Thyroid health, gut health, and weight loss are all linked to this tasty marine supplement.

I search for a brief ingredient list when purchasing a new product. I love reading a list of phrases I recognize since it usually signifies the product is natural and won't irritate my stomach. So when a product called sea moss gel appeared on my computer, claiming to have only four all-natural components, I knew I had to try it.But I had no idea what I was going to do with it! Was I supposed to consume it or apply it to my skin as a face mask? Is it safe to consume it raw? How about the health advantages? Dr. Jerry Bailey, licensed nutritionist, acupuncturist, chiropractor, and functional medicine physician at Lakeside Holistic Health, helped me find answers to these and other problems.

What does sea moss gel entail?

Sea moss (scientific name: Chondrus crispus), often known as Irish moss, red seaweed, or carrageen, is a type of red algae. It grows along rocky shorelines, such as the British Isles' Atlantic coast. (Not to be confused with Sagina subulata, a type of green moss often known as Irish moss.)

Sea moss gel is simply sea moss mixed with water into a jelly-like consistency. It's more palatable (to me!) in this form and powdered form, and makes a great smoothie addition. People describe its flavor as earthy or "underwater," comparable to clams and oysters, however most agree it is mild.

Thyroid health may benefit from sea moss.

Vitamins and minerals in sea moss gel vary from brand to brand, owing to the fact that different companies employ different components. Sea moss, on the other hand, is a good supplier of iodine. Furthermore, according to some studies, it includes 92 of the 102 important minerals our bodies require to function.

What is the significance of iodine? "Iodine is not produced by our bodies," explains Dr. Bailey. "We have to deal with it within our food supply." Iodine is an essential component in the production of thyroid hormone... We can't create thyroid hormones without iodine. Hypothyroidism is the outcome."

Iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and copper are all key elements in sea moss gel for thyroid function. "The additional minerals in sea moss are important for thyroid function as well as overall body health," Bailey explains. "In our regular diet, we don't eat enough vegetables, which leads to mineral depletion."

Sea moss has been shown to improve gut health.

Eat a tablespoon of sea moss gel every day to boost the health and function of your digestive tract. Prebiotics, or non-digestible meals that encourage the growth of "good" gut bacteria, are found in seaweeds like sea moss. They're also high in fiber and contain helpful living bacteria.

"Sea moss research reveals it's a terrific source of extra fiber for the diet and has a high amount of living bacteria for the gastrointestinal system," Bailey explains.

Sea moss gel may help you lose weight in a healthy way.

To be clear, not all weight loss is beneficial, especially when done too quickly. Losing weight gradually and regularly as a result of healthy lifestyle choices, on the other hand, may help you enhance your overall health. Sea moss gel could play a role in that healthy transition.

"A substance called fucoxanthin [an antioxidant] is found in sea mass," Bailey explains. In a few rat trials, fucoxanthin has been shown to improve fat metabolism (in which species of rats are used to compare to human metabolism.) As a result, we can make an educated guess that adding sea moss to your diet can help you lose weight."

The bacteria may have something to do with it, too. “The microorganisms linked with sea moss also demonstrate benefit to the GI tract,” Bailey explains. "You can improve digestion and immunological function within the GI tract by include helpful bacteria in your diet."

In a day, how much sea moss should you consume?

Bailey suggests taking one to four tablespoons of powdered sea moss each day (approximately 4 to 8 grams). If you're eating it as a gel, one to two tablespoons should suffice.

"Dry or fresh moss can also be eaten," Bailey says. "It's better to consume fresh produce within a few days of purchasing or harvesting to avoid foodborne illness."

Who should avoid consuming sea moss?

"If you have hyperthyroidism (Graves disease), you should be cautious about adding more iodine to your diet," Bailey warns. "A higher iodine intake can lead to greater thyroid output, which is something you don't want if you have hyperthyroidism."

"Also, if you are prone to heavy metal disorders [such as gastrointestinal problems], you may not want to consume a lot of sea moss." Check to see if the brand you're using tests for heavy metal contamination as well. This will reduce the likelihood of those heavy metals putting further strain on your body."

Heavy metals can be easily absorbed and stored by sea moss. The risk of toxicity, on the other hand, is low, and brands are open about whether they test for contamination.

What Did I Think of Sea Moss Gel?

I tried a pineapple sea moss gel (The Transformation Factory, $32.99) in the hopes of finding a nice sea moss choice. This brand appealed to me because the gel was made with only four ingredients: sea moss, agave, pineapple, and lemon. The consistency was a blend between Jell-O and apple sauce, so if you're not a fan of squishy foods, try mixing it into something different!

The flavor was moderately sweet and pineapple-y, with a strong tang of acidity that I enjoyed. It was excellent when I blended it with frozen pineapple chunks and coconut milk in a smoothie.

Bonus: I discovered that sea moss can be used as a face mask! The gel should be mixed with turmeric powder, according to Transformation Factory.

Just don't put it off until the jar is empty. This sea moss gel lasts around three weeks because it includes no preservatives (besides lemon). Who knew seaweed could be such a nutritious addition to our snacks?

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