BHA and BHT Full Form

What is the full form of BHA and BHT?

The full form of BHT (Butylated Hydroxy-Toluene) and BHA(Butylated Hydroxy-Anisole) are antioxidants used to preserve packed food products to keep them fresh as long as they get packed. But they are advisable to use in small quantities to avoid risk to your health. They are also used in making cosmetics like lipsticks and moisturizers. In simple words, it not only maintains eatables in a fresh state but also cherishes human skin.

BHA

BHA stands for Butylated Hydroxy-Anisole. BHA is prominently called salicylic acid. It is mainly used in cosmetics because it acts as an exfoliate which prevents the skin from ageing. Thus, it helps the skin to rejuvenate with the freshness of youth. It is proven that it can treat wrinkles and lines on the skin efficiently. BHA naturally occurs in white willow trees known as Salix alba and contains anti-inflammatory properties.

BHT

BHT stands for Butylated Hydroxy-Toluene. It is most predominantly used in preserving food products to preserve fats and oils from oxidation. They are added to food that contains fats to maintain Nutritional level, colour, flavour, Odour. It is identified with its odour which smells like phenol. As it is mixed in food products, it could be added only as soluble.

How Does BHA and BHT Work?

• BHA and BHT are synthetic antioxidants, which saves a material from reacting with oxygen and changing into another product. For example: silver anklets which are turning dark.

• They prevent the oxidation of fats and oils that would convert them into stale, rotten smelling and harmful products. For example: rotten apples or sliced apples which turn dark.

• When these compounds are added to these products containing fats or oils, Oxygen reacts with the additives rather than the food, protecting the food from spoiling.

• Like the food products it prevents the skin from ageing and keeps it healthy.

Is BHA and BHT Safe?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lists BHA and BHT as GRAS (Generally Recognised as Safe). Even though it is certified, there are some restrictions in the amount of use. According to the FDA, the current safe level of BHA and BHT in food is 0.02 percent per litre or kilogram, which is considerably less.

Uses and Properties

• BHT is used to treat AIDS. But there is no evidence that is it being used in medical treatment.

• As BHA is used in skin products, it dissolves oil in the pores to help with pores clogging.

• Gives effective treatment against acne and blackheads. Acts as anti-inflammatory properties and soothes redness.

• It helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and pigmentations of sun damaged skin as it contains Vitamin C and Vitamin E.

Foods containing BHA and BHT

• As BHT is a food processor, it is widely seen in eatables containing fats like chewing gum, frozen foods, packed snacks, processed meat, potato chips, vegetable oil, butter etc.

• BHA is used in bakery products, meat products, spices, nuts, cereals etc.

• These antioxidants are also found in natural foods like fresh fruits and vegetables.