6 benefits of seaweed and whether it is worth the hype

Sea moss is a type of red algae that naturally occurs on the shores of the North Atlantic. Also known as red algae, Irish moss or Chondrus crispusseaweed is often harvested and used to extract carrageenan, an ingredient that acts as a thickener, stabilizer, and binder in products such as almond milk, ice cream, deli meats, and more.
Recently, seaweed has seen a surge in popularity and has even been touted as a superfood for skin and gut health on TikTok and social media. However, it has actually been around for quite some time. In fact, it has been used for thousands of years as a natural remedy for everything from diarrhea to dysentery, and added to herbal teas to help fight a cold 1. It is interesting that in Ireland during potato famine2 1800s.
Sea moss has a mild flavor that is often described as earthy and slightly salty. When consumed fresh, it has a soft gel-like texture, while dried seaweed creates a light crunch. However, it is not often eaten alone and is usually combined with other ingredients to reduce the taste.