Irish moss
Researching Irish moss (a.k.a carrageen) as a vegan thickener last night (I want to make my home made ice cream thicker), I discovered that the seaweed has many other interesting properties. As well as being an aphrodisiac drink in the Caribbean, it has many superfood health uses - as a natural treatment for bronchitis, a digestive aid, a blood thinner and as a remedy against cystitis. Most interestingly, it is currently being tested as a natural microbicide (in the form of a vaginal gel) protecting against HIV infection. The Population Council in South Africa is currently conducting trials, with the results due out in the autumn. Click here for more.
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3 comments:
I watched Saturday Kitchen a few months ago and the lady made a desert with this carrageen stuff.
I suppose the problem with naturally occurring microbicides is their immediate effect on soft tissue - lime and lemon for instance does produce a very stinging effect, but a very effective bactericide and spermicide.
I used to like eating this in Moscow. We bought it from the Koreans stalls. I have not seen it anywhere around western Europe - now I know what is called and that it is so useful, I'm off to search for it.
There is some research to suggest that carrageenan, an extract of carrageen, is carcinogenic and causes gastrointestinal inflamation and ulceration.
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