Aliquot #130: Hidden Risks of Flavor Additives
Aliquot #130: Hidden Risks of Flavor Additives
Natural flavors sound harmless—but are they? In this Aliquot, I unpack what "natural" and "artificial" really mean when it comes to food flavorings. From the chemistry of synthetic vanillin to the regulatory loopholes behind GRAS labeling, we explore how these additives can influence health—not just through potential toxicity, but by activating the brain's reward system in ways that may affect behavior.
Get these episodes in a convenient podcast format.
Aliquot episodes make great companion listening for a long drive. You can find these special members-only episodes alongside live recorded Q&As on The Aliquot, our official premium FoundMyFitness podcast.
Natural flavors sound harmless—but are they? In this Aliquot, I unpack what "natural" and "artificial" really mean when it comes to food flavorings. From the chemistry of synthetic vanillin to the regulatory loopholes behind GRAS labeling, we explore how these additives can influence health—not just through potential toxicity, but by activating the brain's reward system in ways that may affect behavior.
I also share my thoughts on flavored sparkling waters, non-nutritive sweeteners, and protein powders—and when "natural" might not be the better choice.
-
What makes a flavor "natural"?
-
Does artificial vs. natural matter if structure is the same?
-
Why "natural" doesn't guarantee safety
-
How hyper-palatable foods override fullness signals
-
If it causes cancer in animals, should it be in our food?
-
Are naturally flavored sparkling waters as safe as we think?
-
Do protein powders contain unnecessary fillers and sweeteners?
-
Does citrus-flavored seltzer damage enamel?
Hear new content from Rhonda on The Aliquot, our member's only podcast
Listen in on our regularly curated interview segments called "Aliquots" released every week on our premium podcast The Aliquot. Aliquots come in two flavors: features and mashups.
- Hours of deep dive on topics like fasting, sauna, child development surfaced from our enormous collection of members-only Q&A episodes.
- Important conversational highlights from our interviews with extra commentary and value. Short but salient.
Recent Aliquot Episodes
Aliquot #129: How Harmful Is Glyphosate?
In this Aliquot, I break down what the research tells us about glyphosate exposure in farming communities versus...
Aliquot #128: The Expanding Role of Weight Loss Drugs
In this Aliquot, I discuss how these drugs work, their pros and cons, the latest research, and lifestyle strategies to...
Aliquot #127: The Promise and Peril of Stimulants for Focus
In this Aliquot, Dr. Andrew Huberman, Brady Holmer, and I explore the science behind cognitive enhancers and how HIIT boosts...
Aliquot #126: The Science of Calcium for Bone Health and Beyond
In this Aliquot, I'll summarize the latest research on calcium absorption, supplementation, and dietary sources, exploring...
Aliquot #125: Why Screens Make Us Sick
In this Aliquot, Dr. Andrew Huberman and I explore the complexities of digital engagement, share strategies for managing...