Harmful Ingredients in Processed Foods

Today's supermarket will definitely put a stamp of wonder in the faces of those who have lived a century before us. Our food supplies are laden with too much processed foods that cater to all types of cravings for flavors we love. From sweet, sour, to spicy - processed foods have it all, plus, it can last longer than fresh foods. The wonders of science made altering foods from their natural state a possibility, for the sake of safety and convenience. This includes processes like canning, freezing, dehydration, refrigeration and other types of processes.

What Makes Processed Foods Unhealthy?

Take note that not all processed foods are bad. You only have to read your food labels very well and avoid these ingredients:

1. Artificial Flavors

These chemicals come in cheap and are used to mimic the natural flavors of foods. Artificial flavors can cause allergic reactions, skin problems, asthma, and hyperactivity. It can affect your thyroid's function as well.

2. Artificial Colors

These are chemicals taken from coal-tar derivatives which enhances the color of your food. Not only can it cause allergic reactions, skin problems, and hyperactivity, but it can also cause headache and fatigue.

3. Artificial Sweeteners

You can trick your taste buds, but you can't trick your brain. Also called as Aspartame, these are found in sodas with a zero-calorie label. You'll end up more thirsty than ever, making you suffer a sugar crash that makes you crave for more sugar. In worst cases, artificial sweeteners have been linked to cancer.

4. MSG ( Monosodium Glutamate )

Used as flavor enhancer in many restaurant dishes, this appetite stimulator can cause headache, weakness, difficulty in breathing, and heart burns.

5. High Fructose Corn Syrup

Cheaper than cane and beet sugar , and used in baked goods, this blends easily with any beverages including your supposed to be 'healthy' glass of smoothie. You can have a higher risk of obesity and Type 2 Diabetes with this food additive.

6. BVO ( Brominated Vegetable Oil )

This food chemical makes your soft drinks and citric fruit juices tasty. Continued consumption may increase your chances of liver, thyroids, heart, or kidneys damage.

7. Hydrogenated( or Partially ) Oils

From palm oils, vegetable oils to soybean oils, these are used in over 40,000 food products in the United States. Cheaper than olive oil, hydrogenated oils have been found to increase your risk of getting arterial plaque that can cause heart disease.

When living healthy greatly depends on the foods we eat, it is important to have healthy choices and good lifestyle habits. If you can't pronounce a food ingredient, chances are, this is unhealthy for you. A combination of smart buying, proper nutrition, and exercises can help you live your life to the max. Eat Well, Live Better!