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BHT (Butylated hydroxytoluene)
BHT (Butylated hydroxytoluene)
BHT (Butylated hydroxytoluene)
What is it:
Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a food additive commonly used as an antioxidant to prevent the spoilage of fats and oils and extend the shelf life of various processed foods. BHT is produced through a chemical synthesis is produced through a chemical synthesis process in which toluene, a hydrocarbon compound, is reacted with isobutylene to form 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol. The compound undergoes alkylation with butene to produce Butylated hydroxytoluene. BHT is typically a white to yellowish crystalline powder and is added to food products in specific concentrations to prevent oxidation and maintain their quality. It is commonly found in packaged goods like Frosted Flakes, Stove Top Stuffing, Honey Bunches of Oats, Wheat Thins, Farmer John Breakfast Sausage Links, and Rice Krispies.
Rating:
While BHT is considered “safe” according to the FDA, the EU has banned the use of it due to concerns that it could be carcinogenic. While antioxidants are often considered to be anti-carcinogenic, research is mixed on the effect that BHT has as an antioxidant but also as a potential carcinogen according to animal studies. While more research is needed, caution should be used when consuming BHT.
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How we rate ingredients
Health is like a bank account, certain ingredients make a deposit into your health bank, meaning they add to
your health. Certain ingredients withdraw from your health bank. We want health promoting ingredients in our diet. To keep things simple, we rate ingredients on a green, yellow, red scale:
Clean
It is naturally occurring in food and has no harmful effects on the body. It is real food. It is health promoting.
Caution
It goes into one or more of the below categories
- It is not naturally occurring in food but doesn’t have data showing it has a harmful effect on the body (additives like Gellan Gum)
- It is naturally occurring but can have some harmful effects on the body (added sugars, oils, gums etc.)
We Avoid
It is known to have a harmful effect on the body (ex. All food colorings, Natural Flavors, MSG, Potassium bromate, aspartame, artificial flavors)
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