Verified on 05/15/2023 by Alexane Flament, Editor
If you take a look in your pantry, you will be surprised to see that most of your foods contain food additives! Additives are part of our daily lives.
Imparting more flavor, improving the appearance, changing the texture of a product or extending its shelf life, this is their role.
However, some of these substances are associated with adverse health effects and should be avoided. Here are 4 additives to ban!
Artificial food colorings
Certain dyes, used to improve the appearance of products, have been associated with allergic reactions in some people.
Additionally, a National Institutes of Health study found that artificial food colorings promote hyperactivity in children, with some children being more sensitive than others.
Other concerns have been expressed about the potential carcinogenic effects of certain dyes such as erythrosine (red), which would increase the risk of thyroid tumors.
Either way, dyes should be limited for healthy eating.
sodium nitrite
Sodium nitrite acts as a preservative to prevent the growth of bacteria in processed meats, giving them that pink color and salty flavor.
A study conducted by the National Institutes of Health showed that nitrite consumption is associated with a higher risk of stomach cancer.
For your health, it is best to limit your consumption of sodium nitrite and processed meats (bacon, sausages, ham). Prefer chicken, fish or legumes!
Corn syrup with fructose content
High-fructose corn syrup is a corn-based sweetener found in sodas, candies, or fruit juices.
This additive is high in fructose, which leads to serious health problems when consumed in large amounts. It is associated with weight gain, diabetes and inflammation.
sodium benzoate
Sodium benzoate is a preservative often added to soft drinks and acidic foods like pickles, condiments, and even salad dressings.
This additive may be associated with increased hyperactivity. Moreover, when combined with vitamin C, it can form benzene, a compound that promotes the development of cancer.