2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Three of the most widely used colorants for food and beverages are dangerous to children's health, said Associate Professor Georgi Miloshev, head of the Laboratory of Molecular Genetics at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences.
The problem is that these colorants have been identified as safe by European health authorities and are widely used by manufacturers.
These dyes are known as E143 (fast green), E132 (indigo carmine) and E127 (erythrosine). and they are used to paint candies, drinks and all kinds of sweets in red, blue and green.
Although they are entered in the European registers as harmless when used in small doses, according to Associate Professor Miloshev, their long-term use can lead to a change in the structure of human DNA, and hence to a risk to human health.
Among the most vulnerable to the dangerous effects of these dyes are children, who are also among the largest consumers of the products in which they are used - colorful candies, lollipops and soft drinks.
More and more domestic manufacturers are trying to replace the dangerous dyes hidden under the common name E's and harmless natural dyes.
Quite successfully, an extract from grape skins, known as grapefruit skin, produces a red color characteristic of drinks such as raspberries and cherries.
Apart from the fact that the natural dye is completely safe for health, it also belongs to the group of the so-called antioxidants. However, its use is very limited because it is significantly more expensive than artificial chemicals.
A red color can also be obtained by extracting the colorant from a variety of red carrots.
Years ago, green drinks were among the most sought after and sold in our country. The characteristic green color was achieved with the help of the dye in question E143 (fast green).
The color of lemonade, which is also often present on the table at home, is achieved with the help of the chemical tartrazine, which is labeled E102 on beverage labels.
The yellow color can also be achieved with the help of natural dyes, for which carotenes are the most suitable.
The problem with using natural instead of artificial colors in food and beverages is that they are relatively more expensive than chemicals.
In addition, they are much more durable, which will affect the shelf life of the final product.
Recommended:
Why Is Milk A Recommended Food For Children And Which Is The Best?
The milk plays an important role in feeding a child, whether it is an infant who drinks milk, or a young child who eats cereal with milk, or even a teenager who puts milk in a smoothie. Cow's milk in particular provides a variety of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that children need to maintain their growth and development.
E102 - Dangerous For Children And Asthmatics
Nowadays, there is hardly a person who has not at least heard that it is good to read carefully the label of the food product that he intends to buy. However, to what extent we do it is a separate issue. And this can be extremely important if you have a certain health problem - such as allergies or asthma One of the most widely used additives in the food industry is colorants.
Nutrition Guide For Children: Healthy Eating For Children
Food index for children The nutrients required for a child are the same as those for adults, the only difference is the amount. In the years of their growth, children have a greater appetite. They need a lot of energy because they are involved in many physical activities.
The Four Most Harmful To Children's Teeth Food And Drink
The food we eat is the cause of many diseases of the body. Lack of valuable vitamins and minerals can weaken the immune system and cause a variety of diseases. Nowadays, more and more children (at a younger age) suffer from toothache caused by caries.
Microplastics In Food Is A Threat To You And The Health Of Your Children
Most people use plastic every day. However, this material is usually not biodegradable. Over time, it disintegrates into small pieces called microplastics which may be harmful to the environment. Moreover, recent studies show that microplastics are common in foods, especially seafood.
