Background information
Why you need rapeseed oil in your kitchen
by Anna Sandner
Sea moss: what is this superfood used for and when is it harmful?
19.10.2023
Translation: machine translated
The red seaweed "chondrus crispus" (white seaweed) was once a staple food in Europe, then fell into oblivion and returned to our plates from Asia as a so-called superfood. What's behind sea moss?
Sea moss, also known as white wrack or Irish moss, is a red seaweed called chondrus crispus.
Tradition thousands of years old, not just in Asia
Although we perceive seaweed on the menu more as a modern trend that has swept into Europe from Asian cuisine, we have our own history with seaweed and the like. A team of researchers recently found the evidence through the analysis of tooth enamel: from southern Spain to northern Scotland, humans once regularly ate seaweed and freshwater algae.
Sea moss is found mainly in cold waters and is, for example, traditionally used in Irish cooking as a thickener (thanks to the carrageenan it contains) and as a natural remedy.
And for good reason, this seaweed is rich in vitamins (including vitamins A, C, K and B2), minerals such as iron, zinc, potassium and calcium, and antioxidants. It promotes digestive and respiratory health, boosts the immune system and prevents hypertension, neurodegenerative diseases and certain cancers.
A real superfood for your health then?
Consumed in moderation, yes. But it's best not to abuse red algae. In fact they would also have negative effects. Consumed in too large quantities, you run the risk of hypothyroidism due to the high iodine content and, depending on the harvesting region, there is also a risk of heavy metal poisoning. In addition, white wrack contains bioactive compounds, of which at least the effect of carrageenan is controversial.
Carrageenan
Carrageenan, also known as carrageenan, is a natural gelling and thickening agent extracted from white wrack and other species of red algae. It is often used in the food industry, particularly in dairy products such as yoghurts and ice creams, and in vegetarian and vegan meat substitutes. Studies on the health effects of carrageenan are unclear: some research results indicate a potentially beneficial effect on health, while others express concerns about health risks.
For example, science indicates prebiotic properties associated with improved gut health and therefore benefits to digestion and the immune system. The antioxidant effect of sea moss is also attributed to the carrageenan.
The antioxidant effect of sea moss is also attributed to the carrageenan.
However, studies suggest a link between certain types of carrageenan and intestinal inflammation. There is also evidence of an aggravation of inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. In principle, the difficulty with many studies lies in the fact that the mode of action of carrageenan is examined in animals and not in humans. It is therefore difficult to make reliable statements about the effects on humans.
Overview: superfood with doubts
All in all, then, the effects of the so-called superfood are far from clear. Red seaweed definitely contains lots of vitamins, minerals and fibre, which are good for your health. However, the effect of carrageenan is questionable. Especially when used in isolation, without the other components of the seaweed, as the food industry does. What's more, some seaweed is contaminated with harmful heavy metals. But if we pay attention to the origin of white wrack, consume all the seaweed and do so in moderation, we can enjoy its benefits.
Headline photo: Erhan Inga/Shutterstock
Science editor and biologist. I love animals and am fascinated by plants, their abilities and everything you can do with them. That's why my favourite place is always outside - somewhere in nature, preferably in my wild garden.
