Chondrus Crispus/ Irish Moss
Chondrus crispus, Irish moss is a species of red algae that grows in the cool Atlantic waters along the rocky coastlines of Europe and North America. It's also popular in Jamaica. Exceptionally rich in nutrients and antioxidants, Irish moss is quickly gaining a reputation as the next big superfood, in line behind kale, blueberries, and fish rich in omega-3s.
The healthful properties of Irish moss include Vitamins A, E, F and K, calcium, potassium, and sulfur. It is also a naturally occurring source of iodine, which can be difficult to include in one’s diet through food alone (making iodized salt the most common source), and is especially important for supporting healthy thyroid functioning.
Rich in potassium chloride, Irish moss can work wonders for congestion and mucous and holds anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties.
It is considered the seaweed which helps to cure bladder disorders, halitosis, bronchitis, intestinal disorders, glandular problems, swollen joints, thyroid conditions, lung difficulties, tumors, tuberculosis and ulcers. The studies shows that Irish moss possess anti-viral properties which help to counteract with viruses and Influenza B.
Treats anemia
Anemia is the result of low presence of hemoglobin and red blood cells in the body because low amount of oxygen in transported in the body. Anemia results to low level of energy and also affects the body parts such as low immunity and poor brain function. WHO has evaluated that about half of the anemia cases in the world is caused due to the deficiency of iron.
Provides energy
Iron assists to transport oxygen to the cells. It also assists the metabolic enzyme process that is essential to absorb nutrients and digest proteins from the food. Due to this iron deficiency leads to the exhaustion, sluggish symptoms and problem in being active.
The deficiency results to mood changes, low concentration and problem in the muscle coordination. Iron is required for the movement of muscles as it assist in the oxygen storage in the muscles that helps to strengthen and movement.
Cognitive health
Iron is essential to support the functions of brain as it supplies oxygen to the brain. About 20% of the oxygen is used by the brain. The deficiency of iron leads to mental or memory problems. In the children and infants, the iron deficiency can result to cognitive abnormalities and psychomotor as well as problem in learning.
Assist growth
The deficiency of iron delays in the motor function which helps to connect thoughts, movement, activities, processing and learning new information.
Pregnancy
During pregnancy, iron deficiency increases the chances of premature birth and underweight newborn. Premature born suffers from various health problems such as cognitive development and delay growth. So it is advised to consume adequate amount of iron rich foods. The study shows that the women with high intake of iron supplements lower the chances of low weight of new born by 8.4 percent.
Enhance immunity
Iron is required for the absorption of nutrients and digestion as it plays a vital role in the process of metabolic enzymes. Additionally, iron transports oxygen to the damaged areas such as damaged organs, tissues and cells which have the high chances of developing disease or infection.
Enhances mood
Neurotransmitter functions depend on the adequate amount of iron in the blood that assist to maintain the positive mood. The mood also depends on the hormone balance such as dopamine, serotonin and other hormones that cannot be properly synthesized in brain due to low presence of oxygen levels. Due to this it results bad sleep, poor mood, low level of energy as well as motivation problems.