TikTok-famous ‘sea moss eating’ trend may put you at risk of deadly disease.
Sea moss, a gelatinous goo, is a popular wellness product among TikTokers who often rave about its health benefits online, but experts aren’t sure if it is a nutritious treasure trove or a fishy fad.
TikTokers are frequently spotted chowing down on heaping spoonfuls of the algae, which is available in dried, liquid, or gummy dietary supplement form at pricey shops.
This algae is found in the Atlantic Ocean’s rocky coasts.
While it is claimed to have numerous health benefits due to its rich mineral contents, health experts question its nutritional value compared to standard fruits and vegetables. Sea moss, or Chondrus crispus, has been linked to improved gut, thyroid, and immune health.
Potential Risks of Sea Moss
Unfortunately, the health claims behind sea moss are mostly unsupported. In fact, sea moss supplements may pose health risks to health-conscious consumers due to the variability in iodine amounts, which can lead to an under-active thyroid or hypothyroidism.
Additionally, sea moss may cause gastrointestinal symptoms or allergic reactions and may also contain potentially toxic heavy metals due to its ability to absorb and store toxic substances.
Also, there is the possibility of drug interactions between the algae and pharmaceuticals, highlighting the importance of seeing a physician before adding the A-listers’ “superfood” to your diet. Anyone who’s over 65, nursing, pregnant, or suffering from health issues should generally avoid consuming sea moss.
