speed. Then add the Irish mousse gel and mix at high speed. Use a spatula to collect the mixture stuck on the walls and mix one last time. Store your mayo for 10 days and no more.

What do Irish mousse and hair care have in common?

homemade hair care with Irish moss seaweed
homemade hair care with Irish moss seaweed

Given all of its magical properties, Irish Moss very quickly became a sought-after ingredient for a number of hair treatments! By mixing it with a little water, it makes a superb hydrating hair mask that promotes growth and defines curls. Thanks to the carrageenan present in white seaweed, it helps a lot to heal the skin and soften the scalp. In this context, Irish moss is also an excellent remedy against eczema and certain skin rashes.

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