DANGEROUS Chemical FOODS | |
Sodium nitrite &sodium nitrate |
Sodium nitrite is added to cured meat like cold cuts and hot dogs to
keep their color and to give them flavor; sodium nitrate can be used for
the same purpose, as it breaks down into sodium nitrite. In addition to
their preservative functions, they are used to prevent botulism, a
deadly disease transmitted through food. Unfortunately, during the digestive process, they form cancer-causing nitrosamines in our intestines. Given this fact, most foods that contain sodium nitrite are also pumped with vitamin C derivatives like ascorbate or sodium erythrobate, as vitamin C prevents nitrosamines from forming. However, if you're still worried, avoid food containing sodium nitrite or eat vitamin C-rich foods — such as oranges, broccoli, green peppers, and Brussels sprouts — at the same time. A new study has found that the majority of our exposure to dangerous synthetic hormones, namely Bisphenol A (BPA) is canned foods. Organic or not, 92 percent of canned foods have BPA. Rachel wrote that organic brand names Muir Glen, Amy's, Bionaturae, and S&W Organic all do use BPA in their canned foods. |
Propyl gallate, BHA, BHT & BPA |
Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) also
delay rancidity in fats, oils, and foods that contain oils, such as
cereals, chewing gum, vegetable oil, and potato chips. Some studies have
shown that both BHA and BHT cause cancer in rats. Since they can easily
be replaced by safer alternatives like vitamin E or packing under
nitrogen instead of air, or even be completely left out, there is no
reason to take the chance; avoid these chemicals as much as possible. An antioxidant preservative that prolongs the life of fats and oils — such as in vegetable oil, chewing gum, meat products, and chicken soup base — propyl gallate may cause cancer. It is often used with BHA and BHT |
artificial sweeteners (Saccharin,Acesulfame-K) |
This sweetener, commercially known as Sweet'N Low, is 350 times sweeter
than sugar; it is used in many diet foods and soft drinks, and as a
tabletop sugar substitute. Several animal studies have shown that it
causes cancer of the bladder, uterus, ovaries, blood vessels, skin, and
various other organs. Even a significant study conducted by the National
Cancer Institute found that it does indeed cause bladder cancer.
Find out about other dangerous sweeteners and artificial food colorings you should avoid. Acesulfame-K is approximately 200 times sweeter than sugar and is used
around the world in baked goods, soft drinks, chewing gum, and gelatin
desserts. Although early studies showed no health risks, they were not
the most reliable experiments. Since then, two separate studies on rats
have shown that it may cause cancer. Although further tests are needed,
it is recommended to avoid acesulfame-K altogether.
An added concern is that the breakdown product of acesulfame-K known as acetoacetamide affects the thyroid in rats, dogs and rabbits when administered in large amounts; however, there is no proof that the amounts found in food are dangerous. Aspartame is found in the name brands Equal and NutraSweet; it is composed of methanol and two amino acids. Although originally believed to be the perfect artificial sweetener, it caused brain tumors in rats in certain studies conducted in the 1970s. Although there was much pressure from different groups for further studies to explore the potential dangers of aspartame, it wasn't until 2005 that a new study was released. It found that even small doses of the sweetener increased the occurrence of lymphoma and leukemia, and occasionally caused brain tumors in rats. Although more research is still needed, avoid it to stay on the safe side. However, do not believe the claims that can be found all over the Internet regarding the wide variety of illnesses caused by aspartame; most of them have never been proven. |
Phthalates
| Phthalates are another synthetic hormone often found in canned foods. Phthalates are a chemical associated with endocrine disruption in animals and in some human studies. In laboratory animal tests, they have been shown to cause reproductive and neurological damage. They are often found in personal care products as well as canned foods. Avoid them by eating fresh foods that aren't packaged whenever possible. |
Palm Oil | It's not what palm oil
does to your body that's the problem, although it is a highly saturated
fat, and can increase cholesterol, but it's the horrible impact it has
on the planet that's worth mentioning. Grist writes: he main threat to the orangutans' survival, as well as other endangered wildlife like Sumatran tigers, Sumatran rhinoceroses, and pygmy elephants, was the clearing and burning of Southeast Asia's rainforests for palm oil, an additive in cookies, crackers, and cosmetics. Look for the ingredient in your snack foods and cut it out. |
artificial colorings |
|
Blue 1 & Blue 2
|
Blue 1 is a coloring used in candy, beverages and baked goods. Although
more research is needed, some studies have shown a small cancer risk, so
it is wise to steer clear of it.
Blue 2 can be found in pet
food, candy and beverages. It hasn't been proven without a doubt, but
studies have suggested that it causes brain tumors in mice.
|
Red 3 |
Used in fruit cocktail cherries, baked goods and candy, there is some evidence that Red 3 causes thyroid tumors in rats. Although it is unclear if this could also be the case in humans, it is a possibility. |
Yellow 6
|
Found in beverages, baked goods, sausages, candy, and gelatin, Yellow 6 is the third most widely used of all food colorings. It has been shown to cause adrenal gland and kidney tumors, and it contains small amounts of many carcinogens. However, after review, the FDA concluded that it isn't a significant cancer risk for humans, but it may still be wise to avoid it. |
eat fresh
Although most of these additives have not been proven
without a doubt to be dangerous, and there are many more that could be
added to this list, it is safer to stay away from the aforementioned
chemicals as much as possible. Read the labels; if you have a choice
between a bag of potato chips that contains BHA and BHT, and one that
doesn't, choose the latter. Or better yet, why don't you just go for
some fresh veggies and dip, and you'll avoid the processed ingredients altogether.
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