It is also possible to purchase raw, sun-dried sea moss in its unprocessed form in order to make your own gel. To make sea moss gel using raw sea moss, simply rinse the sea moss and soak it in water for 12-48 hours until its re-hydrated and soft. Then, blend it with a small amount of water in a blender until it reaches a smooth, gel-like consistency. If desired, you can add a bit of fruit, cacao, or cinnamon to enhance the flavor. Alternatively, you can use a nice hibiscus or lemon tea in place of water to create an aromatic, infused sea moss gel.
Sea moss benefits
“Sea moss is said to improve energy, thyroid function, digestion, and skin health,” says Bogden, but she notes that there isn’t yet a ton of scientific evidence to back these claims up.
However, there have been plenty of clinical trials that study the benefits of other types of seaweed, which are closely related to sea moss—and the few early studies that have been done on sea moss using animals have shown promising results. “While there are not a lot of human studies showcasing a benefit to sea moss, we know that the nutrients found in sea moss have been linked to health and longevity,” explains registered and certified dietician nutritionist Jennifer Scheinman, an advisor at Timeline Nutrition.
Those nutrients include vitamin B12, calcium, iodine, magnesium, potassium, calcium, amino acids, omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidants, iron, and many more.
Immune health
As mentioned, there really isn’t enough evidence to prove that consuming sea moss will improve your overall health—and that includes immune function. But studies have shown that consuming other types of seaweed and algae may boost the immune system and even help guard against viral and bacterial infections. “Dietary seaweeds contain numerous components that can exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral effects, directly and indirectly, by improving the gut microbiota,” found one study examining seaweed’s potential for fighting COVID infections.
However, that same study noted that the bioavailability of nutrients in seaweed depends on a variety of factors, so it was unable to make a prescriptive recommendation. Since the jury’s still out, you’re probably better off just eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet that contains well-studied immune system boosters (like turmeric) and engaging in practices that support a healthy immune system, like getting enough sleep and limiting stress.
Thyroid health
Sea moss is a natural source of iodine, a micronutrient that is vital for supporting thyroid health. Since the body doesn’t make iodine itself, obtaining it through food is essential, and may prevent hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones to regulate metabolism. But experts warn that those affected with thyroid disorders should definitely consult a medical professional before embarking on a sea moss feeding frenzy—especially if they’re already taking thyroid medication. “Sea moss comes directly from the ocean so it is affected by its ever-changing environment,” says McAleer. “Consuming large quantities consistently should be done with caution due to the high levels of iodine that can be found in ocean waters.”
Digestive health
Sea moss contains fiber and prebiotics, both of which promote good gut health. One study found that sea moss really does have “multiple prebiotic effects, such as influencing the composition of gut microbial communities, improvement of gut health and immune modulation,” but it’s important to note that this study was only conducted on rats. Other studies on human subjects, using seaweed instead of sea moss, conclude that more research must be done: “There is a dearth of data available in the literature on human dietary intervention studies with seaweed polysaccharides, polyphenols and peptides,” a recent study notes. So, while it’s likely that sea moss won’t harm your gut health, in terms of proven benefits, the jury’s still out. (If you are looking for proven digestive health aid, flax seeds may be a better option; they are well-studied and contain a ton of essential fatty acids as well as both types of necessary dietary fiber.)
Skin health
We all know that consuming vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids is essential for skin health, so it makes sense that consuming nutrient-rich sea moss might help—we just don’t have enough data yet to back up the assumption that it does. Studies do suggest, however, that the bioactive compounds in seaweed can be helpful in terms of preventing hyperpigmentation, photoaging, and acne—but those studies have only tested the topical application of those compounds. In another study that looked at sea moss gathered from the Red Sea, an impressive roster of flavonoids, polyphenols, and tannins were found, as well as “remarkable” anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor properties—enough that the study recommends that “Chondrus crispus extract be further studied for its pharmacological application in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases particularly human cancers.”
Are there any side effects of sea moss?
As mentioned above, there are definitely some things to keep in mind if you plan to add sea moss to your diet. For one, the amount of iodine present in sea moss could have a negative impact on thyroid function—especially for those who are already dealing with thyroid-related issues like goiter, hyperthyroidism, and hypothyroidism.
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