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Ever wonder what is in your favorite snacks and drinks? A lot of them contain special ingredients known as natural additives. These are things that make to taste better, or makes it last longer. In today’s text, we will take a closer look at some common additives and what they do in the foods that we eat day in and day out.
Preservatives are anything that keeps food fresh for longer. They're in foods such as bread, canned fruits and lunch meats. Preservatives prevent mold and bacteria from growing on the food. They help protect food from spoilage, but some people may have reactions to certain preservatives. It is worth checking food labels for preservatives you may not want.
To make food look better and taste better, artificial colors and flavors are used. You come across them all the time in candies, snacks and drinks. And, while safe in small quantities, the additives are something some people prefer to stay away from, for health concerns. A healthier alternative if you want to eat less additives would be to choose foods with natural flavors and colors.

Emulsifiers are natural food additives that allow things that don’t usually mix well — oil and water, for example — to form a homogenous concoction instead of separating into layers. Emulsifiers are present in mayonnaise, ice cream, salad dressings and other processed foods. They’re what make these foods creamy. Emulsifiers are also used to help food stay fresh longer. While emulsifiers are considered safe, some research suggests they could have an impact on health. Foods with emulsifiers are fine to eat in moderation.

High-fructose corn syrup is a sweetener found in beverages like sodas and juices. It gives these drinks their sweetness, but an excessive amount of high-fructose corn syrup can be unhealthy, causing weight gain and diabetes. Health experts recommend consuming less high-fructose corn syrup, and drinking drinks with natural sugars instead, such as fruit juices or cane sugar. It’s helpful to remember the downsides of high-fructose corn syrup when you are making a choice about what to eat or drink.

Culturally, we’ve been conditioned to believe that everything we add to food is bad for us. But while a few common additives do pose problems for us, most are perfectly safe to eat in small quantities. So, by reading the food labels and knowing what additives are for, you can make better choice for your health. Keep in mind, not all additives are equal, so give some thought to what you need when choosing your snacks.