Our Processed Food Addiction
Processed foods are a significant component of the Western diet, offering convenience and extended shelf life.
However, many contain additives and ingredients that, while serving specific functions, may have adverse health effects.
This article briefly examines the ingredients in ten popular processed foods in the USA, including a top-selling toothpaste, highlighting their potential health risks.
Breakfast Cereals
Examples include.
- Cheerios:
- Frosted Flakes:
- Rice Krispies:
Many breakfast cereals are marketed as healthy but often contain:
- Sugar: Enhances flavor but contributes to obesity and type 2 diabetes.
- Artificial Colors (e.g., Red 40, Yellow 5): Improve appearance; some studies suggest a link to hyperactivity in children.
- Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT): Preservative to extend shelf life; animal studies have raised concerns about its potential as a carcinogen.
Processed Meats (e.g., Hot Dogs, Sausages)
Examples include.
- Oscar Mayer Classic Uncured Wieners:
- Hillshire Farm Smoked Sausage:
- Slim Jim Original Smoked Snack Stick:
Common ingredients include:
- Sodium Nitrite: Preserves color and prevents bacterial growth; can form nitrosamines, compounds linked to cancer.
- Sodium Phosphate: Maintains moisture; excessive intake may harm kidney function.
- Monosodium Glutamate (MSG): Enhances flavor; some individuals report headaches and other symptoms after consumption.
Snack Chips
Examples include.
- Lay’s Classic Potato Chips:
- Doritos Nacho Cheese Flavored Tortilla Chips:
- Pringles Original:
Ingredients often found are:
- Partially Hydrogenated Oils: Source of trans fats, associated with increased heart disease risk.
- Artificial Flavors: Mimic natural tastes; some have been linked to allergic reactions.
- Sodium: High levels contribute to hypertension.
Instant Noodles
Examples include.
- Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup:
- Nissin Cup Noodles:
- Top Ramen:
Typically contain:
- Tertiary Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ): Preservative to extend shelf life; high doses have been linked to vision disturbances.
- High Sodium Content: Increases risk of high blood pressure.
- Monosodium Glutamate (MSG): Used for flavor enhancement; as mentioned, may cause adverse reactions in some individuals.
Frozen Pizzas
Examples include.
- DiGiorno Rising Crust Pizza:
- Totino’s Party Pizza:
- Red Baron Classic Crust Pizza:
Common additives include:
- Sodium Nitrite: Used in processed meats like pepperoni; potential carcinogen due to nitrosamine formation.
- Enriched Wheat Flour: Lacks fiber and nutrients compared to whole grain, leading to rapid blood sugar spikes.
- Hydrogenated Oils: Contain trans fats, increasing heart disease risk.
Sugary Soft Drinks
Examples include.
- Coca-Cola Classic:
- Pepsi:
- Mountain Dew:
Ingredients of concern:
- High Fructose Corn Syrup: Sweetener linked to obesity and insulin resistance.
- Caramel Color: Provides color; certain types contain 4-MEI, a potential carcinogen.
- Phosphoric Acid: Adds acidity; excessive consumption may reduce bone density.
Packaged Baked Goods
Examples include.
- Hostess Twinkies:
- Little Debbie Swiss Rolls:
- Entenmann’s Chocolate Chip Cookies:
Often contain:
- Partially Hydrogenated Oils: Trans fats that raise bad cholesterol levels.
- Artificial Sweeteners (e.g., Aspartame): Used in “sugar-free” products; some studies suggest a link to headaches and other neurological symptoms.
- Potassium Bromate: Flour improver; classified as a possible human carcinogen.
Margarine
Examples include.
- Country Crock Original Spread:
- I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter! Original Spread:
- Blue Bonnet Original Margarine:
Key ingredients:
- Partially Hydrogenated Oils: Primary source of trans fats, linked to cardiovascular diseases.
- Emulsifiers (e.g., Soy Lecithin): Maintain texture; generally considered safe but can cause digestive issues in sensitive individuals.
- Artificial Colors: Improve appearance; some have been associated with allergic reactions.
Canned Soups
Examples include.
- Campbell’s Chicken Noodle Soup:
- Progresso Traditional New England Clam Chowder:
- Amy’s Organic Lentil Soup:
Common additives:
- Monosodium Glutamate (MSG): Flavor enhancer; potential to cause headaches and other symptoms in sensitive individuals.
- BPA (Bisphenol A): Used in can linings; linked to hormonal disruptions and increased cancer risk.
- High Sodium Content: Contributes to hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.
Toothpaste
Examples include.
- Colgate Total:
- Crest Pro-Health:
- Sensodyne Pronamel:
A top-selling toothpaste like Colgate Total contains:
- Fluoride: Prevents cavities; excessive ingestion can lead to dental fluorosis.
- Triclosan: Antibacterial agent; concerns about antibiotic resistance and endocrine disruption led to its removal from many products.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): Creates foam; can cause mouth irritation in some individuals.
Health Implications Backed by Medical Institutions
Several reputable medical institutions have highlighted the health risks associated with these ingredients:
- Trans Fats: The American Heart Association warns that trans fats increase the risk of heart disease by raising bad cholesterol levels.
- Sodium Nitrite: The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies processed meats containing sodium nitrite as carcinogenic to humans.
- Artificial Colors: The Center for Science in the Public Interest has called for bans on certain artificial colors due to their potential link to hyperactivity in children.
Conclusion
While processed foods offer convenience, it’s crucial to be aware of the ingredients they contain and their potential health risks.
Reading labels and choosing products with fewer harmful additives can contribute to better health outcomes.
Opting for organic or farm sourced products is a lot healthier choice. And if you have a little space, start your own garden.
Steve
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