Sea moss is a type of seaweed that has been gaining traction in recent years due to its potential health benefits. It is a vegan, gluten-free source of many essential nutrients, including B vitamins and zinc. It is also known to contain high levels of iodine, which can be beneficial in small doses but can be damaging if consumed in large quantities. Sea moss is also known to contain traces of heavy metals such as aluminum or cadmium, depending on where it is grown. Theoretically, sea moss gel could contribute to weight loss because its sticky consistency causes it to come out of the stomach slowly and keeps us full longer.
It has also been suggested that sea moss may boost the immune system and even protect the body from contracting salmonella. Additionally, sea moss contains a compound called alginate, which is known to promote weight loss by attaching to fat cells and preventing the body from absorbing them. However, while nutrition experts claim that the nutrients in sea moss may offer some health benefits, the hype is likely to be exaggerated. Without hard and quick facts about sea moss itself, its health effects aren't quite clear. Therefore, it is important to be mindful when consuming sea moss and not take more than two tablespoons of gel at a time and using it every other day, instead of every day. Eating too much sea moss can also cause stomach discomfort, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Additionally, a staggering 74% of sea moss supplements lack clear information about where they come from, which could raise questions about quality and purity. Therefore, it is important to be mindful when consuming sea moss. If you want to try taking sea moss daily, it is important to first wash it and then soak it in cold water for a whole day, changing it frequently and removing any dirt you see. You'll know that sea moss is ready to use when it doubles in size and becomes white and gelatinous. Scientific studies suggest that unprocessed sea moss may have limited bioavailability, requiring processing methods such as extraction with gel. Levine said you're most likely already getting the same nutrients found in sea moss if you're following a well-balanced diet.
However, if you want to try taking sea moss daily for its potential health benefits, it is important to be mindful of the potential risks associated with consuming too much of it.