Everyone knows to keep an eye out for calories, fat, and carbs when they’re browsing
the supermarket aisles. But are you paying attention to the little-known, flavor-enhancing,
often lab-generated chemicals that manufacturers pump into food to cut costs and keep you hooked?
Just because it isn’t making you fat doesn’t mean it’s not rotting you inside and out.
We are talking about food preservatives! Hi viewers and welcome back to Bestie!
Preservatives in foods are designed to prevent bacteria growth,
spoilage and food separation. But not all preservatives are good for you.
More and more experts are agreeing that you are wise to try to avoid as many chemicals in your
foods as possible. In today’s video, we will tell you about the worst preservatives present
in your food that you should avoid at all costs. From nitrites, msg, potassium bromate,
guar gum to sodium sulfite and more, watch till the end to learn about all of them.
Sodium Benzoate: Sodium benzoate is the sodium salt of benzoic acid.
It is one of the most used preservatives in processed foods and drinks to prevent spoilage.
It acts as an antifungal preservative in pharmaceutical preparations and food.
You can find it in acidic products such as sauerkraut, jellies,
jams, and sauces. However some foods, like cranberries, cinnamon, prunes and apples,
naturally contain it. It has been suggested that it may help treat hyperammonemia.
When sodium benzoate is used in beverages also containing vitamin C,
the substances can form small amounts of benzene, a chemical that causes leukemia and other cancers.
Food labels typically reference it as sodium benzoate.
Alternative names can be benzoic acid, potassium benzoate or just benzoate.
Do you eat foods that contain sodium
benzoate regularly? Tell us quickly down below in the comments section!
Nitrites: Nitrites are preservatives added to processed meats.
They’re not bad in and of themselves, but they do turn into harmful chemicals called nitrosamines.
These are carcinogens found in cigarette smoke. Nitrites form nitrosamines when they’re cooked
at high heat, and sometimes even when exposed to the high acid environment of the stomach.
Nitrites are added to meats to keep the pink-red colour and prevent
browning. They are mostly found in bacon, ham, sausages and lunch meats. Since nitrites can
change into nitrosamines, nitrites are one-step away from being the “bad guys.”
Another interesting thing is that processed meats have been linked with colon cancer.
Because of the nitrites? Perhaps, but either way, nitrosamines are a confirmed health-buster.
Nitrates are naturally found in many healthy foods like vegetables.
They’re especially high in beets. Sometimes our enzymes or gut bacteria
change these healthy nitrates into nitrites. However, they rarely form nitrosamines.
Partially Hydrogenated Oil:
This nemesis of heart health is the primary source of trans fat. Manufacturers like it because it
reduces costs, increases shelf life and stabilizes flavor. But it’s a lose-lose for consumers.
Trans fats are twice as difficult for the body to dissolve as saturated fats.
And because they boost bad cholesterol and have been shown to decrease good cholesterol,
they’re active agents of heart disease,
diabetes, nutritional deficiencies and cellular deterioration. Products that contain partially
hydrogenated oils, but have less than 0.5 grams of trans fat per serving can carry a “trans-fat
free” label. Also keep in mind that “fully hydrogenated oil” does not contain trans fats.
Avoid foods containing trans fats, including margarine,
vegetable shortening, crackers, cookies, baked goods, salad dressings, breads and chips.
Potassium Bromate: Wonder bread may not be so wonderful. Potassium bromate—an additive
used in breads and rolls to increase their volume and produce a fine crumb structure—has
been banned by every other industrialized country other than the U.S. and Japan.
For the most part, it breaks down into inert bromide, but any leftover bromate
that hangs around in the body has been shown to cause cancer in lab animals.
Potassium bromate may also be used to produce some types of malted barley. So double-check
the labels of your favorite breads and crackers for potassium bromate in disguise. The good news:
There are plenty of other baked goods that give up potassium bromate in favor of safer alternatives.
Looking for answers on all the latest health and wellness news? Hit that “subscribe” button,
and join our millions of followers. Stay up to date on all our great Bestie content.
Monosodium Glutamate:
Better known as MSG, this is a common food additive used to intensify and enhance the
flavor of savory dishes. It’s found in a variety of processed foods like frozen dinners, salty
snacks and canned soups. It’s also often added to foods at restaurants and fast food places.
MSG has been a subject of heated controversy since a 1969 study of mice
found that large amounts caused harmful neurological effects
and impaired growth and development. However, this additive is likely to have little to
no effect on human brain health as it’s unable to cross the blood-brain barrier.
Eating MSG has also been associated with weight gain and metabolic syndrome in some observational
studies. That being said, some people do have a sensitivity to this chemical and may experience
symptoms like headaches, sweating and numbness after eating a large amount. If you experience
any negative side effects after consuming MSG, it’s best to keep it out of your diet.
Sulfur Dioxide: The Food and Drug Administration has prohibited the
use of sulfur dioxide on raw fruit and vegetables as they can be toxic.
Adverse reactions to this chemical include bronchial problems, particularly in those prone
to asthma, low blood pressure, flushing, tingling sensations or anaphylactic shock. It also destroys
vitamins B1 and E. Long term exposure could result in a number of health issues.
The International Labour Organization says to avoid sulfur dioxide if you suffer from
conjunctivitis, bronchitis, emphysema, bronchial asthma,
or heart disease. It is found in beer, soft drinks, dried fruit, juices, cordials, wine,
vinegar, and potato products and is definitely not recommended for consumption by children.
BHA and BHT:
Better known as Butylated Hydroxyanisole or BHA and Butylated Hydroxytoluene or BHT are
antioxidants added to many processed foods. The main way BHA and BHT work is by preventing fats
from going rancid. Are they safe? Well, they’re approved for use as a preservative at small doses.
They are typically found in margarine and spreads, salad dressings and instant mashed potato.
They are listed as possibly carcinogenic to humans by WHO’s International Agency for Research
on Cancer. This is because some studies show they can cause cancer in animals at high doses. Again,
they’re added to processed pre-packaged foods, so it’s wise to avoid them nonetheless.
Food Colorings:
Although some foods are colored with natural substances like beta-carotene and carmine, some
17.8 million pounds of food dyes, many of which are petroleum-derived, are consumed in America.
The good news is that 17 of 24 synthetic dyes have been banned from use in American foods.
So what’s wrong with a little color? Red #3, used in candy, baked goods and desserts,
has demonstrated chromosomal damage and thyroid tumors. Red #40, found in drinks,
desserts, candy and pet food, has spurred lymph tumors in lab testing. Yellow #5
and #6 may cause thyroid and kidney tumors, lymphocytic lymphomas, and chromosomal damage.
Guar Gum: Guar gum is a long-chain carbohydrate used to thicken and bind foods. It’s widely used
in the food industry and can be found in ice cream, salad dressings, sauces and soups. It
is high in fiber and has been associated with a multitude of health benefits. For example, one
study showed that it reduced symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome such as bloating and constipation.
Guar gum has also been found to increase feelings of fullness and lower levels of
blood sugar and cholesterol. However, high amounts of this gum may have adverse effects on health.
This is because it can swell 10 to 20 times its size, potentially causing
issues like obstruction of the esophagus or small intestine.
It may also cause mild symptoms like gas, bloating or cramps in some people.
Guar Gum is not that bad if eaten in moderation. It has a lot of health
benefits as well. Learn more by watching “7 Guar Gum Health Benefits You Should Know”
Now, back to Food Preservatives That Are Dangerous For Your Health
Propyl Paraben: With a federal study showing that 91 percent of Americans
had propyl paraben in their urine, this is one of the more common preservatives.
It can be found in foods such as tortillas, bread products and food dyes. However, it
sometimes shows up in beverages, dairy products, meat and vegetables due to cross contamination
This is of concern since propyl paraben is an endocrine-disrupting chemical that is generally
recognized as safe. A study found that this chemical decreased sperm counts in young rats
at and below the concentrations which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration considers safe for
human consumption in food. It also acts as a synthetic estrogenic compound which can
lead to diminished fertility. Look for propyl paraben on the food labels to avoid it.
High-Fructose Corn Syrup: High-fructose corn syrup or HFCS is a sweetener made from corn. It’s
frequently found in soda, juice, candy, breakfast cereals and snack foods. It’s rich in a type of
simple sugar called fructose, which can cause serious health issues when eaten in high amounts.
In particular, high-fructose corn syrup has been linked to weight gain and diabetes.
It can also trigger inflammation in the cells which is believed to play a central role in
many chronic conditions, including heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Additionally,
HFCS contributes empty calories and added sugar to foods without any of the important
vitamins and minerals that your body needs. It’s best to skip sugary snacks and foods
that contain this chemical. Instead, go for whole, unprocessed foods without added sugar,
and sweeten them up with Stevia, yacon syrup or fresh fruit.
Sodium Sulfite: This chemical is usually found in wine and dried fruit. According to the FDA,
as many as one in 100 people is sensitive to sulfites in food. The majority of these
individuals are asthmatic, suggesting a link between asthma and sulfites. Individuals who
are sulfite sensitive may experience headaches, breathing problems, and rashes. In severe cases,
sulfites can actually cause death by closing down the airway altogether, leading to cardiac arrest.
While food preservatives can be very dangerous for your health,
there are certain foods which contain toxic chemicals naturally and can be fatal for humans.
Not just foods, even certain popular supplements which are considered healthy
can be dangerous for you. Learn more of what we are talking about by watching:
16 Exotic Foods That Can Actually Kill You
Or
14 Popular Supplements With Hidden Dangers You Must Avoid
So go ahead and watch one or both the videos if you want to avoid foods that can be dangerous.
How often do you eat foods with preservatives? Let us know in the comments section below!