What's the deal with Carrageenan?

If you enjoy a plant-based diet and read labels, you've probably seen the word carrageenan on your soy milk box. What is that stuff and what does it do for..and TO you?Well, like most things, it's fine for some people and not so fine for others. And then there's the issue of quality - here's what I mean:Carrageenan is a common food additive made from seaweed. Seems safe and natural, right?Well yes and no.This thickening agent is extracted using powerful solvents, which may or may not end up in the final product. Just because something is "natural" doesn't mean it's safe. Think minerals and elements: sodium is safe and our bodies need it. But not too much.There is evidence that carrageenan, not soy, is behind the stomach problems that people experience when drinking soy milk or other products.There is also debate about whether "food grade" carrageenan is as dangerous as the type used for industrial processes. It makes sense that you wouldn't want to consume a substance that is used in industrial manufacturing, but does that mean that carrageenan is carcinogenic?For more information check out Robert Cohen's article on carrageenan: http://www.notmilk.com/carageenan.html and Eden Foods rebuttal:If you find you're having digestive trouble with certain soy foods, I recommend avoiding all carrageenan to see if you notice a difference. Good alternative products to use include Rice Dream or Edensoy Organic soy milks which use kombu seaweed instead of carrageenan.