Wondering what sea moss is good for? Here are nine benefits of sea moss, from thyroid support and minerals to skin and gut health.
Quick answer: The main benefits of sea moss come from its nutrients: it’s a natural source of iodine, which supports normal thyroid function, plus minerals like zinc, magnesium, and iron that support skin, energy, and overall wellness. Its gel-like fiber may also support gut health. Much of the research is still early, so think of sea moss as nutritional support rather than a cure-all.
Sea moss is a spiny sea plant that’s been used by many people for decades. The most common color of sea moss is red, but we can also find it in green, brown, yellow, purple, and black.
Like many other plants, sea moss is connected to various health benefits. To that end, we’ve compiled a list of nine impressive benefits of sea moss. Let’s dive in.
1. Supports Thyroid Health
Thyroid health is essential for our well-being, metabolism, energy levels, and much more. Hypothyroidism, a condition characterized by an underactive thyroid, often leads to (1):
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Feeling cold
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle aches
- Thinning hair
- Depression
- Impaired memory
Consuming enough iodine (an essential mineral) is vital for optimal thyroid function (2). The good news is that sea moss is rich in iodine, which supports thyroid health and the body’s production of T3 and T4 (thyroid hormones). Learn more in sea moss and thyroid health.
2. May Support Libido
Libido issues are more common today than they ever were. To make matters worse, many young people today struggle with fertility issues. According to some research, more than one in ten women between the ages of 15 and 44 has problems with getting and staying pregnant (3). Researchers often speculate that there is a link between the two.
According to some claims, sea moss consumption can offer a slight testosterone boost in men, improve their libido, and boost their sperm count. Sea moss is also claimed to help women thanks to its rich nutritional profile.
While we certainly need more research in the area, preliminary findings have been promising. You can read more in sea moss and fertility.
3. A Rich Source of Minerals
The human body is an incredibly complex collection of organs, systems, and other tissues. Each day, the body carries out thousands of processes that keep us alive, healthy, and feeling well. Thanks to the incredible complexity of the human organism, we are capable of living for many years, adapting to all sorts of stressors, recovering from illnesses, and much more.
The only thing worth noting is that, for the human body to operate at peak efficiency, it needs the proper nutrients (4). We have to consume an adequate amount of protein, carbs, fiber, fats, and vitamins (5, 6, 7, 8). But, we also have to get enough of each mineral because these nutrients carry out important functions necessary for life.
Luckily for us, sea moss is a rich source of minerals and is often said to contain most of the 102 minerals the body uses, including essential ones. Adding sea moss to a balanced diet can help you fill in mineral gaps.
4. Supports Skin Health and Elasticity
Sea moss offers impressive benefits related to skin health. For one, thanks to its rich nutritional profile, the sea plant is traditionally used to soothe and nourish the skin. Similarly, sea moss offers copper, selenium, and zinc, which play numerous vital roles in skin health and elasticity.
Aside from that, sea moss is also rich in sulfur, which is believed to have antimicrobial properties. As a result, sea moss might benefit people with oily, blemish-prone skin.
5. Supports Healthy Blood Flow and Circulation
Good circulation is essential for our health, endurance, energy levels, cognition, and longevity (9). Restricted blood flow can occur for many reasons and lead to:
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Weakness
- Pale skin
- Cardiovascular disease
According to some claims, sea moss may support healthy blood flow in the body by means of vasodilation. Meaning, the sea plant contains compounds that may promote the widening of blood vessels, supporting healthy blood pressure and overall well-being. More research is needed here.
6. Boosts Energy Levels
Sea moss might improve energy levels on three fronts. First, as we saw in the previous point, sea moss may support blood flow, which plays a role in our endurance and sense of well-being.
Second, sea moss is abundant in many essential nutrients that allow the body to operate at peak efficiency. For example, the sea plant offers iron, magnesium, and zinc, which contribute to numerous processes (10, 11).
Third, sea moss is abundant in iodine, which promotes thyroid health and helps the body avoid the brain fog, fatigue, and muscle weakness that come with low iodine (2).
7. Supports Gut Health
Despite what many people believe, gut health is at the center of our longevity and well-being. The gut is connected to the brain, cardiovascular system, and more (12). Poor gut health is linked to:
The good news is that sea moss is rich in a polysaccharide called mucilage. The sticky substance is linked to improved gut function, which supports healthy immune system function. Some experts also suggest that mucilage can soothe the gut lining and support a healthy gut barrier.
8. May Support Weight Management
Sea moss is touted as a weight loss aid for a few reasons. First, the sea plant appears to help regulate our appetite, reducing the risk of overeating. The plant may lead to long-lasting satiety thanks to carrageenan, one of sea moss’ primary active compounds.
Second, carrageenan might aid with fat loss. The compound has led to marked fat loss in some experiments thanks to mechanisms like:
- Promoting breakdown of brown fat
- Limiting the formation of new fat cells
- Reducing dietary fat absorption
One human study on obese subjects found that those who took 1,000 mg of sea moss daily lost significantly more body weight than a control group (16).
9. May Help Clear Mucus From The Body
Many people are surprised to learn that sea moss develops a thick and sticky consistency inside the body. Thanks to that, the sea plant may soothe mucus membranes in the body, helping your body flush out mucus.
For example, sea moss is traditionally used to ease occasional congestion and help the body clear phlegm that can build up in the lungs.
One proposed mechanism for these sea moss effects is that it contains nutrients that may help break up mucus. For example, sea moss is rich in chlorophyll and potassium chloride, which are believed to help thin mucus and soothe the bronchial tree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to take sea moss every day?
Many people take sea moss daily, but because it’s naturally high in iodine, more isn’t better: too much iodine can affect thyroid function. Stick to the serving on the label and avoid stacking several iodine-rich supplements, such as kelp.
Is sea moss gel or capsules better?
Both come from the same seaweed. Gel is made by soaking and blending dried sea moss and needs to be refrigerated, while capsules contain dried, powdered sea moss in a pre-measured amount that’s easy to take on the go. The better choice is the one you’ll use consistently.
What’s the difference between sea moss and bladderwrack?
Sea moss (Chondrus crispus) is a red seaweed, while bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus) is a brown seaweed named for the air-filled bladders that help it float. Both are natural sources of iodine and minerals, which is why they’re often paired together.
What should I look for in a sea moss supplement?
Look for a clearly stated amount of sea moss per serving, transparent sourcing, third-party testing for heavy metals (seaweed can absorb them from the water it grows in), and no unnecessary fillers. Ancient Bliss Sea Moss combines organic Irish sea moss with bladderwrack in capsules, taken as 2 capsules daily, and is herbalist-formulated. Ancient Bliss products are third-party tested.
Who should avoid sea moss?
Check with your doctor before taking sea moss if you have a thyroid condition or take thyroid medication, are pregnant or nursing, or take any other medication, since its iodine content can affect the thyroid. Anyone with a seaweed or iodine sensitivity should avoid it.
Want to make sure you’re getting the real thing? Read Irish moss: what’s real and what’s fake. As with any supplement, check with your healthcare provider before starting sea moss, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing, have a thyroid condition, or take medication.
