Carageenan: The ‘Natural’ Ingredient That Is Making Us Sick

Non-dairy milks are a wonderful way to feed your body nutrient-dense, delicious and healthy substitutes for inflammatory dairy. However, relying on store bought brands can sometimes introduce toxic additives into your system, such as carageenan. Carageenan is not only in non-dairy milks,  it is found in protein powders, condensed milk, cottage cheese, coconut water, many brands of ice cream (both dairy and non-dairy) and vitamins. This ubiquitous ingredient is extracted from Irish Moss and used as a stabilizer for various foods.

In the raw food community, Irish Moss is often used on its own as a thickener for sauces, ice creams and puddings.  However, a very well known researcher Dr. Joanne Tobacman, has been studying the effects of carrageenan for over a decade. She has published 18 peer-reviewed papers that address the biological effects of carrageenan, including intestinal inflammation and distress.

Dr. Tabacman has found that although extraction of carageenan from Irish Moss is the most dangerous form, Irish Moss in its whole form also causes inflammation, similar to the extracted carrageenan. Both forms can be toxic to the body and have been linked to increased risk of gastrointestinal inflammation and colon cancer.

Of course, I always recommend whole foods that do not come in boxes or bags. Making homemade nutmilk, as an example, is a very easy to do. But for people who truly need to purchase some of these items like coconut water, almond milk etc… be sure to scan the label and avoid carageenan at all costs.