Healthy Eating Habits – Dark side of Food Coloring agents..

• Artificial food coloring makes food catchier to eye but not good for tummy. Recent scientific research have linked food dyes to a number of potential health problems, most notably certain types of cancer, attention deficit disorder, allergic reactions and hyperactivity in children.
• Artificial colors are used in bright candy, breakfast cereals, baked goods, gelatin desserts, sodas and other beverages.
• In European Union most foods that contain artificial food dyes were labeled with warning labels stating the food “may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.” The British government also asked that food manufacturers remove most artificial colors from foods back in 2009.
• Some of the common food dyes & their health risks below
  • Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue)

An unpublished study suggested the possibility that Blue 1 caused kidney tumors in mice. It’s used in  Baked goods, beverages, desert powders, candies, cereal, drugs, and other products.

• • Yellow 5 (Tartrazine)

Yellow 5 causes sometimes-severe hypersensitivity reactions and might trigger hyperactivity and other behavioral effects in children. Its used in Pet foods, numerous bakery goods, beverages, dessert powders, candies, cereals, gelatin desserts, and many other foods, as well as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

• • Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow)

Caused adrenal tumors in animals and occasionally causes severe hypersensitivity reactions. It’s used I  Color bakery goods, cereals, beverages, dessert powders, candies, gelatin deserts, sausage, cosmetics, and drugs.

• • Red 40 (Allura Red)

This is the most-widely used consumed dye. It may accelerate the appearance of immune system tumors in mice. It also causes hypersensitivity (allergy-like) reactions in some consumers and might trigger hyperactivity in children. Its used in Beverages, bakery goods, dessert powders, candies, cereals, foods, drugs, and cosmetics.

• • Blue 2 (Indigo Carmine)

Causes a statistically significant incidence of tumors, particularly brain in male rats. It’s used in Colored beverages, candies, pet food, & other food and drugs.

• • Citrus Red 2

It’s toxic to rodents at modest levels and caused tumors of the urinary bladder and possibly other organs. It’s used in Skins of Florida oranges.

• • Green 3 (Fast Green) 

Causes significant increases in bladder and testes tumors in male rats. Its used in  Drugs, personal care products, cosmetic products except in eye area, candies, beverages, ice cream, sorbet, ingested drugs, lipsticks, and externally applied cosmetics.