Understanding Food Additives, Preservatives, and Health Risks

Today's food products are typically chockfull of additives and preservatives: the latter additions are often used to keep the food fresh for longer periods of time. Yet, additives and preservatives are not necessarily healthy for the individuals that consume them on a regular basis. Additives are often put into processed foods in order to add specific nutrients, vitamins and minerals, or fend off food spoilage, or to improve upon the look, feel, smell, and taste of a particular food. Some additives are merely additional colorings and dyes which might not be very healthy for an individual to consume.

Some additives will cause allergic reactions in people and if that is the case the additives should certainly be avoided at all costs. For instance, there are some people that are ultra sensitive to things like Monosodium Glutamate, while others can consume it without difficulty. Some preservatives and additives are all natural while others are of synthetic varieties as well; some experts assert that the synthetic preservatives and additives are the most concerning in terms of health.

A lot of products on the market, like veggies and fruits, have special synthetic preservatives added so that the fruits and veggies maintain their color an appearance; sulphites and sulpher dioxide are used to fend off browning and changes in the food's appearance. The latter preservatives, after several studies, have been revealed to be potential causes for issues like asthma and Hyperactivity disorders. Another preservative that is related to asthmatic issues as well as issues related to hyperactivity is identified as Benzoic acid. Benzoic acid is used in different types of sauce. What's more, this particular preservative can prove intensely irritating to the eyes and the skin.

Butylated hydroxyanisole is another kind of preservative which is detrimental to one's health when consumed. The latter preservative has been linked to the development of certain cancers and tumors. In addition, Butylated hydroxyanisole has also been associated with asthmatic related issues, problems with cholesterol balances, hyperactivity, and other disorders. This particular preservative is prohibited in certain regions in the world because of the dangers associated with its consumption.

Many people are opting for organic foods and produce, and are turning away from food products  that are loaded with unnatural additives and preservatives. Consumers are also seeking foods that contain no preservatives, artificial flavors, or coloring. The best thing that one can do to improve their diet is to limit the amount of food colorings, flavorings, BHA otherwise known as Butylated Hydroxyanisole, BHT otherwise also known as Butylated Hydroxyanisole, TBHQ otherwise known as Tertiary Butyl Hydroquinone, corn syrup, sweeteners, MSG, sodium benzoate, nitrites and calcium propionates consumed as the latter are all forms of preservatives associated with various health issues. One should also minimize the amount of Benzoic Acid, Benzoate of Soda, Calcium Propionate, Potassium Sulfite, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Bisulfite, Sodium Metabisulfite, Sulfites, and Sulfur Dioxide. Natural foods are a far healthier source for one's diet and one should certainly limit preservatives and additives, if it is at all possible to do so.