America, as we know it, is known for having a reputation as the fattest country in the world. In fact, diabetes and heart disease (both closely linked to America's overweight and obesity problems) are the second leading cause of death in the country. According to CDC statistics in 2010, nearly 33% of all American adults suffer from obesity. That's one in three adults... Partially responsible for this are food additives that have been used for thousands of years, even in prehistory. Our ancestors discovered that large amounts of sugar helped preserve fruit and the use of salt to preserve meat and fish. Ancient Egyptians used sulfites to stop bacterial growth and fermentation in wine. Today, salt, sugar and high fructose corn syrup are by far the most used additives. The role of food additives has become more important in recent years, partly due to the increase in the production of convenience, processed and prepared foods. As a result, scientists and others have questioned the necessity and safety of these substances. Our nation's health is at its lowest due to food additives such as artificial sweeteners, high fructose corn syrup, and hundreds of many others, as well as the misapplication of proper food labeling; Numerous health problems continue to attack the unknown consumer on a regular basis. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a food additive is a substance or its byproducts that are used to influence the characteristics of a food. They are usually chemicals that do not include spices, seasonings and flavors. The additive can become part of the food product directly or indirectly during preparation, storage or packaging. Direct additives are added to the center of the paper and sitting in front of the television or computer for hours at a time. Since we have laws against parents leaving guns where children can find them and use them to hurt themselves or others. It's time for parents to take equal responsibility in protecting their children from unhealthy foods and lack of exercise. While it is all too easy to blame fast food corporations that provide these tasty but unhealthy meals or other food industry related businesses, parents, adults and teenagers should take responsibility for their decisions. So read food labels! Have a healthy, nutritious diet and exercise. All these good decisions will be of great help; Your health and that of the people you love will go a long way. You would be able to conquer anything once you overcome the health problems that food additives bring and the annoyance of fast food.