Sodium Benzoate:
Finding Healthy Snacks
Free Of This Additive
As an artificial preservative, sodium benzoate is commonly used to extend the shelf life of many products. Reported problems finding healthy snacks though do occur when it is mixed with ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). Hyperactivity and behavioral problems have been shown to increase after consumption. Further research and study is needed to determine what other factor(s) may be contributing to the increased behavioral problems. All that is generally recommended now, if your child does show sensitivity to artificial dyes and preservatives - complete avoidance of this additive is needed. Alternative Names Also In The Benzoate FamilyA complete list of all of the members of the benzoate family also include each of the following. Anytime you see any of these on a label, they should be avoided.- Benzoate
- Bensoate of Soda
- Benzoic Acid
- Ortho Hydroxy Benzoic Acid (commonly known as salicylic acid or aspirin)
In the manufacturing process, bottled lemon juice, soft drinks, soy sauce, pickles and most fruit-flavored bottled waters have sodium benzoate as an additive. Naturally Occurring Benzoate In ProductsFor the extremely sensitive individual commonly troubled by benzoates, each of the following may also have to be avoided. Each of these items, common fruit and vegetable selections, do have a higher concentration of naturally-occurring benzoate, known as benzoic acid. Eliminate each of these from your diet for about 4-6 weeks and then add one at a time back into your diet and observe for any reaction. With the lack of any reaction, you then know you are safe to consume that product.- Blueberries
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cinnamon
- Cranberries
- Ginger
- Green Grapes
- Green Peas
- Licorice Extract
- Ripe Olives
- Spinach
- Tea
But sodium benzoate, the most common irritant is not a product direct from nature. It is an invention of man, always synthesized in a lab. In this form, laboratory studies are showing a link between oxygen depletion in the body's cells thus resulting in a depressed immune system. Ultimately an immune system deficiency has resulted which is preventing your body from fighting off and defeating on-going infections. Summary of Current ResearchAlthough major studies are currently being undertaken on this subject, results are mixed and documentation from study to study contradicts each other. As of now no definitive results have been reached to explain why the combinations of certain dyes and benzoate seems to increase hyperactive responses in children. It is important though for parents to realize, according to Professor Jim Stephenson - the current author of the study report, that eliminating these additives from your child's diet is not going to prevent hyperactive disorders but it may reduce the symptoms caused by the combination of food dyes and sodium benzoate.
Return to "Dye Free Candy and Snacks" from "Sodium Benzoate".
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*Disclaimer*
This site is not intended to replace the advice and supervision of your professional medical treatment plan. Although all of the information is true and accurate to the best of our knowledge, we still recommend you carefully check all food labels before consuming any food product. We can not assume any legal responsibility for any illness obtained while following the advice contained on this site.
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