Over the past decade, due to the increasing number of people with lactose intolerance and the extensive promotion of nut-based oils as alternatives, various nut milk (such as almond milk, cashew milk, or coconut milk) have become ubiquitous in supermarkets. I still remember about two years ago, discovering that the stabilizing additive used in these health-oriented nut milk, which is intended to enhance liquid thickness and stability, had quietly transitioned to carrageenan. The first time I became aware of its presence was while selecting canned food for my cats. After extensively researching online, I learned about the long-term harm carrageenan can inflict on animals’ health (resulting in inflammation, gastrointestinal diseases, tumors, and cancer). It was then that I realized that despite food manufacturers claiming to use an edible undegraded form of carrageenan in their products, no one could guarantee it wouldn’t be a human carcinogen. After all, the physiological structures, genes, and skeletal systems of mice and humans are remarkably similar.
想想應該是在這過去十年間, 因為應變很多人天生的乳糖不耐症與大量推廣堅果好油, 超市到處可見各式各樣的堅果奶 (almond milk, cashew milk, or coconut milk) . 我還記得在過去兩年前 這些替代牛奶的養生堅果奶內的成分裡, 用來增加液體黏稠度與穩定性的添加物, 悄悄地換成carrageenan (卡拉膠). 第一次注意到它的存在是因為在替家裡的貓挑選罐頭時, 大量查閱網上資訊時才得知卡拉膠對動物長遠健康上帶來的傷害 (身體會處於發炎狀態->腸胃疾病 -> 腫瘤與癌症), 也就在這時才知道這樣一個食物添加劑, 即使食品製造商號稱他們的食品內添加的是可食用的undegraded form of carrageenan, 沒有人敢打包票它, 並不會是人體致癌物 (human carcinogen). 因為老鼠跟人類的生理結構, 基因跟骨骼結構是非常接近的啊….
Carrageenan, also known as Irish moss, is a food additive extracted from red seaweed. It is commonly used to enhance the viscosity and stability of various food products. In recent years, I’ve observed its widespread use in a variety of dairy products and alternative nut milk available in the market while grocery shopping. It’s found in items such as creamer, ice cream, and even whipped cream used for frosting. Its presence extends to Asian supermarkets, appearing in unique treats like mochi ice cream and milk popsicles. It’s worth noting that those who enjoy Korean-style dumplings, especially the ones sold at Costco, should be aware that carrageenan is also added to them. Finding carrageenan-free food products has become somewhat challenging. 在這簡單的說一下carrageenan (卡拉膠)是甚麼: 卡拉膠也叫鹿角菜膠，是一種食物添加劑, 是一種天然從海洋紅藻中萃取出來的食物添加劑，通常用來增加食物黏稠度與穩定度．這幾年在買菜時觀察, 發現它已經很常用在市場上販賣的各類乳製品或是替代乳製品的堅果奶. 奶精, 冰淇淋, 甚至用來打製奶油糊的whipped cream! 連亞洲超市才有的麻糬冰與牛奶冰棒等都出現了它的蹤跡. 這裡要多加一提的是, 愛吃韓國各式水餃的朋友可能要注意, 進口在Costco 賣的韓式一口水餃也都添加了卡拉膠. 要想找到不含卡拉膠的食品已經有點困難.
The following is a brief English explanation excerpted from Google. 以下是我google 節錄出的英文簡單說明:
Carrageenan is a common food additive extracted from red seaweed. Manufacturers often use it as a thickening agent.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have approved the additive for use, but concerns about its safety remain.
Some scientists believe that carrageenan can cause inflammation, digestive problems, such as bloating and irritable bowel disease (IBD), and even colon cancer.
I strongly agree with an article from WellnessMama.com regarding carrageenan. After all, current research has not definitively indicated the potential for long-term consumption of carrageenan to cause cancer. However, some people have experienced gastrointestinal discomfort due to the consumption of products containing carrageenan. When a particular organ or circulatory system in the human body is in a state of chronic inflammation, it can increase the risk of cancer over time. Moreover, carrageenan provides no nutritional value to the body; therefore, whenever possible, it’s advisable to avoid it cautiously. 有一篇來自WellnessMama.com 對於卡拉膠的論點, 我十分贊同. 畢竟在目前的研究中還沒有明確指出長期食用卡拉膠的確會導致致癌的可能性. 但是有人的確因為食用了添加卡拉膠引起腸胃不適. 人體身體某器官或循環環節長期處在發炎狀態下, 久了也就會增加致癌的風險. 再說, 卡拉膠對身體就是一個完全沒有任何營養的東西, 只要能有選擇, 我們還是謹慎地避開它吧!
Updates (更新): For the past few years it looks like the nut milk or soy milk sold in supermarket use gellam gum or guar gum instead. However, I also discovered a few chocolate that contains carrageenan. I was surprised when I saw it. 這一兩年好像超市裡看的見的nut milk or soy milk, 都改加gellam gum or guar gum. 不過我還發現了少數巧克力加了carrageenan. 看到的時候還是讓我有點吃驚啊.
*Wellnessmama.com:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323117.php
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