Three Food Additives To Always Avoid

When it comes to food, I’m pretty easy going. I have always been allergic to dairy, eggs and some nuts; which made my life restrictive enough, especially as a child. So I don’t impose rules on my own eating if I don't have to. The foods that I have listed below are 3 that I avoid at all costs. Not because of what they may do to my waistline or how they make my stomach feel, but what they do to your body on a cellular levels is nothing short of frightening.

Aspartame

Also known as E951, Aspartame is an artificial sweetener which is approximately 200 times sweet than sugar.

You will find aspartame in many products which are ‘sugar free’. Think diet soft drinks, chewing gums, even some supplements will contain aspartame as the sweetener.

Aspartame is most often labeled as containing phenylaline.

Symptoms that have been linked to aspartame include neurological and behavioural changes. Other research has lined it to an increased risk in developing cancer, headaches and MS.

High fructose corn syrup

High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a fructose-glucose liquid sweetener alternative to sugar. The fructose is rapidly taken up by the liver, meaning that it makes it harder for the body to regulate blood sugars and available glycogen. This is dangerous as it impacts the bodies ability to self-regulate, and may contribute to metabolic disease states like obesity and type 2 diabetes. You ill find HFCS in many soft drinks, lollies, cereals, desserts; basically anything thats sweet.

It also adds to the caloric load of a meal, making it more likely to contribute to weight gain.

MSG

MSG has ben used as a flavour enhancer for many years, and in Autralia it goes by the number 621. Some people can have very strong reactions to MSG including:

• Headache

• Flushing

• Sweating

• Facial pressure or tightness

• Numbness, tingling or burning in the face, neck and other areas

• Rapid, fluttering heartbeats (heart palpitations)

• Chest pain

• Nausea

• Weakness

MSG stands for Monosodium Glutamate. Glutamate is a neurotransmitter involved in the optimal functioning of our nervous systems. Too much glutamate can cause "excitotoxicity," where neurons get over-excited to the point that they die. So reducing the overall intake of MSG can only be beneficial for your health. MSG is found in Chinese food, chips, dried biscuits,stocks, soups; just to name a few.