Top Food Additives that can Possibly Harm Your Health

Before, flavors came from its real sources such as fruits and cheese. Nowadays, it is very rare to find a flavored food that came from the real thing. Most of the flavored products that you can find in the supermarket are made with artificial flavoring.

Food Additives are getting popular nowadays. The FDA has a list of ingredients called Everything Added to Food in the United States (EAFUS) and currently, the list has more than 3,000 and it continues to grow. Although most of the food additives are generally safe, there are some that can pose health threats. It is not known why these food additives remain legal but they pose potential harm to your health.

Here is a list of the top food additives that can possibly harm your health:

Olestra

Olestra is a fat substitute. It is synthesized by the well-known, Procter & Gamble. The digestive enzymes that we humans have can’t breakdown big molecules such as Olestra, which is why it contributes 0 calories to one’s diet; however, this doesn’t come without adverse effects.

Olestra was introduced in two different products namely Frito-Lay WOW chips and Fat Free Pringles from Procter & Gamble. Both of these products have warning labels about the risk of having loose stools. As expected, a lot of consumers experienced diarrhea. Olestra also interferes with the body’s ability to absorb nutrients such as lycopene and beta-carotene. Aside from that, fat substitutes such as Olestra, has been recently found to cause more weight gain than weight loss.

Potassium Bromate

This is a compound that helps bread to puff up when baked. It is used to condition the flour.

Based from a study, potassium bromate can cause tumors on the thyroid and kidneys among rats. Many countries have banned the use of potassium bromate. In some places like California, foods that contain potassium bromate are required to have a cancer warning.

Potassium bromate can be found on Johnny Rockets Hoagie Roll

Saccharin

Saccharin is an artificial sweetener. It is linked to bladder tumors and can cause more weight gain than to help in weight loss.

You can find saccharin in Sweet ‘N Low and TaB cola.

Caramel Coloring

Caramel coloring is quite popular. It is an artificial coloring that is made by heating sugars. The process often includes ammonia. If the process is made directly from sugar, it is relatively safe; however, if it involves ammonia, it produces chemicals that are linked to cancer.

It can be found on colas and other soft drinks, Stove Top stuffing mix, and La Choy soy sauce.

Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) and Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)

These two compounds are antioxidants and preservatives that are derived from petroleum.

These are anticipated to be carcinogenic, according to the Department of Health.

It can be found on Golden Grahams, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Orbit gum, and Goya lard.

Ammonium Sulfate

It helps bread to rise. It is an organic salt and nitrogen-rich. It is often used in flame retardants and fertilizers. Although it may sound scary, a recent study proved that it is non-carcinogenic.

It can be found on Nature’s Own bread and Subway rolls.

Carrageenan

It is extracted from seaweed. It is a thickener and an emulsifier. It has been linked to cancer, colon problems, and ulcers. Although it has not been proven that carrageenan indeed causes health problems, it would be best to avoid this additive.

Carrageenan can be found on Skinny Cow Ice Cream Sandwiches, Creamsicles, and Weight Watchers Giant Chocolate Fudge Ice Cream Bars.

Partially Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil

This is a semi-solid fat. It is known to be a source of Trans fat, which are known to be the cause of heart attacks.

It can be found on Long John Silver’s Broccoli Cheese Soup and McDonald’s McChicken.

Azodicarbonamide

It is a dough conditioner; however, this chemical is often used in the production of industrial plastic and foam. It is a potential cause of asthma and exposure levels should be minimized.

It can be found on McDonald’s burger buns and Dunkin’ Donuts bagels.

Sulfites

These are preservatives that maintain the color of foods and prevent bacterial growth. Those who have asthma can experience difficulty of breathing when exposed with sulfites.

Sulfites are found in Sun-Maid Mixed Fruits, Jolly Ranchers, Wine, and Fig Newtons.

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