Are you one of those people who actually read product label ingredients before buying a food item? Well, I definitely am not one of them (or was not, until I read about this!).
So, I’ve always been someone who had taken food additives for granted, until I realized what their consequences would be on my health. While not all food additives can have adverse effects on health, maybe minimal effects, some have major effects!
In this article, I’ll let you in on information on some of the most common food additives, what they’re often added into and what are the effects they can have on your health.
What are Food Additives?
Food additives are those ingredients used in order to enhance the flavour of the food, extend its shelf-life, improve its appearance, quality, texture etc. These food additives are often bad for health if consumed on a regular basis.
12 Common Food Additives| Why You Should Avoid Them
1. Artificial Flavouring
Often added into: Popcorn, ice creams, candies, cereals, chips, energy drinks, fruit juices, sauces, salad dressings, snacks
Side-effects on health: Can cause allergic reactions, cancer, nutrient deficiencies, can impact cardiovascular health, could increase blood pressure
2. MSG (Monosodium Glutamate)
Often added into: Canned soups, frozen dinners, salty snacks, condiments (like sauces, salad dressings, mayonnaise, ketchup, barbecue sauce)
Side-effects on health: Can cause headaches, numbness or tightness in the face, flushes, sweating
3. Trans Fat
Often added into: Baked goods, biscuits, margarine, microwave popcorn
Side-effects on health: Increased cholesterol, risk of cardiovascular diseases, risk of breast cancer, diabetes, obesity
4. Artificial Food Coloring
Often added into: Baked goods, cereals, snacks, icings, candies, sauces, yogurt, frostings, soda pops, frozen dairy desserts, drink mixers
Side-effects on health: Allergies, cancer, kidney issues, hyperactivity
5. Artificial Sweeteners
Often added into: Carbonated drinks, beverages, dairy products, protein powders, canned soups, condiments, bread, yogurt
Side-effects on health: Risk of stroke, cancer, risk of heart disease, digestive issues, bloating, gastric
6. High-Fructose Corn Syrup
Often added into: Cereals, candies, juices, sodas
Side-effects on health: Cancer, obesity, heart disease, diabetes, cholesterol, fatty liver disease, dyslipidemia
7. Guar Gum
Often added into: Salad dressings, sauces, soups, ice creams
Side-effects on health: Increased production of gas, bloating, cramps, diarrhea
8. Sodium Nitrite
Often added into: Processed meats (like bacon, ham, sausages, hot dogs)
Side-effects on health: Vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea
9. Xanthan Gum
Often added into: Soups, sauces, syrups, salad dressings
Side-effects on health: Stomach upset, increased production of gas (flatulence)
10. Yeast Extract
Often added into: Soy sauce, cheese, salty snacks
Side-effects on health: Headaches, facial skin flushing, digestive discomfort (gas, bloating), interaction with medications, blood infections
11. Carrageenan
Often added into: Vegan cheese, cottage cheese, almond milk, coffee creamers, ice creams
Side-effects on health: Diarrhea, rectal bleeding, inflammation, bloating, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), food allergies, colon cancer, fetal toxicity and birth defects (if consumed during pregnancy)
12. Sodium Benzoate
Often added into: Condiments, pickles, fruit juices, salad dressings
Side-effects on health: Allergies, eye irritation, reduced fertility, hyperactivity, inflammation, cancer, shortness of breath, tingling in the hands and feet