Four Food Additives You Need to Avoid

Part of the price paid for the many prepared food options available to today’s consumer is the fact that we don’t always know the specific ingredients in the food we order or more often, we don’t take the time to read the list of ingredients of the foods we purchase. Even more challenging is the fact that many of the listed ingredients are ones we are not completely familiar with. In other words, you need to do some preliminary research just to know what ingredients you’re looking at on the label.

Here are four ingredients you definitely want to be on the lookout for on your next trip to the grocery store:

1. Artificial Food Dyes: Petroleum-based dyes such as Blue No. 2 and Yellow No. 5 are banned elsewhere for their potential roles in hyperactivity and cancer. Try to pick foods naturally colored by beets and turmeric. Organic foods are always a safer choice.
2. Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO): BVO contains bromine – a compound found in flame retardants – and is linked to memory problems. It’s been used as an emulsifier in some sodas, sports drinks, and juices. Best to check for natural ingredients.
3.  Caramel Coloring: It’s made by heating sugars, often with ammonia, and the State of California has labeled one of its compounds a carcinogen. Opt for natural brown dyes like annatto extract.
4.  Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA): This petroleum derived packaged food preservative is a probable carcinogen. But some spice adequately replace BHA, so there may be hope for a preservative free future.

This list is by no means exhaustive. If you don’t recognize a specific ingredient on a label or want to learn more, we encourage you to do a little online research to put your mind, and your health, at ease.