| Ingredient |
Why it is Used |
Why it is Bad |
| Artificial Colors |
- Chemical compounds made from coal-tar derivatives to enhance
color.
|
- Linked to allergic reactions, fatigue, asthma, skin rashes,
hyperactivity and headaches.
|
| Artificial Flavorings |
- Cheap chemical mixtures that mimic natural flavors.
|
- Linked to allergic reactions, dermatitis, eczema, hyperactivity
and asthma
- Can affect enzymes, RNA and thyroid.
|
Artificial Sweeteners
(Acesulfame-K, Aspartame, Equal®, NutraSweet®, Saccharin,
Sweet’n Low®, Sucralose, Splenda® & Sorbitol) |
- Highly-processed, chemically-derived, zero-calorie sweeteners found
in diet foods and diet products to reduce calories per
serving.
|
- Can negatively impact metabolism
- Some have been linked to cancer, dizziness hallucinations and
headaches.
|
| Benzoate Preservatives
(BHT, BHA, TBHQ)
|
- Compounds that preserve fats and prevent them from becoming
rancid.
|
- May result in hyperactivity, angiodema, asthma, rhinitis,
dermatitis, tumors and urticaria
- Can affect estrogen balance and levels.
|
| Brominated Vegetable Oil
(BVO)
|
- Chemical that boosts flavor in many citric-based fruit and soft
drinks.
|
- Increases triglycerides and cholesterol
- Can damage liver, testicles, thyroid, heart and kidneys.
|
High Fructose Corn Syrup
(HFCS) |
- Cheap alternative to cane and beet sugar
- Sustains freshness in baked goods
- Blends easily in beverages to maintain sweetness.
|
- May predispose the body to turn fructose into fat
- Increases risk for Type-2 diabetes, coronary heart disease,
stroke and cancer
- Isn’t easily metabolized by the liver.
|
| MSG
(Monosodium Glutamate)
|
- Flavor enhancer in restaurant food, salad dressing, chips,
frozen entrees, soups and other foods.
|
- May stimulate appetite and cause headaches, nausea, weakness,
wheezing, edema, change in heart rate, burning sensations and
difficulty in breathing.
|
| Olestra |
- An indigestible fat substitute used primarily in foods that are
fried and baked.
|
- Inhibits absorption of some nutrients
- Linked to gastrointestinal disease, diarrhea, gas, cramps,
bleeding and incontinence.
|
Shortening, Hydrogenated and Partially
Hydrogenated Oils
(Palm, Soybean and others) |
- Industrially created fats used in more than 40,000 food
products in the U.S.
- Cheaper than most other oils.
|
- Contain high levels of trans fats, which raise bad cholesterol
and lower good cholesterol, contributing to risk of heart
disease.
|