Feeling pretty good about myself! We avoid all of these most of the time.
Ann
--- In SimplfyMeWithTipsAndHints@yahoogroups.com, "Jean C. Turley-Sinclair" <jcts@...> wrote:
>
> The 10 Worst Food Ingredients You Should Avoid Like the Plague
> Article Source:
> http://www.healthiertalk.com/print/4066
>
>
> Food companies use lots of unhealthful and dodgy ingredients to extend
> shelf life, add gaudy colors, and make us crave their products.
>
> You can (and should!) steer clear of these toxic, tacky ingredients to
> protect your family�s health. When enough of us say �no way,� these food
> companies will get the message and clean up their act.
>
> Here are the top 10 �worst of the worst� in our opinion (not necessarily
> ranked in order of the harm they do)�
>
> 1. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
>
> What it is: MSG is an amino acid used as a flavor-enhancer in processed
> foods (one of the most common food additives).
>
> Why It�s Bad: It�s an known excitotoxin, which is a neurotoxic chemical
> additive shown to harm nerve cells� overexciting them, sometimes to the
> point of cell death. Regularly consuming excitotoxins like MSG destroys
> significant numbers of brain cells and can lead to serious health problems,
> including neurological disorders. (The two other common excitotoxins used
> in food are aspartic acid (found in aspartame) and l-cysteine, which is
> used as a dough conditioner.) In addition, regular consumption of MSG has
> been shown to stimulate the appetite and contribute to weight gain and
> obesity.
>
> AKA: MSG goes by several aliases, such as Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein,
> Hydrolyzed Plant Protein, Vegetable Protein Extract, Yeast Extract,
> Glutamate, Glutamic Acid, Sodium Caseinate, Textured Protein, Soy Protein
> Isolates, Barley Malt, Calcium Caseinate and Malt Extract.
>
> It�s Found In: Processed foods like salad dressings, low-fat yogurt, canned
> meats, frozen entrees, potato chips, canned soups (including Campbell�s
> Condensed Chicken Noodle Soup), and flavored crackers (like Wheat Thins,
> Cheez-Its and Triscuits).
>
> 2. Aspartame
>
> What it is: One of the most widely-used artificial sweeteners.
>
> Why It�s Bad: Like MSG, aspartame is an excitotoxin. It also is believed to
> be carcinogenic, and produces neurotoxic effects such as headaches,
> dizziness, blurry vision, and gastrointestinal disturbances.
>
> Aspartame contains 10-percent methanol,
> <http://www.holisticmed.com/aspartame/abuse/methanol.html>which is shown
> [2] to be broken down by the body into the toxic by-products formic acid
> and formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is considered to be a potent nerve toxin and
> carcinogen, which may explain why aspartame accounts for more reports to
> the FDA of adverse reactions than all other foods and food additives combined.
>
> AKA: NutraSweet, Equal, Canderel, Spoonful, Natrataste, AminoSweet, plus
> others.
>
> It�s Found In: Over 6,000 products contain it, including diet and
> sugar-free sodas and drinks, sugar-free chewing gum, yogurt, breath mints,
> instant breakfasts, frozen desserts, juice beverages, and gelatins.
>
> Avoid Its Pals: Splenda (Sucralose), Sweet �n� Low (saccharine)
>
> 3. High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)
>
> What it is: This is a highly-refined sweetener in which corn starch is
> separated from the corn kernel. The corn starch is then converted into corn
> syrup through a process called acid hydrolysis.
>
> Why It�s Bad: Nearly all HFCS is made from genetically-modified corn. It is
> the number-one source of calories in the US diet, and has been shown to
> contribute to weight gain and the
> <http://ajpregu.physiology.org/content/295/5/R1370>development of diabetes
> [3].
>
> HFCS also is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease, arthritis,
> insulin resistance, and elevated
> <http://www.foodpolitics.com/wp-content/uploads/HFCS_Rats_10.pdf>triglycerides
> [4] and raised LDL cholesterol. In 2009, the Environmental Health Journal
> reported that a study conducted by the Institute for Agriculture and Trade
> Policy found mercury in 9 of 20 samples of commercial HFCS. The HFCS came
> from 3 different manufacturers including popular brands such as Quaker,
> Hunts, Kraft, Yoplait, Nutri-Grain, and Smuckers. Mercury is a heavy metal
> and is considered a potent brain toxin. The presence of
> <http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/26/AR2009012601831.html>mercury-contaminated
> caustic soda [5] in the production of HFCS is common.
>
> AKA: Corn sugar, glucose/fructose (syrup), high-fructose maize syrup
> inulin, iso-glucose, and fruit fructose.
>
> It�s Found In: Soda, salad dressings, breads, cereals, yogurt, soups, lunch
> meats, pizza sauce and condiments. On average, Americans consume 12
> teaspoons of HFCS per day.
>
> 4. Agave Nectar
>
> What it is: This highly-processed sweetener is derived from the agave
> (cactus) plant. Most agave sold in the US comes from Mexico.
>
> Why It�s Bad: Many consumers believe agave syrup is a healthful sweetener,
> but it�s anything but. Agave nectar contains the highest amount of fructose
> (55-97%) among all the commercial sweeteners, including HFCS (which
> averages 55% fructose).
>
> Fructose has been shown to increase insulin resistance, the precursor to
> Type 2 diabetes. It is mainly broken down in the liver and then converted
> to fat. Excessive fructose, when consumed in quantities greater than 25
> grams a day, has been shown to elevate uric acid levels, which causes
> chronic, low level inflammation throughout the body. It is also a main
> cause of fatty liver disease.
>
> Fructose consumption also leads to weight gain, elevated blood sugar and
> triglycerides, plus high blood pressure.
>
> AKA: Agave Syrup
>
> It�s Found In: Ice cream, energy bars and cereals, ketchup and other
> sauces. Agave is also sold as a stand-alone sweetener.
>
> 5. Artificial Food Coloring
>
> What it is: If your food isn�t naturally colorful, these additives tint
> them much like the dyes that color clothing.
>
> Why It�s Bad: Artificial food dyes were originally synthesized from coal
> tar � and now they are derived from petroleum. They have long been
> controversial, and are one of the most widely used additives in food
> products today. Many dyes have been banned because of their adverse effects
> on laboratory animals. Studies have confirmed that nine dyes currently
> approved for use in the US raise the following health concerns.
>
> According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest�s (CSPI) study
> on food dyes, �The three most widely used dyes, Red 40, Yellow 5, and
> Yellow 6, are contaminated with known carcinogens. Another dye, Red 3, has
> been acknowledged for years by the Food and Drug Administration to be a
> carcinogen, yet it is still in the food supply.� CPSI further reports that
> these nine food dyes are linked to health issues ranging from cancer and
> hyperactivity to allergy-like reactions.
>
> A large-scale British government study (published in 2007in the UK medical
> journal Lancet) found that a variety of common food dyes, as well as the
> preservative sodium benzoate, increased hyperactivity and decreased the
> attention spans of children. These additives were shown to adversely affect
> children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), along with
> children having no prior history of behavior problems.
>
> The European Union (EU) has put labeling regulations in place to inform
> consumers of the health risks, but the US has failed to follow suit.
>
> AKA: Caramel color, FD&C Blue #1, Brilliant Blue FCF, Bright blue, Blue #
> 2, Ingtotine, Royal Blue, Red Number 3, Erythrosine, FD&C Red No.40, Allura
> Red AC, Yellow 5 and 6, FD&C Green Number 3, Fast Green, Sea Green, to name
> a few.
>
> It�s Found In: Beverages, candy, baked goods, cereal, energy bars,
> puddings, jams, bread, macaroni and cheese, deli meat, frostings,
> condiments, fast food, ice cream, sherbet, sorbet, plus meat and fish (to
> make them appear �fresher�).
>
> 6. BHA and BHT
>
> What it is: Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydrozyttoluene
> (BHT) are preservatives used in many foods to prevent oxidation and extend
> shelf life.
>
> Why It�s Bad: BHA and BHT are oxidants, which have been shown to form
> potentially cancer-causing reactive compounds in the body. The
> International Agency for Research on Cancer, part of the World Health
> Organization, considers BHA to be possibly carcinogenic to humans, and the
> State of California has listed it as a known carcinogen.
>
> Where It�s Found: In packaging materials, cereals, sausage, hot dogs, meat
> patties, chewing gum, potato chips, beer, butter, vegetable oils,
> cosmetics, and animal feed.
>
> 7. Sodium Nitrite and Sodium Nitrate
>
> What They Are: These two closely-related chemicals are used to preserve meat.
>
> Why They�re Bad: When added to meat, the nitrates are readily converted to
> nitrosamines, which are associated with an increased risk of certain types
> of cancers. This chemical reaction occurs most readily at the high
> temperatures. In a 2007 analysis, The World Cancer Research Fund revealed
> that eating 1.8 ounces of processed meat every day increases your cancer
> risk by 20%.
>
> AKA: Soda niter, Chile saltpeter
>
> They�re Found In: Cured meats, bacon, ham, salami, corned beef and hot
> dogs, pate, pickled pig�s feet, canned meat (Vienna sausages, deviled ham),
> smoked salmon, dried fish, jerky.
>
> 8. Potassium Bromate
>
> What it is: A form of bromide, it is used as an additive to increase the
> volume in some breads, rolls, and flours.
>
> Why It�s Bad: It has been shown to cause cancer in animals and is banned in
> the EU, Canada, and several other countries. The FDA, since 1991, has
> requested that bakers voluntarily stop using it. It is rarely used in
> California because a cancer warning is required on the label. Bromide is
> considered to be an endocrine disruptor.
>
> AKA: Bromic acid, potassium salt, bromated flour, �enriched flour.�
>
> It�s Found In: Most commercial baked goods in the US, including Wonder
> Bread, Sunbeam, Home Pride (but not in Pepperidge Farm, Arnold,
> Entenmann�s, and Orowheat brands). It�s also common in flour, and occurs in
> some toothpaste and mouthwash brands as an antiseptic.
>
> 9. Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH)
>
> What it is: Produced by Monsanto, rBGH is a genetically-engineered version
> of the natural growth hormone produced by cows. It is used to boost milk
> production in dairy cows.
>
> Why It�s Bad: �rBGH milk� contains high levels of insulin-like growth
> factor (IGF-1), excess levels of which have been implicated as major causes
> of breast, colon and prostate cancers. rBGH milk is not required to be
> labeled.
>
> Giving cows rBGH has been shown to increase the incidence of mastitis. When
> a cow has mastitis, pus and blood are secreted into the milk. It also leads
> to antibiotic resistance, which is tied to the spread of virulent staph
> infections such as MRSA. Hormones in food have also been linked to the
> onset of early puberty for girls.
>
> Consumer feedback spurred such megabrands as Dannon and General Mills, and
> the supermarket chains Wal-Mart, Starbucks, and Publix to phase out
> products with hormones rBST and rBGH.
>
> AKA: Recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST).
>
> It�s Found In: All dairy products that aren�t specifically labeled �No rGBH
> or rBST.�
>
> 10. Refined Vegetable Oil
>
> What it is: There are many different kinds of commercially-refined
> vegetable oils, including soybean oil, corn oil, safflower oil, canola oil,
> and peanut oil.
>
> Why It�s Bad: Refined cooking oils are made by intensive mechanical and
> chemical processes that extract the oil from the seeds. The refining
> process also utilizes chemical solvents and high temperatures. The oils are
> then typically deodorized and bleached. This process removes the natural
> vitamins and minerals from the seeds and creates a product that has been
> shown to become rancid and oxidize easily, causing free radical formation.
>
> These oils are also high in Omega-6 fatty acid, which is inflammatory and
> neutralizes the benefits of Omega-3s in your diet. The oxidation effect has
> been shown to contribute to inflammation in the body, DNA damage elevated
> blood triglycerides, and impaired insulin response. Additionally, many
> refined vegetable oils are hydrogenated. This process creates trans fatty
> acids, which are known to contribute to heart disease and some cancers.
>
> strong>It�s Found In: Many, if not most, processed foods such as crackers,
> granola bars, and baked goods use these vegetable oils. They also are
> popular as stand-alone products (i.e., cooking oils and margarines).
>
> Conclusion: This is certainly not a complete list of all the unhealthful
> ingredients in commercial foods today, but these are the ones to avoid like
> the plague.
> If we consumers refuse to purchase products containing these ingredients,
> the food industry will quit making them. It�s really that simple. (You�d be
> surprised at how closely food companies monitor their sales!)
>
> �Voting� with your dollars is a powerful and immediate way to influence the
> quality of food in the supermarket. The more you vote, the faster things
> will change!
>
>
> About the author
>
> Jim Healthy� is a noted health reporter and author. During his 35-year
> writing career, Jim has helped break the news about the biggest healing
> discoveries of the past 30 years, including glucosamine-chondroitin, fish
> oil, omega-3 foods, and olive oil, as well as the inflammatory effects of
> eating refined carbs and processed food products. He also is the owner and
> editor of MyHealingKitchen.com, where he shares his discoveries about
> research-proven ways to reverse prevalent health conditions without drugs
> or painkillers. Jim is the co-author of The Healthy Body Book (Penguin,
> 1991) and The Fast Food Diet with Stephen Sinatra, MD (Wiley, 2005). His
> most recent book is The 30-Day Diabetes Cure (co-authored with Dr. Stefan
> Ripich).
>
> Visit his website at <http://www.MyHealingKitchen.com>MyHealingKitchen.com
> Posted in:
> * e is for informational purposes only. It should not be taken as
> medical advice.
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> Policy/Disclaimer Copyright �2011 by HealthierTalk.com
>
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>
> Links:
> [1] http://www.healthiertalk.com/users/jim-healthy
> [2] http://www.holisticmed.com/aspartame/abuse/methanol.html
> [3] http://ajpregu.physiology.org/content/295/5/R1370
> [4] http://www.foodpolitics.com/wp-content/uploads/HFCS_Rats_10.pdf
> [5]
> http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/26/AR2009012601831.html
> [6] http://www.addtoany.com/share_save?linkname=The 10 Worst Food
> Ingredients You Should Avoid Like the
> Plague&linkurl=http://www.healthiertalk.com/10-worst-food-ingredients-you-should-avoid-plague-4066
> [7] http://www.MyHealingKitchen.com
> [8] http://www.30daydiabetescure.com
> [9] http://www.healthiertalk.com/diet-and-nutrition
> [10] http://www.healthiertalk.com/general-health
> [11] http://www.healthiertalk.com/news-and-views
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