Nowadays adding some chemicals to vegetables and food products have become so common that we do not even give much attention to it. Instead we have built a new term ‘organic’ which refers to chemical free food products. Additives and preservatives are added in abundance in our beverages, fruits and meals to make it tastier and increase its shelf life. Some of them are approved by FDA, but that too in limited quantity. One of the best examples of this is Maggi noodles, which got banned for almost a year because of its chemical use. Today we will discuss about another additive that is widely used in food products known as Sodium Benzoate.
Sodium benzoate is a popular preservative which is often used to prolong shelf life of the product. According to Paediatrician Dr. Ishani Singhal from Ivory Hospital, Greater Noida, this preservative shows its effects in few hours of consumption. Even though food administration department has claimed it to be safe for use, it is only given until a particular product. Some studies have claimed that sodium benzoate can be a cause of cancer and other serious health issues.
This preservative is colourless, odourless and crystalline powder which is made by inducing benzoic acid with sodium hydroxide. Benzoic acid is also found in many plants including cloves, cinnamon, tomatoes, berries and apples, etc which enhances the quality of food. This seems harmless until used as preservative in food in more than restricted quantity.
Side effects of preservative are limited as far as we know. But sometimes it could be problematic if taken in excess quantity. Here are some uses and side-effects of this chemical that you should know.
Sodium benzoate is one of the first preservative that has been approved by FDA to spread as food additives. FDA has classified it under category of GRAS. This means that it is safe until quantity is intended by the administrative authority.
However most of the companies use it in excessive amount that inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria in the food. These food products made up of harmful bacteria and microbes in food thus result in food spoilage. Sodium benzoate shows much more effect in acidic food and sodas.
In beverages it is often found in more than approved quantity because there is no set limit to the consumption and processing amount. Hence you may find sodium benzoate in more than given amount in lemon juice packing, salads, soy sauce, jelly and pickles, etc.
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Sodium benzoate is also used widely in medicinal purposes where liquid medicines are used. Cough syrups and over the counter medications have sodium benzoate as lubricating component. This helps to give smooth and transparent texture to the tablets. It breaks down rapidly; hence it is often used while swallowing them. Therefore it is said not to have excessive tablets without specific reasons especially for kids.
Potentially sodium benzoate can cause a agent which might be responsible for creating a carcinogenic benzoic ring that may turn into cancer cells. In simple words, sodium benzoate has special compounds which have potential ability to turn into cancer causing compounds; hence this could be very problematic to health. Vitamin C and benzoate are often present in the diet beverages that help in regulating sodas and fruit drinks. It also reduces exposure to heat and light for longer formation of these compounds.
Sodium benzoate can cause inflammation in the body if consumed in excessive amount. It can promote growth of cancer cells as well as have direct effect in the small intestine. This preservative has active inflammatory compounds that affect your body in many ways.
This is linked to a study towards higher intake of sodium benzoate in the beverages. People who tend to have more products having this preservative are at higher risk of having ADHD symptoms in children. A higher level of this compound has been linked to ADHD and can be very harmful for children’s health.
Studies around preservatives including sodium benzoate can be linked to problems with concentration and creation of free radicals. Free radicals present in this compound can actually damage your healthy cells and increase chances of having chronic diseases and problems. Oxidative stress could lead to other mental health issues if not treated in the given period.
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There are small percent of people that fall for allergies because of intake of sodium benzoate. Allergic reactions are common among children and can be result to itching and swelling in the regions. Consuming products that have this preservative in it can increase the tendency of allergies among certain people.
Too much exposure to sodium benzoate can decrease the formation of leptin in the body and cause suppressing hormones. This can reduce your appetite and even decrease your wish to take part in certain activities. According to a study by national institute of health, sodium benzoate can reduce appetite to 50-70% depending on people. This is the reason because of which you do not feel hungry after having a soda drink or certain beverages.
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