In ready-made meals artificial substances whose impact on health is controversial often. FOCUS Online explains what the additional plug materials and which are harmful.
Hardly anyone can resist a deliciously creamy vanilla custard. However, the pleasant scent of fresh vanilla, the attractive yellow color and gentle consistency, gets the often artificial food additives. It is found in many finished products such as Pudding, sauces, and drinks. The manufacturers are trying to make the product for you as attractive as possible. But usually at the expense of their health.
Binders and emulsifiers
Member States (E 407), partly a concern
A popular additive member States (E407) is. He makes the Pudding so creamy. Member States is a thickening agent made from seaweed. Especially the consistency of ice cream, Pudding, Ketchup, and even cream the manufacturer to manipulate it. Officially, the European food safety authority, member States shall classify as harmless.
Also organic products and baby food must contain the substance. Nevertheless, the additive is controversial. Studies have shown that the thickening agent bowel can cause discomfort. Therefore, people who suffer from a sensitive gut or irritable bowel should avoid, to member States.
Soya lecithin (E 322) – safe
Soya lecithin (E 322) is a fat-like substance that serves as an emulsifier. Manufacturer win beans the binder from soy lecithin, and soy. But also sunflower, rapeseed and egg yolk provide that additive. E 322 prevents fat and the water separate. Whether it’s chocolate, finished cakes, Margarine, medicines, or bread, in the meantime, all foods contain almost this emulsifier. Soy lecithin is also approved for use in organic products and even in baby food. Let the E-number does not scare you. This additive is considered to be safe.
Guar gum (E 412) – part of concern
Guar gum (E 412) is a gelling and thickening agent. It consists of the ground seeds of the Guarbaums. Generally, guar gum is in small quantities, is harmless. In high doses, the thickening can means of stomach to intestinal discomfort. In addition, it is suspected to promote allergies. Therefore, you should avoid if you suffer from a sensitive gut or an Allergy to soy, as on E 412.
Rapeseed oil is partially questionable
Margarine, baby food and Croissants can contain rapeseed oil. In the meantime, the Oil is considered to be potentially harmful to your health. In some manufacturing processes of rapeseed oil, the supposedly good Omega-3 to transform fatty acids into TRANS fats. This can cause hardened or heavily heated fats, bad cholesterol values and cardiovascular complaints.
Therefore, you should avoid canola oil rather. In addition, the EU food gives authority to the effect that children’s excessive consumption is an increased risk of developing heart disease.
Flavor enhancers
Yeast extract – is safe
Glutamate is always in the criticism. Yeast extract is a natural counterpart. It contains natural glutamate, and is proved to be less harmful. Manufacturers of instant soups, ready-made products and Broths use the extract. The natural flavor enhancer manufacturers are allowed to declare according to the EU regulation as a natural Aroma.
Questionable yeast is not extract. The additive may also put in Bio-products. Nevertheless, caution is required, because the extract acts as a strong appetite stimulant. In addition, people suffering from a fungal infection should avoid an excessive consumption. The Yeast spores can fungal infections such as a Candida infection again flourish.
Iodized salt – some dangerously
Whether it’s sausage, crackers, canned vegetables, hardly a finished food is still without salt. Iodized salt is for the body generally healthy. In people with an underactive thyroid, Iodine can alleviate discomfort.
On the other hand, Iodine may have an overactive thyroid harmful. Who is a pathological change in the thyroid suffers should take iodized salt only after consultation with a doctor.
Dyes
Titanium dioxide – some dangerously
As a Coating of white peppermint candies, chewing gum and medicines, or as a Brightener of ready meals: titanium dioxide (E 171) is intended to food look more attractive. Manufacturer win the additive from the ore ilmenite.
Whether it is harmful for humans, is still unclear. In studies, researchers found that it can in animal studies of colorectal cancer and immune damage trigger. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid titanium dioxide (E 171).
Chlorophyllin – unclear
Chlorophyllin (E 140, E 141) is a green dye that the manufacturer solve with the help of a chemical solution method from leaf green. How the dye affects the health is still unclear. According to the current state of research, it binds toxins Mold. Jam, lemonade, pickles, and cheese manufacturer, staining with this dye is green.
Preservatives
Sodium nitrite – some dangerously
Especially in cured meats and sausages, sodium nitrite occurs. In the case of high heat, sodium nitrite to build up to the nitro amine. This is considered to be highly carcinogenic. On large quantities of fried, cured meat should be avoided therefore. The German society for health recommends not to eat more than 300 to 600 grams of meat and sausage per week.
Xanthan gum – safe
Foods that contain the fresh holder of Xanthan gum will remain fresh longer. Manufacturers use E 415 especially for soups, sauces and Dressings. Also cakes and bread often contain the preservative, which is also approved for organic products. The European food safety authority classifies it as harmless. Allergic reactions occur when Xanthan gum is rare.