Sea Moss: The Trending 'Superfood'
If you’re reading this, you’ve probably heard about the brouhaha all over social media. The TikTok girls are obsessed, Instagram influencers are busy whipping up questionable recipes, and we’re all left with one burning question—should I buy it too? After all, if Mark Cuban and Kevin Hart aren’t hesitating to invest in a company selling sea moss gel, clearly recognising its growing hype (and not just because the Kardashian sisters are tossing it into their teas and smoothies), then maybe you and I have nothing to worry about. I mean, the high-end grocery stores even have dedicated sections for cold-pressed sea moss gel now, and we're still here, wondering, is it really worth the price tag?
But before we move into the supposed benefits and side effects, let’s break it down—what exactly is sea moss? How does it taste? Are we supposed to eat it straight up or blend it into our juices? Let’s find out.
What is sea moss?
According to some experts, consuming sea moss isn’t exactly new; coastal communities have been using it for generations, maybe not so much for shedding kilos, but for its many other medicinal and nutritional benefits. Sea moss, or Irish moss (scientifically known as Chondrus crispus), is a type of seaweed that grows along the rocky Atlantic coasts between North America and Europe. It’s commonly harvested for health supplements and can appear in a range of colours like green, yellow, red, purple, brown, or black, depending on the water temperature where it’s found.
How does it taste?
In its natural frilly form, sea moss has a bit of a slimy texture and a taste that leans more towards fishy or oyster-like. But some say the flavour largely depends on how it’s harvested. Good-quality, well-harvested sea moss is actually pretty mild, with just a subtle hint of the sea. The taste and texture also change depending on how you use it. The gel, as you’d expect, keeps that signature slimy feel, while the powder blends smoothly into juices and smoothies, leaving almost no texture, just a faint, ocean-like note, like any other sea plant.
Why should I include it in my diet?
Sea moss has earned itself the title of ‘superfood’ and like all our favourite celebrities, we’re ready to hop on the bandwagon too. Because, who doesn’t want glowing skin like Bella Hadid? This powerhouse packed with nutrients like vitamin B12, iodine, magnesium, amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and more is basically a skincare genius. It helps your thyroid, smoothes out your wrinkles, and keeps your gut (and skin) feeling healthy.
How do I consume it?
There are plenty of ways to get your fix—powders, capsules—but the most popular one is the sea moss gel. You can stir it into your morning tea, blend it into smoothies, or take a straight-up spoonful if you wish. But before you jump in on the trend, it’s good to know that while sea moss has plenty of medicinal and wellness claims, research on its benefits is still limited. It may not suit everyone, so it's best to check with a nutritionist first. Also, always read labels carefully and go for well-sourced, good-quality sea moss. It might cost you a little more, but it’s much safer.
