Not all antioxidants are good!

Companies resort to the use of synthetic antioxidants to combat product deterioration and extend their shelf life. First, to look for the meaning of “antioxidants”, we find that there are natural sources found in foods and artificial sources.

What is the meaning of the oxidation we are resisting?

Oxidation begins with the presence of catalysts (light - heat - metals such as copper and iron) in the presence of oxygen, then the oxidative activity phase begins until the final stage is reached in which the product deteriorates.

There are products that contain natural antioxidants Such as (Polyphenols - Tocopherols - Flavonoids) found in vegetables, fruits and olive oil. They resist and delay oxidation, but do not prevent it completely because there is self-oxidation.

In contrast, an addition is resorted to Exogenous antioxidants such as:

• Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA)
• Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)
• Tertiary Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ)

Scientific studies and experiments have shown that the use of artificial antioxidants to prevent rancification of vegetable oils and extend their shelf life, and in the manufacture of biscuits and pastries in high rates, is one of the main causes of many cancers. One of the most important antioxidants is (TBHQ).

The role of antioxidants in oils

The results of these studies lead us to clarify the meaning of antioxidants. They are the ingredients that protect oil from oxidation and rancidity, thus keeping it suitable for human use for longer periods.

• Olive oil (cold pressed): It contains natural antioxidants (polyphenols).
• Refined vegetable oils: (such as corn oil, sunflower oil, palm oil, etc.). After processing, refining and refining processes, all natural antioxidants are broken down in it, and the oil is subject to degradation quickly and has a short shelf life.

Therefore, external artificial antioxidants are added, the most important of which are TBHQ With citric acid, it has the code number E319So what is this article?

What is TBHQ and what is its source?

“Tributyl hydroquinone” (TBHQ) is a synthetic antioxidant and preservative to prevent food oxidation, slow bacterial growth, and extend the shelf life of processed foods. It is the opposite of natural antioxidants that are beneficial to the body that protect cells, and therefore raise a lot of controversy.

source:TBHQ is a by-product of the petroleum industry, produced during the crude oil distillation process. When used as a food additive, it does not affect the color, taste or smell of the products to which it is added.

Uses:TBHQ's addition ratios vary depending on the product itself and are used to:

• Snacks (such as french fries).
• candy and baked goods.
• Some cosmetics and personal care products.
• Frozen fish (a maximum of 1 g/kg due to its rapid deterioration, which is a high percentage that exceeds the rates approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration).

The risks of artificial antioxidants

There is evidence that consuming high levels of TBHQ can increase the risk of asthma, respiratory problems, and several other health problems.

1. Weakened immunity: Some studies have found that TBHQ weakens the immune system.
2. TOXICITY: Long-term exposure to TBHQ at higher doses (0.7 mg/kg) has been shown to result in a significant risk to public health and bring a series of side effects, including cytotoxic, genotoxic, carcinogenic, and mutagenic effects.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has set TBHQ to not exceed 0.02% From the oil or fat content of the food.

Other synthetic alternatives (BHA & BHT)

Some vegetable oil manufacturing companies use added antioxidant compounds that are abbreviated as: BHA & BHT (butylide hydroxyanisole and butylide hydroxytoluene). They have the same harmful effect if the added percentage is increased. Fast food restaurants use such compounds in frying oils that are used frequently to prevent rapid rancidity and prolong their use.

Summary

We should pay attention to the products we buy by looking for artificial antioxidants that are added to them, whether with the code E319 or by one of the symbols (TBHQ - BHA - BHT), making sure of the added proportions of the product.

Here is the use of olive oil It contains natural antioxidants (polyphenols) and their beneficial role in health. Science and scientific research prove their importance in strengthening the immune system and resisting diseases.

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