Contents:
- Medical Video: History’s deadliest colors - J. V. Maranto
- Five types of food coloring that you should avoid
- 1. Caramel coloring
- 2. Allura red
- 3. Sunset yellow
- 4. Blue diamond
- 5. Yellow 5
- So, how do you avoid dangerous food coloring?
Medical Video: History’s deadliest colors - J. V. Maranto
Food sometimes does look more attractive if it has bright or colorful colors. The food industry itself cannot be separated from preservatives and food coloring. This is because coloring agents are needed to improve selling price and reduce the risk of food damage.
Well, if almost all processed food products use food coloring, you will be confused to recognize which food coloring agents are dangerous and which are not. Don't worry, this article will tell you about which dyes are dangerous.
Five types of food coloring that you should avoid
According to the American Chemical Society, there are some chocolate candies made from petroleum aka crude oil. Not only that, some foods and drinks may contain dyes that can trigger cancer. Well, that is why, you must be vigilant every time you will consume a variety of foods and drinks that have bright and attractive colors.
The Center for Science in the Public Interest or CSPI in the United States states that there are 5 types of food coloring that are dangerous and you should avoid. Next is the list.
1. Caramel coloring
At first glance, caramel sounds delicious and tempting. However, food coloring that is often found in candy and cola products is actually dangerous. The reason is, this dye when produced together with ammonia will contain cancer-causing contaminants, namely 2-methylimidazole (2-MI) and 4-methylimdiazole (4-MI).
These side effects actually depend on the type of caramel dye you consume. Namun, the maximum limit allowed by Foods and Drugs Administration or FDA in the United States (equivalent to the POM Agency in Indonesia) is 200 milligrams per kilogram of your body weight.
2. Allura red
Allura red coloring aka Red 40 contains benzidene, which is suspected to be carcinogenic or trigger cancer. At fast food restaurants (at least in America), allura red is used as a mixture of ingredients for making strawberry ice cream. Not only that, realthis dye can alsohiding anywhere including soft drinks and sweets.
According to the FDA, the safe dose for allura red is 7 milligrams (mg)per kilogram of body weight.
3. Sunset yellow
Sunset yellow aka Yellow 6 is suspected of causing testicular and adrenal tumors. In addition, these dyes also have the potential to cause allergic reactions and asthma worsens, hyperactivity, and anxiety. In the United States, a number of cases have been reported where excessive consumption of this dye can trigger ADHD.
According to the FDA, the safe dose for this dye is 3.75 milligrams (mg) per kilogram of body weight.
4. Blue diamond
Blue diamond, also known as Blue 1, is one of the most widely used foods. Generally these dyes are contained in sweets, snacks, and dental and oral cleaning products. In fact, this dye can also be found in any food or ingredient that is not even blue.
Blue diamonds can penetrate the blood brain barrier. Sawar blood brain itself is a protective shield that is tasked with blocking the entry of harmful substances into the brain. Blue diamonds can also cause nerve cell damage and cancer, chromosome damage, allergic reactions, and behavioral changes.
According to the FDA, the safe dose for this dye is 12 milligrams (mg) per kilogram of body weight.
5. Yellow 5
Yellow 5, also known as Tartazine, is harmful to health because it can cause severe allergic reactions and damage the cell's information system. Even according to the Feingold Association, Yellow 5 dye might reduce your sperm count. In children, these dyes are known to inhibit zinc absorption, causing a decrease in growth, increased risk of infection and flu, weakening of memory or memory, and decreased ability to concentrate. This dye is often combined with blue diamond dye (Blue 1) to produce green.
According to the FDA, the safe dose for this dye is 5 milligrams (mg) per kilogram of body weight.
So, how do you avoid dangerous food coloring?
How to avoid dangerous food coloring is to read food and beverage packaging labels carefully so that you avoid any effects as mentioned above.
Another best way is to limit the consumption of various colorful packaging foods and drinks. Eat healthy foods rich in natural nutrients. This not only prevents you from being exposed to the harmful effects of harmful food coloring, but can also maintain your overall health.
