Potassium Benzoate is a commonly used food additive. It is popular because of its ability to stop the growth of mold in food. But is potassium benzoate bad for you?
Contents
Is Potassium Benzoate Bad for You?
Yes, potassium benzoate is bad for you. It is a chemical and food additive that can lead to numerous negative health effects.
Examples of possible effects include insomnia, dizziness, hyperactivity, and even DNA damage. This DNA damage can lead to the development of cancer or the progression of Parkinson’s disease and other degenerative neurological diseases.
When potassium benzoate is contained in a product that also has artificial colors, the risk that it will lead to hyperactivity (especially in individuals who have ADHD) increases.
It is even worse to consume potassium benzoate in a food that has vitamin C. This is because when potassium benzoate combines with vitamin C, it can form a carcinogen called benzene.
Long-term consumption of benzene can not only cause cancer but also put you at risk of depleted red blood cells in the bone marrow, and this can cause anemia. It can also create white blood cell loss and reduce antibodies. These factors mean that your immune system will be weakened.
Potential Side Effects of Potassium Benzoate Consumption
The possible short-term side effects of potassium benzoate consumption include:
- Hyperactivity
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
The possible effects of long-term and/or excessive consumption of potassium benzoate include:
- Decreased immunity
- Anemia
- Neurodegenerative diseases
- Cancer
Foods in Which Potassium Benzoate is Commonly Found
- Salad dressing
- Jam/jelly
- Pickles
- Fruit juice
- Soda
Decreased Immunity
As we mentioned, long-term consumption of potassium benzoate can lead to a weakened immune system. If you think that this may have happened to you, cut potassium benzoate out of your diet and start to live more healthfully.
Improve your diet, adding in more fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. Especially focus on fruits and vegetables that have a bright color.
You should also cut down on sugar. Sugar weakens the immune system cells that fight bacteria. It’s also a great deal to add more garlic to your diet. Garlic is a wonderful booster for the immune system, and is just good for your health generally.
Anemia
Symptoms of anemia can include:
- Headache
- Cold feet and hands
- Chest pain
- Weakness
- Pale or yellowish skin
- Irregular heartbeats
- Shortness of breath
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Fatigue
Anemia is a condition in which your blood lacks the proper amount of red blood cells. There are three possible general causes for this:
- Bleeding leads to your losing red blood cells more quickly than they are replaced
- Your body fails to make the right number of red blood cells
- Your body attacks and destroys your red blood cells
Red blood cells are important because they transport oxygen all throughout your body. Hemoglobin is an essential component of red blood cells.
Hemoglobin is a protein rich in iron, and it is responsible for the red color of the blood. The hemoglobin in your red blood cells gives your red blood cells the ability to bring oxygen from your lungs to every part of your body.
They also allow the carrying of carbon dioxide from the body to the lungs so that it can be eliminated from the body through your exhale.
Anemia should not be ignored, as it can lead to more serious health problems. These can include:
- Heart problems: Rapid or irregular heartbeat can be caused by anemia. This is because having anemia causes your heart to pump a larger amount of blood in order to make up for the low level of oxygen in the blood. This rapid or irregular heartbeat can eventually lead to an enlarged heart or heart failure.
- Severe fatigue: Severe anemia can lead to such a feeling of fatigue that you feel too tired to carry out your everyday tasks.
Some people are at a higher risk of developing anemia than others, including:
- Age: Older people (over 65) tend to be at higher risk of developing anemia.
- Family history: If there is a history of anemia in your family, you may be more likely than you would be otherwise to develop anemia.
- Other chronic conditions: Conditions such as kidney failure or cancer can put you at greater risk of developing anemia.
- Pregnancy: Pregnancy can make you more likely to become anemic, especially if you aren’t taking a multivitamin that contains folic acid.
- Menstruation: As the bleeding caused by menstruation leads to the loss of red blood cells, women who still menstruate (have not yet gone through menopause) are at higher risk of developing iron deficiency anemia than others.
- Intestinal disorders: If you have an intestinal disorder that adversely affects your small intestine’s absorption of nutrients (such as celiac disease or Crohn’s disease), you will probably be at higher risk of becoming anemic.
- A deficient diet: If you have a diet that is deficient in certain vitamins (such as folate, vitamin B-12, and iron), you will be at higher risk of developing anemia.
Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease that adversely affects the way you move. This condition occurs when there are certain problems with specific nerve cells in the brain.
With Parkinson’s disease, the nerve cells that make dopamine break down. Dopamine is necessary to send signals to the area of the brain that regulates movement.
Parkinson’s disease becomes worse over the years one has it. Parkinson’s disease has four main symptoms:
- Problems with walking or balance
- Slow movement
- Stiff muscles
- Tremor (shaking or trembling). This may impact the legs, arms, or hands.
Many people experience tremor as their first symptom.
Choose Healthier Options
Avoid eating foods with preservatives as much as possible. This can be done by bringing more fresh foods (such as fruits and vegetables) into your diet.
References:
“What Is Potassium Benzoate?”, http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/potassium-benzoate-11968.html
“9 Ingredients Nutritionists Won’t Touch”, http://www.shape.com/healthy-eating/diet-tips/9-ingredients-nutritionists-wont-touch
“7 Surprising Signs Your Immunity Needs a Boost”, https://www.prevention.com/health/health-concerns/7-surprising-signs-your-immunity-needs-a-boost
“Tips to Help You Manage a Weakened Immune System”, https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/features/weakened-immune-system#1
“Anemia”, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anemia/symptoms-causes/dxc-20183157
“What is Parkinson’s Disease?” https://www.webmd.com/parkinsons-disease/tc/parkinsons-disease-topic-overview#1
Leave a Reply