MSN lists additives found in common foods, that can offer more than you may have bargained for, here the seven I caution you to avoid:
- Sodium Nitrate/Sodium Nitrite is used with meat products to stabilize the red color and add flavor. It is added to bacon, hot dogs, luncheon meats, corned beef and other meats. The additive prevents the growth of bacteria, but has been shown to increase the risk of cancer according to the American Diabetic Association. Christine Gerbstadt, a spokesperson for the Association told MSN that this should be the first to go from your diet and that at high-temperature "conditions such as grilling, it transforms into a reactive compound that has been shown to promote cancer."
- Propyl Gallate is used to prevent things from spoiling like oils, chicken soups, chewing gum, and meats. Although the additive has not been proven to cause cancer, but studies done on animals have suggested that it could be linked to cancer, says MSN. This is why avoiding most preservatives is important to think about.
- Monosodium Glutamate or MSG is an amino acid used to enhance flavor in soups, salad dressings, chips, frozen meals, and restaurant food. This additive has been linked to the damaging of infant mice brain cells and has been shown to cause severe headaches, and nausea in humans.
- Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, also known as partially hydrogenated oil is found in hundreds of foods and is directly associated with heart disease. Eating to much increase your risk of getting heart disease greatly because it is a trans fat. Experts recommend consuming no more than 2 grams of trans fat per day, an amount easily accounted for if you eat meat and dairy, reports MSN. Heart disease leads to many health risks like stroke, kidney failure, heart attack and vascular disease.
- Blue 1, 2; Red 3; Green 3; Yellow 6 are food colorings that are linked with cancer in animal testing. Blue 1 and 2 is most often found in beverages, candy, baked goods, are considered low risk but have been linked to cancer in mice, says MSN. Red 3, is used to dye fruit cocktail, candy, and cherries has caused thyroid tumors in rats. Green 3 which is added to some candies and beverages, has been linked to bladder cancer. The commonly used yellow 6, has proved to create tumors of the adrenal gland, and kidneys.
- Olestra is a synthetic fat known found most often in "WOW" chips and is also known as Olean, prevents fat from getting absorbed in your digestive system, MSN states. This substitute causes severe diarrhea, cramps, and gas. It also has been proved to block vitamin absorption found from fruits and veggies.
- Potassium Bromate, although a rare additive it can still be found in some breads, rolls and white flour. Studies have shown this to have a direct link to cancer even in small amounts. California requires cancer warning on products that contain the additive, says MSN, but is the only state to require the label.
In most cases, try to avoid foods with preservatives overall, the long-term effects are not worth the convenience of the food. There are many studies still being conducted on all types of preservatives and the fact that there is possible link to cancer and other diseases should be scary enough to steer you clear of risky additives.
