Organic food additives are mainly used to preserve processed food, so they can last longer and maintain their flavor, color, or texture. They prevent or slow down the food’s oxidative deterioration. There are also additives that help maintain food’s nutritional value so it does not dissipate as time passes by. Food additives, especially the organic variety may sound great; but are they really good for you?
The use of food additives is closely monitored by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means that they are subject to scrutiny and they undergo comprehensive safety assessments. Aside from the FDA, they are also scrutinized by the World Health Organization and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. Organic food additives are generally safe to consume and not really a problem. However, if you are not careful, you may feel the harmful effects of organic food additives.
Intolerances and Allergies to Organic Food Additives
About 5% of the general population is sensitive to at least one food additive. For some people, their intolerance or allergy is merely a mild inconvenience. For others, however, it can be life threatening. There is a difference between intolerances and allergies. True food allergies involve a strong immune reaction that affects numerous organs. Intolerances, on the other hand, can make you very sick, but they will not cause any life threatening reaction, such as anaphylaxis.
So if you taught that buying organic is always the safer option, think again. There are many doggy non-organic substances – such as carrageenan, high-fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated vegetable oils, and food colorings – , allowed in organic processed foods to improve shelf-life, texture, and taste.
Risk of Cancer
The risk of cancer is perhaps the most extreme of all harmful effects of some of these food additives allowed in organic foods. Even though the FDA considers these additives to be safe, other organizations think otherwise.
Take carrageenan for instance. Although it may come from a natural source, a red seaweed, studies have shown that it has destructive properties to the digestive system and immune response. It can cause inflammation, gut irritation, and even cancer
Although organic food products carry a lower risk of cancer since they are less likely to be contaminated by pesticides, herbicides, and other cancer-causing compounds, they are still not completely safe.
If you do not want to experience any health problems or complications, you better stick with fresh whole foods. As cliché as it may sound, you are better off with fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, and lean organic meats.
As much as possible, stay away from organic and non-organic food additives, particularly food dyes, partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, saccharin, potassium bromate, monosodium glutamate, olean, sulfites, sodium nitrate, monosodium glutamate (MSG), and high fructose corn syrup.
References: Livestrong.com, Better Health Channel, and American Cancer Society.
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