KEEPING MONACO HEALTHY
How to avoid them : opt for naturally colourful foods like fruit and fresh juices .
� PROLONGING SHELF-LIFE
l NITRITES AND NITRATES are two chemicals used for centuries to preserve meat . They are highly carcinogenic once they enter the human digestive system , mixing with chemicals in the stomach to form nitrosamines , a carcinogenic substance linked to cancers of the pancreas , bladder and brain .
Listed as : Sodium Nitrate ( Е251 ), Sodium Nitrite ( Е250 ).
Found in : hotdogs , bacon , ham , lunchmeat , cured meats , corned beef , smoked fish or any other type of processed meat .
How to avoid : Replace processed meats with fresh meats , or buy nitrite-free lunchmeat .
l BHA AND BHT are common preservatives that keep fats and oils from changing colour , changing flavour or becoming rancid . They may affect the nervous system and result in hives and itching . Opponents claim that they form cancer-causing compounds in the body .
Listed as : BHT ( 321 ), BHA ( Е320 ).
Found in : crisps , chips , gum , cereal , frozen sausages , enriched rice , sweets , confectionary and cereal packaging .
How to avoid : eat fresh food or at least food without artificial preservatives . Look for brands that are BHT and BHA free .
l SULPHUR additives are toxic . Adverse reactions include bronchial problems , asthma , flushing tingling sensations or anaphylactic shock . They destroy vitamin B1 and vitamin E .
Listed as : sulphur dioxide , sodium sulphite , sulphites .
Found in : beer , soft drinks , dried fruit , juices , wine and vinegar .
How to avoid : choose red wine over rosé and white ( has less ). Choose fresh fruit instead of dried .
� ENHANCING TASTE
l NATURAL FLAVOURS include non-chemical , non-artificial substances approved for use
SESAME CABBAGE SLAW
Shred equal parts of purple and green cabbage , carrot and onions , add some sesame seeds , a little lemon juice and tahini sauce . Mix together and keep refrigerated until ready to eat . This simple , flavour-packed dish can be enjoyed as a side dish and a midday snack .
in food . They often come from allergy-inducing ingredients such as nuts and wheat . Vegetarians , be warned — often the source is meat or another animal product . Many of these ‘ natural flavours ’ are disgusting too . Take “ castoreum ”. If you enjoy eating raspberry flavoured sweets , chocolate , ice cream , yogurt and chewing gum you may be secretly ‘ enjoying ’ beaver anal gland secretions . That ’ s right , the most common “ natural flavour ” in raspberry flavoured goodies comes from the rear end of beavers . Don ’ t ask me how they discovered that .
Listed as : natural flavours .
Found in : baked foods , frozen foods , confectionary , sweets and more .
How to avoid : do online research to discover the exact origin of the “ natural flavour ”…
l HIGH-FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP increases your risk for diabetes . It also encourages overeating because its chemical structure tricks your brain into thinking your body is hungry . And it can raise triglyceride levels in the bloodstream , which increases the risk of heart disease .
Listed as : high-fructose corn syrup , corn sweetener , corn syrup .
C 20
H 11
N 2
O 3
Na 10
S 3
Found in : frozen foods , sweets , breads , spaghetti sauce , ketchup and more .
How to avoid : check labels .
l ASPARTAME is a neurotoxin and carcinogen . Known to erode intelligence and affect short term memory , this toxic sweetener may be linked to a wide variety of ailments including brain tumours , diseases like lymphoma , diabetes , multiple sclerosis , Parkinson ’ s , Alzheimer ’ s , chronic fatigue , depression and anxiety attacks , dizziness , headaches , mental confusion and seizures .
Listed as : aspartame ( E951 ).
Found in : so-called “ diet ” or “ sugar free ” products ( including diet coke , coke zero ), jelly , desserts , sugar free gum , drink mixes , cereals , breath-mints , puddings , ice tea , chewable vitamins , toothpaste and cough syrup .
How to avoid : check labels and stay clear .
l MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE ( MSG , E621 ) is a flavour that can affect the nervous system and make you feel hungrier than you are . It is also an excito-toxin and regular consumption can result in depression , disorientation and obesity . It may also trigger migraines .
Listed as : yeast extract ( yes , Marmite !), gelatin , textured and hydrolyzed proteins , calcium caseinate , sodium caseinate , and more .
Found in : a wide range of foods including chips , canned soups , salad dressings , fast food , and frozen dinners .
How to avoid : read food labels carefully . Even packages that say “ No MSG ” can sneak the substance in disguised as any of the ingredients above .
You don ’ t have to give up the foods you love , just the toxic chemicals . So , next time you ’ re at the supermarket , have a closer look at the label . Because if a product contains any of the ingredients listed above , it doesn ’ t matter how many calories , carbs or fat — you shouldn ’ t be eating it anyway !
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