Learn more about the specialist

Ing. Veronika Gumanová

She focuses on promoting a healthy lifestyle, educates people about nutrition, and demonstrates how to consciously choose foods that support energy and long-term health. Thanks to her background in chemistry, she can clearly explain how specific compounds in foods affect our bodies.

In her bachelor's studies, Veronika focused on medicinal chemistry and materials; in her engineering (master's) studies, on bioinorganic chemistry. She obtained her engineering degree in 2022. She is convinced that many additives in foods - preservatives, colorings and flavor enhancers - can be harmful to health and should be limited to a minimum.

What does the current food supply look like? Let’s think about it. The customer has a choice these days and that's amazing! For you and your family, you definitely want the best on the table - freshness, variety, balance and as few food additives as possible. Many people believe that food additives and artificial food coloring are only found in certain foods and hopefully it will not be so bad with their use in the food. It is necessary to realize that in the age of large multinational corporations it is all about profit. Not only in the case of notorious and popular foods, they are looking for ways to bring the customer a product in a nice package that will satiate him, will have some taste and at the same time last in the supermarket for an incredibly long time without spoiling.

For example, most processed meat products contain a chemical that we professionally call sodium nitrite, known as E250. This substance is a preservative, colorant and flavoring at the same time. According to the major manufacturers, it is irreplaceable in the process of making lasting hams or sausages. However, the risks of this substance are associated with the possible formation of carcinogenic compounds.

Another example is flavored yogurts and cereals, which are often marketed as "fit" or "healthy." In reality, however, they can contain high amounts of added sugar, artificial flavors, and colorings. Yogurt, which should naturally be a simple food made from milk and cultures, thus becomes a dessert full of additives. Similarly, children's cereals are often heavily sweetened and colored to be visually appealing - but nutritionally they are often very poor.

The solution is to look for and buy products without food additives. Buying suitable products is possible with a little effort and, if you read the labels, even in regular supermarkets. Alternatively, order products from a local butcher or farmer. Many of them have limited the use of food additives in the production process. You can also prepare similar products at home - grilled or baked chicken in a sandwich tastes even better than ham from the shelf of your favorite supermarket chain. Visitors will appreciate being able to enjoy your taste and preferred spices.

Also focus on the other categories of your regular grocery shopping - fruits, vegetables, salads, dairy products, pastry, and similar foods. If the expiration date is too long, this is the first sign that the product may be loaded with harmful substances.

People outside the field often do not know the pitfalls of processed food and meals. That is why they prefer fast food chains over honest restaurants or home cooking. Eat as little processed food as possible. Consume meals you can prepare yourself, take reasonable portions and drink quality water in sufficient amounts.