Fast and packaged foods have become an important part of Malayali eating habit. However, these 'tasty' foods which contain many harmful chemicals may even cause illness which could occasionally prove fatal. An amino acid called the excitotoxin contained in packaged food makes us feel that our stomachs are not filled even immediately after eating. It in fact influences the umami, which is the fifth taste, which corresponds to the flavour of glutamates.
Studies reveal that harmful chemicals like these are added in most packaged food available in the supermarkets to increase their shelf life and also to lower the production cost significantly.
The chemicals added in packaged food, sauces, pickles, and carbonated drinks adversely affect the immunity of the human body. It prevents formation of new cells and body loses its power to prevent attack of harmful bacteria which causes infections. These chemicals lower the rate of neurotransmitters like dopamine and adrenaline. As a result, the appetite increases and the rate of fat burning becomes much lower.
The harmful chemicals contained in fast food attack the ATPase which assists the muscles to turn food into energy. So even after having a meal, you feel tired and exhausted.
Artificial sweeteners like aspartame which are extensively used in carbonated drinks increase the insulin production in the human body, turning energy into glycogen or fat deposits. This chemical not only affects the functioning of liver but also causes obesity and other heart ailments.
Tomato ketchup, jam, jelly, fruit juices, and soft drinks contain harmful artificial colours. Metaline yellow which severely affects the liver is widely added in sweet items like laddu and jelebi. As per the researches, this extremely dangerous chemical could even affect the reproductive process in human beings.
Medical experts say that artificial food colourants can cause allergies, hyperactivity, learning disorders, and irritability in kids.
