Controversial Ingredients – A Guide to Better Health
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Controversial Ingredients – A Guide to Better Health
As Weston A. Price, DDS has aptly stated: “Life in all its fullness is Mother
Nature obeyed.”
Has every generation felt
like they were on the
brink of greatness or self
destruction or is that
feeling unique to this time
in history? These days it is
a full-time job staying
healthy. With all of the
issues we are facing, we
spend so much time and
effort just trying to stay
alive; I wonder how many
of us are really “living”.
There is a wonderful documentary that addresses this subject in great detail.
It is called “THRIVE, What on Earth Will It Take.” THRIVE is an
unconventional documentary that lifts the veil on what’s REALLY going on in
our world by following the money upstream. (See here for more
information.) Do yourself and your family a favor and watch this important
documentary.
As I gaze out my windows at the trees below and bear witness to the
brilliance of the Autumn colors that are beginning to show, I wonder how
could anything be wrong on a day like today.
In search of the leaves,
Liesha
Below find a list of controversial ingredients and a guide to reading labels to
help you navigate your way through the supermarket.
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Controversial Ingredients
Quick and portable foods are now the norm in modern society. Whether it’s a
toaster pastry, a tube of yogurt, a can of cola, or an individually wrapped
slice of cheese, chances are that the product is heavily processed and
contains various additives and chemicals to preserve its shelf life.
Did you know that these convenient foods, which commonly come with
unpronounceable ingredients, may come at a dangerous price? Various food
additives and chemicals have shown side effects which range from nausea
and headaches to more serious conditions such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, and
Multiple Sclerosis. Be sure to read ingredient labels carefully, and consume
more whole foods!
Below is a list of the 12 most pervasive and detrimental additives and
substances commonly found in processed foods.
Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners are a combination of chemicals that exist to make our
foods sweeter without the calories of sugar. Artificial sweeteners have been
exposed in the media for a long list of related side effects, such as
headaches, nausea, anxiety, depression, dementia, skin rashes, and more.
Refined Sugar
People in the U.S. consume 130 to 160 pounds of sugar per year. In other
words, we are consuming half a cup of sugar a day and most of us aren’t
even aware of it. High consumption of sugar and the corresponding elevated
insulin levels can cause weight gain, bloating, fatigue, arthritis, migraines,
lowered immune function, obesity, cavities, and cardiovascular disease. It
can also disrupt absorption of nutrients, possibly leading to osteoporosis,
depression, PMS symptoms, and stress.
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
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MSG is a common food additive used to enhance flavor in a variety of foods.
Canned vegetables, frozen entrees, fast foods, and soups are just a few
products that contain MSG. Many people have experienced a variety of side
effects which range from headaches, itchy skin, and dizziness to respiratory,
digestive, circulatory, and coronary disease.
Artificial Colors
The blues, reds, yellows, and greens you commonly see in yogurts, cereals,
and juices don’t normally come from natural sources. In fact, food coloring is
usually a synthetic chemical produced by scientists to color foods and
increase a product’s visual appeal. Many colorings are derived from coal tar
and can contain up to 10 parts per million of lead and arsenic but still be
generally recognized as safe by the FDA. Artificial colors can cause allergic
reactions and increase hyperactivity in children with ADD.
Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) and Butylated Hydroxytoluene
(BHT)
BHA and BHT are two food additives commonly used in the food industry to
prevent oils from going rancid. Studies have shown that BHA has caused
stomach-focused carcinogens in trials involving mice, hamsters, and rats.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has deemed BHA
“reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.” BHT is slightly less
harmful than BHA but should still be replaced with safer alternatives.
Sodium Nitrate and Nitrite
Sodium nitrate and nitrite are preservatives that are added to processed
meat products to enhance red color and flavor. These compounds transform
into cancer-causing agents called nitrosamines in the stomach. Noticeable
side effects include headaches, nausea, vomiting and dizziness.
Olestra (Brand Name Olean)
Olestra is a synthetic fat created by Proctor & Gamble that does not get
absorbed in the digestive tract. Side effects commonly caused by Olestra
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include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, bloating, nausea, and vomiting. Olestra
inhibits the absorption of some vitamins and minerals.
Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO)
Brominated vegetable oil is used to keep flavor oils in soft drinks in
suspension. When consumed, it is stored in fat and, over time, can
accumulate. This additive can lead to reproductive interference and birth
defects. It has been banned in 100 countries. This additive is less used in
modern food applications.
Caffeine
Caffeine is an addictive stimulant found in soft drinks, gum, diet pills, and
pain relievers; it naturally occurs in coffee, cocoa, and tea. Caffeine causes
calcium to be excreted from the bones, which can lead to osteoporosis and
increased infertility.
Partially Hydrogenated Oils
Partially hydrogenated oils are made by reacting different varieties of oil with
hydrogen. When this occurs, the level of polyunsaturated oils (good fat) is
reduced and trans fats are created. These oils are added to products to
enhance appearance and prevent spoiling. They are associated with heart
disease, breast and colon cancer, atherosclerosis, and elevated cholesterol.
Pesticides
Every year more than two billion pounds of pesticides are added to our food
supply. That’s about 10 pounds per person per year. Many of the pesticides
used throughout the world are carcinogenic. Pesticide consumption has been
linked to birth defects, nerve damage, cancer, and other effects that might
occur over a long period of time.
Genetically Modified Organisms
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GMOs are plants or animals that have had their DNA modified. In the U.S.
the majority of corn, soybean, cotton, and canola crops are now genetically
modified, and one or more of these can be found in nearly every processed
food. GMOs have not been proven safe and some studies show GMOs may
decrease immunity to diseases in plants as well as humans. They may also
cause resistance to antibiotics and could have a negative impact on genetic
function. Plants that are genetically modified to be resistant to disease,
pesticides, and insecticides could diminish the need to use these strong
chemicals. Conversely, they may build up a resistance and therefore require
even larger amounts of chemicals than before.
Institute for Integrative Nutrition
Food Label Claims
Whether appearing on a package of eggs in your grocery store or listed on a
menu in your favorite restaurant, words like “free-range,” “grass-fed,” and
“organic” are everywhere these days.
Many food labels can be confusing, so knowing what a food claim truly
means is a great way to educate yourself about where your food comes from
and how it has been produced. Below is a list and brief description of some
common food claims. New food label claims arise regularly, so if you come
across a new phrase, be sure to take some time to do your own research
and learn what it really means.
Antibiotic-Free
“Antibiotic-free” means that an animal was not given antibiotics during its
lifetime. Other phrases to indicate the same approach include “no antibiotics
administered” and “raised without antibiotics.”
Cage-Free
“Cage-free” means that the birds are raised without cages. What this doesn’t
explain is whether the birds were raised outdoors on pasture or if they were
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raised indoors in overcrowded conditions. If you are looking to buy eggs,
poultry, or meat that was raised outdoors, look for a label that says
“pastured” or “pasture raised.”
Fair Trade
The “fair trade” label means that farmers and workers, often in developing
countries, have received a fair wage and worked in acceptable conditions
while growing and packaging the product.
Free-Range
The use of the terms “free-range” or “free roaming” are only defined by the
USDA for egg and poultry production. The label can be used as long as the
producers allow the birds access to the outdoors so that they can engage in
natural behaviors. It does not necessarily mean that the products are
cruelty-free or antibiotic-free, or that the animals spent the majority of their
time outdoors. Claims are defined by the USDA, but are not verified by third-
party inspectors.
GMO-Free, Non-GMO, or No GMOs
GMOs, or genetically modified organisms, are plants or animals that have
been genetically engineered with DNA from bacteria, viruses, or other plants
and animals. Products can be labeled “GMO-free” if they are produced
without being genetically engineered through the use of GMOs.
Grain-Fed
Animals raised on a grain diet are labeled “grain-fed.” Check the label for a
“100% vegetarian diet” claim to ensure the animals were given feed
containing no animal by-product.
Grass-Fed
This means the animals were fed grass, their natural diet, rather than
grains. In addition to being more humane, grass-fed meat is more lean and
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lower in fat and calories than grain-fed meat. Grass-fed animals are not fed
grain, animal by-products, synthetic hormones, or antibiotics to promote
growth or prevent disease – although they may have been given antibiotics
to treat disease. A “grass-fed” label doesn’t mean the animals necessarily
are fed grass its entire life. Some grass-fed cattle are grain finished, which
means they are fed grain from a feedlot prior to slaughter. Look for “grass-
fed” and “grass-finished.”
Healthy
Foods labeled “healthy” must be low in saturated fat and contain limited
amounts of cholesterol and sodium. Certain foods must also contain at least
10% of the following nutrients: vitamins A or C, iron, calcium, protein, or
fiber.
Heritage
A “heritage” label describes a rare and endangered breed of livestock or
crops. Heritage breeds are traditional livestock that were raised by farmers
in the past, before industrial agriculture drastically reduced breed variety.
These animals are prized for their rich taste, and they usually contain higher
fat content than commercial breeds. Production standards are not required
by law, but true heritage farmers use sustainable production methods. This
method of production saves animals from extinction and preserves genetic
diversity.
Hormone-Free
The USDA has prohibited us from using the term “hormone-free,” but
animals that were raised without added growth hormones can be labeled “no
hormones administered” or “no added hormones.” By law, hogs and poultry
cannot be given any hormones. If the meats you are buying are not clearly
labeled, ask your farmer or butcher if they are free from hormones.
Natural
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Currently, no standards exist for this label except when used on meat and
poultry products. USDA guidelines state that “natural” meat and poultry
products can only undergo minimal processing and cannot contain artificial
colors, artificial flavors, preservatives, or other artificial ingredients.
However, “natural” foods are not necessarily sustainable, organic, humanely
raised, or free of hormones and antibiotics.
Non-Irradiated
This label means that the food has not been exposed to radiation. Meat and
vegetables are sometimes irradiated (exposed to radiation energy) to kill
disease causing bacteria and reduce the incidence of food borne illness. No
thorough testing has been done to know if irradiated food is safe for human
consumption.
Pasture-Raised
“Pasture-raised” indicates that the animal was raised on a pasture where it
was able to eat nutritious grasses and other plants, rather than being
fattened on grain in a feedlot or barn. Pasturing livestock and poultry is a
traditional farming technique that allows animals to be raised in a humane
manner. Animals are able to move around freely and carry out their natural
behaviors. This term is very similar to “grass-fed”, though the term “pasture
raised” indicates more clearly that the animal was raised outdoors on
pasture.
Organic
All organic agricultural farms and products must meet the following
guidelines (verified by a USDA-approved independent agency):
Abstain from the application of prohibited materials (including synthetic
fertilizers, pesticides, and sewage sludge) for three years prior to
certification and then continually throughout their organic license.
Prohibit the use of genetically modified organisms and irradiation.
Employ positive soil building, conservation, manure management, and
crop rotation practices.
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Provide outdoor access and pasture for livestock.
Refrain from antibiotic and hormone use in animals.
Sustain animals on 100% organic feed.
Avoid contamination during the processing of organic products.
Keep records of all operations.
If a product contains the “USDA Organic” seal, it means that 85-100% of its
ingredients are organic. Products with 70-85% organic ingredients can still
advertise “organic ingredients” on the front of the package, and products
with less than 70% organic ingredients can identify them on the side panel.
Organic foods prohibit the use of hydrogenation and trans fats.
rBGH-Free and rBST-Free
Recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH), or recombinant bovine
somatotropin (rBST), is a genetically engineered growth hormone that is
injected into dairy cows to artificially increase their milk production. The
hormone has not been properly tested for safety, and its use is not
permitted in the European Union, Canada, and some other countries. Milk
labeled “rBGH-Free” is produced by dairy cows that never received injections
of this hormone. Organic milk is rBGH-free.
Institute for Integrative Nutrition
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