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Many people like to take their vitamins and supplements in the form of gummies. That includes sea moss gummies — yes, really. As you might have guessed, these gummies are made from sea moss, also known as red seaweed or Irish moss, a type of seaweed that grows off the coasts of Europe, the United Kingdom, and North America.
Sea moss contains antioxidants, minerals, polyunsaturated fats, and vitamins. Although seaweed has been used for dietary and medicinal purposes worldwide for thousands of years, its current popularity as a popular health supplement has led to more research into its benefits.
What are sea moss gummies?
How sea moss gummies are made can vary from recipe to recipe, but they generally have many similarities, starting with their main ingredient: yes, it’s sea moss. It’s common to see these gummies made with sweeteners, added flavors, fruit juice concentrates, glycerin, pectin, and processed seaweed. However, simpler versions with more minimalist ingredients can also be found. Those who are adventurous in the kitchen can even purchase sea moss gel to make gummies at home.
When making sea moss gummies, the moss is first processed into a gel, then heated and mixed with juice and a binding agent such as agar-agar or glycerin. At this stage, sweeteners, added vitamins, and other ingredients are whisked into the mix. Once everything is thoroughly mixed, the contents are poured into a gummy mold and refrigerated. The first gel is made by soaking sea moss in clean water for up to two days before blending and then refrigerated until it thickens into a gel substance.
How do sea moss gummies work?
The human body uses 102 different minerals and nutrients to sustain itself. Sea moss gummies contain 92 of these 102, according to brands like Wixar Natural Products, Dr. T’s Natural Products And SVNNA. That high concentration of the body’s required nutrients is a big part of why seaweed is considered a superfood. The bioavailability of sea moss gummies and their health benefits are still being researched, but they do contain many highly bioavailable components. The bioavailability of a food is how easy it is for your body to break down that food and extract essential nutrients from it. The more bioavailable something is, the easier it is for your body to digest and absorb.
There are some potential positives general health effectsbut there are also some risks that you should be aware of. On the positive side, research may show that sea moss gummies can help alleviate arthritis, diabetes, autoimmune problems, and eye and cardiovascular diseases. One of the main risks that you should be aware of is the high levels of iodine in seaweed. When using sea moss gummies, it is essential to stick to the recommended dosages and not exceed your daily recommended iodine intake. People with thyroid disorders, breastfeeding, and pregnant women should be extra careful.
Potential Benefits of Sea Moss Gummies
Sea moss gummies have a plethora of potential health benefits. The following list attempts to capture as many of these benefits as possible, but more may be discovered through ongoing research. It is also important to note that while Irish sea moss is known to contain all of these beneficial nutrients, there is not enough research available to say that Irish sea moss supplements and gummy forms (which are processed) have the same nutritional and antimicrobial properties as Irish sea moss itself.
Rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants
The type of seaweed used in sea moss gummies contains 92 of the 102 minerals and nutrients that the human body needs. This food is also rich in antioxidants, which provide several general health benefits for the immune system, eye health, brain function, and more.
Possible immune-boosting properties
Sea moss contains many aspects that can indirectly help the immune system. The antioxidants, as mentioned above, are part of this. This algae also contains prebiotics and is rich in fiber, which can work together to improve gut health and thus promote a healthier immune system. Sea moss also contains various minerals and nutrients that can help with the functionality of the immune system.
Digestive support
Sea moss gummies may aid digestion due to their high concentration of fiber and prebiotics, both of which can improve gut health and functionality.
Contribution to skin care and hair health
Sea moss contains many components that can help with the health and beauty of your skin, hair, and nails. Many of these components work together to support the body’s production of collagen, which plays an important role in the health and appearance of our skin, hair, and nails. In addition to the vitamins and minerals, this superfood also contains omega-3 fatty acids, which can help with skin health, hair strength, and nail durability.
May reduce your risk of cancer
Some research has shown positive benefits of using sea moss extracts to fight cancer cells in mice. These studies explore the possibility of using seaweed to create anti-cancer agents. More research may be needed, but scientists have found promising results in the possibility of using anti-cancer agents from seaweed to help treat colon and breast cancer.
Risks of sea moss gummies
While there are many potential health benefits, there are also some risks and possible side effects that you should be aware of.
Possible interactions with medication
If you are taking any medications, it is always wise to talk to your prescribing physician before adding any other supplements, prescriptions, or medications to your health routine. Sea moss has been known to interfere with some thyroid medications. If you are taking any medications for your thyroid, talk to your doctor before considering sea moss gummies.
Allergic reactions in some people
People can have and develop food allergies to almost any type of food. Before trying a new food, it is a good idea to test your reaction to it. If you are unsure whether you have a food allergy, talk to an allergist first.
Risks of overconsumption
Because sea moss contains high levels of iodine and heavy metals, overconsumption of this superfood can lead to health risks. If you use sea moss gummies, be sure not to exceed the recommended daily dosages and be aware of how much iodine and heavy metals you are getting from other sources.
Contamination problems in low quality products
A product is only as good as its source materials and manufacturing. Lower quality products may run the risk of contaminants mixing in with the ingredients at various stages of production. Also keep in mind that because sea moss is not regulated by the FDA in raw or supplement form, there is no way to know the quality of what you are buying.
Lack of information
There is not much information available on sea moss. Furthermore, most studies on sea moss have been done on animals, not humans. More research is needed.
Possible side effects of sea moss gummies
While sea moss gummies are a superfood and offer many potential health benefits, they can also have unwanted side effects in some situations:
- Iodine poisoning: High iodine levels in seaweed can lead to a build-up of toxins in the body if you eat too many sea moss gummies.
- Heavy metal toxicity: High concentrations of heavy metals in seaweed can lead to a build-up of toxins in the body if you eat too many sea moss gummies.
- Digestive problems: Some people have a severe reaction in their intestines, which can lead to diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain and vomiting.
- Intestinal inflammation: Because seaweed is heavy in carrageenThese supplements can cause intestinal inflammation and bloating in some people.
Who are sea moss gummies most suitable for?
People who want to improve their overall health and well-being
Because this superfood is so packed with nutritional benefits and potential health effects, it can be helpful for those looking for overall health and wellness boosts. Remember, though, it’s always best to talk to a medical professional before attempting to treat any illness, and that dietary supplements are not a substitute for medical treatment or expertise.
Those who want to increase their nutritional intake naturally
Sea moss gummies offer great nutritional value, even without their other potential health benefits. These supplements can be a good choice for those interested in increasing their nutritional intake through natural sources.
Vegans and vegetarians looking for plant-based supplements
Sea moss gummies are made primarily from vegan ingredients and can be a good source of vitamins and nutrients for vegans and vegetarians looking for plant-based supplements.
Who are sea moss gummies not suitable for?
People taking specific medications that may interact with sea moss
Before adding any supplement to your routine, always consult your prescriber if you are taking any medications. Sea moss gummies have been known to interact negatively with some thyroid medications, but such adverse reactions may not be limited to these medications alone.
Pregnant or lactating women (unless approved by a healthcare provider)
In general, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are strongly advised to avoid eating sea moss gummies due to their iodine contentYour healthcare provider may give you permission in such circumstances, but you should always talk to him or her first to avoid endangering your health or the health of your unborn child.
