15 Dangerous Food Additives That Are Killing You
1. Potassium Bromate
Almost every single commercially made bread, hot dog bun, bagel, or hamburger bun contains this hormone interrupting chemical. If you see the word “enriched,” you will know that it containspotassium bromate. This chemical makes the bread more elastic so that it can stand up to the force of the bread hooks used in commercial production. There are a few companies who have looked at the facts and have started making their products without potassium bromate, such as Pepperidge Farm. If they can make breads and cakes without this chemical, why can’t everyone?
Potassium bromate has been linked in several studies to nervous system damage, thyroid issues, kidney damage, digestive problems, even cancer. Potassium bromate is listed as a possible carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. How credible is this threat? Potassium bromate is banned in China, Canada, and the European Union.
2. Partially Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil
This is made by adding hydrogen to vegetable oils. Unfortunately, this process reduces good fats (polyunsaturated oils) and creates a dangerous type of fat called trans-fat. You will find trans-fat in many foods including some margarines, candies, cakes, cookies, baked goods, salad dressings, and almost all processed foods. The idea is to stop the fat from going rancid quickly; however, trans-fats are super unhealthy and are known to cause breast cancer, colon cancer, higher levels of cholesterol, and heart disease.
3. Mono-Sodium Glutamate (MSG)
MSG is a flavor-enhancer and preservative that is added to many packaged and canned foods. In fact, it is found in most packaged foods, from potato chips to soups to canned meats, but it is not always listed as MSG. It can also be disguised on the label as “natural flavoring” or “glutamic acid.” According to a report on MSG by the Arizona Center for Advanced Medicine, MSG promotes the growth, and spread, of cancer cells within the body, and can also be linked to “sudden cardiac death.” In a study in the February-March, 2008 issue of the “Journal of Autoimmunity,” researchers state that MSG is linked with obesity and inflammation within the body, particularly the liver. The researchers also call for it to be re-evaluated as a food additive, and suggested removing it from the food chain.4. Nitrates and Nitrites
These are synthetic preservatives that are often added to meats to make them look nice and pink, so that the consumer will think they look “fresher.” (Find out more. The problem is that nitrates, combined with high heat, form a substance called nitrosamines, which are known carcinogens. Nitrosamines wreak havoc on a cellular level and have been linked to colon, stomach, pancreas, and bladder cancer. Although nitrates can be naturally found in some vegetables, it’s the synthetic type that is applied to meat, and then activated by heat, that is the dangerous culprits.
5. Aluminum
You might wonder why exactly aluminum is being added to your food. The answer: it’s a stabilizer, so that food does not get too soft, too hard, or fall apart. There are numerous types of aluminum added to your foods including sodium aluminum phosphate and sodium aluminum sulfate, just to name two of the most popular kinds. Aluminum accumulates in the body and tends to settle in the brain and bones. Aluminum can cause neurological problems including slow motor response, learning problems and behavior issues. There have been several studies linking Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological problems to an accumulation of aluminum. Avoid any product that lists aluminum in its list of ingredients and never cook with aluminum pots and pans.
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What a great read! I don’t buy your typical bread anymore. You can leave it on your counter for weeks and it won’t mold~Hello!!!