Try checking out the labels of pre-packaged foods in the supermarket and you will surely catch a glimpse of an e-number or two in the ingredients.
But have you ever wondered what these e-numbers really are and why are they in the food and drinks we love today? E-numbers have a lot of functions that's why they seem to be indispensable in many modern products.
They add color, enhance taste, preserve, thicken products, prolong the shelf life, and many other things.
Some of them come from natural sources while some are from artificial origins.
It is the latter kind of e-numbers or food additives that have always stirred controversies among the consumers.
Many individuals are debating whether they are truly needed in our food especially when there have been numerous studies which showed a number of their appalling effects.
Some synthesized food additives are said to create allergies.
They cause physical symptoms and discomforts to affected people.
Harmful food additives may be classified into three groups: high risk, moderate risk, and low risk.
Since the high risk group is the most dangerous, let us specifically explore them and get to know about the potential harm they could bring to your family.

• E129 or Allura Red-- This is a red dye used commonly in wines, soups, sauces, and other snacks.
  People who have asthma or rhinitis must steer away from this additive because it can trigger or aggravate their condition.
  
• E951 or Aspartame-- Probably one of the most popular additive, this substance is used as a form of sweetener in a lot of low-sugar products.
  High amounts of this additive may cause headaches, seizures, and even blindness.
  
• E210 or Benzoic Acid-This is used as a preservative in cereals, low-sugar products, meats, and drinks.
  It can inhibit the digestive enzyme functions and lessen glycine levels in the body.
  It is particularly bad for people who have food allergies that manifest in the forms of hives, asthma, and hay fever.
  
• E320 or Butylates Hydroxyanisole (BHA)-Commonly used as another preservative but particularly in foods which contain fats.
  BHA is said to be possibly carcinogenic and if you wish to play safe, you must not consume any food which has it.
  
• E226 or Calcium Suphite-- This additive also functions as preservative in all sorts of foods like biscuits, burgers, mushrooms, and even horseradish pulp.
  It makes the product look fresh all the time but may cause low blood pressure, flushing, bronchial problems, and anaphylactic shock.
  
• E249 or Potassium Nitrate-- Used to prolong the shelf life of canned meats, this additive has the ability of lowering the blood's capacity of carrying oxygen around the body.
  It also has the tendency to combine with other substances and form carcinogens known as nitrosamines.
  

Enumbers in food have become some sort of a necessity these days, but remember that they are not necessarily so.
If you can not totally steer clear from them, make sure that you have the proper knowledge and never touch any of the most dangerous ones.