The food industry has continually created new chemicals to manipulate, preserve and transform our food. With the use of chemicals, scientists are able to mimic natural flavors, color foods to make them look more "natural" or "fresh," preserve foods for longer periods of time and to create altered versions of breads, crackers, fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products and many more commonly consumed foods.
The Reasons Why Chemical Additives are Added to the Foods
- To improve shelf life or storage time.
- To make food convenient and easy to prepare.
- To increase the nutritional value.
- To improve the flavor of foods.
- To enhance the attractiveness of food products and improve consumer acceptance.
Food Additive Safety Codes
The following codes indicate the safety of the additives in the table below. Many additives have more than one code used to describe their safety.
| * | GRAS - Generally identified as Safe by the FDA. |
| § | It is a colorant which is approved by the FDA. |
| S | The additive seems to be safe and there is no report of toxicity. |
| A | This may trigger allergic reactions. |
| C | One needs to exercise caution. The additive may be unsafe and may be traced in foods that we eat to a greater extent. |
| C1 | Some populations need such as expectant moms, infants and individuals with high blood pressure and kidney issues need to exercise caution. |
| X | This additive is not safe for consumption and it has not been tested thoroughly. |
12 Key Additives to Avoid and Their Health Risks
There are more than 3,000 different food additives and some of them are known to cause cancer.
- Hydrogenated Fats: Linked to cardiovascular diseases and obesity.
- Artificial Food Colors: Known to cause allergies, asthma, hyperactivity; these are possible carcinogens.
- Nitrites and Nitrates: These substances can develop into nitrosamines in the body and these compounds may be carcinogenic.
- Sulfites (Sulfur Dioxide, Metabisulfites and Others): Known to cause allergic and asthmatic reactions.
- Sugar and Sweeteners: Linked to an increased risk of obesity, dental cavities, diabetes and hypoglycemia, increased triglycerides (blood fats) or candida (yeast).
- Artificial Sweeteners (Aspartame, Acesulfame K and Saccharin): Associated with behavioral problems, hyperactivity, allergies and possibly carcinogenic. The government cautions against the use of artificial sweeteners by children and pregnant women. Anyone with PKU or phenylketonuria, a problem of phenylalanine, an amino acid, metabolism, should not use aspartame (Nutrasweet).
- MSG (Monosodium Glutamate): Found responsible for common allergic and behavioral reactions including headaches, dizziness, chest pains, depression and mood swings; it is also a possible neurotoxin.
- Preservatives (BHA, BHT, EDTA): Linked to allergic reactions, hyperactivity and possibly cancer-causing; BHT may be toxic to the nervous system and the liver.
- Artificial Flavors: Known to cause allergic or behavioral reactions.
- Refined Flour: Found to be associated with low-nutrient calories, carbohydrate imbalances and altered insulin production.
- Salt (Excessive): Causes fluid retention and raises blood pressure.
- Olestra (an Artificial Fat): May lead to diarrhea and digestive disturbances.
Food additives seem to be inescapable. They have made their way in most of the foods that we commonly consume. And our "greedy" eyes and taste buds will obviously keep on aspiring for rich taste, look, feel and flavor. We have two choices - either we control ourselves or we set ourselves free without ever thinking of the side effects. What is your opinion about it?
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