Carrageenan is a food additive extracted from red seaweed. It is used as a thickening agent, emulsifier, and stabilizer in a wide variety of processed foods, including dairy products, meat products, baked goods, and beverages.
There is some concern that carrageenan may be harmful to human health. Studies in animals have shown that carrageenan can cause inflammation, digestive problems, and even colon cancer. However, the evidence for these effects in humans is less clear.
One of the main concerns about carrageenan is that it can be degraded into a more harmful form called poligeenan. Poligeenan is a known carcinogen, but it is not clear how much poligeenan is present in food-grade carrageenan.
Another concern is that carrageenan may interfere with the body's ability to absorb nutrients. Some studies have shown that carrageenan can reduce the absorption of iron, zinc, and calcium.
Overall, the evidence for the safety of carrageenan is mixed. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved carrageenan for use in food, but some scientists and health experts believe that it should be avoided.
If you are concerned about the potential health risks of carrageenan, you can try to avoid foods that contain it. Carrageenan is often listed on food labels, but it may also be listed under other names, such as "seaweed extract" or "food additive."
Here are some tips for avoiding carrageenan:
Read food labels carefully.
Choose whole foods over processed foods.
Avoid foods that contain seaweed extract or food additives.
Make your own food at home whenever possible.
If you have any health concerns, be sure to talk to your doctor. They can help you decide whether or not you should avoid carrageenan.
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