Color-mixed food, particularly food that is colored with artificial food dyes, may have negative health consequences. While the evidence is mixed, some studies have linked artificial food dyes to cancer, hyperactivity in children, and allergic reactions. Additionally, color-mixed food is often processed food, which is generally high in unhealthy fats, sugar, and salt, and low in nutrients.
How to Avoid Color-Mixed Food
- Read food labels carefully. Look for artificial food dyes, which are listed as ingredients. The most common artificial food dyes are Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, and Green 3.
- Choose whole, unprocessed foods over processed foods. Whole foods are less likely to contain artificial food dyes.
- Cook more meals at home. This way, you can control the ingredients in your food.
- If you are looking for a natural alternative to artificial food dyes, you can use natural food colorings such as beet powder, turmeric powder, and matcha powder.
It is best to limit your intake of color-mixed food, especially food that is colored with artificial food dyes. By choosing whole, unprocessed foods and cooking more meals at home, you can reduce your exposure to artificial food dyes and eat a healthier diet.
Additional Tips
- Be wary of foods that have bright, unnatural colors. Natural foods typically have more muted colors.
- Avoid foods that contain ingredients that you cannot recognize or pronounce. Artificial food dyes are often listed under cryptic names, such as FD&C Red No. 40.
- Choose foods that are colored with natural ingredients, such as fruits, vegetables, and spices. For example, you can use beet powder to color smoothies pink or red, and turmeric powder to color rice yellow.
- If you are unsure whether or not a food contains artificial food dyes, ask the manufacturer or a registered dietitian.
By following these tips, you can reduce your intake of color-mixed food and improve your overall health.
