Sea Moss vs. Ashwagandha | Differences & Benefits

Natural remedies and health aids have gained a lot of status in recent years, with herbal supplements to help with everything from digestion to proper sleep cycles.

Among them, substances like sea moss and ashwagandha are gaining prominence for their reported health benefits.

Sea moss is considered useful for lowering bad cholesterol and slowing the onset of chronic conditions like diabetes. Ashwagandha is known for its effects in calming brain activity, along with supporting the immune system.

This article looks at the effects and side effects of both herbal remedies, as well as which might be a better choice for those wishing to improve their health.

What is Sea Moss?

Sea moss is a type of red algae, found primarily in the waters of the Atlantic.

Originally, it was harvested to produce carrageenan, a thickening agent in dairy products like ice cream.

Now, sea moss is available in pil, gel, and gummy form, as a health supplement.

What Benefits Does Sea Moss Offer?

Sea moss offers a number of potential benefits, though medical professionals say the effectiveness of sea moss has not been fully tested and verified.

However, there is agreement among members of the health community that sea moss can provide the following:

Plenty of Fiber: Sea moss has plenty of fiber, which can help with gut health, digestion, and weight loss.

Heart Healthy: Sea moss can help you control your blood sugar and lower your overall cholesterol. Both of these factors can help slow or prevent the onset of chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease.

Plenty of Iodine: Iodine is a key component in ensuring a healthy thyroid.

Supports Gut Health: There are natural bacteria in sea moss that can assist in digestion and gut health.

Muscle Building and Recovery: Sea moss has protein in it that can help build muscle, but also an amino acid called taurine, which is known for giving energy and boosting muscle recovery.

What Are the Potential Drawbacks of Sea Moss Consumption?

For all its benefits, there are some downsides to adding sea moss to your diet.

Too Much Iodine: A little iodine is a good thing, but too much can lead to hyperthyroidism.

Taste and Texture: Sea moss tastes fishy, and the texture isn’t the best either – somewhat slimy. Not the best for those who might struggle with their gag reflex

Too Much Fiber: It might be hard to get too much fiber, but there can be complications if you do.

Potential Heavy Metal Contaminations: Sea moss can absorb heavy metals from the water in which it grows if the water it grows in is contaminated. Consumption of too many heavy metal contaminants can result in health problems.

What is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is an evergreen shrub from Asia and Africa. It’s long been used as part of Indian natural healing remedies.

Ashwagandha is commonly held to be an adaptogen, which can reduce the effects of stress on the body.

What Benefits Does Ashwagandha Offer?

Ashwagandha is used for many purposes, most commonly the regulation of stress. Benefits associated with Ashwagandha include:

Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Ashwagandha has proven to reduce the production of stress-based proteins like cortisol. It’s also proven to control the reactions of the HPA axis, which controls the stress response.

Improved Athletic Performance: Ashwagandha can increase maximum oxygen consumption and respiratory efficiency. This is primarily a benefit for healthy adults, but might be a viable help for those with respiratory conditions with the right dosage.

Potential Aid for Mental Health Disorders: Recent studies indicate that the neurological-controlling chemicals in Ashwagandha may provide benefits for those suffering from depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. High doses may reduce risk of episodes and mental stressors.

Lower Blood Sugar: Recent studies show that Ashwagandha can reduce blood sugar and other risky health factors, providing some support for individuals concerned with diabetes or cardiac disease.

Reduced Inflammation: the chemical WA found in Ashwagandha targets various avenues of inflammation in the body and reduces them. Among other uses, this property was used to help treat CoVid-19 cases and reduce the damage to the lungs in patients.

Improved Brain Function and Sleep: WA and other antioxidants and chemicals in Ashwagandha have been shown to improve recall, attention span and reaction time. In addition to this, reduced stress often produces better quality sleep, leaving them feeling more rested and alert when they wake.

What Are Potential Drawbacks of Ashwagandha Consumption?

Ashwagandha is considered safe for pretty much everyone, but there are some limits.

Digestive Stress: Ashwagandha consumption, especially in high doses, can cause irritation of the digestive tract and result in nausea, diarrhea or vomiting.

Unsafe for Certain Users: Ashwagandha is not recommended for pregnant women or individuals with autoimmune disorders or cancer.

Interference in Tests: Regular consumption of Ashwagandha can interfere in certain tests, such as thyroid tests.

Ashwagandha vs Sea Moss – Which is Better?

There are fewer potential side effects with Ashwagandha as compared to sea moss, making it better in that respect. Sea moss, however, has fewer safety concerns.

The best determination for which is better is what you want the supplement for.

Looking for a balance of physical and mental health benefits? Ashwagandha might be your choice.

Looking for something to reduce heart problems and boost muscle health? You might prefer sea moss.

Whether you choose one or the other, be sure to consult with a health professional before adding either of these supplements to your diet to ensure your safety and the correct dosage for you.

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