The Dirty, Ugly Truth About Food Additives
Food additives aren’t just passive ingredients; they can actively pose health risks. Understanding why food additives are dangerous can help you avoid certain foods that might contribute to long-term health issues. While there are countless reasons to steer clear of food additives, here are three of the most critical ones.
Food Additives Damage Your Heart
Recent studies indicate that consuming a lot of phosphate-rich foods, such as soda, processed cheese, baking powder, and many processed items, can increase the production of the FGF23 hormone. This hormone can strain the heart. Additionally, research from the American Heart Association suggests that men should eliminate processed red meat from their diets due to an increased risk of heart failure.
Food Additives Disrupt Hormone Balance
The FDA doesn’t strictly regulate what goes into our food. A recent study found propyl paraben, an endocrine disruptor, in many American snack foods. Although banned from food in Europe, it is still used in some cosmetics and personal care items worldwide. Despite this, the US continues to allow its presence in food. The FDA has long maintained that it is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS), but studies suggest it can act as a weak synthetic estrogen and reduce fertility.
Food Additives Make for Unruly Kids
Research from Australia suggests that some additives, even those in “healthy” snacks, can lead to mood swings and irritability in children. For example, cultured dextrose (also known as calcium propionate), found in healthy breads and wraps, can cause irritability, fatigue, or insomnia. There is also evidence that hydrolyzed vegetable protein, a “natural” substitute for MSG, can cause concerns. The best approach is to read labels carefully and keep snacks as simple as possible. Better yet, make your own snacks from scratch using organic ingredients.
Things to Keep in Mind
There is ongoing discussion by US organizations suggesting that the FDA’s food additive process may violate the law. However, this is not surprising given the food industry’s slow response to dangerous ingredients. For instance, trans fat was only banned after years of research proved its harmful effects. When purchasing processed foods, try to find options that are additive-free or made with natural preservatives. Alternatively, opting for raw fruits and vegetables can help reduce your exposure to harmful additives.
