Bht: Nutrition, Pros & Cons
Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a synthetic antioxidant food additive primarily used to prevent fats and oils in processed foods from oxidizing and turning rancid. While approved for use under strict regulatory limits by safety authorities like FSSAI, it is a non-nutritive additive often found in highly processed products.
Health conditions
Pros
- Acts as an effective preservative that prevents lipid oxidation, maintaining food quality and extending shelf life of oil-containing products. [FSSAI]
Cons
- It is a synthetic chemical additive with no nutritional value, and its high-dose physiological impacts are a subject of ongoing scientific evaluation. [PubMed]
Key nutrients
- Synthetic Additive — Provides 0 calories, vitamins, or minerals; used purely for technological preservation purposes.