Artificial food coloring – harmful?
It is hard to believe that in this day and age people are still unaware of the dangers artificial food colorings pose to our bodies. Marketing is strong and too many people believe what they see on TV. The sad truth is that we are constantly being lied to about what is best for our health. We need truthful information to be able to discern what is going to be beneficial and what is going to be harmful.
The diagnostic rate of cancers and autism spectrum disorders (ADD, ADHD, and Autism) has skyrocketed over the past 30 years. Not ironically, so has society’s consumption of junk food filled with artificial food coloring. I am not claiming that artificial food coloring is a direct root cause of such diseases, but the correlation of contribution is undeniable. To get answers on the root cause of cancer, check out my blog What Causes Cancer.
Artificial food coloring is toxic and likely carcinogenic. These additives can contribute to hypersensitivity reactions and behavior problems such as hyperactivity, anxiety, and depression.
Why Is Artificial Food Coloring Used?
Artificial food coloring is used primarily for aesthetic pleasure. We all like things that look good. These added colors make the food, especially appealing to children. They mask the absence of natural ingredients and are significantly less expensive than using whole food ingredients. Furthermore, with added artificial coloring, food has a longer shelf-life. All of this makes it more appealing to children and parents alike.
What Is Artificial Food Coloring?
As defined by the FDA, artificial food coloring is “any substance that imparts color to a food, drug, cosmetic, or to the human body.” However, this neglects to inform the consumer that such dyes are man-made complex chemicals derived from petroleum, known to be contaminated with carcinogens.
Dyes Currently Used In Food
There are nine synthetic dyes currently used in food and approved by the FDA.
- Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue)
- Blue 2 (Indigo Carmine)
- Citrus Red 2
- Green 3 (Fast Green FCF)
- Orange B (No longer used in the U.S., but was never officially banned)
- Red 3 (Erythrosine)
- Red 40 (Allura Red)
- Yellow 5 (Tartrazine)
- Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow)
The chart below highlights the most commonly used synthetic dyes:
Source: @thenaturalmindedmomma
Often, foods contain more than one synthetic dye, compounding the toxic build-up with every bite.
Source: @thenaturalmindedmomma
Harmful Effects Of Artificial Food Coloring
Over the course of the last 50 years, the amount of synthetic dye used in foods has increased by 500%!! Artificial food coloring has been found to have a greater impact on health than any other category of food additives.
What are the most harmful effects of artificial food coloring that have arisen over the past 50 years?
- Increases inflammation and compromises the immune system.
- Contain carcinogenic contaminants such as 4-aminobiphenyl, 4-aminoazobenzene, and benzidine.
- Linked to behavioral problems in children such as hyperactivity and hypersensitivity.
- Have been linked to long-term health issues such as asthma, skin rashes, and migraines.
- Can lead to increased ammonia permeability, aka “leaky gut”
- May negatively impact nerve cell development.
How To Move Forward
How do we move forward when harmful toxins are seemingly everywhere?
The biggest thing we can do to move forward and protect our health, is to READ FOOD LABELS! It is absolutely critical to learn how to read nutrition labels and understand where chemicals and toxins are hiding behind unfamiliar verbiage.
One of the best resources I have to help you understand hidden chemicals is my GMO and Chemtrails Masterclass. Check it out and learn how to be empowered and make decisions to protect your health and family.
I have also taken my 15+ years of clean product hunting and compiled all of my favorite products in one place for your convenience. Take a look at my Amazon Store, it is incredibly comprehensive, with over 40 categories filled with clean products. My goal is to take the guesswork out of healthy living!
As our world continues to get more toxic, let’s work together to turn the tide. Armed with truthful information and clean product options, we can make an impact using our purchasing power. We need to demand better for ourselves and future generations.
To your health & happiness,
Muneeza
