What most will do is casually scan the list of ingredients on food labels, this when shopping for groceries. We’ll look, at times shrug having no idea what they are, as we don’t know if they’re good for us or not. By law, food manufacturers are legally bound to list what the ingredients are, this so you’ll recognize them, particularly if you have a health condition or allergy.
What’s required is listing its chemical name along with its quantity, this in relation to the other contents. The problem is, they’re not always explicitly explained, so they can appear to be harmless ingredients, but actually aren’t.
7. Potassium Bromate
Although the additive Potassium Bromate has been banned in some countries, there are others that still allow it. What’s known is that this chemical, is used by up to 80% percent of the popular bread brands available on the store shelves. What it does, is provides reinforcement on the bread dough, making it fluffier.
What the ingredient has been linked to, is causing major illness in clinical testing. What some sources note however, is that it only becomes an issue if the bread isn’t completely baked, as what the bromate does is dissipates during the baking process.
6. Food Coloring
Using food coloring is fun especially for children, as it gives bland food a brilliant color. The additives it contains however, has a negative effect on health, especially your kids. It also depends on the color. The ones to avoid include, Red 3, Red 40, Blue 2, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6.
One of the additives it contains is benzene, which is derived from gasoline, which can become carcinogenic. There are others that contain metal, which can potentially lead to organ toxicity, along with other side effects. So what’s recommended, is if the colorful food isn’t naturally derived from nature and is artificial, then avoid it.
5. Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA)
This is a commonly used preservative, which has potentially harmful health causing effects, although most health regulators and governing bodies have approved it. The main purpose of Butylated Hydroxyanisole, is that it helps you to avoid getting food poisoning. This appears minor, compared to it’s potential risks.
Butylated Hydroxyanisole can be found in a variety of foods, everything from cereal to ice cream, and is usually disguised in “friendlier” names such as BHT. What this particular chemical is known to do, is it disrupts the endocrine system, which can seriously mess with your hormones.
