Common food additives that might be harmful to you

With the increase in the demand for packaged and instant food items, there is also an increase in the number of additives added to the food to increase its shelf life and improve the taste.

Over 85% of all packaged foods contain additives; chemicals used to make our food taste better, look nicer and last longer! These chemicals hidden behind unpronounceable names and cryptic numbers are linked to cancer, diabetes, heart disease, obesity and even ADHD. Some of them are harmful enough that they have been banned in other countries. Here are some common food additives that you must look out for and avoid consuming food laden with them. (image credits- istock)

They not only raise bad cholesterol (LDL) and cause inflammation but also significantly increase the risk of heart attack, cancer, Alzheimer’s Disease, diabetes and obesity. Even though the FDA has recently banned the use of synthetic trans fats in foods, food manufacturers are allowed to declare a product as having zero trans fat if it contains less than 0.5g / serving (which is decided by the brand)! Be aware of any ingredient starting with “hydrogenated” or ingredients like shortening and margarine.

Paediatricians, researchers and government bodies agree that certain artificial dyes have strong links to hyperactivity, ADD and ADHD. Some of these are derived from coal tar, says the American Chemical Society, others contain carcinogens like benzidine. Names like Sunset Yellow, Brilliant Blue, Citrus Red, Amaranth and Indigo Carmine may sound innocuous but have been linked to some serious side effects and even organ disorders and are banned by many countries for use in infant, children’s and even pet foods.

If you thought that antioxidants are desirable substances that protect cells from free radicals, you would not be wrong. However, they are also used in foods to prevent the oils and fats from going rancid (thereby increasing shelf life). Some of these, like Butylated Hydroxyanisole (E320) “is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen” per a US Department of Health and Human

Services report on carcinogens, whereas Propyl Gallate has been linked to tumors in animal studies. Others like TBHQ (E319) can be fatal in large doses (5g or more) and is banned in certain countries.

The next time you see “bread or dough strengthener”, double-check to see if potassium bromate has not been used. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies potassium bromate as a possible carcinogen. What’s more, the EU, UK and Canada have banned this additive.

Artificial sweeteners might be calorie-free but can cause obesity, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes! The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has found links between 2 of the most commonly used sweeteners, Acesulfame-K, Aspartame and cancer. Several animal studies have indicated the destruction of gut-friendly bacteria, especially in Sucralose. Others indicate overeating, increased belly fat and altered metabolism. Ask yourself this, if an ingredient needs a statutory warning stating it’s not recommended for children, should you be consuming it?

No! For every unhealthy additive, there are several safer alternatives. For every unhealthy product, there is a better choice. The key is to turn the package over and read the ingredients first. If the product has any ingredient suspects, you know it’s not the right choice for you. To make the process easier, there are several platforms that identify potential carcinogens, banned chemicals and hazardous toxins and recommend better, healthier, yummier alternatives. (image credits- istock)

Article by : Akshaye Jalan, Founder, PlanMyFood

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