Guys. This list terrifies us, and unfortunately a lot of it is found in stuff that we love. We might have to end our relationship with these things.
Might be best just to stay away at this point. Kick them out the house and get a restraining order style.
Check it:
OLESTRA:
“A fat substitute synthesized by Procter & Gamble. Because human digestive enzymes can’t break down the big molecules, Olestra contributes 0 calories to your diet.”
It could give you “loose stools” and also probably makes you fatter than regular fat:
Within 4 years, some 15,000 people had dialed in to a hotline set up specifically to handle adverse-reaction complaints. Apparently the complaints didn’t move the FDA, because in 2003, the administration revoked the warning-label mandate. If you want to take your chances with diarrhea, go ahead, but first consider this: Olestra also appears to interfere with the body’s ability to absorb some crucial nutrients like beta-carotene and lycopene.
Where is it’s found: Lay’s light chips, Pringles light chips
CARAMEL COLORING:
“An artificial pigment created by heating sugars. Frequently, this process includes ammonia.”
It’s everywhere if you like brown stuff. Like cola. Sauces. Bread.
When produced with ammonia it puts off 2-methylimidazole and 4-methylimidazole, chemicals that have been linked to cancer in mice. The risk is strong enough that the California government, a bellwether for better food regulation, categorized 4-methylimidazole as “known to cause cancer” earlier this year.
And companies AREN’T REQUIRED to admit if they use ammonia processes.
Where it’s found: Colas, soft drinks, Some soy sauce, Stove Top Stuffing
SACCHARIN:
“An artificial sweetener discovered by accident in the 1870s.”
This one’s been known for a while. Like, 1977.
In 1977, the FDA required warning labels on all saccharin-containing foods. In 2000, the agency changed its stance and allowed saccharin to be sold without warning labels. But that doesn’t make it entirely safe. A 2008 Purdue study found that replacing sugar with saccharin in rats├óΓé¼Γäó diets made them gain more weight, proving once again that you should be aware of these faux fat foes.
Where it’s found: Sweet ‘N Low, TaB
POTASSIUM BROMATE:
“A compound that conditions flour and helps bread puff up during baking.”
Potassium bromate causes thyroid and kidney tumors in rats, and it’s banned from food use in many countries. In California, products containing potassium bromate are required to carry a cancer warning. Fortunately, negative publicity has made the additive relatively rare, but until the FDA banishes it, you should remain on the lookout.
Where it’s found: Johnny Rockets Hoagie Roll
Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) and Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT):
“Petroleum-derived antioxidants and preservatives.”
You don’t like gum and cereal, do you?
The Department of Health and Human Services says BHA is ├óΓé¼┼ôreasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen,” yet the FDA allows it to be used anyway. BHT is considered less dangerous, but in animal research, it too has resulted in cancer. Oddly, the chemicals aren├óΓé¼Γäót even always necessary; in most cases they can be replaced with vitamin E.
Where it’s found: Goya lard, Golden Grahams, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Orbit Gum
PARTIALLY HYDROGENATED VEGETABLE OIL:
“A semi-solid fat created when food processors force hydrogen into unsaturated fatty acids.”
Main source of trans-fats, suckas.
A Harvard study estimated that trans fat causes 70,000 heart attacks every year. The good news: Partially hydrogenated oils are beginning to slowly retreat from our food. Progressive jurisdictions like New York City are starting to restrict the allowable amounts in restaurants, and many chains are switching to healthier frying oil. Still, the battle isn’t over. At Long John Silver’s, for example, there are still 17 menu items with more than 2 grams of the stuff.
Where it’s found: McDonald├óΓé¼Γäós McChicken, Long John Silver├óΓé¼Γäós Broccoli Cheese Soup, KFC Grilled Chicken
SULFATES:
“Preservatives that maintain the color of food, and by releasing sulfur dioxide, prevent bacterial growth.”
Humans have used sulfites to keep food fresh for thousands of years, but some people—especially asthma sufferers—experience breathing difficulties when exposed.
Where it’s found: Wine, Sun-Maid Mixed Fruit, Jolly Ranchers, Fig Newtons
AZODICARBONAMIDE:
“A synthetic yellow-orange dough conditioner.”
This chemical is used most frequently in the production of industrial foam plastic, and although the FDA has approved its use for food in the States, the United Kingdom has labeled it a potential cause of asthma. In a review of 47 studies on azodicarbonamide, the World Health Organization concluded that it probably does trigger asthmatic symptoms. The WHO concluded, “exposure levels should be reduced as much as possible.” I’ll put it more concisely: Avoid it.
Where it’s found: Dunkin├óΓé¼Γäó Donuts bagels, McDonald├óΓé¼Γäós burger buns
CARRAGEENAN:
“A thickener and emulsifier extracted from seaweed.”
Seaweed is actually good for you, but carrageenan is a mere seaweed byproduct. Through animal studies, it has been linked to cancer, colon trouble, and ulcers. It isn’t certain that carrageenan harms humans, but avoiding it is clearly the safer option.
Where it’s found: Weight Watchers Giant Chocolate Fudge Ice Cream Bars, Skinny Cow Ice Cream Sandwiches, Creamsicles
AMMONIUM SULFATE:
“An inorganic salt that occurs naturally near active volcanoes and is used commercially to nourish yeast and help bread rise.”
This nitrogen-rich compound is most often used as fertilizer, and also appears commonly in flame retardants. Thankfully, the ingredient only sounds scary—a 2006 Japanese rat study found the additive to be non-carcinogenic. Both the Center for Science in the Public Interest and the FDA deem it safe.
Where it’s found: Nature├óΓé¼Γäós Own bread, Subway rolls
Like we said, a lot of this news is a bummer! Though, we don’t mess with some of those already!
Scary BUT avoidable!