7 Toxic Ingredients That Can Be In Food

There is great concern about the food we consume every day and, specifically, the presence of toxic ingredients in its composition. Recently, the damage caused by the excessive consumption of industrialized and ultra-processed foods has been emphasized.

Next, we’ll talk about some of the toxic ingredients that can be in some commonly consumed foods.

1. Olestra

Also known by the trade name “Olean”, olestra is a fat substitute that does not add triglycerides, calories or cholesterol.

Once in the body, it is said that it can decrease fat-soluble vitamins and carotenes that play a vital role in health. In some countries they are already banned, but in most they are still the main ingredient in delicious “fat-free” fries.

2. Brominated vegetable oil

Brominated vegetable oil is a substance that acts as an emulsifier to prevent the beverage’s flavors from sticking to the surface. When ingested in large amounts (more than two liters per day), it can cause problems for the body. Therefore, its use has been banned in countries like Japan and the United States.

3. Azodicarbonamide

Azodicarbonamide is a synthetic chemical used primarily in the United States to whiten and refine flour. In addition, it can also be used by industries as a blowing agent for the production of plastics with foam texture.

Contact with azodicarbonamide can cause asthma and other diseases of the respiratory system in humans. In several European countries, the substance has already been banned, and its use can even result in imprisonment.

Can be present in:

• breads and cookies
• Frozen food
• Ready to dough sauces

4. Synthetic hormones, the most popular toxic ingredients

For a time, it was claimed that there were dairy products on the market that contained some traces of hormones like rBGh and rBst, which are injected into cows to increase milk production. However, experts in Health and Food Safety guarantee that this is nothing but a scam.

5. Sodium chloride (salt)

Salt is the number one harmful ingredient present in a wide variety of food products. It is not toxic by itself, but can be harmful to health when consumed in excess and regularly.

Excessive salt intake is related to hypertension, fluid retention and various inflammatory pathologies.

6. Sodium nitrites and nitrates

Nitrites and sodium nitrates are substances that make processed meats look fresh and appetizing, even as the days go by. Its excessive intake is associated with an increased risk of colon cancer and metabolic syndrome. They can be in foods such as:

• Bacon.
• Ham.
• Chorizo.
• Sausage.
• Sausages.
• Mortadella.

7. BHA and BHT

BHA and BHT are antioxidant additives that, in laboratory animals, have been linked to an increased risk of cancer. And in which foods can these toxic ingredients be present?

• Cereals.
• Butter.
• Bubble gum.
• Packs of nuts.

Who can better inform us about toxic ingredients?

Those who can best inform us of any concerns about processed foods, toxic ingredients and more are the Food Safety experts. Likewise, we can always consult a doctor.

It is not necessary to eliminate foods from your diet or take other drastic measures without first discussing with a professional or at least consulting reliable sources of information. Alarmism and drastic measures are of no benefit.