Food Additives: Monoglycerides, Diglycerides, BHT

Food additives are considered safe otherwise they wouldn't be cleared for the use in the processed food industry. Whether or not they are good for you is a different question. Here are the three of most common additives: Monoglycerides or monoacylglycerols are 'food surfactants' -- substances that are active on the surface -- that are used in food industry to increase product's shelf live and to prevent oils from separating out, like in margarines, low-calorie spreads, peanut butter, etc. They also help making bakery products taste smooth. There's no known indications of their health dangers other than mild individual sensitivity. Diglycerides are not only safe but there's evidence of their dietary advantage: taken as part of calorie-restricted diet may increase your chances of weight loss, according to a study published in 2002 in the American journal of Clinical Nutrition. BHT (stands for butylated hydro-toluene) prevents racidity of fats and may also have antiviral and antimicrobial activities. There's no conclusive FDA statements concerning BHT health dangers.