Facts about Food Additives

Most of us have the habit of checking the ingredients in foodstuff before buying them. As we have become more health conscious these days, it is literally a must to check the fat content, the sugar content, trans fat content, etc., in each and every packaged food that we buy.

But, apart from this, we do not actually check all the ingredients in food and often overlook the food additives in food. What are food additives? Are they good for health? The following facts will provide answers to all these questions.

In simplest terms, food additives can be described as products or chemicals that are added to food in order to preserve it, or enhance its color and taste. Right from ascorbic acid to aspartame and monosodium glutamate, all are different types of food additives.

Food additives are added in packaged foods in order to increase their shelf life and improve their quality, flavor and taste. All packaged foods contain one food additive or the other. Although food additives are one of the most essential ingredients of packaged food, there are several potential side effects associated with them.

There is a fierce debate all over the world about the possible safety of food additives. The following facts on food additives will give you information on food additives that you should be aware of.

One of the most startling facts is that on an average, an American consumes around 8-9 pounds of chemical additives! Right from your favorite lunch meats, cold cuts, Chinese meals to ice cream and cheeses, all foods contain food additives. Here is information about food additives that you should be aware of

• There are often claims that food additives are harmful. This is far from true. As mentioned above, food additives are used to carry out different roles, when added to food. At the same time, food additives also help in keeping food safe from getting spoiled.

• Secondly, as there are very strict rules about the food additives added in food in several countries, there are lesser chances of poisoning or side effects caused due to any food additive.

• However, according to recent studies, one cannot dismiss the fact that long-term consumption of food additives can lead to serious diseases like cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

• Food colorings are specially made from coal tar, which is a carcinogen (cancer causing agent). Therefore, one should avoid consuming foods that contain artificial colors.

• Monosodium glutamate or MSG is found in nearly all Chinese food preparations, soy sauce, etc. Although it is essential for providing the typical flavor to Chinese food, MSG has been linked to side effects like chest pain, nausea, seizures, etc.

• Other food additives like aspartame, sorbitol, nitrites, nitrates, etc., are linked to side effects like stomach pain, headaches, nausea, vomiting and other side effects.

• Many foods for children like cakes, candies, etc., also contain food additives (colors used in candies, ice cream, etc.), which are not good for health and can also cause hyperactivity in children.

• It is a common myth that all food additives are chemical based and hence, are harmful. Some food additives and preservatives like salt, lemon or sugar have very little or literally no known side effects.

• There is a possibility that one may have an allergy to certain ingredients (food additive) and not know of it. In that case, the person may suffer from allergic reactions like skin rash, diarrhea, headache, nausea, anxiety, etc.

• Lastly, one should note that all the potential side effects and disorders can only be caused due to long term consumption of foods containing these additives. It rarely happens that a person may suffer from sudden side effects on consuming the food, unless he/she is allergic to it.

As most of the side effects are cause due to long-term use, there is no sufficient data that will result in banning of these foods. However, it is wise to avoid eating packaged food as much as possible, and rather opt for fresh and homemade food to avoid any side effects and possible complications. As always, it's better to be safe than sorry!