Food additives are everywhere on the supermarket shelf. Savvy
shoppers seeking to eat conveniently, yet as healthfully as
possible, need to learn how to read labels to steer clear of
potential dietary pitfalls. Even though all of these have been
deemed safe to enter the edible realm, many of these everyday
chemical compounds take their toll on the body's natural balance.
Check labels for:
1. Artificial Food Colors
Some of these coloring agents are allergenic and, even worse, some
have carcinogenic properties. Some artificial food colors are
suspected of contributing to hyperactivity, allergies, asthma,
learning problems, and concentration difficulties in children and
adults. Specific foods to avoid include colored drinks, color-coated
candies, gummy and chewy candies, and many colored cereals. Be
especially aware of additives when using vending machines.
2. Nitrites and Nitrates
Nitrites and nitrates can develop into nitrosamines in the body,
which can be carcinogenic. They are often found in preserved meats,
including bacon, hot dogs, bologna, and salami.
3. Sulfites
Sulfites include sulfur dioxide in fruits, sulfites in grapes and
wine, and metabisulfites in other foods, and they sometimes cause
allergic reactions. or headaches, nausea, and diarrhea. Anyone
suffering from allergies or asthma should minimize or avoid sulfated
foods.
4. Sugar
Sugar and high fructose corn syrup are a frequent additive, and
its overuse can lead to numerous health issues including elevated
blood sugar, hypoglycemia, hyperactivity, yeast problems (candida),
excessive food cravings, and increased triglycerides (blood fats).
Sugar and sweeteners also contribute empty calories toward obesity,
dental cavities, and diabetes.
5. Artificial Sweeteners
Saccharin has been linked with cancer in laboratory animals, but its
widespread use is on the decline. Still, other synthetic sweeteners
like Aspartame, and acesulfame-K are widely used in soft drinks,
candies, chewing gum and a variety of other products. Two research
studies found aspartame to have caused brain tumors in lab animals,
and it should be avoided by pregnant women and children under seven.
Another sweetener, sucrose, sold under the brand name Splenda, has
had very little long term research.
6. Preservatives
Preservatives such as BHA, BHT and EDTA are used in small quantities
in grain products like cereal, soup bases, and other foods
containing oil to prevent rancidity. These are potentially toxic to
the liver and kidneys, and they've been known to cause allergic
reactions and neurotoxic effects. Children can be especially
sensitive to preservatives and they may cause behavioral changes and
hyperactivity. Interestingly, BHT is prohibited as a food additive
in the UK.
7. Artificial Flavors
Artificial flavors represent the largest number of food additives.
Most of the food products with artificial flavor additives are
highly processed. Both adults and children may exhibit allergic
reactions and other health issues from these chemical flavorings.
8. Olestra
Olestra is a synthesized fat substitute first used in potato chips.
It's a non-absorbable oil polymer, thus it's not metabolized by the
body. Certain consumers have reported digestive and other problems
from Olestra consumption, including diarrhea and abdominal cramping.
9. Salt
Salt or sodium chloride is used by our bodies to maintain proper
electrical conductivity within the cells and a variety of other
essential functions. But eating too much salt can lead to fluid
retention and increased blood pressure.
10. Food packaging
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a known carcinogen, and it's often used
as plastic food wrap. Many grocery stores seal meats and other foods
in PVC wrap; a particularly dangerous practice for warm or fatty
foods, both of which help release the PVC into the food.
