Food additives improve food shelf life and appearance, increase food safety and in some instances also enhance the taste of food. Currently, there are several thousand food additives that are in use and over the last few decades, and quite recently as well, certain food additives have been banned due to concerns of adverse effects on human health.

Mugwort leaves have been integral to ancient healing practices around the world. In Traditional Chinese medicine Mugwort leaves have been used for digestive support, menstrual regulation, pain, inflammation, and as a calming agent.

Modern medicine has an integral part in our health and life, however, we should have an approach to it “in case of emergency break glass”. This means that looking after ourselves and our health should be our primary responsibility, which is where many foods, such as herbs and spices can make a significant difference.

Food additives such as artificial food colours and intense sweeteners might be one of the causes of conditions such as gut permeability, IBS and hyperactivity in children. This means that it would be perhaps best to avoid them. However, with nearly 60% of foods found in a supermarket being processed or ultra-processed, this is rather difficult.

Recent statistics show that there is a significant increase in cancer in people under 50, such as cancer of colon, breast, liver and esophagus. Whether this can be attributed to poor diet and lifestyle remains to be seen. Nonetheless, it’s important to know what foods to avoid and which herbs and spices to include into our diet, which is where we continue our discussion today.