Preservatives are substances that stop the growth of microorganisms in foods, protect them from rotting, the appearance of an unpleasant odor and change in taste, as well as the appearance of harmful microorganisms in them.
Simply put, preservatives increase the shelf life of foods. People began to use preservatives since ancient times in order to preserve food for a longer time. Preservatives were honey, table salt, wine, spices, essential oils.
In the modern world, chemical preservatives of synthetic origin are widely used. Increasingly, on food packaging you can read that the composition contains food additives with the "E" code. Preservatives are designated by the code "E" - from E 200 to E 290 and E 1125.
Even naturally derived preservatives are chemically processed. Therefore, it cannot be said with some certainty that they are natural and will not harm the body. Natural preservatives include acetic acid, lactic acid, and salt.
Do preservatives benefit or harm the body? The opinions of experts on this issue were divided.
Finnish specialists from the University of Helsinki and their colleagues from the Kazakh Academy of Nutrition believe that preservatives have a positive effect on the human body, because they prevent exposure to harmful substances that bacteria produce. However, supplements can be considered safe only if their production technology is followed and the daily consumption of preservatives is controlled.
Finnish experts are confident that preservatives do not harm a person in any way, but, on the contrary, help to strengthen his health.
But scientists from the British Food Control Commission have a different opinion. They believe that dyes and preservatives used in the food industry are one of the reasons for the deviation in the behavior of children - increased excitability and hyperactivity. The Food Safety Authority states that the preservative used in fruit processing is phenol. It, entering the human body in small quantities, contributes to the appearance of cancerous tumors.
An English scientist believes that preservatives and various additives are one of the reasons for the appearance of various abnormalities in people.
Most experts, nevertheless, agree that preservatives are the cause of many allergic reactions - they cause rhinitis, skin rashes, blurred vision. They do not just harm the body, but gradually kill a person.
The World Health Organization has set up an ad hoc Joint Committee of Experts, and the United Nations has set up the Food and Agriculture Organization. The purpose of these departments is to identify food additives and preservatives that are harmful to humans, in particular. Each state has its own organizations that oversee the use of additives for food purposes.
When buying food, it will not be superfluous to carefully study the packaging; do not forget to thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables in hot water.
Unfortunately, in the modern world one cannot do without preservatives and other food additives. I would like them to be as safe as possible for human health.
