Sea moss is one of the most famous ocean superfoods due to its rich mineral content and health benefits. You can consume sea moss by adding it to juices, smoothies or using it to thicken desserts, casseroles, or soups. It’s most commonly consumed as sea moss gel, but many individuals take it in capsule or powder form.
It’s essential to know the right serving size before taking sea moss, as there can be side effects with any food. Let’s discuss, in more detail, how much sea moss to take daily.
What Is Sea Moss?
Sea moss, also known as Irish moss, is a type of red algae found in the ocean, primarily in the Caribbean islands, or Irish/Atlantic coast. Sea moss is nothing new. For thousands of years, it has been part of many families’ diets as a nutrition source and a thickener.
The two most popular types of sea moss on the market are; Chondrus Crispus(known as Irish Moss) and Gracilaria (known as Sea Moss).
Chondrus Crispus usually comes as dried flakes and is harvested on the Irish/Atlantic coast. On the other hand, Gracilaria are thinner and have a stringy look. Gracilaria is mainly found in St. Lucia or Jamaica.
Both Chondrus Crispus and Gracilaria are rich in nutrients, but Chondrus Crispus has a strong, less appealing flavor, whereas the Gracilaria has a milder flavor.
With the increased popularity in sea moss, it’s being promoted as a superfood as it is a gluten-free, vegan source of many vitamins and nutrients. Some of these nutrients include:
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Iron
- Zinc
- Potassium
- Iodine
Sea Moss Is Dr. Sebi Approved
Dr. Sebi was one of the main reasons for the mass consumption of sea moss today. Dr. Sebi, born Alfredo Darrrington Bowman, spent the last thirty years of his life exploring the healing potential of ancient plants and herbs.
Dr. Sebi wasn’t a qualified doctor and was very controversial in the media, but he shared what worked to improve his and others health in the world. Within that time frame, he used his knowledge to devised a health management system called the African Bio-Mineral Balance Diet.
Dr. Sebi’s list excludes many plant-based foods and advises avoiding hybrid foods that are unnaturally cross-pollinated. Reason being that the altered genetic structure, pH balance, and electrical composition are harmful to the body.
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Sea moss is one of the foods Dr. Sebi recommended it be included in our diet.
Dr. Sebi recommended drinking sea moss with hemp milk and a pinch of salt if you can’t eat it as is. You can sweeten the drink with agave nectar and vanilla; it is safe to drink daily.
How Much Sea Moss To Take Daily
The daily dosage/serving size of sea moss will depend on how you consume it, whether it’s in pill form, powder form or in gel form. It’s important to note that sea moss is rich in idoine.
You never want to over consume sea moss, especially if you have a thyroid condition. Although sea moss is an excellent source of iodine, you should always speak with your health care provider if you have further concerns about dosage, frequency, and length of use.
Read our recommended dosages and start on the low end, working your way up.
Sea Moss Gel Serving
The recommended daily amount of sea moss gel is 1 to 2 tablespoons. It’s best to mix the gel in with a juice, smoothie or with water and ginger, due to it’s slight seaweed taste. We recommend taking 1 TBSP in the morning, and 1 TBSP in the evening.
If this is your first time taking sea moss gel, we recommend consuming 1 TBSP a day. Consume 1 TBSP in the morning and slowly work your way up to 2 TBSP daily.
Sea Moss Powder Serving
The typical serving size for sea moss powder is ¼ teaspoon one to three times a day. You can add it to teas, juices, smoothies, oatmeal etc. You can also soak it in water to create a gel.
Sea Moss Capsules/Pills
The recommended dosage is one to two capsules a day, preferably with a meal. Never exceed the recommended dosage, and always read the label carefully. Most capsules are vegetarian and vegan friendly.
How To Take Sea Moss
The most common way to take sea moss is in gel form. It can also be used raw, as a powder, capsule, or gummy. Many companies sell sea moss gel because it’s easier to make, and consume.
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The easiest and most reliable way is to buy raw sea moss and make a sea moss gel from home. To prepare sea moss gel, rinse and soak raw sea moss in cold water overnight. We recommend adding limes to give the gel a better taste.
Once soaked, blend the sea moss with water until the mixture is smooth, like apple sauce. Pour the gel into a container and leave it in the fridge overnight to form into a firm gel.
Can You Take Too Much Sea Moss?
Yes, you can take too much sea moss; while it’s safe for the general population, certain groups need to avoid it. Sea moss is an abundant source of Iodine. Iodine plays a critical role in thyroid function; however, too much iodine can throw off the body’s delicate balance off-kilter.
The daily recommended dosage for Iodine is 150mcg, and there is 225mcg of Iodine in the recommend sea moss serving. That’s why it’s important to take sea moss in moderation.
Our bodies work best when there is a balance of essential nutrients. Let’s look at some of the potential side effects related to taking too much sea moss
- High Iodine Intake – The daily intake of iodine is 150mcg for adults 19 and older. The risks associated with high iodine intake include hyperthyroidism, thyroid cancer, and goiter. If you do have thyroid issues, consult your doctor before taking sea moss.
- Laxative Properties – Sea moss contains laxative agents, which can cause excessive diarrhea when over-consumed.
- It Can Interfere With Certain Medications – Sea moss is contraindicated in individuals taking anticoagulant or sympathomimetic drugs and those with low blood pressure.
Where To Buy Sea Moss?
Sea moss can be hard to find in your local health food stores as it’s normally sold online. Even searching online, there are many sea moss suppliers selling “farmed” sea moss, which contains virtually no vitamins and minerals.
You want to make sure you are getting your sea moss from St. Lucia, Jamaican or one of the Caribbean islands, and from a source you trust.
At Vibrant Sea, we work with local farmers in St. Lucia to harvest wildcrafted sea moss directly from the ocean in a sustainable manner. The St. Lucian waters are highly dense in minerals and vitamins, giving our sea moss one of the highest nutrient profiles.
Final Thoughts
Sea moss has numerous reported health benefits; nevertheless, it’s vital to follow the recommended dosage and never exceed it as it can cause an imbalance in your body.
Sea moss might taste a little unpleasant when you first drink it, but most people get used to it after a while. If you have never tried it before and you would like to, consider how you would like to take it and follow our serving guidelines.
Nigel Gildon editor:Nigel Gildon is the editor of Chef Wayne’s Big Mamou: Chef Wayne’s Big Mamou. He has worked in the publishing industry for many years and has a passion for helping new authors get their work into the hands of readers. 63 Liberty Street * Springfield, MA 01003