Artificial food dyes are everywhere. These dyes, which used to be derived from coal tar and are now produced from petroleum, are added to foods to make them look more appealing and “kid-friendly.” More than 15 million pounds of artificial food coloring are added to foods each year by companies.
Photo: Pixabay
Food coloring: Risks
Artificial food dyes do not add any nutrition, and are potentially harmful; these dyes have been linked with behavioral changes in irritability, restlessness, and sleep disturbance. The Center for Science in the Public Interest also released a report on artificial food coloring’s links to hyperactivity in children, cancer, and other health problems. In fact, in the EU, foods with artificial food coloring come with a warning label that reads:
Consumption may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.
Studies about food dyes and hyperactivity in children
In an article written by Healthline entitled, “Food Dyes: Harmless or Harmful?” they cited different studies conducted about the effects of food dyes in children. In one study, a pediatric allergist asserted in 1973 that artificial food colors and preservatives were to blame for children’s hyperactivity and academic difficulties.
Although there wasn’t any science at the time to support his assertion, many parents accepted his mindset. As a treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the doctor suggested an elimination diet. Along with a few other artificial elements, the diet does away with all artificial food colorings.
Moreover, one clinical investigation discovered that eliminating sodium benzoate, a preservative, and artificial food colors from the diet dramatically reduced symptoms of hyperactivity.
Additionally, according to a short study, removing artificial food colors and preservatives reduced symptoms in 73% of ADHD kids.
In a different study, it was discovered that sodium benzoate and food dyes both enhanced hyperactivity in a group of 8- and 9-year-olds and in 3-year-olds.
It is challenging to pinpoint the exact reason of the hyperactivity, though, because these study participants got a variety of ingredients.
Furthermore, a 2004 study of 15 studies came to the conclusion that artificial food dyes do make kids more hyperactive.
However, it seems that not all kids respond to food dyes in the same manner. The impact of food dyes on a youngster is largely genetic, according to Southampton University researchers.
Some children appear to be significantly more susceptible to food dyes than others, despite the fact that effects from dyes have been seen in both ADHD-positive and ADHD-negative children.
Click to the next page to read about how to avoid artificial food coloring.
Food coloring: Avoidance
Because these artificial dyes don’t have any nutritional value and are mostly found in highly processed foods, it’s best to avoid them. However, food dyes can also be found in unexpected foods, such as fresh oranges, meats, yogurts, canned fruits, and so forth.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Artificial food coloring can be hard to avoid, so here are some pointers to keep you safe from their adverse effects:
- Buy organic whenever you can and read the labels. Dyes can be hidden in meats, produce, salad dressing, and so forth.
- Opt for whole foods. A head of cauliflower or broccoli is less likely to have artificial food dyes compared to pre-packaged foods.
- Use natural food coloring. You can always use natural alternatives like beet juice, paprika, and spinach powder to make your meals look more appealing.
Updates by Jobelle Macayan
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