As a general rule, the fresher the food, the less food additives you ingest. While the majority of food additives represent basic ingredients that cause no harm, some have been deemed carcinogenic by the scientific community. Certain combinations of food additives in processed foods may expose consumers to cancer-causing agents if eaten to excess.
Artificial Sweeteners
Aspartame, saccharin and acesulfame-k typical reside in "diet" foods such as sodas, low calorie yogurt, frozen desserts and gelatin desserts. Research linking these sweeteners to cancer continues to be rife with controversy; some studies prove a connection, while others disprove a connection. However, according to a 2008 study conducted by the Cesare Maltoni Cancer Research Center and published in the journal "Basic and Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology," combinations of these sweeteners ingested at an early age -- particularly during developmental stages of life -- may predispose people to cancer.
Trans Fats
Trans fats typically occur in baked goods, icing, and restaurant deep-fried foods. The combination of trans fat heavy food provides a double risk: serious weight gain, particularly of visceral fat, now considered a risk factor for diabetes and heart disease, and cancer. According to a 2011 study by researchers from the Netherlands and published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," participants who frequently ingested trans fats experienced a higher incidence of ovarian cancer.
BHA
BHA is an antioxidant used to impede rancidity in fats and oils. The combined use of BHA in prepared foods such as cereals and potato chips appears to have a toxic effect on the cells of the body. A 2007 study by Spanish researchers and published in "Cell Biology and Toxicology" showed that even low levels of BHA exerted a toxic impact on healthy cells.
Sodium Benzoate
Sodium benzoate is a preservative used most often in fruit juices and soft drinks. The combination of sodium benzoate appears to have a detrimental impact on behavior, especially in children. According to a 2007 UK study published in "Lancet," children exposed to sodium benzoate displayed increased symptoms of hyperactivity.
References
- Center for Science in the Public Interest: Chemical Cuisine
- Basic and Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology: Consequences of Exposure to Carcinogens beginning during Developmental Life; M Soffritti et al.
- The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: Consumption of Dietary Fat and Meat and Risk of Ovarian Cancer in the Netherlands Cohort Study; AM Gilsing et al.
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: Trans Fat Promotes Risky Weight Gain
- Cell Biology and Toxicology: Cytotoxicity of Butylated Hydroxyanisole in Vero Cells; V Labrador et al.
- Lancet: Food Additives and Hyperactive Behaviour in 3-year-old and 8/9-year-old Children in the Community; D McCann et al.
Member Comments