Wellness-Related Problems You Didn't Know Sea Moss Could Help Resolve
With all the health trends that tend to surface every year, one that is starting to finally gain traction, is one that has actually been around for generations: sea moss.
Sea moss, also known as Irish Sea Moss or Irish Moss, is a type of algae that has taken over your nutrient must-have lists and become highly-praised due to its unprecedented benefit factors. And if you've been following Dr. Sebi and his teachings, or if you are of Jamaican descent (because you know they know all about the best herbal tings), then you know each have been preaching the sea moss word for generations. Hallelu.
But here's tea on why:
Our body is made up of 102 individual minerals for a healthy fulfilled, able body. Sea moss contains 92 of those nutrients in a single serving. So, although your fruits and veggies and flax seeds have already been doing a body good, sea moss has kind of created a lane of its own to supercharge.
Oh, and it's natural, which we love around here #teamnochemicals.
Also, because women have a longer to-do list of physical health maintenance (periods, thyroids, uterine health), sea moss has a greater benefit to us, and its wellness perks stretch farther than just some multivitamin.
OK, but what are some of these benefits?
Well, for one, sea moss acts as your heart's teammate.
When it comes to capitalizing the energy stored in food, you need B vitamins, and sea moss contains a decent amount of riboflavin (which is needed to break down proteins, carbs, and fats), and folate (which is needed to form DNA and other genetic material). When these two link up, red blood cells are created. And hopefully we all know the relation these two have together. Ultimately, all of the above produces oxygen, boosts blood flow, and so much more.
So basically, anything that provides 92 of the 102 minerals necessary for your health's sustainability, is an enormous ally to your heart's function.
It offers digestion a major assist.
OK, this may gross you out but sea moss' snotty texture makes it a great healing/soothing agent for mucus membranes in the body, including your respiratory and digestive systems. It's been tested to increase beneficial short-chain fatty acids in the colon, get rid of bad bacteria in the gut, and improve overall gut health and immunity. This means, a healthy bile stimulation and less fats leeching (because we don't want none of that crap messing with our organs, sis).
It is an immune system booster (which we all could use).
In a world of COVID—where we're told to "wait on the vaccine" instead of "boost your immune system"—having a booster is imperative to combating the outside chaos. During cold and flu season, sea moss smoothies could become your go-to meal for weening off the germs. It has potassium iodide, which is great for dissolving phlegm, and it is also rich in amino acids, vitamin C, antioxidants, as well as a host of antiviral and antimicrobial agents. Its nutrients can help you to fight or ward off infections, which is a sign of the times. So add some moss to that drink, ladies. Your immune system will thank you.
It improves your metabolism, thus promoting weight loss or maintaining a healthy weight.
I don't know about you, but anything that can naturally help me slim my waistline, likeeee...sign me up. Anti-inflammation, healthy bowel movements, heart nutrients, and gestational symphonies all equate to a boost in metabolism, and ultimately, steady weight loss and/or maintenance. The high iodine content can stimulate the production of thyroid hormones, which are what controls your appetite and metabolism. And because sea moss retains water, it makes you feel fuller longer, thus suppressing those inevitable cravings.
Oh hey, God.
It stimulates the libido (sea moss will have bae hopping on you)!
Well, another major benefit to sea moss is it's a natural remedy for sexual stimulation. Sea moss' nickname is "the Viagra of the Sea". It promotes blood circulation and stamina, meaning naturally, stronger and more substantial erections in our men. In recent studies by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, they discovered that iron supplementation was associated with significant improvement in muscle endurance and stamina, making iron-rich sea moss is your all-natural solution to gettin it crackin'.
So, go ahead and throw a scoop or two in his smoothie, sis. And if he asks why, just tell him it's for his own good.
--
Those interested in adding sea moss to their daily routine can grab some in numerous places, as it has become more and more of a nutritional phenomenon, making it easy to come by. It can be sold as a gel, liquid, or pill, and is best served in smoothies or tea. Check with your local health food store, or order online with vendors such as Bare Root Remedy, Bey Moss, or Cooking With Love to grab your stash.
Have you ever tried sea moss?
As of now, sea moss actually isn't well-researched and there's a lot that we don't know about it. However, what is known is that it contains minerals which are beneficial to our systematic makeup, thus providing the same health benefits that would prove substantial in any nutritionist-based regimen. Check with your doctor or healthcare professional if you are concerned about how adding sea moss to your diet could possibly affect you.
Featured image by Shutterstock
Charmin Michelle is a southern native and creative spirit who works as a content marketer and events manager in Chicago. She enjoys traveling, #SummertimeChi, and the journey of mastering womanhood. Connect with her on Instagram @charminmichelle.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LISTÂ HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
When discussing the topic of raising children, discipline is often the first thing that comes to mind. Children need discipline. Full stop. But what is discipline? And how do we draw the line between discipline and revenge?
The origin of the word "discipline" can be traced back to the Latin word "disciplina," which means "instruction" or "teaching." Over time, however, discipline has come to be synonymous with punishment, with parents relying on shame, fear, and/or physical pain to curb undesirable behavior.
Teaching takes time, so nipping it in the bud in whatever fashion parents deem necessary (within reason) has become the norm. But is this what’s best for children? And when does it become less about curbing undesirable behavior and more about getting our licks back for offenses we feel our children should know better to do?
In my work as a parenting coach, I’ve often heard parents say, “I asked him nicely three times before spanking him. He didn’t stop doing it until I did, so clearly talking doesn’t work.”
And the parent isn’t wrong. Talking often doesn’t work the first, the third, or the even the 10th time. And the reason is directly tied to brain development.
Children cannot and do not process information the way an adult can. Auditory processing is not fully developed until a child is 14 or 15 years old. And even then, if a child has auditory processing delays or Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), they may always struggle with processing auditory commands. According to Susie S. Loraine, MA, CCC-SLP, the term auditory processing refers to how the brain perceives and interprets sound information. Several skills determine auditory processing ability—or listening success. They develop in a general four-step hierarchy, but all work together and are essential for daily listening.
Without this understanding, discipline can easily become revenge because parents will then view their child’s misdeeds as a personal slight. Instead of teaching them to do better, parents now want to show them the consequences of not doing better. This is why it's imperative for parents to discern between discipline and revenge to maintain healthy relationships with their children.
5 WAYS TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN PARENTAL GUIDANCE AND RETALIATION:Â Â
​Understanding The Intent
Discipline is rooted in love and concern for the child's well-being. It focuses on teaching lessons and helping children understand the consequences of their actions. Conversely, revenge-driven actions stem from a desire to inflict pain or punishment as payback for perceived slights or disobedience. Parents should reflect on their motives before taking disciplinary actions. Ask yourself whether your intention is to help your child learn or to make them suffer for upsetting you.
Example: If a child accidentally breaks a valuable item, a disciplinary response would involve discussing the importance of being careful and working with the child to come up with a way to replace or fix what they’ve broken. On the other hand, a vengeful reaction might involve yelling, harsh punishment, or bringing up past mistakes to intensify guilt.
​Maintaining Emotional Regulation
Effective discipline requires parents to remain calm and composed, even in challenging situations. It's natural to feel upset or frustrated when children misbehave, but responding with anger or resentment can escalate the situation and blur the line between discipline and revenge. Before addressing the issue, take a moment to breathe and collect your thoughts.
Example: If a child cannot follow instructions, a disciplined response would involve calmly explaining why their cooperation is necessary in working with the child to accomplish the goal. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve shouting, name-calling, or resorting to physical punishment out of anger.
​Promoting Growth and Learning
Discipline should always aim to promote growth and learning. It involves guiding children toward making better choices and understanding the impact of their actions on themselves and others. Effective discipline strategies include positive reinforcement, setting clear expectations, and providing opportunities for reflection and growth.
Example: If a child repeatedly forgets to complete their chores, a disciplinary approach would involve discussing the importance of responsibility and finding solutions together, such as creating a chore chart or setting reminders with Siri or Alexa. In contrast, a revenge-driven response might involve imposing overly harsh punishments or belittling the child, which can undermine their self-esteem and hinder their ability to learn from their mistakes.
Momo Productions/Getty
Building Trust and Communication
Trust and open communication are essential components of a healthy parent-child relationship. Discipline should strengthen this bond by fostering trust and encouraging children to confide in their parents without fear of judgment or retaliation. When children feel safe and supported, they're more likely to accept discipline as a form of guidance rather than punishment.
Example: If a child admits to breaking a rule or making a mistake, a disciplined response would involve listening to their perspective, discussing the consequences of their actions, and working together to find a solution. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve accusations, blame, or shutting down communication, which can erode trust and damage the parent-child relationship.
Seeking Professional Guidance
Parenting is a learning journey, and, disciplining children is a delicate balance between guiding them toward responsible behavior and nurturing their growth. By understanding the intent behind our actions, maintaining emotional regulation, promoting growth and learning, building trust and communication, and seeking professional guidance when needed, as parents we can help our children built on love, respect, and understanding.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by Courtney Hale/Getty Images