Sea Moss Pills vs Gel: How to Use, Benefits and Side Effects

What is Sea Moss?

Sea moss, also known as Irish moss or Chondrus crispus, is a type of red algae that grows along the Atlantic coastlines of North America, Europe, and the Caribbean Islands. For centuries, sea moss has been used as a traditional folk remedy thought to boost immune function, improve thyroid health, and aid digestion.

Recently, sea moss has exploded in popularity due to viral claims that it can help balance hormones, increase energy levels, fight infections, and improve skin health. It’s now commonly sold as capsules, powders, gel, and gummies.

Potential Benefits of Sea Moss

What does the research say about sea moss benefits? Here’s a look at some of the potential health perks:

Rich in Nutrients

Sea moss is packed with minerals and antioxidants, including:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin E
• Folate
• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Zinc
• Selenium
• Iodine

May Support Thyroid Function

The high iodine content of sea moss may help regulate thyroid hormone production. Iodine is required for making these essential hormones.

Could Aid Digestion

Sea moss is a source of soluble fiber and unique polysaccharides that may help relieve constipation, calm inflammation, and promote a healthy gut microbiome.

May Strengthen Immunity

Compounds in sea moss like sulphated polysaccharides are believed to exhibit antiviral, anti-inflammatory effects that may enhance immune response.

Potentially Fights Infections

Research indicates sea moss extracts have antimicrobial properties that may suppress the growth of certain fungi, bacteria, and viruses, though human studies are limited.

Sea Moss Pills vs. Gel

Sea moss can be found in several forms. Two of the most popular are pills and gel. Let’s compare the pros and cons of each.

Sea Moss Pills

Sea moss pills are supplements made by encapsulating sea moss powder into an easy to swallow tablet form. Here are some benefits of sea moss pills:

• Precise dosing in each pill
• Highly absorbable capsule form
• More palatable than sea moss gel
• Convenient compared to making sea moss gel
• Typically contain only sea moss

Some downsides of sea moss pills include:

• May lose nutritional value during drying process
• Lacks the water content of gel form
• Can be more expensive than buying sea moss gel or powder

Sea Moss Gel

Sea moss gel is made by blending whole sea moss into a semi-solid smoothie-like texture. Benefits of the gel form include:

• Contains raw, unprocessed sea moss
• Loaded with minerals and natural fiber
• Can blend with other superfoods
• More affordable than sea moss pills
• Helps meet daily fluid needs

Some potential cons of sea moss gel:

• Messy texture not for everyone
• Needs refrigeration after making
• Difficult to determine exact dosage
• Can have strong ocean flavor

How to Use Sea Moss Gel

Making Homemade Sea Moss Gel

It’s easy to make sea moss gel at home. Follow these steps:

1. Rinse raw sea moss to remove sand and debris.
2. Soak sea moss in water for 4-12 hours to soften.
3. Remove excess water and blend sea moss with a little water until smooth.
4. Strain blended sea moss through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth.
5. Store gel in the fridge up to 1-2 weeks.

Ways to Eat Sea Moss Gel

Sea moss gel is very versatile. It can be:

• Added to smoothies for extra nutrition
• Used as a thickener for soups, sauces, oatmeal
• Added to juice or non-dairy milk for flavor
• Swirled into yogurt, ice cream, or pudding
• Used in desserts and baked goods
• Added to coffee drinks in place of cream

Sea Moss Gel Recipes

Sea moss gel pairs well with many foods. Try these delicious recipes:

Tropical Sea Moss Smoothie: Blend sea moss gel with pineapple, mango, banana, coconut milk and lime juice. Sea Moss Overnight Oats: Combine oats, sea moss gel, almond milk, chia seeds, and cinnamon. Refrigerate overnight. Sea Moss Energy Bites: Mix sea moss gel with dates, oats, coconut, cacao powder, and almond butter then roll into balls.

Finding Quality Sea Moss Supplements

When shopping for sea moss pills or powder, look for organic products harvested fresh from the ocean. The package should identify the exact species of sea moss. High quality sea moss gel should be made from raw, non-GMO sea moss to best preserve nutrients.

Sea moss can absorb toxins from the ocean, so source from reputable sellers that lab test for contaminants like heavy metals, pesticides, and bacteria. Wild harvested, sun-dried sea moss from the Caribbean or Atlantic oceans is often highest quality.

Recommended Daily Intake

There is no official recommended daily intake for sea moss. Many supplements suggest 1-2 tablespoons of sea moss gel or 2-4 sea moss capsules per day. Discuss proper dosing with your healthcare provider.

Side Effects and Safety Concerns

When used occasionally, sea moss is likely safe for most people. But long term safety is unknown. Potential side effects may include:

• Upset stomach
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Thyroid dysfunction due to excess iodine

Sea moss may interact negatively with lithium and certain thyroid medications. Those with thyroid disorders should avoid sea moss due to the high iodine content. Always talk to your doctor before starting sea moss.

Bottom line - sea moss shows promise for immune and thyroid support, but research is lacking on its effects long term. Stick to moderate amounts of high quality sea moss gel or supplements under medical supervision.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.