Dangers of Food Additives and Preservatives Although additives and preservatives are essential for food storage, they can give rise to certain health problems. They can cause different allergies and conditions such as hyperactivity and Attention Deficit Disorder in the some people who are sensitive to specific chemicals. The foods containing additives can cause asthma, hay fever and certain reactions such as rashes, vomiting, headache, tight chest, hives and worsening of eczema. Some of the known dangers of food additives and preservatives are as follows: * Benzoates can trigger the allergies such as skin rashes and asthma as well as believed to be causing brain damage. * Bromates destroy the nutrients in the foods. It can give rise to nausea and diarrhea. * Butylates are responsible for high blood cholesterol levels as well as impaired liver and kidney function. * Caffeine is a colorant and flavorant that has diuretic, stimulant properties. It can cause nervousness, heart palpitations and occasionally heart defects. * Saccharin causes toxic reactions and allergic response, affecting skin, gastrointestinal tract and heart. It may also cause tumors and bladder cancer. * Red Dye 40 is suspected to cause certain birth defects and possibly cancer. * Mono and di-glycerides can cause birth defects, genetic changes and cancer. * Caramel is a famous flavoring and coloring agent that can cause vitamin B6 deficiencies. It can cause certain genetic defects and even cancer. * Sodium chloride can lead to high blood pressure, kidney failure, stroke and heart attack. To minimize the risk of developing health problems due to food additives and preservatives, you should avoid the foods containing additives and preservatives. Before purchasing the canned food, you must check its ingredients. You should buy organic foods, which are free from artificial additives. Try to eat the freshly prepared foods as much as possible rather than processed or canned foods.
