Most of us know that dark leafy greens, fish, and berries are good for us. In fact, these ingredients are often classified as superfoods, which is why so many of us include them in our weekly meal plans.1
One item that might not be on your shopping list is sea moss. It's an alga (the singular word for seaweed) that's making waves in the wellness world, and many health-conscious people are including it in their recipes.
Pair of chickens:
- What is it?
- Advantages
- how to use
- collateral damage
What is sea moss?
Sea moss, scientifically known asChondrus crispusIt is a species of algae or seaweed found on the Atlantic coasts of North America, Europe, and the Caribbean islands.
It's known as the red alga, although it often comes in many colors, the most popular being yellow or gold and purple, but you can also find rarer colors like blue and green.
Its low calorie and fat count means sea moss is popular for its suggested array of health benefits that can support a healthy lifestyle.2
It contains a small amount of protein, as well as a variety of vitamins and minerals. It's also a great source of iodine and antioxidants.3
In this article, you'll learn everything you need to know about sea moss, including its health benefits and why it's a popular addition to many health supplements.
Top 10 Potential Sea Moss Benefits
Often thought of as a whole new superfood, there are some potential health benefits of adding sea moss to your diet. Here are the top 10 potential benefits of sea moss:
Support of the digestive function
Seaweed is a good source of live bacteria and fiber, which are known to support gut health.4
Thyroid function support
Sea moss contains iodine, which is good for the thyroid and may help with weight loss. However, if you're already taking medication to correct your iodine deficiency, it's probably worth investigating further.5
but energy
Contains seaweedFerro, which is a great way to keep your energy levels up. Iron deficiency can make you feel tired and lethargic.
nutrition of the skin
Contains seaweedMagnesium,Vitamin a,Vitamin K, miOmega-3 fatty acidsthat moisturize and support the healthy function of skin cells.6
improved immune function
While there is no specific human study, a study on salmon suggests that sea moss may help build the body's immune response.7
supportive mood
Sea moss has about double thatPotassiumthan a medium banana. Potassium is a very important mineral that helps maintain mental and emotional health.8
heart health
Some studies suggest that sea moss may lower cholesterol and thin the blood. However, this has not been proven and requires further research in humans.9
blood sugar management
A study on seaweed found the compound fucoxanthin, thought to normalize high blood sugar levels.10
aphrodisiac
The indigenous people of the Caribbean have used sea moss as a natural aphrodisiac for many years. Its high zinc content is believed to stimulate sex hormones that play a key role in libido.11
Supports overall health and well-being
Sea moss is a powerful superfood packed with minerals and nutrients that can help your body function healthily.12
However, it should be remembered that there is not much research on the benefits of sea moss and it may not provide you with all the nutrients you need. Eat a healthy and balanced diet and use sea moss as a supplement if desired.
there are many othersHerbal supplementsalso on the market, so it pays to do some research to find the ones that are right for you.
Summary
- There are many claims about the health benefits of sea moss, but more research is needed to find out just how accurate they are.

Are sea moss and Irish moss the same?
Contrary to popular belief, sea moss and Irish moss are not the same thing.
Often confused with different names for the same plant, IrishMetrooss e SSeveryMetroOss are two different plants that individually offer great health benefits. Sea moss has a thicker, tubular appearance and comes in a wide variety of colors, from gold and purple to blue and green.13
However, Irish moss (known as Chondrus crispus) has a much flatter, fan-shaped appearance with wavy edges. It is usually dark purple in color but can discolor in the sun and appear golden.13
Summary
- It is low in calories and fat, making it a popular choice for its health benefits.
- Sea moss and Irish moss are often confused, but they are actually two different plants.
- scientific likeChondrus crispus, Irish Mossis another type of red algae or seaweed
Why did sea moss become popular?
Sea moss has been used for centuries, particularly in Ireland and the Caribbean. It is rich in essential minerals such asFerromiMagnesium, as well as folic acid andOmega-3.
Recently, some celebrities have been touting the benefits of sea moss, which may be why it's gaining popularity. Many of the claims made suggest that sea moss can support everything from your skin to your immune system, but how many of these facts are backed by science?
Summary
- Sea moss has been used for hundreds of years.
- It has become increasingly popular lately due to celebrity culture as it claims to support the skin and the immune system.
Side Effects: Who Should Avoid Sea Moss?
There's a lot we don't know about eating seaweed and how it interacts with our bodies.
While sea moss is generally considered safe for most of us, it pays to exercise a little caution. Choose reputable manufacturers and talk to your doctor if you have concerns.
It's also a good idea not to eat too much sea moss. This seaweed is believed to be a good source of iodine, but ingesting too much can impair thyroid function.13
Use moderation when adding this superfood to your diet to be on the safe side.
How to include more sea moss in your diet
There are many ways to add sea moss to your diet. This superfood comes in many forms, from powder to whole, and has a very mild flavor, making it a versatile ingredient in your pantry. You can try adding sea moss to:
- Smoothies
- Smoothies
- Sopa
- stews
- jams and pastes
- cakes and baked goods
- Frozen
- liquid Viagra
As with all supplements and superfoods, don't expect a one-ingredient miracle cure. Do your best to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle by adding supplements based on your unique nutritional needs.
Can you take sea moss every day?
Sea moss is a great source of several vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants, which can benefit your overall health.
However, its nutritional structure can fluctuate, and if you consume it in large quantities you may be ingesting high levels of iodine or heavy metals, which can be harmful.14
In general, scientists need to do more research on the effects of sea moss on humans to determine its value in consumer health products.15
However, from what we already know, some of the benefits look promising based on algae studies.sixteen
In short, sea moss
sea moss, thatEucheuma as it is known scientifically, is a prickly sea vegetable similar to seaweed and kelp.
It's a good source of a variety of vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants, which can benefit overall health.
However, it has other nutritional properties, and when used in significant amounts, it can deplete high levels of iodine or heavy metals.
Overall, more research is needed on the putative health benefits of sea moss for humans, but early effects in studies on algae and the like are promising.
The advice in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace a visit to a doctor. Check with your doctor or health care professional before trying any supplement, treatment, or remedy. Dietary supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
The Happy Pear Twins: Simple and Healthy Habits for a Lifetime
In this friendly and open chat, Happy Pear's twins, Stephen and David Flynn, talk to Gemma about their journey as a plant-based business leader and what they've learned along the way. They also share:
- Achievable Healthy Habits
- How to choose healthy ingredients
- The 'Swimrise' summary - Swim at sunrise
The Happy Pear Twins: Simple and Healthy Habits for a Lifetime

Last update:10. June 2022
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/10-superalimentos-para-impulsar-una-dieta-saludable-2018082914463
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6093003/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6093003/
- https://www.purewow.com/wellness/sea-musgo-beneficios/
- https://www.thezoereport.com/p/sea-moss-in-skincare-can-minimize-breakouts-repair-dullness-so-much-more-28784536/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31159359/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5992350/
- https://tailormadehealth.com/sea-moss-benefits/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15896707/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5465861/
- https://www.uncommoncaribbean.com/caribbean/sea-musgo-sex-potion/
- https://www.wellandgood.com/sea-moss-health-benefits/
- https://www.shape.com/healthy-eating/diet-tips/irish-sea-moss-benefits-carrageen
- https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/diet-nutrition/a30499092/sea-moss-health-benefits/
- https://www.health.com/food/sea-musgo-beneficios
- https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/diet-nutrition/a30499092/sea-moss-health-benefits/
Related topics
Superfoods

Author: Bhupesh Panchal,Senior Associate for Regulatory Affairs
With Holland & Barrett since April 2019
MSc Toxicology and BSc Hons in Medicinal Biochemistry
Bhupesh began his career as a Clinical Toxicologist for Public Health England advising healthcare professionals across the country on how to manage clinical cases of adverse exposure to dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, industrial chemicals and agricultural products.
After 7 years in this role and an additional year as a drug safety officer in the pharmaceutical industry, Bhupesh joined Holland & Barrett in 2019 as a Senior Regulatory Affairs Associate.
Read more from Bhupesh