I thought this was a great read about natural and dangerous additives in food. I think it’s really important to review nutritional food labels in order to insure food safety, improve health, weight management, and prevent long term diseases
By Angela Hattaway
There are 2 main classes of food additives out there: those derived from “natural” ingredient and those with “dangerous” food additives. In this article, we are going to review common names of both so you will be able to recognize them on your next trip to the grocery store.
Safe Natural Ingredients
“Natural” ingredients are derived from “natural” sources, such as soybeans and corn. Food additives that are considered “safe” include:
-Annatto
-Beet juice
-Natural oil extracts
-Pectin
-Beta carotene
-Lecithin
-Gelatin
-Minerals
-Vitamins
-Yeast
-Citric acid
-Sorbic acid
-Sea salt
-Beet juice powder
-Lactic acid
-Herbs
-Spices
-Condiments
Food Coloring
Food colorings are added to foods for 3 main reasons:
-To maintain and improve safety and freshness
-To improve or maintain the nutrition value
-To improve taste, texture and appearance
-Keep in mind that these do not necessarily add up to their being safe for consumption.
Dangerous Food Additives
Below is a list of “dangerous food additives” to beware of when purchasing food stuffs:
MSG (Monosodium Glutamate)
used commonly in Chinese food preparations. May cause allergic reactions, Alzheimer’s, chest pain, asthma, confusion, heart disease and increased weight
Acesulfame K
Artificial sweetener used in sugar-free products such as gum and soda
BHA (Butylated hydroxyanisole)
Used as a preservative; slows rate at which fat becomes rancid
Aspartame
Artificial sweetener found in soft drinks, frozen sugar-free desserts, light yogurt, and gum
Cyclamate
Artificial sweetener connected to cancer
Olestra
Fat substitute found in potato chips; affects the digestive tract
Trans-fat
Helps to keep foods shelf-stable longer. Found in processed foods such as lunch meats, potato chips, various baked snack items
Propyl Gallate
Preservative found in oils, soup bases, gum & meat products
Nitrites & Nitrates
Enhances flavor & color of processed meats
Being aware of the ingredients in the foods you buy can help you be a more informed consumer. More importantly, it can help reduce your risk of negative health effects, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. If possible, it is always best to prepare your own meals so you know exactly what you are consuming. Your health is worth the extra effort!
By Angela Hattaway
There are 2 main classes of food additives out there: those derived from “natural” ingredient and those with “dangerous” food additives. In this article, we are going to review common names of both so you will be able to recognize them on your next trip to the grocery store.
Safe Natural Ingredients
“Natural” ingredients are derived from “natural” sources, such as soybeans and corn. Food additives that are considered “safe” include:
-Annatto
-Beet juice
-Natural oil extracts
-Pectin
-Beta carotene
-Lecithin
-Gelatin
-Minerals
-Vitamins
-Yeast
-Citric acid
-Sorbic acid
-Sea salt
-Beet juice powder
-Lactic acid
-Herbs
-Spices
-Condiments
Food Coloring
Food colorings are added to foods for 3 main reasons:
-To maintain and improve safety and freshness
-To improve or maintain the nutrition value
-To improve taste, texture and appearance
-Keep in mind that these do not necessarily add up to their being safe for consumption.
Dangerous Food Additives
Below is a list of “dangerous food additives” to beware of when purchasing food stuffs:
MSG (Monosodium Glutamate)
used commonly in Chinese food preparations. May cause allergic reactions, Alzheimer’s, chest pain, asthma, confusion, heart disease and increased weight
Acesulfame K
Artificial sweetener used in sugar-free products such as gum and soda
BHA (Butylated hydroxyanisole)
Used as a preservative; slows rate at which fat becomes rancid
Aspartame
Artificial sweetener found in soft drinks, frozen sugar-free desserts, light yogurt, and gum
Cyclamate
Artificial sweetener connected to cancer
Olestra
Fat substitute found in potato chips; affects the digestive tract
Trans-fat
Helps to keep foods shelf-stable longer. Found in processed foods such as lunch meats, potato chips, various baked snack items
Propyl Gallate
Preservative found in oils, soup bases, gum & meat products
Nitrites & Nitrates
Enhances flavor & color of processed meats
Being aware of the ingredients in the foods you buy can help you be a more informed consumer. More importantly, it can help reduce your risk of negative health effects, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. If possible, it is always best to prepare your own meals so you know exactly what you are consuming. Your health is worth the extra effort!
