These days, it seems one almost needs to be a chemist to interpret the ingredients on a package of food. In addition to the ingredients we know to avoid, like high sugar and salt content, there are a number of additives and preservatives in most food that might be harmful to us. How can we know which ingredients are ok and which can do us real harm? One way is to stay away from all packaged and pre-prepared foods. Even then, you would want to buy organic to avoid pesticides and fertilizers that can be harmful, but it would reduce a lot of the bad stuff.
For most of us though, that isn’t realistic. It’s possible of course, but there is something to be said for the convenience of packaged foods, as long as we’re not trading our health for that convenience. So the best solution is to know what the ingredients are in your food, and to know which additives and preservatives to look out for. The following list will help you make the best choices when shopping at the grocery store.
Food dyes: Recently, the UK banned 8 food dyes. This move came about as the result of a study that showed these dyes caused hyperactivity and other behavioral problems in children. The US FDA did not follow suit and take the same steps – which, given the control the food industry has on our regulatory agencies, isn’t a shock. Here are the dyes which were banned and which you should avoid:
- Blue 1 and 2
- Yellow 5 and 6
- Red 3 and 40
- Orange B
- Green 3
Partially Hydrogenated Vegetable Oils: There has been a lot of talk about trans fats lately, and these oils are the culprits. These oils are created by adding hydrogen atoms to regular vegetable oil. This extends the shelf life of the products containing the oils, but it does so at the expense of the health of the consumer. Avoid these oils to reduce your risk of heart disease and high cholesterol.
Potassium Bromate: You will often find this additive in breads and rolls. It increases volume, so it is purely a financial decision for a company to add it. This additive has been shown to cause cancer and has been banned in every country in the world, except the US and Japan.
MSG (Monosodium Glutamate): MSG is known to trigger severe headaches, nausea and vomiting in those who are sensitive to its affects. Sudden cardiac deaths have also been linked to long term use of MSG and the other additives containing it. As it is not always labeled as MSG, be on the lookout for these ingredients that always contain MSG:
- Glutamate
- Glutamic Acid
- Gelatin
- Calcium Caseinate
- Autolyzed Yeast
- Monopotassium Glutamate
- Textured Protein
- Sodium Caseinate
Sodium Benzoate: This preservative prevents bacterial and fungal growth. Sounds like a good thing, but sodium benzoate is one of the most dangerous preservatives there is. A chemical compound known as benzene is formed when this additive is mixed with vitamin C or ascorbic acid, and benzene is a known carcinogen.
BHA and BHT: These chemicals are added to a number of foods to slow food decay. Studies show that BHA, in particular, might be a cancer causing agent. While studies of BHT are inconclusive at this time, your best bet is to avoid both of these very similarly structured compounds.
It will take you a few minutes longer at the grocery store to scan the ingredients list for the above additives, but the little extra time is a small price to pay for keeping these harmful ingredients out of the bodies of you and your family. If you have questions about following a healthy diet or natural health in general, get in touch with our San Clemente Chiropractor office. We’ll be glad to get you on the path to total health!
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What a great resource!
Comment by Respiratory Therapist — January 20, 2011 @ 4:20 pm