Preserve yourself by Avoiding these 5 Common Preservatives!
Alekha Akkapeddi
Color Dyes (Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1) : Commonly found in: Processed foods, cosmetics, medications, toothpaste, etc.
Why: Many of us have likely heard about Red 40 causing hyperactivity in kids, but it turns out this is not too far from the truth. These food dyes are shown to cause these and more issues including allergies, immune disorders, and even bowel diseases. Next time you reach for those Skittles, Gatorade, or oddly colored items, think twice!!
Titanium Dioxide : Commonly found in: Candy, salad dressing, ice cream, frozen foods, chewing gum, snacks, toothpaste, supplements, etc.
Why: There is some evidence in animal studies that exposure to titanium dioxide led to immunotoxicity, inflammation and neurotoxicity. It is no surprise that the EU banned this ingredient in 2022!
Parabens : Commonly found in: Makeup, moisturizers, haircare, shaving creams, deodorants, foods, etc.
Why: These famous endocrine disruptors are not only responsible for disrupting normal levels of estrogen in the body, but have also had shown negative impacts shown to affect fertility. A study conducted in 2016 also showed that parabens worked in conjunction with other cell receptors to increase the growth of breast cancer cells. Besides this, they are NO good for the environment.
“Natural” and Artificial Flavors : Commonly found in: Foods and beverages
Why:Stay away from this sneaky marketing trick as the term “natural flavor” may suggest that you are eating something natural and organic. The sad news is that these are not too different than artificial flavors. Turns out, natural flavors can even contain some synthetic chemicals!
Phthalates : Commonly found in: Cosmetics, detergents, plumbing pipes, lubricants, insecticides, flooring, shower curtains, fast foods, cooking oils, etc.
Why: Another endocrine disruptor, these chemicals are damaging to human health, especially fertility.
