There’s a fair possibility you’ll find a food additive if you read the ingredients label of nearly any item in your kitchen pantry.
They are employed to lengthen a product’s shelf life or to improve its flavor, appearance, or texture.
While some of these chemicals have a history of having negative health consequences and should be avoided, others are risk-free and safe to use.
Monosodium Glutamate
MSG, also known as monosodium glutamate, is a typical food additive used to enhance and amplify the flavor of savory dishes.
It can be present in many processed goods, including canned soups, frozen entrees, and salty snacks. Additionally, it is frequently added to dishes at fast food restaurants.
Since a 1969 study on mice revealed that excessive quantities caused negative neurological consequences and impeded growth and development, MSG has been the focus of intense debate.
The blood-brain barrier prevents this additive from passing through, hence it is likely to have little to no impact on the health of the human brain.
Although other studies have not established a correlation, several observational studies have linked MSG use to weight gain and metabolic syndrome.
Nevertheless, some individuals do have a sensitivity to MSG and may show signs like headaches, perspiration, and numbness after consuming a lot of it.
In one trial, 5 grams of MSG or a placebo were administered to 61 participants who said they were MSG sensitive.
MSG sensitivity may be a valid worry for some individuals given that 36% of participants exhibited an unfavorable reaction to MSG while only 25% of participants reported a reaction to the placebo.
It is advised to avoid MSG in your diet if you feel any bad side effects after taking it.
Otherwise, MSG can be safely ingested in moderation without the risk of negative side effects if you can tolerate it.
Artificial Food Coloring
Everything from candy to condiments can look brighter and better thanks to artificial food coloring.
However, there have been a lot of worries regarding possible health implications in recent years. Some people have reported adverse responses to certain food colours like Blue 1, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6.
A review also claimed that artificial food coloring can encourage hyperactivity in kids, while a different study revealed that some kids might be more susceptible than others.
Additionally, questions have been raised regarding the potential cancer-causing effects of some food colors.
Red 3, also known as erythrosine, has been substituted in most foods by Red 40 since Red 3 has been linked to an increased risk of thyroid malignancies in several animal studies.
Other food colors, on the other hand, have not been linked to any cancer-causing effects, according to several animal studies.
To assess the security and potential consequences of artificial food coloring on human health, further research is still required.
However, processed foods, which should be avoided as part of a healthy diet, tend to contain the majority of food dyes. Always choose real foods over processed ones because they contain more vital nutrients and are naturally devoid of artificial coloring.
Guar Gum
Foods are thickened and bound with guar gum, a long-chain carbohydrate. Ice cream, salad dressings, sauces, and soups all contain it because it is so frequently utilized in the culinary business.
Guar gum includes a lot of fiber and has been linked to a lot of health advantages. For instance, one study found that it lessened bloating and constipation, two symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
People who took guar gum with a meal reported feeling more satisfied and consumed fewer calories from snacks throughout the day, according to a review of three studies.
According to additional studies, guar gum may also aid in lowering cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
However, excessive guar gum use may be harmful to your health.
This is because it has the potential to expand 10 to 20 times its original size and result in problems including esophageal or small intestine obstruction.
In some people, guar gum may also result in minor symptoms like gas, bloating, or cramping.
Guar gum is still widely regarded as secure when consumed in moderation.
In order to reduce the possibility of unfavorable side effects, the FDA has also established tight restrictions regarding the amount of guar gum that can be added to foods.
Sodium Benzoate
Acidic foods including salad dressings, pickles, fruit juices, and condiments are frequently preserved using sodium benzoate.
The FDA has determined that it is generally regarded as safe, although various studies have revealed potential negative effects that need to be taken into account.
For instance, a research indicated that giving 3-year-old toddlers artificial food coloring and sodium benzoate increased their hyperactivity.
Another study found that among 475 college students, consuming more drinks with sodium benzoate was linked to increased ADHD symptoms.
Sodium benzoate can also be transformed into benzene when mixed with vitamin C, a substance that has been linked to the development of cancer.
The amount of benzene in carbonated beverages is the largest, and diet or sugar-free beverages are much more likely to produce benzene.
One study that looked at the amount of benzene in various meals discovered samples of cole slaw and coke had levels exceeding 100 ppb, which is more than 20 times the EPA’s allowable contamination level for drinking water.
Examine the food labels thoroughly to reduce your intake of sodium benzoate.
A source of vitamin C, such as citric acid or ascorbic acid, should not be coupled with foods containing benzoic acid, benzene, or benzoate. read full article here
