E numbers - fascinating!

[Bramble_killer]

As far as I understand it some E numbers are bad and some are good, the same with most things. Still believe that one of the problems with a lot of supermarket style meals is that they put loads of extras in there which aren't necessary for a meal and that it's so much better to cook it all from scratch so you know what's there. Not really an E number thing but all part of the same thing to me.

E numbers are just a way of classifying chemicals. To be good or bad it depends on the person making the decision.

The supermarket style meals (which are precooked, blast chilled then packed in a nitrogen rich environment) have loads of 'extras' so they can last longer and look better. From simple preservatives such as salt and sugar to the less desirable sulphites and from natural colours to artificial azo dyes.

It's like when someone says they don't like chemicals messing with their food when everything in life is chemistry!

[piskieinboots]

As far as I understand it some E numbers are bad and some are good...

The way this programme relays it is that they aren't bad at all - to quote - "just because it is chemical doesn't make it bad"
It rang true to me

Just watched it - see what you mean by the MSG!

I know!!
I always had it as bad bad bad - but the experiment with the 'chinese restaurant syndrome' proved that to be soo wrong.

..It's like when someone says they don't like chemicals messing with their food when everything in life is chemistry!

That explains it so well!

[Hilary B]

Yes - and I've found it very interesting.

I knew that the 'E' part was 'invented' in order to classify additives of one sort or another and was familiar with the idea that even added vits were e-numbers.

I was pleasantly surprised with last week's revelation that the 'demonised' MSG was not so 'evil' as would be supported by typical myth.

I guess it's all down to 'what' and 'how much' - as with most things in life - excepting known poisons - moderation in all things will not kill you?

The MSG thing, I think 'how much' is very much the point. To get a similar level from natural sources as might be added by a cook who uses the stuff, I think you would have to be going out of your way to include the maximum of all the MSG rich foods. Adverse reaction to it is not rare, so if in doubt, avoid anything it has been added to.
Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) is in all sorts of fruit. I wasn't aware that this was why lemon juice stops apples and bananas from going brown (always thought it was simply a case of acidity, rather than the anti-oxidant effect), but it IS possible (although difficult) to overdo Vitamin C. I'm sure I read somewhere that taking ridiculously high doses regularly can encourage osteoporosis, as the excretion of the excess 'uses up' calcium (not exactly a scientific description, but I hope it explains what I mean).

[smallblueplanet]

The way this programme relays it is that they aren't bad at all - to quote - "just because it is chemical doesn't make it bad"
It rang true to me!

Lol! Just because it's chemical doesn't make it good either...is that the smell of bitter almonds in your tea?

If most folks grasp of chemistry is so poor I'd suggest they demand a refund on their education costs!

[Brengirl]

Ok Ok so maybe some () are now so called better qualified to say what is or what is not good for us. Where along the line did we lose the sense of self preservation.

[smallblueplanet]

Ok Ok so maybe some () are now so called better qualified to say what is or what is not good for us...

I don't see your point. What is the reason for having experts if you don't believe them?

[bobleponge]

I vaguely recall some climate change experts foretelling the end of the world is nigh not so long ago, and were then forced to make a massive climbdown.
Experts are only human beings, capable of mistakes, just like the rest of us.

[Brengirl]

In my own experience there have been 'breakthroughs' by experts only to be discounted by other experts a decade or so later. Thankfully more and more is understood and experts share their knowledge and advise us accordingly. We on the other hand can choose to ignore.

[smallblueplanet]

...Thankfully more and more is understood and experts share their knowledge and advise us accordingly. We on the other hand can choose to ignore.

Choosing to ignore is different to thinking you know as much or better...

[Brengirl]

Choosing to ignore is different to thinking you know as much or better...

Did I, have I ever. If so, I eat humble pie?

[FionaH]

Did I, have I ever. If so, I eat humble pie?

Nah dont think you did BG. Don't forget an expert told us hurricanes hardly ever happen..................

[smallblueplanet]

Nah dont think you did BG. Don't forget an expert told us hurricanes hardly ever happen..................

G'wan then tell us how your bunions feel!

[piskieinboots]

Did I, have I ever. If so, I eat humble pie?

Nope you didn't - not on my screen anyway