Nowadays, food additives are being added in almost any kind of processed foods you may find on the store shelves.
Most of the additives, food colourings and preservatives are considered harmless, or are still legal to use due to the lack of clinical studies. However there is evidence that many of those chemicals are unhealthy or even deadly, if consumed in a daly basis.
A typical American household spends about 90% of their food budget on processed foods and in doing so they get exposed to a plethora of artificial food additives, many of which can have serious consequences to your health.
Some food additives are worse than others. Here’s a list of the top food additives to avoid:
1. Artificial Sweeteners
Aspartame (E951) known as Nutrasweet and Equal, is 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. It is known to erode intelligence and affect short-term memory. This sweetener may lead to a wide variety of ailments including: diseases like lymphoma, brain tumor, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, fibromyalgia,chronic fatigue, diabetes, emotional disorders like depression and anxiety attacks, nausea, dizziness, headaches, mental confusion, migraines and seizures. It can be found in baking goods, gum and gelatin and has not been thoroughly tested.
2. High Fructose Corn Syrup
High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is an artificial sweetener which has become the number one source of calories in America. It can be found in approximately 90% of processed foods. It increases LDL cholesterol levels, and contributes to the development of diabetes and tissue damage.
Can be Found in most processed foods.
3. Monosodium Glutamate
MSG is an amino acid. It can be used as a flavor enhancer in soups, salad dressings, chips, frozen entrees, and many restaurant foods. It overexcites cells to the point of damage or death. MSG's consumption may result in adverse side effects like depression, disorientation, eye damage, fatigue, headaches, and obesity.
Found in Chinese food, snacks, chips, cookies.
4. Trans Fat
Trans fats are used to enhance and extend the shelf life of food products.It is among the most dangerous substances that you can consume. Found in deep fried fast foods and some processed which contain margarine or partially hydrogenated vegetable oils. Trans fats are formed by a process called hydrogenation.
Trans fats increase LDL cholesterol levels, which increases the risk of heart attacks, heart disease, and strokes, and contributes to increased inflammation, diabetes, and other health problems.
5. Food Dyes
Artificial colorings which can be found in fruit juices, soda, and salad dressings, may contribute to behavioral problems in children and lead to a significant reduction in IQ.
Blue (E133)
Banned in Norway, Finland, and France. May cause chromosomal damage.
Red dye (E124)
Banned in 1990 after 8 years of debate from use in many foods and cosmetics. This substance continues to be on the market until supplies run out! Has been proven to cause thyroid cancer and chromosomal damage in laboratory animals, may interfere with brain-nerve transmission.
Yellow (E110)
Banned in Norway and Sweden. Increases the number of kidney and adrenal gland tumors in laboratory animals, may cause chromosomal damage.
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. Most of the individuals are asthmatic, suggesting a link between asthma and sulfites. Individuals who are sulfite sensitive may experience headaches, breathing problems, and rashes.
7. Sodium Nitrate/Sodium Nitrite
Sodium nitrate is used as a preservative, coloring, and flavoring in processed meats, such as bacon, ham, hot dogs, lunch meats, corned beef, smoked fish.
It is highly carcinogenic once it enters the human digestive system. It forms a variety of nitrosamine compounds, which enter the bloodstream and wreak havoc with a number of internal organs.
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.
8. Potassium Bromate
An additive used to increase volume in some white flour, bread, and rolls. It is known to cause cancer in animals. Even in small amounts.
Found in bread.
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Source: http://www.foodmatters.com/article/top-10-food-additives-to-avoid
and
https://www.fda.gov/food/ingredientspackaginglabeling/foodadditivesingredients/ucm094211.htm
