Why Are So Many Celebrities Obsessed With Sea Moss?
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If you’ve perused the refrigerated section of Whole Foods or other health foods stores, you’ve likely encountered jars of sea moss. The slightly translucent, beige jelly has been popping up virtually everywhere and has achieved a cult-like popularity on social media. Celebrities and influencers have been some of the product's most vocal cheerleaders.
Bella Hadid includes sea moss in her daily supplement routine. Winnie Harlow and Hailey Bieber both launched Erewhon smoothies that feature the ingredient. Kim Kardashian has sworn by sea moss for years. But what exactly is it, and why are we seeing it everywhere?
People have been using sea moss for a lot longer than you might think. And as its popularity grows, there are a lot of misconceptions surrounding it. That’s why we’re breaking down everything you need to know about sea moss, from its history to its health benefits to how you can incorporate it into your diet.
What Is Sea Moss?
Sea moss, also known as Irish moss, is a type of edible red algae. It grows in shallow coastal waters all over the world, and it was notably used in 19th century Ireland as a source of nutrients during the Potato Famine.
Up until recently, the primary way American consumers encountered sea moss was as a thickening agent. When rehydrated and blended, dried tufts of sea moss develop a gelatinous texture thanks to the presence of carrageenan.
If you recognize the word carrageenan, that’s because it’s often used as an emulsifier and stabilizer in products like toothpaste, ice cream, and non-dairy milk. However, before the carrageenan from sea moss makes its way into those products, it’s heavily processed to strip any other nutrients.
In the Caribbean, sea moss has been used for medicinal, cosmetic, and culinary purposes for centuries. It serves as a thickener for soups, stews, smoothies, and skincare products. One particularly popular preparation in the region is a milk-based sea moss punch flavored with vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. A canned version of this drink in Jamaica is marketed as an aphrodisiac for men.
What Are The Benefits Of Sea Moss?
Although sea moss has been around for a long time, scientific studies surrounding its health benefits are fairly limited and none of them have had human subjects. But while its use as a supplement may not be FDA-regulated, it’s considered to be safe to eat and is believed to have many of the same benefits as other types of seaweed.
Registered Dietitian Ana Reisdorf told Forbes that sea moss "may be one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet.” It contains 92 out of the 102 essential minerals and nutrients needed for body function. Sea moss is a great source of calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iodine. It’s also rich in iron and vitamins C and A.
Some small studies have found that it may combat inflammation and support your immune system. Because of the presence of several essential amino acids, sea moss is believed to help collagen production and strengthen your bones, joints, skin, hair, and nails.
Also, because it contains prebiotic soluble fiber, sea moss may help strengthen the presence of probiotic bacteria in your digestive system and improve your overall gut health.
It is worth noting, however, that some of the popular talking points currently used to promote sea moss aren’t entirely accurate either. The fiber in sea moss can make you feel fuller, but no research supports the notion that sea moss helps with weight loss. There have also been no formal studies to back up the claim that sea moss can aid in fertility.
Not all sea moss contains the same concentration of nutrients, either. Healthline reports that the environment where sea moss grows can determine the “micronutrient and fatty acid contents.” In some cases, the iodine levels can be much higher and may lead to thyroid issues in large quantities.
There may also be heavy metals like arsenic, mercury, and lead present depending on where you source your sea moss. While dangerous in large amounts, studies indicate that potential heavy metals in sea moss shouldn’t pose a serious health issue if you consume it in moderation.
Like with most trendy superfoods, sea moss is not a magical cure-all. But it can work in tandem with a well-balanced diet and active lifestyle to support your overall health.
What’s The Best Way To Consume Sea Moss?
Sea moss comes in many different forms. While gel is becoming increasingly popular, you can also find sea moss liquid drops, powdered supplement capsules, and even gummies.
Dried sea moss is available for purchase and can be boiled to create jellies and puddings (a common preparation in Southeast Asia). But the trendiest way to take advantage of sea moss’s nutrients is by blending it into a smoothie.
For those who are wary of the earthy, oceanic flavor of sea moss and a texture that can be described as goopy and slimy, a smoothie is definitely the way to go. Some sea moss brands offer formulations supplemented with fruit juice to offset some of the seaweed-esque flavor.
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