Trans Fats
These fats are considered the “bad fats” and are linked to increased LDL levels (bad cholesterol), which can increase the risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Tran’s fats are found in so many foods such as margarine, muffins, bread, pizza, cookies, cake, and donuts. Don’t be fooled by labels that have zero grams of trans fat.
Decoding facts: Stay away from partially hydrogenated vegetable oils and hydrogenated oils.
Artificial Sweeteners
Dozens of zero-calorie artificial sweeteners or sugar substitutes have hit the grocery store shelves and we all need to steer clear from using them in our foods and beverages. Here’s why! Some of these artificial sweeteners have been linked to cancer and they tend to be much sweeter than white sugar. They also have been linked to weight gain and can disrupt your gut health. Artificial sweeteners can be found in sodas, gum, candy, desserts, yogurt, snacks, and a bunch of other processed foods.
Decoding facts: Avoid consuming products with aspartame, sucrose, dextrose, cane sugar, acesulfame potassium, agave nectar, high fructose corn syrup, neotame, saccharin, sucralose, sugar alcohols (xylitol, and sorbitol), fructose, galactose, glucose, lactose, and maltose.
Artificial Preservatives
Artificial preservatives can be problematic for people with asthma and allergies. Also, some preservatives are known to increase hyperactivity in children and some are linked to cancer. You can be certain to find artificial preservatives in most processed foods like cereal, soups, sauces, condiments such as ketchup , salad dressings, mayo, and meats.
Decoding facts: Try to avoid eating too many processed foods. Especially, avoid products with nitrates, nitrites, monosodium glutamate or (MSG), sulfates, sulfites, potassium sorbate, butylated hydroxyanisol or (BHA) and tertiary butyl hydroquinone or (TBHQ).
Artificial Colors
Artificial food coloring is also linked to causing hyperactivity in children and can be problematic for people with asthma and allergies.
Decoding facts: Avoid products that list the following food colors, red, yellow, and blue, caramel coloring, and erythrosine.
Antibiotics, Hormones, and Steroids
Unfortunately, antibiotics, hormones, and steroids are now included in most of the poultry and red meat sold and purchased in grocery stores. No one should be consuming poultry and meats with these ingredients, which has been linked to the growth of fibroid tumors in women. Also, being over-exposed to antibiotics can create problems for people when trying to fight a potential super virus. Try looking for poultry and red meat that is grass-fed and does not contain harmful antibiotics, hormones, and steroids.
Decoding facts: Avoid eggs, milk, cheese, ice cream, and other dairy products that are made with cow’s milk. Instead, try eating ice cream made with almond, coconut, or soy-based milks. Also, look for the organic and grass-fed label on poultry and red meat to be certain you are not consuming harmful ingredients.
Bleached Flour
Bleached white flour has been a baking staple in homes for many years. However, the bleaching process is very bad for our health. The bleaching process can spike blood sugar levels in the body, which can cause metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes. Bleached flour is usually found in most white breads, breadsticks, crackers, pasta, and other starchy foods.
Decoding facts: Avoid white bleached flour and flour that has bromated flour on the label. There are healthier alternatives that will not change the taste of your baked treats. Try healthier alternatives like brown rice flour, buckwheat flour, whole wheat flour (if you are not sensitive to gluten), coconut flour, spelt flour, and millet flour.
The golden rule to remember when reading labels is if very long words are in the ingredient list, more than likely it is not going to be a healthy food option. Also, when it comes to trans fats, remember they now have to be listed on food labels. Avoid buying products with the word partially “hydrogenated” and “hydrogenated” on them.
Be well!
Sources:
Center for Science in the Public Interest, Retrieved on May 30, 2017 - www.cspinet.org/eating-healthy/chemical-cuisine#banned
Natural News, Retrieved on May 30, 2017 - www.naturalnews.com