People today consume a lot more processed food than they used to. This type of food may be fast and convenient, but not all the ingredients are healthy to eat. Although food preservatives help keep food from spoiling, some types of preservatives may lead to health problems, especially in those with certain conditions. Read ingredient labels to see which preservatives are in the food on your pantry shelves.
Allergies
Some people are allergic to a group of food preservatives called sulfites, which includes potassium bisulfite, potassium metabisulfite, sodium sulfite, sulfur dioxide, sodium bisulfite and sodium metabisulfite. If you are allergic to sulfites, consuming them can cause hives and other allergic reactions, including death.
Hyperactivity
Certain food preservatives and food colorings may also increase hyperactivity in children, according to a 2007 study published in the journal "Lancet." In the study, participants given a mix of the preservative sodium benzoate and artificial coloring agents were more likely to exhibit signs of hyperactivity than those given a placebo mix. Although evidence isn't clear that food additives cause attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, there is evidence that these additives may make symptoms worse in children with this condition.
Cancer
Some food preservatives may increase your risk of cancer. These include butylated hydroxyanisole, or BHA; butylated hydroxytoluene, or BHT; propyl gallate; and sodium benzoate when it is combined with ascorbic acid. Sodium nitrite and sodium nitrate can combine with a compound formed when protein is broken down to form substances called nitrosamines, which may cause cancer. This can happen with any cured meat product, but occurs most often when bacon is overcooked.
Considerations
A number of food preservatives and additives have been banned because of dangerous health effects that weren't discovered until after they were in use for a number of years. Thus, avoiding the food preservatives that may have negative effects on your health may be a good idea. Although study results are still inconclusive and based mainly on animal studies, there is a chance they may adversely affect your health.
References
- CNN.com: Can Food Additives Affect ADHD?
- University of Minnesota Extension: Nitrite in Meat
- Center for Science in the Public Interest: Chemical Cuisine
- "Lancet;" Food Additives and Hyperactive Behaviour in 3-Year-Old and 8/9-Year-Old Children in the Community: a Randomised, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial; Donna McCann, et al.; November 2007
- CNN.com: Common Food Additives
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