Today it is difficult to find products with an all-natural composition. Most manufactured products contain artificial additives. They play a significant role: they extend the shelf life, increase the caloric value, improve texture, color, and so on. Some additives do no harm to the body, but there are some that are bad for your health. As an expert nutritionist, I told about how to figure out where the real danger lurks in an article by the daily newspaper «Sport-Express».
There are many dangerous additives that can be found in foods that should be avoided or reduced. Some of them include:
Monosodium glutamate: This additive is used to enhance flavor in many foods, such as potato chips, soups and sauces. It can cause headaches, nausea and other side effects.
Trans fats: Trans fats are artificial fats produced by the hydrogenation of fats. They can raise blood cholesterol levels and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Trans fats are found in many foods, including fast snacks, cookies, and muffins.
Azo dyes: These dyes are used to add bright colors to foods such as candies, snacks, and beverages. They can cause allergic reactions and are associated with hyperactivity in children.
Nitrates and nitrites: These additives are used in meat products to improve flavor and extend shelf life. They can turn into carcinogenic compounds in the body and are associated with an increased risk of cancer.
Aspartame: Aspartame is an artificial sweetener used in many soft drinks and weight loss products. It can cause headaches, depression, and other side effects.
Sulfites: Sulfites are used to extend the shelf life of wine, dried fruits, syrups, and other products. They can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems in some people.
These are just a few examples of dangerous additives, their full list is quite extensive. To avoid negative health effects, you should carefully study the composition of products and choose more natural and healthy options.
Olga Dekker.