It can feel impossible to keep track of what we’re putting into our bodies while we eat. It’s customary to simply toss whatever you want into the shopping cart without looking at the ingredients.
Cherry Pop-Tarts? They have fruit in them, so they can’t be that unhealthy.
Ketchup? Perfect, tomatoes!
However, both are rich in Red 40 in order to maintain their iconic scarlet hues.
More food and drinks than you might think contain this artificial tint. From dill pickles to mac and cheese, it can be disguised in almost anything.
Red 40 is often combined with other dyes to intensify the colors of certain foods, so pickles appearing green doesn’t mean they don’t include dangerous dye.
Bright shades can attract customers, but they’re not worth the harmful effects they generate. Chemical pigments are linked to hyperactivity and loss of concentration in kids.
They can also cause allergic reactions, like hives and throat closure. Additionally, artificial coloring can have long-term effects, as Red 40 contains carcinogens, which increase risk for cancer.
So, is that box of Kraft macaroni really worth it? Many would say they don’t care and eat it anyway.
In fact, 80% of students surveyed know what Red 40 is, and 78% still consume items containing it.
Despite its multiple risks, the Food and Drug Administration has declared the synthetic dye safe for consumption. Legislation against the use of Red 40 in food would be helpful, but it cannot fix our damaging tendencies. It’s up to us to make conscious decisions to take care of the bodies we only have one of.
Uncaring dispositions about the health of our future selves is a clear issue for many young people. “My metabolism is fast, so why not eat whatever I want?” is a common misconception. This mindset is damaging, as it can slow down the metabolism sooner than it would decelerate naturally.
Currently, there is lack of vigilance with other things like insufficient sleep and doom scrolling as well. Swiping up and up and up in search of further entertainment is similar to eating junk food for instant satisfaction.
Consumption of Red 40 just adds to the extensive list of unhealthy behaviors that will catch up to us subsequently.
It’s vital to begin breaking these norms now. Starting small can combat the overwhelming feeling that comes with change.
One minor way to make progress in reaching a nutritional diet, for example, could be ensuring you have at least one fruit or vegetable in each meal. Even if there is Red 40 in the meal, at least there is balance, which is key to long-lasting habits.
