Preservatives are substances or chemicals that are added to products to prevent spoilage and make them last longer. Beverages, foods, paints, cosmetics, and drugs are examples of some of the products that require preservatives.
In foods, preservatives are used to slow down or prevent microbial growth such as bacteria, yeasts and moulds. They are also used to stop browning and discoloration, and fermentation and acidification of foods.
Some food preservatives can be dangerous to health. For example, Nitrosamines has been associated with increased risks of certain types of cancers. Also, food preservatives have been associated with increased risk of asthma, allergic reactions, hyperactivity, heart diseases, and so on.
For better health, it is advised to eat meals prepared fresh at home, avoid eating processed meats and foods. Consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables instead of processed is ideal.
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