CHECK-LIST

On World Health Day, resolve to eat healthier by reading the label at the back; here’s what to look out for

On World Health Day today, we tell you all you need to know about the most common preservatives used in food items, and how they affect your well-being

For all those working people in the city, who prefer easy-to-cook, instant food options to satiate their appetites, encountering food preservatives is inevitable. While some additives don’t pose any problems, several packaged food items come with preservatives that can adversely affect our health. While experts recommend reading the fine print behind the packaged food items, being aware of the additives’ properties and their side effects is also essential.

This World Health Day (April 7), acquaint yourself with some basic additives commonly used in food items.

Potassium Bromate and Phosphate

Usually found in: Breads and cookies. Processed meats also contain Phosphate.

Potassium Bromate helps strengthen the texture of baked goods. Phosphate is used for its ability to retain moisture. Its toxic nature, however, can cause considerable damage to the kidneys.

Trans Fats

Usually found in: Chips, crackers and baked foods.

Trans Fats are used to create a desired consistency and to increase the shelf life of certain food items. However, the excessive intake of these fats can raise triglyceride and LDL levels, which is linked to increased risk of heart attack, prostate and breast cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes and obesity.

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

Usually found in: Wafers, instant soups, seasonings, frozen foods, cold cuts and Chinese food.

MSG is an artificial flavouring found in most processed foods. It acts as an excitatory neurotransmitter, which increase our sense of taste. However, in extreme cases, it can cause a variety of symptoms, including impaired memory, perception, cognition, and motor skills, apart from swelling, facial numbness, heart palpitations, Chinese preparations have Monosodium Glutamate, which can cause nausea and weakness nausea and weakness. MSG and its related products have also been linked to skin rashes, nausea, migraines and heart irregularities.

High-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)

Usually found in: Breads, candy, flavoured yogurt, salad dressings, canned vegetables, cereals, ketchup and sodas.

HFCS is an economical substitute for sugar, majorly used for sweetening beverages. Liquid calories lead to more weight gain than calories from solid foods. The fructose the syrup gets directly absorbed into the liver, where it is converted to fat. It can also cause insulin resistance and heart diseases.

BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene)

Usually found in: Cereals, gums, potato chips, processed sausages and enriched rice.

Due to their antimicrobial properties, BHA and BHT are used to prevent oils in foods from becoming rancid. They are known to affect kidney and liver function in some cases.

Citric acid

Usually found in: Soft drinks, beer, wine, cheese, cakes, biscuits, soups, sauces, frozen and canned food products and sweets. It’s naturally found in all citric fruits, so it isn’t the most dangerous additive. However, if consumed in excess, it can cause the erosion of teeth.

Aspartame

Usually found in: Diet colas, sugar- free desserts, sugar-free gum, sugar-free cereals, mouth fresheners, chewable vitamins, toothpaste.

Aspartame is believed to be potentially carcinogenic. It is also known to affect short-term memory. The components of this sweetener may lead to a wide variety of serious physical and emotional ailments.

Sulphur Dioxide

Usually found in: Beer, colas, dried fruit, packaged fruit-flavoured drinks and juices, wine, vinegar, and products made from potato.

Apart from helping foods, maintain a certain visual appearance, Sulphur dioxide also has anti-bacterial properties. It has the ability to cause bronchial problems. It also destroys vitamins B1 and E that are naturally present in the food. It is not recommended for consumption by children. — With inputs from Indrayani Pawar, Dietician, Hinduja Healthcare Surgical,

Dr Riddhesh Jani celebrity nutritionist, Sketch Clinics, Dr Anil Patil MBBS MD, Vedicure Group, Shalini Bhargava, Fitness director and nutrition expert, JG’s fitness.