Sea moss has recently become popular amongst health enthusiasts because of this type of seaweed’s benefits. It is an algae mostly found in Europe and North America. Like kelp, it is edible and comes in a variety of colors (not just green) including black, brown, red, purple, and yellow. Looking at one serving of sea moss, which is about 20 grams, it only has 10 calories, zero fat, and zero sugar. It also contains iron, magnesium, calcium, zinc, copper, iodine, and fiber. There is also a small amount of protein. Sea moss has gained attention because it is a natural remedy to aid with digestion, immunity, thyroid, and joint health. What was once used as a food thickening agent for ice cream, baby formula, cottage cheese, and nondairy milk, because sea moss has carrageenan in it, has taken on a whole different purpose.
It can be eaten dry or prepared as a gel. Another form for usage is as a powder that can be sprinkled on yogurt or put in shakes/smoothies. To make it at home, It can be soaked overnight in water in a jar. The next day it can be rinsed and blended with water until smooth. Then it can be stored again overnight and will now be a gel. Shelf life varies. Some people say it can last for weeks, while others say only 3 to 5 days.
For those who “take” sea moss, it is usually in supplement form. This could be a gummy, pill form, or gel. Sometimes the supplement form is a mixture of other components like burdock root, turmeric, and bladderwrack. Some gyms and health stores even sell in mason jars ready to use. Here are reasons why people are incorporating sea moss into their nutrition:
1. Thyroid health – it has iodine which helps with thyroid function/health.
2. Weight loss – it has fiber to help you feel fuller to potentially offset overeating.
3. Digestion – it has live bacteria which helps with gut microbiome.
4. Heart health – it acts as a blood thinner and helps lower bad cholesterol.
5. Blood sugar – it contains fucoxanthin which can reduce high blood sugar levels.
6. Fertility – some people use it for fertility treatment, but there is not scientific evidence to back this.
At this point in time, most more research is needed to validate the health benefits of sea moss. Most information is anecdotal. Nutritional value in sea moss is hard to pinpoint amongst the varieties. Because of this, there can be possible risk for overconsumption of some components such as iodine. This is concerning the thyroid. Seaweed may also contain heavy metals. Sea moss may or may not live up to all the health claims, especially since more research is needed. Hopefully these claims will be proven true since natural additions to our nutrition are always favorable.
Full article: Seaweeds as nutraceuticals for health and nutrition (tandfonline.com)
Dr. Megan Johnson McCullough owns a fitness studio in Oceanside CA called Every BODY’s Fit. She has a Doctorate in Health and Human Performance, M.A. in Physical Education & Health Science, and she’s an NASM Master Trainer & Instructor. She’s also a professional natural bodybuilder, fitness model, Wellness Coach, and AFAA Group Exercise Instructor. She has 6 books on Amazon too,.
