What+are+the+positives+and+negatives+of+additives+and+preservatives?


 * __Positives __**

Some positives to additives and preservatives are that they help maintain consistency with the texture, it stabilizers and provides thickness help keep a smooth and uniform texture. It can also help enhance the nutritional value of the food by adding in vitamins and minerals in foods like milk, flour, cereal and margarine [2]. Additives make it a point to provide nutrition to our diets because most of the time proper nutrients are lacking for instance vitamins A, C and E, all has a chemical form of them, which is used in most foods [2]. Since the days of living on a farm are still current for some and others it’s been many generations since they’ve grown foods for themselves additives and preservatives are added so food stays longer by slowing down the growth rate so food can be accessed by preserving them so they’re able to be shipped without spoiling before customers purchase the food across the country from where they were made [2]. Preservatives also increase the appearance so food looks edible and are safe to consume for a respectable amount of time. Preservatives allow us not to have to go to the grocery store everyday for food and be able to buy and save to accommodate for our busy schedules [10]. Overall additives and preservatives provide us with many positive to keeping food longer and expand our palate.

Foods with additives or preservatives often have a longer shelf life. This is beneficial for crops that have to be shipped long distances. This also cuts back on wasting food. Using additives and preservatives also allows food to be produced at a cheaper cost [2][10]. Another benefit is food looks more appealing to consumers when preservatives or additives have been added. Also foods that have additives or preservatives may have a lower calorie count than other foods. Additives can add nutritional value to foods as well as adding flavor [2].


 * __Negatives __**

Additives are used as flavorings, sweeteners, and colorings but may also cause health problems. The majority of additives are considered safe but there are still a strong number of additives that should be avoided. These harmful additives include: Acesulfame-K, Artificial colorings, Aspartame, Cyclamate, Hydrogenated vegetable oil, Olestra, Partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, Potassium Bromate, Propyl Gallate, Saccharin, Sodium Nitrate, and Sodium Nitrite. The negative health effects of these additives may be increased risk of cancer, allergic reactions, and digestive problems [4]. Preservatives are mainly used to prevent spoilage and prevent bacteria growth [9]. With these benefits comes the possibility of negative health effects and should only be consumed in moderation. Benzoates, Butylates, Butylated hydroxyanisole, and Carmel are just a few of the dangerous preservatives. A group of preservatives that is used in fruit drinks, tea and coffee is Benzoates and contributes a role in causing allergic reactions, asthma attacks, skin rashes, and is considered to cause brain damage. Butylates, a chemical preservative found in butter, vegetable oil and margarine has been linked to causing high blood pressure and cholesterol levels which can affect kidney and liver functions. Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is another potentially harmful preservative to the human body. BHA is found in pork sausage, potato chips, instant teas, cake mixes and may cause liver disease and cancer. The coloring Carmel which is found in candies and cakes may cause vitamin B6 deficiences, genetic effects, and cancer [9]. Sodium is the most prevalent preservative used in foods and can lead to high blood pressure and kidney problems. Other negative aspects of additives and preservatives include the possibility of becoming addicting, are found in numerous restaurant foods, and that in some countries dangerous additives and preservatives are banned due to their health effects but they are not banned in the U.S. Numerous restaurants in the U.S. use additives and preservatives in order to keep their food looking appealing and to make it taste better to the consumers. The health effects are numerous with additives and preservatives, it's important to know which ones to avoid and which ones are okay to consume in moderation.