Tag: Food

fries with paper wrap

How Product Packaging Affects Our HealthHow Product Packaging Affects Our Health

For decades, manufacturers are on a constant lookout for the most practical packages that can help them lower the cost of production. The constant quests are not without results. The use of plastic, styrofoam, and aluminum foil has been some common options among manufacturers. Not only do they prove to be cheaper options, but these materials are quite easy to find. However, the rising numbers of go-green movements that call for the ban of such materials have truly changed people’s perception of such packaging options. However, it is not the only issue with those mainstream choices. Health is also one thing that is profoundly affected by product packaging.

Let us take a look at one example of how those concentrate manufacturers pack their items. They argue that it is critical making sure to find the right packaging for concentrate as the substance can be quite volatile. However, many factories do not consider health aspects as one consideration before deciding which materials they will use. To prevent worse issues from happening, it is vital to understand how such products and their packaging can affect our health.

Plastic Packaging

candies wrapped with plasticIt is common to spot products with plastic wraps these days. From food to household items, plastic seems to be the most common option for packaging. It is so for several reasons. First, plastic is extremely affordable, making it an easy option for manufacturers with a limited budget. Second, plastic pellets are known to be quite practical and adaptable as people can transform them into any product. These two reasons are why plastic is common these days. However, what about its effects on health?

Scientific research mentions the importance of switching to other materials as plastic is a carcinogenic compound that can be your worst nightmare. Similar reports also suggest not wrapping hot food with plastic wrappers as it can cause certain types of cancers. How to solve the problem? Scientists recommend using BPA-free plastic containers for daily use instead of common plastic wrappers for single use.

Aluminum Packaging

Despite its status as an alternative to plastic, studies suggest that the option can also bring dangers to your health. The same studies also highlight that the constant use of aluminum can bring negative impacts on nervous systems, bone, and hematopoietic systems. Fortunately, people can still use their favorite aluminum wrappers for microwaves and food containers as long as they do not do it daily. For a safer and better alternative, regular glass utensils can be a choice.…

additives

The Advantages of Food AdditivesThe Advantages of Food Additives

On top of making food delicious, food additives serve both medicinal and nutritional purposes in the body. Some food additives also add a natural aroma to food that makes everyone’s mouth water. Broadly, the use of food additives is tied to religious and societal beliefs. However, some food additives like salt are used in all cuisines. In this article, I will highlight a few advantages of food additives.

They add taste to food

Food additives add better taste. Indeed, some foods would be tasteless without food additives. Some food additives are so common that they have become part and parcel of various foods. For example, unless you are unwell, you expect to add salt to food. You also expect to add sugar to tea unless you want to reduce the sugar levels in your body. Some food additives made from red seaweeds change the taste of foods completelyand for the better.

Most food additives help in weight loss

No one wants to gain weight these days. It is very expensive to gain weight in the 21st Century. Most food additives have thus been found to help in burning fats and reducing sugar levels in the body. In most cases, weight gain is a function of your lifestyle. If you make some food additives part and parcel of your daily meals, you are less likely to be obese.food additives in bottles

Most food additives are safe

Safety always comes first when shopping for dietary supplements and food additives. Unlike many dietary supplements that have side effects, most food additives have no side effects. This is because they rarely have different ingredients. Most food additives are in their natural form. Perhaps that is why the World Health Organization and other recognized bodies in the world are quick to approve the use of most additives.

They serve several purposes in the body

Most food additives serve more than one purpose in the body. The carrageenan food additive, for instance, serves several functions in the body. That is why on top of being a food additive, you will find it in pharmaceutical and personal care products. It is both a natural thickener and natural fat burner. It stabilizes chocolate milk, hot dogs, cheese and low-fat yogurt, among other foods. Its versatility serves humans beings right. Additionally, it is safe for human consumption. No wonder its demand has escalated in the recent periods.

 

Most additives go well with many diets

food additives in tableMany food additives can be used in a wide variety of diets. For instance, red pepper can be used in almost any diet. Carrageenan, on the other hand, can be used in the vegan, halal and kosher diets. In general, while some food additives are specific to certain diets, most food additives can be used in a wide variety of foods.

In conclusion, although food additives are important, they should be used in moderation. Too much of a certain food additive may be dangerous to your health. For instance, high salt content in food has been reported to be a risk factor for hypertension. Therefore, even as you use these food additives, make sure you use just enough of each.

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measuring belly

Build Your Muscles from the InsideBuild Your Muscles from the Inside

Intense workout and a healthy diet are two keys in body sculpting. The workout triggers muscles growth and the diet supplies the nutrition.

But in this writing, we are going to focus on building the muscles from the inside. Under the assumption that you know the right exercise regimens for bodybuilding, we are doing an in-depth discussion on the nutrition below.

Carbohydrates that matter

Sugary breadContrary to common belief, extreme carbo-cut will not make your body metabolism burn fat efficiently. Carbo is the easiest energy supply for your body to use, and the muscles can use it longer than fats. Fats, on the other hand, need you to surpass the fat-burning heart rate before your body start using up the fats for energy. And, your body can only consume fats for a shorter time than if it absorbs carbohydrate.

Firstly, you need to know your fat-burning heart rate. To count it, you subtract your age with 220. And multiply the result by 70%. So, for example, a 26 years old person needs to exercise until his/her rate reaches 135 beats per minute and more.

foods rich in proteinThere two types of carbohydrate: complex and simple. Complex carbohydrates turn into glucose gradually, and they often come from fibrous food sources, such as whole grains, red rice, and most veggies. Simple carbs, on the other hand, turn into glucose almost immediately, and that causes what is known as Sugar Rush.

The common mistake among people is that they think drinking juice after exercise as a good habit. But it turns out that juice packs of any kinds of fruit are very high in sugar. It is better to take fruits than drinking juice to avoid too much sugar intake.

Protein intake

Beef on a plateJust as what you might have often heard, protein builds muscles. But the truth is, taking the pure form of amino acids and relying solely on the supplements will do more harm than goods to your body.

Shakes and pills bring protein to your body along with other substances that act as the catalyst and the stabilizer. They make your liver and kidneys work harder than if you eat natural protein sources, like steak or lean chicken breast. You should learn more here regarding the subject. You must know which protein supplements are best for your need.

If you regularly take the natural sources, then you do not need powder with that much of protein content. If you barely eat meat, then the artificial sources, like whey shakes or meat powder, can be your best option.

The good fats

fishSome fatty fats are healthy for you and must be included in your diet. Monosaturated fats are the one that you must be looking for. And they are profoundly found in avocados, walnuts, almonds, pistachios, salmon, tuna, and lean meats.

But you must be careful when consuming fish as the pollution in the sea has become more severe. Microbeads, mercury, and heavy metals are reported found in kinds of seafood, ranging from clamps, cuttlefish, shrimp, tuna to salmon.

Although the news sounds worrying, our body is not that vulnerable to toxic chemicals. What we must do is to diversify our food sources, and in this case, our good fats sources.…