Do you ever find yourself staring in bewilderment at the nutrition label of your dinner? Even foods that we consider “healthy” can sometimes contain harmful chemicals. That’s because when it comes to food ingredients, the United States lets a lot of things slide. Many countries have banned toxic ingredients that Americans are still regularly eating. Here are just a few:
Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO)
BVO has been shown to cause headaches, fatigue, memory loss, and even loss of muscle coordination. However, it’s still a common food additive that keeps soft drinks like Mountain Dew from separating.
Artificial Colors
While many food processors have done away with artificial colors, they can still be found in anything from candies to pizza sauces. They’re linked to hyperactivity in children and are banned in the European Union.
rbGH and rbST
These genetically engineered growth hormones are given to dairy cows to increase milk production. These hormones are linked to an increased risk for cancer of the colon, pancreas, breast, and prostate.
Potassium Bromate
Bromated flour allows dough to rise higher, but it’s been linked to kidney cancer and thyroid disease.
BHA and BHT
These food preservatives prevent oils from oxidizing. However, they both have been linked to impaired blood clotting and help promote tumor growth.
Want to learn more about foods to avoid and healthier swaps? Check out the infographic below.
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