Carrageenan is found to be have host of culinary uses

Have you ever heard of seaweed called Carrageenan? It is derived from red algae. This seaweed is found all along the coast of Europe and North America. It is used as a thickening agent. Instead of the animal-based thickening agent such as gelatine, this plant-based product is used.
Carrageenan is used by the food industry for their thickening, gelling and stabilizing properties. Of late even meat industry has been using this seaweed extract for their reduced fat products. It is used for water retention and gel formation in the meat products. The health benefits of carrageenan are that it has anti-microbial and antiviral properties.
More about health benefits of carrageenan is that it is an effective carrier for anti-retroviral drugs in preventing and treating HIV. Though a lot of caution to consumers online regarding consumption of carrageenan has been appearing, however, the latest information published by JECFA (Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives) has allayed these concerns about the consumption of this seaweed extract. It is now declared this food additive does not embody any sort of health hazard. Click here to know more about #health benefits of carrageenan.