Food additives: the harm of synthetic additives to the body. Video

Food additives: the harm of synthetic additives to the body. Video

In modern conditions, it is almost impossible to eat only natural products that do not contain any artificial substances. Except perhaps for the indigenous inhabitants of remote areas living on subsistence farming, all other people have to eat food with synthetic food additives.

Food additives: what is the danger?

Before you buy any product, you need to carefully study its composition so as not to harm your body, because some of these additives are prohibited for use in a number of countries because of the high potential danger.

What food additives are and what harm they can bring

Food additives, according to generally accepted rules, are designated by the Latin letter E and a digital index, which can be used to determine which group they belong to. Additives are divided into the following groups: – food coloring (from E100 to E199); – preservatives (from E200 to E299); – antioxidants (from E300 to E399); – stabilizers and emulsifiers (from E400 to E599); – flavor and aroma enhancers , defoamers (from E600 to E999); – other group of additives (various emulsifiers, thickeners, etc.) – from E1000 to E1525.

With the help of synthetic food additives, you can give the product a more attractive appearance, extend its shelf life, and enhance the taste. However, many of these artificially created substances can cause great harm to the body, so it is better to refrain from consuming foods containing such additives.

The most dangerous additives from the group of preservatives are: sodium benzoate (E211), propyl ester of para-hydroxybenzoic acid (E216), sodium salt of this ester (E217) and formaldehyde (E240). They have a negative effect on a number of body systems and can provoke the development of malignant tumors.

From the group of food colors, the greatest danger is represented by such synthetic additives as E102 (tartrazine yellow), E110 (yellow-orange), E121 (citrus red), E122 (red-brown), E123 (dark red), E142 (green S) … They are widely used for coloring various bakery and confectionery products, sauces, canned food, and drinks. These food additives can cause a strong allergic reaction, disturbances in the functioning of the digestive system, kidneys.

There is also evidence that the use of these additives can cause cancer. That is why such dyes are prohibited for use in many countries of the European Union.

The most dangerous food additive from the group of stabilizers and emulsifiers is E425 (konjak flour and its derivatives). Additives such as ammonium sulfate (E510), used in the bakery and confectionery industry, sulfuric acid (E513), used as an acidity regulator in the manufacture of a number of drinks, and ammonium hydroxide (E527) are also of great danger. They cause intestinal upset and have a harmful effect on the liver.

From the group of additives that improve the taste and aroma of products, as well as having the effect of “foaming”, the most dangerous substances E924-a and E924-b – potassium bromate and calcium bromate. They can be used in the manufacture of carbonated drinks, as well as in the baking of bread and pastries. Their main danger lies in the fact that they provoke the development of cancer. In addition, these supplements disrupt the endocrine system.

It should be said that most synthetic food additives, even approved for use, at best, do not bring any benefit to the body, and at worst, can harm it.

Moreover, the mechanism of the effect of many additives on the human body has not yet been fully understood.

How to Minimize Danger from Food Additives

There is a well-known saying that reads as follows: “The salvation of drowning people is the work of the drowning people themselves.” Reasonable vigilance and caution must be exercised. At a minimum, before purchasing a particular food product, you should carefully read the information contained on its packaging. Pay special attention to the list of synthetic additives that are contained in the product. Find out the effect of the additives in the product you purchased.

If it turns out that the product contains the most potentially dangerous food additives listed above, it is better to refrain from buying. And in general, make it a rule: buy products containing a lot of synthetic additives as seldom as possible.

Try to consume less canned food, convenience foods, ready-made pastry dishes and drinks. It will be much better and healthier if you replace them with your own prepared meals and drinks. Of course, the intense rhythm of modern life (especially in large cities) does not always give such an opportunity, but we are talking about your health! Therefore, try to find both time and energy for this. Let’s say you can make canned fish yourself, make drinks from dried fruits, fresh fruit or jam. Semi-finished products can be replaced with cutlets made from twisted meat. Don’t save time on your own health!

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