Many of us consume food based on appearance and taste. But have we ever really stopped to think what’s actually contained inside the foods that we eat, especially those on a daily basis?

We won’t go as far as consuming Certified Organic fruits and vegetables (that’s a whole other blog topic in itself), but what about the packaged, processed foods that we buy from our local supermarket with a blink of an eye? What about the drinks that we purchase and get lured into because it’s deemed “natural” and “healthy”? Have we ever thought whether in fact, they are what they claim to be? Is trust so easily given by ‘informed’ advertisements with the perfect couple and the perfect house and car?

They say that ignorance is bliss, but in 30 years time, will it really be blissful? Let’s investigate your common breakfast cereal. The symbolic rooster that appears on the common Australian household, has become a well-known reputable brand, that we all trust and consume mostly on a daily basis. However why do we really trust them? We must investigate further into the ingredients listed in everything that we consume, as our body is our temple and we should invest in our health, starting from the what we place in our mouths.

Artificial Sweeteners

Nutrasweet and Equal contain Aspartame, (E951) are generally found in foods labeled “diet” or “sugar-free”. Aspartame is believed to be carcinogenic and accounts for more reports of adverse reactions than all other foods and food additives combined. Aspartame is a known neurotoxin and carcinogen (cancer causing).

Common Food Dyes

There are various food dyes that have been added to most processed foods with colours. These include: lollies, cakes, cereal, breads, pasta and preserved vegetables (such as pickles and gherkins). Food dyes have been linked to cause behavioural problems amongst children and is also found to have been linked to a significant reduction in IQ in the average adult.

Sulfur Dioxide (E220)

This toxic substance is banned in the United States in raw fruit and vegetables. There has been evidence to show that it lowers blood pressure, causes bronchial issues and anaphylactic shock.

Sodium Nitrate / Sodium Nitrite

Sodium nitrate is a common preservative used in many processed foods and this has been linked to various cancers.

BHA & BHT

Fancy some preservatives that affect the neurological system? Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) exactly that. They have the ability to alter behavior and have the potential to be carcinogenic.

Trans Fat

Artificial trans fats (trans fatty acids) are created by adding hydrogen to liquid vegetable oils to make them more solid. The primary dietary source for trans fats in processed food is “partially hydrogenated oils”.

Trans fats increase bad cholesterol and decrease good cholesterol and has been linked with certain cancers. High trans fats also cause heart disease. Did you know that even if a zero trans fats listing is found on the nutritional panel, the food products may contain partially hydrogenated oil contain trans fats!  These include numerous bakery items such as dough, pies, cakes and biscuits, snack foods, frozen meals and pizza.

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

Monosodium glutamate (most commonly known as MSG or E621), is an amino acid used as a flavour enhancer in many processed and restaurant foods, however are not limited to soups, salad dressings, chips, processed snacks, seasonings and frozen meals. MSG is known as an excitotoxin, a substance which over-excites cells to the point of damage or death.

Studies have shown that frequent consumption of MSG may result in numerous adverse side effects. These include obesity, depression, eye damage, disorientation, headaches and fatigue. It’s no surprise that MSG affects the neurological pathways of the brain and disengages the “I’m full” function which explains the effects of weight gain.

The above list are just a few of the additives that are most common in our foods which are best avoided. Just by making simple switches to your diet by eating more whole foods rather than processed foods can make a huge difference. It’s never too late to choose your health over ignorance. Start your new journey today.  

References:

• “Top 10 Food Additives To Avoid”. Foodmatters.com. N.p., 2016. Web. 16 Nov. 2016.
• “Top 10 Food Additives To Avoid”. Mercola.com. N.p., 2016. Web. 17 Nov. 2016.
• “Trans Fats”. Heart.org. N.p., 2016. Web. 30 Nov. 2016.
• “The Top 10 Food Additives To Avoid”. One Green Planet. N.p., 2016. Web. 30 Nov. 2016.