Initially, foods were cultivated and consumed directly from relatively unpolluted soil. As the world population grew, agriculture thrived, and commercial specialties developed. Techniques were devised for food preparation and preservation to address new storage challenges. With advancing technology, the modern food industry’s dependence on processing additives continues to increase. Is this an evolution, or are we sacrificing our health for technological advancements?
For decades, the food industry has continuously created new chemical products to manipulate, preserve, and transform our foods. With the help of chemicals, scientists can mimic natural flavors or colors to make them appear more natural or fresh.
Now there are even foods that are entirely produced from chemical substances. Sugar substitutes or candies consist almost entirely of artificial ingredients. Such manipulation of food can have a profound effect on our body’s balance.
These additive-rich foods can immediately alter your energy levels, mental concentration, behavior, or immune response. In the long term, they could increase the risk of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and other degenerative conditions.
We present 11 of the most common additives you should avoid and their health risks:
1 Hydrogenated fats: cardiovascular diseases, obesity
2 Artificial food colorings: allergies, asthma, hyperactivity, potential carcinogenic
3 Nitrites and nitrates: these substances can develop into nitrosamines in the body, which can be carcinogenic
4 Sulfites (sulfur dioxide, metabisulfites, and others): allergic and asthmatic reactions
5 Sugars and sweeteners: obesity, dental cavities, diabetes and hypoglycemia, increased triglycerides (fats in the blood) or candidiasis
6 Artificial sweeteners (aspartame, acesulfame K, and saccharin): behavioral issues, hyperactivity, allergies, and potential carcinogenic. Doctors warn against any artificial sweetener, especially for children and pregnant women.
7 Monosodium glutamate (MSG): frequent allergic and behavioral reactions, including headaches, dizziness, chest pain, depression, and mood swings
8 Preservatives: allergic reactions, hyperactivity, potential carcinogenic, some being toxic to the nervous system and liver
9 Artificial flavors: allergic or behavioral reactions
10 Refined flour: calories with low nutrient content, carbohydrates, insulin production changes
11 Artificial fats: diarrhea and digestive disorders
Wax applied to food products (such as apples) may contain pesticides or very harmful fungicides.
Our advice is to carefully read the ingredient list and avoid these toxic foods as much as possible, and try to buy locally grown fruits and vegetables.
