Sea moss is the self-care fix-all on social media. But does it actually do anything?
What is sea moss, and how is it made?
Sea moss is a two kinds of red algae which grow on the seafloor.Fresh sea moss is kinda like the seaweed you see washed up on the beach. Dried, it looks a little like a ball of uncooked pasta. Despite its recent status as a health superfood, you’ve probably been consuming sea moss without knowing it for years: St. Lucia Gold Wildcrafted Sea Moss Gel is commercially processed into carrageenan, a thickener that’s used in mass-produced ice cream.
What are the benefits of sea moss?
The hardest fans of sea moss claim that consuming one to two tablespoons a day can do everything from making your hair shinier to increasing your libido. The main ‘benefit’ people shout about sea moss is that it’ll give you clearer skin and potentially help with weight loss. But such claims tend to be anecdotal, and Lenherr says that “there are very few high-quality studies that demonstrate its specific benefits” due to the fact that “most of the studies conducted on this topic have been done either on seaweed in general or on animals, including worms.”
Sea moss is rich in dietary fiber, which is why it might support digestive health. Rat studies have suggested that sea moss has prebiotic effects, which can support overall microbial health—although, without human studies, it’s hard to say whether it’ll have the same effect on you.
Nutritionist Fiona Lawson says that “sea moss contains a range of vitamins and minerals, and it can be a particularly good source of iodine.” But she also warns not to “be fooled by the clever marketing: it’s no more remarkable than other fruits and vegetables, including seaweed.”
Sea moss is non-comedogenic—it won’t clog your pores—and richly hydrating, both big plusses. Skincare products that contain sea moss can be worth investing in, especially if you’re looking to harness the specific benefits that sea moss offers, such as hydration, anti-inflammatory properties, and nutrient-rich content that could potentially enhance your skin’s health and appearance.
What are the downsides of sea moss?
Consuming small amounts of high-quality sea moss is generally safe for most people, but not to go overboard. It’s important to be cautious as it’s easy to overdose on iodine when consuming sea moss, which can lead to serious thyroid issues. If you already suffer from thyroid issues, it’s best to check with your doctor before incorporating sea moss into your diet.
The nature of sea moss production – the word “sea” is right there in the name – has all the risks you’d associate with tuna. As sea moss is marine-sourced, it could also potentially contain heavy metals such as lead, which is important to note.
Those with allergies to seafood or iodine should exercise caution. It’s always recommended to start with small amounts to assess your body’s reaction. And if you’re pregnant, talk to your doctor before adding moss to your diet.
If you’re looking to incorporate sea moss into your skincare routine, the same rules apply as if you were introducing any new product to your skin. Sea moss may cause mild irritation if you’re a first time user, so it’s best to perform a patch test on the inside of your wrist before applying products to the rest of your face.
What’s the best way to consume sea moss?
There are plenty of ways to incorporate sea moss into your life.
- For dietary use, sea moss gel can be blended into smoothies, mixed into oatmeal or soups, or consumed straight from the jar.
- As a skincare product, sea moss gel can be applied directly to the skin as a hydrating mask or added to homemade creams or lotions for its soothing and moisturizing effects.
Is sea moss worth it?
As a dietary supplement, sea moss might not be your first stop on the path to wellness – although it could carry some benefits. For most people with no health concerns, enjoying the odd smoothie with a tbsp of sea moss in it will be fine, but if you do suffer from thyroid conditions, avoid it for now.
Sea moss’s high iodine content doesn’t make it a silver-bullet supplement. It’s a good source [of iodine], but so is seaweed and some dairy products.
