Preservatives found in food can trigger health problems. Knowing its effects and eating a healthy diet is vital to take care of our body and mind.
Preservatives extend the shelf life of foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals by preventing spoilage. Most of the foods we eat daily are treated with large amounts of preservatives and additives, among other substances.
This is a way to keep food in good condition for a longer time and make it look more palatable.
On the other hand, we do not have to stop eating these foods, but it is important to know what the effects may be on the health of consumers in general.
Effects of food preservatives
The long-term effects of preservatives can be harmful to health. In fact, research ensures that some preservatives are harmful to the human body. Some are classified as carcinogens or cancer-causing agents.
In spite of everything, many studies are lacking to be carried out in this regard, although there is already evidence that confirms that the artificial ingredients used in food can be harmful to health.
In fact, much of the additives and dyes that are added to many food products can cause respiratory distress or aggravate symptoms.
In asthma patients some elements such as sodium benzoate, aspartame can cause serious attacks and also trigger allergic reactions.
According to an InChem study on carcinogenesis, preservatives, and additives, many of these elements turn into toxic substances when digested, since nitrites and nitrates, when combined with stomach juices and enzymes, can become cancer-causing agents.
As research published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology points out, an increased intake of nitrites and nitrosamine increases the risk of stomach cancer. In addition, these substances are also associated with increased risks of colorectal, breast and bladder cancer.
However, it should be noted that the concentration of these substances is currently relatively low and safe. However, the general recommendation is to avoid eating processed meats and other foods that contain them.
To minimize the risk of developing health problems due to food preservatives and additives, it is recommended to avoid foods containing these additives and preservatives. Before buying canned foods, their ingredients should be checked. It is best to buy only organic foods, which do not contain additives or artificial preservatives.
What effects do preservatives cause in children?
Some medicines, foods, or any other substance can have very different effects on children.
Preservatives, for example, can cause an increase in attention deficit disorder, although they can also cause hyperactivity.
Many children suffer from learning or behavioral problems and may be related to preservatives, causing deficiencies in their development.
In many homes, whether due to time constraints or for any other reason, it is much easier for adults to allow children to eat fast food.
This junk food and processed foods so harmful to health are: hamburgers, pizzas, hot dogs, french fries …
This is as much for the preservatives they contain as for the fats and calories they provide to those who consume them frequently.
These bad eating habits are also the cause of the increase in diseases. Some like diabetes and obesity.
It is very important that we become aware of the importance of beginning to take care of the food. Put aside all the foods that can harm our body and in this way, you will help to have a healthier life.