Many of us try to eat a healthy diet; one that is “natural.”
Some of us strive to eat foods that are truly “organic.” However, even something that
is considered “organic” can cause you to feel ill. Carrageenan which comes from
red seaweed, also known by the names of Chondrus crispus and Irish Moss, is
considered an organic food additive, but has been scientifically proven to cause
inflammation in the human body as well as cause mild to severe gastrointestinal
symptoms in some individuals. There has
also been research linking consumption of carrageenan to the development of
Cancer.
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| Sunset at the El Segundo Beach by Carole Jakucs - Image subject to copyright. |
Carrageenan is used in a
variety of food and beverage products such as cottage cheese, ice cream, yogurt,
baby formula, beverages and so much more. Currently, the USDA (United States
Department of Agriculture) allows it to be used in products labeled “organic."
Read you labels: If you don't want to consume carrageenan (even if you are buying an organic product) make
sure you read your labels. It’s especially important to check your labels for
carrageenan, if you are one who suffers from a sensitive gastrointestinal system, has a known GI disease or disorder and/or experiences GI symptoms (such as but not limited to, bloating and pain).
If you are experiencing any pain, or concerning symptoms, make sure to
contact your doctor. You may also want
to check your diet for any sources of hidden carrageenan.
