“What should be allowed in our food?” is a worldwide question people have debated over for centuries. Yet, with the media's tainted view on just about everything, what is really good for human consumption? While humans shouldn’t be consuming harmful chemicals in common everyday foods, people can’t be expected to live off of chicken and broccoli day after day in attempts to stay healthy.

 

Harmful chemicals such as: potassium bromate, propyl paraben, BHA, BHT, titanium dioxide, seven artificial dyes (Red 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, and Green 3), along with various others are notorious for causing hormonal imbalance, increased risks of cancer, damage of organs including the kidneys and liver, and behavioral issues, especially in those younger of age. These chemicals are seen in regularly consumed food and people don't even know they are there. Potassium bromate is used in numerous flours, propyl paraben in many baked goods, BHA in some preserved meats, BHT in some cereals. Many of these are linked back as substances that are capable of causing cancer in living tissues. Chemicals such as these should be avoided, as it isn’t beneficial to the body’s health and rather harmful. 

 

To further prove this, on April 22nd of 2025 Robert F. Kennedy, in his capacity as the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), announced an initiative to phase out harmful petroleum-based synthetic food dye, as they were extremely damaging to the human body. This action, taken in collaboration with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), effectively will begin to eliminate all remaining six major dyes from the U.S. food supply by the end of 2026 or 2027, which will help cut out some dangerous chemicals in America's food. 

 

While the RFK food dye ban helps lower the harmful substances in food, there are still countless unhealthy foods out there. So, what should people truly be eating for their own benefit? While it varies for each person, there are a few essentials the human body needs in our foods. The human body needs nutrition from food which provides the body with energy, building materials, and regulation for growth development and daily function. If humans are eating their proper nutrition they can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, boost their immune system, improve mental health, enhance physical performance, and maintain a healthy weight. 

 

The main sources of food humans should strive to consume daily are carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water, though the amounts will vary depending on the person. While these recommendations are extremely beneficial to the overall health of a human being, most times people make poor choices or don’t understand the importance of consuming all or enough of these nutrients. Therefore, in the long run it hurts the body instead of healing it or maintaining health.  

Carbohydrates are necessary for producing energy for the body, good sources would be whole grains, such as brown rice and oats, along with fruits and vegetables. Protein is essential for building and repairing cells, tissues such as muscles, and for fighting infections. This would include foods like meats, fish, eggs, dairy, beans, lentils, nuts, and soy. Fats provide a high energy source and help form cell membranes. Healthy fats include oils, nuts, and fatty fish. Vitamins assist the body against diseases and are vital for numerous bodily functions, including immunity, bone strength, and wound healing. Beneficial vitamins can be found in wide varieties of fruits and vegetables, leafy greens and whole grains. Minerals are required for proper growth and overall health. Good sources of minerals are dairy, leafy greens, nuts, and meats. Last but not least, water is essential for all bodily functions and is important to be prioritized in people's diets. 

 

While not every harmful ingredient can be prohibited in the United States, it's crucial that individuals focus on avoiding substances that are hurtful to the body and aim to sustain a balanced and healthy diet.