Is Sea Moss the Contemporary Spirulina?

Comprehensive information regarding the trendy seaweed

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Sea moss, a variety of algae that thrives in tidepools, may not be the initial consideration while preparing your meal. The substance has surfaced as the new health craze, propelled by numerous A-list enthusiasts. Bella Hadid incorporates sea moss into her morning supplement regimen, Kim Kardashian integrates it into her smoothies, and model Winnie Harlow is allegedly an enthusiast. It is prevalent on TikTok, with enthusiasts extolling its advantages, ranging from enhanced gut health to radiant skin. What does the scientific evidence indicate?

Sea Moss: Health Advantages and Contraindications

What is Sea Moss?

Scientifically designated as Chondrus crispus, sea moss is a variety of seaweed located along the beaches of the British Isles, Europe, and North America. Despite currently trending, the substance has always been celebrated for its health benefits, especially within coastal regions. In the Caribbean, the substance has been utilised for generations as a therapeutic elixir, frequently consumed as a refreshing, milky beverage. Seaweed has been integrated into therapeutic teas in Ireland for centuries, purportedly aiding in the combat against colds and respiratory ailments.

In recent years, the popularity of sea moss has proliferated, and it is now available globally in the forms of gels, powders, and capsules. Recently, the United Kingdom introduced its inaugural sea moss beverage, Omoss, which utilises organic, sustainably obtained sea moss from Ireland. “Sea moss is among nature’s most potent plants, and I aimed to establish a brand that highlights its significance,” states entrepreneur Marley Finn. In its unadulterated state, it is foraged from the ocean and sun-dried before to being transformed into a gel or incorporated into beverages such as Omoss.

What Are the Health Advantages?

Numerous nutrition trends on TikTok are exaggerated; nevertheless, this particular trend has some support, albeit scientific study remains rather scarce. Nutritionist Kim Pearson observes that sea moss has an extensive array of vitamins and minerals, including iodine, magnesium, and iron. She states that it 'contains polyphenols, chemicals having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties,' as evidenced by a 2011 study. Additionally, sea moss is inherently abundant in omega-3 fatty acids, which promote cardiovascular, cognitive, and dermal health.

Additional advantages encompass:

May enhance gastrointestinal health

Sea moss is abundant in fibre, which Kim elucidates 'enhances gut health by nourishing good microorganisms and facilitating regular bowel motions.' A 2015 study published in the BMC journal provides evidence that sea moss exhibits a probiotic impact on the gut; however, researchers determined that further investigations on humans are necessary.

May enhance thyroid function

This seaweed is inherently abundant in iodine, which is essential for thyroid health and crucial for other biological functions, including metabolism, circulation, bone health, and mood regulation. Iodine is not synthesised by the body and must be obtained through dietary sources; nevertheless, excessive consumption should be avoided. The NHS website cautions that prolonged consumption of excessive levels of iodine may alter thyroid gland function. Marly informs us that Omoss meticulously adjusts the dosage in each bottle to ensure it is safe and effective as a daily supplement, without overwhelming your system.

May bolster immune health

Although studies specifically on sea moss is scarce, scientific data indicates that seaweed, in general, may enhance immunological health. A study investigated whether Covid was less devastating in Japan, proposing the seaweed-rich diet as a possible explanation. “Dietary seaweeds encompass various constituents, including ACE inhibitory peptides, soluble dietary fibres (e.g., fucoidan, porphyran), omega-3 fatty acids, fucoxanthin, fucosterol, vitamins D3 and B12, and phlorotannins,” it states.

Is Sea Moss Appropriate for All Individuals?

“As with all supplements, it is crucial to ascertain the suitability of sea moss for your individual needs,” states Kim. The iodine level may fluctuate based on the harvesting location, and both excessive and deficient iodine intake might impair thyroid function. Individuals with pre-existing thyroid conditions should exercise caution and seek advice from a healthcare practitioner prior to consuming sea moss. Pregnant or lactating women should seek medical advice prior to administration.

A recent study published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Research indicates that the use of seaweed products may lead to the accumulation of heavy metals in the body, which could have detrimental effects. Kim emphasises that quality and purity are essential issues.

Ultimately, no food or beverage serves as a miraculous remedy. Kim says that sea moss should be incorporated into a balanced diet rather than depended upon as the sole source of nutrients.