A new study appearing in the scientific journal Nature, shows that two commonly used food additives found in processed foods known as emulsifiers, produced inflammation and altered the microbial (intestinal bacteria) composition of the intestinal tracts of mice.
The emulsifiers used in the study; carboxymethylcellulose and polysorbate-80, also resulted in mice developing colitis, obesity and metabolic syndrome. Given that emulsifiers are used in numerous processed foods in the United States, the concern is that there is a link with the consumption of food additives and the development of these diseases in humans. The number of people with these types of medical conditions has steadily risen over the last 50 or so years. This rising trend coincides with the use of emulsifiers in processed foods.
Emulsifiers are used in processed foods to help extend shelf life and maintain a smooth consistency and texture, similar to the reason that carrageenan, another inflammation producing additive is used by some food manufacturers.
Inflammation is a precursor of many diseases. Avoiding foods that contain inflammation inducing food additives, is one way you can help yourself stay a bit healthier.
Why are these disease provoking food additives allowed to be used in our foods? Why do companies continue to use them? Some of the chemicals approved for use in processed foods in the United States are banned in Europe. Likewise, there are some food additives used in other countries that are banned here.
You do have a choice, however. If you choose to reduce your intake of food additives, read the labels on all the packaged foods you purchase. If enough people stop buying additive laden foods, perhaps companies will stop using them. To read a synopsis of the Nature article, click here:
The emulsifiers used in the study; carboxymethylcellulose and polysorbate-80, also resulted in mice developing colitis, obesity and metabolic syndrome. Given that emulsifiers are used in numerous processed foods in the United States, the concern is that there is a link with the consumption of food additives and the development of these diseases in humans. The number of people with these types of medical conditions has steadily risen over the last 50 or so years. This rising trend coincides with the use of emulsifiers in processed foods.
Emulsifiers are used in processed foods to help extend shelf life and maintain a smooth consistency and texture, similar to the reason that carrageenan, another inflammation producing additive is used by some food manufacturers.
Inflammation is a precursor of many diseases. Avoiding foods that contain inflammation inducing food additives, is one way you can help yourself stay a bit healthier.
Why are these disease provoking food additives allowed to be used in our foods? Why do companies continue to use them? Some of the chemicals approved for use in processed foods in the United States are banned in Europe. Likewise, there are some food additives used in other countries that are banned here.
You do have a choice, however. If you choose to reduce your intake of food additives, read the labels on all the packaged foods you purchase. If enough people stop buying additive laden foods, perhaps companies will stop using them. To read a synopsis of the Nature article, click here:
