Is trisodium phosphate in cereals we eat? Is it a rumor, and is it safe ingesting it? Over the past few years, there have been many worries concerning the safety of the additives used to prolong the shelf life of the products we consume. Without a doubt, trisodium phosphate is one of the commonly used food additives. It is not only found in cereals but also soda, cheese, and baked foods. Despite FDA considering it safe, many people have expressed fears that the additive may harm their health. Relating to these worries, this article provides an investigation into whether it is dangerous to consume foods with TSP.
What exactly is Trisodium Phosphate?
In the most simple terms, trisodium phosphate can be best described as both a preservative and food additive. The additive is made through a combination of sodium and phosphate, which have numerous benefits to human health. According to the U.S Food and Drug Administration, which is concerned with food safety, everyone requires phosphorous for healthy bones, storing energy, and building protein. The two minerals being a requirement in our diets explains why they recognized it as safe. This approval has seen the additive being used in cereals and other shelf products.
Are there benefits of the additive?
The fact about trisodium phosphate is currently being used in multiple food industries. This is what has led to the rise of the question of whether there are any benefits attached to trisodium phosphate in cereal. Concerning this, most cereals are known to have some level of acidity that may be harmful to some people. Not once you will hear people complaining of heartburn or other related problems after consuming cereals in the morning. This is a result of the high acidity level that is contained in the products. This is where the benefits of TSP come in as it helps decrease the acidity to levels that are consumable by human beings.
Other than the above-mentioned, TSP is also commonly known as a leavening agent. This means when used in dough, it helps to maintain its form and also makes it rise. This is why it is very popular in most store-bought foods such as cakes, bread, muffins, and other cake mixes. In general, there are so many benefits that come along with TSP in cereals and other products. It is always a sure way to improve the texture and moisture of foods, thus increasing their shelf life. It also works by helping balance the pH levels of foods; therefore, ensuring they do not become either acidic or alkaline.
Is it safe to consume food with TSP?
The biggest worry that comes with trisodium phosphate is its mention in paint products. What we need to know is the specific type that is used in cleaning and paint products is very different from the one used in cleaning and paint. The one used as an additive has been thoroughly checked and considered safe by food and drug regulatory agencies. This, therefore, means, the consumption of a little number of foods with TSP can never be harmful to your health. However, what we need to check on is the level of consumption of these products. Eating too many foods with additives can raise the phosphate levels in your body, which may be unhealthy.
How can I limit TSP intake?
To this question, it is always recommended to have a healthy and balanced diet to keep phosphorous at the required body levels. Phosphorous is always available in most of organic foods, which is enough for our bodies. This means, if you are consuming too much-processed foods, there are high chances you are ingesting more phosphorous than your body needs. This means, to help keep your body at the required limits, keep off from trisodium phosphate. This does not mean you need to keep off from cereals or any other processed foods. All you need is to watch out for the amount of consumption of these foods.
Final Thoughts
As we conclude on the discussion, it would be essential to reflect on whether we should be worried about trisodium phosphate in cereal. All we need to know about this question is TSP is just but an additive. Above it all, it has already been considered safe by the concerned regulatory boards. With this well stated, all you need to do is check your level of consumption of foods with this additive. At cereal school, they have, on many occasions, confirmed they can never include any harmful preservatives or questionable ingredients in their products. By this, they mean no one should ever get worried about TSP in cereals. It is always safe and at the required levels by the Food and drugs regulatory board.
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