Cellulose or Sawdust?

While doing some research for a recipe, I came across some controversies over cellulose, or what the internet likes to refer to as sawdust. Why sawdust? Because the food industry likes to use cellulose as an additive or filler and they get their cellulose from trees.

Since we don’t eat trees regularly (or ever) it might seem weird that this very popular food additive comes from the leftovers of lumber manufacturing. But the cellulose that the food industry is using is the same cellulose (because cellulose is cellulose) that comes from whole grains like hulled or pot barley, vegetables like celery and green beans, and fruits like apples.

As an additive, cellulose is used for a variety of reasons. One common place to find powdered cellulose is packaged shredded cheese. As a powder, cellulose keeps the pre-shredded cheese from sticking together. It can also be used as a thickener or a functional food, the latter meaning it is used to provided a health benefit to the consumer.

So what is cellulose? Cellulose is a type of carbohydrate that plants use for structure in their cells. Humans can’t digest cellulose so instead it’s classified as an insoluble fibre. Insoluble fibre has many benefits including some for our digestive health:

• helps reduce the chances of diverticulitis in those with diverticular disease → cellulose especially

• helps prevent and treat constipation

• May reduce the risk of colon cancer

So, if you come across someone trying to sell you on the idea that cellulose is nothing but sawdust, remember that this sawdust is actually great for your health.