BEFORE EATING JUNK FOODS- 5 SECRETS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE SNACK

Junk foods are famous among children and most teenagers. It is an addiction for all because it satisfies our taste and also saves time for many workaholics person.

If you are one of them think twice about ingredients before consuming these famous foods. Here’s the list of ingredients which is secretly available in your foods.

1# CASTOREUM-

Castoreum: The Surprising Ice Cream Ingredient

If you’re a big fan of ice cream, especially the vanilla flavor then this information might shock you. Mostly ice creams are made up of milk or cream and are flavored with a sweetener sugar. Sometimes eggs are also used to make an ice cream. But some commercial ice-cream-making companies used castoreum as a flavor.

Castoreum is a beaver’s ( an animal with smooth fur, sharp teeth, and a large flat tail found mostly in North America ) anal and urine secretions which come from the castor sacs of male and female beavers. It is an FDA-approved food additive popular in ice cream and also used for medical purposes in conditions like anxiety and restless sleep and as a calming agent.

2# CARMINE–

Carmine: Bugs in Your junk Food Coloring

Carmine (Red food dye) is used as a red coloring agent mostly in all market products like candies, biscuits, cakes, pastries, shakes, juices, and even in lipsticks.

Carmine is produced from carminic acid, which is extracted from some scale insects such as Dactylopius coccus or in simple language from crushed bugs. If you don’t believe in this- read ingredients on red color products such as carmine or red dye 4 or cochineal extract.

3# SODIUM BISULFITE–

Sodium Bisulfite: Preserving Your Potato Pleasure

One of the delicious things present in the market for teenagers is potato chips. It is like an addiction for them. Everyone loves it, but if you talk about ingredients in many potato chips then it is sodium bisulfite.

Sodium bisulfite is a powerful chemical used in small quantities in many potato chips. It is the same chemical found in toilet cleaners and household cleaning agents although in larger quantities. It is added to chips to increase their shelf life (preservative) and also prevent the problem of discoloration.

4# L-CYSTEINE–

Cysteine: Hair in Your Bread?

Many fancy pieces of bread and apple or cheery pie in the market used l-cysteine to make bread soft.

The problem with l-cysteine is that it’s mostly come from human hair. It has been reported that most of the hair used to make l-cysteine comes from china, where it’s gathered from barbershops and hair salons. In the USA l-cysteine is made up of duck feathers. In a countries like Europe it is already banned but mostly used in many countries. To avoid this- buying fresh bread from local bakeries is a good option.

5# POLYISOBUTYLENE–

Polyisobutylene: The Evolution of Chewing Gum

According to archeologists humans were eating chew gum from 5000 to 9000 years ago. But the ingredients used in chew gum change as time passes. In past, it is made up of tree resin but nowadays polyisobutylene is used in the making chew gum.

Polyisobutylene is a gas-impermeable synthetic rubber that is also used for the manufacturing of vehicle tires and in some lubricants. The reason behind using this chemical is that it is inexpensive and easily available.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are these ingredients harmful?

While these ingredients are generally considered safe by regulatory bodies, awareness allows consumers to make conscious decisions about their consumption.

2. Can I find alternative products without these additives?

Yes, many brands now offer natural and organic alternatives, allowing consumers to enjoy their favorite snacks with cleaner ingredients.

3. Are there regulations on disclosing these ingredients?

Yes, regulatory bodies mandate the listing of ingredients on food products, ensuring transparency for consumers.

4. How can I identify these ingredients on food labels?

Check for specific names like castoreum, carmine, sodium bisulfite, L-cysteine, or polyisobutylene in the ingredient list.

5. What are the potential health concerns associated with these additives?

While the quantities used in food are generally safe, excessive consumption may have health implications. It’s essential to maintain a balanced diet