For a long time, the safety of additives in processed food has been the focus of attention. Recently, the American network doctor of Medicine published the latest research results of the five most controversial additives. The reporter of life times interviewed Fan Zhihong, an associate professor of China Agricultural University, and interpreted them. Recently, the continuously exposed food safety problems have recently turned the focus to children, reminding that children's food safety is the most important thing, and beware of additives endangering children's health.
The most popular snacks for children, together with the additives' attached 'to them, are endangering children's health, but people pay far less attention to children's snacks than adult food. Therefore, experts in food safety, nutrition and other aspects shouted to the society through life times that children's food additives need to be paid more attention!
Synthetic pigment
It is widely used in many fruit water, fruit powder, fruit dew, soda, prepared wine, red and green silk, canned food and so on. According to a British study published in the lancet in 2007, the intake of artificial pigments can exacerbate children's ADHD symptoms. To this end, the European Food Standards Agency requires food manufacturers to take the initiative to stop using artificial pigments. However, the U.S. Food and drug administration has always allowed the use of approved artificial pigments.
In this regard, fan Zhihong said that children are the people who should avoid taking artificial pigments. In order to please children, many children's foods contain a variety of artificial pigments, which parents should be vigilant. When choosing children's food, try to stay away from products with too bright colors.
High fructose corn syrup
This is a syrup made of corn. It is not only used in candy, but also in carbonated drinks. There is a view that it will increase the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
American experts believe that from a biochemical point of view, high fructose corn syrup and sucrose are sugars, with little difference. The American Medical Association also recently issued a statement saying that there is not enough evidence to support the view that 'high fructose corn syrup is worse than sucrose'; If you eat too much, they will damage your health. In this regard, fan Zhihong explained that in a strict sense, high fructose corn syrup can not be regarded as a food additive. In fact, it is sugar like sucrose and has calories, but it tastes sweeter and has water retention. After drinking the beverage prepared with this syrup, people hardly feel full and will drink more unconsciously, which may increase the risk of obesity.
Harm of food additives to children
Aspartame (a non sugar sweetener)
As a sweetener, it is widely used in flavor yogurt, canned fruit, Babao porridge, jelly, bread and so on. It has triggered a variety of health concerns, such as cancer, epilepsy, headache and mental retardation. However, large-scale studies show that aspartame is not directly related to the above diseases. In the past 23 years, the U.S. Food and drug administration has confirmed its safety 26 times. Fan Zhihong said that aspartame is 200 times sweeter than white sugar, and the amount used in food is very small, so it does not increase dietary calories like white sugar.
Sodium benzoate
British food experts believe that the beverage contains both sodium benzoate and vitamin C, which may interact to produce benzene. Benzene is a carcinogen. But this statement has not been unanimously agreed by chemical experts. Sodium benzoate can be metabolized by itself in the human body and is non-toxic and discharged through daily urination; In fact, people breathe more benzene into the body every day than they drink soft drinks. Fruits, vegetables and dairy products contain a small amount of benzene; Smoking, automobile exhaust, paint and washing powder all contain benzene. However, experts remind that the metabolism of sodium benzoate in the body is mainly in the liver. For people with poor liver function, it is recommended to drink less drinks.
Sodium nitrite
It is widely used in meat processing. Sausage and canned meat contain this additive. There is a theory in the United States that ingesting a large amount of sodium nitrite can lead to gastric cancer. In China, there are strict requirements for the use of sodium nitrite. Its maximum dosage in meat products is 0.15g per kilogram, and 0.03g is allowed in sausages. As long as you don't eat a lot of processed meat products often, you can reduce the intake of sodium nitrite.
Fan Zhihong said that the pursuit of sensory enjoyment and convenience will inevitably have close contact with food additives, so it is not necessary to regard it as a poison or a beast. Rather than panic about some food additives, it is better to eat more fresh and natural foods with short shelf life and simple taste and color. In this way, we will naturally stay away from too many additives and get more healthy ingredients.