Trying to get in shape or working hard to pump up? Whatever your motivation, you know that commitment is key to success. But let’s face it — there are days when getting off the couch feels impossible.
It’s okay if it’s a day or two, but it is an issue worth considering if you’re feeling nauseous just thinking about the gym.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to reclaim your champion mood and energy today. As a case in point, sea moss and mental health may create a powerful duo for you, unlocking a potential you’ve never expected from yourself.
So how does sea moss help with mental health and what can it bring to your athletic performance? Here’s what the evidence suggests.
What Is Sea Moss Gel?
Centuries ago, during times of hardship in Ireland, especially when crops failed, this red seaweed became a reliable source of nutrition, helping communities survive tough times.
Later it earned a reputation in traditional medicine as a natural fix for nearly everything from digestive issues to colds. People blended it into soups, drinks, and tonics, relying on its impressive nutrients.
Today, sea moss is still very cherished and widely used in all possible forms, yet a gel from it is the most sought-after. Why? The thing is, while being soothing and hydrating for your guts, sea moss in gel form retains most of its valuable nutritional content.
What’s In Sea Moss Gel?
Let’s understand the value of sea moss by exploring its incredible nutrients. According to the research, here are some of the key nutrients sea moss can boast:
- Magnesium. Known for calming the nervous system, it helps ease stress and promote restful recovery.
- B-complex vitamins. These are the unsung heroes of energy production, turning your meals into fuel for your brain and body.
- Vitamins A, C, E, and K. Potent antioxidants that combat oxidative stress, helping to protect your cells and keep your performance sharp.
- Zinc and selenium. Essential for a strong immune system and reducing inflammation, they also support recovery after strenuous activity.
But what truly sets sea moss apart is its unique profile of essential amino acids — the building blocks your body needs to thrive.
Why Do Amino Acids Matter?
Amino acids are vital for nearly every aspect of physical and mental performance. Somehow, this seaweed managed to fit in all of the existing essential amino acids and some extras! Let’s take a glimpse at them.
- Arginine. An ally in supporting blood flow and circulation. Also boosts collagen production.
- Citrulline. Is crucial for sustained energy, motivation, and performance.
- Glutamic acid. Plays a key role in your brain work and helps you concentrate.
- Glycine. Known for its calming effects, it also protects your muscles from injuries.
- Histidine. Helps your muscles repair quicker, while also powering your immunity.
- Isoleucine. Helps you regain your energy faster.
- Leucine. Essential for your muscle growth.
- Lysine. Supports collagen production, promoting healthier skin and faster muscle tissue repairs.
- Proline. Enhances tissue repair and hydration, contributing to both skin health and recovery.
- Taurine. Makes you more enduring and increases your stamina, while also supporting your heart health.
What Does Sea Moss Bring To Your Well-Being?
Sea moss benefits go beyond athletic performance and mental health. Many of those who take sea moss for months and years point out incredible changes, like alleviated chronic pains, reduced mucus, and even hormonal balance.
Let’s take a look at the most common health changes this superfood may bring.
- May support your immunity. The indispensable selenium, zinc, and vitamins in sea moss may help boost your immune system by promoting the production of infection-fighting cells.
- Might aid digestion. Irish moss contains carrageenan, which, along with magnesium, may help soothe the digestive tract and support your guts.
- Might enhance your skin. Vitamins A, E, and C, along with zinc, may help you achieve a brighter complexion and clearer skin.
- May promote joint and muscle recovery. Glycine, proline, and magnesium all may aid in repairing tissues and reducing inflammation.
- May improve cardiovascular health. Potassium and magnesium of sea moss may help regulate blood pressure, while amino acids like arginine may support vascular health by promoting nitric oxide production.
Now, is sea moss also good for mental health as for your body? Packed with amino acids, it can influence your neurotransmitters, resulting in lots of benefits.
How Does Mental Health Affect Your Athletic Performance?
If the link between mental health and workouts makes no sense to you, it’s understandable. Moreover, physical activity is, usually, a solution to bad mood and anxiety.
It might not be obvious at first, but conditions like depression may, at the very least, affect your motivation, leading to a less productive workout and increasing the risk of injuries during sessions.
What Sea Moss Brings To Your Health?
Does sea moss help with depression? While it probably won’t completely cure depression — mood swings, anxiety, and lack of motivation are something sea moss might aid with. Let’s take a look at how sea moss and mental health exactly work together.
1. More stable mood
The amino acids arginine and glycine in Irish sea moss support the production of neurotransmitters that help stabilize mood swings. Such balance may help reduce stress and make workouts more enjoyable.
2. Enhanced focus
Glutamic acid plays a critical role in brain work, especially in neurotransmission. By keeping your mind sharp, sea moss may help you concentrate on your goals and stay productive throughout your workout and day.
3. Supported nervous system
It is known that stress is harmful to your health, but it can also affect your muscle-gaining work. Taurine and glycine may help modulate the nervous system, potentially lowering cortisol levels, and hence supporting your body’s ability to recover both mentally and physically.
4. Enhanced sleep
Sleep deprivation is a fertile ground for depression. A quality night’s rest is essential for mental clarity, mood stability, and workout recovery, while glycine and tryptophan may help improve your sleep cycle by promoting melatonin production.
5. Increased motivation
Motivation vanishes first when depression knocks on your door. Luckily, leucine from sea moss may provide sustained energy that can boost your motivation, whether for productive workouts or simple daily tasks.
6. Better memory
Glutamic acid, crucial for cognitive health, supports learning and memory retention. It also may benefit both mental tasks and muscle memory. This way, you can stay focused for longer, achieving more in your workout sessions.
7. More effective “cool-downs”
Histidine and proline, known for their anti-inflammatory effects, may help your body reduce stress caused by cortisol that stems from intense exercise. This will not only help you feel balanced and capable but also prevent you from losing your muscle progress.
8. Boosted brain performance
Taurine acts as a neuroprotective agent, helping your brain process information quickly. This boost can improve your response times and problem-solving skills during workouts or high-pressure moments at your work or study.
9. Happier you
Sea moss contains tyrosine, which supports dopamine production and may enhance feelings of satisfaction and happiness. This way, you can increase your enjoyment of physical activities and more willingly stick to your fitness routine.
10. Burn-out protection
Last but not least, aspartic acid found in Irish moss may assist in creating cellular energy, helping you reduce the exhaustion that can come with long workdays or demanding workouts. This way, sea moss keeps your body and mind ready for action, as if you were a superhero.
Notice that while sea moss provides plenty of mental benefits, it won’t replace a trained specialist. If you struggle with constant low mood, lack of motivation, or anxiety, make sure to consult a professional. You deserve to feel happy.
What’s The Best Way To Consume Sea Moss?
Now, how do you get the most out of sea moss gel? Well, the most effective tactic would be committing to the superfood for at least two weeks. But there are some more life hacks to follow along for better results.
- Eat it as it is. For that occasion, try True Sea Moss gels. They are sugar-free and sweetened with natural fruits, which makes them perfect for extra antioxidants and fiber. Besides, their gels are delicious!
- Eat it after the workout. This way you can help your body replenish the resources that were “lost” during the workout and prevent the destruction of your muscle mass.
- Infuse your smoothies. It’s a convenient way to power up your smoothie or shake with valuable nutrients.
- Don’t skip. Let your body get used to sea moss and let sea moss impact your organism as much as possible.
- Consult a dietitian. You can’t be too careful with what you consume, so checking up with your healthcare professional is a smart move.
Conclusion
Whether you’re hitting the gym, focusing on work, or just looking to feel more motivated, sea moss gel offers a simple, natural way to support your goals. Just remember to pair it with a healthy lifestyle and consult a specialist if you’re navigating deeper mental health challenges. After all, your well-being is always worth the investment.