Sucrose polyester: a zero-calorie artificial fat widely used in French fries and desserts. Studies have found that long-term consumption of sucrose polyesters may interfere with the absorption of important nutrients-lycopene and carotenoids, which can keep you away from heart disease, prostate cancer and other diseases. In addition, it can also lead to obesity and diarrhea.
Caramel pigment: It exists in beverages such as cola and coffee, and also in sauces and cakes. If it is obtained by directly heating sugar, the harm is not great. However, if ammonia is added in the manufacturing process, carcinogens will be produced.
Saccharin: It is an artificial sweetener and exists in foods such as drinks and jellies. Studies have long found that saccharin can cause bladder cancer in mice. A study in 2008 also pointed out that saccharin replacing sugar can easily lead to obesity. According to China's regulations, saccharin is not allowed to be added to baby food.
Potassium bromate: it can help bread swell during baking and can also be used for milling. However, studies have found that it can cause prostate cancer and kidney cancer in mice. On July 1 2005, the use of potassium bromate in flour was completely banned in China.
BHA and BHT: Butyl hydroxyanisole (BHA) and dibutyl hydroxytoluene (BHT) are antioxidants and preservatives respectively. BHA is potentially carcinogenic, and BHT is less dangerous, but animal experiments have also found that it can cause cancer. Strangely, these two chemicals are not important to food manufacturing. In most cases, they can be completely replaced by vitamin E. BHA is usually used for high-fat foods and high-fat foods. When used in combination with BHT, the shelf life of carp, chicken and frozen bacon can be prolonged.
Hydrogenated vegetable oil: Hydrogenated fat belongs to trans fat. A study by Harvard University shows that there are as many as 7,000 heart attacks caused by eating trans fats in the United States every year. Trans fats are widely used, such as bread, cakes, biscuits, French fries and coffee companions, milkshakes and so on.
Sulfite: This is a preservative, which can keep food as shiny as ever, and is most used in the wine industry. However, some people, especially asthma patients, will induce symptoms such as dyspnea after contact, so people with allergies should use it with caution.
Azobenzamide: It is often used in the production of foamed plastics and food manufacturing, and as a foaming agent to improve the elasticity and toughness of dough. Based on the summary of 47 studies, the World Health Organization believes that it may induce asthma symptoms and advises people to eat as little as possible.
Carrageenan: Emulsifier and thickener extracted from seaweed, which can be used in jelly, soft candy, ice cream and dairy products. Animal experiments show that it is related to cancer, colon problems and ulcers, but it is uncertain whether it is harmful to human body.
Ammonium sulfate: this inorganic salt is usually used to cultivate yeast and is also added to crop fertilizer. When used as a food additive, it is often used as a dough conditioner. Although animal experiments show that it is not carcinogenic, some studies have found that it can irritate people's eyes and skin.