Updated April 26, 2014.

Food additives as compounds used to preserve and enhance processed foods. Thinking of artificial flavors and coloring might make you a little nervous, but there is one group of food additives that can improve the nutritional quality of the foods you eat - the nutritional ingredients:

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are the chemicals found in colorful fruits and vegetables that have special properties to prevent or even treat certain diseases.

One example is lycopene, normally found in tomatoes.

Carrageenan

Carrageenan is a thickening agent made from seaweed. According to About.com Natural Medicine A-Z, it may have health benefits. Learn more about carrageenan.

Essential Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids, are needed for normal nervous system function, and they're good for your heart. Babies need omega-3 fatty acids for brain and eye development so infant formula is fortified with DHA, one form of omega-3 fats.

Fiber

Fiber is the indigestible part of plant foods. It's necessary for a healthy digestive system and some types (like the soluble-fiber in oat bran) will help reduce cholesterol, which may help to lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. Fiber is often added to breads, pasta, and snack foods to increase the fiber content.

Nitrogen

Nitrogen is a gas that's not incorporated into foods as an ingredient, but is used to keep some types of packaged foods safe and fresh. This process is called nitrogen flushing. While nitrogen doesn't have health benefits, it's a very safe preservative.

Prebiotics and Probiotics

Probiotics are healthy bacteria that grow in our gut and help keep our digestive system healthy. Prebiotics are the fibers that help support the growth of the probiotics in our gut. Probiotics are naturally found in yogurt and fermented products.

Adding the prebiotics like fructooligosaccarhides to foods will help these healthy bacteria flourish and improve our health. Prebiotics can be added to most any food, but is commonly added to yogurt products.

Vitamins and Minerals

Breakfast cereals are fortified with an array of vitamins and minerals, and most baked goods are made with enriched flour. Milk contains additional vitamin D, and calcium fortified foods can take the place of dairy products.