Chemical Food Preservatives You Should Avoid at All Costs

Knowing what chemical food preservatives you should avoid at all costs helps you select the best items available that won’t harm you down the line.

The food industry likes taking several shortcuts to get the most out of its items. Adding food preservatives is a common practice among some companies to extend the item’s shelf life. However, you need to know the chemical food preservatives you should avoid at all costs.

Trans Fats

The meatpacking industry will use trans fats to keep their goods edible for years. In no way, shape, or form should you consume meat that can last over a year. Trans fats will wreak havoc on your cholesterol numbers, increasing the risk for heart disease.

Ergo, or for that reason, if you see trans fats on any label, you need to throw the food item in the trash. Instead, you should opt for items with antioxidant benefits, such as phenolic resin .

Sodium Nitrate

It’s common for the food industry to do all it can to preserve its meat for as long as possible. For this reason, many will add sodium nitrite and nitrate, which turn into nitrosamines. What’s unfortunate about nitrosamines is that they increase your chances of getting certain types of cancer.

Virtually any processed meat has an abundance of sodium preservatives, especially deli meats and jerky.

Potassium Bromate

Since countries are banning it from being in their foods, it’s a bit tricky. You can find potassium bromate in several baking goods, producing more of a volume of bread-related items. Considering that this chemical can give animals cancer, the European Union and Canada won’t allow it in their countries.

There are several chemicals in your standard loaf of bread, especially mass-produced ones. Hence, you need to read the ingredients on the loaves or flour if you plan on making your own to avoid any complications.

High Fructose Corn Syrup

One of the largest red flags of any food is seeing that it has high fructose corn syrup. This sweetener will make any food taste better, which is why it’s hard for many individuals to limit their intake. However, many documentaries have noted the dangers of high fructose corn syrup.

You’ll find it in soda and other sweet snacks, but it’s also in condiments, like hot sauce.

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Butylated Hydroxyanisole

In another attempt to prevent food from rotting, companies will add butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) into their products. Consequently, these preservatives may be carcinogenic and affect your hormones.

There’s no shortage of products containing this chemical, seeing as it’s in your cereal, oils, and even your makeup. Therefore, double-check your goods if you are concerned with BHA consumption or usage.

Before you clench your teeth into something, double-check that it doesn’t contain any of the chemical food preservatives you should avoid at all costs. Your body will thank you!

This story originally appeared in Cuisine Noir Magazine