Understanding food additives and their impact on health

Food additives are substances added to food to enhance its flavor, texture, appearance, or shelf-life. They are used in a wide variety of processed foods, including snacks, cereals, sauces, and drinks. While some food additives are harmless, others can have negative effects on our health. In this blog, we will explore the world of food additives and their impact on our health.

Types of Food Additives

There are many types of food additives, but the most common ones include:

1. Preservatives: These are used to extend the shelf-life of food by preventing the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast. Examples include sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate.
2. Flavorings: These are used to enhance the flavor of food. Examples include monosodium glutamate (MSG) and artificial sweeteners.
3. Colorings: These are used to enhance the appearance of food. Examples include tartrazine and sunset yellow.
4. Emulsifiers: These are used to prevent separation of ingredients in food. Examples include lecithin and monoglycerides.
5. Stabilizers: These are used to maintain the texture of food. Examples include xanthan gum and carrageenan.

Impact on Health

While some food additives are considered safe, others can have negative effects on our health. Here are some of the most common health concerns associated with food additives:

1. Allergic Reactions: Some people may be allergic to certain food additives, such as sulfites and MSG, which can cause symptoms like hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling.
2. Hyperactivity: Some food additives, such as artificial colors and flavors, have been linked to hyperactivity in children.
3. Cancer: Some food additives, such as nitrates and nitrites, have been linked to an increased risk of cancer.
4. Hormonal Imbalance: Some food additives, such as phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA), can disrupt hormonal balance and lead to health problems.
5. Digestive Issues: Some food additives, such as carrageenan and xanthan gum, can cause digestive issues like bloating and diarrhea.

Tips for Choosing Healthier Foods

To reduce your intake of harmful food additives, here are some tips:

1. Read labels carefully: Look for products that are free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
2. Eat whole foods: Choose fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins instead of processed foods.
3. Avoid high-sugar drinks: Instead of sugary drinks, choose water, herbal tea, or low-sugar beverages.
4. Choose organic: Organic foods are free from synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, which can be harmful to your health.

How To track Organic Foods With The Cordana App

• The Cordana app is built in mind to personalize food groups and nutrients to a particular disease.
• You can choose a template offering that automatically calculates the adequate servings of whole foods and nutrients, or you can customize it to your requirements.
• Once you create your daily and weekly requirements, we will help you create and track specific goals that enhance your meals to become

1) more balanced

2) more optimized around organic foods

Then, simply log your meals and groceries, and allow us to nudge you the right recommendations. Our recommendations are tailored to your nutritional, taste, allergy requirements, and more.

Want to use the application? Click here to join our waitlist. https://www.cordana.health/