The Hidden Ingredient in Nut Milks That Causes Gut Health Issues
Could Carrageenan Be Disrupting Your Gut Health?
You may have never heard of this food additive, but chances are you are probably consuming it in many everyday products you eat. You can find it in many natural food products like:
- Cashew Milk
- Almond Milk
- Coconut Milk
- Non-dairy ice creams, yogurts, and cheeses
- Rice Milk
- Deli meats
- Kefir
- Coconut water
- Packaged foods like dips, snacks, and pizzas
So what is Carrageenan?
Carrageenan is a food additive derived from red seaweed. It is used as a thickener, emulsifier or binder in many natural food products.
Why Should you avoid it?
Studies show that it can cause many different gut issues including:
1. Ulcers
2. Increase insulin resistance and impair glucose tolerance; both of which can eventually lead to diabetes
3. May promote tumor growth in liver cells
4. Inflammation of entire intestines causing Crohn’s disease, Colitis and IBS.
5. Can create gut permeability aka “leaky gut” potentially leading to food sensitivities, allergies and more.
Simple Solution
With so many risks to consuming this additive, the solution is simple: just avoid it. Make sure to read any product labels of any boxed or processed items you buy. Try making your own nut milks and cheeses at home. There are many fun recipes to try on pinterest and other sites. Here is a DIY recipe for almond milk.
How to Make Cheap, Healthy Almond Milk at Home
Makes 4 cups
Ingredients
1 cup almonds (soaked overnight in fridge)
3 ½ cups filtered water
2 Tbsp pure maple syrup (optional)
Instructions
- Drain overnight water from almonds and place into a blender with 3 ½ cups filtered water. Blend on high for 1-2 minutes.
- Strain almond milk from pulp into a pitcher using a strainer or cheesecloth.
- Stir in maple syrup (optional). Cover and refrigerate. Enjoy within one week.