
Artificial Dyes: Cover-Up Names
Artificial dyes are pervasive in our food supply, especially in products targeted at children such as breakfast cereals, candy, snacks, beverages, vitamins, and even some fresh oranges, which are dipped in dye to enhance their color.
Why Add Color?
- To make food more attractive
- To compensate for natural color loss during storage
- The FDA categorizes these dyes as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe), yet the natural health community has long warned about the potential health risks associated with artificial colors and food dyes. Despite the FDA acknowledging that artificial colors are no longer “generally recognized as safe,” these dyes remain widespread in our food supply, often listed under different names, making it difficult for consumers to identify them.
International Perspectives
In the UK, products containing artificial colors must carry a warning label: “May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.” Similarly, since July 2010, European regulations require most foods containing artificial dyes to include labels warning of potential hyperactivity in children.
Why Are Artificial Dyes Harmful?
Artificial dyes can cause:
- Allergic reactions
- Hyperactivity in children
- Increased risk of cancer
- Behavioral problems
- They provide no nutritional benefits and are restricted or banned in some countries due to their health risks.
Origins of Artificial Dyes:
Initially derived from coal tar, modern artificial dyes are now mostly made from petroleum.
They are found in a wide range of products, including food, beverages, cosmetics, and textiles. Since 1955, the use of artificial colors has increased fivefold, from 3 million pounds to 15 million pounds per year, with 90% being Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Red 40.
The names of these dyes have been changed to more appealing ones:
- Blue 1: Brilliant Blue FCF
- Blue 2: Indigotine
- Green 3: Fast Green FCF
- Red 3: Erythrosine
- Red 40: Allura Red AC
- Yellow 5: Tartrazine
- Yellow 6: Sunset Yellow FCF
What Can You Do?
Limit your exposure to artificial dyes and eliminate them whenever possible. Familiarize yourself with the various names for artificial dyes and read labels to avoid them.
Replace artificial dyes with natural colors such as:
- Blue: Spirulina, anthocyanin-based colors, indigo-based colors, blueberries, butterfly pea tea, taro powder
- Red: Beetroots
- Orange: Carrot-based extracts
- Yellow: Turmeric
By making informed choices, you can reduce your intake of artificial dyes and contribute to a healthier lifestyle.
For more health related info, schedule a free call at www.roothealthmd.com
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Dr. Sailaja Reddy is a medical doctor, functional gut health specialist with over 30 years of experience who aims to heal patients through a Functional Medicine approach, a new and differentiated model of Healthcare, that specifically identifies the root causes of many common illnesses. www.roothealthmd.com