The Superfood Benefits of Sea Moss + Risks Debunked

6. Builds Muscle And Aids In Recovery

As a plant-based superfood, sea moss is a surprisingly good source of protein at 6 grams per 100-gram serving. More specifically, it is rich in the amino acid taurine, known for its ability to promote muscle growth. (8)

For my fitness readers, sea moss’ anti-inflammatory properties can help speed up post-workout recovery by reducing muscle pain and joint stiffness.

7. Supports Healthy Weight Management

The dietary fiber found in sea moss can help curb cravings by increasing your feelings of satiety and fullness. This lowers your likelihood of overeating processed, sugary foods!

8. Supports Thyroid Function

All types of seaweed (sea moss included) have high levels of iodine. Seaweed is known to be the best food source of iodine on the planet. Iodine is necessary for proper thyroid function since iodine is needed to produce thyroid hormones themselves.

However, since our bodies don’t produce iodine naturally, we need to get this nutrient through food or supplementation. Most people don’t eat seaweed regularly, so iodine deficiencies are common.

That’s why sea moss can be extremely beneficial for maintaining optimal thyroid health or working on overcoming underlying thyroid dysfunctions.

How To Buy Sea Moss

Sea moss is a specialty superfood, but you can find it in most health food and supplement stores and from online retailers. Still, there’s nothing like the quality of wild harvested sea moss from local farmer’s markets in coastal areas where it grows naturally.

Here are the most common forms to buy it:

• Raw dried sea moss: Sold in its natural, dried form, raw sea moss can be soaked and blended into a gel for various uses. This form preserves most of the algae's natural nutrients and is preferred by purists.
• Sea moss gel: Prepared by soaking and blending raw sea moss with water, sea moss gel is a convenient form for adding to smoothies, teas, homemade gummies, or other recipes.
• Sea moss capsules: For those looking for a quick and easy way to include sea moss in their routine, sea moss supplements in capsule form are the most simple option that bypasses any ocean taste (which I love, but might not be everyone’s preference).
• Sea moss powder: Ground into a fine powder, sea moss can be easily added to foods or beverages. This form is perfect for individuals looking to seamlessly integrate the health benefits of sea moss into their daily intake without the texture of the gel.

How To Use It In Your Daily Life

Impressed by the remarkable health and beauty benefits of sea moss? Me, too! Here are several ways you can incorporate it into your routine like I have.

Cooking

Sea moss is an amazing thickener for soups, stews, and even desserts like ice cream. One of the most common ways to use sea moss in recipes is by creating a sea moss gel. Buy pre-made gel or soak dried sea moss in water until it becomes gel-like, then blend it into your smoothies or use it as a thickening agent in your next recipe.

Supplements

There are several supplement forms of sea moss, including capsules and powders, if you just want to reap the benefits as quickly as possible. As I mentioned earlier, you can even take a spoonful of sea moss gel by itself if you are ok with concentrated seaweed flavor.

Beauty Products

You can also find skincare products that contain sea moss extract or sea moss-infused oils. These products, such as lotions, can be applied directly to the skin for targeted beauty benefits.

You can also apply sea moss gel directly to your skin or hair. That’s a little more convenient, as you don’t have to buy two separate products if you are already purchasing sea moss gel to use in cooking or take as a supplement.

Are There Any Risks?

While sea moss is generally safe for most people, there are still a few things to be aware of, as well as some potential side effects.

Iodine Content

Although sea moss’ iodine content is great for those struggling with thyroid dysfunctions like hypothyroidism, consuming too much iodine can increase thyroid antibodies and result in the opposite problem: hyperthyroidism. (9)

If you have an underlying thyroid problem, be sure to talk with your healthcare provider before taking sea moss so they can assess your current iodine levels.

Digestive Distress

Due to its high fiber content, consuming large amounts of sea moss too quickly can lead to digestive discomfort such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea. Start with a small amount and gradually increase your intake to give your gut a chance to adjust.

Quality

Since sea moss can absorb contaminants like heavy metals and other pollutants from the water it grows in, it's crucial to source organic sea moss from reputable suppliers who ensure quality and safety standards.

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