User:Andivordermann/sandbox

Preservatives are a type of food additive that is used to extend and preserve their shelf life while keeping them from being destroyed and broken down by microorganisms such as bacteria, germs, or viruses. These microorganisms can cause food spoilage and decay.[2] Here are some of the health issues associated with specific types of food preservatives: .[3]


 * Sulfites – is used for stopping browning and discoloration of food. The health issues related to the additive is that it links to asthma-related sensitivity and sometimes allergies.
 * Sodium Benzoate – can be found in sodas and various fruit juices. It helps to reduce the speed of fermentation and acidification of foods. As stated on Seattle Organic Restaurants webpage, researchers have found that when this type of preservative is mixed with vitamin c, it can create benzene (a known carcinogen-poison type chemical), which has harmful side effects, but only when a consumers consumes gallons of these benzene-filled beverages.
 * Sodium Nitrate and Nitrite – is a substance added to processed and canned foods and is often found in processed meat products such as bacon, ham, corn beef, sausage, as well hot dogs. As stated in the Micha research study, people should lessen the consumption of these processed meats to avoid nitrite’s intake, which have been link to various types of cancers.[4]
 * BHA/BHT – these substances help to preserve oils and fats in cosmetics and foods. According to the Seattle Organic Restaurant webpage, various research studies have indicated that these substances may be considered safe yet other researchers have found BHA to contain carcinogen. BHT has been associated with both increased and decreased risk of cancer, also affecting one’s sleep, increases appetite, causes liver and kidney damage, baldness, behavioral damage, and growth retardation.[5]
 * MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) –used in flavoring food can be found in low fat milk, candy, chewing gum, fruit yogurts etc., and can cause headaches, nausea, weakness, burning sensation in back of neck or forearms, difficulty in breathing, change in pulse rate and heart rate etc.

A meta review of 260 studys has been show to have a link between pesticides and an increased risk of cancer.[6] These cancers range from breast, prostate, brain, bone, thyroid, colon, liver, lung, and more. Pesticides have also been a known link to causing obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and Autism.[6]A Harvard study was conducted which linked pesticides in foods to Autism for mothers who were pregnant who consumed these products and for children in their first years of development who consumed these products.[7] Pesticides have also been linked to a rise in high blood pressure. This increased risk of a rise in high blood pressure, was seen when individuals who consumed processed meats over meats which were not processed and because of eating these meats which are processed these individuals were linked to having a 30% higher risk of cardiovascular diseases.[4]