Caramel Coloring Linked to Cancer Something in your food may pose a health risk and it's not sugar. According to WHO's (World Health Organization) International Agency for Research on Cancer, a coloring additive, caramel, has been the center of attention for two years. 4-methylimidazole is formed when caramel coloring is made. 4methylimidazole is a known carcinogen in animal studies and possibly carcinogenic to humans. Earlier this year Consumer Reports found that 2 out of 12 sodas exceeded the levels permitted of 29 mcg (micrograms) of 4-methylimidazole per day. They also found that the 4-methylimidazole level various sodas varied around the world. For instance, a sample of one soda purchased in New York had significantly more 4-methylimidazole than another one purchased in California in the same month. So why is commercial caramel Different from homemade caramel? At home, caramel is formed when sugar is heated until it melts and darkens. Commercial caramel is produced with ammonia or ammonia and sulphites causing 4-methylimidazole to form. Sodas are not the only foods containing caramel coloring. Some iced teas, root beers, gravies, beers, chocolate candies and bread also contains caramel coloring. So what can we do about this! Stop drinking sodas and iced teas which also contain copious amounts of sugar. The consumption of such beverages has been linked to diseases such as cancer, hypertension, diabetes and obesity. Read labels, bread does not need to have coloring in it. If whole wheat bread is truly whole wheat than it will naturally be off white. Do homemade breads contain caramel? I know mine do not. What it truly comes down to is your eating habits. If you are consuming whole foods, with natural ingredients than you have nothing to worry about? However, if you are consuming sodas, iced teas and processed foods you are most likely consuming more than just food. You are consuming sugar, glucosefructose, high amounts of sodium and bad fats along with all the chemicals and other undesirable additives associated with processed foods. Be careful with breads. Some of the biggest name brands of whole wheat breads on grocery store shelves today contain caramel coloring and high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) also called glucosefructose in Canada. Now lets sit down to a typical breakfast and have two slices of white 4-methylimidazole and glucose fructose with some saturated fat spread on top, two fried cholesterols and four strips of saturated fat and wash that all down with a glass of processed orange liquid sugar. What a way to start the day, time for a nap. 1
Ian Harris is a Registered Nutritional Therapist, Natural Nutrition - Clinical Practitioner, Certified Wellness Coach, Certified Food Psychology Coach (Hon), Certified Personal Fitness Chef, Personal Professional Chef and has a Diploma in Nutritional Counselling (Hon). As well, Ian holds many other certification and specialties within weight management, wellness & nutrition and specializes in both Lifestyle & Weight Management and Nutritional & Lifestyle Oncology. Ian recently put his life’s work into practice by losing 55lbs pounds. Ian writes a bi-weekly health column in the Arnprior Chronicle Guide and has written for the Canadian Association of Natural Nutritional Practitioners. Ian Harris has also been heard on local radio and has been featured on local television. A Healthy Tomorrow Starts Today! What Are You Weighting for? – Ian Harris
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