Tuesday, June 24, 2008

12 additives to definately avoid

Here are 12 good reasons to just eat plain wholesome food straight from the garden or farm. The effort it takes to read all the labels and chart what each item is in takes so long that it would be far more efficient just to eat straight from the source, good natural healthy and inexpensive food as God made it for us to eat.

Dr Mercola does it again. He lists the top 12 items that should never be consumed in a healthy diet. I have added my comments in this color.


1. Sodium Nitrate (also called Sodium Nitrite) This is a preservative, coloring, and flavoring commonly added to bacon, ham, hot dogs, luncheon meats, smoked fish, and corned beef. Studies have linked eating it to various types of cancer. ( It's the meat "products" word that is a give this one away. Altered, often pureed and filled with air that will aid in quick spoilage, not pure fresh meat. Fresh meat does need preserving other than refrigeration or freezing.)

2. BHA and BHT
Butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydrozyttoluene are used to preserve common household foods. They are found in cereals, chewing gum, potato chips, and vegetable oils. They are oxidants, which form potentially cancer-causing reactive compounds in your body. (Anytime you see these ingredients added to the packaging material "to retain freshness," consider it in the food as well! Don't buy it!)


3. Propyl Gallate
Another preservative, often used in conjunction with BHA and BHT. It is sometimes found in meat products, chicken soup base, and chewing gum. Animals studies have suggested that it could be linked to cancer. (note the word "meat products," not wholesome grass fed cuts of meat. If you have to have hot dogs or other processed meats then buy Shelton's brand or any other brand that has a clean conscience. ...those that don't use dangerous additives. They are around, you just have to find them)


4. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
MSG is an amino acid used as a flavor enhancer in soups, salad dressings, chips, frozen entrees, and restaurant food. It can cause headaches and nausea, and animal studies link it to damaged nerve cells in the brains of infant mice. (Watch for all the pseudo names for MSG. It lurks under many names)

5. Trans Fats
Trans fats are proven to cause heart disease. Restaurant food, especially fast food chains, often serve foods laden with trans fats. (I would rather go hungry than eat at a fast food restaurant. The more you know, the more it will change your life!)

6. Aspartame
Aspartame, also known by the brand names Nutrasweet and Equal, is a sweetener found in so-called diet foods such as low-calorie desserts, gelatins, drink mixes, and soft drinks. It may cause cancer or neurological problems, such as dizziness or hallucinations. (This is probably one of the most prevalent additives today and many people blindly accept as safe..or "they" wouldn't put it in pop")

7. Acesulfame-K
This is a relatively new artificial sweetener found in baked goods, chewing gum, and gelatin desserts. There is a general concern that testing on this product has been scant, and some studies show the additive may cause cancer in rats. (any artificial chemicalized sweetener is a bad idea. Remember, antifreeze is so sweet that dogs and cats will lick it up if found on a garage floor. They die very quickly and painfully even though the liquid tasted really good!)

8. Food Colorings: Blue 1, 2; Red 3; Green 3; Yellow 6
Five food colorings still on the market are linked with cancer in animal testing. Blue 1 and 2, found in beverages, candy, baked goods and pet food, have been linked to cancer in mice. Red 3, used to dye cherries, fruit cocktail, candy, and baked goods, has been shown to cause thyroid tumors in rats. Green 3, added to candy and beverages, has been linked to bladder cancer. The widely used yellow 6, added to beverages, sausage, gelatin, baked goods, and candy, has been linked to tumors of the adrenal gland and kidney. (anything that needs to be dyed for eye appeal is obviously not of good food quality anyway so if you see any product that has dye added put it back on the shelf,...an easy way to avoid this one!)

9. Olestra
Olestra, a synthetic fat found in some potato chip brands, can cause severe diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and gas. Olestra also inhibits healthy vitamin absorption from fat-soluble carotenoids that are found in fruits and vegetables. (simply don't eat potato chips)

10. Potassium Bromate
Potassium bromate is used as an additive to increase volume in some white flour, breads, and rolls. It is known to cause cancer in animals, and even small amounts in bread can create a risk for humans. (grind your own flour, ferment it over night and use the whole grain to make your own great tasting and nutritious breads and baking)


11. White Sugar
Watch out for foods with added sugars, such as baked goods, cereals, crackers, sauces and many other processed foods. It is unsafe for your health, and promotes bad nutrition. (my note- and of course, don't use it in your own kitchen. (Substitutes are stevia, honey, agave syrup, unsulphered molasses, rice syrup and maple syrup.)


12. Sodium Chloride
A dash of sodium chloride, more commonly known as salt, can bring flavor to your meal. But too much salt can be dangerous for your health, leading to high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure. (Use Celtic or Himalayan salt)


Living a Lifestyle of Learning daily

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you for that brief on each of the 12. It was very informative. I will be linking this post to share with others:)

Unknown said...

Hi,
I got your blog from "keeper of the home". Is it anyway possible that you can email me the list of "12 additives to definitely avoid"? I would like to print it and add it to my coupon binder when i go shopping. My email is bevinandesty@juno.com .
Estera,