Busting 7 Common Myths About Sea Moss

From apple cider vinegar to chia seeds, we've definitely seen a lot of superfood trends in the nutrition and wellness scene. But one that has been gaining popularity lately is sea moss. Ironically, this seaweed has been around for centuries in traditional medicine and cooking, but it's only recently that it has become a staple in health-conscious diets.

However, with the rise in popularity, myths and misconceptions have also emerged, often leaving health enthusiasts wondering, “What is sea moss really about?” and “Can it truly deliver all those benefits?”

To set the record straight, we’re debunking 10 common myths about sea moss, helping you make more informed decisions about adding this superfood to your routine.

Myth #1: Sea moss is all the same.

Sea moss is most commonly popular as "Irish sea moss" and is typically harvested along the coasts of Ireland and some parts of North Atlantic but it can also be found in places like Saint Lucia and other Caribbean islands.

Many people assume there’s only one type of sea moss, but in reality, it has variety and it depends on where it’s harvested. Factors like water temperature in these regions significantly influence the type and quality of sea moss. For instance, seamoss that is harvested in Saint Lucia boasts a more delicate, softer texture than its Irish counterpart. It's also more commonly used for culinary and health-related purposes, such as in smoothies or as a sea moss gel.

Some producers also mass-produce sea moss in pools or controlled environments, but raw sea moss harvested directly from the ocean has a higher natural mineral content, as artificial farms lack the mineral-rich composition of the open ocean.

Myth #2: You can eat sea moss as-is.

Raw sea moss isn’t exactly snack-ready. Raw sea moss needs to be properly prepared before consumption. You usually soak and blend it to make sea moss gel, which you can toss into smoothies, teas, or soups. Or, if you’re all about convenience, go for sea moss capsules or powders instead. Either way, always read preparation instructions carefully to maximize the benefit sea moss has to offer.

Myth #3: Sea moss can cause acne.

One of the most asked questions by the general public is: Can sea moss cause acne?

In general, organic sea moss is not a common cause of acne for most people, and many find it helps improve skin texture and health due to its mineral content. In fact, Irish sea moss contains sulfur compounds, which promote collagen production and skin elasticity. However, it's important to note that everyone's skin reacts differently and while some may see improvement in their acne with sea moss, others may have a different experience.

Keep in mind though that breakouts aren’t always caused by your skincare – sometimes it’s your snacks or late-night Netflix marathons or stress. Nonetheless, if you’re worried, start small, see how your skin reacts, and tweak things as you go.

Myth #4: Sea moss doesn't help with weight loss.

So, can sea moss help you lose weight too? The fact is it can, but not without a healthy diet and lifestyle. For one, sea moss is low in calories so it’s a great, nutrient-packed addition to your diet without adding much to your daily calorie count. This can be a huge help when you're trying to create a calorie deficit for weight loss.

Additionally, another benefit sea moss offers is that its rich in prebiotic fibers which essentially  helps you digest your food better  and  increase your metabolism. And when your metabolism is balanced, your body burns calories more efficiently.

Myth #5: Sea moss can make you sick.

As the saying goes, everything in excess can be bad for your health. Sea moss is packed with iodine, which is great, but too much of it—especially if it’s raw or not the best quality—can cause problems. So, can sea moss make you sick? Yes, if taken in excess.

Overdoing it might mess with your thyroid and lead to issues like fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, or even more serious thyroid conditions like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Stick to recommended serving sizes (1–2 tablespoons of sea moss gel per day) and choose organic sea moss for optimal safety and benefits.

Additionally, low-quality sea moss can sometimes have contaminants like heavy metals or pollutants, especially if it’s from polluted waters. That’s why it’s so important to make sure the sea moss you’re using is high-quality and comes from a trusted source.

Myth #6: Sea Moss is just a fad.

Nope, far from it! Sea moss might be the latest darling of social media influencers and wellness gurus, but it’s definitely not a newbie to the health scene. This superfood has been a Caribbean, Irish, and European staple for centuries—long before it was trending on Tiktok or Instagram. For centuries, it has served as both a vital source of nutrition and a trusted natural remedy—far from being just another superfood trend.

Myth #7: Sea moss tastes awful!

Raw sea moss will have a strong briny, oceanic taste but you're not supposed to consume it raw (while some people may prefer it raw). The taste will depend on how it is prepared but sea moss gel, sea moss powder, and capsules have a more subtle taste which may not even be noticeable. In these forms, they can be conveniently added to your morning smoothie, soup, or coffee.

For those with sensitive taste buds, you can add lemon, lime juice or honey to make it more palatable for your taste. But overall, the taste is definitely not awful—it’s just subtle and can be easily adapted based on how you incorporate it into your meals or drinks.

Sea Moss Myths—Busted!

Now that we’ve busted these common myths, it’s easier to see why sea moss is quickly gaining more mainstream recognition. Packed with numerous sea moss benefits for your skin, metabolism, and even digestion, sea moss is proving to be more than just a passing social media trend.

If you're ready to add sea moss to your routine, start with high-quality, organic products. A great place to begin is with a flavored sea moss gel, which you can easily incorporate into your wellness regimen.

Check out The Seamoss Jungle's strawberry flavored sea moss gel— a delicious, versatile addition to your smoothie, yogurt, or post-workout drinks.