Considering that a typical household in the USA spends 90% of their food budget on processed foods, we are exposed to a multitude of food additives that have negative health side effects. Since Susan was cured by eliminating red dye # 40 from her diet–consider what ailments you could cure yourself of by eliminating your unknown nemesis? The long term consequensces and cumulative effects could be your silent killer!
The top five food additives to avoid:
Artificial Sweeteners
Aspartame is a high intensity sweeter that has hit the market at an alarming rate in food items entitled “diet” or “sugar-free”. It is classified as a carcinogen and is highly neurotoxic! Headaches, dizziness, confusion, migraines and seizures can all be caused from it. Allergy and Asthma suffers should avoid it as well. Check out the documentary Sweet World: A Poisoned World to learn more.
MSG
MSG is an amino acid used as a flavor enhancer in many soups, salad dressings, chips, and frozen entrees. Yes, it’s in a lot more than just Chinese food. The real trick is that the FDA allows 20 other pseudonames for MSG to be used in package labeling! MSG has the ability to affect neurological pathways in the brain and neutralize leptin’s (hormone that controls appetite) ability to tell our bodies to stop eating. That’s why it’s virtually impossible to eat just one or two Cheetos!
High Fructose Corn Syrup
High Fructose Corn Syrup is a highly refined sugar that is derived from the processing orf corn. It is mainly used in prepackaged food. Since these types of foods are the primary source of calories for most Americans, it is one of the greatest offenders!!! HCFS contributes to weight gain more than any other substance.
Food Coloring
Food coloring is found in meats, soda, juices, and salad dressings. It may contribute to behavior issues and play a significant reduction in a child’s ability to learn. This may be while I had a 2 hour drag out protest from Emma last night when I told her it was bath time! I caught her drinking a diet coke when I got home from work. Ironically, most of the dyes used in our foods have been banned in most other countries including Norway, France, and Sweeden.
Trans fat
Trans fat is one of the most dangerous substances to consume. It is used to enhance the shelf life of food products. It is found in margarine (yep–still one molecule from plastic), chips, baked goods, and fast foods. Trans fat increases LDL levels and lowers HDL (good cholesterol) increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, inflammation, and diabetes.
