The Dirty Dozen in Processed Foods
Packaged and processed foods are convenient, portable, and have long shelf lives, thanks to preservatives. However, the additives that make these foods look and taste better often come with unhealthy amounts of salt, fat, and sugar. These additives can lead to side effects such as food allergies, weight gain, decreased absorption of nutrients, and even cancer.
Below is a list of the 12 most pervasive and detrimental food additives, known as the “Dirty Dozen” in processed foods:
Artificial Sweeteners:
- Made from chemicals designed to sweeten food without calories.
- Can have toxic effects when broken down in the body and are linked to over 90 side effects.
- When combined with other additives like artificial colors, they can have a potent effect on nerve cells.
- Made from chemicals designed to sweeten food without calories.
Refined Sugar:
- The average American consumes 150 to 175 pounds of sugar annually, often unknowingly.
- Excessive sugar intake leads to weight gain, fatigue, lowered immune function, cavities, and cardiovascular disease.
- It can also disrupt nutrient absorption, leading to conditions like osteoporosis and depression.
- The average American consumes 150 to 175 pounds of sugar annually, often unknowingly.
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG):
- An excitotoxin used to enhance flavor, MSG can cause sensitive neurons to die.
- Linked to side effects like headaches, itchy skin, dizziness, and various health concerns.
- An excitotoxin used to enhance flavor, MSG can cause sensitive neurons to die.
Artificial Colors:
- Synthetic chemicals, often derived from coal tar, that can contain harmful substances like lead and arsenic.
- May cause allergic reactions, hyperactivity in children, visual and learning disorders, or nerve damage.
- Synthetic chemicals, often derived from coal tar, that can contain harmful substances like lead and arsenic.
BHA and BHT:
- Additives used to prevent oil rancidity.
- Associated with liver and kidney damage, hair loss, behavioral problems, cancer, and other health issues.
- Additives used to prevent oil rancidity.
Sodium Nitrate and Nitrite:
- Preservatives in processed meats that can transform into cancer-causing agents in the stomach.
- Side effects include headaches, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.
- Preservatives in processed meats that can transform into cancer-causing agents in the stomach.
Caffeine:
- A stimulant found in many products, including soft drinks, diet pills, and pain relievers.
- Can lead to osteoporosis and infertility by causing calcium loss from bones.
- A stimulant found in many products, including soft drinks, diet pills, and pain relievers.
Olestra (Olean):
- A calorie-free fat substitute found in snacks and chips.
- Inhibits nutrient absorption and can cause digestive issues like diarrhea and anal leakage.
- A calorie-free fat substitute found in snacks and chips.
Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO):
- Used to keep flavor oils in soft drinks suspended.
- Can accumulate in fat and lead to reproductive issues and birth defects.
- Used to keep flavor oils in soft drinks suspended.
Partially Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil:
- Produced by reacting vegetable oil with hydrogen, creating trans fats.
- Linked to heart disease, cancer, atherosclerosis, and elevated cholesterol.
- Produced by reacting vegetable oil with hydrogen, creating trans fats.
Pesticides:
- Over two billion pounds of pesticides are added to the food supply annually.
- Many pesticides are carcinogenic and can impair fertility, contribute to miscarriages, and cause birth defects.
- Over two billion pounds of pesticides are added to the food supply annually.
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs):
- Plants or animals with modified DNA, often found in processed foods.
- GMOs may decrease immunity, cause resistance to antibiotics, and have unknown long-term effects on health.
- Plants or animals with modified DNA, often found in processed foods.
