Food Additives: The Reason Behind American Obesity

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America, as we know it, is notorious for having the reputation as the fattest country in the world. In fact, diabetes and heart disease (which are both closely linked to the overweight and obesity problems of America) are the second causes of death in the country. According to statistics taken by the CDC in 2010, nearly 33 percent of all adult Americans are suffering with obesity. That is one out of every three adults… Partially responsible for this is food additives which have been used for thousands of years, even in prehistoric times. Our ancestors discovered that large amounts of sugar helped preserve fruit and the use of salt preserved meat and fish. The ancient Egyptians used sulfites to stop bacterial growth and fermentation in wine. Today, salt, sugar, and high fructose corn syrup are by far the most widely used additives. The role of food additives has become more prominent in recent years, due in part to the increased production of prepared, processed, and convenience foods. As a result, scientists and others have questioned the necessity and safety of these substances. Our nation’s health is at its lowest and because of food additives such as artificial sweeteners, high fructose corn syrup and hundreds of many others as well as the misapplication of proper food labeling; numerous health issues continue to attack the unknown consumer regularly.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a food additive is a substance or its byproducts that are used to affect the characteristics of a food. They are usually chemicals not including spices, seasonings, and flavorings. The additive may become part of the food product directly or indirectly during preparation, storage, or packing. Direct additives are added t...

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...nd sit in front of the television or computer for hours at a time. Since we have laws against parents leaving weapons where children can find it and use it to hurt themselves or others. It is time to get parents to take the same responsibility to protect their children from unhealthy foods and lack of exercise. Although it is much too easy to blame the fast food corporations that provide these tasty but unhealthy meals or other related businesses in the food industry, parents, adults and adolescents alike should take responsibility for their decisions. So read food labels! Have a healthy, nutritious diet and exercise some. All these good decisions will go a long way; your health and that of the ones you loves will go a long way. One would be capable of conquering anything once one conquers the health issues food additives bring and the troublesomeness of fast food.

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