Carregeenan is added in to processed foods as a thickener and emulsifier. It comes from red seaweed which initially would make you think, this is natural right? However, it has no nutritional value and is actually harmful to humans. Here is yet another additive to our food supply that is harmful yet allowed. Carrageenan should not be in foods.
Dr. Andrew Weil’s site reviews the studies done at University of Illinois by Dr. Joanne Tobacman. She has shown that carrageenan causes inflammatory changes in the human body which can lead to malignancies, stomach problems, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and impairments in insulin leading to diabetes.
Even “Natural” and “Organic” products can contain carrageenan so be sure to read labels. Here’s a shopping guide from the Cornicopia Institute to help you.
Carrageenan is used to de-ice planes! Published in The Buffalo News on June 29, 2013
As a food writer, I stumbled across some research on the effects of ingredients like carrageenan. What I learned was illuminating. Not only is carrageenan used to de-ice planes, when broken down to its most basic elements, it can be used as a “coagulant” for many foods.
When carrageenan is processed with an acid solution it’s called a degraded carrageenan and is unsafe for use in humans and animals. In this form it’s used in experiments with lab animals to cause inflammatory conditions to test drugs.
When carrageenan is processed in alkaline solutions it is called a food grade or “undegraded” carrageenan. In this form it is used in foods including baby formula, ice cream, beer, low-fat and no-fat dairy products, and also for medical tests (barium swallows and barium enemas). Since the 1970’s the safety of this product in the food supply has been questioned.
“The FDA’s full approval for carrageenan in all food products stands even while FDA supportive international groups recommend carrageenan be removed from baby formulas”. (Natural News. Six reasons to avoid carrageenan in your alternative milk products and food purchases. Sunday, September 01, 2013 by: PF Louis).
Read food labels and keep carrageenan out of your food supply. Since the safety of this food additive cannot be proven, it’s best to keep carrageenan out of your body.