10 Harmful Food Additives to Avoid
High-Fructose Corn Syrup
Found
in almost all processed foods, this ingredient has become the number
one source of calories in America. But beware! High-fructose corn syrup,
which provides zero nutritional benefit, is found in the healthy foods
we eat as well. Be sure to check the labels of your yogurts, cereals,
and granola bars for this harmful additive.
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
Commonly
found in Chinese food, MSG is used as a flavor enhancer in soups, salad
dressings, chips and frozen foods. In people who are senstive to the
compound, MSG can overexcite cells, producing uncomfortable symptoms
for your body. Research has shown a correlation between the
overconsumption of foods containing MSG and medical conditions such as
depression, disorientation, eye damage, fatigue, headaches, and obesity.
Potassium Bromate
Used to increase the volume of bread products, this additive has been proven to cause cancer in animals. There have been studies
assessing its carcinogenicity. It is banned as a additive in the EU,
Canada and Brazil, but not in the United States. California is the only
state that requires labels for products with potassium bromate.
Sodium Nitrate/Nitrite
Sodium
Nitrate (a naturally occurring compound) and Sodium nitrite (a
synthetically created compound) are both commonly used to preserve meat
products in place of common salt. Both are nitrosamines, which studies
have shown when consumed in large amounts over time damage DNA, potentially resulting in cancers, and the development of pulmonary diseases.
Artificial Sweeteners (Aspartame/Saccharine/Mannitol)
Although
these artificial sweeteners will allow you to indulge in a tasty drink
without the extra calories, they are also packed with chemicals that can
be harmful to your body in the long run. Almost all of these sweeteners
contain the chemical Aspartame. Studies have suggested the consumption
of Aspartame can be linked to a wide spectrum of health problems like
brain tumors, diabetes, lymphoma, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's,
Alzheimer's, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and emotional disorders like
depression and anxiety. It has also been linked to symptoms including
dizziness, headaches, nausea, mental confusion, seizures, and affect
short-term memory and intelligence. The FDA's official position? The stuff is safe.
BHA and BHT
Although
these additives may prevent your food from changing color, losing
flavor, or becoming rancid, it has been suggested they can increase your
chances of getting cancer. However, FDA states that BHA and BHT are safe to consume, and another study
published by the NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information)
compared them with Vitamin E. Not certain? You'll find them in
everything from gum to cereals -- just check the label and opt out.
Trans Fat
Trans
fat, which is found in many processed foods, can be one of the most
dangerous substances to consume. While it occurs naturally in some
animal products, it's also synthetically created by adding hydrogen to
vegetable oils. Used to extend the shelf life of many food products, the
consumption of trans fats, according to the FDA, raises
LDL (bad cholesterol). Elevated levels of LDL increase the risk of high
blood pressure, potentially resulting in heart attack, stroke, diabetes
and heart disease.
Artificial Food Coloring
That
pink-and-red-flowered cupcake you just ate may have looked pretty, but
the artificial coloring used to make it can have a very negative effect
on your health. FDA studies exploring the effect of dyes on childrens
behavior were inconclusive, prompting more studies
to be undertaken. Some have suggested food dye may cause thyroid
cancer, kidney and adrenal tumors, and chromosome deterioration.
Sodium Sulfite
Sodium
sulfite is frequently used during wine production and can be found in
dried fruit. It can cause dangerous reactions in people sensitive or
allergic to it. One study found
it induced cell degranulation and oxidant stress. It has been linked
by some to asthma, rashes, headaches, and breathing problems – but that
might just be the wine.
Sulfur Dioxide
This
toxic additive, commonly found in beer, dried fruits such as apricots,
chips and soft drinks. While no definitive study has linked their
inclusion in food to negative health effects it is feared in foods
because as a gas, inhaling too much can cause conjuctivitis, bronchitis,
emphysema, bronchial asthma, and potentially cardiovascular disease.
