Palo Alto High School's News and Features Publication

Verde Magazine

Verde Magazine

Verde Magazine

What is in our food?

What is in our food?

Soy lecithin

  • Yellow-brown fatty substance
  • Created from the waste of soy oil production
  • Keeps water and fats from separating (emulsifier)
  • Used to extend product shelf life

— Journal by Van Nieuwenhuyzen

Xanthan gum

  • Carbohydrate consisting of multiple sugar molecules (polysaccharide)
  • Commonly used in salad dressings, sauces and dairy products
  • Can also be found in cleaners
  • Effective stabilizer — preserves food’s structure

— Journal by Barbara Katzbauer

Thiamine mononitrate

  • Also known as vitamin B1
  • Can be found in bread, nuts and meat
  • Fat-soluble, so the body has trouble expelling it in excess

— National Center for Biotechonology

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