Why should food dyes be avoided?
Color in foods helps make them more attractive to kids and adults alike, but are they good for you? It is surprising that even fresh fruits like oranges may be dipped in dyes to make them look more vibrant! Food dye consumption has increased dramatically in the United States. As knowledge is power, I write this topic to help my audience choose for themselves:
Food dyes like Yellow 5 seem to have toxic gene effects in animal models. Red 40 and Yellow 6 also seem to be contaminated with carcinogens
Many of the dyes seem to facilitate hypersensitivity reactions when consumed - some examples include Red 40, yellow 5 & 6 and Blue 1.
Caramel colorings seem to have contaminants that are harmful in animal models.
Food dyes seem to also cause behavioral issues when consumed
Red 40 and Yellow 6 have been used to color Ice cream sundaes and soda’s. These agents have been avoided in countries abroad.
As of 2010 Europe required foods that contain artificial coloring to carry labels warning of hypersensitivity
Having elaborated about the food dyes and their effects, I would encourage everyone to eat only natural products as much as possible. Try to stay away from brightly colored candies, cakes, cookies and artificial soda as they most probably are laden with these dyes to make them look more appealing. I would like to stress that Natural things are always better than artificial additives, so please choose wisely and live long and strong!
