It comes as no surprise that our modern culinary experts and
people who are involved in the culinary process have come across many
artificial substances that may add the extra flare to the food being presented.
Artificial colors in particular are used to make dull food look more attractive,
but are we aware of the full-fledged consequences of using them?
In the past years, many people and scientists have taken initiative
towards studying the effects of Artificial food coloring (AFC) on children in
particular, as it is this particular age group who is very attracted to colorful
food products and items, and thus are more likely to consume them. Studies had
shown that the products that used 50 mg or more of AFCs’ showed greater
negative effects on the children than when a lower amount was used.
The AFCs’ were also found to have correlation to hyperactivity
and behavioral change in children.
Everyone wants the best for their children and themselves. So
why take the risk? For this specific reason, the food club has put together for
you a list of healthier coloring alternatives and the benefits that come along
with using them. This will allow your child(ren) and yourself to maintain a
healthy lifestyle whilst still having a little color in your food.
1.
Yellow: A rich source of yellow can be found
from turmeric, a prominent spice used in many Indian dishes. Turmeric is a rich
source of antioxidants which are extremely vital to protect our body from free
radicals. A free radical is an uncharged molecule that has an unpaired valence
electron. If your body contains too much of free radicles, this may alter the
proteins, lipids etc in your body which in turn can trigger various human
diseases. It is thus necessary to maintain balance between antioxidants and
free radicals in your body for efficient physiological functioning.
2.
Red/ Pink: The concentrated juice of beetroots
could be used to make pink or red colors. Research uncovered that people who
drank 250ml of beet juice everyday had lowered blood pressure.
3.
Green: Concentrated juice of spinach should do
just the trick. Spinach is a very concentrated source of nutrients and antioxidants.
Its high fiber content can prevent constipation and promote easier stool
movement.
4.
Brown: This color can easily be achieved by
directly combining cocoa powder with your recipe or dissolve the cocoa in some
water or appropriate liquid being used in the recipe, and then incorporate it
into the mixture. Many studies have uncovered that polyphenols’ (naturally occurring
organic compounds) which are found in cocoa, can improve the functioning of your
brain and increase blood flow to the brain.
These are just some of the many natural
alternatives that are available out there. So don’t take the convenient method.
Take the method that won’t jeopardize your future!
Source:
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0009922813502849
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cocoa-powder-nutrition-benefits#TOC_TITLE_HDR_5
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/spinach#vitamins-and-minerals
https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/beetroot-juice-benefits#Overview
https://www.healthline.com/health/yellow-5#research
https://www.nuffieldhealth.com/article/the-health-benefits-of-turmeric
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3249911/
Dictionary
images:
turmeric: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318405#benefits
beetroot: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/diet/heres-why-beetroot-juice-is-the-best-post-workout-recovery-drink/photostory/72384902.cms
spinach: http://marecipes.com/spinach-juice/
cocoa: https://www.britannica.com/topic/cocoa-food/Fermentation
cover image: https://premeditatedleftovers.com/naturally-frugal-living/make-tie-dye-easter-eggs/
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