Do you know what is in your food?

Chemicals exist in your food in order to preserve, prolong shelf-life, and enhance flavours. In recent years, there has been growing concern about the impact of chemicals in our food on our health. From preservatives to artificial flavour enhancers, these additives can affect our health in ways we may not even realise. In this blog, we will delve into the secret to ageing gracefully with good health and explore what chemicals might be lurking in your food.

Your Health and Ageing Gracefully

Before we dive into the world of additives, it’s essential to understand your health and the ageing process itself. Ageing is a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. While we cannot control our genes, we can make choices that positively influence how we age. One of the most significant factors in this equation is our diet. Diet affects the development of many disorders, and a healthy diet can reduce the development of severe diseases.

• Adults who follow a healthy diet have a longer lifespan and are less likely to develop obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some malignancies.
• It is important to note that all chemicals that are found in your food are strictly regulated and have been declared safe.

 

The Impact of Chemicals on Health

What we eat today is vastly different from what our ancestors ate. Modern food processing techniques have given rise to a plethora of chemical additives designed to enhance flavour, preserve freshness, and extend shelf life. While these additives may make our food more convenient and appealing, their long-term effects on our health and ageing process are still being studied.

1. Preservatives: Preservatives like BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) are commonly used in processed foods to prevent spoilage, preserve, and prolong shelf life. These chemicals have raised concerns about potential links to cancer and other health issues when consumed in large quantities.
2. Artificial Sweeteners: Many people turn to artificial sweeteners like aspartame and saccharin to reduce calorie intake. However, these sweeteners have been associated with increased cravings for sugary foods and may disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, potentially impacting overall health and metabolism. Artificial sweeteners (particularly aspartame and acesulfame-K), which are found in many food and beverage brands worldwide, were linked to an elevated risk of cancer in a large cohort study. Aspartame has been labelled possibly carcinogenic to humans in a 2023 study. Leading to widespread media concerns about sweeteners in relation to sugar-free drinks such as Diet Coke.
3. Flavour Enhancers: Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a widely used flavour enhancer known for its ability to make a taste more savoury. While MSG is generally recognised as safe by regulatory authorities, its use is still debated. Some people report adverse reactions, such as headaches and nausea. MSG has been shown to be neurotoxic in neonatal rats in pre-clinical studies. More studies are needed to understand fully the effect of MSG.
4. Artificial Colourings: Artificial food colourings, such as Red 40 and Yellow 5, are often added to processed foods to make them visually appealing. Some studies suggest a possible link between food colourings and hyperactivity in children, though more research is needed.
5. Trans Fats: Although the use of trans fats has declined in recent years due to health concerns, they can still be found in some processed foods. Trans fats have been associated with an increased risk of heart disease and may accelerate the ageing process by promoting inflammation. A study published in February 2003 suggested that the intake of both trans fats and saturated fats promotes the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

Did you know?

The foods we eat are intentionally infused with more than 2,500 chemicals to change the product’s flavour, colour, stability, texture, or price.

• Bisphenol A (BPA): The lining inside metal cans (such as those used for canned tomatoes) and the plastic packaging of many popular foods and beverages contain the chemical bisphenol A (BPA). In addition to causing immune system, reproductive and nervous system issues, bisphenols can also lead to an increase in body fat.
• YELLOW 5, YELLOW 6, and RED 40 Artificial Colourings: These have been shown to increase ADHD symptomology in children. You may have seen many products are now advertising ‘with no artificial colourings’. This is due to many studies finding that dyes such as YELLOW 5, YELLOW 6, and RED 40 to be possibly carcinogenic.
• Nitrates and nitrites: To give foods like cured sandwich meats, bacon, salami, or sausages colour and extended shelf life, manufacturers add nitrates and nitrites. The nitrates and nitrites can interfere with the thyroid. Additionally, when nitrates or nitrites enter the body they can develop into nitrosamines which has been linked to increased risk of cancer.

 

Choosing a Healthy Diet

While it may seem daunting to navigate the world of additives, there are steps you can take to promote graceful ageing through your diet:

1. Opt for Whole Foods: Choose fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and other whole foods over heavily processed options.
2. Read Labels: When purchasing packaged products, read labels carefully to identify and limit the consumption of additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients.
3. Cook at Home: Preparing meals at home allows you to have greater control over the ingredients you use and avoid unnecessary chemicals.
4. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and limit sugary and artificially sweetened beverages.
5. Consult a Nutritionist: Consider seeking guidance from a registered dietitian or nutritionist who can help you create a balanced, age-friendly meal plan.
6. Understand Food Testing: Understanding food testing and ensuring that the food you are consuming are safe is a priority.

Comprehensive Testing Services:

1. Microbiological Testing: To detect the presence of harmful pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, which can lead to food-borne illnesses. This ensures what you eat is safe for consumption.
2. Chemical Analysis: This includes the testing of products for pesticide residues, heavy metals, additives, and other chemical contaminants. This ensures that food products meet safety and quality standards.
3. Nutritional Analysis: Determining the nutritional content of products, including macronutrients, micronutrients, and vitamins, which is crucial for product labelling and consumer information.
4. Allergen Testing: Detecting allergenic ingredients in products to prevent allergic reactions and comply with labelling requirements.
5. Sensory Evaluation: Assessing the sensory attributes of products, such as taste, smell, texture, and appearance, to ensure they meet consumer expectations.
6. Shelf-Life Testing: Determining the shelf life of products, helping manufacturers establish accurate expiration dates and reduce food waste.
7. Labelling Compliance: Ensuring that product labels are accurate and comply with regulatory requirements, including ingredient listing and nutritional information.
8. Foreign Matter Analysis: Detecting the presence of foreign objects or contaminants in food products, ensuring consumer safety and product quality.

Conclusion

In a world where safety and quality are paramount concerns, Southern Scientific Services stands as a beacon of reliability and expertise. Their comprehensive food testing services play a pivotal role in ensuring what we consume is safe, nutritious, and accurately labeled. By partnering with Southern Scientific Services, businesses in the food industry can maintain consumer trust, uphold regulatory compliance, and continue to deliver products of the highest quality.