Most of the items we purchase in traditional supermarket are
processed and contain additives, man-made preservatives give food and cosmetics
a longer shelf life, which allows manufacturers to broaden distribution and
bring in bigger revenue. Many of these additives are considered safe by the
Food Standard Agency (FSA-UK) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) but
much independent research suggests very different results. For centuries people
have preserved food by using salts, vinegars, herbs, boiling, refrigeration,
root cellars, and other means. Now, food manufacturers utilize an array of
specialized chemicals to increase shelf-life and to maintain freshness. Five of
the worst additives for your health and their side effects are listed below;
1.
Benzoates: Variations; Benzoic acid (E210),
Sodium Benzoates (E211), Potassium Benzoates (E212), Calcium Benzoates (E213).
Uses;
A preservative to prevent the food
from moulding. Used in Pickles, Salad dressings, fruit juices, soft drinks,
jams and jelly.
Side effects/connected to;
Hyperactivity, Dizziness,
light-headedness, trouble sleeping; damage to DNA which is connected to
Parkinson and ageing. Notes: Research published in 2007 for the UK’s Food
Standards Agency (FSA) suggest that certain artificial colours, when paired
with sodium benzoate (E211) may be linked to hyperactive behaviour. The results
were inconsistent regarding sodium benzoate, so the FSA recommended further
study. It is currently approved for use in Canada, the USA, the EU, Australia,
and New Zealand. Carcinogen? in
combination with ascorbic acid (vitamin C, E300), Sodium benzoate and Potassium
benzoate may form benzene, a known carcinogen. Heat, light and shelf-life can
affect the rate at which benzene is formed.
2.
Nitrites: Variations; Sodium nitrites (E250)
(E251), Potassium nitrites (E249) (E252).
Uses;
Preserved food colour in meats,
prevent it from going rancid, stop bacteria growing, used in Hotdogs, sausages,
cold cuts of meats (hams, bacon etc).
Side effects/connected to;
Irritability, lack of energy,
headaches, dizziness, pregnancy complications, infant health problems; link
with leukaemia, many cancers such as colon, bladder, stomach, thyroid etc.
Notes: Vitamin C reduces the conversion of Nitrite. Occurs naturally in small
doses. Carcinogens? When cooked can
convert into Nitrosamines which can cause cancer.
3.
Sulfites: Variations; E220, E221, E222, E223,
E224, E225, E226, E227, E228.
Uses;
Acts as a preservative to prevent
bacteria growth. Used in Ready meals, Pizza and Pie crusts, Wine, Beer, Canned
vegetables, Oven chips, Dried fruits.
Side effects/connected to;
Can be mistaken for Hay fever; runny
nose, itchy eyes and wheezing cough. 1 in 10 people will have a reaction of
some sort e.g. Rashes, itching, restricted breathing, asthmatic attacks, hives,
and cramps. Notes: destroys Vitamin B1 (Thiamine). Carcinogen? Unknown.
4.
Sorbates: Variations; Potassium sorbate E202,
Calcium sorbate E203,
Uses;
A preservative that does not change
the taste, smell, colour and prevents yeast from growing. Used in dried meats,
wine, cheese, yogurts, baked goods, dips, margarine.
Side effects/connected to;
Hypersensitivity (reaction, allergy)
to mouth, throat, eyes. Migraine/headache. Notes: relatively harmful compared
with other additives. Can be found naturally in Rowena berries. Carcinogen? Does not appear so.
5.
Aspartame; also known as E951.
Uses;
An artificial sweetener. Used in
drinks sweeteners, ‘Diet’ or ‘Light’ anything e.g. Soda and yogurts; chewing
gum, cooking sauces, drinks power, energy drinks. Can be found in certain
vitamins.
Side effects/connected to;
Headaches/migraines, alters level of
Serotonin and causes behavioural problems, Depression; Blurred vision, eyes
pain, diabetes, emotional and mood disorders; changes the chemistry of the
brain, convulsions, seizures, epilepsy, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s. Linked to
cancers and brain tumours. Notes: research suggests that it increases hungers
by confusing the brain and impedes weight loss. Carcinogen? Yes, linked with cancers. High sugar diet, additionally,
a high sugar intake has long been considered bad for you as it is connected to
obesity and weight gain but it is also bad for your brain and results in an
impairment to think clearly, maintain even moods and behave effectively in
social situations. Withdrawal, anxiety, delinquency and aggression are twice as
likely in those that consume soft drinks, sugary snacks and ice cream.
To completely avoid these, additives would be a perhaps
unrealistic considering many people’s fast paced and complex lifestyles. But we
can certainly reduce our intake to the bare minimum and additives such as
Aspartame can be removed easily with a little pre-planning. Avoid these where
possible to help maintain a clear head and a healthy body. Eat organic or
locally grown foods if possible and cook using basic and fresh ingredients.
Many farm shops are not actually that expensive, particularly for fresh fruit
and vegetables but they are often not as convenient to get to as a chain
supermarket. This is the price you pay, but think of all the extra health
benefits you shall gain and the positive effects it will have. You are what you
eat!
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