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For generations, humans have sought means to improve their health, physicality, and overall wellness. More and more, individuals are learning that some of the simplest, oldest, and most natural methods are probably the best. This is doubly true for the foods people eat as well as the supplements they take. In this market, wildcrafted sea moss is quickly emerging as a valuable form of vitamins, nutrients, and more. (Original HealthXwire Article)

Sea moss is an algae or seaweed which is found in many different varieties and colors, depending on water temperature and the climate in which it’s found. Historically, sea moss has been used as a natural thickener often found in soups and stews. In more modern times, the thickening agent found in wildcrafted sea moss, which is called carrageenan, is commonly used in dairy products such as ice cream and other processed foods. However, sea moss is rapidly returning to its roots and being used in its natural form as a daily supplement.

Not all sea moss on the market is the same, though. Just because something is organic does not necessarily mean that it is the best thing for the human body. As the health and wellness benefits are becoming more well-known, sea moss products are crowding the shelves. But not all of these products are created equal. Wildcrafted sea moss has proven to be superior in contrast to pool-grown sea moss as well as farm-grown sea moss for a number of reasons, and it’s important to understand the differences.

1. More Nutrient Rich

Right off the bat, it’s extremely valuable to know that wildcrafted sea moss is more nutrient-rich than forms grown in a pool. This sea moss absorbs all the important nutrients that make it so appealing, such as fiber, taurine, iron, antioxidants… The list goes on. The rich ocean water and plentiful sunlight is what allows wildcrafted sea moss to have the perfect amount of all of these crucial ingredients. This is very difficult to replicate in a pool, where the main purpose is to turn out a vast quantity of product rather than a quality of product that is both bountiful and best for the consumer.

2. No Additives

It’s also important to note that nothing is added to wildcrafted sea moss to promote growth or stimulate its healthy properties. Because it is so difficult to replicate the ocean in a pool setting, salt and other preservatives are added to the water in order to try and simulate the ocean environment. This can cause the product to contain unnaturally high amounts of certain nutrients such as iodine, which is already present in certain foods.

The chemicals added can also just be harmful to the human body, so it’s prudent to either know that the sea moss being consumed came from the ocean without anything added to it or to be cognizant of exactly what was used to grow the sea moss outside of the ocean.

3. Right Amount of Mucilage

On that note, people may already be getting minerals, vitamins, and other beneficial nutrients through their natural diets, which wildcrafted sea moss can supplement properly. However, trying to replicate these properties can cause an overabundance of things such as mucilage in the product.

Mucilage is a natural fiber found in many superfoods that are part of paleo-centric diets, and while mucilage can be beneficial to the body, too much of it may be a bad thing and can do some damage by stimulating the growth of harmful gut bacteria. Wildcrafted sea moss, which is grown naturally, contains just the proper amount of mucilage so that this is a benefit rather than something worrisome.

4. Washed Properly

It’s not just the growth of wildcrafted sea moss that is important. It is also the harvesting and processing, as well. When the product is removed from the ocean, it obviously contains a high amount of salt water and needs to be properly washed. Some products on the market may have been washed with chemicals and preservatives that are unnatural or possibly even harmful to the body.

Wildcrafted sea moss ensures that it is washed only with fresh water so that purchasers can know that the product is clean and pure… not laden with adulterants. This is doubly true for pool grown sea moss, which already contains a high amount of additives from the growth process. Adding even more chemicals through the washing process means that purchasers are not getting the best value for the dollar. 

5. Sun Dried

After it is probably washed, all forms of sea moss need to be dried before they are turned into products to sell. Some sea moss can be dried artificially using heat lamps and other devices. Wildcrafted sea moss ensures that the product is dried as naturally as possible, which basically means it is left out for the sun to do its job.

Without any mechanical assistance, this guarantees that the product being sold is as pure and untainted as possible. The sun also gives the added benefit of allowing the sea moss to absorb even more nutrients before being packaged; nutrients that may be missed if the sea moss is dried too swiftly through artificial means.

6. Grown in Natural Habitats

Perhaps the most important attribute of wildcrafted sea moss is that it is grown in its natural habitat. Although some sea moss is farmed in the ocean rather than a pool, it is still not considered wildcrafted unless it is harvested from the tropic and region to which it is native. A great example of this is sea moss sold by Yemaya Organic, which is grown in marine protected waters off the coast of St. Lucia.

The company’s wildcrafted sea moss is sun-dried and packaged there, which a Yemaya spokesperson says, ensures that the product (which can take many forms, including gels, capsules, as well as plain packaged sea moss, itself) is delivered to the consumer in its “truest and most natural form.”

7. Environmentally Sustainable

While not a strict quality of all wildcrafted sea moss, it’s very important to note that it is usually environmentally sustainable in terms of its harvesting and processing when it is compared to the alternatives. Those quality-conscious companies who go the extra mile to market a superior product with wildcrafted sea moss are also environmentally conscious enough to make sure their product is not harmful to the area in which it is grown.

The same can’t be said for other products, which are usually grown for both scale and speed. Those two things combined can be extremely detrimental to the habitat and the environment where the sea moss is being cultivated and processed.

Other Differences Of Wildcrafted Sea Moss

While it might be difficult for those unfamiliar with wildcrafted sea moss to spot the differences between different kinds of products, it is fairly simple to differentiate something superior from something inferior. Just by looking at it, an average consumer might be able to tell that wildcrafted sea moss just looks “healthier” than pool grown. It is typically golden in color and livelier. This is compared to pool grown sea moss, which often looks bleached, salty, and packed together. When in doubt, consumers can usually research the locale from where the sea moss was harvested to determine if it is the right product for them.

Further Reading For Additional Reference:

Cleveland Clinic: What Are the Benefits of Sea Moss?

NIH: The Renaissance of Plant Mucilage in Health Promotion and Industrial Applications

SMART Vegan: Wildcrafted Sea Moss > Farm Grown > Pool Grown: How To Spot The Difference

HealthXwire: Getting Back To Sea Moss

Disclaimer

Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.