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The consumption of processed food has become extremely prevalent in today's world. It is undoubtedly an easy way of having meals and saving time, but it is not good for one's health. Food additives are added to processed food to enhance their colour and texture. Sometimes, these additives also immensely enhance the taste of a particular food.
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As per the WHO, consuming food additives puts human health at multiple risk. It is important to consider that not all food additives are bad for health. However, most of the food additives found in processed foods have some other health risks associated with them. It is important to have a basic idea of the types of food additives that are found in different types of food so that one may avoid them. Here are some of the top food additives that are found in most of the food items.
Also Read: 10 Food Additives You Should Avoid
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* Red Dye
Red dye is one of the most common food additives that is found in different types of food items available in the market. The chemical name of red dye is erythrosine. The most pervasive use of this dye is found in red-coloured candies and colourful sugary drinks. This gives the food and beverages a very attractive colour and enhances its taste. As per the Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials, red dye contains cancer-causing substances called benzene. High doses of this dye can lead to tumour growth in the body. This dye can be found in a lot of candies and products that are catered to children, including breakfast cereals, frostings, and popsicles. Parents must always watch out for this dye and avoid buying it.
* Propylparaben
Propylparaben is a prevalent preservative that is commonly used in both the food industry and cosmetic industry. It helps prevent the growth of bacteria and moulds. It directly contributes towards enhancing the shelf life of certain products. A lot of beauty products have banned this preservative as it is found harmful to the skin, but it can still be found in a lot of food items. The European Union has banned the usage of this preservative in all the products that are manufactured across different countries that are part of the EU. This preservative is believed to have a significant impact on the endocrine system and also reduction in testosterone levels.
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* Titanium Dioxide
The purpose of titanium dioxide is to increase the whiteness of a particular product. This is another preservative that has been banned from Europe, but it is still being used in a lot of other countries. As per the National Institutes of Health, titanium dioxide has a negative impact on immune responses and causes respiratory problems. Several medical reports also suggest that this preservative hurts the functioning of the kidneys. Titanium dioxide is generally found in a lot of dairy products like ice creams, cheesy soups, drinks and candies.
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* Potassium Bromate
Potassium bromate is a preservative used to enhance a dough's elasticity and improve its strength. It helps in elevating the texture of various breads and baked goods. The majority of countries like the US, the UK, Canada, and many countries in Europe have already banned this preservative. As per the National Institutes of Health, consumption of potassium bromate may lead to problems like diarrhoea, stomach ache irritation and problems in the kidneys. Mostly, this preservative is found in things like tortillas and breads. A lot of times, it is simply listed as bromate instead of potassium bromate. In this case, one must avoid buying a product that has the same listing.
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* Brominated Oil
Brominated vegetable oil is a drink that is helpful in keeping the flavourings of a drink separated from the other parts of the beverage. Although a lot of health-related organisations consider it safe, it is only advised to consume it in extremely small quantities. As per the FDA, brominated vegetable oil leads to an increase in the level of bromine tissues in the body. This may lead to the development of thyroid and a lot of other potential problems related to health. Generally, brominated vegetable oil is found in carbonated drinks and sodas. A lot of pioneer soda companies still use brominated vegetable oil in large quantities,
* Sodium Nitrate
Sodium nitrate is an additive that is commonly found in a lot of processed meats as it helps prevent the growth of bacteria. It also helps add a slightly salty taste to processed meat and gives it a loud reddish-pink colour. Whenever sodium nitrate is exposed to high amounts of heat, it can turn into nitrosamine, which is harmful to health. One should try to avoid the consumption of processed meat and try to go for fresher options and alternatives.
