How to Recognize Dangerous Food Preservatives
Food additives and preservatives may make our lives easier, but at what cost? The safety of food preservatives is based on testing done to animals. It is unknown whether these results can be generalized to people. However, many of these studies show that some food preservatives may cause cancer and other health problems in animal test subjects. Below is a list of food additives and preservatives that should be avoided.
- Difficulty:
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Instructions
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1
Avoid monosodium glutamate. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer that is often used in salad dressing, potato chips and soups. It is often used in Asian foods. MSG can give some people headaches. You can replace MSG with a small amount of salt, which also enhances the flavor of foods.
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Avoid trans fats. Eating too much trans fats leads to heart disease, stroke, heart attacks and kidney failure. Fast food restaurants serve foods that are full of trans fats. Eat no more than 2 g of trans fat per day.
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Avoid sodium nitrites. Sodium nitrites are used to color and preserve meat products. Nitrites are usually added to bacon, ham, hot dogs and deli meats. Studies have linked nitrites to some types of cancer.
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Avoid propyl gallate. This preservative is used to prevent fats from spoiling. It is often found in meat products and chewing gum. Some studies done on animals have suggested that it could be linked to cancer.
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Avoid BHA and BHT. These preservatives are used to prevent foods from oxidizing (spoiling). They are often found in cereals, gum and potato chips. BHA and BHT are not stable and may form a compound that reacts in the body and may cause cancer.
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Avoid acesulfame-K. Acesulfame-K is an artificial sweetener found in soda, gum and baked goods, but it has gone through a limited amount of tests. More testing needs to be done in order to determine if acesulfame-K is harmful to humans.
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Avoid aspartame. Aspartame is an additive found in diet foods. It can also be used in place of sugar as a sweetener. Some studies have shown a link between aspartame and cancer. Some people are sensitive to aspartame because it contains phenylalanine.
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Avoid the food colorings blue #1 and #2, red #3, green #3 and yellow #6. These food colorings have been linked with cancer in animal testing. Blue #1 and #2 can be found in beverages, baked goods and candy. Red #3 is used to dye fruit and candy. Green #3 is added to candy and drinks. Yellow #6 is added to beverages, gelatin, sausage and candy.
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Avoid Olestra. Olestra is a synthetic fat that is found is some potato chips. Olestra can cause severe cramps, gas and diarrhea. Olestra also blocks the absorption of vitamins from healthy sources such as fruit and vegetables.
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Avoid potassium bromate. Potassium bromate is used to increase volume in flour and breads. It has been shown to cause cancer in animal test subjects. Small amounts can pose risks for people.
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Tips & Warnings
You should only consume about 2 g of trans fat per day.
Nitrites can transform into compounds that have been shown to lead to cancer if it is cooked under high-temperature conditions.
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- Photo Credit http://www.iba-worldwide.com/rdi/images/Applications/ApplicationFoodPreserve.jpg
