How will you react if you come to know that the food you eat has herbicide in it?
For the sake of extending the shelf life or for improving the appearance etc, certain toxic chemicals, additives or substances are used in the processed foods. How many are aware of this?
The numbers of additives that are added to the processed foods have increased over the years. It is worthy to note that these substances could cause harm for our health.
Various toxic substances that are present in the processed foods that could harm us are
Glyphosate:
The fact is that glyphosate is linked to genetically modified food items like soybeans, corn etc. Even certain amounts of this chemical is present in non-organic grains etc. The shocking piece of information is that glyphosate are herbicides used to eliminate weeds. It is revealed that chronic use of this additive could result in cancer or hormonal disruption etc.
Artificial sweeteners:
In many processed foods, artificial sweeteners like aspartame, saccharin etc are present. These are added to the processed foods like soft drinks etc to provide sweetness without adding calories. It has been brought to light by some research study that high intake of artificial sweeteners could cause changes in gut microbiome and would affect the insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism etc. It must be noted that intake of artificial sweeteners for a prolonged time could cause heart issues and depression etc in adults.
Sodium nitrate and nitrite etc:
Non-vegetarian processed food items like hot dogs, sausages, bacon`s etc have sodium nitrate and nitrites. These substances are added to maintain the colour and inhibit bacterial growth etc. Point is that when these chemicals meet high temperatures in the stomach, they start to form acid in the stomach and get converted to nitrosamines. It is learnt that nitrosamines could cause certain cancers in us. Excess intake of processed meats can lead to stomach and colorectal cancers in us.
Mono sodium glutamate or MSG:
Monosodium glutamate of MSG is being used as flavour enhancer in processed foods like soup dishes, frozen meals etc. In some persons, intake of MSG can lead to headaches, nausea etc. Sensitive persons could get mild neurological issues also by consuming MSG excessively. Point is that MSG is linked with cardiotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, neurotoxicity etc.
Artificial food colours:
Visual appearance of snacks, drinks etc are enhanced by adding artificial food colours like Red 40, Yellow 5 and other artificial dyes etc. These food colours can also lead to behavioural disorders especially in those kids with attention issues. It has been brought out by research that synthetic dyes used in the processed foods could cause hyperactivity, behavioural problems, allergies and certain serious health issues etc. Truth is that those children with issues like ADHD, or autism etc might experience worsened symptoms. Not only that, even healthy kids could get affected. So, please be careful.
