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Mahalo green living expert Susan Hunt Stevens explains why preservatives are harmful to your health, which foods contain these preservatives and which ones to watch out for specifically.
What Are Preservatives?
Preservatives are natural or artificial substances that are added to food, pharmaceuticals, wood, etc. to help prevent decomposition. In food, preservatives help to maintain freshness. Health Risks
Natural and artificial preservatives have been linked to common health concerns. - Sodium benzoate, a common preservative found in sodas, when mixed with artificial colors can cause hyperactivity.
- Nitrates are used to keep meat fresh but can cause severe allergic reactions in people.
- BHA and BHT are found in cereals to help protect flavor. They are shown to accumulate in the body tissue and can be carcinogenic and even cause liver problems.
- Sulphates naturally occur in beer and wine. They are added to other foods to reduce discoloration. But many Americans are sensitive to sulphates. The reaction ranges from hives to death. The FDA, as a result, banned sulfites from fruits and vegetables, but it can still be found in a lot of foods.
References
Meet Our Expert
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Susan Hunt Stevens
Susan Hunt Stevens is the founder of the green lifestyle blog Practically Green. The diagnosis of her son's environmental and food allergies began a path that included a green lifestyle makeover, graduate studies at the Boston Architectural College in sustainable design and the creation of her website. Practically Green features a point system representing expert and real-life data by which users can measure their environmental impact and live a greener life.
Preservatives to Avoid
- BHA
- BHT
- Sodium benzoate
- Nitrate
