Health Benefits of Sea Moss

Influencers on TikTok have been promoting the health benefits of sea moss, an edible sea vegetable that is packed with a variety of essential nutrients. They often post videos of themselves consuming the sea moss in the form of a gel, which is made by soaking the dried plant in water, blending it, and letting it solidify in the fridge.

Many of these influencers claim that consuming a scoop or more of sea moss per day can bring a variety of benefits such as healing the gut, clearing the skin, regulating menstrual cycles, strengthening the immune system, and even helping with weight loss. However, it is important to note that these claims are not necessarily backed by scientific research.

Sea moss is a spiky, frilly sea vegetable that somewhat resembles frisée lettuce when it’s in the ocean. It thrives along the Atlantic coasts, mainly between North America and Europe, and in the warm waters of Asia, South America, Africa, and parts of the Caribbean. Food manufacturers harvest it for its carrageenan, an ingredient that acts as a thickening agent for foods like ice cream, chocolate milk, and creamers. But because it’s so nutrient-rich, people sometimes eat it in hopes of improving their health.

The gel often tastes fishy and has a slick, slimy texture. Raw sea moss can also have an earthy, ocean-like taste, not unlike an oyster or a clam, which can be off-putting to some. This unique taste may be a factor in why sea moss hasn't become a more mainstream food item.

Sea moss received a lot of attention in the fall of 2020 when a flurry of panicky social media posts from fans of the plant claimed that the Food and Drug Administration was going to ban all sea moss products, possibly because of certain unproven health claims. However, these posts turned out to be based on misinformation. Despite this, the passionate reactions of some users showed just how fervent a following the plant had gained.

It is important to note that while sea moss, in gel or other forms, can be a relatively low-calorie conduit to adding more nutrients to your diet, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating it into your diet. Sea moss is rich in antioxidants, which can break down free radicals that damage our cells, and sea moss gel contains large amounts of potassium, an essential mineral that supports muscle contraction and blood pressure control. However, more research is needed to fully understand the potential health benefits of sea moss.

Here’s a poem about sea moss!

Sea moss, oh sea moss

Frilly and spiky, a true coastal boss

Thriving in oceans, North and South

A superfood, that's what it's all about

Gathering nutrients, like folate and K

Vitamin B, iron, iodine, and magnesium

Zinc and calcium, all in one place

A true nutritional powerhouse, in any case

Consumed as gel, smoothie, or raw

Many claim it's a panacea, without a flaw

Healing gut, clearing skin, regulating cycle

Strengthening immune, aiding in weight loss, a true marvel

But be aware, not all claims are true

Consult with a doctor, before you chew

Though sea moss may offer benefits

Let science guide you, for true health win.