Food additives are added to food during processing, typically to enhance color or freshness. While some of them are natural, many aren’t and all those unnatural additives have nasty side effects. Think about the artificial sweeteners hiding in diet soft drinks, or the emulsifiers (used to keep food from separating) in the salad dressing sitting in your refrigerator. Just these alone destroy gut health. [1] [2] [3] That’s just the tip of the iceberg and most aren’t even tested for safety at all. [4]
Food additives aren’t inert ingredients; they’re active and can present a real health risk. If you know the reasons why food additives are dangerous, it may help you steer clear of certain foods that may contribute to longterm health concerns. So while there are more reasons than we could count as to why you should avoid food additives altogether, here are three of the most pressing.
A recent study suggests eating lots of phosphate-rich foods like soda, processed cheese, baking powder, and many processed foods increases production of the FGF23 hormone, which can put a strain on the heart. [5] Research from the American Heart Association also suggests men should cut processed red meat out of their diets because of an increased risk of heart failure. [6]
Like I mentioned above, the FDA doesn’t really regulate what’s in our food. That said, a recent study found propyl paraben, an endocrine disruptor, in many American snack foods. [7] Banned from food in Europe, it’s still used in some cosmetics and personal care items all throughout the world. This hasn’t, however, stopped the US from putting it in what we eat. While the FDA has maintained for decades it is Generally Recognized As Safe (how reassuring), studies suggest it can act as a weak synthetic estrogen and diminish fertility. [8]
Recent research out of Australia even suggests some additives — even the ones in those “healthy” snacks — can lead to mood swings and irritability in kids. For instance, cultured dextrose (also known as calcium propionate) — one such additive in healthy breads and wraps — can cause “irritability, fatigue or insomnia.” [9] There’s even some evidence suggesting that hydrolyzed vegetable protein — a “natural” substitute for MSG – can even cause concerns. [10] The best thing to do is to make sure you’re reading those labels and keeping snacks as simple as possible; or, better yet, make your own from scratch with organic ingredients.
There is some recent talk by US organizations suggesting the FDA’s food additive process violates the law. [11] But we shouldn’t be surprised when we’re discussing the food industry’s slow action against dangerous ingredients. Trans fat, for instance, was just banned after years of research found that its indescribably harmful. If you purchase processed foods of any type, try to find ones that are additive free or at least made with natural preservatives. Or, forgetting the packaged options altogether and snacking on raw fruits and vegetables can help reduce your exposure. [12]
Introduction In recent decades, more and more of us have realized the value of adopting…
Introduction Each and every day, your body is exposed to toxic heavy metals. These metals…
Introduction It’s no secret that your body needs calcium. After all, without enough calcium, you…
Introduction If you haven’t put the incredible health benefits of boron to work for you,…
Introduction While most of us know the benefits of taking supplements like Vitamin D3 or…
Introduction Have you heard about activated charcoal but aren’t really sure what it and how…