Hello Beautiful Souls! I hope you had a wonderful Independence Day and that your summer is full of relaxation and peace. Today I want to discuss carrageenan. Carrageenan has caused a lot of health issues for me in the past and is definitely a foe. Unfortunately, it is in many food products so reading labels is a must for me, and checking labels may be for you too.
Carrageenan is a naturally occurring gelatin substance found in certain types of seaweed. It’s often used as a food additive, such as to give color to ice cream and baked goods. It’s also found in many other foods, including yogurt, cheese, and even baby formula. The FDA has received reports of people getting sick after eating carrageenan-containing foods or beverages (or accidentally inhaling dust or fumes from these items). You may have seen these additives listed under their chemical names: alginate and pectin. The label on your food product will tell you if it contains carrageenan—and what amount there is!
Seaweed is rich in fiber and minerals, which are essential for good health.
Seaweed is a rich source of fiber and minerals, which are essential for good health. It can be used in cooking, or as a supplement. The high mineral content makes seaweed an excellent source of vitamins, proteins,
and minerals such as iron. When you eat seaweed on its own it will provide your body with plenty of nutrients including protein (about 10%) and copper (about 25 mg per 100 grams).
However, the downside of carrageenan is that it’s high in agaric acid — a digestive irritant that can contribute to digestive distress and even ulcers.
Agaric acid is made up of amino acids (protein building blocks), which are digested by your body into smaller parts called disaccharides. These disaccharides get absorbed into the bloodstream and then travel through your body before being excreted via urine or feces.
In addition to causing stomach irritation, consuming too much agaric acid can also cause diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms in some individuals who have sensitive stomachs or general inflammation due to an underlying condition such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This makes it especially dangerous for those who have digestive issues or sensitivity to food additives like this one. Some types of seaweed contain high levels of it as well, so if you’re eating foods that are carrageenan-containing on a regular basis then your symptoms are likely related to that ingredient alone.
- When eating carrageenan-containing foods, you may experience bloating, gas, constipation, and diarrhea in sensitive individuals.
- Carrageenan has been linked to digestive upset in some people.
- Carrageenan has been linked to digestive upset in some people.
- Many countries have banned carrageenan from their food products.
Conclusion
Carrageenan is a thickener that can be used in food. It is made from seaweed and has been used for years as a natural thickener. Carrageenan has recently gained popularity among consumers who want to add extra thickness or moisture to their favorite foods: ice cream, frozen yogurt, and other dairy-based products. But it may not always be safe for consumption!
Carrageenan is often made up of gelatin (which comes from animal hide) and other additives such as alginate (a salt derived from kelp), which can cause side effects like diarrhea or cramping when eaten by sensitive people who have digestive issues.
When tested on rats, carrageenan was found to increase the chances of developing cancerous tumors by almost 50%.
Carrageenan seems to do this by triggering an immune response within the body, causing people’s bodies to attack themselves rather than disease-causing bacteria or viruses they are exposed to too much over time! Now while this may sound scary at first glance, we must understand that there are healthy alternatives out there such as xanthan gum which does not contain these ingredients so rest assured if you’re looking for something safer than your typical gummy bears!
If you have been diagnosed with IBS or are experiencing gastrointestinal distress please look at the labels of your food products. I have found carrageenan in chicken and french fries!