Chemical food additives are used to extend shelf life of products and reduce the cost of production, but the same time these additives poison the food, make us sick, fat and unhappy. There are some food additives that should be kept definitely away from your plate.
Infamous trans fat – hydrogenated and partly hydrogenated vegetable oils or vegetable fat. Used to enhance and extend shelf life of food products. The consumption can increases the bad cholesterol, raises the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, immune system problems. Found in margarine, chips, crackers, cookies, fast food.
Flavor enhancer Monosodium Glutamate (E621). Studies show that regular consumption can contribute to depression, eye damage, fatigue, headache and obesity. Found in various snacks, chips, cookies, spices, processed meat products.
Sodium Nitrate (E251) is used as a preservative, flavor enhancer and coloring. It is toxic substance and highly carcinogenic. Found in processed meat products – sausages, ham, bacon, smoked fish.
Artificial sweeteners. Aspartame (E951). Toxic sweetener that can affect short-term memory. May lead to brain tumors, diabetes, migraine, Parkinson’s disease. Found in sugar free or light soft drinks, chewing gum, ready desserts, food supplements.
High fructose corn syrup (HFCS). This higly refined artificial sweetener is found in almost all processed foods. Increases bad cholesterol, contributes to the development of diabetes and heart disease, promotes obesity. Found in breakfast cereals, bread, candy, sweetened yoghurts, ketchup, soft drinks, etc.
Potassium bromate (E924).Carcinogenic substance that is added to white flour and bread to increase the volume.
BHA and BHT (E320, E321). They are used as a preservative that protects food from changing colors and flavors. Can affect the neurological system of the brain, alters behaviour, can cause cancer. Found in potato chips, chewing gum, breakfast cereals, candies, sausages.
A supposed safe additive – mono and diglycerides of fatty acids (E471), used as emulsifier. It can contribute to obesity and other diseases, for example, stomatitis in some cases. So better avoid E471. Found in margarine, yogurt, ice cream, chocolate, cream, cake, muffin, baby food.
Palm oil is added to products to extend their shelf life. Don’t buy products that contain these cheap fat, not only they are unhealthy, but also because oil production contributes to rainforest deforestation. Found in bread, biscuits, breakfast cereals, oatmeal bars, etc.
In any case, safer is to buy products where the ingredient list is very short without any chemical additives.
