Almond milk has swiftly become a household staple, especially as people shift away from traditional cow's milk and toward dairy-free, plant-based alternatives.
Almond milk is, in fact, the most popular non-dairy milk, owing to its lovely texture and subtle nutty flavor. That is hardly surprising, given how flexible and pleasant it is, as well as how low in calories, carbohydrates, and fat it is.
Despite all the beverage's health benefits, it did have some disadvantages. One of the most prevalent adverse effects of drinking almond milk, according to experts, is stomach discomfort, which is due to an ingredient called carrageenan.
According to Gina Keatley, CDN, a certified dietitian nutritionist at Keatley Medical Nutrition Therapy in New York City, "many commercial almond milks contain additives such as sugar, salt, gum, lecithin, and flavors." "As an addition, carrageenan can induce GI distress," she adds.
So, what exactly is carrageenan? It is a thickening substance produced from red seaweed that is found in a variety of processed meals. Even though carrageenan sounds natural and is technically made from a plant, that does not mean it is good for you to eat regularly. Unfortunately, this form of carbohydrate is also difficult to digest.
Carrageenan is considered safe by the FDA, so it is an allowed additive in the United States. However, according to a 2017 study published in the journal Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, carrageenan may harm gut health by inducing intestinal inflammation, among other undesirable side effects.
Other studies have found a link between carrageenan and digestive problems such as inflammatory bowel disease and poor blood sugar control. It may cause stomach ulcers, according to some data.
However, for every study that highlights carrageenan's detrimental GI effects, another refutes these findings. As a result, unless more human studies are completed, the verdict on this substance may still be out. If your stomach hurts after drinking almond milk, or if you have a digestive issue like IBS, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis, it is best to stay away from carrageenan-based goods. Those with a sensitive stomach may have trouble tolerating the addition as well.
That involves reading the ingredients list on any foods you purchase or seeking a "carrageenan-free" label—fun fact: In 2016, the Organic Standards Board agreed to ban carrageenan from all goods. Thus, any almond milk with the USDA Organic label is free of the problematic addition.