Are food colorings really bad for your health? Experts weigh in

There is something about cotton candy and toffees that always catches our attention. Is it their adorable shape or their sweet taste? We think it is the bright colors that make people of all ages instantly crave these sweet treats. That is the magic of food coloring – it makes food look much more appealing. But are they safe for consumption? This is a question we all ask ourselves when we talk about food coloring. Let us find out in this article. Read on.

What are food colorings? Why are they considered harmful to health?

Food colorants are chemicals developed to improve the appearance of foods by giving them an artificial color. According to the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, food colorants were originally synthesized from coal tar and now from petroleum. These colorants add brightness to foods, making them the preferred choice for food manufacturers over natural colorants.

However, several studies have found risks associated with these food dyes. According to a study published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood, removing artificial food dyes from the diet significantly reduced symptoms of hyperactivity (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). As a result, food regulators around the world have banned various types of food dyes to reduce food toxicity.

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Should you avoid food coloring altogether?

While food dyes pose health risks, the FDA has approved some food dyes that are not associated with any health risks and are currently used in various types of foods. An FDA report states that “dyes are safe when used properly.”

FDA experts add: “There is no such thing as absolutely safe for any substance. For a new colorant, the FDA determines whether there is ‘reasonable certainty of no harm’ under the proposed conditions of use for the colorant.” That’s why we suggest always looking for FDA-approved food colorants when choosing one for your kitchen.

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Natural Coloring Options | 5 Ways to Add Color to Your Food Naturally:

If you ask us, we’ll tell you that the best practice is to add color to your food naturally. And you don’t need to go on a trip to find those colors. Take a good look around your kitchen and voila, you’ll find multiple options around you.

1. Beetroot for red color:

Beets have a deep natural color that adds richness to a dish. You should squeeze the juice out of beets and use it in your dish to give it that hue.

2. Spinach for the green color:

Want to add a green touch to your food? Try some spinach juice. You can use any other leafy green, but spinach has the most neutral flavor that makes your food taste better.

3. Turmeric for yellow color:

Turmeric has long been used to give a yellow hue to foods, but be sure to add it in small amounts to avoid a pungent taste.

4. Kesar for saffron color:

Saffron, another popular food coloring, has long been used in various sweet and savory dishes to give them a golden hue. You can soak a few saffron threads in water or add them to milk as needed.

5. Blue pea flower for blue color:

If you are a food enthusiast, you surely know how popular the blue pea flower has become over time. It is widely used in food, drinks, and desserts to obtain the natural blue color, without harming your health.

Choose your food ingredients carefully and enjoy a safe and healthy meal every time.