Modified Food Starch
All starches derived from wheat, corn, potato, or rice are umbrellaed under this term. These substances are modified. So, their response to cold and heat changes, the texture improves, and they create brilliant emulsifiers. Modified starches are mostly in diet and low-calorie processed foods and frozen meals. Even though these starches appear safe, their processing chemicals are forbidden to be disclosed. So, nutritionists question the health effects of starched packaged foods.
Caramel Coloring
Caramel coloring comes from ammonia-treated sugar and is an additive that can produce carcinogens. Now you may wonder what caramel coloring is in. It’s in coffee flavor syrups, soft drinks, certain protein and snack bars, baked goods, and processed snacks. Here’s something you must know about these food products. Caramel coloring, often in candies and sodas, has proven to cause cancer in animals. Moreover, the International Agency on Cancer Research deemed these food additives carcinogenic to humans in 2011.
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
When heat breaks down vegetables, it results in a flavor enhancement. Most often, corn, soy, and wheat are converted into their amino acids. Hydrogen vegetable protein (HVP) adds strong flavors to food products. Where would you find this flavor enhancer? It’s present in canned chili and soups, processed meats, and frozen dinners. Monosodium glutamate is an effect of hydrolyzing proteins, but the MSG is not required to be mentioned in the ingredients list. Surely the foods will affect your body as this chemical does.
Some other food additives you should avoid are:
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- Sulfides: Used to keep packaged foods fresh but can cause respiratory issues.
- Orange B: Food dye used in hot dogs. It can increase the risk of bile infections and liver damage.
- Enriched flour: It is used in snacks. Ingredients are toxic.
- Sodium Benzoate: Used in salad dressings, can cause cancer and DNA disturbances.
- Partially hydrogenated vegetable oil: Added to processed foods as it increases shelf life. It can affect the heart and brain functioning.
- Agave nectar: An artificial sweetener derived from cactus. It increases insulin level and inflammation.
- High fructose corn syrup: Artificial sweetener made of corn syrup.
Conclusion
The best way to stay away from diseases caused due to food additives is by avoiding fast foods altogether. To the extent possible, consume lesser soda and processed drinks. You may have sugar-free ones prepared at home instead. Additionally, one can incorporate more veggies, fruits, and hormone-free meat into their diet. Most of all, consider the list of food additives you should avoid, and be conscious of what you’re eating.
