A certain e-number has its own purpose.
Although the purpose may always sound logical, its effect may not always be healthy.
In this article, you will discover the various purposes of e-numbers and how potentially harmful they can be to you.
The Coloring Agents Many e-numbers function as coloring agents.
They are available in different shades such as yellow, blue, red, and black and they can truly make every food and drink more visually attractive.
However, they are also known to trigger asthma, urticaria, and other allergic reactions.
Among the most popular coloring agents are E 100- E 180 and E249-E 252.
The Flavor Enhancers These e-numbers are used to increase the food's palatability.
Among the most common additives in this group are the monosodium glutamate (MSG) and aspartame.
MSG is known for triggering headache, tightness in the face, neck, and chest.
It is often found in instant drinks and soup packets.
The labels may read any number between E 620 and E 635.
If you love instant cold drinks or hot soups, it's time you give the habit a second thought.
Aspartame, on the other hand, is a sweetener replacement said to have a lower calorie content that sugar.
However, it has been found to trigger urticaria, hives, and body swelling.
It is now just right to think that not all low-fat or low-sugar is good.
The Preservatives First in line are the sulphites.
The gas forms of these chemicals can cause irritation of the lungs and may set off asthma attack.
In liquid form, they are usually found in fruit juice concentrates, cold drinks, and wine.
They are also utilized to preserve processed meats, dried fruits, and even salads.
In their solid forms, sulphites may cause urticaria.
They are E-numbers 220- 227.
Second in line are benzoic and parabens.
These are enumbers in food to prevent spoilage.
They may also be added to drinks especially sugar-free ones.
Bearing the E numbers 210- 219, these additives are known to trigger asthma, develop urticaria, and angioedema.
The third kind of preservatives is the antioxidants.
E 320 and E 321 inhibit the food from spoiling but may cause urticaria, rhinitis, and may trigger asthma attack.
Although there are no accurate diagnostic tests yet on how e-numbers exactly cause different conditions, it is very important that consumers practice more caution in shopping for their family's foods.
It would not hurt to always check the label and learn about the contents of each item they are bringing to the table.
Be wary of different advertisements.
It would help if you become suspicious of any new product being advertised in the media.
Not everything that sounds good is good.
E-numbers do not only cause common food allergies but other conditions too.
If you want to play safe and keep yourself and the whole family from harm, take time to know each of them and make sure you exclude those that is potentially dangerous to your well being.
This is especially true if you have young children in the family.