Are Preservatives Bad for You?

Introduction

• A preservative is a substance added to products like foods, cosmetics, and medicines to prevent them from spoiling.
• Common preservatives include salt, sugar, benzoic acid, and sorbic acid.

Benefits of Preservatives

• Salt and Sugar: Prevent growth of harmful microbes in foods.

Health Risks of Preservatives

• Salt and Sugar:
  • High amounts can increase the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart diseases.
• Benzoic Acid:
  • Used to inhibit the growth of harmful microbes in food.
  • Can cause hyperactivity in children and asthma.
• Sorbic Acid:
  • Used in cosmetics.
  • Can cause skin irritation.
• Sulfites:
  • Can cause serious problems for people with asthma (e.g., difficulty breathing, tightness in chest).

Key Takeaway

• Important to check the preservatives used in products and consume them in moderate amounts.