Carrageenan:Could this common additive be the “cause” of your belly fat or belly pains?

Dr. Joanne K. Tobacman, M.D., an associate professor of clinical medicine at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, has published 18 peer-reviewed studies that address the biological effects of carrageenan and is convinced that it is harmful to human health. In April 2012, she addressed the National Organic Standards Board on this issue and urged reconsideration of the use of carrageenan in organic foods. In her presentation, Dr. Tobacman said that her research has shown that exposure to carrageenan causes inflammation, ulcerations and malignancies in the gastrointestinal tract.

If you are a die-hard almond milk fan, you can make your own( don’t roll your eyes…you really can DO THIS and still  keep your day job!)

Homemade Almond Milk
1 cup almonds (soaked overnight)
5 cups water
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Pinch sea salt

Blend altogether in a mixer and strain through a nut milk bag into a large mason jar. Will stay fresh for 3 days.

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Ready to Go Almond Milk and other Dairy Items with no Carrageenan

click her to see all choices  this includes

• 365 Whole Foods
• Natura
• Nature’s Place (original and vanilla)
• Silk PureAlmond (including chocolate-flavored)
• Simple Truth (Kroger)
• Trader Joe’s (refrigerated)
• Tree of Life (original, unsweetened, vanilla and chocolate)
• Westsoy

Finally,  a key take away from this article is that it’s important to continue asking questions and demand to know more about what’s in your food; however, don’t get down on yourself if your nutrition regime isn’t always 100 per cent perfect. Just because you’ve been buying dairy and non-dairy products with carrageenan doesn’t mean you’re going to get cancer. We are always creating cancer cells in our body and so just bless all your cells and move forward with more awarenedss that you have options with regard to your food choices.

1. Read your labels to see what foods might contain carrageenan. See if there is a healthier brand. For example, I like half and half in my coffee and found that my fav brand is Organic Valley which uses no carrageenan but other common brands do use it.
   
2. Aim to avoid processed foods as much as possible! I am not saying this is easy but it is liberating to disconnect from purchasing foods from the largest food companies that have no vested interest in your health! Eating less of these foods is your best health insurance, ever!
   
3. Bless yourself for being on a path of learning more about your food system and making best choices. Your cells LOVE to be blessed in this way!

Exposure to the common food additive carrageenan leads to glucose intolerance, insulin resistance and inhibition of insulin signalling in HepG2 cells and C57BL/6J mice. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22011715

Exposure to common food additive carrageenan leads to reduced sulfatase activity and increase in sulfated glycosaminoglycans in human epithelial cells.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22410212