The modern food industry makes extensive use of various food additives. They are denoted by the letter E as part of the product, but they are not always dangerous. However, in principle, a large number of components in the composition of the product, including those marked with the letter E, are a sign of a deeply processed product. It has low nutritional value and can be harmful to health if consumed in excess. Svetlana Pavlichenko, candidate of medical sciences, nutritionist, cardiologist and managing director of the ANO Research Center for Healthy Nutrition, told socialbites.ca.
According to the expert, the purpose of this or that additive is encrypted in the directory: the first digit of the name. E1 are dyes, E2 are preservatives, etc. The purpose of additives is to extend the shelf life of the product, to increase the taste or aroma, or to give it a more attractive appearance.
“Contrary to the popular myth, all additives with the E prefix are not synthetic in nature: products of natural origin are also included in the labeling system. For example, in the system, paprika is indicated as E160,” said Dr. Pavlichenko.
The use of additives in food production is strictly regulated. The safety of nutritional supplements is monitored and constantly reassessed. In cases where a harmful effect on health is detected, the use of the additive is prohibited and the products produced are confiscated and destroyed.
“The supplements currently used are generally safe unless they are allergic or intolerant. However, a large number of ingredients in the composition of the product, including those marked with the letter E, are a sign of a deeply processed product. Such products have low nutritional value and can be harmful to health if consumed in excess.” said candidate of medical sciences, Dr.
He stated that for better health and the prevention of chronic diseases, a minimum of processed products should prevail in the diet: fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, dairy products with no added sugar.
“To assess the potential health harm, it is more important to pay attention to the content of critical components in food: salt, sugar, saturated fat. The negative effects are scientifically proven: excess salt causes hypertension, added sugar – obesity and type 2 diabetes, saturated fat – cardiovascular disease” said.
Color-coded products are available in many countries to visualize the content of critical ingredients. Salt, saturated fat, and sugar content are prominently displayed on the front of the package and are color-coded.
“Green means a safe level, yellow means an average content, and red means more than recommended consumption rates. However, color coding in Russia is optional and is used only by a limited number of manufacturers and retail chains that offer healthy food products. Therefore, you need to study the composition on your own, ”Svetlana Pavlichenko concluded.
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