What do you know about food additives? There are lots of reasons as to why they exist.  It makes our food last longer, look better, or eliminates fats. The thing is, some are really bad for our health.  Nutritionist Peggy Kotsopoulos came by to tell us which ones to keep on our radar...

HIDDEN SUGARS

1. Aspartame



What it is?

• Aspartame is sold by the brand names.  It's found in 6,000 products worldwide.

Where it's found?

• diet foods, diet soft drinks & drink mixes, low calorie desserts, gelatins, puddings, frozen desserts, yogurt

Why it's bad?

• Aspartame is responsible for 75 percent of the complaints that the FDA receives. The FDA has compiled a list of 92 Aspartame poisoning symptoms, from over 10,000 consumers. These complaints include- headaches, memory loss, seizures, vision loss, coma, and cancer.
• Aspartame was once listed as a "Biochemical Warfare Agent" by the Pentagon.
• For 8 years The US Food and Drug Administration did not approve Aspartame because of the evidence that was brought to light by numerous scientists, litigators and consumer groups, that aspartame damages the central nervous system and causes cancer in animals.

2. Acesulfame-K:  (aka - acesulfame potassium, Ace-K, or Sunett)



What it is?  

• An artificial sweetener that's approximately 200x sweeter than sugar!  

Where it's found?

• Found in baked goods, gum, candy, beverages, snacks, canned foods, toothpaste, soft drinks, gelatin desserts, etc..

Why it's bad?

• One of the biggest problems is that there isn't sufficient long-term studies on the safety of the sweetener.
• Based on animal studies, acesulfame K breaks down into acetoacetamide which may cause thyroid problems
• Acesulfame K also contains the carcinogen methylene chloride. Long-term exposure to methylene chloride can cause headaches, depression, nausea, mental confusion, liver effects, kidney effects, visual disturbances, and cancer in humans.
• Some animal studies show that it may also cause thyroid problems

PRESERVATIVES

1. Sodium Nitrate/Nitrite



What is it?

• Nitrates/Nitrites preserve flavour and maintain a red color in many processed meat products

Where it's found?

• Processed meats, deli meats, bacon, sausage, ham, hot dogs, pepperoni, smoked fish, corn beef, canned meat, and even some cheeses.

Why it's bad?

• Nitrites (which can be added to the food directly, or broken down from nitrate) reacts with proteins to produce N-nitroso compounds (NOCs), which some types are known to cause cancer.
• Nitrites can form potent carcinogenic nitrosamines in the body.
• Nitrosamines are among the most powerful carcinogens known and even small amounts can lead to cancer. Studies confirm that nitrates and nitrites can cause prostate, breast and stomach cancers in humans.
• Even the World Cancer Research Fund states that one of the reasons that processed meat increases the risk of colon cancer is its content of nitrate!
• Nitrates are associated with increased miscarriages, fetal deaths and birth defects in laboratory animals.
• Both US and Canadian regulatory agencies have lowered the permissible levels of nitrates/nitrites for use in processed foods.

Alternatives:

• Choose nitrite/nitrate free meats instead.  

2. BHA & BHT



What it is?

• BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) and BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) are preservatives that cause foods to appear fresher longer

What it's in?

• cereal, chewing gum, potato chips, and vegetable oils.

Why it's bad?

• Studies show that it can cause tissue inflammation, liver enlargement, growths and cancers.

FLAVOUR & ASTHETIC ENHANCERS

1. Monosodium Glutamate

• MSG is used as a flavor enhancer in many packaged foods
• It's also know as:  glutamate, yeast extract, hydrolyzed protein, glutamic acids, calcium casienate, sodium caseinate, gelatin, textured protein, etc..  
• MSG can be legally concealed on food labels behind harmless-sounding names like "natural flavoring", "spices", "seasonings" etc...

What its' in:

• It's found in THOUSANDS of packages foods including soups, salad dressings, sausages, hot dogs, canned tuna, potato chips crackers and frozen foods, spices, seasonings, prepared box meals (mac&cheese, prepared rice mixes, etc..) and many more.  It is also found in most spice and flavoring blends.

Why avoid it?

• The ill effects of consuming MSG varies from person to person and can manifest in a variety of ways, such as:  headache; nausea; vomiting; burning sensation; warmth or tingling of the arms, face or chest; numbness that radiates from the neck to the arms; chest pains; heart palpitations; sweating; sleepiness; and general weakness.  PHEW!
• Difficulty breathing can become a huge side effect with Asthmatics,
• Other studies show that MSG can cause damage to brain cells and the central nervous system.
• Some studies suggest that MSG inhibits the normal function of the hypothalamus, which can cause long-term negative effects such as obesity, sleep disturbances and reproductive issues.

2. Food Colouring (Red 3, Yellow 5, Green 3, Blue 1&2)

• Foods dyes are used to enhance the colour of foods to make it look more 'appetizing'.  

What it's in?

• Not only do packaged/processed foods (such as cereal, candies, gum, frozen desserts) contain food dyes, but so do 'natural foods' such as salmon!
• According to the FDA there are two types of food dyes
• (1) Artificial Colours - these are synthetic dyes (aka - certifiable color additives) which are derived from petroleum distillate or coat
• (2) Natural Colours -   These are obtained from plants, animals or mineral sources. Because of their "natural" origin we tend to forget that they may be as dangerous as any synthetic food-coloring agent.

Why it's bad:

• Some food colorings may be linked to brain, thyroid, kidney and adrenal cancers, allergies and other health concerns
• Food dyes - also increases hyperactivity in children and is thought to be linked to ADHD in kids.
• Dyes can cause severe allergic reactions, including migraines, digestive problems, and a blocked airways (especially yellow dye #5)