1. High-Fructose Corn Syrup
(Glucose-Fructose in Canada) Potential side-effects: obesity, insulin resistance, increased belly fat, heart disease.
2. Trans Fats
(Labeled as “shortening”, “partially hydrogenated”, or “hydrogenated”, “mono and diglycerides”, or “DATEM”) Potential side-effects: heart disease, cancer, diabetes.
3. Artificial Flavors
A blanket term reffering to over 100 possible chemical additives. Potential side-effects: allergic and behavioral reactions.
4. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
Potential side-effects: chest pain, heart palpitations, headaches, stimulates taste buds causing us to eat more.
5. Artificial Colors
Potential side-effects: Allergies, sinus congestion, hyperactivity in children, worsens symptoms of ADD and ADHD.
6. Artificial Sweeteners
Aspartame (Equal, NutraSweet): Primaty affects the nervous system. Potential side-effects: headaches, dizziness, memory loss, convulsions. Sucralose (Splenda): More research is needed to determine its safety. Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K): Research indicates it may cause cancer Neotame: Need more studies to confirm safety. Saccharin (Sweet’N Low): Proven to cause cancer in animals. Suspected human carcinogen.
7. Preservatives
Potential side effects: TBHQ: Tinnitus, nausea, vomiting. Polysorbates (60,65 & 80): Infertility, immunosuppressant, anaphylaxis. BHT/BHA: Liver and kidney problems. BHA is a possible carcinogen. Nitrates or Nitrites: Allergic reactions, potential carcinogen. Potassium Sorbate: Allergic reactions, nausea, diarrhea and DNA damage. Sodium Benzoate: Allergic reactions, carcinogen. Sulfites: Allergic reactions – especially for asthmatics.
