We have discussed the need to read food labels. Really pay attention to not only calories, sugar, salt, carbs, but also the ingredients. You will be amazed at the number of artificial colors that you will find. Why should I bother, you ask?
Artificial colors have been proven to increase the likelihood of cancer, autism, ADD/ADHD, and severe allergies among other things. Did you know that the UK has already banned the use of certain POPULAR food colors? Some states are requiring that a full listing of artificial colors be provided on food labels. The most dangerous ones are listed below with their findings – this is by no means a complete listing and this post is more for education – you need to be a smart consumer!
The report Food Dyes – A Rainbow of Risks reviews the risks that have been known for quite some time:
Blue 1, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 have long been known to cause allergic reactions in some people. CSPI says that while those reactions are not common, they can be serious and provide reason enough to ban those dyes. Furthermore, numerous studies have demonstrated that dyes cause hyperactivity in children.
…Tests on lab animals of Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 showed signs of cancer.
Yellow 5 also caused mutations, an indication of possible carcinogenicity, in six (6) of 11 tests.
In addition, according to the report, FDA tests show that the three most-widely used dyes, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6, are tainted with low levels of cancer-causing compounds, including benzidine and 4-aminobiphenyl in Yellow 5…
In the abstract Food Color and Autism: A Meta-Analysis it details how Autism has manifested since it was named in 1943, going on to explain how artificial food coloring has contributed to that increase:
… Autistic spectrum disorders and ADHD are complex conditions in which nutritional and environmental factors play major roles. It is important to understand how food can have an impact on their current and future health. Appealing food colors stimulate the consumption of different food products. Since 2011, it is evident that dyes are linked to harmful effects in children. Artificial dyes have neurotoxic chemicals that aggravate mental health problems. Many families with autistic children avoid food dyes in their diet in order to avoid behavioral issues. A study reported that there is a correlation between yellow dye and sleep disturbance. Food colors Blue 1 and 2, Green 3, Red 3, Yellow 5 and 6, Citrus Red 2, and Red 40 can trigger many behaviors in most kids…
Think about a single bag of M & Ms? How about Easter candy? Please be very aware of the food colors that are being added to your foods.
Recommended reading: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/food-dyes#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2
More recommended reading: https://www.foodnerdinc.com/blogs/food-for-thought/artificial-food-coloring-no-thank-you
So, if all these artificial colors are so dangerous, why are they used? Most humans eat with their eyes. They like things to look pretty. Think of fancy restaurants and how they plate everything just so. What is pleasing to the eye, is pleasing to the palate. Most food coloring is added for that purpose. The scary thing is that several of the artificial colors listed above have been banned in other countries but are still being used in the US. Why? Good question.
Recommended reading: https://www.assuaged.com/news/7-usa-food-additives-that-are-banned-in-other-countries
More recommended reading: https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/why-are-some-food-additives-that-are-banned-in-europe-still-used-in-the-us/
There have been many studies on why our kids are showing signs of ADHD, ADD, and Autism at incredible rates. There are several things that play a part in that, sugar, mercury in vaccines and fish, preservatives, and artificial colors. If your child(ren) show(s) signs, you may want to go through your pantry and your refrigerator and toss things that contain artificial colors.
Recommended reading: https://www.autismdietitian.com/blog/artificial-dyes-autim-adhd
Just some food for thought! Blessings – E