BELLINGHAM, Wash., Aug 6, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- Food additives used to
enhance product shelf life or add color are worth watching out for -- especially
if a child has allergies -- a U.S. food advocate says.
"Studies are starting to show that some of these additives can be harmful --
even increasing cancer risk -- so as parents and consumers we really need to
understand what is in the foods we choose," Gloria Tsang of HealthCastle.com
says in a statement.
Her list of "worst additive offenders" followed by her additive-free replacement
suggestions include:
-- Cured meats with sodium nitrite, a preservative linked to the formation of
carcinogenic compounds. Alternative: Dinner leftovers.
-- "Diet" yogurt where natural sugars are replaced with artificial sweeteners.
Alternative: Natural or organic yogurt with short ingredient lists.
-- Snacks prolonging shelf life with preservatives BHA and BHT. Alternative:
Popcorn but not the microwave kind.
-- Soft drinks with artificial sweeteners and coal tar dyes. Alternative: Water,
100 percent juice, or milk.
-- Baked goods with artificial sweeteners or trans fats. Alternative: Baking
bigger batches at home and freezing the extras to put in lunches.
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Copyright 2009 by United Press International