Are Artificial Flavors Bad For You?
Short answer
Artificial flavors have several possible negative effects on health and should be avoided. They are addictive, chemically produced in a lab, and are lacking any sort of nutritional benefit.
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Artificial flavors are synthesized chemicals (made in a lab) that interact with each other to create a flavor usually based off one found in nature. Often, they use the same chemicals found in the natural source. However, unlike a real banana, synthesized banana flavor is nutritionally void. While proponents claim that artificial flavors may, in fact, be better for you and the environment than flavors from natural sources, perhaps the most telling fact is that artificially flavored food is cheaper to produce than food that is naturally flavored.
One way in which artificial flavors are harmful is that they have tricked us into wanting food lacking in nutrition. The scientists producing artificial flavors are keen on making them both mouth-watering and short lived. Because of this, we want more. Before the advent of artificial flavors, we craved the nutrients we needed - now we crave associated flavors! Artificial orange has no vitamin C - so any drink flavored with it will only have vitamin C if it is added. Often rather than go for the nutrient-filled food, we just want to eat artificially flavored processed junk, robbing ourselves of vital vitamins and minerals.
Other than that, artificial flavoring has been shown to have a wide variety of side effects ranging from headaches, fatigue, and nausea to chest pain, dizziness, an increased risk of cancer and even seizures. Also, like dyes such as Yellow 5 and Red 40, artificial flavors have been shown to have a worsening effect on people with asthma or predisposed to hyperactivity. What's more, is that the RNA and thyroid may be affected.
Possible short-term side effects
- headache
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nausea
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chest pain
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dizziness
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allergic reaction
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confusion
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hyperactivity (especially children)
Possible long-term side effects
- worsen allergies
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seizure
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cancer
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central nervous system damage
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respiratory / circulatory depression
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kidney damage
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brain damage
Commonly found in
Benefits
- cost effective
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enhances flavors
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Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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