I try to avoid all chemicals found in foods as much as possible.  The best way to do this is to stay away from processed foods and to shop natural/organic as much as possible.  Some chemicals and additives are simply listed as “spices” or “artificial flavoring” on an ingredient list.  Any time I see those terms I immediately put the product down.  I am posting this information to give everyone a base for starting your own research!!  KNOW WHAT YOU ARE PUTTING IN YOUR BODY!!

Here is a list of Chemicals and Additives that I stay away from:

Aspartame:  an artificial sweetener that is used in place of sugar. It is found in many diet drinks.  Be sure to check out Dr. Mercola’s article on Aspartame here.

Benzoates: used mainly in acidic foods.  Benzoates are used to prevent the growth of bacteria in foods.  I personally believe if there is a high risk of the food growing a bacteria while being stored than I need to be making it fresh rather than using a processed form or it!

BHA and BHT: BHA is Butylated Hydrozy Anisole and BHT is Butylated Hydroxytoluene.  These two additives are used as flavor enhancers. They are also commonly used in food packaging, animal feed, cosmetics, rubber, and petroleum products.  Not something I think we should be putting into our bodies!

Carrageenan: used to thicken foods and is gel like. Carrageenan causes many digestive problems and often if a person eats a food that contains Carrageenan they believe they are allergic to the food, when it is really the additive.

Cochineal: used as a color additive. Cochineal comes from an insect. Cochineal causes different reactions in people including asthma and a-fib.  Check out this informative article I found here.

Disodium Guanylate: a food additive used often with MSG.  Here is a great post I found about the dangers of food additives and other hidden names of MSG!

FD&C Red No. 40: used as a color additive in foods.  FD&C Red No.40 leads to hyperactivity and behavior problems in kids.  I found a great post today for more information on this additive.  Be sure to check it out here.

Nitrates and Nitrites: used as a preservative, especially in meat to help maintain color.  Nitrates are also highly advised to stay away from during pregnancy!  Click here for more information on nitrates!

Potassium Sorbate: used mainly in foods to help kill mold.  Personally if a food is prone to containing mold I would rather make it fresh every time than chance eating the chemicals.

Propionic Acid: also used to prevent mold

Propylene Glycol: used to thicken foods.  Is also used in Antifreeze and Coolant… should we really be eating this?

Titanium Dioxide: added to help change color in foods.  This additive is a metal.  Check out this article here by Dr.