Artificial food colours that appeal to the eyes are slow poisons, they can be harmful for health

News Topical, Digital Desk : Eye-catching candies, ice creams of different flavors have such a maze of colors that they look beautiful, but the reality is just the opposite.

Whether it is packaged food items or dishes prepared in restaurants, food dyes or colours are used in all of them. Concerns are being expressed about these artificial food colours not only in India but all over the world. Let us understand this business of colours and know about the harm they cause to health.

These are the most commonly used food dyes

• Red Dye 40: Whether it is candy, baked goods, soft drinks or medicines, this food dye is most commonly used. Several studies suggest that continuous exposure to red dye 40 can lead to hyperactivity and concentration problems in children, especially those with ADHD.
• Yellow Dye 5 (Tetrazine) and Yellow Dye 6 (Sunset Yellow): These dyes are most commonly used in processed foods, including baked goods, canned vegetables, and soft drinks. These dyes can also cause behavioral problems, especially in children.
• Blue Dye 3: This color is used in candies, baked goods and soft drinks. Research done on rats revealed that this dye can cause brain and bladder tumors.
• Citrus Red 2: It is added to orange and grapefruit juices. Animal studies have also shown that this dye increases the risk of tumors in the bladder and other organs.

Children are the most affected

Children's health is most at risk from artificial food dyes. The chemicals used in colours have a very bad effect on their physical and mental development. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that parents should try to keep their children  away from food with artificial colours  , especially children who already have some disease.

Natural food colours

Many fruits, vegetables and spices contain natural colors and can be used to enhance the color of food. However, there are many companies that are using plant-based extracts in food coloring. These extracts are prepared from fruits, vegetables and other parts of trees and are considered comparatively safe.

Food products of these colors are banned in India

• Melanyl Yellow- Harmful to the respiratory system and skin. It can also affect fertility.
• Rhodamine B- This colour is considered to be dangerous for kidney,  liver damage  and stomach cancer. It is not a food colour and is toxic for the human body.
• Sudan Dye- This dangerous dye has caused a stir in some states of India after it was found in chilli powder and many types of curry powder. It can cause dry liver and bladder cancer.

Read More: Why is there a delay in detecting dementia? You can identify it with these 5 early symptoms