8 Types of Supplemental Substances In Fast Food, and Its Effects For Health

Roseous.com - 8 Types of Supplemental Substances In Fast Food, and Its Effects For Health. Packaged food and fast food usually rely on a variety of additives to enhance the taste and quality of the appearance, while also extending the store's life. However, these additives can be bad for health if consumed in excess. Here are the most commonly used additives in foods, along with the risks they may cause.

What are the most common food additives, and what are the effects on health?

1. MSG

MSG (monosodium glutamate) aka mecin is an additive used as a flavoring food. Not just limited to packaged food and fast food, home cooking is often also added mecin to taste more delicious.

MSG effects on health to date is still a hot topic of debate. Some experts argue mecin can cause problems in the nerves and work of the brain that makes you so "slow". Most eating mecin is also thought to be the cause of your frequent headaches and mal-nausea, as a symptom of Chinese Restaurant Syndrome. Meanwhile, a number of other studies did not find a specific link between MSG consumption and health problems.

Apart from the controversy surrounding the dangers of MSG, the FDA has stated MSG food additives are safe to use. FDA decision is also agreed by the World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia.

2. Artificial coloring

Artificial dyes are additives in foods used to enhance your appearance. Foods that are brightly colored and fresh will attract people to buy. However, not all food dyes are safe to use. Some studies show artificial coloring can increase the tendency of child allergies and hyperactivity in children with ADHD.

Not only that. Some artificial food colorings allegedly can trigger cancer, such as blue diamonds (Blue 1), red alias Red alias 40, and caramel dyes. Red 3, otherwise known as eritorisin, is shown to increase the risk of thyroid tumors. Although only limited to animal studies, researchers believe that the effect is likely to be the same if consumed by humans.

It is better to choose foods without artificial coloring, or use a coloring of natural ingredients (such as suji leaves for green) to avoid the risk of disease occurrence.

3. Sodium nitrite

Sodium nitrite is a preservative in processed meats used to prevent bacterial growth. In addition, the additives in these foods also add saltiness and make canned meat look reddish pink like fresh meat.

Unfortunately, if exposed to high enough heat, this substance can change shape to nitrosamine. Nitrosamine is known as a substance that causes colon cancer, breast cancer, bladder cancer, and stomach cancer. For that, try to eat and process fresh meat itself to reduce the risk of cancer.

4. High fructose corn syrup

Fructose corn syrup is an artificial sweetener commonly found in soda, juice, candy, cereals, and various snacks. A study proves this ingredient may increase the risk of obesity and diabetes if it is often consumed in excessive portions.

In addition, this one substance can also trigger inflammation in cells that can lead to various serious diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Research also proves this sweetener does not contain the vitamins and minerals that the body needs.

Instead, select foods and drinks without additional artificial sugar. You can add pure honey as a healthier sugar substitute.

5. Artificial sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, saccharin, and others are widely used in low calorie sweet foods and drinks.

Research proves that artificial sweeteners can help you lose weight and help manage blood sugar levels in the body. Although commonly used as a substitute for healthy sugar, the consumption of excessive artificial sweeteners is also not necessarily good for health.

To avoid the risk of problems, experts recommend that artificial sweeteners are consumed fairly naturally

6. Sodium benzoate

Sodium benzoate is an additive in acidic foods and soft drinks. The FDA, the drug and food safety agency of the United States, has declared sodium benzoate safe for consumption.

However, several studies have shown that the combination of sodium benzoate and food coloring can increase the hyperactivity trend in children. In addition, sodium benzoate combined with vitamin C can also turn into benzene, a substance that can increase the risk of cancer.

So, it's good meticulous before buying. Avoid foods and beverages containing benzoic acid, sodium benzoate, benzene, or benzoate combined with vitamin C such as citric acid or ascorbic acid.

7. Artificial flavorings

Some drinks and packaged food with "original taste" flavors sometimes get the taste with the help of artificial flavorings.

Research conducted on animals found evidence that this artificial flavor has some negative effects on health if consumed in excess. A study cited by Healthline states that the production of red blood cells in mice is reduced after artificial flavorings for seven consecutive days.

In addition, certain artificial flavorings such as chocolate and strawberries have toxic effects on bone marrow cells. While grape flavorings, plums, and oranges can inhibit cell division and have toxic effects on the bone marrow. However, further research is still needed to see the effect on humans.

So, it's good to limit the consumption of food with artificial flavorings. Try to buy foods or drinks that are prepared using natural ingredients to enjoy the original flavor.

8. Trans fat

Trans fat is a hydrogenated vegetable oil usually found in margarine, biscuits, pop corn, fried foods, and cream.

Various studies have proven that trans fats can increase LDL bad cholesterol, which gradually increases the risk of heart disease.

For that, it's good to limit the consumption of foods containing trans fats. In addition, use other types of vegetable oils that are safer for cooking such as olive oil, canola oil, and sunflower seed oil.

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Limit consumption of foods containing additives

In addition to the above eight types of additives, in fact there are many more chemicals that are added to the fast food. The more portions you consume and the different kinds, the higher the risks for health.

Therefore, it is better to limit the consumption of processed foods and packaging that contain many additives. Siasati by cooking themselves using natural ingredients nan fresh. To strengthen the taste, you can use a variety of herbs rather than salt or MSG.