Preservatives In Food: Myths And Truths
Preservatives extend the shelf life of foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals by preventing spoilage. Most of the foods we eat daily are treated with large amounts of preservatives and additives, among other substances.
This is a way to make food stay good for longer and look more palatable. While this may be a cause for concern, in reality, we don’t have to stop eating these foods just because they are “not completely natural.”
However, it is convenient to inquire, resolve doubts with the doctor or nutritionist (as the case may be) and thus know what the effects may be on the health, in general, of consumers, when they are consumed in excess in a style of harmful life.
What do we know about the effects of preservatives in food?
In the long term, the effects of preservatives can be detrimental to health. In fact, research assures that some preservatives are harmful to the human body. Some are classified as carcinogens or cancer-causing agents.
Despite everything, there are many studies to be done in this regard, although there is already evidence that confirms that artificial ingredients used in food can be harmful to health.
In fact, many of the additives and colorings that are added to many food products can cause respiratory distress or aggravate symptoms.
In patients suffering from asthma, some elements such as sodium benzoate, aspartame can cause serious attacks and also trigger allergic reactions.
According to an InChem study on carcinogenesis, preservatives and additives, many of these elements are transformed into toxic substances when digested, since nitrites and nitrates when combined with juices and stomach enzymes, can become agents that cause cancer .
As research published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology points out , a higher intake of nitrites and nitrosamine raises the risk of stomach cancer. In addition, these substances are also associated with increased risks of colorectal, breast and bladder cancer.
However, it must be borne in mind that at present the concentration of these substances is relatively low and safe. However, the general recommendation is to avoid the intake of processed meats and other foods that contain them.
To minimize the risk of developing health problems due to food additives and preservatives, it is recommended to avoid foods that contain these additives and preservatives.
Before buying canned food, its ingredients should be checked. It is best to buy only organic food, which does not contain artificial additives or preservatives.
What are the effects of preservatives in children?
Some medicines, foods, or any other substance can have very different effects on children. For example, preservatives can cause an increase in attention deficit disorder, although they can also cause hyperactivity.
Many children suffer from learning or behavior problems, which may be related to preservatives, causing deficiencies in their development.
In many homes, whether due to time constraints or for any other reason, it is much easier for adults to allow children to eat fast foods.
This junk food and processed foods so harmful to health are hamburgers, pizzas, hot dogs, French fries … This is as much for the preservatives they contain as for the fats and calories they provide to those who consume them frequently.
These habits of poor nutrition are also the cause of the increase in diseases. Some of these are diabetes and obesity.
It is very important that we become aware of the importance of starting to take care of our diet. Put aside all the foods that can harm our body and in this way you will help to have a healthier life.
