The culture around food is perpetually evolving (as is science!). As we learn to be more conscious about what we eat and put in our bodies, we naturally become more curious about learning. The emphasis tends to be on putting “healthy” foods into our bodies, but do we know what we take every day? An easy way to become more deliberate about what we put into our bodies is by reading the ingredient list (we wrote an article on how!). If you’ve ever encountered an ingredient you can’t pronounce or don’t know where it comes from… this is the perfect article for you. So here are 10 Food Preservatives and Additives to Avoid:
Trans Fats or Hydrogenated Vegetable Oils
This category includes corn, soy, and palm oils along with shortening. Commonly found in packaged foods, these products are to extend the shelf life of food products so they can stay viable for years at a time. Trans fats (here is an article about why you should avoid them) contribute to raising your bad cholesterol (LDL) and lowering your good cholesterol (HDL). These factors contribute to obesity, stroke, and heart disease.
Potassium Bromate
Also referred to as “enriched flour.” This preservative is commonly used to expand the volume of bread and flour. Enriched flour has been shown to cause cancer in animals and is shown to be an endocrine disruptor. It is mainly found in commercial loaves of bread, so check the label before you buy!
High Fructose Corn Syrup
Also commonly known as corn sugar, fruit fructose, and glucose syrup. While this is a highly refined sweetener, it also acts as a preservative. High fructose corn syrup can be found in many food products. Unfortunately, it contributes to diabetes and obesity by increasing appetite.
Sodium Nitrate and Sodium Nitrite
Do you ever wonder why the meat at the grocery store always looks so red and vibrant? Sodium Nitrate is who you can thank for that. Sodium Nitrates are found in many types of meat, including hot dogs and even some smoked fish. Sodium Nitrate is linked to damage to the blood vessels resulting in hardening and narrowing, which can contribute to heart disease.
BHA & BHT (Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT))
Used to keep foods from being rancid and extend shelf life, this preservative is found in cereals, candy, hot dogs, and jello. Unfortunately, these antioxidants added to foods are considered carcinogenic. They have been linked to cancer not only in humans but in animals as well.
Artificial Food Coloring
Artificial food colors are not just those fun droppers full of color. They come in many forms, such as candy, cereals, and other processed foods. There are many names, but the main culprits are Red 40, Blue 1, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6. While there are quite a few concerns, the main problems have been linked to allergies and hyperactivity in children.
Artificial Sweeteners
If you love your daily Diet Coke, it might be time to reconsider. Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose have been linked to headaches and migraines. Some other effects may include weight gain and insulin resistance.
Carrageenan
Carrageenan is what gives your dairy-free alternatives the creamy texture you love and miss. However, when tested on animals, there has been a direct correlation to glucose intolerance when combined with a high-wilderdfat diet. It has also been shown to impact your digestive health as well negatively.
Artificial Flavors
Artificial flavors are exactly what they sound like; chemicals made purely to mimic the flavors of other foods. But unfortunately, studies show that consistent exposure to artificial flavors has been toxic to bone marrow cells and slows cell division.
Yeast Extract
This is typically added to cheese and other salty snacks to enhance their flavors. Yeast extract is moderately high in sodium. With an elevated level of sodium, the chances of having elevated blood pressure and other sodium-related health issues are higher.
