Here, registered dietitians break down the nutrients and benefits of sea moss and share some different ways to add sea veggies to a healthy diet. Sea moss is traditionally enjoyed in Asian and some Caribbean and Irish cultures, registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator Shahzadi Devje, R.D., CDE, MSc, tells mbg. Similar to spirulina, this sea veggie is becoming more mainstream in the American diet. “You may have come across the slimy seaweed—splashed across Instagram—in colorful smoothies,” Devje says. While they may be used similarly, spirulina and sea moss are different in color and nutrients. Spirulina contains 28 to 38 times more protein than sea moss, significantly more iron, Devje says. “On the other hand,” she adds, “sea moss provides substantially more folate than spirulina—almost double.” “However, it’s still not known just how much we truly absorb2 if we ingest it,” Davis says. One study conducted on rats suggests sea moss may support gut health and immune response by3 contributing prebiotic effects to the gut microbiome. Further research and studies on humans need to be conducted to confirm those findings, though. “If you notice any side effects like itchy throat or nausea, it’s possible you may be allergic to it and should consult with a doctor,” Davis says. Whether or not it’s safe to consume daily is not well studied, Devje says. Talking to a doctor about different supplement options is also a good idea. On its own, it’s often sold as a supplement, in the form of a powder, pill, or gel, Davis says. “You can add the powder form into a smoothie or mix it with some water,” she suggests. The gel form can be used as a thickener for soups. Sea moss can also be purchased in its raw form, Devje says, but it requires quite a bit of prep, like rinsing, soaking, and repeating. To get the benefits of other hard-to-find sea veggies, mindbodygreen created organic veggies+ greens powder, which combines kelp, spirulina, and chlorella with dark leafy greens, like kale and spinach. The blend is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.* It’s important to note that supplements are not tested the same way prescription drugs are, Devje says. The safety and efficacy promised are not always accurate. This is why Devje says it’s important to be a savvy shopper and look for supplements from trusted brands with quality-sourced ingredients. For that same reason, mbg teamed up with credible manufacturers to create organic veggies+. This supplement has undergone four rounds of testing for heavy metals and pesticides and is USDA certified organic.
