Worried About the Perservative BHA or BHT in Your Foods?

It tricky keeping up with the dos and don'ts of preservatives and food additives (and food in general), but for those concerned, I do have some good news about the awkward looking BHA and BHT that is sometimes found on food nutrition labels: it's probably not that bad for you, and in theory, it's kind of good for you.

So What Exactly Is BHA & BHT?

At first glance of the nutrition label, you could quickly think that BHA or BHT looks like something to avoid, especially when it is commonly followed by "(as a preservative)". But it is basically sprayed, powdered antioxidants.

Technically, according to Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.,

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and the related compound butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) are phenolic compounds that are often added to foods to preserve fats.

Oxygen reacts preferentially with BHA or BHT rather than oxidizing fats or oils, thereby protecting them from spoilage. In addition to being oxidizable, BHA and BHT are fat-soluble.

Cancer & BHA & BHT

There is a lot of conversation about the possible links between BHA and BHT and cancer and studies prove carcinogenic attributes, but it cannot be proved that the carcinogenic attributes that exist affect humans. BHA and BHT have been linked to causing tumors in rats, but it is in a part of their stomach that humans do not have. Some studies even suggest preventative benefits of BHA and BHT in that the antioxidant properties could slow or inhibit the grown of cancer.

The follow has been appended as of March 6, 2014 at approximately 10:00AM:

Bottom Line on BHA & BHT: Not Natural, Not Proved Harmful

To be fair, BHA nor BHT have actually been proven to cause harm to humans. It does possess carcinogenic and tumorigenic qualities, yet it also contains antioxidant qualities. Since the human body is not really affected by the cancerous aspects (which the antioxidant properties would help to counter), the antioxidants would become even more beneficial, probably making BHA and BHT more helpful than harmful - especially consider how long it really does extend the shelf life of food.

However, it is still an unnatural ingredient and that in itself is still aggravating to some, especially when something like vitamin E could be just as useful.

It as always a good idea to avoid unnatural foods and maintain a diet rich in whole, natural foods.

Sources for "Worried About the Perservative BHA or BHT in Your Foods?":

"BHA and BHT, Chemistry of BHA and BHT Food Preservatives" by Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
http://chemistry.about.com/od/foodcookingchemistry/a/bha-bht-preservatives.htm

"Fresh Look at Food Preservatives" by Judith E. Foulke
http://www.nettally.com/prusty/formj.htm