Top 10 Scariest Food Additives
Options
jamie1888
Posts: 1,704 Member
Uh oh! Look out all of us Skinny Cow & weight watcher ice cream fans!!! :noway:
http://health.yahoo.net/experts/eatthis/top-10-scariest-food-additives
There was a time when "fruit flavored" and "cheese flavored" meant "made with real fruit" and "made with real cheese." Today? It's artificial everything. Most of the food at your local supermarket is no more authentic than Snooki's tan. Our fruit comes packaged in Loops, our cheese delivered via Whiz. Sure, it's edible, but there's no way your great grandparents would recognize this junk as food.
The problem with additives runs deep. The FDA currently maintains a list of ingredients called Everything Added to Food in the United States (EAFUS), which features more than 3,000 items and counting. Thankfully, most EAFUS ingredients are benign, but a few of them do have potentially harmful effects. Why they're legal is a mystery to us. Some of them might be backed by powerful lobby groups, while others probably survive simply because some guy at the FDA has too much paperwork on his desk and hasn't made time to adequately review the data.
Below are 10 of the most dubious ingredients hiding in your food, compliments of Eat This, Not That! 2011. Even if you're not convinced of their danger, you have to admit this: The more filler ingredients you cut from your diet, the more space you have for wholesome, nutritious foods.
Scary Ingredient #1: Olestra
A fat substitute synthesized by Procter & Gamble. Because human digestive enzymes can't break down the big molecules, Olestra contributes 0 calories to your diet.
Why it’s scary: In the late ’90s, Frito-Lay released Olestra-enhanced WOW chips and Procter & Gamble introduced Fat Free Pringles. Both products were required to carry warning labels to notify customers about the risk of "loose stools." Within 4 years, some 15,000 people had dialed in to a hotline set up specifically to handle adverse-reaction complaints. Apparently the complaints didn't move the FDA, because in 2003, the administration revoked the warning-label mandate. If you want to take your chances with diarrhea, go ahead, but first consider this: Olestra also appears to interfere with the body's ability to absorb some crucial nutrients like beta-carotene and lycopene. To counteract the effect, processers add some nutrients back, but it's unlikely that all the blocked nutrients are adequetly replaced.
Furthermore, just last week I tweeted that an animal study at Purdue University found that fake fats like Olestra may cause more weight gain than real fat.
Where you’ll find it: Lay’s Light chips, Pringles Light chips
Scary Ingredient #2: Caramel Coloring
An artificial pigment created by heating sugars. Frequently, this process includes ammonia.
Why it’s scary: Caramel coloring shows up in everything from soft drinks and sauces to breads and pastries. When made from straight sugar, it's relatively benign. But when produced with ammonia it puts off 2-methylimidazole and 4-methylimidazole, chemicals that have been linked to cancer in mice. The risk is strong enough that the California government, a bellwether for better food regulation, categorized 4-methylimidazole as “known to cause cancer” earlier this year. Unfortunately, companies aren't required to disclose whether their coloring is made with ammonia, so you'd be wise to avoid it as much as you can.
Where you'll find it: Colas and other soft drinks, La Choy soy sauce, Stove Top stuffing mix
Scary Ingredient #3: Saccharin
An artificial sweetener discovered by accident in the 1870s.
Why it’s scary: Studies have linked saccharin to bladder tumors in rats, and in 1977, the FDA required warning labels on all saccharin-containing foods. In 2000, the agency changed its stance and allowed saccharin to be sold without warning labels. But that doesn't make it entirely safe. A 2008 Purdue study found that replacing sugar with saccharin in rats’ diets made them gain more weight, proving once again that you should be aware of these faux fat foes.
Where you'll find it: Sweet ‘N Low, TaB cola
Scary Ingredient #4: Potassium Bromate
A compound that conditions flour and helps bread puff up during baking.
Why it’s scary: Potassium bromate causes thyroid and kidney tumors in rats, and it's banned from food use in many countries. In California, products containing potassium bromate are required to carry a cancer warning. Fortunately, negative publicity has made the additive relatively rare, but until the FDA banishes it, you should remain on the lookout.
Where you'll find it: Johnny Rockets Hoagie Roll
Scary Ingredient #5: Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) and Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)
Petroleum-derived antioxidants and preservatives.
Why they're scary: The Department of Health and Human Services says BHA is “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen," yet the FDA allows it to be used anyway. BHT is considered less dangerous, but in animal research, it too has resulted in cancer. Oddly, the chemicals aren’t even always necessary; in most cases they can be replaced with vitamin E.
Where you'll find it: Goya lard, Golden Grahams, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Orbit gum
Scary Ingredient #6: Partially Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil
A semi-solid fat created when food processors force hydrogen into unsaturated fatty acids.
Why it's scary: Partially hydrogenated fats are the principle sources of trans fat in the American diet, and a Harvard study estimated that trans fat causes 70,000 heart attacks every year. The good news: Partially hydrogenated oils are beginning to slowly retreat from our food. Progressive jurisdictions like New York City are starting to restrict the allowable amounts in restaurants, and many chains are switching to healthier frying oil. Still, the battle isn’t over. At Long John Silver’s, for example, there are still 17 menu items with more than 2 grams of the stuff. According to the American Heart Association, that's about the maximum you should consume in a single day.
Where you'll find it: McDonald’s McChicken, Long John Silver’s Broccoli Cheese Soup
Scary Ingredient #7: Sulfites
Preservatives that maintain the color of food, and by releasing sulfur dioxide, prevent bacterial growth.
Why it's scary: Humans have used sulfites to keep food fresh for thousands of years, but some people—especially asthma sufferers—experience breathing difficulties when exposed. In the 1980s, unregulated use resulted in at least a dozen deaths, prompting the FDA to slap warning labels on wine bottles and develop new guidelines for proper use. Now restaurants can no longer soak fresh ingredients in sulfites. According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, there have been no known deaths since the new legislation took hold. The bottom line: If you're among the majority of people not sensitive to sulfites, consumption won’t hurt you. If you're not sure, ask your doctor for a test.
Where you'll find it: Wine, Sun-Maid Mixed Fruit, Jolly Ranchers, Fig Newtons
Scary Ingredient #8: Azodicarbonamide
A synthetic yellow-orange dough conditioner
Why it's scary: This chemical is used most frequently in the production of industrial foam plastic, and although the FDA has approved its use for food in the States, the United Kingdom has labeled it a potential cause of asthma. In a review of 47 studies on azodicarbonamide, the World Health Organization concluded that it probably does trigger asthmatic symptoms. The WHO concluded, “exposure levels should be reduced as much as possible.” I’ll put it more concisely: Avoid it.
Where you'll find it: Dunkin’ Donuts bagels, McDonald’s burger buns
Scary Ingredient #9: Carrageenan
A thickener and emulsifier extracted from seaweed.
Why it's scary: Seaweed is actually good for you, but carrageenan is a mere seaweed byproduct. Through animal studies, it has been linked to cancer, colon trouble, and ulcers. It isn’t certain that carrageenan harms humans, but avoiding it is clearly the safer option. Most studies examined degraded forms of the additive, and research from the University of Iowa found that carrageenan could be degraded through the normal digestive process.
Where you'll find it: Weight Watchers Giant Chocolate Fudge Ice Cream Bars, Skinny Cow Ice Cream Sandwiches, Creamsicles
Scary Ingredient #10: Ammonium Sulfate
An inorganic salt that occurs naturally near active volcanoes and is used commercially to nourish yeast and help bread rise.
Why it's scary: This nitrogen-rich compound is most often used as fertilizer, and also appears commonly in flame retardants. Thankfully, the ingredient only sounds scary—a 2006 Japanese rat study found the additive to be non-carcinogenic. Both the Center for Science in the Public Interest and the FDA deem it safe.
Where you'll find it: Nature’s Own bread, Subway rolls
http://health.yahoo.net/experts/eatthis/top-10-scariest-food-additives
There was a time when "fruit flavored" and "cheese flavored" meant "made with real fruit" and "made with real cheese." Today? It's artificial everything. Most of the food at your local supermarket is no more authentic than Snooki's tan. Our fruit comes packaged in Loops, our cheese delivered via Whiz. Sure, it's edible, but there's no way your great grandparents would recognize this junk as food.
The problem with additives runs deep. The FDA currently maintains a list of ingredients called Everything Added to Food in the United States (EAFUS), which features more than 3,000 items and counting. Thankfully, most EAFUS ingredients are benign, but a few of them do have potentially harmful effects. Why they're legal is a mystery to us. Some of them might be backed by powerful lobby groups, while others probably survive simply because some guy at the FDA has too much paperwork on his desk and hasn't made time to adequately review the data.
Below are 10 of the most dubious ingredients hiding in your food, compliments of Eat This, Not That! 2011. Even if you're not convinced of their danger, you have to admit this: The more filler ingredients you cut from your diet, the more space you have for wholesome, nutritious foods.
Scary Ingredient #1: Olestra
A fat substitute synthesized by Procter & Gamble. Because human digestive enzymes can't break down the big molecules, Olestra contributes 0 calories to your diet.
Why it’s scary: In the late ’90s, Frito-Lay released Olestra-enhanced WOW chips and Procter & Gamble introduced Fat Free Pringles. Both products were required to carry warning labels to notify customers about the risk of "loose stools." Within 4 years, some 15,000 people had dialed in to a hotline set up specifically to handle adverse-reaction complaints. Apparently the complaints didn't move the FDA, because in 2003, the administration revoked the warning-label mandate. If you want to take your chances with diarrhea, go ahead, but first consider this: Olestra also appears to interfere with the body's ability to absorb some crucial nutrients like beta-carotene and lycopene. To counteract the effect, processers add some nutrients back, but it's unlikely that all the blocked nutrients are adequetly replaced.
Furthermore, just last week I tweeted that an animal study at Purdue University found that fake fats like Olestra may cause more weight gain than real fat.
Where you’ll find it: Lay’s Light chips, Pringles Light chips
Scary Ingredient #2: Caramel Coloring
An artificial pigment created by heating sugars. Frequently, this process includes ammonia.
Why it’s scary: Caramel coloring shows up in everything from soft drinks and sauces to breads and pastries. When made from straight sugar, it's relatively benign. But when produced with ammonia it puts off 2-methylimidazole and 4-methylimidazole, chemicals that have been linked to cancer in mice. The risk is strong enough that the California government, a bellwether for better food regulation, categorized 4-methylimidazole as “known to cause cancer” earlier this year. Unfortunately, companies aren't required to disclose whether their coloring is made with ammonia, so you'd be wise to avoid it as much as you can.
Where you'll find it: Colas and other soft drinks, La Choy soy sauce, Stove Top stuffing mix
Scary Ingredient #3: Saccharin
An artificial sweetener discovered by accident in the 1870s.
Why it’s scary: Studies have linked saccharin to bladder tumors in rats, and in 1977, the FDA required warning labels on all saccharin-containing foods. In 2000, the agency changed its stance and allowed saccharin to be sold without warning labels. But that doesn't make it entirely safe. A 2008 Purdue study found that replacing sugar with saccharin in rats’ diets made them gain more weight, proving once again that you should be aware of these faux fat foes.
Where you'll find it: Sweet ‘N Low, TaB cola
Scary Ingredient #4: Potassium Bromate
A compound that conditions flour and helps bread puff up during baking.
Why it’s scary: Potassium bromate causes thyroid and kidney tumors in rats, and it's banned from food use in many countries. In California, products containing potassium bromate are required to carry a cancer warning. Fortunately, negative publicity has made the additive relatively rare, but until the FDA banishes it, you should remain on the lookout.
Where you'll find it: Johnny Rockets Hoagie Roll
Scary Ingredient #5: Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) and Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)
Petroleum-derived antioxidants and preservatives.
Why they're scary: The Department of Health and Human Services says BHA is “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen," yet the FDA allows it to be used anyway. BHT is considered less dangerous, but in animal research, it too has resulted in cancer. Oddly, the chemicals aren’t even always necessary; in most cases they can be replaced with vitamin E.
Where you'll find it: Goya lard, Golden Grahams, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Orbit gum
Scary Ingredient #6: Partially Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil
A semi-solid fat created when food processors force hydrogen into unsaturated fatty acids.
Why it's scary: Partially hydrogenated fats are the principle sources of trans fat in the American diet, and a Harvard study estimated that trans fat causes 70,000 heart attacks every year. The good news: Partially hydrogenated oils are beginning to slowly retreat from our food. Progressive jurisdictions like New York City are starting to restrict the allowable amounts in restaurants, and many chains are switching to healthier frying oil. Still, the battle isn’t over. At Long John Silver’s, for example, there are still 17 menu items with more than 2 grams of the stuff. According to the American Heart Association, that's about the maximum you should consume in a single day.
Where you'll find it: McDonald’s McChicken, Long John Silver’s Broccoli Cheese Soup
Scary Ingredient #7: Sulfites
Preservatives that maintain the color of food, and by releasing sulfur dioxide, prevent bacterial growth.
Why it's scary: Humans have used sulfites to keep food fresh for thousands of years, but some people—especially asthma sufferers—experience breathing difficulties when exposed. In the 1980s, unregulated use resulted in at least a dozen deaths, prompting the FDA to slap warning labels on wine bottles and develop new guidelines for proper use. Now restaurants can no longer soak fresh ingredients in sulfites. According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, there have been no known deaths since the new legislation took hold. The bottom line: If you're among the majority of people not sensitive to sulfites, consumption won’t hurt you. If you're not sure, ask your doctor for a test.
Where you'll find it: Wine, Sun-Maid Mixed Fruit, Jolly Ranchers, Fig Newtons
Scary Ingredient #8: Azodicarbonamide
A synthetic yellow-orange dough conditioner
Why it's scary: This chemical is used most frequently in the production of industrial foam plastic, and although the FDA has approved its use for food in the States, the United Kingdom has labeled it a potential cause of asthma. In a review of 47 studies on azodicarbonamide, the World Health Organization concluded that it probably does trigger asthmatic symptoms. The WHO concluded, “exposure levels should be reduced as much as possible.” I’ll put it more concisely: Avoid it.
Where you'll find it: Dunkin’ Donuts bagels, McDonald’s burger buns
Scary Ingredient #9: Carrageenan
A thickener and emulsifier extracted from seaweed.
Why it's scary: Seaweed is actually good for you, but carrageenan is a mere seaweed byproduct. Through animal studies, it has been linked to cancer, colon trouble, and ulcers. It isn’t certain that carrageenan harms humans, but avoiding it is clearly the safer option. Most studies examined degraded forms of the additive, and research from the University of Iowa found that carrageenan could be degraded through the normal digestive process.
Where you'll find it: Weight Watchers Giant Chocolate Fudge Ice Cream Bars, Skinny Cow Ice Cream Sandwiches, Creamsicles
Scary Ingredient #10: Ammonium Sulfate
An inorganic salt that occurs naturally near active volcanoes and is used commercially to nourish yeast and help bread rise.
Why it's scary: This nitrogen-rich compound is most often used as fertilizer, and also appears commonly in flame retardants. Thankfully, the ingredient only sounds scary—a 2006 Japanese rat study found the additive to be non-carcinogenic. Both the Center for Science in the Public Interest and the FDA deem it safe.
Where you'll find it: Nature’s Own bread, Subway rolls
0
Replies
-
Eeek!0
-
Everyone should read this. Very valuable info. Thanks for posting!0
-
I just stay away from all of that stuff, that way when the next latest and greatest scientific study comes out, it doesn't affect me one bit. Eat real food, keep the crap ingredients to a minimum: your body will thank you in the long run.0
-
dont forget Allura_Red_AC, or red food coloring approved by the fda but banned in many other countries due to the side effect of seizures in children [and dogs]0
-
OMG!!! Bump, bump, bump!0
-
WOW...I'm good with MY diet (except for bread...I have a hard time getting myself to bake my own bread)...but I totally let my kids eat Golden Grahams and Cinnamon Toast Crunch. NOT ANYMORE!!!0
-
I find articles like this alarmist and misleading. They quote all of the studies about how these additives cause cancer, but they don't comment on the validity of the study. Many such studies pump lab rats full of more of these additives than most humans would eat in a lifetime - of course it's going to cause negative effects! Just because something is used in a product like fertilizer or window cleaner doesn't mean it's toxic. Water is an ingredient in almost all toxic household products - doesn't mean it's bad for us!
Yes, I'm all for eating cleaner and avoiding processed food where practical, but I'm of the opinion that as long as most of my food is simple/homemade/non-processed/additive free (which isn't hard to do) then the other little bit doesn't matter. I'm not giving up my wine! :drinker:0 -
dont forget Allura_Red_AC, or red food coloring approved by the fda but banned in many other countries due to the side effect of seizures in children [and dogs]
And this goes by many other names too, sneaky sneaky they are. Just like MSG has several names.0 -
Lol the only ones that really applied to me were fig neutons... (YUMMMMM)although I don't get them often. and as I was reading this I was chewing on a piece of Orbit gum. lol
Interesting.0 -
double post.0
-
Well Im glad I just read this...I just picked up my Blue Diamond Almond Breese milk out of the fridge and noticed there were about 800 ingredients...it has Carragean (sp??). How gross!!0
-
It never fails to amaze me how sneaky the food industry is. They put this junk in their food AND then look for ways to hide it and get us to think that what they are making is actually HEALTHY by putting "whole grain" on the label. I don't care how many whole grains there are in their food it certainly doesn't outweight the other junk. And I have always said that a big part of cancer was the chemicals that they put in food. Something needs to be done!0
-
Well Im glad I just read this...I just picked up my Blue Diamond Almond Breese milk out of the fridge and noticed there were about 800 ingredients...it has Carragean (sp??). How gross!!
I was eating something the other day and wanted to know what EVERY ingrediant was in it so I googled the two that I didn't know and Carragean was one of them!0 -
thanks this was a good read!0
-
Thank you for posting!! This is exactly why I like to make my own food and I stay away from the "diet" items and stick to the full fat, full calorie ones in moderation!0
-
I like accountant_boi's view.0
-
I was doing great until the wine thing...I'm as good as dead!
Great article!!0 -
I eat pretty clean and Skinny Cow is one of my few treats, I'm going to take my chances, lol. Thank you for sharing!0
-
I find articles like this alarmist and misleading. They quote all of the studies about how these additives cause cancer, but they don't comment on the validity of the study. Many such studies pump lab rats full of more of these additives than most humans would eat in a lifetime - of course it's going to cause negative effects! Just because something is used in a product like fertilizer or window cleaner doesn't mean it's toxic. Water is an ingredient in almost all toxic household products - doesn't mean it's bad for us!
Yes, I'm all for eating cleaner and avoiding processed food where practical, but I'm of the opinion that as long as most of my food is simple/homemade/non-processed/additive free (which isn't hard to do) then the other little bit doesn't matter. I'm not giving up my wine! :drinker:
Agreed!0 -
I find articles like this alarmist and misleading. They quote all of the studies about how these additives cause cancer, but they don't comment on the validity of the study. Many such studies pump lab rats full of more of these additives than most humans would eat in a lifetime - of course it's going to cause negative effects! Just because something is used in a product like fertilizer or window cleaner doesn't mean it's toxic. Water is an ingredient in almost all toxic household products - doesn't mean it's bad for us!
Yes, I'm all for eating cleaner and avoiding processed food where practical, but I'm of the opinion that as long as most of my food is simple/homemade/non-processed/additive free (which isn't hard to do) then the other little bit doesn't matter. I'm not giving up my wine! :drinker:
Agree completely!0
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 392.1K Introduce Yourself
- 43.6K Getting Started
- 259.9K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.7K Food and Nutrition
- 47.4K Recipes
- 232.4K Fitness and Exercise
- 403 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.4K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.5K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 152.8K Motivation and Support
- 7.9K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.4K MyFitnessPal Information
- 23 News and Announcements
- 982 Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.4K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions