Wait! What’s in that delicious muffin you’re eating? Maybe, a lot more than you thought! Chemical additives are used to affect flavors or preserve products, and they have other uses.
But these additives can also negatively affect your health, so it’s important to pay attention to them. You might be able to find a different tasty muffin without those additives.
Because you never know what might be in a food product these days, it’s important to read the ingredient list for each food item before you buy it.
These common food additives could be dangerous to your health:
Titanium dioxide
Titanium dioxide is a common ingredient in sunscreens, but it’s also used as a food additive. You may find it in salad dressings, powdered sugars, baked goods, and other items.
Sodium benzoate
Sodium benzoate is used as a preservative in multiple food and drink products such as salad dressings, jams, sodas, and pickles.
Brominated vegetable oil
This additive is found in sodas and has been linked to several health issues.
Potassium bromate
It may sound similar to brominated vegetable oil, but potassium bromate is actually a completely different food additive.
Interesterified fat
This fat is used to help preserve food and help it last on store shelves. However, it’s a controversial additive that has been linked to different health issues.
BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole)
You may have noticed this common food additive in your cereal, butter, beer, crackers, gum, or potato chips. BHA can also be found in baked goods and preserved meat.
By paying attention to the ingredient lists, you can see the common chemical additives in your food. Learn more about their features, uses, and side effects, and take care with what you put into your body with your food.