You’ve likely heard of the controversy behind Red 40 as it made its way onto news channels across the country. But how bad is it, really?
Over the past decade, we’ve witnessed a slow but steady revolution in which families are realizing the dangers of the food and products they’ve been allowing into their homes and bodies. Artificial food dyes are some of the most harmful products on the market, accounting for a huge portion of the health concerns we now experience. These toxic dyes are commonly found in most processed foods and beverages and have long been a staple in our diets. Thankfully, things are starting to change. The transition from artificial food dyes and preservatives to their natural counterparts is a part of a movement towards a better, more sustainable, and neurotoxicity-free future.
The Harsh Reality of Artificial Food Dyes
Artificial food dyes are chemicals used to enhance the visual appeal of food products. We see them in red velvet cupcakes, blue gatorade, and sugary cereals, to name a few. Studies have shown that these dyes can lead to adverse behavioral changes, both in children and adults. Alarmingly, synthetic food dyes are known to contribute to learning difficulties, and behavioral issues in children.
The impact of artificial food dyes on children's behavior has been so profound that some European countries have taken regulatory steps to require warning labels on products containing these additives. Despite mounting evidence of the negative effects of these dyes, the United States has been incredibly slow to regulate their usage.
The ADHD Connection
To get specific, artificial food dyes are known to worsen symptoms of ADHD. Countless studies have explored the link between artificial food dyes and ADHD and the results have suggested that a diet free of artificial food dyes, along with other additives, led to a significant reduction in hyperactivity symptoms in some children. The findings emphasize the potential impact of these dyes on children's behavior, particularly those already vulnerable to ADHD.
The Statistics Speak Volumes:
- A report from Grand View Research indicates that the global natural food coloring market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by consumer demand for clean label products.
- A study published in Clinical Pediatrics found that when children diagnosed with ADHD followed an elimination diet that excluded artificial food dyes, 73% showed a reduction in hyperactivity.
A Shift Towards Natural Alternatives
As awareness of the negative impact of artificial food dyes grows, more individuals and businesses are seeking alternatives. Natural food dyes derived from ingredients like beets, turmeric, spirulina, and carrots offer safe alternatives that provide color without all of the scary side effects.
At Nature's Baker, we’ve taken the fight against artificial coloring into our own hands. We provide a range of natural food dyes, allowing our consumers to make better choices for themselves and their families.
Through opting for natural colors and flavors, we can reduce the neurotoxic burden on our bodies and protect the health of ourselves and our future. We invite you to make the shift and choose products like those offered at Nature's Baker. With our all natural food coloring, you can confidently savor the rainbow of nature's hues while nurturing your health at the same time.
References:
https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/natural-food-colors-market
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3441937/