Carrageenan

Also Known As : Carrageenins, Algas, Algue Rouge Marine, Carrageen, Red Marine Algae, Carragenano, Carragenina

Vegetarian

Taste Profile

It has a slighlty bitter flavor.

Usage Tips

  1. Carrageenan can be used to enhance ice creams, chocolate milk, custards, cheese, jellies, confections, meats, and protein drinks.

Common names and forms

  1. Carrageenan Gum

Description

Carrageenan is a common name for polysaccharides extracted from certain kinds of red algae or seaweeds. It is used to improve the texture, taste, and appearance of many foods. It has three types that are most widely used: Kappa, iota, and lambda carrageenan. It is mainly used in dairy and meat products. It is also used for their gelling, thickening, and stabilizing properties. It is an important ingredient in many of the foods and beverages consumed every day, including nut and soy milks, deli meats, protein shakes and powders, chocolate milk, and yogurt.

Health benefits

  • Carrageenan helps to treat coughs, bronchitis, and tuberculosis.(1)
  • It also helps to treat intestinal problems.(1)
  • It is used to treat peptic ulcers.(1)

Note

Carrageenan might slow down blood clotting and increase bleeding. It might also lower blood pressure.(2)

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"Information here is provided for discussion and educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice or product or ingredient review/rating. The information may not apply to you and before you use or take any action, you should contact the manufacturer, seller, medical, dietary, fitness or other professional. If you utilize any information provided here, you do so at your own risk and you waive any right against Culinary Communications Private Limited, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees or representatives.”