10 Snacks Made of Petroleum Based Chemicals Linked to ADHD, Nervous System Issues, Allergies, and Even Cancer

Chemical food dyes are added to many foods to improve their color or give them a vibrant appearance. These synthetic food dyes are made from petroleum and are a complex mixture of chemicals. It’s not just sugary cereals and candies such as Lucky Charms, Trix, and Skittles that have food dyes. Artificial food colors are found in many products such as sodas, breakfast cereals, candies, processed foods, and baked goods.

Many people are concerned about the potential dangers of food coloring in our food. Some studies have linked artificial food dyes to hyperactivity in children, allergies and possibly cancer. There is also concern that food dyes made from chemicals could have other potentially harmful side effects.
In this article, you will learn about scientific research into the potential danger of artificial food dyes.

At the end of the article, you will find out which popular products have chemical food coloring lurking in them.

What are Food Dyes and What are They Made Of?

Synthetic food dyes are made from petroleum and are a complex mixture of chemicals. Research published by the “Center for Science in the Public Interest” said that food dyes may also contain many impurities. For example, Yellow 5 could contain up to 13% of organic and inorganic compounds.

One of the reasons that synthetic food colorings are used is to make food more appealing. The American Chemical Society says that in the U.S., 70% of all food consumed is processed. Food colorings are added to make food more appealing. For example, without artificial food dyes, hotdogs would be a gray color!

Although there is a trend towards using natural food coloring, artificial food dyes are still very popular in processed foods. Artificial food colorings are cheaper to make, brighter than natural colors, and are more stable. 

Most Common Food Dyes Used Today

Artificial food dyes used in food processing are blue, orange, green, red, and yellow.

The most popular chemical-based food dyes are Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6.  However, popular synthetic dyes for food also include Blue 1, Blue 2, and Red 3.

In order to create the right color for food, various artificial food dyes are combined to help color food and make it more attractive.

Food Coloring Dangers

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), artificial food colors must be tested and certified before being used in foods and drinks.

Since 1955, there has been a 5-fold increase in the number of foods that are colored by dyes. Artificial food coloring is found in snacks, baked goods, frozen desserts, pickles, salad dressing, candies, and breakfast cereals.

If the production of artificial food dyes is strictly regulated, are there really dangers associated with food colors?

There is much debate on the side effects of food dyes and their potential risk to your health. On the one hand, artificial food dyes used in food processing go through rigorous testing for toxicity. The FDA and other regulatory bodies say that the food colors are safe for consumption within the recommended levels.

However, some research has shown that synthetic food dyes may contain cancer-causing chemicals. Some carcinogens in artificial food dyes include 4-aminobiphenyl, 4-aminoazobenzene, and benzidine.

The FDA says that testing means that potentially dangerous cancer-causing chemicals in food colorings are kept to safe levels. However, what is worrying is that there has been an increase in consuming foods that contain synthetic food dyes. Since 1990, when levels of dyes were established, there had been a 50% rise in food consumption that includes artificial chemical colorings.

Another concern about the dangers of food dyes is their effect on children. For example, children tend to consume more artificially colored foods and beverages than adults. Also, their smaller body weight means that children proportionally consume more food dyes than adults. Children’s bodies are also more sensitive to carcinogens than adults.

So, there is concern that adults and children are consuming more artificial colors than before. This could mean that it is possible to consume more than the recommended amount of food dyes.

There may also be dangers associated with a mixture of food coloring chemicals in food. For example, one scientific study found that a combination of Red 40, Yellow 4, Yellow 5, Red 2, brilliant blue, or tartrazine can negatively affect the central nervous system. However, few studies have been carried out on the synergizing effect of mixing artificial food dyes.

The “Center for Science in the Public Interest” raises other concerns about the potential dangers of artificial food dyes. Studies on the effects of synthetic food coloring done on rats generally have not been long enough to see what the long-term consequences of consuming food colors could be.

Another reason why it can be confusing to know if food coloring is bad for you is that some food dyes are banned in some countries but not in others. For example, McDonald’s use Red 40 to color their strawberry sundaes in the U.S. but in the United Kingdom, only strawberry extracts are used.

Many studies have shown the possibility of artificial food dyes being linked allergies, and attention deficit disorders. Some studies discovered that artificial food dyes could be contaminated with cancer causing chemicals.

Let’s look at the link between artificial colors and these 3 conditions in more detail.
Food Dyes and Cancer

One of the reasons why many people claim that food coloring is bad for you is due to a link to cancer.

A 2012 review on the danger of food dyes in food found that certain colorings approved for use in the U.S. are contaminated with carcinogens. Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 were found to contain benzidine which is a known cancer-causing compound.

The scientists who conducted the study recommended that all food dyes be removed from the market as they provide no nutritional value.

Research from 1999 found that tartrazine and Sunset Yellow FCF (Yellow 6) can also be contaminated with benzidine.

One study involving hamsters found that Blue 2, Green 2024, and Red 4 increased the incidences of tumors in animals. 

Red 40 and the cancer link

Red 40 is among some of the most common artificial food dyes used in food processing.

The journal Toxicology reported that Red dye No. 40 showed toxicity when given to rats. (7)

Other studies have shown that the food color Red 40 can contain p-Cresidine which is another potential carcinogen.

Red 40 food dye has also been linked to other health concerns such as hyperactivity in children.
Yellow 6

Another food dye that contains potential cancer-causing contaminants is Yellow 6, or Sunset Yellow.

Tests on the effects of synthetic Yellow 6 have found that it may be contaminated with 4-aminobiphenyl and benzidine. These compounds have been shown to increase the incidences of adrenal and testicular tumors.

The journal Toxicology reported that sunset yellow has an estrogen-like effect in the body. Researchers have found that exposure to these types of compounds can increase the risk of primary biliary cirrhosis and breast cancer.
Yellow 5

Yellow 5 is also called tartrazine and studies have shown that it can be contaminated with the carcinogen benzidine.

Some studies have shown that Yellow 5 can affect the gastric mucosa of rats and is a possible food carcinogen.
Red 3

Animal studies have shown that the food dye Red 3 may affect thyroid function and increase the risk of breast cancer.

One study found that Red 3 has an estrogen-like activity in the body. This could be a risk factor in the development of human breast cancer. 

Studies on rats found that Red 3 and Red 105 increased the risk of thyroid cancer.
FD&C Blue 1

Brilliant Blue (also called FD&C Blue 1) can affect the stability of cell development and how the body reacts to inflammation.

One 2016 study found that FD&C Blue 1 has a potential risk in the development of cancer and affect the nervous system. However, more research needs to be carried out. (13)
Blue 2

Blue 2 food additive is found in candies, colored sodas, and other foods. Some reports indicate that Blue 2 increases brain gliomas and breast tumors in rats. More research needs to be done; however, the researchers recommended that Blue 2 be removed from the list of approved food additives due to safety concerns. 

Food Dyes May Cause Hyperactivity

One of the claims why food dyes are bad for children is that they can cause hyperactivity.

The side effects of red, blue, and yellow dyes could be more pronounced in children than in adults. FDA guidelines for the safe use of food colorings are usually for adults. Because children are smaller, and the side effects of food dyes may be dose-dependent, children may be at a greater risk from the negative effects of artificial food colorings.

What does science really say about the health risks posed by food dyes on children and adults?

A study of nearly 1,900 3-year old children found that artificial food coloring adversely affected their behavior. Parents noticed that consuming drinks containing synthetic colorings resulted in their children becoming more hyperactive.

One study found that artificial food dyes can adversely affect children who have attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD). Researchers noted that eliminating foods containing artificial dyes can improve behavioral patterns in children. 

A randomized double-blind trial involving nearly 300 children found that artificial colors resulted in hyperactivity in children. The trial involved 3-year old children and 8/9-year old children.

Another trial found that Yellow 5 (tartrazine) creates a dose-dependent negative effect on behavior. Even 1 mg of Yellow 5 food dye was enough to cause restlessness, irritability, and disrupted sleep in children aged 2-14 years. 

Studies over a period of 35 years have found growing evidence that synthetic food colors negatively affect the behavior of children whether they have ADHD or not.

Food Dyes and Allergies

Consuming food and beverages containing synthetic food dyes may be bad for you because they can cause allergic reactions.
One study found that artificial food colors such as Sunset Yellow, Brilliant Blue, Red 3 (erythrosine), and tartrazine resulted in allergic reactions. Interestingly, some natural colors also caused hypersensitivity when consumed.

A report from 2015 found that artificial food dyes made from petroleum may be linked to an increase in allergic and immune reactive disorders. For example, the tiny molecules in synthetic dyes can disrupt the immune system and bind to body proteins. This can result in autoimmune reactions and other health problems in children and young adults. 

One study found that azo dyes (food colors derived from petroleum) can result in allergic vascular purpura. This condition results in large skin rashes with red or purple blotches. Eliminating artificial additives from the diet resulted in an improvement of the condition. 

Artificial food dyes may also cause you to develop itchy red rashes on your body. Researchers have found that removing foods containing artificial dyes can help to lower the frequency of these allergic skin reactions. 

Should You Stop Consuming Foods with Artificial Dyes Added?

Of course, some agencies play down the risk to your health that food dyes pose. However, it is good to remember that, in the past, certain food dyes that were deemed safe were later banned due to toxicology issues.

For example, a review on the history of food coloring and its regulation reported that health concerns have led to some food dyes being de-listed. For example, Orange 1, Orange 2, and Red 32 were certified as harmless in 1935. Subsequent research found that these coal-tar food dyes were causing children to become sick. (24)

In the U.S., laws require that certain artificial colors are listed on the list of ingredients. For example, on a box of Lucky Charms, you will see Yellows 5 & 6, Red 40, and Blue 1 on the ingredients list. The cereal classic Trix has Red 40, Yellow 6, and Blue 1 as well as “other color added.” (28, 29)

In other countries, government laws require that warnings about synthetic food colorings are on the packaging. This has led many multinational companies to remove all artificial food dyes from their products.

It is good to remember that artificial food dyes provide no nutritional value. They are chemicals produced from petroleum products that have been linked to hyperactivity in children and may be contaminated with cancer-causing compounds.

Children’s Snacks Containing Food Dyes

If you want to avoid buying foods that contain artificial food dyes, which are the ones you should avoid?

Breakfast cereals with artificial food dyes

According to the “Center for Science in the Public Interest”, Yellow 6, Blue 1, and Red 40 are found in Fruity Cheerios, Trix cereals, Lucky Charms, and Cap’n Crunch’s Crunch Berries. (25)

It is also good to remember that apart from containing potentially-harmful colorings, many breakfast cereals marketed for children are laden with sugar.

Another breakfast-time favorite is Kellogg’s Hot Fudge Sundae Pop Tarts that contain a collection of yellow, blue, and red dyes. 

Candies with synthetic food colorings

M&M’s and Skittles contain Blue 1, Blue 2, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6. (25)
Beverages with artificial food colorings

You may be surprised to find out just how many artificial colorings are found in sugary sodas and beverages.

For example, Kool-Aid Burst Cherry has 52.3 mg of artificial dyes per serving. Other beverages that contain artificial dyes that can cause hyperactivity include Powerade Orange Sports Drink, Crush Orange, and Sunny D Orange Strawberry. 

How to Avoid the Dangers of Food Colorings

The best way to avoid any of the side effects of consuming foods containing food dyes is to carefully check package labeling.

Some of the most common artificial food dyes used in the food and drinks industry are Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, and Blue 2.

You can also look for healthier alternatives that contain natural food coloring. For example, beet powder, paprika, turmeric, beta-carotene, and annatto extract are all used to give food and drink a natural vibrant color.

Interestingly, some multinationals such as Mars, Kraft, McDonald’s, and PepsiCo use natural colorings in products they produce for Europe whereas the same ones in the U.S. contain chemical colorings. 

Also, choosing whole foods rather than pre-prepared, processed food will not only help minimize your exposure to food dyes but will also be nutritiously better for you.

this is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     
https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
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Why Hot Dogs and Processed Meat Might Be the Most Dangerous Foods of All Time

Who isn’t afraid of the word “cancer”? We all know a family member or a friend who had it. And indeed, according to the American Cancer Society, more than one million people in the United States suffer from cancer each year. According to scientific studies, certain foods such as hot dogs, bacon, potato chips and even sugar could possibly increase the risk of cancer. In addition, processed meat like hot dogs may also contain harmful ingredients such as nitrites, MSG, and mechanically separated meat (MSM).

The World Health Organization ranked processed meat such as bacon and hot dogs alongside cigarettes as a major cause of cancer.

It’s important to note that there could be many causes of cancer and food is just one of them. The American Cancer Society lists many possible causes for cancer disease, including genetic factors, lifestyle factors such as smoking, diet, lack of physical activity, certain types of inflammation and environmental exposures to different types of chemicals and radiation.

Back in 2015, the World Health Organization classified processed meat as a carcinogenic to humans. This means that there is a strong scientific evidence about it being a cause of cancer. Specifically processed meat has been shown to increase the risk of colon cancer and potentially other forms of cancer.

The World Health Organization ranked cured and processed meats alongside cigarettes as a major cause of cancer. This doesn’t necessarily say they are equally as dangerous but it describes the strength of the scientific evidence about them being a cause of cancer.

The medical journal Circulation published a systematic review of studies linking processed meats to a higher risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Let’s have a look at foods and additives that increase cancer risk. This will help you understated what foods you SHOULD eat and what foods you should avoid (or at least reduce their consumption).
 
1. High Intakes of Red Meat, Processed Meat (Such as Hot Dogs, Bacon) or Charred Food

It has been found that bowel and stomach cancers are more common in people who eat lots of red and processed meat.

Red meat includes all fresh, minced and frozen beef, pork, lamb or veal. Also processed meats posses a risk for cancer. These have been preserved in some way other than freezing and include bacon, ham, salami, sausages, corned beef, black pudding, pâté and tinned meat.

When you eat processed meats, you’re almost assuredly consuming sodium nitrite or sodium nitrate, which are added to processed and cured meats to preserve color and extend shelf life. Unfortunately, these compounds can be converted to nitrosamines, which are also known to cause cancer in laboratory rats (though again, the link to people is unclear).

Also hot dogs, bacon and the like may also be preserved by methods involving smoke or salt, which also increases the exposure to potentially carcinogenic chemicals.

Also charred food creates chemicals that can damage our cells, making them more likely to become cancerous. Therefore the way you cook your meat can potentially make a big difference in the cancer risk it poses to you. Well-done and char-grilled meats that are slightly burnt on the outside are among the worst foods that increase the risk for cancer. You can read more about it in my article about the best cooking methods for cancer prevention.

Why Hot Dogs Might Be the Most Dangerous Food of All Time

Hot dogs are America’s number one treat with more than seven billion of them consumed every summer. They hit the streets in the 19th century when they were introduced by the German immigrants. Soon, they were given an iconic status and became a part of many nations’ eating culture.

But when you look at what goes into hot dogs and how they are made, you might be surprised to find out that this much loved food is lurking with health dangers.
Hot Dogs are a Health Hazard

Frankfurters are nutritionally empty processed foods. There is nothing natural about them and the factories produce them in a highly robotized manner at an astonishing rate of 300,000 hot dogs per hour.

Traditionally, hot dogs are made from a mixture of pork, beef and chicken. Leftovers from cutting steaks or pork chops and ‘edible’ slaughter by-products are used. These include fatty tissue, skins, animal feet and heads.

These trimmings are grounded and mixed together into a thick paste. To make the sausages taste good, a plethora of additives is added, including excessive amounts of salt, corn syrup, monosodium glutamate (MSG), nitrates, and other chemicals (in this regard, read my previous article about the top 10 worst ingredients in food).

Flavorings vary depending on where the hot dogs are sold, as people in different regions have different tastes. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) doesn’t require manufacturers to list flavorings on the label, so just about anything goes. Flavorings include the infamous monosodium glutamate (MSG) and carmine – a dye from the shells of small beetles, boiled in ammonia or sodium carbonate.

Hot Dogs can Cause Cancer

Nitrates and nitrites are the next on the list of problematic additives used in hot dogs. In the presence of high heat they combine with amines in processed meat to form nitrosamines.

It’s the nitrosamines that have been linked to cancer – especially colon, bladder, stomach, and pancreas cancer.

According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, one hot dog a day increases your risk for colorectal cancer by 21%. Even organic hot dogs contain nitrite, sometimes even in higher amounts than the conventional hot dogs.

Processed meats in general have been shown to increase the risk of pancreatic cancer by 67% in a study by the University of Hawaii.
Hot Dogs Contain Questionable Ingredients (Such as MSM)
Hot dogs may also contain mechanically separated meat (also named MSM). According to the USDA, this is a type of meat that has been mechanically separated from the bone by pushing it under high pressure through a sieve or similar device to separate the bone from the edible meat tissue.

The United States banned the use of mechanically separated beef in 2004 due to its association with mad cow disease (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy).

However, the USDA says that mechanically separated pork is permitted and must be labeled as “mechanically separated pork” in the ingredients statement. Hot dogs can contain no more than 20% mechanically separated pork.

2. Questionable Additives In Processed Foods

Many different substances are added to commercially prepared foods, such as artificial colors, chemical flavors, salt, sugar or artificial sweeteners (read my article about the top 10 worst ingredients in food).

These additives are constantly investigated by researchers to check if any of them is thought to be of a real risk. Sometimes a particular additive or additives are thought to be of a cancer risk. Heavily salted, smoked and pickled foods, for example, may increase the risk of stomach cancer.

This may explain why there is such a high rate of stomach cancer in Japan, where salty, pickled foods are popular. Also an epidemiological study published in June 2010 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that a diet high in salt can increase the risk of stomach cancer in 10%. Also artificial food coloring presents many health risks.

The research on artificial food coloring and cancer is limited to animal studies, including mice and rats, but some claim that these dyes are toxic – possibly toxic enough to cause cancer also in humans.

this is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     
https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement  

source-healthyandnaturalworld