Food Ingredients To Avoid

Some known (and unknown) food ingredients and additives to avoid

Saw an article from NaturalNews.com on food ingredients you should avoid like the plague. Some of these are pretty obviously, some downright surprised me!

Listed below are either important to know or surprised me. You can check out the entire article here.

Acrylamides - These are formed when carbohydrates are exposed to high heat (ie. baking, frying, grilling). These carcinogenic chemicals (cancer-causing) are basically a side product to cooking so they DON'T have to be listed on labels. Mike Geary, creator of TruthAboutAbs.com, also discusses the danger of acrylamides. You can find these in bread crusts to snack chips.

Aspartame - An artificial sweetener that can cause a slew of problems from neurological disorders to headaches. There have even been studies to show that having artificial sweeteners can cause an increase in fat since the same insulin spike occurs as if its regular sugar.

Casein - This one surprised me. I've seen casein as a protein supplement that's a "slower processing" protein supplement. However, this is used in soy cheese products as an alternative to cow's milk. This one is mixed for me.

Corn Syrup - Can also hide under the name of "high fructose corn syrup," stay away from this ingredient at all costs. Sometimes contaminated with mercury, it's also linked to diabetes, obesity and heart disease. Found in thousands of products such as tomato products (ie. ketchup, canned tomato products) and salad dressings.

Homogenized Milk - An artificially modified version of milk, they do something to the milk fat so it doesn't separate. Can contribute to milk allergies. Raw milk is healthier.

Partially Hydrogenated Oils - Found in many processed foods and creates trans fats which are terrible for you and can cause many heart problems. Even if the label says "0g trans fat" and partially hydrogenated oil is in the ingredient, there's trans fat present. If there's less than 1g per serving, the amount of trans fat does not have to be put on the label.

Phosphoric Acid - Found in sodas to add more "fizz." Can eat away your enamel and if you put a nail in the soda long enough, it will dissolve it. Image what this does to the inside of your body.

Propylene Glycol - Used to make fake blueberries you see in blueberry muffins, bagels and breads. It's also a liquid used to winterize RV's (wow!).

Sodium Nitrite - A coloring agent added to bacon, sausage, hot dogs, beef jerky, cold cuts, processed meats. Makes the meat look fresh. Strongly linked to brain tumors, pancreatic cancer and colon cancer.

Soy Protein (other versions include: Textured Vegetable Protein and Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein) - All made from genetically modified soybeans and processed with hexane (an explosive chemical). You see these in veggie burgers, protein bars, or as a taste enhancer.


Hopefully I haven't scared you too much.

Here's what to do:

- Read the ingredients labels! Avoid foods with ingredients you cannot pronounce or have to look up what it is.

- Shop are your local farmer's market, food co-op or CSA.

- In the USA, look for the Organic label, at least USDA organic.

- Buy more unprocessed food ingredients and make your own meals rather than buying ready-to-eat, processed foods.


Are there any other ingredients you'd like to share, or have a question on? Do you have a success story you'd like to share?

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