Dangerous Chemicals in Food

Dangerous Chemicals in Food

Did you know that some of the foods we are ingesting are actually harmful to us? Lots of food we eat are loaded with potentially harmful chemical additives, preservatives and other dangerous substances.
A good rule of thumb to follow is that if you have to eat anything with these food additives in them, make sure you do so in moderation.

BHA and BHT
BHA and BHT stands for Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). These are food additives that are used as a preservative to keep food from spoilage. BHA and BHT can be found in butter, meats, chewing gum, snack foods, dehydrated potatoes, and even beer. These additives are approved by the FDA as safe for human consumption. However, they are proven carcinogens. There is proof that some people have difficulty metabolizing BHA and this can result in health and behavioral changes.

Saccharin
Sweet n Low is a common brand name of saccharin. It is a sugar substitute. Its purpose is to give a no-calorie substitute for sugar. The problem is that it is proven to cause cancer of the bladder, uterus, and even cancer of the blood vessels.

Sodium Nitrite and Sodium Nitrate
This food additive is commonly used in hotdogs and cold-cuts to preserve their color and flavor. They are also used to prevent botulism, which is a fatal disease that comes from food.
The problem with sodium nitrite and sodium nitrate is they are known to cause cancer. They cause nitrosamines to form in our intestines, and that are definitely a culprit for cancer.

Acesulfamfe-K
Acesulfame-K, much like saccharin, is a sugar substitute. It is commonly used in chewing gum, gelatin dessert, baked goods, and soft drinks. It may also cause cancer, as it has been found in laboratory studies with rats. Acesulfame-K breaks down into acetoacetamide, which causes thyroid problems in rats, rabbits and dogs.

Olestra
Olestra is a fat substitute that makes fattening foods fat-free. It is not absorbed by the body so it causes digestion problems, such as diarrhea and loose stools. It hinders the body’s ability to absorb beneficial nutrients as well.

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