The food we eat is majorly responsible for our overall health and well-being. Most people who eat processed and junk food do not add to their health woes but are also cutting years from their lives.
According to popular US-based gastroenterologists, there is a holy trinity of food additives that you need to be aware of. Speaking on his social media handles, California-based Dr. Sethi called out three potentially carcinogenic chemicals found in many processed foods sold across the US. According to statistics, the daily caloric intake of more than 60 per cent of Americans comes from ultra-processed foods – and for children, it is a whopping 80 per cent. Studies say ultra-processed foods are associated with massive health issues – including mental health, respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and metabolic complications that can be deadly. The chemicals loaded in processed foods, that have been called out by Dr. Sethi, include:
Tartrazine
According to Dr. Sethi, Tartrazine – also known as E102 OR synthetic lemon-yellow dye primarily used as a food colouring is often found in processed pastries, chips, breakfast cereals, and colored candy. “This is linked to hyperactivity, asthma, and even behavioral issues in children. It is banned or restricted in many countries, yet it is still found in snacks, drinks, and even vitamins here in the US,” he said. Symptoms from tartrazine hypersensitivity occur from either ingestion or cutaneous exposure – and the effects can include anxiety, migraine, depression, blurred vision, itching, general weakness, hot sensations, a feeling of suffocation, purple skin patches, and sleep disturbances. It also causes allergic reactions in asthmatics as well as those with low tolerance to aspirin.
BHA
BHA, or butylated hydroxyanisole is a waxy synthetic used for the preservation of oil. According to Dr. Sethi, BHA – a potential carcinogen – banned in Japan, is commonly added to chips, cereals, meat products, dry mixes for beverages and desserts, glazed fruits, and chewing gum. Apart from exposing humans to cancerous tumours, BHA consumption is also linked to impaired cognition.
Potassium bromate
Potassium bromate is a food additive – used for strengthening the texture of bread. However, studies say the chemical is known to cause cancer in animals and severe kidney problems in humans. Mostly, it has been banned from food products in the European Union, China, Canada, the UK, and India but is used in various American edibles. According to Dr. Sethi, potassium bromate irritates the lungs and its repeated exposure can cause bronchitis to develop with cough, phlegm, and shortness of breath. It also affects your nervous system causing headaches, irritability, impaired thinking, and personality changes. Also added to various kinds of crisps – snacks that children love to eat, potassium bromate has various neurological side effects, which include injury to the tissues of the central nervous system. It also alters the liver function.
