Food additives are substances that are in the food supply either by accident or on purpose.
They are added intentionally for a variety of reasons including to slow down spoilage, to enhance color and flavor, and to improve texture and nutrient density.
They are added accidentally due to food processing, packaging and storage methods.
Is it a good idea?
The desirability of adding foreign substances to our food supply has been the subject of a great deal of controversy. The FDA has instituted regulations to control these substances, and is constantly reevaluating their standards.
Caveat: Be aware that the chemicals used to make food more appealing are often found in products targeted for children.
Artificial colors have recently been found to be harmful to children, so read labels and avoid foods with these harmful substances.
Focus on real food for yourself and your kids to avoid the potential problems associated with the additives in processed foods.
Here is a list of common food additives that are added intentionally by food manufacturers.
Click here for a printable copy of this list.
PRESERVATIVES
Sugar
Salt
Nitrites
Nitrates
Potassium Sorbate
Sulfites:
--Potassium metabisulfite
--Potassium bisulfite
--Sulfur dioxide
--Sodium bisulfite
--Sodium meta bisulfite
--Sodium sulfite
BHA
BHT
NUTRIENTS
B vitamins
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Calcium
Iron
Iodine
COLORS
Annato
Carotene
Beet powder or juice
Grape skins
Carmel color
Indigotine
Erythrosine
TEXTURE
Emulsifiers:
Lecithin
Alginates
Mono-glycerides
Di-glycerides
Gums:
--Carrageenan
--Alginates
--Locust Bean Gum
--Agar
--Pectin
--Gum Arabic
--Cellulose
--Xanthun Gum
FLAVORS
Herbs
Spices
Fruit Juices
Salt
Sugars
Click here for names for sugar used on food labels.
MSG
Artificial Sweeteners:
--Aspartame
--Acesulfame
--Cyclamate
--Saccharin
--Sucralose
--Stevia
--Sorbitol
--Xylitol
--MannitolAdditives
This is a list of additives that are put in foods on purpose. There is also a list of substances that appear in foods unintentionally. These include, dioxins, pesticides, acrylamide, methylene chloride, BPA, hormones, antibiotics, bug parts, rat fecal hairs. Some of these substances, such as BPA and dioxins from plastics, are being studied for their potential as health hazards.
This list also includes things like peanut residue and soy that are not normally part of the food product but were added inadvertently during processing at a facility where peanuts and soy are used in other products. This potential should be listed on the food label.
Click here to go from Food Additives List page to Food Supply page.
Get answers to your healthy eating questions.
Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this site...
Raw Food Diet
Missy's question...
I have a friend that is on a raw food diet? Do you think this is a healthy way to eat? My friend says that it is better for …