Americans spend an excessive amount of their food budgets on processed foods. Food additives are used in the processing of many foods to extend shelf life and enhance packaging. Processed foods expose each family member to toxic levels that are detrimental to a healthful life. Here are 7 food additives to avoid.
Sulfites: A food preservative, Many health issues and even deaths have been reported to the FDA concerning ingested sulfites. These are found in foods such as Shrimp, dried fruits and wines.
BHA (Butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene): Both are additives which prevent foods from spoiling. They have been shown in tests on animals to create aggressive behavior, affect sleep, and weight. BHA and BHT are found in cheese and breakfast cereals.
Nitrites: Are familiar preservatives have adverse reactions on digestion and are believed to be very detrimental to general health. Popular meats such as hot dogs and bacon and many wines.
Aspartame: Found in foods called sugar free or diet. Aspartame is a neurotoxin and is the most complained about food additive. It is a believed carcinogen known to affect cognitive function and even depression, headaches, dizziness and seizures.
MSG (Monosodium glutamate): MSG is used to add flavor to many conventional foods and it can often be found in fast foods. Reactions can include heart palpitations, severe headaches, and nausea.
Red dye #2: Red Dye No. 2 is allowed to color oranges, especially early in the season when they do not color naturally. The Food and Drug Administration has gone so far as to suggest it be banned as a potential carcinogen.
Brominated vegetable oil: Brominated Vegetable oil is a vegetable oil that has the element Bromine(35 on the periodic table) which increases the density of the oil. It is used rather than a regular vegetable oil to prevent the oil from floating to the top. Bromate is poisonous.
To avoid ingesting excessive amounts of these additives read labels, choose the best option available and consider purchasing USDA Certified Organic foods whenever possible.
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