Iodine is one of the keys to a healthy thyroid, but because your body doesn’t make iodine on its own, you can only get it through diet. (Most people, however, get enough iodine from dairy products, seafood, and iodized salt.)
Too much of a good thing becomes a bad thing, as is the case with iodine. In fact, endocrinologists advise against taking iodine supplements unless specifically indicated by your doctor, as they may actually have a negative effect on your thyroid.
Sea moss is mainly considered healthy, though it contains varying amounts of good nutrients and some less healthy stuff (which we’ll get to in a moment). “Sea moss is a product of its environment, so its nutritional value depends largely on where it’s grown,” Czerwony says. “Unfortunately, there’s no real way to know exactly what’s in it or how much, and one batch may have a higher potency than the next one.” Sea moss is associated with two key risks.
Remember how much fiber seaweed has? High-fiber foods are filling foods, which means they may keep you from overeating. “Fiber keeps us fuller longer, which may help with weight control,” Czerwony says.
Your digestive system is full of bacteria, some good and some bad. And because gut health is associated with overall health, balancing out those bacteria is essential to your wellness. Algae, including sea moss, is a good source of fiber and live bacteria.
Sea moss is rich in an amino acid called taurine, which helps with muscle-building. “When we exercise, we get little micro-tears in our muscles,” Czerwony explains, “but amino acids can help with that recovery.” Sea moss also has about 6 grams of protein per 100 grams, an exercise staple. Just don’t rely solely on sea moss for exercise recovery! You still have to ensure you’re getting enough healthy food, hydration, rest, etc.
One study showed Atlantic salmon that ate sea moss to have a more efficient immune response than salmon that didn’t. Of course, fish and people have very different bodies, and no similar studies have yet proven the same effect on humans. Still, a healthy gut is associated with a healthy immune system. And sea moss is also high in iron and antioxidants, contributing to immune health.
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