Original article from:
hungryforchange.tv
Top 10 Food Additives To Avoid
It might be common knowledge to you that most processed foods are not
ideal for our health. These foods are often laden with artificial
chemicals which can cause all sorts of havoc to our body. Typically
these food additives are not easy to identify, as they are hidden under a
variety of names and codes and usually in very small font.
Even when additives are derived from plant sources they can still be
harmful. As Mike Adams says from 'Hungry For Change': “Stay away from
anything that is an unnatural and highly concentrated chemical from a
plant that should be consumed in its full spectrum bioavailable nutrient
complexity. That’s the way nature delivers food – as a nutrient complex
not as one isolated nutrient”.
Unbelievably there are over 300 chemicals used in processed
foods today and statistics show that the average American household
spends about 90 percent of their food budget on such foods! These
manmade chemicals are seen as foreign to our bodies, which often
results in a number of implications to our health and wellbeing.
Allergies are a common side effect and MSG is known to cause overeating
and weight gain.
The best way to avoid exposure to these harmful chemicals is to
understand the most common and dangerous additives and which foods they
are most often found in. Here is our 'Top 10 Food Additives To Avoid'
shopping guide. Read through the following and make sure to download
your own printable version below to take with you next time you go
grocery shopping!
1. Artificial Sweeteners
Aspartame, (E951) more popularly known as Nutrasweet and Equal, is
often found in foods labeled "diet" or "sugar free". Aspartame is
believed to be carcinogenic and accounts for more reports of adverse
reactions than all other foods and food additives combined. Aspartame is
not your friend. Aspartame is a neurotoxin and carcinogen. Known to
erode intelligence and affect short-term memory, the components of this
toxic sweetener may lead to a wide variety of ailments including brain
tumor, diseases like lymphoma, diabetes, multiple sclerosis,
Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue, emotional
disorders like depression and anxiety attacks, dizziness, headaches,
nausea, mental confusion, migraines and seizures.
Acesulfame-K, a relatively new artificial sweetener found in baking
goods, gum and gelatin, has not been thoroughly tested and has been
linked to kidney tumors. Read more about the dangers ofAspartame here.
Found in:
diet or sugar free sodas, diet coke, coke zero, jello (and over
gelatins), desserts, sugar free gum, drink mixes, baking goods, table
top sweeteners, cereal, breathmints, pudding, kool-aid, ice tea,
chewable vitamins, toothpaste.
2. High Fructose Corn Syrup
High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a highly-refined artificial
sweetener which has become the number one source of calories in America.
It is found in almost all processed foods. HFCS packs on the pounds
faster than any other ingredient, increases your LDL (“bad”) cholesterol
levels, and contributes to the development of diabetes and tissue
damage, among other harmful effects.
Found in: most processed foods, breads, candy, flavored yogurts, salad dressings, canned vegetables, cereals.
3. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / E621)
MSG is an amino acid used as a flavor enhancer in soups, salad
dressings, chips, frozen entrees, and many restaurant foods. MSG is
known as an excitotoxin, a substance which overexcites cells to the
point of damage or death. Studies show that regular consumption of MSG
may result in adverse side effects which include depression,
disorientation, eye damage, fatigue, headaches, and obesity. MSG effects
the neurological pathways of the brain and disengaged the "I'm full"
function which explains the effects of weight gain.
Found in:
Chinese food (Chinese Restaurant Syndrome ) many snacks, chips,
cookies, seasonings, most Campbell Soup products, frozen dinners, lunch
meats.
4. Trans Fat
Trans fat is used to enhance and extend the shelf life of food
products and is among the most dangerous substances that you can
consume. Found in deep-fried fast foods and certain processed foods made
with margarine or partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, trans fats are
formed by a process called hydrogenation. Numerous studies show that
trans fat increases LDL cholesterol levels while decreasing HDL (“good”)
cholesterol, increases the risk of heart attacks, heart disease and
strokes, and contributes to increased inflammation, diabetes and other
health problems. Oils and fat are now forbidden on the Danish market if
they contain trans fatty acids exceeding 2 per cent, a move that
effectively bans partially hydrogenated oils.
Found in: margarine, chips and crackers, baked goods, fast foods.
5. Common Food Dyes
Studies show that artificial colorings which are found in soda, fruit
juices and salad dressings, may contribute to behavioral problems in
children and lead to a significant reduction in IQ. Animal studies have
linked other food colorings to cancer. Watch out for these ones:
Blue #1 and Blue #2 (E133)
- Banned in Norway, Finland and France. May cause chromosomal
damage Found in: candy, cereal, soft drinks, sports drinks and pet
foods.
Red dye # 3 (also Red #40) (E124) - Banned in
1990 after 8 years of debate from use in many foods and cosmetics. This
dye continues to be on the market until supplies run out! Has been
proven to cause thyroid cancer and chromosomal damage in laboratory
animals, may also interfere with brain-nerve transmission. Found in:
fruit cocktail, maraschino cherries, cherry pie mix, ice cream, candy,
bakery products and more!
Yellow #6 (E110) and Yellow Tartrazine (E102)
- Banned in Norway and Sweden. Increases the number of kidney and
adrenal gland tumors in laboratory animals, may cause chromosomal
damage. Found in: American cheese, macaroni and cheese, candy and
carbonated beverages, lemonade and more!
6. Sodium Sulfite (E221)
Preservative used in wine-making and other processed foods. According
to the FDA, approximately one in 100 people is sensitive to sulfites in
food. The majority of these individuals are asthmatic, suggesting a
link between asthma and sulfites. Individuals who are sulfite sensitive
may experience headaches, breathing problems, and rashes. In severe
cases, sulfites can actually cause death by closing down the airway
altogether, leading to cardiac arrest.
Found in: Wine and dried fruit.
7. Sodium Nitrate/Sodium Nitrite
Sodium nitrate (or sodium nitrite) is used as a preservative,
coloring and flavoring in bacon, ham, hot dogs, luncheon meats, corned
beef, smoked fish and other processed meats. This ingredient, which
sounds harmless, is actually highly carcinogenic once it enters the
human digestive system. There, it forms a variety of nitrosamine
compounds that enter the bloodstream and wreak havoc with a number of
internal organs: the liver and pancreas in particular. Sodium nitrite is
widely regarded as a toxic ingredient, and the USDA actually tried to
ban this additive in the 1970's but was vetoed by food manufacturers who
complained they had no alternative for preserving packaged meat
products. Why does the industry still use it? Simple: this chemical just
happens to turn meats bright red. It's actually a color fixer, and it
makes old, dead meats appear fresh and vibrant.
Found in: hotdogs, bacon, ham, luncheon meat, cured meats, corned beef, smoked fish or any other type of processed meat.
8. BHA and BHT (E320)
Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydrozyttoluene (BHT)
are preservatives found in cereals, chewing gum, potato chips, and
vegetable oils. This common preservative keeps foods from changing
color, changing flavor or becoming rancid. Effects the neurological
system of the brain, alters behavior and has potential to cause cancer.
BHA and BHT are oxidants which form cancer-causing reactive compounds in
your body.
Found in: Potato chips, gum, cereal, frozen sausages, enriched rice, lard, shortening, candy, jello.
9. Sulfur Dioxide (E220)
Sulfur additives are toxic and in the United States of America, the
Federal Drugs Administration have prohibited their use on raw fruit and
vegetables. Adverse reactions include: bronchial problems particularly
in those prone to asthma, hypotension (low blood pressure), flushing
tingling sensations or anaphylactic shock. It also destroys vitamins B1
and E. Not recommended for consumption by children. The International
Labour Organization says to avoid E220 if you suffer from
conjunctivitis, bronchitis, emphysema, bronchial asthma, or
cardiovascular disease.
Found in: beer, soft drinks, dried fruit, juices, cordials, wine, vinegar, and potato products.
10. Potassium Bromate
An additive used to increase volume in some white flour, breads, and
rolls, potassium bromate is known to cause cancer in animals. Even small
amounts in bread can create problems for humans.
Found in: breads
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