Food colours in food.

Food colours are substances added to foods and drinks to improve appearance, attractiveness, and uniformity. They may be natural or synthetic (artificial). Let us understand them clearly.

 Types of Food Colours

(A) Natural Food Colours. Natural colours derived from plants, minerals, or animals. Natural colours are safer but can still cause allergy in sensitive individuals. Food colours with source  explained below in chart:

S. No.	Colour	Source	Example
1	Yellow	Turmeric	Curcumin
2	Orange	Carrot	Beta-carotene
3	Red	Beetroot	Betanin
4	Green	Spinach	Chlorophyll
5	Purple	Grapes	Anthocyanins
6	Red	Cochineal insects	Carmine

 

(B) Artificial (Synthetic) Food Colours. These colours chemically manufactured and widely used in processed foods. Common examples are as under:

               (a)    Tartrazine (Yellow 5)

(b)    Sunset Yellow FCF (Yellow 6)

(c)    Allura Red AC (Red 40)

(d)    Brilliant Blue Red FCF (Blue 1)

(e)    Erythrosine (3)

These colours commonly found in:

              (a)    Candies

(b)    Soft drinks

(c)    Ice creams

(d)    Bakery products

(e)    Packaged snacks

(f)    Flavoured drinks

 Harmful Effects on Human Body. Not everyone affected, but people (especially children) are more sensitive. Synthetic colours derived from petroleum can cause adverse health effects like hyperactivity in children, allergic reactions (hives, asthma), and potential toxicity to the liver and kidneys, with cause to cancer.

 1. Hyperactivity in Children. studies link artificial colours (especially Yellow five, Red forty) with:

               (a)    Increased hyperactivity

(b)    Attention problems.

2. Allergic Reactions

    (a)    Skin rashes.

(b)    Asthma worsening.

(c)    Nasal congestion or stuffy nose (the swelling and inflammation of nasal tissues).

(d)    Hives (raised, intensely itchy red- or skin-coloured bumps or welts on the skin caused by the release of histamine, often during an allergic reaction).

The allergic reactions caused due to tartrazine. Tartrazine is a synthetic, water-soluble azo dye commonly used in processed foods, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics and known to trigger symptoms in sensitive individuals.

3. Gut Disturbance. Artificial colours may:

               (a)    Irritate gut lining.

(b)    Alter gut microbiota.

(c)    Increase inflammation in few cases.

(B). Prefer Natural or Home-Made Foods like:

               (a)    Fresh fruits

(b)    Vegetables

(c)    Home-made sweets

(d)    Natural beverages

(C). Reduce ultra processed foods like:

(i) Candies.

(ii) Coloured drinks.

(iii) Packaged snacks.

(iv) Fast food meals.

(v)  Ice cream and sweets.

(vi)  Instant soups and noodles

Consuming these foods means higher risk.

(D). Support Natural Detox Systems. Your body removes toxins through liver, kidneys, and gut and support them by drinking adequate water, eating plant-based foods which are rich in fibre and vitamins and antioxidants like:

            (a) fruits.

            (b) Vegetables.

            (c) antioxidants like turmeric, amla, ginger, leafy greens.

(E). Watch Children’s Diet. Children are more sensitive hence avoid brightly coloured like:

       (a)    Ice lollies

   (b)    Coloured candies

   (c)    Artificial drinks

(F). Choose natural colour alternatives at home. You can use:

               (a)    Beetroot juice for red

(b)    Turmeric for yellow

(c)    Spinach puree for green

(d)    Cocoa for brown

(e)    Saffron for orange

(G) Practical Rule. The brighter the packaged food, the more cautious you should be and if colour looks “too perfect,” it is artificial. If ingredient list is long and colourful avoid.

Who Should Be Extra Careful?

       (a)    Children.

       (b)    People with asthma.

       (c)    Individuals with food allergies.

           (d)    Those with gut sensitivity.

 Remedial Measures. These steps are important:

 1. Prefer short ingredient lists.

 2. Avoid brightly coloured packaged sweets.

 3. Limit soft drinks and flavoured beverages.

 4. Choose naturally coloured foods.

 5. Rotate diet (do not eat same coloured processed snack daily).

 Golden Rule for Health. If colour added only for beauty and not nutrition, it is optional not essential. 

Quote: “Simple food, eaten mindfully, becomes powerful medicine.”

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