While natural food colors from foods like beets and strawberries are available, many manufacturers opt for synthetic dyes which are known to have dangerous health consequences, particularly for children, but also in adults.
Most common symptoms noticed from artificial additives in foods and drinks:
- Weight gain
- Insomnia
- Hormonal imbalance
- Bone loss (Osteopenia or Osteoporosis)
- Hyperactive behaviors
- Learning impairment
- Irritability
- Aggressiveness
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Allergies
- Cancer growth due to food dyes containing benzene, a known cancer-causing substance.
Artificial food dyes are found mostly in:
- Cereal
- Juice
- Candy
- Beverages
As a scientist, researcher and natural doctor, I spent years in the research department testing artificial food dyes, GMOs, hormones and other chemicals commonly used in agriculture. I conducted well-controlled, unbiased studies specifically on artificial food colorings FD&C blue1 & 2; green 3, red 40 and yellow 5&6. These studies were carried from vitro to animals and then clinical trials in humans. In all three groups, synthetic food colorings were consistent with DNA damage. Signs and symptoms of gut hyperpermeability, dysbiosis or leaky gut were most commonly noticed in animals and humans. Specifically, irritable bowel syndrome, sleep disturbances, and eczema were apparent in humans consuming beverages and foods with these ingredients on a regular basis.
The European Union has taken serious actions to end the use of most artificial food colorings. A fair question to ask is why can’t harmful synthetic food additives be minimized in the United States?
In the meantime, why not make your own natural food colorings from ingredients in your kitchen instead? It’s super fun and healthy. Blueberries, strawberries, and beets are my favorite nutrients to make yummy colorings. You can add them to unflavored drinks and foods for a better and healthier taste for your family.
Pink:
Strawberries
Raspberries
Red:
Beets
Tomato
Orange:
Carrots
Sweet potato
Yellow:
Saffron
Turmeric
Green:
Spinach
Matcha
Purple:
Blueberries
Purple sweet potato
Blue:
Red cabbage and baking soda
Brown:
Cocoa
Coffee
Black:
Activated charcoal
The only way to be your own health advocate is to become an expert in reading ingredients in foods and drinks.