Monday, October 11, 2010

How to Read Food Labels

High Fructose Corn Syrup: Corn syrup modified by enzymes to increase fructose. May lead to onset of diabetes in adults.

Corn Syrup: Made by chemically splitting corn starch. Highly caloric and may contribute to weight gain and tooth decay.

Sugar: In refining sugar, it loses 99% magnesium, 98% zinc, 93% chromium, 93% manganese, 88% cobalt, and 83% copper. Eaten in excess, it prevents the absorption of other nutrients as well. Average American consumes 100 lbs per year.

White flour: In milling wheat, it loses majority of its manganese, chromium, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, copper, & calcium.

Partially/Hydrogenated Oils: Chemically induced hydrogen saturation of carbon bonds in oils causes the structure to change. Our body is unable to process it as we do other oils. Tend to increase cholesterol and risk of cardiovascular disease.

BHA and BHT: Petroleum based preservatives. May cause elevated cholesterol, liver & kidney damage, and sterility.

Aspartame: Artificial sweetener (NutraSweet, Equal, and others) linked to hyperactivity, depression, headaches, insomnia, etc.

MSG: Flavor enhancer may cause headaches, gastrointestinal, cardiac, muscular, neurological, respiratory, and skin problems.

Sulfites: Preservative. Allergic reactions may vary from mild to life threatening. FDA prohibits use on fresh raw produce.

Sodium Nitrate or Sodium Nitrite: Preservative in many processed meats. When combined with a natural body or food chemical, amines, they can become carcinogenic.

Yellow #5: Petroleum based dye that may cause allergic reaction, hyperactivity, irritability, restlessness and sleep disturbances.

Red #40: Food dye from petroleum linked to ADHD and others.

A general rule of thumb: If you cannot pronounce it,

it probably isn’t natural and may cause harmful effects.

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