It is a good habit to check the product label for its ingredients before buying any packaged food items, if you do not understand any contents in the label, it is better to avoid it. Ignoring it will do more good for your health than consuming it.
What is the need for preservatives in packaged food?
Preservatives in food items serve two purposes, it prevents the foods from spoiling, secondly, it enhances its flavor. Remember a food that doesn’t spoil is not a food at all. These foods cannot be good for us. If we really understood this, we would never buy packaged foods ever again.
What are the effects of food preservatives in our body?
- Headache
- Some food preservatives are carcinogenic so it can lead to cancer
- Problems in Liver & kidneys
- Vomiting, nausea, stomach pain and diarrhea
- Infertility in both men and women
- Irritation and itching sensation on skin surface
What are the Most Dangerous Food Preservatives?
Propyl Gallate
This is mainly added to cooking oil. Consuming it regularly can lead to stomach and skin disorders.
Polysorbates 60,65 & 80
This is added to increase smoothness in ice creams. These chemicals are added to all the creamy food items. Consuming it can lead to brain and uterus damage.
TBHQ – Tert-Butylhydroquinone
This is added to fish, chicken, and chocolates. This can cause damage to our nervous system. It also triggers hyperactivity.
Potassium Sorbate
Potassium sorbate is usually mixed with cheese and margarine. This can cause irritation and itchy sensation over the skin surface. It can also cause irritation and excessive tears in eyes. Vomiting, stomach pain are some of the other problems that can be caused due to this chemical
Nitrates
Nitrates are added to meat to make it look fresh. It will also be sprayed over vegetables that are sold in malls and supermarkets. Nitrates can cause serious damages to heart.
