Unveiling the Truth Behind Colored Steamed Buns
In recent years, many supermarkets have sold colored steamed buns marked with additives like Vitamin C or sugar. However, investigations reveal that these vibrant buns contain not real sugar but sweeteners, and don’t actually contain added Vitamin C; instead, they are mixed with additives like potassium sorbate and Tartrazine.
Understanding Three Common Additives
1. Potassium Sorbate: A Slightly Toxic Preservative
Potassium sorbate appears as colorless to white crystalline flakes or powder with a slight odor. It is unstable in the air and can be oxidized to generate color. Although it shows minimal toxicity to humans, it is a type of unsaturated fatty acid (salt) that our metabolic system can absorb and quickly break down into carbon dioxide and water, leaving no residue in the body.
Unfortunately, due to a lack of food safety awareness in many regions, some manufacturers substitute the relatively safe potassium sorbate with the more toxic sodium benzoate. While sodium benzoate may not cause immediate death or serious illnesses, it can increase the risk of developing various types of cancers and other health issues over time.
2. Sucralose: Potential Harm to Children's Intelligence
Sucralose, a common food additive chemically known as chlorinated sucrose, has its limits regarding daily intake. The maximum allowable intake is set at 11 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. Consuming food products with excessive amounts of this artificial sweetener can pose risks to health, particularly affecting the liver and nervous system.
This is especially dangerous for vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, and pregnant women. Potential side effects of excessive sucralose consumption include cancer, developmental issues, and kidney damage.
3. Tartrazine: A Hazard to Internal Organs and Cognitive Ability
Tartrazine, also known as E102, can cause general toxicity and diarrhea. Consuming foods with high levels of this additive — either in the long term or in a single large dose — can lead to allergic reactions, diarrhea, and other health concerns.
Over time, it has been associated with conditions like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children and may even lower IQ levels by around five points. Other known reactions include anxiety, migraines, asthma, and various allergic responses.
How to Identify Quality Steamed Buns
1. Distinguishing Real Corn Buns from Colored Versions
Identifying dyed "corn buns" can be done easily through a simple test: Look, smell, and soak. Break apart the bun and soak it in water, observing the color of the water. If the water turns the same color as the bun, it indicates the presence of artificial coloring. The brighter the water, the higher the concentration of the dye present.
2. Recognizing Buns with Added Leavening Agents
Steamed buns containing added leavening agents can be distinguished by their appearance and texture. If the bun is excessively large, particularly white, soft, and fluffy — resembling bread — it likely contains leavening agents and should be avoided.
A common leavening agent, sodium aluminum phosphate, is typically used in batters, coatings, and baked goods to enhance texture. While it's safe in regulated amounts, excessive consumption can lead to aluminum accumulation, posing risks to the central nervous system and potentially increasing cardiovascular disease prevalence.
Conclusion
Awareness about food additives in steamed buns is crucial for maintaining health and wellbeing. By understanding these additives and knowing how to identify quality products, consumers can make informed choices to safeguard their health and that of their families.