For various reasons stretching back centuries, humans have added substances to food. Additives such as vinegar, sugar and salt have allowed for longer-lasting and better looking and tasting foods.
However, in the past few decades there has been a rise in ultra-processed foods (UPFs), which are industrially-produced edible substances that regularly contain both natural and artificial additives. Some of these additives can lead to dangerous side effects and, while often banned elsewhere, can still be found on our shelves.
Artificial Sweeteners May Make You Eat More
Artificial sweeteners use chemicals to simulate the familiar sweet flavour we get from sugars. They’re found in many snacks and drinks.
However, while some may see sweeteners as a method of weight loss through reduction of sugar intake, the opposite can actually occur. Artificial sweeteners such as sucralose contain negligible nutrition and this can actually lead to an increase in appetite.
Red Dye Causes Unpleasant Side Effects
Red 40, also known as Allura Red AC, is a common petroleum or crude oil-derived food colorant used to turn treats and drinks a distinctive, bright red.
But the substance has been connected to a litany of unpleasant side effects. It’s been linked to anxiety, asthma and migraines and is often contaminated with carcinogens such as benzidine.
Soap Powder That Damages Bowel
Magnesium stearate is a powdered soap that can’t dissolve in water. It’s used for texture and its relative non-toxicity in pills and candy dustings.
On the other hand, over-consumption can damage the lining of the bowel, leading to a laxative effect. It can also stimulate changes in bowel cells that make them less able to absorb nutrients.
Mcdonald’s Preservative That Can Cause Diarhea
Potassium sorbate is the preservative that Mcdonald’s use to keep their products from developing mold. It prevents mold forming in cheese, yogurt, wine and other foods.
Like magnesium stearate, it’s been linked to gut issues. Consumed over time, it may cause inflammation leading to nausea and diarhea.
Excess Sugar Often Concealed
Sugar is so widespread in food it’s almost become the background noise to our diets. But it’s worth keeping a sharp eye on the amount of it present in the products you buy and consume.
A high-sugar diet has been linked to a host of diseases, from obesity to type 2 diabetes. Our attempts to cut down on sugar are hampered by the deceptive nature of food labelling: Low-fat yogurts, alcoholic drinks and ready meals can all contain surprisingly high sugar contents.
Saturated Fats Can Lead to Heart Issues
Saturated fats are found in animal fats and, commonly, in UPFs such as crisps, cereals and ready meals.
Saturated fats are best consumed in moderation (no more than 10% of your daily calorie intake). A high proportion of saturated fats in your diet can lead to heart problems and weight gain.
Multigrain Products That Don’t Contain Whole-grains
Many grain products are mostly made up of refined grains rather than healthier whole-grains. ‘Multigrain’ is not a regulated term so many multigrain products less healthy than they may at first appear.
Without whole-grains and a high fibre content, the health benefit of multigrain products is limited. So, it’s always worth checking the label.
Hidden Allergens
Allergies are a real danger that many of us have to deal with individually every day. But in the case of the food products we buy, we have to rely on companies putting clear labelling on their foods to help us avoid these allergens.
Unfortunately, the allergens can often be less prominent in labelling, especially if they are common ingredients. Eggs, milk, sesame and peanuts can often be found in unexpected places, such as peanuts being found mixed with other nuts unlabelled.
Questionable Health Claims
Finally, we should always be wary of product labelling that boasts of the incredible health effects of consuming the product.
Often, while the product does indeed contain a healthy ingredient, some or all of the health benefit can be outweighed by other ingredients. For example, low-fat yogurts or wholewheat cereals can contain sugars and sweeteners that negate their advantages.
