Since I started teaching a nutrition course for the organization I volunteer at, it has opened my eyes to how little the average person knows about what food companies are allowed to put in our food and the claims they’re allowed to put on food labels. The participants of the class have been so shocked and put off by all of it, and this blog touches on some ingredients that are allowed in this country but banned in other countries.
There is a long list of foods, additives, hormones, genetically engineered ingredients, etc. that are allowed in the United States even though they are banned in several other countries. I won’t include that entire list, but here are some of the main culprits that showed up on multiple lists during my search. Farm-raised salmon: Fed astaxanthin to make up for insufficient diet. This chemical has not been approved for human consumption. Hawaiian papaya: Has been genetically engineered to reduce virus in plants. Genetic engineering can cause intestinal damage, multiple-organ damage, tumors, birth defects, and premature death Food dyes (Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Red 40): Can cause hyperactivity in children. Can increase allergy and cancer risks. Arsenic-laced chicken and water: Can trigger cancer and heart disease Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) found in soft drinks and bread/Potassium bromate in bread: Overexposure has been linked to memory loss and nerve disorders (no conclusive studies). Can lead to iodine deficiency, skin rashes, acne, loss of appetite, fatigue, and cardiac arrhythmias. Also used as a flame retardant/Linked to kidney and nervous system damage, thyroid and GI problems, and cancer Azodicarbonamide (ADA) found in cereal and bread: Potential carcinogen linked to disease. Also found in yoga mats. Olestra found in low-fat chips and other foods: Linked to gastrointestinal disease in children and severe diarrhea in adults. Increases appetite and weight gain. Malabsorption of vitamins A, D, E, and K (fat-soluble vitamins) Synthetic growth hormones rBGH and rBST in milk and beef: Health problems and birth defects in cows. Products from hormone-receiving cows do not have to be labeled as such. Increase risk for colorectal, prostate, and breast cancer. The only way to avoid consuming these hormones is to look for “rBGH free” or “no rBGH” Ractopamine-tainted meat: Levels in meat not tested in US. Known to affect cardiovascular system and may be responsible for hyperactivity, chromosomal changes, and behavioral changes Carcinogenic preservatives (BHA and BHT) found in cereal, mixed nuts, gum, butter spread, meat, dehydrated potatoes, beer, and others: May cause cancer (BHA), triggering of allergies (BHA), hyperactivity (BHA), and organ system toxicity (BHT) Even protein powder is at risk for containing harmful ingredients. My best friend recently sent me a link to the results of a recent study which tested popular protein powders for heavy metals and toxins. It was found that protein powders made from plant proteins contained higher levels of heavy metals, pesticides, and BPA than those made from whey and egg. Those made with plant protein contained twice as much lead and “measurably higher” amounts of other toxins. For more information about this study, please follow the “Consumer Reports” link at the bottom of the page. While more is being done to ban harmful chemicals, GMOs (genetically modified organisms), hormones, dyes, and preservatives in our food (and beauty/skin care products), this country has a LONG way to go. If this angers you as much as it does me, it might be worth your time to research ways in which you can help get these harmful materials banned from food and beauty products in this country (petitions, donating funds, etc.). It is important to do your research on the foods you’re consuming and the products you’re using. ALWAYS read food labels, and buy local and organic when possible. Think positive, stay active, and smile. -A https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/07/10/banned-foods.aspx http://www.businessinsider.com/foods-illegal-outside-us-2017-3 https://www.consumerreports.org/dietary-supplements/heavy-metals-in-protein-supplements/ http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20599288,00.html#healthy-or-just-hype--1
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Allison WerresWife, nutrition coach, dog mom Archives
May 2018
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