What are artificial ingredients?

You walk into your kitchen, open up the fridge, and pull out a carton of milk. You take a look at the back label and notice words like “artificial flavor” and “preservatives.” What does that even mean? Well, buckle up because we’re going to delve deep into what artificial ingredients are!

The Basics

Artificial ingredients are chemicals or additives added to food products to enhance their taste, texture, appearance, or shelf life. These substances are created synthetically in labs rather than being derived from natural sources.

It’s important to note that not all artificial ingredients are bad for you. For example, Vitamin C found in many foods is often synthesized in a lab but is still necessary for our bodies’ proper functioning.

However, just because something is synthetic doesn’t mean it’s good for you either! Some chemical additives have been linked to health issues such as allergies and hyperactivity.

Common Artificial Ingredients

High Fructose Corn Syrup

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is made by breaking down corn starch into glucose then adding enzymes that convert some of the glucose molecules into fructose. This results in a sweetener that has become very common in processed foods due to its low cost.

Fun fact: HFCS got a bad rap when people began blaming it for obesity rates skyrocketing in America during the 80s and 90s even though research shows it’s no worse than other forms of sugar intake.

Pros Cons
Cheaper than sugar Has been linked with various health effects including weight gain
Extended shelf-life
Molecularly similar enough so no changeof taste
### Aspartame
Aspartame is an artificial sweetener used as an alternative to sugar. It can be found commonly referenced on labels under names like NutraSweet or Equal.
If consumed within safe daily limits, aspartame is not harmful.

However, exceeding those limits has been linked to headaches and migraines in some people.

Pros Cons
Low calorie Has been linked with various health effects including head aches
Molecularly similar enough so no changeof taste

### Artificial Colors

Artificial colors are typically used to give products a certain hue or shade. For example, you may find FD&C Red No. 40 in your strawberry flavored yogurt (even though it’s actually made with raspberries!). These chemicals can also be found in popular candies like Skittles and M&Ms.

There is some evidence that suggests artificial colors could have negative health impacts, particularly on children who consume large quantities of these ingredients regularly.

BHA/BHT

BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) are antioxidants added to foods like cereal, chips and even chewing gum to keep them fresh longer.

Although there hasn’t been definitive evidence showing harm from the use of BHA &BHT regarding food safety,(/is looking unlikely)

P.S. Be aware: while generally recognized as safe for humans by The Food and Drug Administration,these substances ARE toxic for pets!

How To Avoid Artifical Ingredients?

Now let’s say you’re interested in steering clear of artificial additives altogether.What can/might you do? Here are a few tips:

  1. Eat whole foods: since most artificial additives come from processed snacks or meals.
    2.Produce produce more veggies/fruits into your diet
    3.Try being familiarized with ingredient listing before picking up grocery items
    4.Eat organic Foods

Sure, we’d all love an excuse to eat our weight in gummy bears every day but understanding what goes into our food is essential for maintaining a healthy diet.

Final Words

In conclusion, artificial ingredients are synthesized chemicals that often get added to our food products. While some can be harmless or even beneficial, others could have negative health impacts when consumed in large quantities. It’s ultimately up to you to decide how much artificiality you want in your life; but given the concerns raised by many professionals concerning the dangers of these substances lurking around every corner of grocery stores and restaurants these days – maybe less is more sometimes?

Random Posts