How much sea moss to take daily?
There are many ways to take sea moss. You can add it to your smoothies, juices, or even use it as a thickener for your soups, casseroles, and desserts. Some take it in powdered form while others use the gel form. No matter the form or how you use sea moss, you should watch out for the daily dosage as excess may cause side effects. Read on to understand the basic things about sea moss, how much to take daily and the side effects of taking excess.
WHAT IS SEA MOSS?
Also known as Irish moss, sea moss is an algae that grows on the ocean, it is commonly found on the Irish/Atlantic coast and Caribbean islands. This plant is edible and comes in many colors like green, yellow, purple, red, brown, and black. The common varieties of sea moss are red in color.
Sea moss contains many nutrients like:
- Calories
- Protein
- Fats and carbs
- Fiber
- Calcium
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Phosphorus
- Copper
- Zinc
- Chromium
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin B2
- Iodine
BENEFITS OF SEA MOSS
There are so many benefits of sea moss. In fact, some of its uses do not have scientific evidences or claims.
According to an article published by the National Library of Medicine in 2014, the main benefits of sea moss are:
1. Boosting Immunity
A study in 2020 showed that sea moss can improve the immune system and preventing the contraction of a bacteria known as S.Enteritidis that cause salmonella in humans.
2. Supporting Weight Loss
Sea moss has enough fiber contents that stays in the stomach for longer period of time while you feel fuller as well. When you are full, you will not eat too much food.
3. Improving Gut Health
Your gut needs lots of fiber and good bacteria. Sea moss has lots of this nutrient and bacteria as well to support your gut health.
4. Boosting Fertility
rSea moss has been used by ancient Caribean men to boost their testosterone levels and sperm count, it is even used as a natural sex enhancement. There are also benefits to the fertility of women as well. Sea moss has nutrients like iodine, calcium, B vitamins, and zinc to boost fertility and increase the chance of pregnancy.
5. Preventing Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease causes the body to become stiff, immobile while the hands, face, legs and vocal cords experience involuntary shaking. This disease is a degenerative illness that affects older people. Extracts of sea moss was used to conduct a study on worms and there was a decrease in the accumulation of synuclein, there was also a reduction in the stiffness and tremors. More studies and researches need to be conducted to see the effects on humans.
6. Promoting Healthy Skin
Sea moss helps to increase the collagen produced in the skin, it also protect the skin against damage. Sea moss can be used on the face to get rid of acne, scars, hyperpigmentation. All these are possible because the seaweed has antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
HOW MUCH SEA MOSS TO TAKE DAILY (MG)
Before you know the daily dosage of sea moss, it is important to know how you consume the seaweed.
It comes in different forms like:
- Powder: This is just blended dry sea moss. Most people think it is very potent than other forms as it is in its purest form.
- Pills: These are powdered sea moss that is enclosed to make pills or capsules
- Gel: Gel is a combination of blended sea moss and water. Sometimes, ingredients like fruits, spices and herbs are added.
1. Daily Dosage for Sea Moss Gel:
It is recommended that you take 1 or 2 tablespoons of of sea moss gel. You can take a tablespoon in the morning and another tablespoon in the evening. If you are taking sea moss for the first time, you should start with 1 tablespoon a day till you work your way to taking 2 tablespoons daily. The best way to use or take the gel is to mix it in your smoothie, juice or mix with ginger and water. This will help to reduce the seaweed taste it has.
2. Daily Dosage for Sea moss Powder
The typical and recommended dosage for sea moss powder is ¼ teaspoon one to three times a day. You are to take 1.5 g of sea moss powder a day, you can divide this quantity so that you take 750mg two times in a day. Taking the powder in bits will give your body enough time to absorb all the nutrients. For people who are taking sea moss for the first time, it is recommended that you take 750mg a day till you are able to take 1500 mg in a day. Add your sea moss powder to your smoothie, juice, tea, and others.
3. Daily Dosage for Sea moss Capsules or Pills
You should take one or two capsules of sea moss in a day. It is important that you take this supplement with food and stick to the exact recommended dose. You can read the label for more information. The recommended dosage for sea moss pill is 1.5g in a day.
HOW MUCH SEA MOSS TO TAKE DAILY (ADULTS AND CHILDREN)
Adults and children do not have the same dosage for sea moss. Adults are recommended to take higher dose than children because their body mass is different and an adult body will need more nutrients. There are factors like stress, lifestyle, diet that can interfere with the body’s nutrients. Children on the other hand need less sea moss because their bodies have lesser stress factors and can quickly absorb nutrients.
- Sea Moss Powder: Adults are to take 1 or 2 tablespoons while children do not need sea moss powder.
- Sea Moss Gel: Children should be given 1 tablespoon and adults need to take 2 to 4 tablespoons.
- Sea Moss Capsules: It is not recommended to give sea moss capsules while adults can take 1000 to 2000 mg.
HOW MUCH SEA MOSS TO TAKE DAILY DR SEBI
Dr Sebi is one of the forerunners of the large amounts of sea moss consumed today, he researched and explored the healing and properties of herbs and plants. He was recorded by the media as an unqualified doctor that used his work to show how health can be improved. Dr Sebi conceived a health management system known as the African Bio-Mineral Balance Diet.
This was based on plant-based foods that improve the health and restore the body to its natural alkaline state. It is also used for weight loss purposes. He added sea moss because of the nutrients and benefits. You can add sea moss to your hemp milk, vanilla drink or eat with salt. The recommended dosage is still as the same as above.
HOW DO YOU TAKE SEA MOSS?
There are many ways to take sea moss as it can be prepared in many ways. You can take it raw, as powder, gel, capsule and even gummy. The most common form of sea moss is gel because most companies find it easier to make, also it is easily consumed than other forms.
You can make your own sea moss gel at home. You just have to buy raw sea moss and follow the steps below:
- Rinse the raw sea moss to remove dirt
- Soak in cold water and allow to stay overnight
- You can add lime or any other herb or plant to enhance the taste.
- After soaking, blend the sea moss with water thoroughly until you get a smooth paste.
- Pour the blended paste into a container, allow it to stay in the fridge overnight to form a thick gel.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU TAKE TOO MUCH SEA MOSS?
It is possible to take too much sea moss and this is not safe for everyone. One of the reasons is the iodine content in sea moss. Sea moss has lots of iodine and this nutrient is needed by the body. However, too much of it can interfere with the body’s balance.
You only need to take 150mcg of this nutrient (iodine) in a day. Sea moss alone has 225mcg if you follow the recommended dosage. So, it is very important to stick to the recommended dosage and take sea moss in moderation. It is very important to balance nutrients in the body so as not to throw the body off its balance.
Some side effects of taking too much of sea moss are:
- There are laxative properties in sea moss : Taking too much of sea moss can lead to the laxative properties causing diarrhea.
- There is high iodine intake: Adults from the age of 19 and above are recommended to consume 150mcg of sea moss daily. Taking too much of iodine can lead to many health conditions like thyroid cancer, hyperthyroidism and goiter. In fact, it is very important that you see your doctor first before taking sea moss if you have thyroid issues.
- There may be interference with certain medications: According to Vibrant Sea, sea moss is not to be consumed by people who are also taking certain medications like anticoagulant or sympathomimetic drugs and drugs used for treating low blood pressure.
CONCLUSION
Sea moss is a type of algae and it has many benefits to the health. However, it is important to stick to the recommended dosage for the powder, pill, or gel. This is to avoid the side effects that can come up when you take excess of this seaweed. Sea moss has an unpleasant taste which is why you should add it to your smoothies, juices, soups, casseroles and desserts. You should know that this seaweed has more benefits that surpasses the taste.