4. Sodium
Most people think that sodium refers to salt, but only sea salt is healthy for consumption, while plain sodium is a plain white salt that is free of minerals. The maximum recommended amount for daily consumption of sodium is 2.4 grams, but children ages 7-18 shouldn’t have more than 1.2 grams, and children 6 and under shouldn’t have more than 0.7 grams a day. Exceeding these amounts can lead to kidney failure, cardiovascular diseases, and even strokes.
5. Acrylamide
Acrylamide is essential in the construction of paper, plastic, and paint products. Researchers found that it could appear in certain foods that were heated to over 120°C (248°F), including fries and bread. Inside the body, this chemical causes irritation in the mucosa membranes, can damage the nervous system, and is even suspected to be a carcinogen.
6. Artificial Coloring
We all know that artificial colorings are added to our food, and many people are probably aware of their potential harm, but until you can spot them, this knowledge won’t do you much good. Food colorings are marked with the letter ‘E’, and a number between 100 and 199. E124 is known to exacerbate hyperactivity in children, E142 was found to be a carcinogen, and you should avoid any yellow, blue, and silver colors altogether.
7. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
Hearing the name ‘monosodium glutamate’ or “MSG” is often a warning sign, but it is widely used in the food industry. It’s very common in processed foods, powders, canned goods and premade sauces. Consuming more than 3 grams of MSG on an empty stomach can damage the nervous system. It appears under other names, such as:
Sodium 2-aminopentanedioate
Glutamic acid, monosodium salt, monohydrate
L-Glutamic acid, monosodium salt, monohydrate
L-Monosodium glutamate monohydrate
Monosodium L-glutamate monohydrate
MSG monohydrate
Sodium glutamate monohydrate
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8. High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)
This is a liquid form of sugar that is extracted from corn and has almost no nutritional value. HFCS is very cheap to produce, making it the preferred sweetener for many manufacturers. The American FDA found that HFCS contains mercury, which can interrupt nerve signals. Nutritionists and physicians around the world recommend abstaining from HFCS in all its forms. It’s often found in ketchup, cereals, barbecue sauce, energy bars, ice creams, and many other products.
9. Sodium Nitrate
This substance is mostly used in the meat industry, as it gives the meat a redder color. Research shows a direct correlation between high levels of sodium nitrate and developments of Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and Parkinson’s. It is believed that the cause is that sodium nitrate damages the structure of DNA. Furthermore, it is also linked to gastric, esophageal, and colon cancers, and should be avoided entirely.