Plant-Based Milk’s Dirty Secret: The Toxic Effects of Seed Oils on Your Body

Oatly oat milk contains several man-made chemicals that serve various functions, such as stabilizers, acidity regulators, emulsifiers, and added vitamins. Here’s a breakdown of man-made (synthetic or processed) ingredients in Oatly’s Original Oat Milk:

1. Dipotassium Phosphate

• Function: Acidity regulator and stabilizer.
• Concerns: Overconsumption may impact kidney function, especially in those with kidney disease.

2. Calcium Carbonate

• Function: Added as a calcium fortifier.
• Concerns: Generally safe, but excessive intake may lead to kidney stones or interfere with mineral absorption.

3. Tricalcium Phosphate

• Function: Another calcium supplement used to fortify the milk.
• Concerns: Generally safe, but too much phosphate can contribute to heart and kidney issues in those with underlying conditions.

4. Dicalcium Phosphate

• Function: Fortification for bone health.
• Concerns: High phosphate levels from excessive intake may be linked to heart and kidney disease.

5. Low Erucic Acid Rapeseed Oil (Processed Canola Oil)

• Function: Used to create a creamy texture.
• Concerns: Canola oil is highly processed and high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can contribute to inflammation if consumed excessively.

6. Vitamin A Acetate (Synthetic Vitamin A)

• Function: Added to improve vitamin A content.
• Concerns: High doses of synthetic vitamin A may cause toxicity symptoms like nausea, dizziness, or liver issues.

7. Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol, Synthetic Form of Vitamin D)

• Function: Fortification to improve vitamin D levels.
• Concerns: D2 is less effective than D3 in raising and maintaining vitamin D levels in the body.

8. Riboflavin (Vitamin B2, Synthetic Form)

• Function: Added for nutritional value.
• Concerns: Generally safe but can cause harmless yellow discoloration in urine when consumed in excess.

9. Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin, Synthetic B12)

• Function: Fortification for individuals who don’t consume animal products.
• Concerns: The cyanocobalamin form contains a small amount of cyanide, though it’s considered safe in regulated amounts.

Summary:

Oatly oat milk contains several synthetic fortifiers (vitamins and minerals), processed rapeseed oil, and stabilizers. While most are considered safe in moderation, concerns arise with high phosphate intake, synthetic vitamins, and seed oils.

Almond Breeze

Almond Breeze almond milk contains several man-made additives designed to enhance its flavor, texture, and nutritional profile. Here’s a breakdown of these additives and their potential health effects:

1. Calcium Carbonate

• Purpose: Used as a calcium fortifier to increase the beverage’s calcium content.
• Health Considerations: Generally recognized as safe; however, excessive intake from fortified foods and supplements may lead to health issues such as kidney stones or impaired absorption of other essential minerals.

2. Potassium Citrate

• Purpose: Serves as a buffering agent to maintain the milk’s pH and stability.
• Health Considerations: Typically safe in the amounts used in food products; in large doses, it may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.

3. Sunflower Lecithin

• Purpose: Acts as an emulsifier to maintain a uniform mixture and prevent separation.
• Health Considerations: Generally considered safe; some individuals may experience mild digestive issues if consumed in large quantities.

4. Gellan Gum

• Purpose: Used as a stabilizer and thickening agent to improve texture.
• Health Considerations: Generally recognized as safe; however, some studies suggest that excessive consumption of certain food additives, including some gums, may disrupt gut health.
  healthline.com

5. Natural Flavors

• Purpose: Enhances the taste of the almond milk.
• Health Considerations: The specific components of natural flavors are proprietary and not disclosed, which can be a concern for individuals with allergies or sensitivities.

6. Vitamin A Palmitate

• Purpose: A synthetic form of vitamin A added for fortification.
• Health Considerations: Generally safe in moderate amounts; excessive intake can lead to toxicity, with symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and headaches.

7. Vitamin D2

• Purpose: A synthetic form of vitamin D used to fortify the milk.
• Health Considerations: While beneficial for bone health, high doses over time may lead to health issues, including gastrointestinal symptoms and calcium deposits in soft tissues.
  markitonutrition.com

8. D-Alpha-Tocopherol (Natural Vitamin E)

• Purpose: Acts as an antioxidant and is added for fortification.
• Health Considerations: Generally considered safe; high doses from supplements may increase the risk of bleeding in some individuals.

Please note: Almond Breeze almond milk, like most commercial almond milks, contains very few actual almonds. The percentage of almonds in Almond Breeze Original is estimated to be around 2% almonds or less.

It’s important to note that while these additives are generally recognized as safe by regulatory agencies, individual sensitivities can vary. If you have specific health concerns or dietary restrictions, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or choose products with minimal additives.

Potential Health Impacts of Additives in Plant-Based Milks

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So Delicious Coconut Milk

So Delicious Coconut Milk contains several man-made additives designed to enhance its texture, stability, and nutritional profile. Here’s a breakdown of these additives and their potential health implications:

1. Vitamin and Mineral Blend:

• Components: Calcium Phosphate, Magnesium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, L-Selenomethionine (Selenium), Vitamin A Acetate, Vitamin D2, Zinc Oxide, Vitamin B12.
• Purpose: Fortification to enhance nutritional value.
• Health Considerations: Generally recognized as safe; however, excessive intake of certain synthetic vitamins and minerals may lead to health issues. For instance, high levels of synthetic Vitamin A (Vitamin A Acetate) can be toxic and may cause liver damage, while excessive calcium intake (from Calcium Phosphate and Calcium Carbonate) could lead to kidney stones or impaired absorption of other minerals.

2. Organic Guar Gum:

• Purpose: Acts as a thickening agent to improve texture.
• Health Considerations: Generally considered safe for most people. However, in large amounts, it may cause digestive issues such as gas or bloating. Individuals with digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may be more sensitive to guar gum.

3. Xanthan Gum:

• Purpose: Serves as a stabilizer and thickener to maintain consistency.
• Health Considerations: Generally recognized as safe; however, some individuals may experience digestive discomfort, including gas and bloating, especially when consumed in large quantities.

4. Gellan Gum:

• Purpose: Used as a gelling agent and stabilizer to prevent ingredient separation.
• Health Considerations: Generally considered safe, but excessive consumption may lead to digestive issues in sensitive individuals.

5. Organic Sunflower Lecithin:

• Purpose: Functions as an emulsifier to blend ingredients smoothly.
• Health Considerations: Generally safe for consumption; however, some people may experience allergic reactions or gastrointestinal issues.

6. Sea Salt:

• Purpose: Enhances flavor.
• Health Considerations: While a natural ingredient, excessive sodium intake can contribute to high blood pressure and cardiovascular issues.

Please Note:

 

It’s important to note that while these additives are approved for use in food products and are generally recognized as safe, individual sensitivities can vary. If you have specific health concerns or dietary restrictions, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or choose products with minimal additives.

For more detailed information on the ingredients and potential health effects, you can refer to the product’s ingredient list and consult reputable health resources.