Many of you have never heard of “carrageenan” because this name is often not even listed on the label! Food industry started adding this chemical in order to improve the texture and solubility of products. Surprise – many organic foods and whole foods “365” brand contain this substance.
Here’s what Dr. Axe said “Carrageenan. That’s an ingredient in many pumpkin spiced latte ingredient lists that makes me pause. Often marketed as a “natural” ingredient derived from seaweed, the research suggests we may want to take a closer look.
Carrageenan is extracted from red edible seaweeds and is widely used in the food industry for gelling, thickening and stabilizing foods and drinks. It’s very popular for use in dairy and dairy replacement products for its strong binding ability to food proteins. It’s banned in infant formula in the European Union but is used freely in products in the U.S., including organic foods and drinks.
Dairy, almond, coconut and soy milk manufacturers also use carrageenan because it recreates a fatty “mouthfeel” in low-fat or non-fat products. The problem? Carrageenan is an extremely reliable inflammatory agent and carcinogen. In fact, it’s so inflammatory that researchers often use it to study the molecular signals involved in cancer and anti-inflammatory drugs. More than 3,800 studies show carrageenan causes inflammation.
In fact, in April 2016, the Cornucopia Institute published summary research exposing the industry’s withheld data showing that even food-grade carrageenan — the kind the industry proclaimed safe for decades — contained the carcinogenic contaminant low-molecular-weight poligeenan. Aside from cancer-causing properties, studies show carrageenan causes GI inflammation, a higher risk of intestinal lesions, ulcerations, and even malignant tumors. Scientists found carrageenan triggers an immune reaction that causes an inflammatory response in the gastrointestinal system.”
Here’s list you may check when you are grocery shopping:
shopping guide to avoiding organic foods with carrageenan
carrageenan – a harmful substance
A Dangeround Food Additive to Avoid (your medical detective)
