Pink sweets, blue frosty drinks, multicoloured cereal, they’re all so much fun, aren’t they? But did you know that these colours can be unsafe for your body? A lot of these colours are made from something called artificial food colours, and they’re not as lovely as they appear.
In this post, we’ll describe what artificial food coloring is, why manufacturers use them, and how food coloring side effects can cause damage to your health.
What are Artificial Food Colours?
Artificial food colours are chemicals that have been created by people. Food colour is added to food to make it look more colourful and appealing. They are used in sweets, cold drinks, cakes, chips, sauces, and even ice cream. These are not derived from fruits or vegetables but prepared in laboratories.
Examples of artificial colours are:
- Red 40
- Yellow 5
- Blue 1
These colours can make food appear appetizing, but they don’t provide any actual worth to it. Actually, they might cause issues rather than advantages.
Why are They Used in Food?
Food manufacturers apply artificial food coloring to:
- Make food look fresh and exciting
- Mask dull or grey colours
- Attract children and buyers
Plain yellow candy can look dull. But put a bright pink or blue colour on it, and it suddenly becomes interesting and appealing!
But here’s the reality: just because it’s pretty doesn’t mean it’s safe. There are harmful effects of artificial food colours as well.
What are the Risks?
Okay, now let’s discuss the not-so-fun stuff by answering the question: Is food coloring safe to eat? Artificial food coloring can hurt your health in various ways. Here’s what physicians and health professionals have discovered:
1. Hyperactivity in Kids
Some studies indicate artificial colours can make kids hyperactive. This is to say that they can find it difficult to concentrate, stay still, or remain calm.
2. Allergies and Rashes
Ever wondered which diseases are caused by artificial food colours? There are multiple issues, and rashes and allergies are common among them. Colours such as Red 40 or Yellow 5 can irritate the skin or cause allergies in certain individuals. You will itch, develop rashes, or experience swelling.
3. Tummy Issues
Certain individuals experience nausea, tummy aches, or even vomiting after consuming foods with excessive colour. Be cautious about what you eat and drink.
4. Could Be Cancer-linked
Harmful effects of artificial dye include cancer as well. Long-term consumption of artificial colours has been researched for cancer risk. Certain colours that are older have been banned because they created tumours in animals.
How to Stay Safe?
Now that we are clear with what is food coloring and its side effects, let’s see how you can stay safe from the side effects. You don’t need to give up eating colourful food but you can make better choices. Here’s how:
1. Read the Label
Always read the food label. If you notice things like “E102” or “Red 40”, it means the food contains food coloring.
2. Go Natural
Choose naturally coloured foods such as beetroot (red), turmeric (yellow), or spinach (green). Most companies today use these safer alternatives.
3. Don’t Eat Bright-Coloured Junk Food
Don’t consume too many coloured sweets, drinks, or snacks. Have them on special days, not daily.
4. Prepare Food at Home
When preparing food at home, you have the ability to select fresh and clean foods. No need for artificial colours!
Read More: Healthy Foods for Moods That can Make Your Day
Final Words
Artificial food coloring can be bright and cheerful, but is dangerous for your health, particularly if you consume them regularly. They might lead to skin problems, stomach troubles, and even long-term health issues. Children are more vulnerable, so parents must be more cautious.
The good news is that you can escape all these risks by opting for homemade and natural food. Always check labels and say “no” to artificial colours.
So the next time you notice a bluish candy, think twice! Select food that’s as safe to eat as it is delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions Related to Artificial Colours
Are artificial colours safe to eat every day?
No, eating them daily can cause problems like hyperactivity or allergies. It's better to eat food with natural colours.
Can artificial food colours make kids hyper?
Yes, some colours like Red 40 or Yellow 5 can make kids more jumpy or restless.
Why are some food colours banned in other countries?
Some colours were banned because they were found to harm health like causing allergies or bad effects in animals.
Are all colourful foods bad?
No, fruits and veggies are colourful and natural. The problem is with man-made chemical colours in snacks or drinks.
How can I avoid artificial colours?
Check the food label for colour numbers or names. Choose food with “natural” or “no added colour” written on it.
