Is Cellulose Powder Bad For You?
Short answer
Cellulose powder is considered to be healthy for human consumption. Although it does pose a few health concerns, most are not serious.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Cellulose powder is a synthesized derivative of naturally occurring cellulose. This white powder is used in food packaging for two purposes. It is seen in foods such as shredded cheese to keep it from coagulating in the bag and is used in food processing as a safe alternative to preservatives like sodium nitrite and propyl gallate.
Cellulose powder is white in appearance and has no odor. The base compound cellulose is the precursor to cellulose powder. Cellulose is the active ingredient in a green plants’ cell biology, prohibiting the cell wall from expanding too far during the process of absorbing water. It is extracted from the fiber of trees and plants to safely synthesize into a powder form.
There are other uses for cellulose powder as it concerns food, one of which is food preservation. It is used in food processing in the following ways: emulsification, bulking agent, fat substitute, and allows potentially gummy foods, like cheese, the ability to be packaged without sticking together. It is important to point out that as a bulking agent, in the body cellulose powder induces the sense of being full and contains zero calories.
The medical industry is utilizing cellulose powder for anti-coagulation in pharmaceutical products. Cellulose powder is also being tested in nasal sprays to be used as a safe substitute to the chemicals that are currently being used.
As our supermarkets continue to be invaded by nasty chemicals, staying healthy by minimizing exposure to these chemicals is a goal for many people in the 21st century. Due to the method by which cellulose powder is made, it is absent of harsh contaminants, both inorganic and organic alike. Cellulose powder absorbs water in human bodies and is known as a calorie reducer. Once in the body, cellulose powder acts as a cleansing agent for the colon and reduces body weight that is caused by water bloating. Additionally, it is often recommended in a fiber regiment to help ease bowel movements.
As with anything, a harmless substance can become dangerous when abused. Due to the rapid rate at which it absorbs water, exercise caution when using cellulose powder as a dietary supplement, as not to induce dehydration, diarrhea, allergic reactions or vitamin deficiencies.
Possible short-term side effects
Possible long-term side effects
- loss of appetite
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nausea or vomiting
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convulsions (seizures)
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drowsiness
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fatigue
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mood change
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drowsiness
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muscle spasms
Benefits
- fiber supplement
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calorie reducer
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food preserver
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emulsifier
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fat substitute
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anti-coagulant
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Thank you for your feedback!
Written by DeeAnne Oldham
Published on: 02-17-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by DeeAnne Oldham
Published on: 02-17-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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