Aspartame, etc.: the Truth About ‘Diet Foods’

We live in a society where we’re bombarded with information on the perfect weight loss regime or the optimal plans to achieve health and well-being. Holistic health is an integrative approach to health and well-being that addresses the whole person and focuses on wellness and prevention.

Here are Paula Owens’ top ten ingredients to avoid at all costs.

1. Aspartame, Splenda, Sweet n Low, Equal

Aspartame is an artificial, chemical sweetener found in diet foods such as low-calorie desserts, gelatins, drink mixes, and sodas.

It may cause cancer or neurological problems, such as dizziness, migraine headaches, weight gain, increased appetite or hallucinations.

2. Partially hydrogenated oils (trans fats)

Partially hydrogenated oils are found in thousands of processed foods (breakfast cereals, cookies, chips, all CRAP food).

Trans fats are proven to cause heart disease. Restaurant food, especially fast food chains, often serve foods laden with trans fats.

3. MSG

This is a preservative, coloring, and flavoring commonly added to bacon, ham, hot dogs, luncheon meats, smoked fish, and corned beef.

Studies have linked eating it to various types of cancer.

4. Sodium nitrate

This is a preservative, coloring, and flavoring commonly added to bacon, ham, hot dogs, luncheon meats, smoked fish, and corned beef.

Studies have linked eating it to various types of cancer.

5. High fructose corn syrup

HFCS is the number one source of calories for most Americans!

You’ll find high-fructose corn syrup in processed foods, sodas, syrup that goes into your Latte from Starbucks, etc.

6. BHA and BHT

Butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydrozyttoluene are used to preserve common household foods.

They are found in cereals, chewing gum, potato chips and vegetable oils.

They are oxidants, which form potentially cancer-causing reactive compounds in your body.

7. Food colorings

(Blue 1, 2; Red 3; Green 3; Yellow 5, 6) Six food colorings still on the market are linked with cancer in animal testing.

There is evidence that food coloring and food additives contributes to behavioral problems in children, lead to lower IQ, hyperactivity, ADHD, depression, etc.

Blue 1 and 2, found in beverages, candy, baked goods and pet food, have been linked to cancer in mice.

Red 3, used to dye cherries, fruit cocktail, candy, and baked goods, has been shown to cause thyroid tumors in rats. Read the list of ingredients in your child’s cough syrup!

Green 3, added to candy and beverages, has been linked to bladder cancer.
The widely used yellow 6, added to beverages, sausage, gelatin, baked goods, and candy, has been linked to tumors of the adrenal gland and kidney.

8. Refined wheat

Even organic, whole grain wheat can absolutely devastate many people’s health.

Grains are one of the main reasons why most people are getting sick in our country.

Grains have adverse health affects for 80% of the population.

Grains disrupt insulin levels. Eliminate grains for two weeks and tell me how great you feel.

9. Sodium chloride

Table salt. Commercial salt is highly processed and full of aluminum, chemicals and additives which are toxic.

Opt for a healthier version, Celtic sea salt. (light pink, grey or beige color).

10. White sugar

Do I really need to go there on this one?

One study that measured the visible effects of sugar consumption gave kids the amount of sugar equal to one soda.

As a result, their test scores went down. In fact, one hour after consuming the sugar, they made twice as many mistakes. The sugar-loaded students also showed more “inappropriate behavior” during free play.

Sugar has a profound influence on your brain function and your psychological function.

When you consume excess amounts of sugar, your body releases excess amounts of insulin, which in turn causes a drop in your blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia.