- Sea moss advantages might embody supporting thyroid well being, weight reduction, and intestine well being.
- Unproven advantages of sea moss embody enhancing hair, clearing the pores and skin, and treating most cancers.
- Some sea moss comprises heavy metals and microbes, so keep away from if pregnant or immunocompromised.
Sea moss is an edible type of seaweed that has turn into more and more common for its well being advantages, particularly amongst celebrities like Kim Kardashian.
You should purchase sea moss as a complement or in its uncooked type at specialty well being shops. Simply keep in mind that for those who purchase uncooked sea moss, cook dinner it to kill off any dangerous microbes, says Eleana Kaidanian, RD, CDN, a registered dietitian with the personal observe Long Island Nutritionist.
Whereas sea moss is a nutrient-rich complement, extra analysis is required to know the complete scope of its well being advantages and dangers, says Lon Ben-Asher, MS, RDN, LDN, a diet specialist and educator at Pritikin Longevity Center and Spa. Listed below are a few of the potential advantages that preliminary research have appeared into up to now.
1. Filled with vitamins
Most of sea moss’s advantages are due to its spectacular nutrient profile. For instance, two tablespoons (10 grams) of raw sea moss comprises:
2. Might assist with weight reduction
“Sea moss might assist weight loss attributable to its carrageenan content material,” says Ben Asher.
Carrageenan is a sort of fiber that slows down digestion, which may help preserve you fuller for longer and doubtlessly cut down on the total calories you eat each day, says Ben-Asher.
In truth, a small 2011 study discovered those that consumed a drink with seaweed fiber reported greater ranges of satiety and diminished urge for food 5 hours later in comparison with the placebo.
3. Helps thyroid well being
“Sea moss can be a great supply of iodine, which is a necessary mineral for proper thyroid function and metabolism regulation,” says Ben-Asher.
The thyroid is a small gland on the base of the neck that produces a number of essential hormones that regulate bodily features like weight administration and temper.
In truth, a small 2014 study of wholesome ladies discovered those that took 0.5 grams of seaweed per day for 2 weeks had improved iodine ranges and better ranges of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
TSH regulates hormones accountable for:
- Weight
- Physique temperature
- Temper
- Muscle power
- Power manufacturing
4. Might act as a prebiotic
Along with holding you full, the carrageenan in seaweed additionally features as a prebiotic. Prebiotics feed the healthy bacteria in your intestine that help with digestion, immunity, and illness prevention.
To date, analysis on sea moss’s function in intestine well being has solely been carried out in animals, which means its perform as a prebiotic in people has but to be studied. However thus far, outcomes from animal research look promising.
For instance, a 2020 review discovered that the prebiotics in sea moss fostered the expansion of wholesome intestine microbiota in rats. In some research, this resulted in weight reduction and a discount in dangerous pathogens like E. coli.
Insider’s takeaway
Given the recognition of sea moss as a well being meals and complement, the scientific group has been learning the advantages and dangers related to this sea vegetable. These embody its diet content material, prebiotic properties, and advantages for thyroid well being.
Nonetheless, additional analysis is required to determine a beneficial dosage and utilization of sea moss, says Kaidanian.
