Food Additives to Avoid

Additives are often found in various types of processed foods. There are various additives with different functions. You are advised to limit or avoid the consumption of foods containing additives for health. Some foods are intentionally added additives or additives, to preserve, add flavor, improve texture or enhance the appearance of food. Some people even deliberately add this material with reason and hope to improve or maintain the nutritional value of these foods.

Types of additives

Since time immemorial, additives have been used in various types of food. For example, salt to preserve meat and fish, leaves (herbs) and spices to improve the taste of food, sugar to preserve fruit, and vinegar for pickling cucumbers. Advances in existing technology make the diversity of additives increasingly develop. The types of additives that are often added to foods are increasingly diverse, such as:

• Bulking agents increase the volume of food without changing the amount of calories available.
• Raising agent or material development, increasing the volume of food with the formation of gas from these materials.
• Propellant, a material that facilitates food removal from its packaging.
• Gel forming, changing the texture of food into gel.
• Glazing agent, improve appearance and protect food.
• Flour treatment, improve the quality of baked goods.
• Stabilizer and hardener.
• Thickener, improves texture and consistency.
• Preservatives, preserving and making microbes can not multiply.
• Mineral salt, improves texture and taste.
• Foaming agent, maintaining uniformity of aeration gas levels in food.
• Taste enhancer, increase the strength of the taste.
• Taste, add flavor to food.
• Humectant, keep it moist
• Coloring, adding or emphasizing
• Acidification, maintain the proper acidity of food.
• Emulsifier, making fat not freeze.
• Artificial sweeteners, increasing sweetness.
• Antioxidants, prevent foods from oxidizing and rancid.
• Anti-caking agent, making food doesn't thicken.

Recognizing Hazardous Additives

Some additives are considered dangerous if consumed continuously or in excess. The following are some additives which are often used in making food, along with the dangers:

• Preservative

Based on research, additives or chemicals added to make food last a long time (for example benzoate, monoglyceride, diglyceride, nitrate, nitrite, and sulfite) are thought to cause health problems.

• MSG (monosodium

Although it still needs further investigation, according to a nutrition consultant, MSG can damage nerve endings if consumed in excess, thereby increasing the sensation of pain. Additives that make food taste delicious can also increase the risk of weight gain and metabolic syndrome. Some people who are sensitive to MSG content can experience headaches after consuming foods that contain a lot of MSG.

• High-fructose corn syrup

High-fructose corn syrup is a sweetener that is often used in food products and bottled drinks, such as soda water, cakes and candy. Several studies have shown, this additive can cause chronic abdominal pain and other digestive disorders in people who have intolerance to high-fructose corn syrup.

• Artificial sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners like aspartame are associated with the emergence of various chronic diseases, including fibromyalgia, migraines, brain tumors, neurological disorders, cancer, and premature births.

• Potassium bromate or potassium bromate

The use of this additive has actually been banned since 1993. The use of potassium bromate in food is prohibited because it can cause cancer.

• Sodium nirite or sodium nitrite

This additive is often used as a preservative for hot dogs and bacon. Foods that contain sodium nitrite tend to be high in sodium and fat content, so it is recommended to limit it. Processed meat that contains nitrites and other additives can also increase the risk of heart and blood vessel disease. Research even shows that sodium nitrite can cause cell damage that can cause cancer.

• Sugar

Although natural, sugar is also not good for health if consumed in excess. According to a doctor, sugar can trigger changes in the body that make muscles become spasms. In addition, excess sugar can also lead to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

• Salt

Consuming lots of salt can cause high blood pressure, kidney disorders, as well as heart and blood vessel disease.

What also needs to be aware of, a study shows that preservatives, artificial food coloring, and other additives, are thought to play a role in increasing hyperactive behavior in children. Before you buy food, it is highly recommended to read the composition of the ingredients first, including the additives used. We recommend that you limit consumption of processed foods that contain lots of additives, and choose natural foods for daily serving.