Blue, yellow, red
The golden rule of food choice is that the shorter the shelf life, the less additives. Today, "100% natural juice" can easily live without a refrigerator for weeks, although logic dictates that in two days the acids contained in it should ferment. What is really hiding behind the cheerful advertising slogans and is there juice in the "juice"? Let's break down harmful additives in food.
By tradition, let's start with theory. Food additives are natural or artificial substances that are used in food production to regulate moisture, oxidation, and preservation. They can perform completely different functions.
The E index (stands for "Europe") with a numerical code is a generally accepted marking introduced in 1953. What do the numbers after this letter mean?
Additives numbered 100 to 199 are colorants.
The numbers from 200 to 299 code for preservatives.
Е300 – Е399 - substances that slow down oxidation.
The numbers from 400 to 499 indicate the presence of stabilizers in the product, which are responsible for maintaining a certain consistency.
Е500 – Е599 - leavening agents.
Е600 – Е699 - flavors and flavor enhancers.
Substances that reduce foaming of products (yes, there are such) are hidden behind numbers from 900 to 999.
Е1100 – Е1105 - enzymes and biological catalysts.
Е1400 – Е1450 - modified starch.
And finally, Е1510 – Е1520 are solvents.
Not subject to appeal
In Russia, the use of food additives is regulated by SanPiN (2.3.3.1293-03). The list of approved substances is approved by the Ministry of Health and Social Development (this list can be found here).
With regular use, even permitted substances can accumulate in the body, causing allergies and disrupting the functioning of internal organs.
However, alas, experts sometimes make mistakes. For more than 40 years, a single register allowed the use of food coloring E128 (it is he who is responsible for the delicate pink color of ham), which was considered harmless. However, recent studies have shown that the aniline compound in this supplement is carcinogenic. Naturally, after that E128 was banned. But some supplements are undeservedly ostracized. Why, for example, lecithin (E222), which is involved in the metabolic processes of the body, is on the unofficial black list is completely incomprehensible.
Should you be wary of food additives and carefully study the packaging in stores? Here experts are unanimous: definitely! With regular use, even permitted substances can accumulate in the body, causing allergies and disrupting the functioning of internal organs.
Race for leadership
Confectionery and chewing gum contain the most preservatives and dyes: they contain at least 12 different additives. The second place is occupied by sweet soda, and the third - smoked meats and sausages. The latter include sodium nitrite (E250), which kills the causative agent of botulism (a deadly disease caused by poisoning of botulism sticks with exotoxin and characterized by damage to the nervous system). However, E250 itself is very toxic, causing anemia and upsetting the oxygen balance in the blood.
Food
And now a few words about food additives, products with which it is better to bypass in the store.
E235 preservative. Since the days of the USSR, it has been used in the manufacture of fermented milk and confectionery products to prevent the development of fungal infections. It is nothing more than an antibiotic. In many European countries the use of this preservative is prohibited. In Russia, it is allowed to add it to products, according to the SanPiN standards.
Stabilizer E451. It is used in the production of meat products to increase the mass of finished products (thanks to it, muscle fiber retains water). The stabilizer tends to accumulate in the body, which leads to disorders of the digestive system and an acute lack of calcium.
E214 preservative (parahydroxybenzoic acid). It is most commonly found in jams, chocolate, candy and canned fruits. Excessive consumption of E214 can cause allergies and lead to reproductive problems. Moreover, in a number of countries, this preservative is recognized as carcinogenic.
Baking powder E340. It is used in the manufacture of processed cheeses, baked goods and drinks for athletes. E340 can also be found in condensed milk, fruit ice and fermented milk products. This supplement increases blood cholesterol levels and causes gastrointestinal upset.
Aspartame E951. The second most popular sweetener after sucralose. Moreover, it is not only used in the production of chocolate, chewing gum, candies and dragees, but is also produced as an independent product. However, scientists are sounding the alarm: aspartame contributes to obesity. Moreover, it is a fairly strong allergen that can cause insomnia and the development of depressive conditions.
Acidity regulator E338. A harmful food additive used in the production of cheeses and meat products displaces calcium from teeth and bones, which leads to tooth decay and osteoporosis.
Text: Natalia Kapitsa
