Food additives are substances that become part of foods and beverages during production. The Food and Drug Administration has a list of roughly 700 food additives "generally recognized as safe," which includes salt, sugar, artificial sweeteners, monosodium glutamate and food coloring. Food additives serve five main purposes, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center: preservation, maintaining product consistency and enhancing the appearance, nutrient value and acidity of foods. Particular additives cause adverse health effects in some people.
Added Sugars
Added sugars enhance the flavor, texture, color and acid balance of a wide variety of commercial foods and beverages. Common forms include high-fructose corn syrup, cane sugar, fructose, dextrose and sucrose. On average, Americans consume 22 tsp. of added sugars per day, according to MayoClinic.com -- far more than the daily recommended maximum of six tsp. for women and 9 tsp. for men. Foods high in added sugars may offset your blood sugar levels, lead to overeating and contribute to obesity and obesity-related conditions, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Diets rich in sugar often contain less fiber and fewer vitamins, minerals and antioxidants than diets based on whole foods. Thus, cutting back on added sugars may promote your overall nutrient intake and health. Foods and beverages particularly high in added sugars include candy, sweetened cereals, jellies, jams, frosting, frozen desserts and regular soft drinks.
Salt
Salt is used to promote the shelf life of many processed foods, including canned vegetables and soups, deli meats, sausage, smoked meats, cheese dip, pasta sauce, tomato juice and frozen meals. Salt also adds flavor to snack foods, such as pretzels, potato chips, crackers and French fries. The American Heart Association recommends limiting your sodium intake to less than 1,500 mg per day. Every 1/4 tsp. of salt you consume provides 600 mg of sodium. Similar to added sugars, Americans typically consume too much salt, which increases your risk for high blood pressure, heart disease and kidney stones. To maintain modest sodium intake, eat whole, natural foods, such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, instead of canned and processed foods most often.
Artificial Coloring
Artificial coloring enhances the appearance of many commercial foods and beverages, including candy, custard, frozen desserts, frosted cupcakes, colorful breakfast cereals, fruit punch and soft drinks. According to MayoClinic.com child psychiatrist Dr. John E. Huxsahl, artificial colors worsen hyperactivity in some children with attention deficit disorder -- one of the most common childhood disorders. Food colorings associated with ADHD include FD&C red No.40, FD&C, Yellow No. 5, FD&C Yellow No. 6 and D&C Yellow No. 10. Natural alternatives include homemade baked goods, 100 percent fruit frozen bars, fresh-squeezed fruit juice and fresh or frozen fruit.
Monosodium Glutamate
Some people may be sensitive to the additive MSG, a flavor enhancer chemically similar to the brain chemical glutamate. Although research findings have been mixed, an influx of adverse symptoms, including chest pain, headache, sweating and numbness, were thought to have been caused by Chinese food containing MSG in 1968. Although symptoms of an MSG sensitivity are typically mild and do not require medical treatment, avoiding foods containing MSG may alleviate symptoms. In addition to Chinese food, other common sources of MSG include canned soups and vegetables and processed meats, such as hot dogs.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Food Additives
- MayoClinic.com: Added Sugar: Don't Get Sabotaged by Sweeteners
- American Heart Association: Shaking the Salt Habit
- MayoClinic.com: ADHD Diet: Do Food Additives Cause Hyperactivity?
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Chinese Restaurant Syndrome
- MayoClinic.com: Monosodium Glutamate
Member Comments