Natural Preservatives

A preservative is an ingredient that is added to a product to extend its shelf life, by preventing decomposition, or microbial growth. Preservatives may be natural, or synthetically manufactured, and a given preservative can be used alone, or in combination with other such ingredients to achieve the desired results. Natural preservatives are those which occur in nature and have inherent qualities that enable them to increase the life of the product to which they have been added, by reducing bacterial activity that can otherwise, have a detrimental effect. A large number of chemicals work as preservatives, and are added to packaged foods that form part of everyday life. Typically, preservatives are divided into three main types, those that are antimicrobial, those that are antioxidants, or those which act on enzymes in the product itself. Natural preservatives are mainly antioxidant in nature - they prevent oxidation that leads to spoilage and rancidity, and also form a barrier to other contaminants. They are used in a wide variety of ways, some of which are described below.

For Food

Natural food preservatives are actually everyday ingredients that reside in most kitchens. Typically, these are ingredients that have been used through the ages, to preserve and protect foods from spoilage. The following are some food additives that are commonly used.

Salt & Sugar - Salt has been in use for centuries as a preservative, and was used especially for the preservation of meat. Sugar is another commonly used preservative, particularly in jams, jellies and the aptly named preserves. Both these substances act as natural preservatives in the same way - they prevent the growth of bacteria through the process of osmosis, by drawing out water from the microbial cells and thereby inhibiting the ability of microbes to grow and proliferate.

Vinegar - Vinegar is actually a weak concentration of acetic acid. It is this acidic nature that helps in killing microbes and bacteria.

Rosemary Extract - Prepared by distilling rosemary leaves, rosemary extract is favored for its antioxidant properties and pleasing flavor. The extract of the rosemary plant, is an oleoresin, and has been in use through the ages as a food preservative. It is the presence of phenolic diterpenes, carnosol, carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid, that provide these antioxidant qualities.

Natural food preservatives are however, not generally used in the commercial food preservation industry. Typically, large-scale manufacturers use artificial preservatives, such as sodium benzoate, benzoic acid, nitrites, citric acid, sodium and potassium sorbates. Research has indicated that artificial food additives, are dangerous, and benzoic acid, sodium nitrate and sulfites are among the top preservatives in food to avoid.

For Cosmetics

Just like food, cosmetics too require preservative agents to extend shelf life. A number of ingredients that have skin enhancing properties, are also preservatives by nature. There are a number of 100% natural skin care products which rely on these ingredients to prevent microbial growth and associated decay. Essential oils are predominantly used as preservatives for lotions and other cosmetics, and their natural antioxidant and antiseptic qualities increase the benefits of the products they preserve. Some commonly used natural preservatives for beauty products are:

• Lavender oil
• Neroli oil
• Peppermint oil
• Sweet lemon oil
• Lemongrass
• Wild thyme
• Grape seed oil
• Vitamin E

With the current trend of all things natural, it's no wonder that natural preservatives are finding their place in the sum once again. As the dangers of chemical additives and preserving agents are publicized, the need of the hour seems to be shifting towards Mother Nature's ability to provide all we need. It's natural and green all the way.