Many of us need to be more careful about the food we eat, and what we are putting into our bodies. There is so much we don’t actually know about the food we are looking to eat, and this is something you need to better understand. Here are the hidden chemicals in your food that you should try to avoid.
Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
MSG is a common additive that you will find in savory dishes and is used to enhance flavor. You can find it in processed foods, as well as in foods at restaurants and fast food places. The assumption that MSG is inherently toxic is a racially charged myth – the substance is similar to salt. Keep in mind that moderation is key, extremely high quantities are thought to have harmful neurological effects if taken in high quantities.
Artificial coloring
Food coloring is typically used to brighten and improve the appearance of loads of different types of food. However, the problem that has arisen in recent years is that some of these food colorings have been associated with health concerns, such as allergic reactions, and potential cancer-causing properties are well documented.
Sodium nitrate
A type of salt that has long been used to help cure and preserve meats, sodium nitrate is used to prevent the growth of bacteria. The problem is that, under high heat, it can turn into nitrosamine. This can have negative impacts on your health and wellbeing, presenting a higher risk of stomach cancer and diabetes.
Artificial sweeteners
These sweeteners are used in many diet foods and drinks in order to enhance the sweetness whilst also reducing the calorie count. This is all well and good, but artificial sweeteners are believed to have been linked to adverse health conditions. Whilst research is not entirely conclusive yet, they have been known to cause headaches, increase sugar cravings and even potentially cause cancer.
Carrageenan
Carrageenan is used as a thickener and a preservative used in many different foods, including things like milk, ice cream, and vegan cheese. There have long been health concerns related to carrageenan, mainly linking it to things like glucose intolerance, inflammation, and intestinal ulcers!
Guar gum
A carbohydrate used to thicken and bind certain foods together, guar gum is typically found in things like ice cream, salad dressings, soups, and more.Whilst being high in fiber and containing other health benefits, there have also been health concerns linked with guar gum. This includes bloating and cramps, potentially obstructing the small intestine.
High-fructose corn syrup
This sweetener made from corn is typically found in things like soda, snack foods, and candy, and is linked to serious health issues when consumed in large quantities. Indeed, high-fructose corn syrup can be linked to things like diabetes, weight gain, and even heart disease and cancer.
Trans fat
Trans fats tend to be found in processed foods, including biscuits, baked goods, and margarine. They are a type of unsaturated fat with a longer shelf life than similar products, but can have potential health risks. These include things like inflammation, diabetes, heart disease, and more. Try to make sure you reduce your intake as much as possible.
Artificial flavoring
Artificial flavoring is used to enhance and mimic the tastes of other ingredients in order to try to help food taste better and more appealing. They can imitate a range of flavors, but they also are linked with concerning health side effects including toxicity to bone marrow cells and a reduction of red blood cell production, found when tested on rats.
Yeast extract
Yeast extract is an addition to many savory foods in order to boost the flavor, but consumers need to beware. In a similar way to MSG, yeast extract can cause things like headaches and swelling if it is consumed in high quantities. Though it’s recognized as safe by the FDA, it is something you might like to avoid moving forward.