Many of the foods we enjoy every day—like cakes, ice cream, and ready meals—contain additives that make them taste better, look more appealing, and last longer on store shelves.
These additives, often called “E numbers,” include emulsifiers, which help improve a food’s texture and keep ingredients stable. However, a recent study suggests that some of these additives could be linked to heart disease, raising concerns about their safety.
In this study, researchers in France followed 95,442 adults, most of whom were women, over an average of seven years. At the start of the study, none of the participants had heart disease.
The researchers tracked their diets in detail, noting the additives present in their meals. They also recorded any heart-related health problems, such as heart attacks or strokes, that occurred during the study period.
The results showed that certain emulsifiers, including some types of celluloses and fatty acids, were linked to a higher risk of heart disease. Another additive, trisodium phosphate, was specifically associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease.
While these findings are concerning, it’s important to understand the study’s limitations. Most participants were women and generally more educated, which might not represent the broader population.
Additionally, the study only shows a link between these additives and heart disease; it doesn’t prove that the additives directly cause heart problems.
If further research confirms these findings, it could lead to significant changes in the food industry. Emulsifiers are currently considered safe based on existing scientific evidence.
However, some earlier studies have hinted that these additives might disrupt gut bacteria or cause inflammation, both of which are known risk factors for heart disease.
Does this mean you should stop eating processed foods altogether? Not necessarily. The researchers emphasize that more studies are needed to confirm these results. However, it might be wise to pay closer attention to what’s in the foods you eat.
Health experts already recommend reducing consumption of ultra-processed foods, which often contain these types of additives. Making small changes, like preparing meals at home or choosing less processed options, could be a step toward better heart health.
It’s also helpful to stay informed about other aspects of heart health.
For example, studies suggest that eating eggs in moderation may help reduce the risk of heart disease, while certain herbal supplements could interfere with heart rhythm. Understanding these risks can empower you to make better choices for your well-being.
In summary, while the study doesn’t provide definitive answers, it raises important questions about the safety of some common food additives. Keeping an eye on new research and being mindful of what you eat are practical ways to protect your heart.
The findings of this study were published in The BMJ.
If you care about heart health, please read studies about how eating eggs can help reduce heart disease risk, and Vitamin K2 could help reduce heart disease risk.
For more information about heart health, please see recent studies about how to remove plaques that cause heart attacks, and results showing a new way to prevent heart attacks, strokes.
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