Avoid These Additives & Preservatives Artificial Coloring: Chemically based products like most of these are a no-no. In addition, there's a concern about this causing hyperactivity in kids. Yellow # 5 -linked to asthma problems. Red Dye #2 may cause cancer. Blue #1 and Blue #2 (E133)-These have been banned for years in Europe for links to chromosomal damage. Red Dye # 3 (also Red #40 – a more current dye) (E124) Banned in 1990 but allowed supplies to expire & still found in market-linked to thyroid cancer and chromosomal damage in lab studies. Yellow #6 (E110) and Yellow Tartrazine (E102)-again banned in most of Europe for increasing the number of kidney and adrenal gland tumors in lab studies. Sweeteners: High Fructose Corn Syrup-Also labeled as: high fructose corn syrup, & HFCS, isoglucose, maize syrup, glucose-fructose syrup, glucose/fructose. It's found in most processed items & definitively aggravates the increasing weight problems & susceptibility to type 2 diabetes. Aspartame is another to avoid, with its' primary ingredients being phenylalanine and aspartic acid. It creates gastric agitation & in some cases, elevated glucose levels & anxiety. Other brand names include: Canderel, NutraSweet, & Equal. Additives: Potassium Bromate- a common food additive that is used in dough. Food for thought-The International Cancer Agency lists it as a carcinogen. Linked to causing tumors, DNA damage & kidney problems. It has been banned in Europe & Canada for years. Other names for it: calcium bromate, bromated flour, & sodium bromate. Monosodium Glutamate, better known as MSG- Often found in Chinese take-out, as a flavor-enhancer, but also found in processed meats & canned goods. Linked to headaches, gastric upset & palpitations & nausea. MSG might be hidden by other listings: hydrolyzed soy protein and autolyzed yeast, sodium glutamate, Zest or Accent brand names. Preservatives: Sodium Benzoate-linked to hyperactivity in kids. Other names: benzoic acid, potassium benzoate, benzoate. Sodium Nitrite- found in most processed meats, & linked to pancreatic cancer, palpitations & other health concerns. Can be also listed just nitrate. Sodium Sulfite (E221)-linked to asthma, headaches & rashes. Often found in wines & dried fruits. Sulfur Dioxide (E220)- Prohibited for use on raw fruit and vegetables. Linked to bronchial problems & low blood pressure. It also depletes stores of vitamins B1 and E. Propyl Paraben-often used as a preservative in flour products & food dyes. A common ingredient in lotions & bath products. Linked as an endocrine-disrupting chemical, with possible decreased sperm counts and testosterone levels, & infertility in women. Other names:propyl p-hydroxybenzoate; E216, propyl parahydroxybenzoate & nipasol. BHA And BHT (E320): Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) are preservatives found in most processed food. Linked to neurological changes in the brain, altering behaviors, & is a known carcinogen. Trans Fat-also trans fatty acid: Found in all processed foods, especially those made with flour. Linked to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, & stroke. It alters the balance between good & bad cholesterols-HDL & LDL. Often listed as partially hydrogenated oils-including palm, vegetable, soybean, canola, & cottonseed. Extracts: Rosemary Extract-Also listed as additives #300-321.Yeast Extract- MSG in disguise. Rice Extract- A chemically processed stabilizer and emulsifier. Roasted Barley Malt Extract-Enhances flavor & color. Take it up a notch & look for natural alternatives. Email me-if you need more ideas! Best, Concierge Jo-Anna