http://hbnewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/food-labels.jpg
food labels
Food has definitely changed over the last few decades. In former times most of our food was either picked or hunted. Nowadays it seems that most of what we put in our mouths comes from a crinkly package. These snacks certainly manages to fill us up, and not many people complain about the taste. But if you take a minute and read the fine print of the food labels, you will probably find that you are not familiar with a few of the ingredients used. In fact, after reading some food labels, it almost seems that there are more ingredients that are unfamiliar than those that are familiar.
Reading the Fine print of Food labels
Since we purchase these foods time and time again at our trusty supermarket, and we like them, we don’t get too concerned about what’s in them. But maybe it’s time for a closer look. Some ingredients lead to negative health consequences, while others are fairly harmless. But many of us can’t even get beyond pronouncing the unknown ingredient correctly. Therefore many don’t care to take the time to investigate whether these complex ingredients are healthy or not. Below is a list of some of those common unknown ingredients that are listed on the food labels of most packaged foods:
Ammonium Phosphate
What is it?
This compound is very common in foods packaged by companies that are involved with high-tech food production. It is usually added as a salt. Since many of the processed desserts or snacks are baked, it serves as a leavening agent as well.
Where is it found?
Ammonium Phosphate is in many packaged baked goods from large, food production companies. It appears in a variety of brands of cookies, crackers, breads, and snack foods. It also appears in some processed cheese products.
What are the health effects?
Ammonium Phosphate also is a prime compound used in lawn fertilizers. The fact that this ingredient is included in harsh chemicals as well as in our food has become quite a matter of controversy.
Spokespersons for the food manufacturers claim that the ammonia basically evaporates in the baking process. However, many nutritionists feel that incorporating ammonia and related compounds into food is unsafe. Studies also show that frequently consuming foods containing Ammonium Phosphate increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)
What is it?
BHT along with Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) are synthetic compounds that are added to foods and cosmetics to help better preserve freshness. Many of the ingredients in prepared foods alter in taste and color as time goes on; BHT and BHA are added to slow down this process.
Where is it found?
Foods labels that have BHT and/or BHA are as follows: cereals, chewing gum, crackers, snack foods, and butter. A variety of cosmetics also contain BHT and BHA. These compounds are also found in electrical transformer oil, petroleum products as well as embalming fluid.
What are the health effects?
BHT and BHA are currently facing a lot of scrutiny with regard to their impacts on health. Sadly, the studies thus far show that the BHT’s impacts are not positive. Consuming these compounds in high quantities impair blood clotting. They also may impair the liver’s ability to function. Research has also found that BHT and BHA increases the risk of cancer. In a recent study conducted on mice, ingesting foods with the compounds promoted the growth of tumors.
BHT and BHA continue to appear on many food labels of large packaged food companies in the United States. But their link to negative consequences has not gone unnoticed world-wide. Incorporating this compound in food is banned in England, Japan, along with other European countries.
Dextrose
What is it?
Dextrose is a sweetener that is a form of glucose. It does originate from a natural source since it is made from starchy plants. However, it is still processed. Dextrose is generally used in foods that are sweet. Dextrose also appears on food label of packaged foods since it prolongs shelf life as well.
Where is it found?
Many packaged candies, cookies, and desserts contain Dextrose. Sodas and chips contain this sweetener as well. If the package lists corn syrup as an ingredient, essentially Dextrose has been added.
What are the health effects?
Just like consuming an excessive amount of sugar is unwise, eating a multitude of foods that contain Dextrose is also a bad idea. Diabetics in particular need to watch how much of this simple sugar they ingest; otherwise their blood sugar levels could rise leading to serious consequences. Studies have shown that those who frequently consume additional sugars as part of their diet are also at risk of developing heart disease.
Malic acid
What is it?
This natural substance is added to various foods to give them a sour or tart taste.
Where is it found?
Malic acid naturally is found in fruits and vegetables; apples are very common source of the substance.
Packaged foods manufacturers usually add Malic acid to incorporate a tart taste into the food. Many sour-tasting foods such as candies, and fruit snacks contain this substance. Jellies, sherbets, and a variety of drinks also have Malic acid listed on their food labels.
In addition to food items, Malic acid is also added to different cosmetics, lotions, and skin care products.
What are the health effects?
Seeing the word “acid” may lead many to think that this substance is hazardous. But studies have found to the contrary. Malic acid contains anti-oxidants and studies have shown it to help maintain a healthy heart. For those suffering from fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome ingesting Malic acid helps to improve conditions.
Studies also show that Malic acid is beneficial for reducing the signs of aging. Using cosmetics and lotions that contain this substance reduces fine lines and wrinkles. A variety of anti-aging beauty products now contain Malic acid.
There are a few individuals who have an allergic reaction when coming in contact with Malic acid. Symptoms generally include itchy skin and minor skin irritation. If a rash develops on your skin, wash the area thoroughly, and discontinue using skin care items with Malic acid.
Sorbic Acid
What is it?
Sorbic acid is a colorless, fatty acid that is added to foods to prevent the growth of mold. Food is usually either dipped in the substance or sprayed with it.
Where is it found?
Food labels that list Sorbic acid are as follows: baked goods, refrigerated meats, cheeses, canned goods, and prepared salads.
Sorbic acid also is incorporated in different beauty products such as lotions, sunscreens, and cosmetics for the purpose of prolonging shelf life.
What are the health effects?
Sorbic acid is generally harmless and non-toxic. There are a few cases where some individuals develop an irritation to this substance. And those who do usually have an aversion to creams and other topical products that contain Sorbic acid. Symptoms usually include itchy skin or a rash. To reduce the skin irritation clean the affected area entirely.
Yellow #5
What is it?
Yellow #5, also known as Tartrazine is a vibrant food dye. This synthetic dye is usually listed on food labels of foods or drinks that are yellow, or even bright green, or orange.
Where is it found?
As mentioned above, manufactured foods that appear yellowish in color contain this food dye. This includes processed cheeses, macaroni and cheese, as well as various chips, and snack foods. Many bright candies and sodas usually list Yellow #5 on their food labels as well.
What are the health effects?
Back in the 1990s there was a lot of attention was suddenly directed at Yellow #5. Many people were under the impression that consuming an abundance of beverages made the dye affected fertility. Many men feared that drinking soft drinks like Mountain Dew would reduce their sperm count. And many women feared they would not be able to get pregnant.
Since then studies have surfaced on the health effects of Tarrazine. Thus far, there is no concrete evidence indicating that consuming foods with the synthetic dye directly affects fertility. At least not in humans. There have been a few studies within the last ten years on mice. And on these studies there was evidence that Yellow #5 led to a reduction of sperm count within the mice.
Aside from possible fertility issues, research has also shown other undesirable consequences of the yellow dye as well. Recent studies have revealed that Tarrazine increases hyperactivity in children. For children who are already diagnosed with ADHD the hazardous dye alters their behavior further. Other crtics of the dye claim that ingesting the chemical leads to other possible side effects such as the following: migraines, anxiety, blurred vision and fatigue.
Because of the numerous negative effects of the yellow dye many nutritionists feel that this dye should not be used in high tech food production. Many of the packaged foods sold in the United States that use the dye sell a dye-free version of the food to other countries.
In fact, in Europe foods that contain Tarrazine are required to include a special warning on the packaging. In the United States, there are no laws concerning the hazardous dye. However, food companies are required to list the dye on their American food labels.
Keep an eye out
When reading the list of ingredients listed on the food labels of packaged foods it’s disconcerting to see how many unknown ingredients there are. It may be awhile yet before we know all the health effects of these compounds, substances, and chemicals. Until that time comes – if it comes – it is beneficial to take a good look at the foods you are putting in your body everyday.
If you are constantly reaching for something that was processed and pre-packaged, you may want to change your diet. Choosing fresh fruits and vegetables over processed foods means less chemicals entering your body. Fresh produce provides vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Processed foods seldom provide these healthy nutrients. Therefore, opting for the heathy benefits of fresh foods over processed ones is a win-win.
The post Reading the Fine print of Food labels appeared first on HB News Network.
from WordPress https://hbnewsnetwork.wordpress.com/2016/11/04/reading-the-fine-print-of-food-labels/
No comments:
Post a Comment