Almond milk has become a staple in many families, especially for people who are looking for dairy-free vegan alternatives instead of traditional cow’s milk. The health benefits of the drink, however, cause inflammation in the intestines, according to what experts said, due to the presence of an additive called “carrageenan”, according to what was published by the website. eatthis“.
American said Gina Keatley Nutritionist, Many commercial almond milks contain additives such as sugar, salt, chewing gum, and flavorings, as well as carrageenan that can cause digestive distress.
What is carrageenan?
Carrageenan is an ingredient extracted from red seaweed that is often used in a wide variety of processed foods as a thickening agent. Although carrageenan appears to be natural, and technically derived from a vegetable source, this type of carbohydrate is virtually indigestible.
Almond milk
According to the US Food and Drug Administration, carrageenan is generally known to be safe which explains why it is an approved additive in the United States. However, a 2017 study confirmed that carrageenan may disrupt gut health by causing inflammation in the intestines.
Other research points to a possible link between carrageenan and digestive problems such as inflammatory bowel disease. As well as poor blood sugar control, there is some evidence to suggest that it may lead to ulcers in the digestive tract.
If you notice that your stomach hurts after drinking almond milk or you suffer from a digestive disorder such as IBS or ulcerative colitis, it may be wise to avoid any products made with carrageenan.