Naturalpath

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 sulfited foods.

4. Sugar

Sugar and high fructose corn syrup are a frequent additditve, 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, sucralose, 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.

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