Processed Foods

In today’s fast life, processed foods have become a part of many of our diets. Convenient and often tasty, these foods line the shelves of supermarkets, tempting us with their colorful packaging and promises of quick meals. But beneath the processed food façade are many additives that can harm our health.

The Danger of Trans Fats

One of the most dangerous trans fats found in many processed foods is trans fats. Trans fats also known as partially hydrogenated oils are a type of fatty acid created through an industrial process that adds hydrogen to liquid vegetable oils. This process makes the oils more solid and stable which is good for food manufacturers but creates trans fatty acids that are bad for human health.

Research shows that consuming trans fats can increase risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. The recommended daily intake of trans fats is less than 1-2 grams but many processed foods can have 2-5 grams per serving. Saturated fat found in some processed foods can also contribute to heart disease and other health problems.

Choose Whole, Unprocessed Foods

Unfortunately many of the best tasting and delicious food products are made with dangerous and artificial flavorings. These toxic preservatives, sweeteners and additives change the genetic composition of food to enhance its flavor. The result is food that tastes better but slowly harming the human population. Now is the time to educate ourselves on food made from all natural ingredients that can still taste good.

By knowing the dangers of trans fats, saturated fat and other unhealthy additives in processed foods we can make informed choices on the foods we eat. Choosing whole, unprocessed foods that are rich in naturally occurring trans fats and fatty acids can help us have a healthy diet and reduce our risk of chronic diseases.

Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners are found in diet soda, sugar-free gum, sugar-free soda, cereal, kool-aid, chewable vitamins and even toothpaste. Most commonly found in foods labeled “diet” or “sugar-free”, artificial sweeteners also known as aspartame are carcinogenic with many negative effects.

As a neurotoxin and carcinogen artificial sweeteners have been scientifically tested and researched to show that they cause short term memory loss and decrease a person’s intelligence.

High Fructose Corn Syrup

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a type of highly refined artificial sweetener found in everything from bread to granola bars to soups. The corn used to make HFCS is mostly genetically modified varieties.

You may have to spend more money to find products that don’t use this artificial sweetener but for your health and your children’s health you have to avoid high fructose corn syrup. The syrup is one of the major contributor to America’s obesity problem as it increases bad cholesterol and leads to diabetes.

Dietary Fats

When it comes to dietary fats we need to understand the different types and its effects on our health. Saturated fats found in meat and dairy products can increase heart disease and should be consumed in moderation, less than 6-17 grams a day.

Monounsaturated fats found in foods like avocados, nuts and olive oil can actually have positive effect on heart health. Recommended intake of monounsaturated fats is 3-7 grams a day.

Trans fats which can occur naturally in small amounts in some foods are the most dangerous type of fat and should be avoided. Most trans fats are found in partially hydrogenated vegetable oils which are used in processed foods. Food and Drug Administration has taken steps to limit the use of these harmful fats but still we need to read labels and choose products that are trans fat free.

In the end it’s all about consuming healthy fats like those found in nuts, seeds and fatty fish and limiting your intake of saturated fats and trans fats from processed and fried foods.

12 Most Deadly Additives

#1. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG): Used as a flavor enhancer in processed foods, MSG causes headaches, nausea and even neurological disorders.

#2. Sodium Nitrite: Found in processed meats like bacon and hot dogs, sodium nitrite forms carcinogenic compounds when ingested.

#3. Artificial Colors: Synthetic dyes used to make food look more appealing have been linked to hyperactivity in children and may contain harmful contaminants.

#4. Trans Fats: Found in processed baked goods and fried foods, trans fats increase bad LDL cholesterol and heart disease.

#5. Artificial Preservatives: Chemicals like BHA and BHT are used to extend the shelf life of processed foods but may be carcinogenic.

#6. Sodium Benzoate: This preservative found in soft drinks and salad dressings has been linked to hyperactivity and asthma.

#7. High Fructose Corn Syrup: As mentioned earlier HFCS is a highly refined sweetener linked to obesity, diabetes and other metabolic disorders.

#8. Artificial Flavors: Chemicals that mimic natural flavors but may contain undisclosed ingredients and allergens.

#9. Carrageenan: Used as a thickening agent in dairy products and alternative milks, carrageenan causes gastrointestinal inflammation and digestive issues.

#10. Potassium Bromate: Added to bread and baked goods to improve dough elasticity, potassium bromate is a carcinogen and has been banned in many countries.

#11. Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) and Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT): Synthetic antioxidants added to fats and oils to prevent rancidity has been linked to cancer in animal studies.

#12. Propyl Gallate: Another antioxidant used in processed foods, propyl gallate causes allergic reactions and may disrupt hormone balance.

Heart Healthy Diet

When it comes to diet, we need to be aware of the types of fats we consume. Saturated fats and trans fats found in animal foods and partially hydrogenated oils increase LDL cholesterol and heart disease.

Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats found in plant foods like nuts, seeds and avocados lower LDL cholesterol and improve blood vessel function.

To be heart healthy, eat low fat dairy, lean meats and plenty of plant based foods. Avoid solid fats and partially hydrogenated oils found in many processed and frozen foods. Food makers are required by FDA to disclose the presence of trans fats on nutrition labels so check for it when you shop.

By being aware of the ingredients in the food you eat and choosing a diet rich in healthy fats, you can reduce heart disease and other chronic diseases.

Healthier Fats

To be healthy, focus on unsaturated fats like soybean oil, sunflower oil and sesame seeds. These healthy fats can actually benefit us by lowering LDL cholesterol and reducing heart disease.

Nutrition Labels

When reading nutrition labels look for trans fats and partially hydrogenated oils which are found in processed baked goods like sweet rolls and pie crusts. Choose soft margarine and other unsaturated fat sources instead.

Long Term Health

By making informed choices and choosing whole unprocessed foods you can reduce your exposure to these harmful additives and reduce your risk factors for chronic diseases. Remember even multiple servings of processed foods with trans fats can lead to heart disease and other human services issues.

Let’s prioritize our health and well being by avoiding these 12 most dangerous additives in processed foods and choosing a diet rich in unsaturated fats and total fat from whole natural sources. With a little effort we can eat delicious and nutritious food and protect our long term health.

Summary

Processed foods may offer convenience and taste but we need to be aware of the harmful additives inside them. By choosing whole unprocessed foods whenever possible and reading labels carefully we can make informed decisions on what we put in our body. Let’s avoid these 12 most dangerous additives in processed foods.

Processed foods may offer convenience and taste but we need to be aware of the harmful additives inside them. One of the most dangerous of these additives is trans fats which is created through partially hydrogenated oils. These harmful fats increase LDL cholesterol and heart disease.

Unsaturated fats like soybean oil, sunflower oil and sesame seeds are healthy fats. These healthy fats can benefit us by lowering LDL cholesterol and heart disease.

When reading nutrition labels look for trans fats and partially hydrogenated oils which are found in processed baked goods like sweet rolls and pie crusts. Choose soft margarine and other unsaturated fat sources instead.

By making informed choices and choosing whole unprocessed foods you can reduce your exposure to these harmful additives and reduce your risk factors for chronic diseases. Remember even multiple servings of processed foods with trans fats can lead to heart disease and other human services issues.

Let’s prioritize our health and well being by avoiding these 12 most dangerous additives in processed foods and choosing a diet rich in unsaturated fats and total fat from whole natural sources. With a little effort we can eat delicious and nutritious food and protect our long term health.