Gelatin: What every vegetarian and vegan should know about this food additive
Food Hazards in Animal Flesh and By-products from All-Creatures.org Vegan Health Articles

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From Jonathan Reynolds on This Dish Is Veg

[Ed. Note: Also read Gelatin Awareness: Have yourself a Peepless Little Easter.]

An article recently published on blisstree.com has brought some much needed attention to a little-known food additive that all vegetarians and vegans should be made aware of: gelatin.

Gelatin is a flavorless, colorless protein added as a stabilizer, thickener, or texturizer to a long list of foods such as marshmallows, jello, poptarts, candy, and cereal. It is also used as a gelling agent in pharmaceuticals (capsules), photography, and cosmetics. Gelatin is created by extracting collagen from the skins of pigs, cows, and perhaps one day soon soon, humans (seriously).

With the exception of protein, gelatin is essentially devoid of nutrients. And while the heating process seems to eliminate most bacteria, it's always wise to approach any product emerging from the bowels of gruesome factory farms with extreme caution.

Regardless, if you're (understandably) looking to avoid the consumption of gelatin, make sure to first and foremost ALWAYS thoroughly read the ingredient label of any unfamiliar product.

There are also vegetarian-friendly gelatin alternatives, such as pectin, agar (seaweed), and guar gum.

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All-Creatures.org Health Position and Disclaimer

We began this archive as a means of assisting our visitors in answering many of their health and diet questions, and in encouraging them to take a pro-active part in their own health. We believe the articles and information contained herein are true, but are not presenting them as advice. We, personally, have found that a whole food vegan diet has helped our own health, and simply wish to share with others the things we have found. Each of us must make our own decisions, for it's our own body. If you have a health problem, see your own physician.