Wellness with Natalie: Top 5 Food Additives to Avoid
Eat food that grew on a plant, not food that was made in a plant. Do you get it? Why you ask???
Life is so hectic that convenience foods are easy to grab on the go. Think about it though, if it can stay on a shelf for months and not spoil, what is actually in it? Would you believe that there are over 300 chemicals used in processed foods today. You think that stuff is good for you?
Well here are my picks for the top 5 additives that food companies add to foods for a variety of reasons that you should be avoiding at all costs. It was hard to pick just 5 so we may come back to this topic again sometime soon.
High Fructose Corn Syrup – This highly refined sweetener is so common place these days it is found in most processed foods. Just check your yogurt, salad dressing, cereals, peanut butter, ketchup or pancake syrup. This source of useless calories raises your bad cholesterol (LDL) and contributes to the development of diabetes.
Trans fats – This stuff is banned in most European countries and even some states. Hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils extend the shelf life of processed foods. You will find this in non-dairy creamers, deep fried fast foods chips and crackers. Trans fats increase LDL and decrease good cholesterol (HDL), they increase the risk of heart attacks, heart disease and strokes, and contribute to increased inflammation, diabetes and other health problems.
Artificial sweeteners – Found in “diet” or “sugar free” foods (even gum and toothpaste), artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and Acesulfame-K have been linked to cancer, loss of short-term memory, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, depression, anxiety, migraines and a myriad of other health issues.
Sodium nitrite or nitrate – Found in most processed meats this carcinogen (linked heavily to colo-rectal cancer) is used to preserve meat and make it look appealing. So bacon, hot dog sausages and corned beef usually contain this substance that is particularly troubling to both the liver and the pancreas.
Food dyes and artificial colourings – These pretty colours used to attract consumers lead to behavioural disorders in children and reduced IQ. They are also linked to certain cancers and chromosomal defects, yet they are found in most foods that are marketed towards children. Sodas, candy, macaroni and cheese, juice drinks, cereals, ice cream and more.
I just love what Michael Pollan said: Eat real food, not too much, mostly plants. Go Mike, go!
Want help figuring out how to replaced processed foods with naturally healing foods? Set a time to meet with Natalie.
Originally published by Loop