The Truth about Food Additives

Food manufacturers are required to list a large number of allowable food additives by either identifying its 'E' number or by its proper name, which the health conscious strive to avoid. It is important to start to take time to become familiar with the more common terms used so more informed decisions can be made when choosing food.

Refined sugars : are in many cases mildly addictive, contain empty calories and help to increase sales. Common sugars are :

sugar

dextrose
glucose syrup
glucose - fructose syrup
inverted sugar syrup
high fructose corn starch
mannitol
xylitol
sorbitol
maltodextrin.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) : is an isolated amino acid that acts as a flavour enhancer and is also addictive. It has been linked with obesity due to it is effects on the brain and influence on appetite. Any of the following ingredients will indicate its presence:

yeast extract
hydrolysed protein
whey protein isolate
soy protein isolate
carrageenan
most 'natural ' flavourings

Artificial sweeteners : are all excitotoxins that stimulate the sensory areas of the brain and create a desire for more almost all of which have potentially harmful side effects

Aspartame: also branded as NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful or anything that states it is a source of phenylalanine. The American Food and Drug Administration have received more complaints about aspartame than any other additive in history. Over 6000 food products available to the consumer.
Sucralose : branded as Splenda, initial tests have uncovered a shrinking of the thymus and enlargement of the liver and kidneys as a result in ingesting sucralose.
Acesulfame K : stimulates insulin which causes hypoglycaemia.
Saccharin : anticipated human carcinogen which is sensitive individuals may cause irritability, insomnia, headaches, itching or diarrhoea.

E numbers : may well be used on ingredients lists

E102-tatrazine
E123-amaranth
E 252- potassium nitrite
E330-ciric acid
E621-monosodium glutamate
E951-aspartame
E954-saccharin

Additive Categories:

E100's -are colorings
E200's-are mostly preservatives
E300's -are antioxidants, acidity regulators, and anti - caking agents
E400's-are emulsifiers, thickeners, stabilisers, and gelling agents
E 900's- are generally waxes, sugars, and sweeteners
Other E numbers - anti-foaming agents, carrier solvents, bulking agents, firming agents, flavour enhancers, flour treatment agents, glazing agents, modified starches, or raising agents.

Flavourings : can be either artificial or natural, both of which often have a large number of chemicals hidden behind the simple words. The flavouring industry is one of the world's largest industries, but is generally hidden in secrecy. It is not required for the chemical concoctions to be listed in the ingredients.

Additive safety : The majority of additives on the officially accepted lists have been shown to be safe when kept within accepted limits : 150 additives have had concerns raised about them due to some sign of adverse reaction in testing. 70 additives are known to cause allergic reactions and intolerance in some people. 30 additives are known to be harmful. We should try to minimise their presence in our diet.

Food Recommendations:

Avoid :