These days many people take supplements to improve their health. While you may think that you are doing something great for your health, you are actually adding nasty chemicals to your body. These chemicals might be very dangerous and can have serious effects on your health.
Here are 11 good reasons to stay away from supplements and always read labels before you purchase supplements or certain health foods.
1. Invisible GMO Ingredients
Many ingredients found in supplements and food contain traces of GMO. So if you pick up a natural products or supplements make sure to read the labels and scan for following ingredients: amino acids, aspartame, vitamin C, citric acid, maltodextrin, lactic acid, molasses, monosodium glutamate (MSG, click here to learn more about the health dangers of MSG), high fructose corn syrup, yeast products, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, sucrose, flavorings, sodium ascorbate, ascorbic acid, and molasses.
Not only are these chemicals harmful for your health, most of them are derived from GMO corn.
2. Hydrogenated Oils
Hydrogenated oils are unstable and packed with trans fats. They increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, diabetes, and cancer. These hydrogenated oils are often added to health foods or used as a filler in many vitamin and mineral supplements.
3. Artificial Colors
These colors are added to food and supplements to make them more appealing. Many of these synthetic colorings are derived from coal tar which is used in paints and roofing. Artificial food colorings have been linked to many severe health issues such as autism, ADHD, birth defects, and cancer.
4. Magnesium Stearate and Stearic Acid
Both are used as a lubricant in supplements to avoid the capsules from sticking together. These chemicals have also been linked to many health issues and lower your immune system.
5. Heavy Metals
Many detox products, supplements, protein shakes, processed foods, and cosmetics contain heavy metals such as lead, fluoride, aluminum, and arsenic. Be extra careful if you buy herbs or green ta imported from china. They are known to be contaminated with high levels of these heavy metals.
6. Inorganic Minerals
Most cheap vitamins on the market are loaded with iron, lead, and barium. So better get your essential organic minerals from plants instead of inorganic minerals made from rocks and seashells.
7. Carrageenan
Yet another toxic filler found in many supplements and health foods. It has been linked to cancer, digestive issues, leaky gut, and cancer.
8. Hexane-extracted Soy and Rice Proteins
Nearly all natural soy and rice proteins are extracted in China with a chemical called hexane. It is a highly explosive chemical and super polluting for our environment. So always opt for organic certified instead of natural products. The term “natural” means nothing as companies may use it without any regulation.
9. Acrylamide
Acrylamide, a cancer causing chemical, is formed during cooking and processing of carbohydrates. So avoid all fried, roasted, or grilled snacks such as chips. You won’t find acrylamide in the ingredients list, because it is not an actual ingredient. It is formed during processing, so manufacturers do not have to put it on the label. Note: even organic chips contain these acrylamides.
10. Sodium Benzoate and BHT
Sodium benzoate is often added to soft drinks, processed foods, and supplements as a preservative. It is classified as a carcinogenic and can damage the structure of DNA.
11. Boric Acid
Boric acid is added to many supplements on the market. It can cause headaches, depression, inflammation, DNA damage, and birth defects.
So next time you buy supplements or processed health food, think again and read the labels.
The best way to avoid chemicals in food is to eat a well-balanced, clean, whole food diet. By doing so you’ll never need any of these supplements as the foods will provide you with all the nutrients your body needs.