Watch Out: Three Harmful Food Additives to Avoid

You might be surprised to learn that some common food additives could be harming your health. A California doctor, Dr. Saurabh Sethi, has been spreading the word about three potentially dangerous chemicals often found in processed foods in the United States. These additives are a big deal because many people, especially kids, eat a lot of processed food. In fact, more than 60% of adults and 70% of children in the U. S. get a big chunk of their daily calories from these types of foods. Studies show that eating too many processed foods can lead to many health problems, like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. So, what are these additives to watch out for? Let's start with tartrazine, also known as FD&C Yellow No. 5. This is an artificial food dye found in lots of processed snacks, cereals, and candies. It's been linked to hyperactivity, asthma, and even behavioral issues in kids. While some countries have banned or restricted it, it's still used in the U. S. Next up is BHA, or butylated hydroxyanisole. This is a preservative that keeps oils from going bad. It's found in many chips, cereals, and even chewing gum. While it's banned in Japan, it's commonly used in the U. S. Studies have shown that it can cause cancer and even lead to dementia. Lastly, there's potassium bromate. This is used to make bread stronger, but it's known to cause cancer in lab rats and might hurt your kidneys. It's banned in many countries, but not in the U. S. Dr. Sethi says it's important to check food labels before eating. Some additives that are banned or restricted in other countries are still allowed in the U. S. By being aware and making smart choices, we can protect our health.