Nutrition Diva Are industrial emulsifiers harmful to your health?
Sep 10, 2025
Industrial emulsifiers are common ingredients in foods like ice cream and peanut butter, but their health effects might surprise you. The discussion dives into how these emulsifiers can impact gut health and potential links to inflammation and chronic diseases. An intriguing study challenges the idea that emulsifiers increase colorectal cancer risk. Moreover, the conversation offers practical tips on how to minimize exposure, making it essential listening for health-conscious foodies and anyone curious about what's in their pantry.
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Listener Question Sparks The Episode
- A listener named Zoe prompted Monica to investigate whether emulsifier concerns are legitimate or overblown.
- Monica uses that question to frame the episode's review of science, industry, and practical advice.
Why Emulsifiers Are Ubiquitous
- Industrial emulsifiers keep oil and water mixed to improve texture and shelf life in many foods.
- They mimic kitchen emulsifiers but are specialized and used at scale in products like ice cream and peanut butter.
Common Types Of Emulsifiers
- Common emulsifiers include CMC, polysorbate 80, mono- and diglycerides, carrageenan, and lecithin.
- Some are synthetic, some are seaweed-derived, and some come from soy or egg.