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Sweeteners - Even though sugar is void of nutrients and considered a drug because it only causes chemical reactions in the body, our much worse choices are the unhealthy sugar substitutes, or artificial sweeteners. Aspartame (Nutrasweet, Neotame, etc.) can cause brain damage, central nervous system disturbances, menstrual difficulties, and brain damage in an unborn fetus. Saccharin (Sweet 'N Low) is proven to cause cancer.
Suggestions: The biggest problem is in the processed foods. If you prepare your foods with wholesome ingredients, you will avoid these additives totally. Good sweeteners include: honey, fructose, stevia, date sugar (or just pure dates), brown rice syrup, and agave nectar. These are sweeteners that are nutritious and work with the body.
Preservatives - BHA & BHT can cause cancer, liver and kidney damage, behavioral problems, infertility, birth defects, weaken the immune system and more. Nitrites and nitrates, though considered dangerous by the FDA are added to prevent botulism in meats. However they form powerful cancer causing agents in the stomach and may cause headaches, nausea, vomiting and dizziness.
FD&C Colors - most of the colors are derived from coal tar and contain small amount of lead and arsenic. They are potential carcinogenic contaminants and can cause allergic reactions, hyperactivity, schizophrenia as well as other attention deficit disorders.
Suggestions: Avoid ready made processed foods and meats, and you will be able to avoid these harmful additives. There are many healthy brands with more wholesome ingredients that do not contain these additives.
Food enhancers - free glutamates are found in bouillon, broths, flavorings of all sorts, soy protein seasonings, whey proteins, and in a multiple of foods that even advertise NO MSG. MSG (monosodium glutamate) is found in a large variety of processed foods as well such as chewing gum, drinks, medications, infant formula, low fat milk, drinks, and much more. These enhancers can cause headaches, nausea, brain and nervous disorders, high blood pressure, allergic reactions, and reproductive disorders.
Caffeine - psychoactive, addictive drug which can cause fertility problems, birth defects, heart disease, depression, behavioral changes, insomnia, and nervousness.
Suggestions: Remember the more processing a food goes through, the lower the nutritional content and the higher the additives to preserve, enhance, and get you addicted. Foods are meant to nourish and heal the body, not create sickness, and additives are doing just that. Read labels and choose foods and products that have minimal processing, but are wholesome and nutritious to the body.
To Your Best Health and Success,
Erleen Tilton
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As an
expert health educator, Erleen is dedicated
to helping others gain more knowledge about
the importance of nutrition for ultimate
health, energy, weight management and
healing. You will love her cookbook,