Artificial Flavors: Side Effects

Most Americans are unknowingly consuming dangerous amounts of artificial flavoring each year. It’s no doubt that artificial flavorings can be dangerous, but how dangerous?

Studies suggest that the side effects of artificial flavorings range from nervous system depression, dizziness,chest pain, headaches, fatigue, allergies, brain damage, seizures, and nausea. Some of the more popular flavorings can also cause genetic defects, tumors and bladder cancer to name a few. If that’s not scary enough, did you know? There are over 3 thousand different types of artificial flavorings.

If you are like many Americans, you’re probably consuming convenient processed foods sold at most grocery stores. What you might not know, is that you’re also consuming dangerous food additives, preservatives, and dangerous chemicals on top of artificial flavoring and yes, they can all cause dangerous side effects. Luckily, there is a happy ending.

How to Avoid Artificial Flavoring and Additives:

Artificial flavorings, preservatives, additives, you name it, food today just isn’t as safe as it used to be. About 90% of Americans spend most of their grocery budget on processed foods and by doing so, they are exposing themselves to artificial flavors and additives. Avoid these nasty food additives by simply purchasing fresh, organic ingredients and consuming organic whole foods and whenever possible purchase organic meats, fish, dairy and poultry. Making meals at home with real food and ingredients will ensure artificial flavorings and preservatives are avoided.

Top 10 Ingredients to Avoid:

1. Nitrites and Nitrates

Commonly found in processed lunch meats and cured meats. Nitrates and Nitrites are used to help processed foods keep their same color for a long amount of time. They are very high in sodium which acts like a preservative and can contribute to high blood pressure. Once nitrates and nitrites have been digested they can form cancer causing compounds in your body which have been linked to esophageal, stomach, and colon cancer.

2. Potassium Bromate

Potassium bromates are found in processed breads, crackers, flour and any other dry bread products. These products claim to be whole grain, high in fiber, heart-healthy, etc. Be sure to read ingredient labels and you will quickly find out these breads are not close to healthy. They are filled with many harmful additives that have been linked to DNA damage and kidney problems.

3. Propyl Paraben

This harmful chemical has been linked to lower testosterone and reduced sperm count in men, and fertility problems in both men and women. Propyl Paraben is found in foods like tortillas, muffins, food dyes, etc.

4. Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)

This food additive has been found in preserved meats and chips. Researchers have linked it to cancer, fertility problems, and it has shown to have a negative effect on estrogen metabolism.

5. Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)

Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is similar to BHA and is often listed as “safe”. It is added to food products as a preservative. Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is found in foods like hummus, chewing gum, cereals, crackers, cookies, sauces, and more. A study shown rats that had eaten BHA developed lung and liver tumors. It was also shown to cause development issues.

6. Propyl gallate

Propyl gallate is found in foods that have edible fats. This includes foods like sausage, lard and any other meat that has a fatty like texture. Studies have shown that propyl gallate has been related to tumors and rare brain tumors in rats along with many other alarming health issues.

7. Common Food Dyes

Artificial coloring is found in things like fruit juices, candy, salad dressing, and sodas. Artificial coloring causes behavioral issues in children. Studies have linked food coloring to certain types of cancer. Watch out for Blue #1 and Blue #2 (E133), Red dye # 3 (also Red #40 – a more current dye) (E124), and Yellow #6 (E110) and Yellow Tartrazine (E102).

9. Artificial Sweeteners

Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that is usually found in foods that are labeled as “diet” or “sugar free”. Aspartame should be avoided at all costs. Aspartame has been known to cause brain tumors, diseases like lymphoma, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue, emotional disorders like depression and anxiety attacks, dizziness, headaches, nausea, mental confusion, migraines and seizures.

10. High Fructose Corn Syrup

HFCS is a highly refined sweetener found in almost all processed foods in America. High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) can increase cholesterol levels, lead to diabetes, tissue damage, and other harmful effects. HFCS is loaded with calories and packs on the pounds faster than any other ingredient.

Food additives find their way into more food than most Americans realize. Know your food, understand and read ingredient lists. Avoid catchy labels such as “all natural” and “low-fat”. Look for products labeled “USDA Organic” or “NON GMO Verified” and whenever needed visit http://www.ewg.org/foodscores/content/user-guide this will tell you exactly what is in your food.