It seems like there’s a brand-new, buzzy supplement popping up just about every other week. First, it was the sleep-inducing magnesium glycinate in the viral Sleepy Girl Mocktail, then the antioxidant-rich liquid chlorophyll just about every TikTok gym girlie was touting for its endless health benefits. The latest staple taking the health world by storm is sea moss gel – an ingredient Hailey Bieber even worked into her Erewhon smoothie – and people are going nuts for it. But what exactly is sea moss gel, and is it right for you?
Below, we’re breaking down sea moss gel, its benefits and drawbacks, and how you can make it work best for you with the help of experts.
What is sea moss gel?
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Sea moss gel is a gelatinous substance – similar in texture to aloe vera – that’s derived from red seaweed. Red seaweed is processed most commonly for carrageenan, a natural thickener for a range of products from ice cream, non-dairy milks and creamers, cottage cheese, jellies, and more.
Sea moss gel went viral because people were taking it by the spoonful (an obvious turn-off to those with texture issues), but you can also blend it into smoothies, stir it into a glass of juice, or mix it into dressings and sauces.What is sea moss gel good for?
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Sea moss gel is a sort of multi-hyphenate when it comes to health benefits. It’s super rich in minerals, vitamins, and protein.
It’s packed with iodine, potassium, calcium, which Doctor Simran Shamanur, MBBS with Allo Health says are essential.
“These minerals are crucial for maintaining healthy thyroid function, metabolism, and overall cellular health,” she says.
Sea moss gel is also high in fiber and promotes a healthy digestive system – which is great, because when you have a happy tummy, you’re happy. Additionally, it acts as a prebiotic, supporting beneficial bacteria growth.What are the benefits of sea moss gel?
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The benefits of sea moss gel are seemingly endless. At a glance, here are the benefits it's known for:
Digestive health
As mentioned, sea moss gel is rich in fiber and prebiotics, which can both promote regularity and overall gut health.
Heart health
The vitamins and minerals included in sea moss gel are great for your general health, but also your heart health.
Thyroid health
If you experience challenges with your thyroid health, taking sea moss can be beneficial since it promotes hormone production and boosts your metabolism.
Weight loss
Since it’s fiber-rich, supplementing your diet with sea moss gel can keep you fuller for longer, making way for a more sustainable, weight loss-focused regimen.
Skin health
Sea moss gel can make a positive impact on your skin, whether it’s digested internally or applied topically.
“Thanks to its high sulfur content, sea moss can have a positive impact on skin health,” Dr. Simran Shamanur, MBBS says. “It's often used in creams and gels to soothe skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne.”
Boosts immunity
The vitamins and minerals included in sea moss gel compound to support immune health if you take it regularly.
Oral health
Sea moss can be beneficial for your oral health, Dr. Jerry Friedman,North Jersey Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery says.
“It is high in iodine and calcium, both of which help strengthen your teeth and fight off bacteria that can lead to decay,” he says. “It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which is beneficial for your gums.”
Muscle growth + recovery
Per Cleveland Clinic, sea moss gel has 6 grams of protein per 100 grams. Eating enough protein can help you gain muscle. Furthermore, sea moss gel is full of an amino acid called taurine, which can help muscles recover after exercise.What are the risks of sea moss gel?
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Like with all supplements, there are considerations to keep in mind before you start taking them, Dr. Simran Shamanur, MBBS says.
Sea moss gel isn’t an exception, especially since there are a few risks associated with taking it.
Though sea moss gel is touted for being rich in iodine, it also has its drawbacks since too much iodine can lead to thyroid dysfunction.
Sea moss gel also has the potential for contamination due to its oceanic origins, Shamanur says. Because of this, it’s important to be extra-diligent about the type of sea moss gel you buy.
“As sea moss grows in the ocean, there is a risk of contamination with heavy metals like mercury and lead,” she says. “It's crucial to source sea moss from reputable suppliers who test for these contaminants.”Why is sea moss gel so expensive?
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Jars of sea moss gel can range from $20-80, sometimes even more, which makes it fairly expensive for the average shopper.
The variation in price really comes down to where it comes from, how it’s grown, how much you buy, plus the market demand for sea moss gel.
Can you eat sea moss gel every day?
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Eating sea moss gel every day might not be necessary depending on your current diet and outstanding health conditions. It’s important to talk with your doctor before starting to incorporate sea moss gel into your diet.
Sea moss gel can be dangerous in large amounts, says James Cunningham, Complete Health Optimization Coach with Total Shape.
“If you start experiencing negative side effects or allergic reactions after consuming or applying sea moss, such as irritation, itchy throat or nausea, redness, swelling, burning or stinging, or difficulty breathing, immediately stop using the product and consult a doctor,” he says.
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