itsrainingtea:

Ingredient

Why it is Used and Why it is Bad

Artificial Colors

* Chemical compounds made from coal-tar derivatives to enhance color.

* Linked to allergic reactions, fatigue, asthma, skin rashes, hyperactivity and headaches.

Artificial Flavorings

* Cheap chemical mixtures that mimic natural flavors.

* Linked to allergic reactions, dermatitis, eczema, hyperactivity and asthma

* Can affect enzymes, RNA and thyroid.

Artificial Sweeteners

(Acesulfame-K, Aspartame, Equal®, NutraSweet®,  Saccharin, Sweet’n Low®, Sucralose, Splenda® & Sorbitol)

* Highly-processed, chemically-derived, zero-calorie sweeteners found in diet foods and diet products to reduce calories per serving.

* Can negatively impact metabolism.

* Some have been linked to cancer, dizziness, hallucinations and headaches.

Benzoate Preservatives

(BHT, BHA, TBHQ)

* Compounds that preserve fats and prevent them from becoming rancid.

* May result in hyperactivity, angiodema,  asthma, rhinitis, dermatitis, tumors and  urticaria.

* Can affect estrogen balance and levels.

Brominated Vegetable Oil

(BVO)

* Chemical that boosts flavor in many citric-based fruit and soft drinks.

* Increases triglycerides and cholesterol

* Can damage liver, testicles, thyroid, heart and kidneys.

High Fructose Corn Syrup

(HFCS)

* Cheap alternative to cane and beet sugar

* Sustains freshness in baked goods

* Blends easily in beverages to maintain sweetness.

* May predispose the body to turn fructose into fat.

* Increases risk for Type-2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke and cancer.

* Isn’t easily metabolized by the liver.

MSG

(Monosodium Glutamate)

* Flavor enhancer in restaurant food, salad dressing, chips, frozen entrees, soups and other foods.

* May stimulate appetite and cause headaches, nausea, weakness, wheezing, edema, change in heart rate, burning sensations and difficulty in breathing.

Olestra

* An indigestible fat substitute used primarily in foods that are fried and baked.

* Inhibits absorption of some nutrients.

* Linked to gastrointestinal disease, diarrhea, gas, cramps, bleeding and incontinence.

Shortening, Hydrogenated and Partially Hydrogenated Oils
(Palm, Soybean and others)

* Industrially created fats used in more than 40,000 food products in the U.S.

* Cheaper than most other oils.

* Contain high levels of trans fats, which raise bad cholesterol and lower good cholesterol, contributing to risk of heart disease.

(Source: itsrainingtea, via runthepainaway)