Chico Health and Wellness

Food Additives are used to make foods taste better, look better and last longer, but should we be putting these additives in our bodies?

Average American families spend 9o% of their food budget on foods that are packaged, processed and chalk-full of artificial additives. The 10 Additives below have been found harmful to your health:

1. Artificial Sweeteners

Aspartame aka: Nutrasweet and Equal is found in foods that are labeled diet or sugar-free as well as diet or sugar free sodas, diet coke, coke zero, jello (and over gelatins), desserts, sugar free gum, drink mixes, baking goods, table top sweeteners, cereal, breathmints, pudding, kool-aid, ice tea, chewable vitamins, toothpaste. 

Aspartame is believed to be a carcinogen and when combined with MSG increases risk of breast, prostate, melanoma, colorectal, lung, ovarian, rhabdomyosarcoma, pancreatic, and head and neck cancers.

According to a new review by scientists from the University of Pretoria and the University of Limpopo found a number of direct and indirect changes that occur in your body as a result of high consumption levels of aspartame, including:

• Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease
• Memory and hearing loss
• Hormonal problems
• Epilepsy
• AIDS
• Brain lesions
• Neuroendocrine disorders

Aspartame consumption produces neurotoxic effects such as migraines, dizziness, headaches, mental confusion,  and seizures. A must avoid if you suffer from asthma, rhinitis (including hayfever), or urticaria (hives).

Acesulfame-K, a relatively new artificial sweetener found in baking goods, gum and gelatin, has not been thoroughly tested and has been linked to kidney tumors.

2. High Fructose Corn Syrup

High-fructose corn syrup is the worst sugar of all and found in virtually all processed foods.

The dangers of high-fructose corn syrup are real and documented. Consuming this additive not only…

• Contributes to fat deposits in your liver, increasing buildup of lipoproteins,
  and
• Leads to plaque buildup and narrowing of blood vessels
• worsens Diabetes, which is mainly rooted in insulin problems.
• Causes Metabolic syndrome.
• Damages your immune system, making your more susceptible to asthma, food allergies, multiple sclerosis and other immune system problems.
• Accelerates the aging process.

3. Monosodium Glutamate – MSG

Msg is used to enhance the flavor of chips, salad dressings, many restaurant foods and frozen entrees, chinese food ( Chinese Restaurant Syndrome ) many snacks, chips, cookies, seasonings, most Campbell Soup products, frozen dinners , lunch meats.

MSG is characterized as an excitotoxin, which OVER  excites our cells to the point of damaging them or killing them. Studies show that regular consumption of MSG may result in adverse side effects such aseye damage, depression, disorientation, fatigue, headaches, and obesity.

4. Trans Fat

Trans fat is found in: margarine, chips and crackers, baked goods, fast foods and is used to enhance and extend the shelf life of food products and is among the most dangerous substances that we consume. Trans fat increases LDL cholesterol levels while decreasing HDL (“good”) cholesterol, increases the risk of heart attacks, heart disease and strokes, and contributes to increased inflammation, diabetes and other health problems.

5. Food Dye

Studies show that artificial colorings which are found in candy,  soft drinks, sports drinks, cereal, pet foods, soda, fruit juices and salad dressings, fruit cocktail, maraschino cherries, cherry pie mix, ice cream, candy, bakery products, American cheese, macaroni and cheese, carbonated beverages, lemonade may contribute to behavioral problems in children, may cause chromosomal damage, thyroid cancer and chromosomal damage in laboratory animals, may also interfere with brain-nerve transmission, increases the number of kidney and adrenal gland tumors and lead to a significant reduction in IQ.

6. Sodium Sulphite

Individuals who are allergic to Sulphites found in Red Wine and Fruit may experience headaches, breathing problems, and rashes. In severe cases, sulfites can actually cause death by closing down the airway altogether, leading to cardiac arrest.

7. Sodium nitrate/sodium nitrite

This preservative usually added to processed meats likebacon, ham and luncheon meat, hot dogs, corned beef and anything smoked. Studies have linked sodium nitrate to various types of cancer.

8. BHA and BHT

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydrozyttoluene (BHT) are preservatives found in potato chips, gum, cereal, frozen sausages, enriched rice, lard, shortening, candy, jellocereals, chewing gum,  and vegetable oils. This common preservative keeps foods from changing color, changing flavor or becoming rancid. Effects the neurological system of the brain, alters behavior and has potential to cause cancer BHA and BHT are oxidants which form cancer-causing reactive compounds in your body.

9. Sulphur Dioxide

Sulphur additives are toxic and can be found in beers, soft drinks, dried fruit, juices, cordials, wine, vinegar, and potato products.  In the USA, the FDA has prohibited their use on raw fruit and vegetables. Avoid if you suffer from conjunctivitis, bronchitis, emphysema, bronchial asthma, or cardiovascular disease.

Adverse reactions include: bronchial problems particularly in those prone to asthma, hypotension (low blood pressure), flushing tingling sensations or anaphylactic shock. It also destroys vitamins B1 and E. Not recommended for consumption by children.

10. Potassium Bromate

An additive used to increase volume in some white flour, breads, and rolls, potassium bromate is known to cause cancer in animals. Some states require a label as to such. Even small amounts in bread can create problems for humans.

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