Artificial food preservatives are used to prevent food products from growing mold, bacteria or yeast, whereas artificial food additives are used to enhance the flavor and appearance of food. Technically, preservatives fall under the category of an additive, since they are added to change food before it is consumed. These dangerous chemicals might preserve your food, but they won’t preserve your health.
Next time you go grocery shopping, make sure to avoid these top 5 food preservatives and chemicals that are destroying your health. The information is provided by CCC Group, top suppliers and chemical distributors Canada.
1. Phosphoric acid
Phosphoric acid is a colorless and odorless syrup seized by the soda industry. It’s added to fruit juices and soft drinks for its sharp, tangy taste and ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria. It’s used in other nonfood products too, including fertilizer, dyes and polishing metals. Phosphoric acid can erode more teeth than the jaw can chew. A report published in General Dentistry found that phosphoric acid can be as damaging to teeth as battery acid. It’s also been linked to low bone density and kidney disease.
2. Sodium nitrite
Sodium nitrite is a preservative found in meats that have always seemed suspiciously unnatural, including hot dogs, salami and sausage. Sodium nitrite shouldn’t be confused with sodium nitrate, which is a naturally occurring compound. Sodium nitrate is converted into sodium nitrite. The nitrite can trigger a chemical reaction that creates cancer-causing compounds known as nitrosamines. Furthermore, sodium nitrite can inhibit red blood cells from transporting oxygen throughout the body, which can cause fatal respiratory problems. If you are going to purchase meat, it’s best to buy meat that is grass-fed and organic.
3. Sodium benzoate
Sodium benzoate is a preservative added to food, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste and mouthwash. It’s even in consumer products paraded as “all natural.” Don’t be deceived. Whereas benzoic acid is a salt that occurs naturally in some foods, sodium benzoate is artificially manufactured in a lab. Benzoic acid has been shown to starve mitochondria cells of oxygen, which can cause serious damage to DNA. It’s been linked to hypertension, asthma attacks, kidney disease and stroke. Let your cells breathe easy by avoiding this noxious preservative.
4. Propyl gallate
Propyl gallate is used in vegetable oils, chewing gum, soup bases, potato sticks, cereals and processed meat products. It is tied to an equal number of health problems, including stomach irritation, liver damage and kidney damage, as well as colon and stomach cancer. Some scientists suggest that propyl gallate may interfere with hormones and lead to developmental, reproductive and neurological problems. Further study is needed to examine the effects that propyl gallate may have on hormones. As a precautionary measure, it’s best to steer clear of propyl gallate.
5. Aspartame
Aspartame is an artificial sweeter considered by many to be a dangerous excitotoxin. According to the Health and Human Services Department, there are approximately 92 side effects associated with the consumption of aspartame. Some symptoms of aspartame include anxiety, nausea, depression, migraines, heart problems and muscle spasms, to name just a few.
