Sea moss and cancer

Sea Moss and Cancer: What the Research Says

Sea moss and cancer

What you eat greatly influences your risk of developing cancer. While no foods protect people from cancer completely, cancer-fighting foods may help lower cancer risks and increase the chances of cancer treatment success.

Sea moss is the newest addition to the list of cancer-fighting foods. This edible seaweed is currently under major scientific investigations throughout the World for its potential anti-cancer properties.

So, is sea moss the ultimate cancer-fighting food? Let’s find out what research has to say on the topic! 

Related article: 18 benefits of sea moss for health and wellness.

Organics Nature Sea Moss Products

 
Sea Moss Benefits for Cancer

The benefits of sea moss for cancer, like any other health matter, come from its exceptional density and variety of nutrients.
 
Sea moss, scientifically known as Chondrus crispus, is a type of edible red seaweed that naturally grows along the rocky Atlantic coasts. When wildcrafted and harvested in its natural environment (as opposed to industrially pool-grown), sea moss can contain up to 92 of the 102 minerals and vitamins our body needs to function.
 
Related article: The complete list of minerals and vitamins found in sea moss.
 
While no food alone can protect people against cancer, certain compounds and nutrients are proven to lower the risks of developing cancer or slow down its spreading. Sea moss is packed with cancer-fighting nutrients, including antioxidants, fucoxanthin, polyphenols, and others.
 
When consumed regularly along with other cancer-fighting foods, a healthy diet, and an active lifestyle, sea moss may help prevent cancer in the first place or help patients fight it more efficiently. 
 
But let’s understand how. How can sea moss help with cancer? What exactly is inside sea moss that has anti-cancer properties?

Numerous antioxidants

According to the National Cancer Institute, high concentrations of free radicals in the body can damage cells and “may play a role in the development of cancer.”
 
Our body naturally produces antioxidants to neutralize free radicals and prevent them from causing cell damage and cancer (endogenous antioxidants). However, the toxicity of the World we live in and our exposure to pollutants and chemicals considerably increase the number of free radicals in our bodies. Therefore, our bodies need help from external antioxidants (exogenous antioxidants) that we can get from antioxidant-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, seaweed, and grains, or antioxidant supplements.
 
Related article: Can sea moss detox and cleanse your body?
 
Sea moss is packed with natural dietary antioxidants, including vitamin E, selenium, copper, and others. Consuming it regularly and within a healthy, nutritionally balanced diet plays an essential role in combatting free radicals and eventually preventing cancer.
 
Warning:  While natural antioxidants from foods like sea moss are good for cancer, high doses of antioxidant supplements have recently been found to increase the risks for some cancer[1]. When facing cancer, focusing on good, healthy nutrition with natural ingredients like sea moss rather than high-dose supplements is best. In any case, talk to your doctor before taking any health supplements if you have cancer.

Fucoxanthin (Carotenoid)

Another key cancer-fighting nutrient abundantly found in sea moss is fucoxanthin. Fucoxanthin is an alga-specific carotenoid with potent anti-carcinogenic properties[2]. The anti-cancer effects of fucoxanthin are well-documented, and numerous studies have been conducted on the subject, leaving very little room for doubt.
 
Besides its cancer-preventing properties, fucoxanthin has numerous health benefits, especially for weight loss, diabetes, and gut health.
 
Related article: The right way to use sea moss for weight loss.

Polyphenols

Raw sea moss and sea moss gel are also packed with natural polyphenol, [3], a natural compound that acts as an antioxidant and neutralizes free radicals, limiting the risks of cancer and heart disease. Additionally, polyphenols reduce inflammation which also plays an essential role in cancer prevention, as inflammation is considered a hallmark of cancer, promoting tumor growth and resistance to cancer treatments. 
 
Polyphenols are naturally present in foods like vegetables, dark chocolate, berries, or red wine, for example. Sea moss also offers a significant amount. The anti-cancer properties of polyphenols are well-documented in numerous scientific studies[4].

Research on Seaweeds and Cancer

Because the use of sea moss for health benefits is relatively new in the U.S., research is still limited. However, scientists have studied the benefits of seaweeds for human health and the prevention and treatment of cancer for decades.
 
Most of the positive results they’ve found can be transposed to sea moss which shares numerous characteristics with these seaweeds, especially the brown and red types. So, with the following major studies, let's dig a bit deeper into the potential benefits of sea moss and similar seaweeds for cancer.
 
Related article: How is sea moss different from other seaweeds? 

Seaweeds and colon cancer

Colorectal cancer is the most common type of cancer, but surprisingly its incidence is much lower in Japan than in the rest of the World. Furthermore, studies have found that diets rich in red seaweeds (like sea moss) are directly linked to a reduction in the prevalence of colon cancer.
 
One of the possible explanations is that seaweeds, especially red-type ones, are prebiotic foods. They help balance the gut’s microbiome by feeding the good bacteria and crowding out the bad ones, ultimately promoting colorectal health.
 
Numerous studies are available on seaweed's positive effects on colon cancer. While the mechanisms aren’t fully understood yet, several natural compounds are believed to play an important role.[5]

Seaweeds and melanoma 

Another interesting fact about sea moss for cancer is the ability of similar seaweeds to prevent and treat skin cancers and tumors (melanomas).
 
Again, Japan has the lowest annual incidence of melanoma, which could very well be linked to the population's consumption of brown seaweeds.
 
There is demonstrated evidence that seaweeds are effective at inhibiting skin cancer development and progression[6]. Japanese researchers successfully employed seaweed extracts to treat skin cancer in mice.
 
Additionally, sea moss is known to have numerous benefits for the skin, including preventing skin aging and treating skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne. It can be taken orally or applied topically as a gel.
 
Related article: What are sea moss benefits for the skin?

Sea moss gel Organics Nature
Organics Nature's Premium Sea Moss Gel 

Sea moss and prostate cancer

Sea moss and other seaweeds are excellent for men's health. They're a rich source of zinc, an essential mineral for the prostate to function correctly. Besides, sea moss's natural anti-inflammatory properties participate in reducing inflammation of the prostate.
 
Ultimately, by improving male prostate health and function, sea moss may help reduce the occurrence of prostate cancers in men.
 
Current investigation about the anti-prostate cancer properties of marine-derived compounds confirms that “marine species are unique and have great potential for the discovery of anti-cancer drugs."[7].
 
The benefits of sea moss for men’s health do not limit to cancer prevention. Regular consumption can help deal with various conditions, including erectile dysfunction, infertility, male pattern baldness, etc. 
 
Related article: 6 benefits of sea moss for men’s health.

Sea moss and lung cancer

A recent study found that Fucoidan, an abundant compound of brown seaweeds, inhibits the migration and invasion of human lung cancer cells[8]
 
While no similar study has been conducted on sea moss, Chondrus crispus is also a great source of fucoidans and, therefore, may help prevent lung cancer too.
Purchase Sea Moss Capsules
Organics Nature's Sea Moss Capsules are Enriched with Bladderwrack (brown seaweed) and Burdock Root Powders.

Sea Moss for Cancer: FAQs

Whether you or a loved one is affected by cancer, you don’t want to take any risks to aggravate your health. So, here are a few frequently asked questions answered to help you make an informed decision about taking sea moss for cancer.

Can cancer patients take sea moss?

Sea moss is generally considered a safe ingredient with few side effects. Our understanding is that cancer patients can safely take sea moss if consumed reasonably.
 
Chondrus crispus is an all-natural yet potent ingredient. Overconsumption can be dangerous for your health, so always stick to the recommended daily dosage (2 tablespoons of sea moss gel or 2 sea moss capsules daily).
 
Sea moss may interfere with your cancer treatment. Always ask for your doctor’s advice before taking sea moss or any health supplements, especially if you’re undergoing cancer therapy.
 
Related article: The truth about sea moss’s side effects.

Can sea moss cure cancer?

No, sea moss alone cannot cure cancer. No natural food can cure cancer on its own.
 
However, studies show that seaweeds like sea moss may help prevent cancer, slow its progression, increase therapy efficacity, and decrease symptoms.

Can sea moss cause cancer?

No, sea moss cannot cause cancer. It's a safe, all-natural ingredient with incredible health benefits when consumed appropriately.
 
That being said, make sure to purchase wildcrafted, organic sea moss products. Sadly, the market is flooded with fake sea moss, industrially grown in giant pools containing chemicals, pesticides, and pollutants that can cause serious health problems, including cancer. 
 
Related article: How to tell the difference between real and fake sea moss?
 
References:  

[1] Borek C. Dietary antioxidants and human cancer. Integr Cancer Ther. 2004 Dec;3(4):333-41. doi: 10.1177/1534735404270578. PMID: 15523104. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15523104/

[2] Kumar SR, Hosokawa M, Miyashita K. Fucoxanthin: a marine carotenoid exerting anti-cancer effects by affecting multiple mechanisms. Mar Drugs. 2013 Dec 16;11(12):5130-47. doi: 10.3390/md11125130. PMID: 24351910; PMCID: PMC3877908.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3877908/

[3] Mahendran S, Maheswari P, Sasikala V, Rubika JJ, Pandiarajan J. In vitro antioxidant study of polyphenol from red seaweeds dichotomously branched gracilaria Gracilaria edulis and robust sea moss Hypnea valentiae. Toxicol Rep. 2021 Jul 9;8:1404-1411. doi: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2021.07.006. PMID: 34295651; PMCID: PMC8282983. https://www.mdpi.com/1660-3397/12/9/4898/htm

[4] Zhou Y, Zheng J, Li Y, Xu DP, Li S, Chen YM, Li HB. Natural Polyphenols for Prevention and Treatment of Cancer. Nutrients. 2016 Aug 22;8(8):515. doi: 10.3390/nu8080515. PMID: 27556486; PMCID: PMC4997428. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4997428/

[5] Fu Y, Xie D, Zhu Y, Zhang X, Yue H, Zhu K, Pi Z, Dai Y. Anti-colorectal cancer effects of seaweed-derived bioactive compounds. Front Med (Lausanne). 2022 Aug 19;9:988507. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2022.988507. PMID: 36059851; PMCID: PMC9437318.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9437318/

[6] Teas J, Irhimeh MR. Melanoma and brown seaweed: an integrative hypothesis. J Appl Phycol. 2017;29(2):941-948. doi: 10.1007/s10811-016-0979-0. Epub 2016 Oct 11. PMID: 28458463; PMCID: PMC5387006. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5387006/  

[7] Fan M, Nath AK, Tang Y, Choi YJ, Debnath T, Choi EJ, Kim EK. Investigation of the Anti-Prostate Cancer Properties of Marine-Derived Compounds. Mar Drugs. 2018 May 12;16(5):160. doi: 10.3390/md16050160. PMID: 29757237; PMCID: PMC5983291.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5983291/

[8] Lee H, Kim JS, Kim E. Fucoidan from seaweed Fucus vesiculosus inhibits migration and invasion of human lung cancer cell via PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathways. PLoS One. 2012;7(11):e50624. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0050624. Epub 2012 Nov 30. PMID: 23226337; PMCID: PMC3511566.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23226337/
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3 comments

Does your sea moss contain carrageenan? I’ve read most sea moss contains 50% of this carcinogen.

Juan Hernandez

Hello Vincent,

While we’re glad to hear you’re in remission, we strongly advise consulting your oncologist before considering any new supplements, including red sea moss. Your doctor can provide personalized advice based on your specific health situation and ongoing treatment.

Best wishes,
Organics Nature

Organics Nature

I have gastric cancer.Im on kemo treament can i take the red sea moss. im in remisson now for my gastric trement.

Vincent.N. White.Sr.
  • Translation missing: en.general.pagination.current_page

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