It is said well more than 300 chemicals are used in food manufacturing today. Part of them have been blamed for everything from migraines to cancer. Some segments of the food industry claim these ingredients enhance flavor and add value. Those who want to eat clean and get fit should consider avoiding the top 5 additives.
Additive Argument
Centuries ago people began using sugar, salt, and vinegar to preserve foods. This helped cultures survive harsh winters when none could be grown or hunted. Modern food processing includes ingredients for long-term preservation, convenience, and palatable pleasure.
Additives are used to maintain food freshness and prevent spoilage. Some inhibit and/or retard the development of dangerous microorganisms. This protects consumers from bacteria borne illnesses such as botulism.
Chemicals are included to enhance the texture, flavor, and appearance of products. Certain ingredients are added to ensure that the product blends smoothly. Specific additives are used to maintain package environment and prevent clumping. Other components are said to increase their nutritional value.
Many of these elements are sought after consumer benefits. Just adding water and throwing it the oven or popping it in the microwave makes life a bit simpler. If it is simple, flavorful, and says it is nutritious, you are much more likely to continue buying it. This mean you and manufacturers benefit to some degree, but at what cost to whom?
Avoid the Top 5 Additives List
MSG is short for monosodium glutamate and is included in tons of prepackaged foods, beverages, and seasonings. It is believed to be responsible for many unwanted reactions. MSG is not only used in food processing, but can be purchased by itself to sprinkle on your meal.
Consumers have also reported sensitivities to sodium nitrate and sodium nitrite. These chemicals are most commonly used in meat processing. They serve a number of purposes such as retarding microbial development, preventing rancidity, and providing a red hue.
BHA and BHT represent the chemicals butylated hydroxy anisole and butylated hydroxytoluene, respectively. They are used to prolong the shelf life of products like cereal, drink mixes, and add water type convenience foods. If you examine the labels you will find them lurking in cosmetics, personal care products, and the food packaging itself as well.
Avoiding the top 5 additives should include trans-fats for a variety of reasons. It occurs naturally in foods and most people are going to consume a certain amount in their daily diets. Increased levels of trans-fats have been linked to the development of cardiovascular diseases and other disorders. Partially hydrogenated oils are trans-fats used in manufacturing countless products. This means you may be consuming much higher levels than you realize.
High fructose corn syrup is a popular commercial sweetener derived from corn starch. Most people are aware that it is used in the production of soft drinks, packaged cakes, and other commercially prepared snacks. You may even find it on the label of store bought jerkies. Look for it in foods promoted as health as well.
- Lunch Meat
- Whole Grain Bread & Pasta
- Peanut Butter
- Yogurt
- Dried & Packaged Fruit
- Processed Juice
- Energy & Protein Bars
- Nutritional Shakes & Drink Mixes
- Meal Replacements
Many people claim that some of these food additives can cause a wide variety of medical issues and exacerbate others. Certain individuals are sensitive to specific chemicals resulting in symptoms from allergic reactions to nausea. While avoiding the top 5 additives, keep in mind that too much of anything can be bad for you. Read the labels and monitor your moderation, especially if you experience sensitivities.