High levels of iodine in sea moss could also pose a health risk. Excessive iodine consumption can lead to iodine toxicity, which in turn can lead to thyroid dysfunction, including conditions such as hyperthyroidism, thyroiditis, or goiter. Early studies suggest that sea moss may boost the immune system and even protect the body from contracting salmonella. An average person can consume between 1 and 2 tablespoons of sea moss.
Taking more doses than that can cause the problem (or several) that none of us would want. Too much iodine in the body is never a good idea, as it can cause thyroid disorders. So a big no to exaggerate. Sea moss, also known as Irish moss or red algae, is a type of algae that grows all year round in puddles and coves.
One of the reasons why sea moss has recently been promoted as a superfood is that it's a vegan and gluten-free source of many nutrients. While sea moss is a nutrient-rich supplement, more research is needed to understand the full scope of its health benefits and risks, says Lon Ben-Asher, MS, RDN, LDN, LDN, nutrition specialist and educator at the Pritikin Longevity Center and Spa. Sea moss is commonly harvested in New England to extract carrageenan, a gelatinous carbohydrate used in baked goods and cosmetics. In addition to providing hydration from sea moss and SPF, it can also help even out and brighten skin tone, Zeichner says.
The truth is, while people have been eating sea moss for years, scientists are only now beginning to investigate its medical benefits. You'll know that sea moss is ready to be used when it has doubled in size and turned white and gelatinous. In addition to its nutrients and antioxidants, sea moss contains sulfur, which can help treat acne and fungal and fungal skin infections, says Dr. Karan Lal, a dermatologist certified by the Schweiger Dermatology Group in Hackensack, New Jersey.
Six recipes from the sustainability-focused blog Treehugger combine sea moss gel with skin-loving ingredients, such as honey, charcoal and aloe vera, for 10- to 30-minute skincare treatments. In addition, since sea moss is high in nutrients that boost the immune system, such as iron, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc, it can also help the immune system and combat cold and flu symptoms, Foroutan adds. Below are some of the other proposed health benefits related to sea moss that could warrant further human studies. For example, normal sea moss contains zinc, iron, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C, amino acids, antioxidants, and the list goes on.
The benefits of sea moss will vary depending on how you use the superfood as a food or as an external product or ingredient. Meanwhile, a leaf (1 g) of seaweed can contain between 16 and 2984 mcg of iodine, according to the FDA, so it's important to pay attention to nutrition labels if you eat sea moss and are concerned about iodine consumption. Therefore, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, immunosuppressed, or taking anticoagulant medications, you should avoid sea moss. The term applies to food, rather than beauty products, and it's not clear if organic sea moss extract works better (or is safer) than those that don't have the organic seal.
