12 Food Additives to Avoid

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Thought this might be of interest:

From MSN Health and Fitness

12 Food Additives to Avoid

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.

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.

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.

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.

5. Trans Fats

Trans fats are proven to cause heart disease. Restaurant food,

especially fast food chains, often serve foods laden with trans fats.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sources:

* MSN Health and Fitness

Just 12 more good reasons to eat as organically as possible.

W.G.

Ubermensch Sports Consultancy

San Diego, CA