9 Common Foods that contains Toxic Ingredients

Foods that are considered harmless may contain many harmful chemicals that are used as food preservatives and flavor enhancers. An item you consider healthy or natural may be packed full of harmful chemicals.Unfortunately, food companies are more interested in preserving the shelf life of their products than with the health of the consumers. These chemicals are often disguised under different names. It is important to be aware of what you are eating and how it affects your body. Here is a list of Top Toxic ingredients you should avoid.

Breads and Wraps

Toxic Ingredient: Potassium bromate (aka brominated flour)

Potassium bromate speeds up the bread-making process. It bleaches dough, enhances its elasticity,  and makes bread rise more rapidly. The end product is fluffy, soft and unnaturally white bread which cuts costs for food manufacturers. This chemical has been linked to kidney and nervous system disorders and gastrointestinal discomfort. To avoid this ingredient, check ingredients lists for “potassium bromate” and “bromated flour.”

Packaged and processed food

Toxic ingredient : Monosodium Glutamate(MSG)

This ingredient is used  to enhance flavor in food. Some of the common known reaction to MSG includes headaches, nausea, weakness, a burning sensation in the back of neck and forearms, wheezing or difficulty in breathing, Flushing, sweating, facial pressure or tightness,Numbness, heart palpitations, and chest pain. You can avoid this chemical by reading labels on processed food and food seasoning powder. Other names for MSG are 

• Glutamic Acid (E 620)
• Glutamate (E 620)
• Yeast Nutrient
• Autolyzed Yeast

Juice and Sports Drink with Artificial colouring,Mac and cheese

Toxic ingredient: Artificial Colors Blue, Green, Red, And Yellow:

The artificial colours blue 1 and 2, green 3, red 3, and yellow 5 and 6 have been linked to thyroid, adrenal, bladder, kidney, and brain cancers. Always seek out foods and drinks that don’t contain artificial colours.

Soft drinks and Processed fruit drinks

Toxic Ingredient :Sodium benzoate

Soft drinks and processed fruit Drinks are the most common sources of sodium benzoate in the diet.  Manufacturers use it as a preservative to prevent mold and spoilage. When this chemical is combined with ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) ,sodium benzoate transforms into benzene, a known carcinogen and DNA disruptor. Another side effect is that it is a potential trigger for hyperactivity in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). You and your children can cut this chemical from your diet by reading labels carefully When shopping. Try to avoid products that  combine ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate. Other names are Benzoic Acid, Potassium Benzoate, Benzoate.

Microwave Popcorn

Toxic Ingredient:Perfluorooctanoic acid, aka PFOA.

The paper and lining of microwave popcorn bags contain PFOA. At high heats,  PFOA can vaporize and get absorbed by the popcorn. It can also be inhaled through the steam that escapes from the bag of microwave popcorn when opened shortly after heating.  PFOA may cause a multitude of health problems. These includes, low birth rates, developmental delays, various forms of cancer, tumors, and liver toxicity.

Dairy Products

Toxic Ingredients: Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH/rBST)

This hormone  is injected into dairy cattle to increase milk production.  It has been used in the United States since it was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1993 but, It is banned  in the European Union, Canada, and some other countries. Studies suggests that it can lead to certain cancers and should be avoided. Choose organic or rBST free dairy products.

Sausage, Hotdog and Bacon

Toxic ingredient :Sodium Nitrate

This chemical is found in processed food it is used as preservative or curing agent. Studies have shown a link between increased levels of nitrates and increased deaths from certain diseases including Alzheimer’s, diabetes mellitus, Gastric Cancer, and Parkinson’s disease. Minimize the consumption of processed foods and cured meat products like hot dogs, sausage and bacon. Check labels carefully and avoid products that list sodium or potassium nitrates and nitrites as ingredients.

Potato chips, Breakfast cereal

Toxic ingredient :BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) & BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)

This is mainly used as food preservative. To prevent oil in food from turning rancid. Research have shown that BHA can accumulate in the body. And have been linked to cancer in animal. This makes it a possible human carcinogen and should be avoided.

Fruits and vegetables

Toxic ingredients:Pesticides

Pesticides are used to treat fruits and vegetables. These chemicals often leave behind residues that can have an adverse effect on the body when consumed.  They’ve been linked to cancer to birth defects. Go for organic produce and wash fruits and vegetables properly before eating.

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