Saunto
Your health matters

Saunto

Is Almond Milk Really Healthy? Uncover the Truth About Carrageenan in Store-Bought Varieties.

a cup of almond milk next to almonds
Shutterstock

If you’re looking for a healthy alternative to cow’s milk, almond milk may seem like a great option. It’s dairy-free, plant-based, and often fortified with vitamins and minerals. What’s not to like? Unfortunately, many store-bought almond milks aren’t as healthy as they seem. That’s because they often contain a controversial ingredient: carrageenan. Carrageenan is a thickening agent derived from seaweed. It’s often used to give almond milk a creamy texture and improve its shelf life. But some research suggests that carrageenan could cause inflammation and gastrointestinal issues in people who consume it. The World Health Organization has classified carrageenan as “possibly carcinogenic to humans,” and the European Food Safety Authority recommends that it be avoided as much as possible. That’s why it’s important to read the ingredients list on any almond milk you purchase. If carrageenan is listed, consider choosing a different brand or making your own almond milk at home. When you make almond milk yourself, you can control what goes into it. It’s easy to do—all you need is almonds, water, and a blender. You can also add a pinch of salt and sweetener of your choice, such as honey or maple syrup. Homemade almond milk has a much shorter shelf life than store-bought varieties, but it’s worth it for the peace of mind. Plus, you can adjust the flavor and texture to your liking. In short, almond milk is a great alternative to cow’s milk, but watch out for carrageenan. Read the ingredients list carefully and, if necessary, make your own almond milk at home. That way, you can enjoy a healthy and delicious dairy-free drink without the worry.

Avoid carrageenan if you feel bloated, nauseated, or have diarrhea

If you’re feeling bloated, nauseated, or have diarrhea, you’re not alone. Many people suffer from digestive issues, and the cause can be hard to pinpoint. Unfortunately, one potential culprit could be carrageenan. Carrageenan is a polysaccharide that is used as a food additive and can be found in many foods and beverages, including ice cream, yogurt, chocolate milk, and even toothpaste. Carrageenan is made from seaweed, and is used to thicken, stabilize, and enhance the texture and flavor of foods. However, it has been linked to digestive issues in humans, as well as numerous other health concerns. Studies have found that carrageenan can trigger an inflammatory response in the body, leading to digestive problems like bloating, nausea, and diarrhea. This is especially concerning for those who suffer from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In addition to digestive issues, carrageenan has been linked to cancer in animal studies. While the results of these studies are not conclusive, it’s still important to be aware of the potential risks. Furthermore, carrageenan is not considered a nutrient, and it doesn’t provide any health benefits. So if you’re feeling bloated, nauseated, or have diarrhea, it’s a good idea to avoid carrageenan. Be sure to read the labels on the products you buy and look for carrageenan or any of its derivatives, such as degraded carrageenan, carboxymethylcellulose, and sodium carboxymethylcellulose. Even if a product is labeled “all-natural” or “organic,” it could still contain carrageenan. If you’re looking for an alternative to carrageenan, you can try using other food thickeners, such as agar-agar, guar gum, or xanthan gum. You can also try making your own thickeners at home using ingredients like mashed potatoes, ground flaxseed, or arrowroot powder. Avoiding carrageenan can help you feel better and reduce your risk of developing health problems. It’s important to be aware of the potential risks of carrageenan and to make informed decisions about what you eat.


Recommended


NEXT UP

Vaccine Race Comes to a Close: Comparing Moderna's and Pfizer's Promising Vaccines for COVID-19

exterior of Moderna's headquarters in Cambridge, Massachusetts
Shutterstock

The race to develop a safe and effective vaccine for COVID-19 has been a long and difficult one. With the emergence of two promising vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, the world is one step closer to controlling the spread of the virus. In this article, we will take a look at how Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine compares to Pfizer's. To begin, let’s discuss the similarities between the two vaccines. Both Moderna and Pfizer use a similar mRNA-based technology to create their vaccines. This technology works by introducing a genetic code into the body which helps it to recognize the virus and then build up immunity against it. Both vaccines also require two doses to be effective, with the second dose typically being administered three weeks after the first. Finally, both vaccines have been proven to be highly effective, with both companies reporting efficacy rates of over 95%. Now let's look at the differences between the two vaccines. The biggest difference between the two vaccines is the type of delivery system used. Pfizer's vaccine is delivered in a vial, while Moderna's vaccine is delivered in a small vial. This means that Moderna's vaccine can be stored and transported at much lower temperatures than Pfizer's, allowing it to be delivered to more remote locations. Additionally, Moderna's vaccine is administered via a single shot, while Pfizer's requires two shots. This could make the Moderna vaccine more attractive to those who may have difficulty returning for a second dose. In terms of safety, both vaccines have similar safety profiles. Both have been tested extensively in clinical trials and have been found to be safe and effective. There have been some reported side effects from both vaccines, but these have been minor and temporary. Finally, it is important to note that the cost of the two vaccines is also different. Moderna's vaccine is slightly more expensive than Pfizer's, with a two-dose regimen costing around $37.50 compared to Pfizer's two-dose regimen, which costs around $20. However, the cost of the vaccines is not a major factor in determining which one to use, as both have been proven to be highly effective. In conclusion, Moderna and Pfizer have both developed highly effective vaccines for COVID-19. While there are some differences between the two, such as the delivery system and cost, the overall efficacy and safety profiles are similar. Therefore, it is ultimately up to individual healthcare providers to decide which vaccine is best suited to meet their needs and the needs of their patients.

If all goes well, vaccines could begin in December

The year 2020 has been an unprecedented one with the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping across the world. The virus has infected millions and taken the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. But, there is hope on the horizon. Scientists and researchers around the globe have been working tirelessly to develop a vaccine to combat the virus, and if all goes well, it could be ready for distribution as early as December. The potential for a vaccine to be available by the end of the year is exciting news, but there are still many challenges to overcome before that can happen. The most important of these challenges is to ensure that it is completely safe and effective at preventing the spread of the virus. Vaccines must go through rigorous testing and clinical trials to ensure that they are safe to use and effective in protecting people from the virus. While the prospect of a vaccine being available in December is exciting news, it is important to understand that it will take some time before it is widely available. Vaccines must first be approved by the FDA before they can be distributed, and there are still many steps to go through before they can be made available to the public. Also, the manufacturing process for the vaccine will likely be limited initially, meaning that it will take some time for the vaccine to be widely available. In addition to the challenges of getting a vaccine to market, there are also ethical considerations to take into account. Vaccines are not always evenly distributed, and there is a risk that certain populations will be left out of the distribution process. In order to ensure equitable distribution of the vaccine, it is important to have clear and transparent policies in place to ensure that the most vulnerable populations have access to the vaccine when it becomes available. Finally, it is important to remember that even when a vaccine is available, it may not be enough to put an end to the pandemic. Vaccines are only effective when enough people get them, so it is important to continue following safety protocols such as wearing masks, social distancing, and washing hands in order to minimize the spread of the virus. The prospect of a vaccine being available by the end of the year is an exciting one, and it has the potential to be a game changer in the fight against the virus. But, there are still many challenges to overcome before that can happen, and it is important to be mindful of the ethical and logistical issues that must be addressed before the vaccine can be distributed. With the right strategies in place, however, the vaccine could be a major step forward in ending the pandemic.


Shutterstock