IRISH MOSS, kelp and bladder wrack are traditionally used as food for centuries. Our ancestors did not know their true nutritional values and, though many of us in the medical field scoffed at their popularity among the masses, today scientists are respecting the nutrient values of these oceanic foods.

There are several types of seaweed, but Irish moss is popularly used here in Jamaica. Over 40 tonnes of Irish moss is collected and sold to drugstores, or by the wayside in specific towns by the coast. Seaweed is actually any of the large multi-celled forms of algae that live in fresh salt water along marine coastlines. One may think that seaweed is a part of the oceanic garden, but they are much different from land plants, as they lack true stems, leaves, and roots. Instead, they grow on rocks and reefs.

Seaweed offers a wealth of nutrients, as they are constantly bathed in the mineral-rich waters. They offer iodine, calcium, potassium, magnesium and small amounts of iron. They can also be a good source of protein, depending on where they are found. It is said that these sea plants are high in essential amino acids, omega-3, vitamins A and C and some of the B vitamins. Seaweed contains more vitamin B12 than beef, chicken or fish.

Studies on seaweed

In Japan, nori (a seaweed) was identified as an excellent source of bio-available vitamin B12, making it a food for vegetarians and in a form of soluble fibre that boosts the immune system.

Medicinally, seaweed is good for obesity, cellulite, hypothyroidism and cancer.

Kelp helps to bind heavy metals, according to a report from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Seaweed is a calcium absorber. If there is a problem to absorb calcium in the body, take seaweed mixed with oyster shell for calcium. This combination was used in a double blind study of 58 elderly Japanese women and it was found that bone mass and density increased significantly when 900mg of the oyster shell was taken with seaweed calcium.

Promising research has shown that seaweed has been found to inhibit the formation of cancer tumours as they stimulate T-cells in the body.

Scientists are working with algae from specific lakes to produce supplements as immuno stimulants to be taken as a dietary supplement.

Folklore recipes

For the vegetarian, this sesami-flavoured green seaweed, served cold, is a must-have at Cocoro Japanese Restaurant, Mayfair Hotel, St. Andrew. - Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer

Hair setting lotion: Boil half ounce of Irish moss to four ounces water. Strain and allow to cool. Use as a setting gel. This provides the hair with protein and body as well as a firm set.

For eczema: Wrap the wet moss around affected areas in a clean towel and leave on overnight for three nights and see the healing effect. Bathe before applying the sea moss.

Nutritious drink: Combine half pound papaw, peeled and blended, with three ounces of boiled Irish moss and linseed, adding a small packet soy milk powder, ice cubesand blend. Store in the refrigerator.

This is a tasty form of nutrient taken by our ancestors, and yet, it is so cheap. It is important that the weed is harvested properly to encourage regrowth for these nutrients of the ocean.