Is Carmine Bad For You?
Also Known As: crimson lake, cochineal, natural red 4, C.I. 75470, E120
Short answer
Carmine does not pose any significant health risks unless you have a specific allergy to the substance.
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
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
Carmine is a bright red pigment that is used as a natural food coloring in many common food and drink products. These products include some types of yogurt, cake mix, vitamins, candy, ice cream, and meat, among others. It can also be used in non-consumable goods such as artificial flowers and paints.
Much controversy has exploded in recent years over the use of carmine as a food dye in many edible products due to the discovery that the coloring is comprised of extractions from female cochineal bugs.
Many people are grossed out by the thought of insect extract being present in their food and beverages. In fact, Starbucks no longer uses the additives solely based on that fact. However, if you can get past the icky place carmine comes from, there is no significant health reason to stop consuming products that include it. Compared to other common food dyes, carmine is actually surprisingly non-harmful and is refreshingly natural.
Although carmine is not known to cause any adverse effects to most individuals' health, it is a common allergen. For those who are allergic to the substance, it can be extremely dangerous. If you are prone to allergies or have experienced a negative reaction to carmine in the past, it is recommended that you cease consumption of the dye or get tested for an allergy to it.
Furthermore, for those who consider themselves vegan, keep kosher, or abstain from consuming animal products for any other reason, carmine is a substance to avoid, as cochineal bugs are dried and crushed in the process of extracting it.
Possible short-term side effects
Commonly found in
Benefits
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Written by Shaylie F
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Shaylie F
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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