Commonly found in Chinese food, MSG is used as a flavor enhancer in soups, salad dressings, chips and frozen foods. In people who are senstive to the compound, MSG can overexcite cells, producing uncomfortable symptoms for your body. Research has shown a correlation between the overconsumption of foods containing MSG and medical conditions such as depression, disorientation, eye damage, fatigue, headaches, and obesity.
Although these artificial sweeteners will allow you to indulge in a tasty drink without the extra calories, they are also packed with chemicals that can be harmful to your body in the long run. Almost all of these sweeteners contain the chemical Aspartame. Studies have suggested the consumption of Aspartame can be linked to a wide spectrum of health problems like brain tumors, diabetes, lymphoma, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and emotional disorders like depression and anxiety. It has also been linked to symptoms including dizziness, headaches, nausea, mental confusion, seizures, and affect short-term memory and intelligence. The FDA's official position? The stuff is safe.
Photo: Getty Images
BHA and BHT
Although these additives may prevent your food from changing color, losing flavor, or becoming rancid, it has been suggested they can increase your chances of getting cancer. However, FDA states that BHA and BHT are safe to consume, and another study published by the NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information) compared them with Vitamin E. Not certain? You'll find them in everything from gum to cereals -- just check the label and opt out.
Photo: Getty Images
Trans Fat
Trans fat, which is found in many processed foods, can be one of the most dangerous substances to consume. While it occurs naturally in some animal products, it's also synthetically created by adding hydrogen to vegetable oils. Used to extend the shelf life of many food products, the consumption of trans fats, according to the FDA, raises LDL (bad cholesterol). Elevated levels of LDL increase the risk of high blood pressure, potentially resulting in heart attack, stroke, diabetes and heart disease.
Photo: Getty Images
Sodium Nitrate/Nitrite
Sodium Nitrate (a naturally occurring compound) and Sodium nitrite (a synthetically created compound) are both commonly used to preserve meat products in place of common salt. Both are nitrosamines, which studies have shown when consumed in large amounts over time damage DNA, potentially resulting in cancers, and the development of pulmonary diseases.
Photo: Getty Images
Artificial Food Coloring
That pink-and-red-flowered cupcake you just ate may have looked pretty, but the artificial coloring used to make it can have a very negative effect on your health. FDA studies exploring the effect of dyes on childrens behavior were inconclusive, prompting more studies to be undertaken. Some have suggested food dye may cause thyroid cancer, kidney and adrenal tumors, and chromosome deterioration.
Photo: Getty Images
Sodium Sulfite
Sodium sulfite is frequently used during wine production and can be found in dried fruit. It can cause dangerous reactions in people sensitive or allergic to it. One study found it induced cell degranulation and oxidant stress. It has been linked by some to asthma, rashes, headaches, and breathing problems – but that might just be the wine.
Photo: Getty Images
Sulfur Dioxide
This toxic additive, commonly found in beer, dried fruits such as apricots, chips and soft drinks. While no definitive study has linked their inclusion in food to negative health effects it is feared in foods because as a gas, inhaling too much can cause conjuctivitis, bronchitis, emphysema, bronchial asthma, and potentially cardiovascular disease.
Photo: Getty Images
High-Fructose Corn Syrup
Found in almost all processed foods, this ingredient has become the number one source of calories in America. But beware! High-fructose corn syrup, which provides zero nutritional benefit, is found in the healthy foods we eat as well. Be sure to check the labels of your yogurts, cereals, and granola bars for this harmful additive.
Photo: Getty Images
Potassium Bromate
Used to increase the volume of bread products, this additive has been proven to cause cancer in animals. There have been studies assessing its carcinogenicity. It is banned as a additive in the EU, Canada and Brazil, but not in the United States. California is the only state that requires labels for products with potassium bromate.
