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Additives to Avoid

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As we begin the holiday season this week, we are presented with many opportunities to feast. But how aware are we of what we are feasting on? Food additives can have many negative implications, one of those is obesity. Below are the top 5 food additives to avoid this holiday season to help keep some of those pounds off:

Sodium Benzoate: found in salad dressing, soda, margarine, and fruit juices. This tricky additive keeps you from feeling full.

Organophosphates: this additive will not be seen on a label. It is used in pesticides and many plastic food packaging. It can lead to high blood pressure and is considered toxic, even in low dosages. That is why it is best to eat organic and minimally processed foods!

Mono-oleoyl-glycerol: this additive is used to give texture to ice cream, whipping cream, margarine, and shortening. This additives will also keep you from feeling full.

Palmitic acid/palm kernel oil/fractionated palm oil (not palm oil): the palm kernel is processed using gasoline hydrocarbon. This is commonly found in margarine, power bars, and protein shakes. It is high in saturated fat and can boost your appetite.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG): studies have shown the MSGs damage the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis which can lead to obesity and a host of other health issues.

Our foods are hidden with so many additives. Although we can’t dodge them all, we can start by educating ourselves and reading labels to avoid some of these health hazards.