The food industry continues to create new chemicals that are used to manipulate and preserve the food they process but they often affect our health. These chemicals add colours, mimic flavours, makes foods look fresh and preserve them longer. 
They are used in all foods we consume every day, including breads, meat, dairy products, crackers, even fruits and vegetables.
There are over 3,000 food additives. Some of them are known to be safe, while others are dangerous. There are even certain additives that may cause cancer.
Here is a list of additives that should be avoided in order to keep your good health:
- Hydrogenated Fats: They are associated with obesity and cardiovascular diseases.
- Artificial Food Colors: Possible carcinogens. They are known to cause asthma, allergies and hyperactivity.
- Sulfites (Sulfur Dioxide, Metabisulfite, etc): Proven to cause allergic reactions and asthma.
- Sugar and Sweeteners: They are commonly connected with dental cavities, diabetes, increased blood fats, risk of obesity, candida.
- Artificial Sweeteners (Aspartame, Acesulfame K and Saccharin): They are linked to hyperactivity, behavioural problems and allergies. They are also possible carcinogenic. It is recommended that children and pregnant women don’t use artificial sweeteners. The same applies to people who have phenylketonuria.
- Monosodium Glutamate: Can possibly cause allergic reactions. Responsible for occurrences of headaches, chest pains, dizziness, depression and mood changes. This substance is a possible neurotoxin.
- Preservatives (BHA, BHT, EDTA): They may possible cause cancer. BHT may prove to be toxic to the liver and the nervous system. They cause allergies and hyperactivity.
- Artificial Flavors: Associated with various behavioural reactions and allergies.
- Salt: Excess salt intake can cause high blood pressure.
- Olestra (Artificial Fat): Can possible cause digestive disturbances and diarrhea.
As mentioned before, additives can be found in all types of food. Try to avoid them in order to maintain your health.