Welcome to my blog! Today we are going to discuss food additives. What they are, why we need them and which ones to avoid. It’s always best to avoid them and eat all-natural foods that are fresh and in their natural state (or somewhat). I realize that meat, such as chicken, beef, and turkey is hard to have in its natural state because I don’t think they would like it if you started salting the feathers on a chicken. I’m just saying.
Ok, so as we stated earlier it is better to have food in it’s natural state but for many of us that’s not possible. With people having busy lives and schedules most Americans cannot stay home for hours on end and start canning food, making all homemade breads, pastas, and sauces. It’s just not how Americans live any more, I believe those days are over (unfortunately). However, if you do go to the grocery store to buy certain items, I will help you with what preservatives to avoid so you can make healthier choices in the abyss of food products.
What are Preservatives?
So, food additives /preservatives have been around for centuries. Many people have used certain things to preserve food and have figured out the hard way what works and what doesn’t. Most food additives today have been used since the 1940s before, during, and after the war to help keep food longer without it going bad. However, we have found since then that there are some additives/preservatives that just aren’t good for us health wise. Now don’t get me wrong, food additives do a great job preserving food and increasing the shelf life. But from a health standpoint they are not good. Over time people have become sensitive to certain additives and preservatives and due to health problems have to stay away from them.
*Disclaimer* I grew up on a farm in Ohio and we had a lot of good farm fresh cooking, but I also grew up with Tang, TV dinners (only the ones with the square hard choc. Cake), hoho’s and Lucky Charms. Again…I’m just saying! Talk about preservatives! I have no idea what was in that Salisbury steak TV dinner but when you’re 12 and watching Dukes of Hazard it doesn’t matter.
Ok back to our regular scheduled program……I have to put that disclaimer in there to show you that I am human too. I have eaten some things that would make a Billy goat puke, but I have since learned how to better take care of myself and take my health more serious and now I can teach you and show you that it is possible to live a happier, healthier life.
Types of Additives/Preservatives
While there are some food additives and preservatives that aren’t harmful to most people, there are some that should be avoided by everyone. Here’s my list of 6 food additives and preservatives that I believe we need to avoid. There might be a lot more, but these are the main ones that stick out to me and are the unhealthiest.
- Trans Fats– Trans fats were created by companies to extend the shelf life of certain foods. They are created by adding oil during the manufacturing process to change the texture of the food. Science and research have shown that consuming trans fats increases your risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes, along with a stroke.
- Sodium Nitrite/Nitrates– These additives and preservatives are mainly found in process meats such as canned tuna, sausages, deli meat, bacon etc. Science and research has shown that consuming too much of these nitrites cause pancreatic cancer among other significant health problems.
- Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) – I have posted a blog about these previously so I will only touch on them a little. If you haven’t read that blog, I would encourage you to read about it. It’s very interesting. Some studies and findings have indicated numerous people having experienced symptoms such as headaches, flushing, sweating, facial pressure or tightness, numbness, tingling or burning in the face, neck and other areas, rapid, heart palpitations, chest pain, nausea, and weakness. Although not everyone will experience the same symptoms, it could happen and it’s best to avoid it all together.
- Artificial Food Coloring- Artificial food colors are chemicals used to color food and drinks. Most processed foods have at least a few of these colorings if not more. The most harmful food colorings are Yellow #5, Yellow #6, Blue #1 & 2 , Red dye #3, and Red #40. I personally (and my little boy) get a bad instant headache in the front of my head when I have Red #40.
- High Fructose Corn Syrup- High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is popular with most food companies simply because its cheaper than cane sugar. It still provides that sweet taste consumers want. Studies have shown that HFCS can lead to obesity and type 2 diabetes. In the US, HFCS is found in a lot of other food products, such as frozen pizza, cocktail peanuts, cereal, and even bread.
- BHA/BHT- Butylated hydroxyanisole andbutylated hydroxytoluenearepreservatives found in cereals, gum, chips, vegetable oils, and meats. It keeps food from changing color or flavor while manufacturing and while it’s on the shelf. Research has shown that it affects the neurological system of the brain, alters behavior and is carcinogenic. These two preservatives are oxidants that form cancer-causing reactive compounds in the body.
I hope this helps you make better choices at the store. My suggestion is getting used to reading the food labels and then decide if there is a safer or healthier option. I have done this for years and pretty much know what ingredients are in what foods and which ones to stay away from. My wife and I make our own mayonnaise, yogurt, salsa, soups, and when our kids were young-baby food. It is possible but it is time consuming and takes the right kitchen appliances. However, it is possible to make healthier choices at the store and you’ll be fine. So, don’t sweat it. I think if you become more aware of what you’re eating you will become healthier and happier.
Remember You only get one body..Make the change! Take care,
Darren
Harmony Shift 