Sea Moss is a dietary superfood. Health benefits include boosting the immune system, promoting healthy digestion, improving skin, and increasing energy levels.
St. Lucia Sea Moss vs. Irish Moss: Classification And Origin
St. Lucia sea moss, also known as gold sea moss, comes from the Gracilariaceae family under the genus Gracilaria. It is part of the Gracilaria family, containing over 200 species, many native to the Caribbean. The Gracilaria species prefer to grow in warm waters across the globe. They are native to all oceans except Antarctica because it thrives best in warmer water and climate conditions.
St. Lucia sea moss became popular amongst the Caribean Islands, and its inhabitants have used it for centuries. You can find St. Lucia moss in food products, hair products, supplements, and more. It is easy to see why because they are rich in minerals and vitamins. As a result, St. Lucia sea moss has become a must-have ingredient for home remedies among the Caribean.
You can find Irish sea moss along the Atlantic coast of North America and Europe. These soft red algae get seen along most Irish coastlines, Iceland, and the United States and Canada coasts. They survive with minimal sunlight. Therefore, Irish moss can grow on the ocean floor, middle intertidal, and subtidal zones.
St. Lucia Sea Moss vs. Irish Moss: Description
St. Lucia sea moss comes in red, purple, and greenish-yellow hues. This sea moss has fronds with long, flat branches extending from them. It typically grows in clumps, and because it uses a holdfast root system, the moss usually grows well in shallow waters such as estuaries.
St. Lucia sea moss is more commonly known as gold sea moss and is widely known for its use in the creation of agar. It gets harvested to create products from vitamins, supplements, and superfoods. It is now even being used to create makeup products.
Irish sea moss is a tiny sea alga that typically has a red or dark appearance and is 7-8 inches long. It has a firm texture and is green when found closer to the ocean’s surface while getting dark red when it grows on the ocean floor. The moss has individual branches that look similar to a fan and are about half an inch or less wide.
St. Lucia Sea Moss vs. Irish Moss: Uses
Sea moss is like the jack of all trades regarding everything you can use for them. St. Lucia sea moss, in particular, is a significant source of agar which has thickening and preserving properties, and you may see them in food products such as jelly and soup. It is also a source of protein and vitamins with the following health benefits:
- Prevent respiratory ailments such as colds, flu, and pneumonia
- Hydrate the skin and relieve sunburn
- Relieve congestion and soothe a sore throat
- It contains vitamin C and boosts the immune system
Irish sea moss, like its cousin, contains thickening and preserving properties in the carrageenan it produces. In addition, research suggests that carrageenan can lower cholesterol levels and inflammation. However, it is essential to note that consuming too much Irish sea moss can increase your iodine intake, which has side effects, including vomiting and diarrhea.
Final Thoughts
St. Lucia sea moss and Irish sea moss are intriguing plants. Although they are cousins of the same family and are often mistaken for one another, they are distinct and unique. From making medicinal substances to being the missing ingredient in a great pot of food, these plants’ use is seemingly endless.
