1. Canned Tomatoes: The metal cans used for canned food are typically lined with a layer of plastic to prevent the metals interacting with the food – however the plastics used for the lining often contain BPA, which is a chemical notoriously linked to a whole list of serious health problems. These problems include neurological effects, endocrine disruption, increased chance of being diagnosed with breast and prostate cancer, reproductive abnormalities, heart disease, diabetes and more! Consumer Reports’ testing found that just two servings of tinned food caused BPA exposure in children that was in excess of the amount considered safe.
This effect is higher in canned tomatoes than in other foods. The reason? Tomatoes are quite acidic, which results in greater leaching of the BPA into the food. Thus the amount of BPA contamination in canned tomatoes is higher than that of other foods. It is advised to avoid canned tomatoes and to either seek brands that use glass jars (this is one of the reasons pasta sauces are often found in glass jars!) or consume fresh fruit and veg. Plenty of choice there as many tomato-based food products such as pasta sauces are now presented in glass jars.
2. Processed Meat Products: Processed meats such as bacon, hot dogs, and canned meat are generally regarded as bad for health as they have now been established as known carcinogens. This is “official”!
3. Margarine: Margarine is a highly processed product that typically contains what are now regarded as ‘unhealthy fats’ and has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease.
4. Unfermented Soy Products: Soy contains the isoflavones genistein and daidzein that may influence levels of active estrogens. It can disturb hormone production, thus causing potentially reducing male fertility and increasing women’s risk of breast cancer.
5. Microwave Popcorn: Microwave popcorn has been linked with “popcorn lung”, a disease that is caused by inhaling a large amount of the chemical diacetyl, an additive that is used as an aromatic agent.
6. Non-organic Grapefruit: The Pesticide Action Network has publish a “Dirty Dozen” list of the non-organic fruit and vegetables which have the highest levels of pesticide residues. Grapefruit tops the list, with 97% of produce tested containing not just one but multiple pesticide residues. The ‘Dirty Dozen” are the produce items most recommended to choose organic, if you only have the budget to support a limited purchase of organic produce.
7. Table Salt: A high intake of table salt can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. If you have congestive heart failure, extra salt can lead to fluid retention that can cause shortness of breath.
8. Vegetable Oil: Unsaturated fats found in processed “vegetable oil” tend to oxidize, which can trigger inflammation in the body. Vegetable oil has also been linked to increased arterial plaque. Substitute with coconut oil for cooking and a good quality olive oil for salad use.
9. Artificial Sweeteners: Artificial sweeteners can cause weight gain, brain tumors, bladder cancer, and other health hazards. Some carcinogenic effects on human health have also been reported.
