Do you know what purple sea moss is? This rare and unique plant contains powerful antioxidants. It can be found in dark, moist environments, and if you’re looking for a healthy source of life-enhancing nutrients, then look no further!
What’s purple sea moss?
Purple sea moss, or purple dulse, is a seaweed with high levels of anthocyanins, giving fruits and vegetables their blue/purple color. These molecules are powerful antioxidants that result in stronger bones, a healthier heart, lower inflammation, and may protect against cancers.
It turns out that not all alga is the same. The gold, purple, and green mosses differ in important ways. Continue reading, and you will learn how these mosses differ and what makes them similar.
Sea Moss (General)
This nutrient-dense alga, also called Irish moss, contains 90 percent of the minerals and vitamins your body requires for normal function. It can have a variety of colors and textures.
Although all alga has the same health benefits and may be used in similar ways, various hues have Phytonutrients that give them certain advantages.
Phytonutrients
Phytonutrients are compounds in plants that are the cause of their color. They also play a role in plant defense against pests and disease, and they can influence human health when consumed.
While each color of alga has individual benefits, all colors are rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and immune system supporters.
Antioxidant
An antioxidant is a molecule that slows the oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals and harmful byproducts. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and may help protect cells from damage.
Free Radicals
Free radicals are molecules that have an unpaired electron. This makes them unstable and reactive, and they can damage cells. Free radicals are produced during oxidation, a chemical reaction when molecules are exposed to oxygen.
Cellular Damage
Cellular damage is the result of free radical damage to cells. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells. Cellular damage can lead to inflammation, premature aging, and disease.
Inflammation
Inflammation causes swelling, redness, and pain. Swelling and redness are the body’s response to cellular damage. Chronic inflammation can lead to arthritis, cancer, and heart disease.
Nutrient Density of Wild Harvest Sea Moss
- Vitamins: A, C, E, K
- Minerals: calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, sulfur
- Amino acids: glycine, alanine
Organic vs. Wildcrafted Sea Moss
Organic sea moss is grown in mineral-rich waters and is free of poisons used to ward off pests and unwanted plants. Wildcrafted alga is collected from the wild.
While both types of sea moss are nutritious, organic alga may have higher minerals and vitamins because it is grown in mineral-rich waters. Wildcrafted sea moss may be exposed to pollutants and chemicals, so it is vital to choose organic sea moss.
Wildcrafted vs. Farmed Sea Moss
While both purple and green sea moss are rich in nutrients and antioxidants, wildcrafted purple moss is the superior choice.
Wildcrafted purple sea alga is hand-harvested from the Atlantic Ocean and sun-dried on rocks. This traditional method of harvesting and drying sea moss preserves its nutrients and allows it to retain its purple color.
Farmed purple moss is grown in artificial ponds and is often bleached to remove impurities.
Gold Sea Moss
This is the most common color of alga. It is rich in carotenoids, which are plant pigments that convert to Vitamin A in the body and act as antioxidants. Gold Sea Moss is also a good source of beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
[Also read What Is The Best Way To Take Sea Moss: Capsules, Dried or Gel?]
Beta-Carotene
Beta-carotene is a pigment that gives fruits and vegetables their orange color. It’s a type of carotenoid, which is a powerful antioxidant. Beta-carotene can also be converted into Vitamin A in the body and found in carrots.
Lutein
Lutein is a pigment that gives fruits and vegetables their yellow color. It’s a type of carotenoid, which is a powerful antioxidant. Lutein can also be found in green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale.
Zeaxanthin
Zeaxanthin is a pigment that gives fruits and vegetables their orange color. It’s a type of carotenoid, which is a powerful antioxidant. Zeaxanthin can also be found in the macula, the part of the eye responsible for central vision.
Golden Sea Moss Cultivation
Gold Moss is cultivated in the Caribbean and the Atlantic Ocean. It grows on rocks or coral and can be found in shallow water.
Green Sea Moss
Green alga is rich in chlorophyll, a pigment that gives plants their green color. Chlorophyll is a powerful antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also been shown to boost the immune system.
Chlorophyll
Chlorophyll is a type of carotenoid which is a powerful antioxidant. Chlorophyll is important for maintaining healthy vision, skin, and bones, and it can also be found in green leafy vegetables.
Green Sea Moss Cultivation
Green alga is cultivated in the wild and can be found on rocks or in shallow water. It’s also common in the Caribbean and the Atlantic Ocean.
Red Sea Moss
Red alga is rich in lycopene, a pigment that gives fruits and vegetables their red color. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also been shown to protect against heart disease and some types of cancer.
Lycopene is a type of carotenoid which is a powerful antioxidant. It can also be found in tomatoes and watermelons.
Red Sea Moss Cultivation
Red sea alga is grown in the Caribbean and South America. The purple variety is found in Jamaica and Dominica.
Purple Sea Moss
Purple alga is rich in anthocyanins, which are plant pigments that give fruits and vegetables their purple color. Anthocyanins are powerful antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties. They’re also linked to health benefits such as stronger bones, a healthier heart, and lower swelling and redness.
[Also read Irish Sea Moss VS St. Lucia Sea Moss: Which Is Better For You?]
Anthocyanins
Anthocyanins are linked to health benefits such as stronger bones, a healthier heart, and lower inflammation. Anthocyanins can also be found in blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries.
Purple Sea Moss Cultivation
Purple Sea alga is a wildcrafted moss found in the Caribbean and North America. It’s a type of algae that grows on rocks in saltwater. It is rare to find and dry in a dark room to avoid losing its unique color and benefits.
Purple Sea Moss Preparation
Purple Sea alga is prepared by soaking it in water for 24 hours. After it has soaked, it is rinsed and dried in a dark room to preserve its color. When it is dry, it can be used in smoothies, soups, or teas or soaked and blended to make purple sea moss gel.
Eating Raw Purple Sea Moss
Raw purple alga is not recommended as it can contain harmful bacteria. It can expand in the stomach and cause indigestion. It’s also important to soak purple sea moss before consuming it.
Gold Moss vs. Green Moss
While gold and green alga are rich in carotenoids, green moss has a higher chlorophyll concentration. Chlorophyll is a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also been shown to boost the immune system. Green moss is more commonly found in the wild. Gold moss is cultivated in the Caribbean and Atlantic oceans. Gold moss is brighter in color due to beta-carotene.
Purple vs. Gold & Green Moss
While purple, gold, and green alga all contain carotenoids, purple moss is the only type containing anthocyanins.
While all three colors of sea moss are beneficial, purple sea moss is the most nutrient-dense.
Purple Sea Moss Benefits
While purple sea alga is the most nutrient-dense, all three colors of sea moss are beneficial. Purple moss is rich in anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties. Purple moss is also a good source of vitamins A, C, and E and potassium, selenium, and magnesium.
Choose a high-quality product to get the most benefit from purple sea alga. The moss color may vary, but the benefits remain the same in high-quality products. Look for purple sea moss that is organic, wildcrafted, and sustainably sourced. Avoid processed or treating with chemicals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is purple sea moss better for you?
While purple alga is the most nutrient-dense, all three colors of sea moss are beneficial.
How are anthocyanins produced?
Plants produce anthocyanins as a response to stress. They’re often found in fruits and vegetables that are exposed to sunlight.
Why does sea moss have color at all?
The color of alga is due to the presence of carotenoids. Carotenoids are pigments that give fruits and vegetables their color. They’re also powerful antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties.
Disclaimer: This content is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website.