Irish Moss Health Concerns
Go figure, I finally jump onto the Irish Moss train, which has been touted as a super food in the raw food community for years, only to wake up to a weekly email in my in-box from Dr. Andrew Weil warning about the dangers of carrageenan. What does this have to do with Irish Moss? Carrageenan is extracted from Irish Moss.
Alarmed, I started digging and emailing. I even went to the woman who is considered to be the one of the top experts in carrageenan research, Dr. Joanne Tobacman of the University of Illinois. Dr. Tobacman has been studying the effects of carrageenan for over a decade.
It seems that carrageenan can cause inflammation (one of our greatest enemies) and intestinal distress. Even more alarming, when carrageenan is extracted from the irish moss, this form of carrageenan has been associated with human cancers.
But wait, haven’t we all read about the wonderful health benefits of Irish Moss? Isn’t it supposed to be great for us? I wondered if there was a difference between consuming Irish Moss in it’s whole form vs an extraction, the carrageenan.
I asked Dr. Tobacman if we needed to be concerned with consuming Irish Moss in it’s whole form. While the extraction is the most dangerous form (and widely found in many organic and non-organic products for sale), Dr. Tobacman stated, “When we tested Irish moss, we found that it also caused inflammation, similar to the effect of the derived carrageenan. The degree of inflammation was less, probably due to reduced availability of the carrageenan, due to the other ingredients in the seaweed. The answer to your question is yes, I think that Irish moss should be avoided, due to the likelihood that the carrageenan in the Irish moss will lead to inflammation.”
So there you have it. Armed with that information, you will not see Irish Moss used in any more recipes designated for consumption on this website. I am also redoing the Lemon Raspberry Souffle Tart that I published last week, replacing Irish Moss on the ingredient list.
Because of the prevalence of carrageenan in so many of the products that we use, including many organic varieties, I am including some links that I think are important for you to visit to educate yourselves on this dangerous food additive.
Dr. Tobacman’s studies can be viewed here: Studies on Carrageenan (these are published medical studies)
Another excellent, easier to read article by Rodal Press: Carrageenan, The Natural Ingredient that is Wrecking Your Gut
From the Cornucopia Institute: Carrageenan: Linked to Gastrointestinal Inflammation and Colon Cancer This article also discusses the attempts to get carrageenan removed from organic foods and the push-back the ensued.
After researching, reading and communicating with Dr. Tobacman, I would suggest that you remove Irish Moss from your raw food pantry and also make sure you look for carrageenan on your food labels and avoid it. Cornucopia has compiled a list of food producers that use carrageenan and those who don’t. You can find that list here: Shopping Guide to Avoid Carrageenan.
ms_svelte wrote on March 24, 2014
I dont take irish moss, im just researching it. However, it seems that Susan has made her mind up and the relevant facts arent important to her (ie. you cant extract. modify and change a substance yet still think that may not have an adverse effect on it.).
Id suggest those that are commenting, not; as it seems that it is only encouraging Susan to dig her heels in the sand further.
btw, I just came across your blog, and yes I know its YOUR blog. then again, its a blog….hence me posting my observation.
keith wrote on March 14, 2014
I scrolled threw the studies & could not find one associated with the whole irish moss being used to conduct the study, have you found it?
All I am finding is the extract. Wiki also describes 3 different extraction methods, some are done with isopropanol or by potassium chloride and all use alcohol. These studies sound much to vague & non specific to the sources use to make any definite conclusions! They also call the refined carrageenan “degraded carrageenan” (poligeenan) in food-grade carrageenan may lead to health problems. Just saying, some research is conducted to mislead people as to avoid the things that are best for us. There are some seriously twisted agendas out there. I don’t even use it, but I am still willing to try it especially since it’s being bashed so much, this to me shows it’s most likely actually so good they needed to do a smear campaign against it lol
zuzana wrote on February 26, 2014
hello!! i really appreciate you anseer all those comments. i love your site 🙂
Ursula wrote on February 15, 2014
You may want to check what Elaina Love has to say in her article
> http://elainalove.com/2012/10/13/the-buzz-about-irish-moss/
Susan wrote on February 15, 2014
I have read what Elaina Love has to say. I don’t agree. I have done my own research. Different sites, different opinions. Cheers!
Scott wrote on February 9, 2014
Here is the question I have, as a long time user of sea moss;
How much use result in cancer?
So, if I use a couple tablespoons boiled moss in my banana and pineapple smoothie as a pick me up ever other month
Am I in danger of cancer? I would suggest not.
In my experience, the health benefits and stamina are and will always be undisputed.
How many natural foods cause cancer? Is it maybe a bad batch from a bad source? Something man made
The moss absorbed?
TOL Raw Food Instructor wrote on February 1, 2014
Carrageenan:
There have been health concerns with the food additive “carrageenan gum” which is derived from Irish moss. This additive is found in ice creams, syrups, sauces, and many commercially packaged, highly processed foods. It is not the same as consuming pure Irish moss. Yes, carrageenan gum does come from Irish moss. But carageenan is heated and concentrated Irish Moss that is then highly processed into chemical form. Carageenan has lost the nutritional value of Irish Moss and makes it a health hazard.
You understand that this is the same as sugar cane undergoing the chemical refining process to make it white sugar.
Everyday there is another product that has to be removed from the RAW pantry. I studied at Gabrirl Cousins TreeOf Life, personally I can’t stand self righteous people spreading the word, when scientifically they honestly can’t tell you that they are a hundred percent sure that they know the word they are spreading is true!
Health Benefits:
Has a soothing effect on the mucous membranes throughout the body. It has a softening effect on the tissues and helps many respiratory problems including bronchitis and pneumonia.
Soothes the mucous membranes of the digestive tract and also has a mild laxative effect.
Contains antioxidants to help fight free radicals
Has a large array of ionic minerals. Iodine being one mineral that supports your thyroid and many problems associated with poor thyroid function including fatigue, inability to tolerate cold, slow heart rate, low metabolism, poor skin and hair, etc.
Used externally, it softens and soothes the skin. Put it on your wrinkles and any dark circles under your eyes! It also eases sunburn, chapped skin, eczema, psoriasis, and other rashes.
I cant say hand on my heart that i have scientifically tested the above health benefits, however The health benefits of Irish Moss I can personally vouch for. I am currently nursing one of the healthiest babies of her peers and since I gave birth I have made a raw Irish moss smoothie everyday to encourage my breast milk production. I have a very healthy supply and have just run out of Irish Moss my milk supply has decreased, now I am eagerly waiting for another delivery. This article will not sway my opinion as I trust my body more than I trust these studies. Since fasting and tuning into my body I know what I should be putting in and on my body and does not feel good.
Susan wrote on February 1, 2014
“I can’t stand self righteous people spreading the word, when scientifically they honestly can’t tell you that they are a hundred percent sure that they know the word they are spreading is true!”
Interesting. I honestly don’t think of myself as being “self-righteous”. But you are entitled to your opinion and your Irish moss. It is no longer in my kitchen. I am not “spreading the word” I am sharing scientific research that I have come across.
To each their own. But please, try to keep the name calling off of here. It makes me weary.
Kay wrote on December 31, 2013
*carageenan was meant to used here.
Kay wrote on December 31, 2013
I too just ‘discovered ‘ that many populations have been taking irish moss for eons. It is a joke that one scientist stated that in its raw form it is not advised since the amount of carageen is inconclusive. Why is his word alone enough (enough though he is unsure about the raw form). What other research did the writer come upon? This is not told to us. All the info online about carageen is that its released when the moss is boiled. And, since bowel issues are the only concern here. Then surely those without these issues don’t have a problem. It does seem alarmist to saw you are done with Irish moss.
marie garay wrote on December 23, 2013
Can you send me the recipe for the face mask with Irish moss, thank you.