Send us a textHave you ever wondered what gives those spicy chips their vibrant red color? The truth might make you think twice about your favorite snack. Red 40, a synthetic dye found in most hot chips and spicy snacks, has been classified as a carcinogen with alarming connections to colorectal cancer, hyperactivity disorders in children, and serious disruption of our gut microbiota. Research from the University of South Carolina reveals that the increased use of this chemical over the past four decades parallels the rise in early-onset colorectal cancer – particularly concerning as these products specifically target young consumers.But loving spicy snacks doesn't mean sacrificing your health. This episode explores the hidden dangers lurking in popular brands like Hot Cheetos and Takis while offering practical alternatives that deliver the heat without the harmful additives. I share specific brands available even in convenience stores that use real spices instead of dangerous synthetic dyes, making healthier options accessible to everyone regardless of location or resources. For those ready to take their health journey further, we also discuss the ultimate solution – eliminating snacking altogether – and provide resources to help you transition toward this goal at your own pace.Your snack choices impact more than just your taste buds – they affect your gut health, cancer risk, and even mental wellbeing. Subscribe to Under the Microscope for more science-backed solutions to everyday health challenges, and leave a comment letting us know which snack foods you'd like us to investigate next!

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