Continued from our Retreat & Renew Daily Tip.
Melissa Wiliams, Freelance Writer | Co-Owner, Yoga Junction
In Unjunk Your Junk Food: Healthy Alternatives to Conventional Snacks, authors Andrea Donsky & Randy Boyer, uncover all of the artificial ingredients we’re feeding ourselves and our kids, as well as the possible problems with so much junk in our systems. Here are their top 7 scary ingredients to avoid, and if you want to really change your diet, pick up their book, which helps you “have your cake and eat it too!”
1. High Fructose Corn Syrup: Potential side effects: Obesity, insulin resistance, increased belly fat, heart disease.
2. Trans Fat (look for shortening, partially hydrogenated or hydrogenated on the label): Potential side effects: Heart disease, cancer, diabetes
3. Artificial Flavors: Potential Side Effects: Allergic and behavioral reactions.
4. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG): potential side effect: Chest pain, heart palpitations, headaches, stimulates taste buds causing us to eat more.
5. Artificial colors: Potential side effects: Allergies, sinus congestion, hyperactivity in children, worsens symptoms of ADD and ADHD.
6. Artificial Sweeteners:
Aspartame (Equal, Nutrasweet) Primarily affects the nervous system. Potential side effects: headaches, dizziness, memory loss, convulsions.
Sucralose (Splenda): Decreases good bacteria in the gut.
Acesulfame Potassium: Research indicates it may cause cancer.
Neotame: Need more studies to confirm safety.
Saccharin (Sweet’N Low): Proven to cause cancer in animals. Suspected human carcinogen.
7. Preservatives: Potential side effects:
TBHQ: Tinnitus, Nausea, Vomiting.
Polysorbates (60, 65 & 80): Infertility, immunosuppressant, anaphylaxis
BHT/BHA: Liver and kidney problems. BHA is a possible carcinogen.
Sodium benzoate: Allergic reactions, carcinogen
Sulfites: Allergic reaction, especially for asthmatics.
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