Additives and some foreign ingredients found in the usual food products are needed in order to keep the food fresh for long, as well as keep it taste great and look presentable. One of the additives people are now looking at would be carrageenan. Many have talked about its dangers, and the fact that it may pose a threat when taken with the many food products that have it in its ingredients! But is that truly the case? In this article, we show you what carrageenan is and if it truly is a dangerous substance that must be avoided! 
What is Carrageenan?
The question which is rising in every ones mind which is what is carrageenan? Carrageenan is found from red seaweed, and this is to help thicken food. That is why you would often find it in dairy products such as yogurt or cottage cheese. You would even find it in baby food! In the olden days, carrageenan has been used for the same purpose: For thickening food. Not only that, but it was also used as a remedy for colds and coughs!
But today, there has been some talk on the safety of carrageenan. People have been commenting on the fact that it causes cancer and side effects. But is that really true? Basically, no. And we show you why.
Is Carrageenan Safe?
Studies have shown that carrageenan is indeed safe and can be consumed in moderation (from the usual food products you intake). So there is no need to worry about poisoning or any side effects and sicknesses that may come your way from carrageenan, unless you are allergic to it. But why have there been scares?
Carrageenan may have been confused with its counterpart, which is poligeenan. This is the degraded version of carrageenan that is not edible. And no, it is NOT used in any sort of food. Not only is it a harmful substance when consumed, but it also doesn’t have the thickening properties. People may have just mistaken the side effects of degraded carrageenan with the food-grade carrageenan. But we repeat that it is completely safe to consume, and that you shouldn’t be boycotting any form of food product that holds the substance. That is unless you are allergic to it. So make sure that you are well-knowledgable on the different kinds of ingredients and chemicals you are consuming. While some may be considered a bit harmful, many of them are actually safe to consume.