Just what is this carrageenan stuff?

If you've gotten into the habit of reading the labels before you eat and/or buy something (and please tell me you are--it's so important to know what you're putting in your body,) you may have come across an ingredient called Carrageenan. Curious as to what it is? If you're not, you should be.

So, just what is carrageenan and is it safe? Turns out it's a kind of gel that's extracted from raw seaweed mostly found off the coast of Ireland. In food, it's used to thicken things like dairy products (think ice cream,) salad dressings, pates and puddings. It's also used in shampoo, toothpaste and shoe polish. But don't worry -- it's perfectly harmless and safe to eat.

(Via Fitsugar)