4 min read
Popular Los Angeles grocery store Erewhon is an epicenter for buzzy wellness trends. From colostrum to creatine, it has sparked frenzies by adding niche ingredients to its viral smoothies. While many of these ingredients have life cycles, and the craze eventually runs its course, there’s one ingredient that I first spotted in Hailey Bieber’s Strawberry Glaze Erewhon smoothie that has yet to die down: sea moss.
“Sea moss has become a popular supplement recently, most likely after Kim Kardashian revealed she uses it in her smoothies as a way to manage inflammation and psoriasis,” says Amy Davis, a registered dietitian based in New Orleans. “Since then, influencers and creators have been posting about the benefits, including glowing skin and improvements in gut health, on social platforms like TikTok and Instagram.”
If you’ve been wondering what sea moss really does for your gut, skin, and more—plus, how to incorporate it into your routine—then look no further. Ahead, a comprehensive guide to sea moss, from its range of benefits to the best-tasting ones I’ve tried.
What Is Sea Moss?
You may have guessed from its name—sea moss comes from the ocean and is a type of seaweed, often called Irish Sea Moss, that contains a slew of nutrients that make it a superfood. “Sea moss is a nutrient-rich algae in the sea vegetable family that contains minerals such as iodine, iron, magnesium, and zinc, along with antioxidants that can help protect your cells,” Davis explains.
While it’s not a replacement for your daily multivitamin, it provides many of the recommended nutrients to support healthy thyroid, bones, gut, and skin. “The benefits of sea moss may include support for thyroid function, immunity, skin health, and gut health, but these are mostly anecdotal claims, as we don’t have many human studies on the health benefits of sea moss.”
Luckily, you don’t have to ingest straight seaweed to jump on the sea moss bandwagon. The ingredient comes in a variety of forms, from a gel to a powder, and even as dried pieces to top dishes or smoothies.
How Do You Take Sea Moss?
Just a spoonful or two of sea moss can give you a healthy dose of benefits. “The serving size of sea moss is only about two tablespoons, and it’s most commonly consumed as a gel by the spoonful, or blended into smoothies or juices,” Davis explains. “While there is no ideal time of day from a health standpoint, taking it first thing in the morning alone or in something you already consume daily can likely help with consistency, which is the most important factor overall. It’s also available in capsules and powders.”
Sea moss also comes in a variety of delicious flavors, making the seaweed much more palatable. Brands like Herbal Vineyards and True Sea Moss have created fruity flavors reminiscent of Jell-O. Other brands like Lemme and Cymbiotika have created pre-dosed liquid and gel formats, taking the guesswork out of dosing your daily sea moss intake. Some gels even have other superfoods mixed into it, like turmeric or hyaluronic acid. You can add it to smoothies, top your breakfast with it, or eat it straight from the jar.
What Are the Benefits?
Sea moss is beneficial for everyone, especially women. “Sea moss can support areas of health women typically focus on, including increasing iron intake, supporting thyroid function, which is important for hormonal health and mood, and may even support the appearance of hair, skin, and nails,” Davis says. Sea moss is also anti-inflammatory and contains prebiotics, so it can help with joint and bone health and improve gut health.
After taking sea moss consistently, experts say you may notice regular bowel movements, clearer skin, less brain fog, and even less joint pain. Again, consistency is key, and sea moss isn’t a magic solution—just an extra way to get a hefty dose of minerals and nutrients.
Are There Any Downsides to Taking Sea Moss?
While sea moss has a slew of benefits, it’s rather pricey. “While sea moss does contain a range of minerals, the typical serving provides a relatively small amount, and you only get about one to 10 percent of the daily value of minerals and other nutrients from taking it each day,” Davis warns.
Incorporating sea moss into your routine can be beneficial to boosting your gut, skin, and bone health, but it’s not the only way to get the various nutrients and minerals our bodies need. “Those same nutrients can easily be met through a balanced diet, and given the price point, it may not be the most practical investment for most people,” Davis adds. She recommends the superfood to her clients as an add-in for those looking to improve their overall health, but stresses that it’s not necessary.
Cymbiotika
Irish Sea Moss (12 ct)
Erewhon Cosmic Berry Sea Moss Gel
TrueSeaMoss Sea Moss Gel Mango/Pineapple
Organic’s Nature
Organic Irish Sea Moss With Bladderwrack and Burdock Root
Ever Smith Organics
Lemon Ginger Sea Moss Gel + Turmeric
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Organically Kismet
Recovery Blend: Blu Magik Sea Moss Gel
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Herbal Vineyards Wildcrafted Sea Moss Gel
Lemme Sea, Sea Moss & D3 Liquid DropsMeet the Experts:Amy Davis is a registered dietitian and media nutrition expert based in New Orleans.Check Out These Wellness Stories Next:Why Trust Harper’s Bazaar?
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