What is it?

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is derived from L-glutamic acid, an amino acid found in your body and many foods. It’s a popular food additive used to enhance flavor and can be used to reduce overall sodium intake when used in place of salt.

MSG boosts the flavor of foods by stimulating taste receptors and has been shown in research studies to increase the acceptance of particular flavors. Adding MSG to foods results in an umami taste, which is characterized as savory and meaty.

What can it do?

Some of the physical symptoms tied to long-term consumption of MSG include:

• Headache
• Flushing and sweating
• Face pressure or tightness
• Numbness, tingling or burning in the face, neck and other areas
• Quick, fluttering heartbeats and chest pain
• Nausea and weakness

Where’s it found?

• Fried chicken
• Pizza
• Sausage

What is it?

Artificial food coloring is used to enhance the color of food. (Go figure!) It’s … everywhere.

What can it do?

• Allergic reactions
• Possibly increase the risk of cancer
• Hyperactivity in children

Regarding that last point: the evidence is mostly based on animal studies and no human trials have confirmed these links.

Where’s it found?

• Candy
• Popsicles
• Sports and soft drinks
• Cereals
• Chips
• Ice cream

What is it?

Sodium nitrite is a chemical compound that is used as a preservative and a color enhancer in some processed and cured meats, cheese, fish, and also certain medications.

Sodium nitrite can prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, such as Clostridium botulinum, which causes botulism.

What can it do?

• Increased risk of pancreatic and colorectal cancer
• Shortness of breath
• Headache
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Rapid heart rate
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Cyanosis (bluish skin and lips)
• If inhaled or absorbed through the skin, it can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, and throat

Where’s it found?

• Bacon
• Ham
• Salami
• Hot dogs
• Corned beef
• Pastrami
• Pepperoni
• Bologna
• Sausages
• Canned meat
• Smoked fish

What is it?

Partially hydrogenated vegetable oil is a type of fat that is created by adding hydrogen atoms to liquid vegetable oil, making it more solid at room temperature. This process also produces trans fats, which are harmful for the health of the heart and blood vessels.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), partially hydrogenated oils are no longer “generally recognized as safe” and should be avoided as much as possible.

What can it do?

• Raises the levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol and lowering the levels of “good” HDL cholesterol, which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke
• Increased inflammation, which can contribute to chronic diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, and cancer
• Interfering with the function of essential fatty acids, which are needed for brain development, hormone production, and immune system regulation

Where’s it found?

• Baked goods such as cakes, cookies, pies, pastries, and doughnuts
• Margarine, shortening, and non-dairy creamers
• Snack foods such as potato chips, corn chips, crackers, and popcorn
• Fried foods such as french fries, chicken nuggets, and onion rings
• Frozen foods such as pizza, pies, waffles, and biscuits

What is it?

Similar to but worse than table sugar, high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a sweetener made from corn starch that is widely used in processed foods and beverages. It contains a mixture of glucose and fructose.

The high amounts of fructose in HFCS means it is metabolized differently than glucose and can cause more fat accumulation in the liver and blood. Fructose may also affect appetite regulation and increase the risk of overeating and weight gain.

What can it do?

• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Fatty liver disease
• Heart disease
• Inflammation

Where’s it found?

• Soda and fruit juice
• Breakfast cereal
• Bread and baked goods
• Candy
• Yogurt
• Ketchup
• Soup
• Canned fruit

What are they?

BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) are synthetic antioxidants that prevent fats and oils from going rancid. Also found in some cosmetics, BHA and BHT are used to preserve food color, flavor, and odor.

What can they do?

Some studies have suggested that BHA and BHT may have harmful effects on human health, such as

• Increased risk of cancer
• Liver damage
• Organ damage
• Disrupted hormone function
• Allergic reactions

Where are they found?

• Lipsticks
• Moisturizers
• Cereals
• Potato chips
• Chewing gum
• Butter
• Meats
• Beer
• Dehydrated potatoes
• Food packaging
• Animal feed
• Rubber and petroleum products