Common Everyday Toxins To Avoid

Artifical Food Coloring & Dye

Artificial food colors and dyes are often used in candy and baked goods to give them their vibrant colors. While children and parents alike often find foods made with artificial food coloring and dye more appealing, the issue is that most have never been tested to determine the long-term effects. Of the dyes that have been tested, some come back with inconclusive results while others have been connected to hyperactivity and other behavioral problems in children.

The most common culprits are Yellow 5 and Red 40; however, other common dyes include Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Orange B, Red 3, and Yellow 6. Artificial colors are most common in candies and baked goods, but some companies also put them in beverages, pet food, and even some meat products. To avoid the effects of artificial food coloring and dye, look for foods without any additives and try your hand at naturally coloring foods at home with things like fruits and vegetables.