Gluten the Enemy

Food Additives in Gluten-Free Foods

Preservatives

Ms H

Butylated hydroxytoluene BHT is derived from phenol and Butylated hydroxyanisole BHA  is a phenol ether  both are food additives. They have  antioxidant properties.

Butylhydroxyanisole is one of the food additives authorised in the EU  and may be used up to a maximum allowable level in different food categories. These preservatives are used at high levels as well as at lower levels in foods  for example, nuts and similar snack foods, sweets, cake mixes, dried soups or milk powders, chewing gum, dehydrated potatoes and dried breakfast cereals. However, it is also used in medicines and cosmetics. Unfortunately, their health effects are still unclear. BHA and BHT  may have anti-cancer properties, possibly through the deactivation of free radicals or by inspiring production of enzymes that detoxify carcinogens.

Due to their unknown influences on your health limit how much you consume, especially from snacks and sweets, which are not healthful foods anyway. Eat more nutritious fresh and minimally processed foods. Read the ingredients, specially the preservatives carefully on the packaged foods.