Here’s what dietitians have to say about the star ingredient in Hailey Biebers viral Erwon smoothie.
Getty Images
Thanks to Hailey Bieber, sea moss has been having a major moment.
Besides sea moss, the smoothie includes a house-made strawberry sauce (yum!)
Photo:Getty Images
and ingredients likecollagenandhyaluronic acid, which may support skin health hence the name.
Read on to see what registered dietitians have to say.
WTF is Sea Moss?
Sea moss (akachondrus crispus) is a spiny sea vegetable thats similar to algae and seaweed.
However,Erewhon sources theirsfrom St. Lucia in the Caribbean.
Like many fruits and vegetables, it also contains prebiotic fibers and antioxidant compounds.
Here’s a closer look at what’s in sea moss and the potential benefits.
Soluble Fiber
Sea moss contains soluble fiber, which is important for gut health.
“It might also help you feel more full and help reduce cholesterol levels,” Taub-Dix says.
She adds that oats and beans are also rich in soluble fiber and are less costly than sea moss.
Other prebiotic foods also include garlic, Jerusalem artichokes, onions, and leeks.
The TL;DR?
While sea moss is nutrient-dense food, there are many ways to get the nutrients it provides.
More research is needed so scientists can say for certain how sea moss may impact human health.
Are There Any Downsides To Sea Moss?
Sea moss also has blood thinning properties, potentially dangerous for those who take blood-thinning medications, she says.
Consuming sea moss may be unsafe for people taking blood thinners or thyroid medications.
