Food additives to Watch out For
In a broad sense, a food additive is any substance that is added to food. They can serve different functions, like preservation of food, enhancement of flavor or appearance, or even add nutritional value. So they're not always bad, but there are certain common food additives that can be harmful to the body. The food additives pictured below are known to negatively affect health. Hover over the items to learn.
Sodium nitrites and nitrates are found in things like processed meats as a preservative and naturally in vegetables. There is some concern that nitrites and nitrates can react to create nitrosamines, which are genotoxic chemical carcinogens (cancer-causing substance). However, it is important to note that nitrites and nitrates have to react to become carcinogenic, and the environment and circumstances they are cooked in play a big role in this. Nitrites are much more likely to react and create nitrosamines when cooked in high heat in close proximity to proteins. That's why sodium nitrites and nitrates in processed meats are much more dangerous than in vegetables, where they don't pose much of a threat. In fact, many experts agree that the sodium nitrites and nitrates that come from vegetables are actually beneficial as they can act as actioxidants
Sodium nitrites and nitrates are found in things like processed meats as a preservative and naturally in vegetables. There is some concern that nitrites and nitrates can react to create nitrosamines, which are genotoxic chemical carcinogens (cancer-causing substance). However, it is important to note that nitrites and nitrates have to react to become carcinogenic, and the environment and circumstances they are cooked in play a big role in this. Nitrites are much more likely to react and create nitrosamines when cooked in high heat in close proximity to proteins. That's why sodium nitrites and nitrates in processed meats are much more dangerous than in vegetables, where they don't pose much of a threat. In fact, many experts agree that the sodium nitrites and nitrates that come from vegetables are actually beneficial as they can act as actioxidants
Sodium nitrites and nitrates are found in things like processed meats as a preservative and naturally in vegetables. There is some concern that nitrites and nitrates can react to create nitrosamines, which are genotoxic chemical carcinogens (cancer-causing substance). However, it is important to note that nitrites and nitrates have to react to become carcinogenic, and the environment and circumstances they are cooked in play a big role in this. Nitrites are much more likely to react and create nitrosamines when cooked in high heat in close proximity to proteins. That's why sodium nitrites and nitrates in processed meats are much more dangerous than in vegetables, where they don't pose much of a threat. In fact, many experts agree that the sodium nitrites and nitrates that come from vegetables are actually beneficial as they can act as actioxidants
Sodium nitrites & Nitrates
Sodium nitrites and nitrates are found in things like processed meats as a preservative and naturally in vegetables. There is some concern that nitrites and nitrates can react to create nitrosamines, which are genotoxic chemical carcinogens (cancer-causing substances). However, it is important to note that nitrites and nitrates have to react to become carcinogenic, and the environment and circumstances they are cooked in play a big role in this. Nitrites are much more likely to react and create nitrosamines when cooked in high heat in close proximity to proteins. That's why sodium nitrites and nitrates in processed meats are much more dangerous than those found in veggies, where they do not cause harm. In fact, many experts agree that sodium nitrites and nitrates from veggies are actually beneficial as they can act as antioxidants.
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Conclusion: Limit sodium nitrites/nitrates from processed meats.
Sodium nitrites and nitrates are found in things like processed meats as a preservative and naturally in vegetables. There is some concern that nitrites and nitrates can react to create nitrosamines, which are genotoxic chemical carcinogens (cancer-causing substance). However, it is important to note that nitrites and nitrates have to react to become carcinogenic, and the environment and circumstances they are cooked in play a big role in this. Nitrites are much more likely to react and create nitrosamines when cooked in high heat in close proximity to proteins. That's why sodium nitrites and nitrates in processed meats are much more dangerous than in vegetables, where they don't pose much of a threat. In fact, many experts agree that the sodium nitrites and nitrates that come from vegetables are actually beneficial as they can act as actioxidants
Sodium nitrites and nitrates are found in things like processed meats as a preservative and naturally in vegetables. There is some concern that nitrites and nitrates can react to create nitrosamines, which are genotoxic chemical carcinogens (cancer-causing substance). However, it is important to note that nitrites and nitrates have to react to become carcinogenic, and the environment and circumstances they are cooked in play a big role in this. Nitrites are much more likely to react and create nitrosamines when cooked in high heat in close proximity to proteins. That's why sodium nitrites and nitrates in processed meats are much more dangerous than in vegetables, where they don't pose much of a threat. In fact, many experts agree that the sodium nitrites and nitrates that come from vegetables are actually beneficial as they can act as actioxidants
Sodium nitrites and nitrates are found in things like processed meats as a preservative and naturally in vegetables. There is some concern that nitrites and nitrates can react to create nitrosamines, which are genotoxic chemical carcinogens (cancer-causing substance). However, it is important to note that nitrites and nitrates have to react to become carcinogenic, and the environment and circumstances they are cooked in play a big role in this. Nitrites are much more likely to react and create nitrosamines when cooked in high heat in close proximity to proteins. That's why sodium nitrites and nitrates in processed meats are much more dangerous than in vegetables, where they don't pose much of a threat. In fact, many experts agree that the sodium nitrites and nitrates that come from vegetables are actually beneficial as they can act as actioxidants
Manufacturers create hydrogenated oils in a process called hydrogenation, where hydrogens are added to a liquid fat, which converts it to a more solid fat in order to make it more shelf-stable. There are two types: partially hydrogenated oils and fully hydrogenated oils. Partially hydrogenated oil contains trans fat, while fully hydrogenated oil contains saturated fat. To learn more about the chemistry of the fats and how it affects their nutritional properties, see "Trans Fats" and "Saturated Fats". Both types of fats are dangerous and can cause accumulation in arteries, resulting in cardiovascular issues. It is important to check the ingredient list for hydrogenated oils because the nutrition label can say 0 grams and still have upto half a gram of trans fat or saturated fat.
Hydrogenated oils
Sodium nitrites and nitrates are found in things like processed meats as a preservative and naturally in vegetables. There is some concern that nitrites and nitrates can react to create nitrosamines, which are genotoxic chemical carcinogens (cancer-causing substance). However, it is important to note that nitrites and nitrates have to react to become carcinogenic, and the environment and circumstances they are cooked in play a big role in this. Nitrites are much more likely to react and create nitrosamines when cooked in high heat in close proximity to proteins. That's why sodium nitrites and nitrates in processed meats are much more dangerous than in vegetables, where they don't pose much of a threat. In fact, many experts agree that the sodium nitrites and nitrates that come from vegetables are actually beneficial as they can act as actioxidants
Sodium nitrites and nitrates are found in things like processed meats as a preservative and naturally in vegetables. There is some concern that nitrites and nitrates can react to create nitrosamines, which are genotoxic chemical carcinogens (cancer-causing substance). However, it is important to note that nitrites and nitrates have to react to become carcinogenic, and the environment and circumstances they are cooked in play a big role in this. Nitrites are much more likely to react and create nitrosamines when cooked in high heat in close proximity to proteins. That's why sodium nitrites and nitrates in processed meats are much more dangerous than in vegetables, where they don't pose much of a threat. In fact, many experts agree that the sodium nitrites and nitrates that come from vegetables are actually beneficial as they can act as actioxidants
Sodium nitrites and nitrates are found in things like processed meats as a preservative and naturally in vegetables. There is some concern that nitrites and nitrates can react to create nitrosamines, which are genotoxic chemical carcinogens (cancer-causing substance). However, it is important to note that nitrites and nitrates have to react to become carcinogenic, and the environment and circumstances they are cooked in play a big role in this. Nitrites are much more likely to react and create nitrosamines when cooked in high heat in close proximity to proteins. That's why sodium nitrites and nitrates in processed meats are much more dangerous than in vegetables, where they don't pose much of a threat. In fact, many experts agree that the sodium nitrites and nitrates that come from vegetables are actually beneficial as they can act as actioxidants
Sodium nitrites & Nitrates
Most synthetic food dyes are made with chemicals derived from petroleum, or crude oil. Artificial food colors are cheaper, easier to produce, and have longer shelf lives than natural food colors, which is why they are seen so frequently on the list of ingredients on many food labels. Many of these dyes contain benzidine or other carciongens. Benzidine is a lipophillic substance (dissolves in fat and does not interact with water). This means that it can easily accumulate in fat tissues. Then, they are continuously converted into mutagenic structures that can react with DNA to cause cancer. Other dyes are known to induce hypersensitivity reactions and even hyperactivity, especially in children.
Artificial food coloring
Sodium nitrites and nitrates are found in things like processed meats as a preservative and naturally in vegetables. There is some concern that nitrites and nitrates can react to create nitrosamines, which are genotoxic chemical carcinogens (cancer-causing substance). However, it is important to note that nitrites and nitrates have to react to become carcinogenic, and the environment and circumstances they are cooked in play a big role in this. Nitrites are much more likely to react and create nitrosamines when cooked in high heat in close proximity to proteins. That's why sodium nitrites and nitrates in processed meats are much more dangerous than in vegetables, where they don't pose much of a threat. In fact, many experts agree that the sodium nitrites and nitrates that come from vegetables are actually beneficial as they can act as actioxidants
Sodium nitrites and nitrates are found in things like processed meats as a preservative and naturally in vegetables. There is some concern that nitrites and nitrates can react to create nitrosamines, which are genotoxic chemical carcinogens (cancer-causing substance). However, it is important to note that nitrites and nitrates have to react to become carcinogenic, and the environment and circumstances they are cooked in play a big role in this. Nitrites are much more likely to react and create nitrosamines when cooked in high heat in close proximity to proteins. That's why sodium nitrites and nitrates in processed meats are much more dangerous than in vegetables, where they don't pose much of a threat. In fact, many experts agree that the sodium nitrites and nitrates that come from vegetables are actually beneficial as they can act as actioxidants
Sodium nitrites and nitrates are found in things like processed meats as a preservative and naturally in vegetables. There is some concern that nitrites and nitrates can react to create nitrosamines, which are genotoxic chemical carcinogens (cancer-causing substance). However, it is important to note that nitrites and nitrates have to react to become carcinogenic, and the environment and circumstances they are cooked in play a big role in this. Nitrites are much more likely to react and create nitrosamines when cooked in high heat in close proximity to proteins. That's why sodium nitrites and nitrates in processed meats are much more dangerous than in vegetables, where they don't pose much of a threat. In fact, many experts agree that the sodium nitrites and nitrates that come from vegetables are actually beneficial as they can act as actioxidants
Sodium nitrites & Nitrates
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a common flavor enhancer used in Chinese foods, canned veggies, soups, and processed meats. Results from both aminal and human studies have shown that even the lowest dosage of MSG can have toxic effects. MSG acts on receptors and releases excitatory neurotransmitters that can potentially overstimulate and damage nerve cells. This is why MSG has been labeled as a excotoxin by many experts. There are many reports that MSG has caused headaches, nausea, and facial numbness & tingling. Animal studies have also shown that MSG sets a precedent for the development of obesity later on in life and there is concern that it would show the same effects for humans.
High fructose corn syrup
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Monosodium glutamate
Other Food Additives to Limit
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Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) - a petroleum-derived substance used to preserve fats. It has been linked to cancer in animal studies.
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High fructose corn syrup - used as a sugar alternative, it is a sweetener that is processed from corn. Studies have shown that it increases appetite and promotes obesity & diabetes far more than regular sugar.
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Artificial flavors - these are lab-created flavors made to mimic the taste of natural flavors. They have caused reduced red blood cell production in animal studies. However, it is highly debated amongst experts whether they are really dangerous to humans or not, more research is needed.
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Potassium & sodium benzoate - preservatives commonly added to drinks. When combined with vitamin C and heat/light, it can react to form a strong carcinogen.