Toxic Foods: Salt, Grains, Preservatives, Flavor And Color

Sodium Chloride

Otherwise known as salt, we do need a certain amount in our diet as it is vital for lots of the processes that occur in our bodies. Where people get into trouble is that when they are adding salt to their food, processed foods already contain salt, and in some foods, the content is very high. Salt is bad for blood pressure, fluid retention, heart disease and kidney disease.

Preservatives

For processed foods to have an extended shelf life, they need to contain preservatives, and depending on the type of food, they may contain many different types of preservatives. The worst of these have made it on to this toxic ingredient list.

Potassium Benzoate And Sodium Benzoate

If you drink soda, check the labels for these preservatives, as they are often added to stop the growth of mold, especially in the plastic bottles. This is particularly important because the benzene can build up in your body, and is recognized as a carcinogen that is linked to damage of the thyroid. They are particularly bad when combined with vitamin C, or ascorbic acid.

Butylated Hydroxyanisole

Although it has been named safe by the FDA, Butylated Hydroxyanisole may potentially cause cancer. It is added to food to stop food poisoning and spoilage, but it can have major effects on your hormones.

Sodium Nitrites And Sodium Nitrates

These preservatives are used in the processing of hot dogs, bacon and lunch meat. Some studies have indicated a link to cancer of the colon and metabolic syndrome.

Flavor Enhancers

You have to wonder sometimes why a flavor enhancer needs to even be added to food! But alas, it is added to almost all processed foods.

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

There has been much speculation for decades over the safety of using MSG in your food. Studies have shown there are certainly some side effects, particularly in those with asthma, and on the digestive system, but the full force of the toxicity of MSG is not yet known. Best policy is, if in doubt, leave it out.

Bread, Flour, Rice And Pasta

These foods should all be included in your diet, but you need to be aware of the ingredients that are used to process them, and stick to whole grains.

Refined Grains

When grains are refined, they lose their good nutrients because the germ and the bran are taken away. You are left with a product that has no vitamins, minerals or fiber. This makes them too easy and quick to digest, which has a terrible effect on your insulin and blood sugar.

READ Dangerous and Toxic Chemicals Found in Cosmetic Products: Their Impact on the Human Body

Artificial Colors

We eat what we see, so to make processed foods look more appealing they often have artificial colors added. There have been numerous studies done that have shown the coloring can have bad effects, particularly with children. And if you have a child with ADHD, you will know exactly what those effects are!

Red, Blue, Yellow And Green

Conclusion

Will you be paying more attention to your food labels from now on? It is frightening to think that there are so many toxic ingredients in processed foods, and remember, these are only the top 14! The only way to be sure you are eating healthy foods and not slowly poisoning your body, is to stick to fresh, natural and raw foods. Leave those prepackaged foods in the store, and keep you and your family safe and healthy.