The industrial colors used in breakfast cereals, drinks and snacks look attractive and appetizing, but behind the colorful appearance lie potential health risks. According to experts, artificial food colors such as red, yellow, blue and green are made from chemical substances, do not add nutritional value to food – but make it more attractive, especially for children.
Various studies indicate that industrial colors may cause hyperactivity and behaviors similar to ADHD in children. Among adults, they have been linked to symptoms such as allergies, headaches and disorders in the hormonal or immune system. In addition, some colors have shown carcinogenic effects in animal experiments, a finding that increases the fear of their long-term effect on human health.
There are natural – and healthier – alternatives
Health experts emphasize that there are natural alternatives to artificial food colors, including red beet extract, turmeric and paprika, which give food a natural color – without the health risks associated with the use of chemical substances.