(As posted on www.care2.com)
So, what foods could be harming you?
Ones filled with chemicals. Here are some of the main sources of unhealthy chemicals in our food:
Chemicals and drugs used in raising livestock
Researchers feel that this is probably the biggest problem and none of these are required to appear on the label. Over 70 percent of all antibiotics used in the USA are used in raising livestock to prevent infection because the animals are kept in cramped inhumane conditions.
Researchers feel that this is probably the biggest problem and none of these are required to appear on the label. Over 70 percent of all antibiotics used in the USA are used in raising livestock to prevent infection because the animals are kept in cramped inhumane conditions.
Steroids are also given to increase milk production and speed growth. The feed given to these animals is full of chemicals as well and pesticides and chemicals accumulate in the fat of these animals that we then eat. So if you do eat dairy or animal protein, eating organic is important to decrease your chemical burden.
Chemicals used in pesticides and fertilizers
In 1995, more than 5 billion pounds of pesticides were sold worldwide, more than 1 billion pounds in the USA. FDA inspections have found legal residues on two thirds of food sampled, therefore these pesticides remain on our food.
In 1995, more than 5 billion pounds of pesticides were sold worldwide, more than 1 billion pounds in the USA. FDA inspections have found legal residues on two thirds of food sampled, therefore these pesticides remain on our food.
You eliminate these pesticides from your food if you choose organic or grow some of your food yourself and most importantly if you support organic practices you support those who want to do good to our food and our environment.
The food industry uses about 3,000 different food additives in various packaged and preserved foods. These include (preservatives), emulsifiers, buffers, natural and artificial colorings and flavorings.
Use fresh wholesome and natural foods that are least processed and organic.
And then there are the genetically modified foods, which are now turning up all over the show. Here is a great guide on how to avoid foods made with genetically modified foods.
Chemicals we create in processing foods
Trans fats or hydrogenated fats would be the most common. Eat simple and plant based diet to avoid these.
Trans fats or hydrogenated fats would be the most common. Eat simple and plant based diet to avoid these.
Contaminants associated with processing of foods
During shipping and storage, chemical cleaners, food sprays and fungicides are used. Home grown or produce from local farmers market would be best bet to avoid toxic packaging and commercial handling.
During shipping and storage, chemical cleaners, food sprays and fungicides are used. Home grown or produce from local farmers market would be best bet to avoid toxic packaging and commercial handling.
Chemicals absorbed into our food from the way we cook, store and serve our food
Non stick pans, pots, bake-ware and utensils contain Teflon, which is made from perfluorinated compounds which have been linked to cancer and reproductive problems. And then we store and serve our food in containers that leech chemicals into our food, eg plastics and styrofoam. Use glass and ceramics to store you food and cook on stainless steel or cast iron only.
Non stick pans, pots, bake-ware and utensils contain Teflon, which is made from perfluorinated compounds which have been linked to cancer and reproductive problems. And then we store and serve our food in containers that leech chemicals into our food, eg plastics and styrofoam. Use glass and ceramics to store you food and cook on stainless steel or cast iron only.
And please remember this is only a list of chemicals in our food, not our water and conventional personal care products, which are also full of chemicals.
Parts of this article are taken from www.care2.com
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