Yesterday, I mentioned reading labels. How do we know what we’re looking at and whether or not it’s bad? The fewer ingredients on a label, the better. This list makes me very afraid. Here are some things we’ll definitely want to avoid:

   Artificial Sweeteners 

           Aspartame, more commonly known as Nutrasweet or Equal. Often used as a sugar substitute in ‘diet’ foods, it is believed to be carcinogenic. Need I say more? In addition to Cancer, it has been linked to a multitude of serious illnesses.
           High Fructose Corn Syrup is found in most processed food. It has been said that it packs on the pounds faster than any other ingredient, increases your LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, and contributes to the development of diabetes.

   MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) is used as a flavor enhancer most commonly in soups and Chinese food. salad dressings, chips, frozen entrees, and many restaurant foods. MSG is known as an excitotoxin, a substance which over stimulates cells to the point of damage or death.

   Trans Fats enhance and extend the shelf life of food products and are among the most dangerous substances that you can eat. Numerous studies show that trans fats increases LDL cholesterol levels while decreasing HDL (good) cholesterol.

    Food Dyes are found in soda, fruit juices and salad dressings. They may contribute to behavioral problems in children and lead to a significant reduction in IQ. These are the worst: Blue #1 and Blue #2, Red dye #3 and Red #40, Yellow #6 and Yellow Tartrazine. Many of these have been banned in other countries due to a long list of significant health risks.

    Sodium Sulfite, a preservative used in making wine as well as other processed foods. According to the FDA, approximately one in 100 people is sensitive to sulfites in food. The majority of these individuals are asthmatic, suggesting a link between asthma and sulfites.

    Sodium Nitrate/Nitrite are used as a preservative, coloring and flavoring in processed meats, like bacon, ham, hot dogs and luncheon meat. The USDA tried to ban it in the 1970’s but was vetoed by food manufacturers who complained they had no alternative for preserving packaged meat products. These chemicals make raw meat more red. Eww.

    BHA and BHT are preservatives found in cereals, chewing gum, potato chips, and vegetable oils. They keep foods from changing color or becoming rancid. They also affect the neurological system of the brain, altering behavior and having the potential to cause cancer.

    Potassium Bromate is used to increase volume in some white flours and breads. It is known to cause cancer in animals.