15 Common Food Ingredients That Are Secretly Harmful
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When it comes to the foods we eat, most of us try to make healthy choices. We fill our carts with colorful fruits and veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains. However, even the most health-conscious among us may be unaware of the hidden dangers lurking in some common food ingredients. From artificial sweeteners to preservatives, many of the things we consume on a daily basis have been linked to various health problems. Let’s take a look at 15 common food ingredients that are secretly harmful to your health.
High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)
Found in everything from soda to bread, HFCS is a cheap sweetener that’s been linked to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Unlike natural sugars, HFCS is processed by the liver, leading to fat accumulation and insulin resistance. To avoid HFCS, read labels carefully and opt for products sweetened with natural sugars like cane sugar or honey.
Artificial Sweeteners
While artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose are often touted as healthy alternatives to sugar, they’ve been linked to a host of health problems. Studies have shown that regular consumption of artificial sweeteners can disrupt gut bacteria, leading to glucose intolerance and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. They’ve also been linked to headaches, depression, and even certain types of cancer.
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
A common flavor enhancer, MSG has been linked to a variety of health problems including headaches, nausea, and even brain damage. While the FDA considers MSG to be generally safe, some people may be sensitive to its effects. To avoid MSG, read labels carefully and opt for whole, unprocessed foods whenever possible.
Artificial Food Dyes
Used to give foods a more appealing color, artificial food dyes have been linked to hyperactivity in children, as well as allergic reactions and even certain types of cancer. While the FDA has deemed most food dyes to be safe, some experts believe that more research is needed to fully understand their long-term effects. To avoid artificial food dyes, opt for foods colored with natural ingredients like beet juice or turmeric.
Trans Fats
Once a staple in processed foods, trans fats have been largely phased out due to their well-documented negative health effects. However, they can still be found in some products, particularly those made with partially hydrogenated oils. Trans fats have been linked to heart disease, stroke, and even certain types of cancer. To avoid trans fats, read labels carefully and opt for products made with healthy oils like olive or coconut oil.
Sodium Nitrite and Sodium Nitrate
Used as preservatives in processed meats like bacon and hot dogs, sodium nitrite and sodium nitrate have been linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer, particularly colorectal cancer. While the FDA considers these additives to be safe in small amounts, some experts believe that more research is needed to fully understand their long-term effects. To avoid these additives, opt for uncured meats or look for products made with natural preservatives like celery juice.
BHA and BHT
Used as preservatives in processed foods like cereals and snack foods, BHA and BHT have been linked to cancer in animal studies. While the FDA considers these additives to be safe in small amounts, some experts believe that more research is needed to fully understand their long-term effects. To avoid BHA and BHT, read labels carefully and opt for products made with natural preservatives like vitamin E.
Potassium Bromate
Used as a dough conditioner in some breads and baked goods, potassium bromate has been linked to cancer in animal studies. While the FDA has urged bakers to voluntarily stop using this additive, it’s still legal in the US. To avoid potassium bromate, opt for breads and baked goods made with unbleached flour or look for products labeled “potassium bromate-free.”
Propyl Gallate
Used as a preservative in some processed foods like meat products and baked goods, propyl gallate has been linked to cancer in animal studies. While the FDA considers this additive to be safe in small amounts, some experts believe that more research is needed to fully understand its long-term effects. To avoid propyl gallate, read labels carefully and opt for products made with natural preservatives.
Sodium Benzoate
Used as a preservative in some processed foods and beverages, sodium benzoate has been linked to hyperactivity in children and may also form benzene, a known carcinogen, when combined with vitamin C. While the FDA considers this additive to be safe in small amounts, some experts believe that more research is needed to fully understand its long-term effects. To avoid sodium benzoate, read labels carefully and opt for products made with natural preservatives.
Artificial Flavors
Used to mimic the taste of natural ingredients, artificial flavors are common in processed foods and beverages. While the FDA considers most artificial flavors to be safe, some have been linked to health problems like allergic reactions and even certain types of cancer. To avoid artificial flavors, opt for foods made with whole, natural ingredients and read labels carefully.
Carrageenan
Used as a thickener and emulsifier in some processed foods like dairy products and non-dairy milks, carrageenan has been linked to inflammation and digestive problems. While the FDA considers this additive to be safe, some experts believe that more research is needed to fully understand its long-term effects. To avoid carrageenan, read labels carefully and opt for products made with natural thickeners like guar gum or xanthan gum.
Phosphates
Used as preservatives and flavor enhancers in some processed foods like meats and cheeses, phosphates have been linked to kidney disease and bone loss. While the FDA considers these additives to be safe in small amounts, some experts believe that more research is needed to fully understand their long-term effects. To avoid phosphates, read labels carefully and opt for whole, unprocessed foods whenever possible.
Caramel Coloring
Used to give foods a more appealing color, some types of caramel coloring have been linked to cancer in animal studies. While the FDA considers these additives to be safe, some experts believe that more research is needed to fully understand their long-term effects. To avoid potentially harmful caramel coloring, read labels carefully and opt for foods colored with natural ingredients like molasses or beet juice.
Artificial Preservatives
Used to extend the shelf life of processed foods, artificial preservatives like TBHQ and propylene glycol have been linked to a variety of health problems including allergic reactions and even certain types of cancer. While the FDA considers most artificial preservatives to be safe in small amounts, some experts believe that more research is needed to fully understand their long-term effects. To avoid artificial preservatives, opt for whole, unprocessed foods whenever possible and read labels carefully.
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