Do you know what the seven dangerous artificial preservatives are?
I learned the hard way.
When I was pregnant with my first daughter I was at nutrition school and began to learn about the chemicals, toxins, and GMOs that consume our food supply. What I learned left me shocked. Our food supply and what I had been feeding my pregnant body had hidden poisons I knew nothing about. It is no wonder how sick we all are and how chronic illness is higher than ever before.
What are artificial preservatives and why are they used?
Artificial preservatives are chemicals that are used to prolong the shelf life of processed foods to prevent them from becoming rancid.
This was all the rage in the 70’s when artificial preservatives first entered our food supply in a big way. It may have seemed like a good idea at the time, however extra shelf life, comes with a big cost to your health.
Decades of research have shown that artificial preservatives in foods are linked to serious health problems such as cancer, heart disease, allergies, asthma, serious brain disorders, and symptoms of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) in children.
Because of the fact that Americans eat an estimated 90% processed foods in their diet, all of these problems have been compounded and the chronic health crisis worldwide is at never before seen levels.
My own health journey has brought me to this place. Like so many of you, I grew up not knowing I was slowly poisoning my body. I thought that if foods had been vetted by the FDA, they must be suitable for consumption…I later found out how naive that was. And given all that I know about poisons in our food supply, it is a wonder that we humans are functioning to the high degrees we are, in spite of being poisoned for decades.
It is my goal to share with you all the knowledge I have gained from years of research to help you avoid the pitfalls I endured. Artificial preservatives are often overlooked as many are disguised behind indecipherable names…very intentional on the part of the industry.
Let’s take a moment to highlight some of the most prevalent artificial preservatives so that you can recognize them the next time you are reading ingredient labels.
1. Sodium Nitrite and Sodium Nitrate
Sodium nitrite and sodium nitrate are the reason you see vibrant colors in meats. These are most commonly found in cured meats and fish like…bacon, ham salami, corned beef, hot dogs, pate, smoked salmon, and other canned meats.
The World Cancer Research Fund published that eating 1.8 ounces of processed meat every day can increase your cancer risk by 20%. Meats contain amino acids which, when they come in contact with nitrates at high temperatures, convert to nitrosamines. Nitrosamines are linked to an increased risk of certain cancers.
2. BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) and BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)
BHA and BHT are used to preserve freshness. Commonly found in baked goods, butter, cereal, chips, cooking oils, beer, and candy. Both preservatives affect the neurological system of the brain, alter behavior, have raised cancer risks in animal tests, and have detrimental effects on the blood.
The US FDA has these preservatives labeled as GRAS (generally recognized as safe). However, in Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, and throughout Europe, BHA and BHT are banned and considered dangerous.
3. Potassium Bromate
Potassium bromate can also be found under its more popular name “enriched wheat flour”. Additionally, this preservative can be hidden under other names such as bromic acid, potassium salt, and bromate flour.
This preservative has been found to transform into highly reactive molecules that can damage DNA and potentially factor into the development of cancer.
4. Sulfites
Sulfites are added to soft drinks as well as our foods to make them taste sweeter – they are a flavor enhancer.
Sulfites are a big trigger for those suffering from asthma. We all have an enzyme needed to metabolize and detoxify sulfite. However, for those deficient in that sulfite oxidase, ingesting sulfites can cause major headaches and even be fatal.
5. Propyl Gallate
Propyl gallate is an artificial preservative used to delay spoilage. This chemical extends the shelf life in oils. It is used in corn products, meat products, and mayonnaise. Furthermore, this preservative can also be found in many cosmetics, lubricants, and hair products.
In some studies done on rats, it was shown that propyl gallate may cause cancer. Other side effects of consumption are stomach and skin irritability, as well as allergic reactions that impact breathing. It may also cause kidney and liver problems.
In some cases, to improve its efficacy, propyl gallate is used in conjunction with 2 other preservatives – BHA and BHT – also suspect as carcinogenic.
6. Sodium Benzoate
Sodium benzoate is a preservative used to prevent molding. It is found in sodas, fruit juices, salsa, pickles, salad dressings, and dips.
When mixed with ascorbic acid (vitamin C), sodium benzoate transforms into benzene…a known carcinogen that also damages DNA. The rate at which benzene forms is dependent upon the light and heat, as well as the time spent on the store shelf (from production to consumption).
Research shows that sodium benzoate affects behavior and may cause children to become more hyperactive and distractible.
7. Tertiary Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ)
TBHQ is an antioxidant used to prevent oils and fats from spoiling. This particular artificial preservative is used in so many foods most Americans eat on a daily basis such as crackers, chips, donuts, bread, popcorn, premade frozen dinners (including the ever-popular chicken nuggets), and other snack foods.
Through animal studies, TBHQ has been identified as a potential carcinogen and may increase the resistance to chemotherapy drugs and help fuel cancer cells. The neurological system can also be affected by the consumption of TBHQ – vision disturbances and convulsions have occurred when larger amounts are consumed. Furthermore, TBHQ has the potential to induce or worsen food allergies and also cause anxiety in children.
Moving Forward
The best thing you can do is eat whole foods, understand what you are eating and read the ingredient label. The effects these artificial preservatives have on your body depends on your underlying toxicity load. We all have a significant toxicity load at this time in our world, so the best we can do is try to avoid these harmful chemicals and fuel our bodies with the power of the holy four (fruits, vegetables, wild foods, herbs & spices).
To make it more simple for you as consumers, I have taken my 15+ years of research to find clean foods and products and put it all in one convenient place for you all to be able to shop easily. Please check out my Amazon Store where I take the guesswork out of clean and healthy purchasing.
To learn more about the harmful chemicals that are poisoning our food supply, check out my GMOs and Chemtrails Masterclass. Learn how to be empowered and make decisions to protect your health and family.
I know it can seem overwhelming as we are faced with so many poisons in our food supply. But if we could all get back to basics and start eating real whole foods, the demand for junk food would dissipate and the industries would be forced to come up with healthy alternatives. Let’s all try to use our purchasing power to make a difference!
To your health & happiness,
Muneeza
