Dangers of Food Coloring
Foods often contain added colorings that make them appear attractive. These colorings generally are unnatural, and many have chemicals in them--chemicals that people ingest, often unknowingly. They can be toxic, and many are even made from petroleum. Does this Spark an idea?
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Childhood Problems
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Many desserts have artificial coloring. According to Science News, dyes are used to make food appear more appealing but they can cause many problems, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. These are serious issues that can adversely affect a child's development.
Hyperactivity
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Many snacks and treats have food coloring in them. Healthy Child Healthy World reported that adults believe sugar-rich foods cause hyperactivity in children, calling it a "sugar high," while the actual culprit is the food coloring.
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The Immune System
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The coloring in foods can cause problems with the immune system. When the immune system is compromised, it is easier to become ill.
Sterilization
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It is believed that some food colorings can cause sterility, particularly in men.
Other Problems
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have studied the effects of food coloring, and have found relationships between the dyes and health issues such as asthma, allergic reactions and lead poisoning. Cancer is another health concern.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of tracy ducasse Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Kanko Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of D. Sharon Pruitt
