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Everything You Need to Know About Calcium Propionate
Sometimes it's hard to know exactly what is in the food we eat, especially when foods are processed, prepackaged, or pre-prepared, as there are secret ingredients that you may not know about. Calcium propionate is one such ingredient. Although it occurs naturally in some cheeses and dairy products, it is also added to bread. The following information can help you decide if this substance might be causing side effects.
What is Calcium Propionate?
Calcium propionate is an antifungal substance. That means that it prevents the growth of fungus and mold. Accordingly, it is used to preserve baked goods and prevent them from becoming moldy too quickly. It does this by inhibiting the growth of bacteria. Although this preservative is useful in helping people avoid wasting food or consuming products that have become moldy, it does have some side effects that you should be aware of.
What Foods is It Added To?
This substance is added mostly to commercially manufactured bread products and baked goods, including fast food products. It can also be found in dairy products, including butter and cheese. In some cases, processed meats are also preserved using this substance. Desserts that contain dairy, egg, and fats can also sometimes contain calcium propionate. Some of the most common items include pizza dough, bread dough, baked goods, breads, and pastries. Manufacturers add this preservative to extend the shelf life of these products.
Can It Cause Stomach Ulcers?
Stomach ulcers cannot be caused directly by food products. However, your diet can definitely affect how your stomach handles problems. For instance, if you have gastritis in your stomach, additives like calcium propionate can prevent healing and promote the formation of painful ulcers. If you have gastritis, it is important to avoid food products that are likely to contain this additive. Baking your own bread or buying fresh bread from a local bakery is a better option.
Does It Cause Migraines?
Some people believe that preservatives like calcium propionate cause or provoke migraines. There is currently no concrete evidence to support this claim. However, it is believed that fermented products are linked to headaches. Since these products produce calcium propionate, it isn't unreasonable to suggest that there is a connection. The best thing to do is test whether you are experiencing headaches related to fermented foods by comparing how you feel after you eat fermented foods versus non-fermented foods.
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