What is seaweed doing in my yogurt??? Well, let's talk about that!!
The actual ingredient that I am referring to is called Carrageenan which is an additive that comes from the seaweed known as Irish Moss. Of course it's not really the Irish Moss that's the problem here. It's what happens to it when they process it to extract the carrageenan, which is a thickening agent and emulsifier. And the thing is, this carrageenan is NOT a good thing. In fact, Dr. Joanne Tobacman has conducted many studies on the effects of carrageenan consumption, including a recent one in the Journal of Diabetes Research. Dr. Tobacman indicated that the amount of carrageenan found in most peoples diets is sufficient to cause inflammation. In her research, Dr. Tobacman has said that when we consume foods that contain carrageenan, we ingest enough to cause inflammation in our bodies. Chronic inflammation is a root cause of many serious diseases including heart disease, Alzheimer's and cancer!
Unfortunately, carrageenan is not only found in frozen yogurt. It's even found in organic products! That's why it's SO important for you to read your labels. Even "healthy" foods still contain carrageenan, though consumers are now starting to realize that this is not something they want to ingest and the food and beverage manufacturers are taking notice. Now you will start to see "carrageenan free" on certain lables, even on toothpaste!
So please, take a moment to read your labels. Carrageenan is in many products including certain brands of coconut milk, almond milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, dairy free and vegan and vegetarian products. But the good news is, because of consumers speaking out, it is starting to be replaced by other healthier thickening agents. Once again, power of the people will make a difference!! We all want to be healthy. We need to be aware of chemicals that are being added to our foods and demand a change, and when we do, change will happen! It might take awhile, but it will happen!
That's it for now - Until next time,
Be well,
Tracy
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