How to Live Without Preservatives

Choose in-season fruits to help minimize the intake of food preservatives.

Food should look and taste fresh, but food without preservatives is more likely to spoil quickly. Food additives such as preservatives are sometimes necessary for processing the food, but some additives are used for cosmetic reasons, such as enhancing the color. The appeal of making food last longer and look attractive and appetizing has led to wide use of preservatives. There are natural and synthetic preservatives, and some preservatives are commonly referred to as ingredients, such as sugar, vinegar and salt. Still, you can live without preservatives and continue to enjoy your food with the proper vigilance.

Things You'll Need

• Books and other research tools
• Magnifier

Instructions

Indentifying Food with Preservatives

1. Search for information about different types of preservatives. A life without preservatives requires knowledge. Some additives and preservatives are essential to maintain the quality and freshness of foods, but the majority of food additives are not necessary. There are lists of different food additives that can be found on the Internet and in books.

2. Write down a list of food preservatives you want to avoid. Focusing on a small number of preservatives will make it easier to start. Such preservatives can be

   antimicrobials, which prevent the growth of yeasts, molds and bacteria. Other preservatives that can be eliminated are sodium nitrate in sausage and ham, and sulphur dioxide in beer. Antioxidants that prevent food items from changing color can be cut out, such as tocopherols in fat for cakes, and ascorbyl palmitate in margarine.

3. Use the list of preservatives to examine the food items that are in your home. Focus on identifying a number a preservatives rather than trying to identify every food additive. The preservatives are listed on the food label, often in small print. Use a magnifier to help you read the small print.

4. Identify the food containing food preservatives and make a list of the food items. Search for alternatives to the food items that contain those preservatives. Use the Internet to search for substitutes you can buy at the grocery store.

5. Bring the list and the magnifier next time you go shopping. This will help you look for new alternatives. Make a habit of checking food labels and if you are in a hurry, check the label at home when you have more time. This will help you learn and identify products with preservatives.

Tips & Warnings

• Food items that are fresh are less likely to contain preservatives.

• Buy certified organics.

• Some food items, such as bread, go moldy quickly without preservatives.

References

• Alternative Medicine Angel: Top 20 Food Additives to Avoid
• The Doctors' Reference Site: Food Additive Codes
• Mom Logic: 10 Preservatives to Avoid