Although this isn’t an exhaustive list, these ingredients are some of the most highly processed and least healthy of all:
Ingredient Why it is Used Why it is Bad Artificial Colors
- Chemical compounds made from coal-tar derivatives to enhance color.
- Linked to allergic reactions, fatigue, asthma, skin rashes, hyperactivity and headaches.
Artificial Flavorings
- Cheap chemical mixtures that mimic natural flavors.
- Linked to allergic reactions, dermatitis, eczema, hyperactivity and asthma
- Can affect enzymes, RNA and thyroid.
Artificial Sweeteners
(Acesulfame-K, Aspartame, Equal®, NutraSweet®, Saccharin, Sweet’n Low®, Sucralose, Splenda® & Sorbitol)
- Highly-processed, chemically-derived, zero-calorie sweeteners found in diet foods and diet products to reduce calories per serving.
- Can negatively impact metabolism
- Some have been linked to cancer, dizziness hallucinations and headaches.
Benzoate Preservatives
(BHT, BHA, TBHQ)
- Compounds that preserve fats and prevent them from becoming rancid.
- May result in hyperactivity, angiodema, asthma, rhinitis, dermatitis, tumors and urticaria
- Can affect estrogen balance and levels.
Brominated Vegetable Oil
(BVO)
- Chemical that boosts flavor in many citric-based fruit and soft drinks.
- Increases triglycerides and cholesterol
- Can damage liver, testicles, thyroid, heart and kidneys.
High Fructose Corn Syrup
(HFCS)
- Cheap alternative to cane and beet sugar
- Sustains freshness in baked goods
- Blends easily in beverages to maintain sweetness.
- May predispose the body to turn fructose into fat
- Increases risk for Type-2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke and cancer
- Isn’t easily metabolized by the liver.
MSG
(Monosodium Glutamate)
- Flavor enhancer in restaurant food, salad dressing, chips, frozen entrees, soups and other foods.
- May stimulate appetite and cause headaches, nausea, weakness, wheezing, edema, change in heart rate, burning sensations and difficulty in breathing.
Olestra
- An indigestible fat substitute used primarily in foods that are fried and baked.
- Inhibits absorption of some nutrients
- Linked to gastrointestinal disease, diarrhea, gas, cramps, bleeding and incontinence.
Shortening, Hydrogenated and Partially Hydrogenated Oils
(Palm, Soybean and others)
- Industrially created fats used in more than 40,000 food products in the U.S.
- Cheaper than most other oils.
- Contain high levels of trans fats, which raise bad cholesterol and lower good cholesterol, contributing to risk of heart disease.
Read more: 9 Ingredients to avoid in processed foods - Healthy Living on Shine
