Hey there, curious readers! Let’s dive into an exciting part of Mother Nature’s treasure chest – sea moss; Ever wondered whether you can take it during pregnancy? Well, you’re not alone.
Sea moss is a type of seaweed that is mostly used in food and medical concoctions. There have been a lot of talks on how healthy this vegan gluten-free seafood is lately.
But then, just like cycling on a bike without training wheels, sometimes some foods may seem exciting, but can also make you so unsure, especially when there’s a baby on the way.
So, should moms-to-be add sea moss to their diets or skip it? This article seeks to unravel everything you need to know about this topic.
Find out if this seaweed type is safe during pregnancy or not. Put on your explorer hat and let’s get started!
First and foremost let us consider what it is and its nutritional benefits. Continue reading to find out.
What Is Sea Moss?
People usually refer to see moss as Irish moss. This moss animal is a type of red seaweed, which has its scientific name as Chondrus Crispus.
You’ll usually find it growing along the Atlantic coasts of North America and most of the European countries.
Infact, sea moss comes in different types with colors ranging from red, yellow to purple. There are green types too, but they are typically rare.
This moss animal is often taken in the naturally, as supplements in a powder or capsule form. In supplements, it is sometimes combined with other beneficial items like spirulina to boost immunity and promote gut health.
What is the nutritional information of sea moss?
Now, let’s delve into the nutritional facts of sea moss. A serving of about 4 tablespoons of this seaweed contains;
- Calories: 10
- Proteins: 0.5g
- Carbs: 3G
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Calcium: contributes 1% of your daily value
- Irons: 10% of your daily value
- Magnessium: 7% of your daily value
These Nutritional values may vary depending on the type of seaweed you had and the method of cooking you used.
Overall, although it doesn’t offer huge amounts of nutrients per serving, it can contribute to your daily nutrition, especially when it comes to iron and magnesium.
Can You Take Sea Moss During Pregnancy?
If you’re wondering whether you can take sea moss while pregnant, then I have this good news for you. Of course, you can eat it, but should check your intake.
This nutrient-dense vegan gluten-free food comes with some potential benefits both to your and your baby.
However, just like I said, you should be mindful on the amounts you take in. It Is known that it may contain moderate to high levels of heavy metals depending on where it is grown and harvested.
And you know, heavy metals can affect your baby’s brain development and to the extreme cases cause miscarriage or stillbirth.
This shouldn’t deter you anyway. You should go ahead and eat it as the benefits far outweigh the downsides but check your intake!
Benefits Of Sea Moss For Pregnant Women
There are a lot of health benefits of this moss animal. Let’s unravel them;
- Maintains thyroid function: The iodine in sea moss will give you the perfect thyroid function you body requires. Iodine is also important in boosting the secretion of amniotic fluid during pregnancy, and this is very well needed especially during and after your third trimester.
- Reduction of birth defects of the brain and spine: This gluten-free superfood is rich in B9 vitamins that are helpful in reducing risks of some defects at birth. Additionally, they are needed to help the growth of your child’s spine and brain, making him as brilliant as you would ever want him to.
- Alleviate that re-occurring morning: It is common for pregnant women to feel sick every other morning through your journey. Sea moss has been linked to treating morning sickness in pregnancy and so when you incorporate it into your diet, you can be sure of getting better.
- Enhance heart health: Seaweed has also been shown to help the regulation of blood pressure levels. It is good to eat it to reduce cardiac workload during this journey.
- Contribute to mental health: I understand how pregnancy may come about with fluctuating emotions including sadness, depression and anxiety. Yes, its normal. When you eat balanced meals incorporating seaweed, it can help to reduce these emotions.
- Helps Digestion: Indigestion is a common problem in pregnancy. This is because your body naturally have to slow digestion sometimes just to nourish your baby. While this could be a natural process, it can result in bloating and gurgling water sounds in your belly. By eating sea moss, you keep digestion in check.
- Promotes skin health: It has always been the duty of vitamins to ensure healthy skin which are free from rashes and infections. The superb vitamin content in this seafood goes a long way to ensure this, maintaining that glowing skin, not only for you, but the little bump.
- Boosts immunity: Antioxidants and antiviral properties of this algae type is sure enhance your immune system and keep you fit.
While you enjoy the benefits of this food, you should be sure to check your intake as it may likely come with some risks because of the heavy metal contamination.
Let’s see some downsides of eating too much sea moss just to remind you, so you don’t overindulge.
Potential Side Effects Of Consuming Too Much Sea Moss
Some effects you’re likely to face when you binge on sea moss include;
Allergic reactions
You may show allergic reactions to this irish moss and you may not even know. Some allergies it may come with include itching, hives and sometimes difficulty in breathing.
You’re likely to experience these when you overeat it. Talk to your doctor when these symptoms become persistent.
Thyroid issues
While sea moss will enrich you with the required iodine your body needs, it is important to know that iodine is only needed in smaller quantities in your body.
As such, overindulging in it will cause too much iodine in your body which is linked to thyroid disorders.
Diarrhea or stomach upset
You’re likely to face these issues coupled with some other gastrointestinal issues when you overeat sea moss. The possibe heavy metal contaminations has been linked to this effect.
May interact with certain medications
When you’re already on medications like blood thinners or some pressure drugs, you should strictly check your intake as it may negatively interact with these and impact negatively on your health and the baby’s.
To minimize the risk of side effects, it is essential to consume sea moss in moderation and to consult with a healthcare provider if you have any health concerns or are taking medications.
How Much Sea Moss Can You Take During Pregnancy?
While I keep advising that you check your intake, one question that could keep you wondering is how much of it to take.
There isn’t any evidenced research on how much sea moss pregnant women can take, however per the current study on the its consumption, the recommended intake of nutrients like iodine varies per person, with a pregnant woman needing about 290mcg compared to the average person’s 220mcg.
However, keep in mind that nutrient needs and recommendations can differ greatly even among pregnant women based on factors like pre-existing medical conditions and pregnancy stages.
Plus, the nutrient content in it can vary based on its type and how it’s prepared. Because of these factors, it’s not easy to pinpoint an exact universal dosage for sea moss during pregnancy.
That being said, pregnant women are generally advised to consume seaweed, and any other iodine-rich supplement in moderation. Eating it once a week or thrice a month should be fine with the average pregnant woman.
Having known the amount or the quantity that can be taken, let me take you through how you can take the form or the sea moss recipes for pregnant women. The answer is just below:
Sea Moss Recipes For Expectant Moms
Below are some recipes that can be enjoyed during pregnancy
- Smoothie: You can blend sea moss gel with your favorite fruits like bananas, berries, and mangoes, along with a liquid of your choice such as water, almond milk, or coconut water.
- Pudding: If you want to enjoy pudding, then you can combine sea moss gel with almond milk, natural sweeteners such as maple syrup or dates, and flavorings like vanilla extract or cinnamon. Refrigerate until it thickens and forms a pudding-like consistency.
- Salad: Just add small pieces of soaked and rinsed seaweed to your favorite salad for added texture and nutritional benefits to enjoy.
- Açai Bowl: This is a nutrient-dense berry bowl usually made vibrant with a spoonful of sea moss gel. Simply top with granola, bananas, and other fruits.
- Soup: A comforting soup made with bone broth or vegetable broth, assorted veggies, and seasoned to taste. Enriched with sea mos gel for added nutrients.
- Almond Milk: A simple, homemade almond milk flavored with dates and enriched with sea moss gel for an extra health boost.
- Tea: A hot beverage made by dissolving the gel in hot water, sweetened with honey or agave, and flavored with cinnamon or ginger.
- Salad Dressing: A healthy and nutrient-rich salad dressing made by blending sea moss gel with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs.
- Popsicles: Healthy, homemade popsicles made from a blend of seaweed gel, coconut milk, and fruits of choice. Naturally sweet and refreshing.
Can I Take Sea Moss Instead Of Prenatal Vitamins?
It is natural to wonder if you can substitute your prenatals for sea moss because you may have read about it overly containing vitamins.
Yes, sea moss contains several all the nutrients that will support your pregnancy may even be compared to prenatal vitamins, but the actual fact is, you can not replace it with your prenatal vitamins.
It is a natural source of vitamins, minerals, folic acid and iodine. But, prenatal vitamins are particularly formulated to meet your dietary needs while expecting.
It is essential to discuss with your obstetrician and follow their recommendations regarding prenatal supplements.
What Is The Best Sea Moss For Expectant Mothers?
The best type of seaweed for pregnancy may depend on your personal preference, as several kinds are popular due to their nutrient content.
Some of the most favored types include Irish sea moss harvested from the Atlantic Ocean, and Jamaican type (Gracilaria) commonly found in the Caribbean.
All types of seaweed contain sufficient amounts of iodine, which is vital for pregnant women. However, it’s necessary to note that while these can supplement a healthy diet during pregnancy, you can not replace it for a well-rounded diet or prenatal vitamins
Keep in mind that heavy metals, like mercury, can be absorbed from the ocean by sea vegetables and so when choosing, go for ones from reputable sources that offer high-quality and wild-harvested ones.
Make sure that it has been properly cleaned and free from contaminants. It is also ideal to choose organic sea moss to minimize the risk of exposure to pesticides or other chemicals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
In conclusion, pregnancy is a stage of life that requires the utmost care and attention to nutrition. Sea moss, a nutrient-dense sea vegetable, is a potential supplement you can consider during this precious life phase.
It can provide several nutritional benefits and should be taken in moderation during pregnancy.
However, it is important to know that while sea moss is rich in essential nutrients, you cannot substitute it for a balanced diet or physician-prescribed prenatal vitamins.
For some reasons, which include its rich iodine profile, you should not binge on it.
Pregnant women may have varying nutritional needs and hence, the need to talk to your healthcare professional before making any new addition to your diet or taking any supplement regimen.
References:
WebMd (Sea Moss, Uses, Side effects & More) & National Institute Of Health (A survey of dietary supplement use during pregnancy at an academic medical center)
