Contents:
- Medical Video: 10 Foods You Should Never Eat
- What are the most common food additives, and what are the effects on health?
- 1. MSG
- 2. Artificial coloring
- 3. Sodium nitrite
- 4. High fructose corn syrup
- 5. Artificial sweeteners
- 6. Sodium benzoate
- 7. Artificial taste
- 8. Trans fat
- Limit consumption of foods that contain additives
Medical Video: 10 Foods You Should Never Eat
Packaged foods and fast food dishes usually rely on various additives to enhance the taste and quality of the display, while also extending the shelf life of the store. Even so, various additives can have a negative impact on health if consumed in excess. The following are the most commonly used food additives, 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 that is used as a flavoring food. Not only limited to packaged and fast food, home cooking is also often added mecin to make it taste more delicious.
The effect of MSG on health is still the topic of heated debate. Some experts think mecin can cause problems with the nerves and work of the brain, making you "slow". Most eating mecin is also suspected to be the cause of your frequent headaches and nausea, as a symptom of Chinese Restaurant Syndrome. Meanwhile, several other studies did not find a specific link between consumption of MSG and health problems.
Apart from the controversy surrounding the dangers of MSG, the FDA has stated that MSG is a food additive that is safe to use. The FDA's decision was also agreed upon by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the Indonesian Ministry of Health.
2. Artificial coloring
Artificial coloring is an additive in food that is used to enhance appearance. Bright and fresh foods will attract people to buy. However, not all food coloring is safe to use. Some studies show artificial dyes can increase the tendency of child allergies and hyperactivity in children with ADHD.
Not only that. Some artificial food coloring can strongly trigger cancer, such as blue diamond (Blue 1), allura red aka Red 40, and caramel coloring. Red 3, otherwise known as eritorisin, has been shown to increase the risk of thyroid tumors. Although only limited to animal research, researchers believe that the effect is likely to be the same if consumed by humans.
It's a good idea to choose foods without artificial coloring, or use colors from natural ingredients (such as suji leaves for green) to avoid the risk of disease occurring.
3. Sodium nitrite
Sodium nitrite is a preservative in processed meat that is used to prevent bacterial growth. In addition, additives in these foods also add to the saltiness and make canned meat look reddish pink like fresh meat.
Unfortunately if it is exposed to a high enough temperature, this substance can change shape to nitrosamines. Nitrosamines are known to cause colon cancer, breast cancer, bladder cancer and stomach cancer. For that, try to eat and process fresh meat yourself to reduce the risk of cancer.
4. High fructose corn syrup
Fructose corn syrup is an artificial sweetener often found in sodas, juices, sweets, cereals, and various snacks. A study proves this ingredient can increase the risk of obesity and diabetes if often consumed in excessive portions.
In addition, this one substance can also trigger inflammation in cells that can cause various serious diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Research also proves that this sweetener does not contain vitamins and minerals that the body needs.
Instead, choose foods and drinks without added 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 shows that artificial sweeteners can help you lose weight and help manage blood sugar levels in the body. Although it is commonly used as a healthier substitute for granulated sugar, excessive consumption of artificial sweeteners is not necessarily good for health.
To avoid the risk of problems, experts recommend that artificial sweeteners be consumed as reasonable as possible.
6. Sodium benzoate
Sodium benzoate is an additive in acidic foods and soft drinks. The FDA, the US drug and food safety agency, has stated that sodium benzoate is safe for consumption.
Even so, several studies have shown that the combination of sodium benzoate and food coloring can increase the tendency of hyperactivity in children. In addition, sodium benzoate combined with vitamin C can also turn into benzene, a substance that can increase cancer risk.
So, it's good to be careful 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 taste
Some drinks and packaged foods with "authentic" frills sometimes get the taste with the help of artificial flavorings.
Research conducted on animals found evidence that these artificial flavors have some negative effects on health if consumed in excess. A study quoted by Healthline states that red blood cell production in mice is reduced after being given artificial flavorings for seven consecutive days.
In addition, certain artificial flavors such as chocolate and strawberries have a toxic effect on bone marrow cells. While flavored grapes, prunes, and oranges can inhibit cell division and have a toxic effect on the bone marrow. However, further research is needed to see its effects on humans.
So, it's good to limit the consumption of food with artificial flavorings. Try to buy food or drinks that are formulated using natural ingredients to be able to enjoy the original taste.
8. Trans fat
Trans fat (trans fat) is hydrogenated vegetable oil which is usually found in margarine, biscuits, pop corn, fried foods, until creamer.
Various studies have shown that trans fats can increase bad LDL cholesterol which gradually increases the risk of heart disease.
For that, it's good to limit consumption of foods that contain trans fat. In addition, use other types of vegetable oils that are safer for cooking such as olive oil, canola oil, and sunflower seed oil.
Limit consumption of foods that contain additives
In addition to the eight types of additives above, there are actually many more chemicals added to fast food. The more portions you consume and the various types, the higher the risk for health.
Therefore, it is better to limit the consumption of processed foods and packaging that contains a lot of additives. Siasati by cooking yourself using fresh, natural ingredients. To strengthen the taste, you can use various flavoring spices instead of using salt or MSG.
