For those individuals who have a tendency to inspect food labels, the chances are that the ingredient carrageenan is familiar to them. Many people have a misunderstandings about carrageenan. It is a seaweed extract that is used in many foods that we consume today. One of its uses is thickening foods like gravy. In addition to this, it improves the texture of food and makes low-fat diets have the same good taste like the foods that are rich in fat. This article articulates some unknown benefits of the food, and here they are.

Improves the Gut Health

Reports and studies over time have shown that the consumption of carrageenan has probiotic health benefits. This is because when the food additive is consumed, it enhances the development of helpful microbial communities in the digestive tract. This ultimately leads to improved gut health and how the immune system responds to attacks. In addition to this, carrageenan protects the intestinal lining from corrosion due to alcohol intake. Therefore, this protects the stomach against ulcers.

Reduces Cholesterol Levels

High levels of bad cholesterol in the body expose an individual to the risk of heart attacks and strokes. A previous study that showed the relationship between carrageenan and cholesterol indicated that its intake significantly lowers the bad cholesterol and lipid levels as compared to other dietary fibers. The additive can also be used to prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Health Alternative to Unhealthy Foods

Food additives just like the name suggests add something to the typical food items. However, sometimes, their most significant function is that they replace some ingredients. They improve the taste and texture of some food items, for instance, low-fat foods as well as low sugar foods. This food item is organic and vegan unlike other similar ingredients, and that is why it is considered as a healthy alternative. It, therefore, provides the benefits of other additives while eliminating potentially unethical processes that are harmful to the body.

Treatment for Cold and Flu

There are hundreds of millions of cold and flu cases all over the world every year. The flu is common in children and a few adults, and most individuals have normalized the flu. Carrageenan is an essential ingredient when treating the flu. Studies show that it has antiviral properties. This ingredient is even used in nasal sprays, and it is used to prevent the virus from getting into the nasal lining. This also limits their ability to propagate.…