Project Report: Are Food Preservatives bad for our health?

        Class: 744                            Date: 1/6/17                               Mrs. Goldfisher                IS.125Q

Names:

        Tasnima, Neyha, Mohammed, Gabriel

Question:

       Are food preservatives bad for our health?

Claim:

       Some types of preservatives in our food are bad for our health.

Evidence:   

        Types of preservatives such as sulfite, sodium benzoate, nitrite and even yellow dye no.5 have been proven by researchers that they are linked to other symptoms. Sulfite has been linked to asthma-related symptoms for those with sensitivity problems, and also allergenic reactions in some cases. Sodium Benzoate can create benzene, a known carcinogen and also adverse effects. Nitrites are a very common preservative that have been linked to types of cancer that have been found in many types of cured meats. Yellow dye No.5 can lead to breathing problems, shortness of breath which later on falls under the category of breathing problems. Food preservatives, like salt and other sodiums, that are consumed regularly may boost blood pressure and cause kidney disease, heart attacks, and even strokes. These types of preservatives have changed eating habits, patterns in food productions and also behavioral changes which has been found in studies. Behavioral changes can mean poor school performance,criminal behavior,and even a growing number of Alzheimer patients according to Dr. Russel Baylock.

  Reasoning:

               This supports our claim because it shows the many different types of preservatives that are included in our food, that are bad for our health. Food preservatives are used to preserve our food, however not all of them may be healthy for us. As said in an article called “Food Additives” if all Americans cut their sodium consumption in half, that would save about 100,000 lives per year. Types of sodiums are common food preservatives, which means we consume way too much sodium per year causing deaths. The food preservatives don’t do it on purpose, however the danger is just as great as if they did do it deliberately. These food preservatives are needed to preserve food however some of the preservatives that end up in our food are sometimes harmful for our health.

Rebuttal:

          Some say that food preservatives are safe, although this is true for some food preservatives, however not all of them are safe. Food preservatives help prevent our food from spoilage, mold, and bacteria. The most common type of food preservative that is good for our health is ascorbic acid, which is a form of vitamin C, which overall is very good for our health. However now many of the preservatives that were  shown safe are now shown as not safe. For example, the preservative aspartame, was shown as a safe preservative however now there are many opponents that have claimed that it is actually bad for your health.

Sources:

Are Preservatives in Food Bad for My Health?;

-http://greatist.com/health/are-preservatives-food-bad-my-health

Dangers of Food Additives and Preservatives.;

-http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/9987/1/Dangers-of-Food-Additives-and-Preservatives.html

Food Preservatives and their harmful effects.;

-http://www.ijsrp.org/research-paper-0415/ijsrp-p4014.pdf

How Do Preservatives Prevent Mold?;

-http://www.livestrong.com/article/546469-how-do-preservatives-prevent-mold/