Buzz
Food preservation practices have been around since ancient civilizations. From fermentation to salt, our ancestors used whatever resources they had to extend the shelf life and preserve the taste of their food. Over time, the need to keep food fresh, colorful, and flavorful grew. As a result, a variety of food additives and preservatives were developed and introduced into products like meats, butters, and breads.
It’s clear that some food additives raise concerns. In fact, certain substances that are considered safe in the United States are banned in other nations. However, as the use of these additives grew, several myths emerged about their impact on our health. Even though some of these substances can cause harm in large quantities, many misunderstandings persist about their safety.
10. Aspartame
If you’ve consumed anything labeled as sugar-free, you’ve likely encountered aspartame, which is 200 times sweeter than sugar. This intense sweetness means that only a small amount of the additive is required, resulting in fewer calories.
Given aspartame's widespread use in products like puddings, diet sodas, mints, sugar-free ice cream, and more, it's no surprise that claims circulated suggesting it could cause diabetes, ADHD, depression, and even cancer. Researchers set out to investigate the truth behind these allegations, testing aspartame both in the lab and on humans.
When studies were conducted on rats, scientists concluded that even large doses of aspartame had no connection to health issues. In human trials, no link was found between aspartame and cancer, with any possible correlations being considered coincidental. Recent studies have also debunked the idea that some people have sensitivities to aspartame.
It's clear that exceeding the approved daily intake of aspartame can lead to serious health issues. For now, consuming a diet soda once or twice a day or having a few mints seems safe. However, opinions on this matter differ, and ongoing research continues to explore the effects of aspartame.
9. Saccharin
Saccharin is another sweetener used to replace sugar. Like aspartame, it's much sweeter than regular sugar (300 times sweeter), meaning only a small amount is needed, which results in fewer calories.
Saccharin has faced criticism over concerns about its potential to cause cancer. In the 1970s, a study linked saccharin to bladder cancer in lab rats. Despite the alarm this caused, it was quickly clarified that the bladder tumors in rats were not applicable to humans. Today, most health authorities consider saccharin safe for consumption.
8. Calcium Propionate
Seeing calcium propionate listed in the ingredients of your bread may raise some concerns, but this substance is actually quite safe. Calcium propionate is used as a preservative in bread to prevent mold and the growth of microorganisms, allowing the bread to stay fresh longer.
In one experiment, rats were given calcium propionate for a year without showing any negative effects. It's FDA-approved and even used by home bakers.
7. Tartrazine (Yellow No. 5)
Sweeteners aren't the only food additives that have been criticized for their potential to cause a variety of health issues. Dyes have faced similar scrutiny. In fact, several food dyes used in our products have been banned in many other countries.
One such dye is tartrazine (Yellow No. 5), which has often been labeled as one to avoid. Yellow No. 5 has been linked to a range of concerns, including allergies, behavioral problems, insomnia, hyperactivity, and even cancer.
Despite the many claims about the risks associated with Yellow No. 5, much of the research supporting these fears was flawed. Regarding allergies to this dye, the FDA has responded by requiring Yellow No. 5 to be listed on food ingredient labels. The agency also notes that allergic reactions to this additive are rare.
In terms of asthma attacks, the FDA found no evidence that Yellow No. 5 is responsible.
6. Erythrosine (also known as Red No. 3) is a red food dye often used to brighten the color of food products.
If you've enjoyed cherries or jam, you may have ingested erythrosine. Fortunately, it's not as harmful as some might suggest. Erythrosine, or Red No. 3, is a vibrant red dye that serves to enhance color. However, concerns about its potential to interfere with the pituitary gland or affect sperm development have made some people wary of it.
Despite the worries, the FDA has deemed Red No. 3 to be safe. After conducting extensive tests, they've concluded that the dye poses no harm to human or animal health. Still, there are limits on how much can be safely consumed.
5. Soy Lecithin
Soy lecithin has long been debated in terms of safety. Unlike many additives, however, it doesn't carry a significant risk of serious health issues.
Soy lecithin is commonly used as a food ingredient, functioning as an emulsifier, antioxidant, and flavor preservative. Some argue that it may cause allergies due to its soy-based origins.
It is also a genetically modified product that is extracted using harmful chemicals. However, this concern can be avoided by selecting organic soy lecithin alternatives.
Concerning allergies, the extraction process of soy lecithin typically eliminates most soy particles. However, if you have a soy allergy, it's best to avoid it altogether, as some traces may remain.
Some people believe there might be benefits to consuming soy lecithin. So, if you come across it in the ingredients list, there’s no need for concern.
4. Sodium Nitrite
Sodium nitrite, a preservative commonly used to cure meat, is responsible for products like bacon and ham. Although some claim that sodium nitrite can lead to cancer, this is only a risk when consumed in extreme quantities—think pounds, not just a few strips of bacon.
In general, sodium nitrite is a safe food additive. In fact, some studies suggest it could have health benefits, including potential treatments for sickle cell disease and leg vascular issues.
3. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
You’ve likely encountered monosodium glutamate (MSG) and might have consumed it without even realizing. MSG was first isolated by scientist Kikunae Ikeda, who extracted glutamate from broth to recreate the savory flavor found in that broth for various foods.
Despite its widespread use, some consumers complained about symptoms like headaches, nausea, chest pain, and numbness after consuming MSG. To explore this further, studies were conducted to determine whether there was a link between MSG and these reactions.
Ultimately, research found no connection between MSG and these symptoms. However, if someone sensitive to MSG consumes more than three grams of it on an empty stomach, they could experience such effects. Consuming three grams in this manner would be quite rare, though.
2. Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)
Butylated hydroxytoluene serves as a preservative that helps maintain the freshness of food. If you’ve ever checked the ingredients on a cereal box, you may have spotted it there.
While BHT performs its preservation task effectively, numerous concerns have been raised about its potential health risks, such as links to cancer, asthma, and even behavioral changes in children. In response to public concern, many cereal companies have decided to remove BHT from their products.
But is BHT really as harmful as it seems?
Well, not exactly. No evidence has shown that BHT causes cancer in humans. In tests with rats, cancer developed in the forestomach, which is an organ humans don’t even possess.
Ironically, BHT is also thought to have anticarcinogenic properties. However, as with many food additives, consuming BHT in excessive amounts can lead to negative health effects.
1. Sodium Nitrate
Sodium nitrate, another preservative used in curing meats, has faced claims of causing heart disease and cancer. However, just like sodium nitrite, these health risks can be mitigated. By eating cured meats in moderation, the positive effects of sodium nitrate, such as lower blood pressure, can still be achieved.
Despite the possible negative effects, sodium nitrate is still regarded as safe when used in meats.
