I’ll Take My Food Without Added Chemicals Please
It seems that everywhere we go our kids are being tempted by–even bombarded with–opportunities to consume excessive amounts of sweeteners, salt and bad fats (partially hydrogenated or hydrogenated oil). Unfortunately sweeteners, salt and bad fat aren’t the only things we need to watch out for in junk food. There are a host of chemicals added to processed food–either to extend shelf life, to “enhance” flavor or to make the food more visually appealing–that make them even more unhealthy. For example, several chemical food dyes have been linked to hyperactivity in children.
The best way to reduce your intake of chemical additives is to eat as much whole food as possible, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. And make sure you read the ingredient lists of all processed food you buy–the shorter the list, and the more ingredients you recognize on it, the better. Finally, check out the report, “Chem Cuisine,” published by the Center for Science in the Public Interest and try to avoid additives considered to be unsafe.
