Top 10 food additives to avoid

This is a great site that I found and think that you should all read this.


Food additives have been used for centuries to enhance the appearance and flavor of food and prolong shelf life. But do these food additives really “add” any value to your food?

Food additives find their way into our foods to help ease processing, packaging and storage. But how do we know what food additives is in that box of macaroni and cheese and why does it have such a long shelf life? 

A typical American household spends about 90 percent of their food budget on processed foods, and are in doing so exposed to a plethora of artificial food additives, many of which can cause dire consequences to your health.

Some food additives are worse than others. Here’s a list of the top food additives to avoid:

1. Artificial Sweeteners

Aspartame, (E951) more popularly known as Nutrasweet and Equal, is found in foods labeled "diet" or "sugar free". Aspartame is believed to be carcinogenic and accounts for more reports of adverse reactions than all other foods and food additives combined. Aspartame is not your friend. Aspartame is a neurotoxin and carcinogen. Known to erode intelligence and affect short-term memory, the components of this toxic sweetener may lead to a wide variety of ailments including brain tumor, diseases like lymphoma, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue, emotional disorders like depression and anxiety attacks, dizziness, headaches, nausea, mental confusion, migraines and seizures. Acesulfame-K, a relatively new artificial sweetener found in baking goods, gum and gelatin, has not been thoroughly tested and has been linked to kidney tumors. Read more about the dangers of Aspartame here.

Found in: diet or sugar free sodas, diet coke, coke zero, jello (and over gelatins), desserts, sugar free gum, drink mixes, baking goods, table top sweeteners, cereal, breathmints, pudding, kool-aid, ice tea, chewable vitamins, toothpaste

2. High Fructose Corn Syrup

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a highly-refined artificial sweetener which has become the number one source of calories in America. It is found in almost all processed foods. HFCS packs on the pounds faster than any other ingredient, increases your LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels, and contributes to the development of diabetes and tissue damage, among other harmful effects.

Found in: most processed foods, breads, candy, flavored yogurts, salad dressings, canned vegetables, cereals

3. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / E621)

MSG is an amino acid used as a flavor enhancer in soups, salad dressings, chips, frozen entrees, and many restaurant foods. MSG is known as an excitotoxin, a substance which overexcites cells to the point of damage or death. Studies show that regular consumption of MSG may result in adverse side effects which include depression, disorientation, eye damage, fatigue, headaches, and obesity. MSG effects the neurological pathways of the brain and disengaged the "I'm full" function which explains the effects of weight gain.

Found in: Chinese food (Chinese Restaurant Syndrome ) many snacks, chips, cookies, seasonings, most Campbell Soup products, frozen dinners, lunch meats

4. Trans Fat

Trans fat is used to enhance and extend the shelf life of food products and is among the most dangerous substances that you can consume. Found in deep-fried fast foods and certain processed foods made with margarine or partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, trans fats are formed by a process called hydrogenation. Numerous studies show that trans fat increases LDL cholesterol levels while decreasing HDL (“good”) cholesterol, increases the risk of heart attacks, heart disease and strokes, and contributes to increased inflammation, diabetes and other health problems. Oils and fat are now forbidden on the Danish market if they contain trans fatty acids exceeding 2 per cent, a move that effectively bans partially hydrogenated oils.

Found in: margarine, chips and crackers, baked goods, fast foods

5. Common Food Dyes

Studies show that artificial colorings which are found in soda, fruit juices and salad dressings, may contribute to behavioral problems in children and lead to a significant reduction in IQ. Animal studies have linked other food colorings to cancer. Watch out for these ones:

Blue #1 and Blue #2 (E133)

Banned in Norway, Finland and France. May cause chromosomal damage

Found in: candy, cereal, soft drinks, sports drinks and pet foods

Red dye # 3 (also Red #40 – a more current dye) (E124)

Banned in 1990 after 8 years of debate from use in many foods and cosmetics. This dye continues to be on the market until supplies run out! Has been proven to cause thyroid cancer and chromosomal damage in laboratory animals, may also interfere with brain-nerve transmission

Found in: fruit cocktail, maraschino cherries, cherry pie mix, ice cream, candy, bakery products and more!

Yellow #6 (E110) and Yellow Tartrazine (E102)

Banned in Norway and Sweden. Increases the number of kidney and adrenal gland tumors in laboratory animals, may cause chromosomal damage.

Found in: American cheese, macaroni and cheese, candy and carbonated beverages, lemonade and more!

6. Sodium Sulfite (E221)

Preservative used in wine-making and other processed foods. According to the FDA, approximately one in 100 people is sensitive to sulfites in food. The majority of these individuals are asthmatic, suggesting a link between asthma and sulfites. Individuals who are sulfite sensitive may experience headaches, breathing problems, and rashes. In severe cases, sulfites can actually cause death by closing down the airway altogether, leading to cardiac arrest.

Found in: Wine and dried fruit 

7. Sodium Nitrate/Sodium Nitrite

Sodium nitrate (or sodium nitrite) is used as a preservative, coloring and flavoring in bacon, ham, hot dogs, luncheon meats, corned beef, smoked fish and other processed meats. This ingredient, which sounds harmless, is actually highly carcinogenic once it enters the human digestive system. There, it forms a variety of nitrosamine compounds that enter the bloodstream and wreak havoc with a number of internal organs: the liver and pancreas in particular. Sodium nitrite is widely regarded as a toxic ingredient, and the USDA actually tried to ban this additive in the 1970's but was vetoed by food manufacturers who complained they had no alternative for preserving packaged meat products. Why does the industry still use it? Simple: this chemical just happens to turn meats bright red. It's actually a color fixer, and it makes old, dead meats appear fresh and vibrant.

Found in: hotdogs, bacon, ham, luncheon meat, cured meats, corned beef, smoked fish or any other type of processed meat 

8. BHA and BHT (E320)

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydrozyttoluene (BHT) are preservatives found in cereals, chewing gum, potato chips, and vegetable oils. This common preservative keeps foods from changing color, changing flavor or becoming rancid. Effects the neurological system of the brain, alters behavior and has potential to cause cancer. BHA and BHT are oxidants which form cancer-causing reactive compounds in your body.

Found in: Potato chips, gum, cereal, frozen sausages, enriched rice, lard, shortening, candy, jello

9. Sulfur Dioxide (E220)

Sulfur additives are toxic and in the United States of America, the Federal Drugs Administration have prohibited their use on raw fruit and vegetables. Adverse reactions include: bronchial problems particularly in those prone to asthma, hypotension (low blood pressure), flushing tingling sensations or anaphylactic shock. It also destroys vitamins B1 and E. Not recommended for consumption by children. The International Labour Organization says to avoid E220 if you suffer from conjunctivitis, bronchitis, emphysema, bronchial asthma, or cardiovascular disease.

Found in: beer, soft drinks, dried fruit, juices, cordials, wine, vinegar, and potato products.

10. Potassium Bromate

An additive used to increase volume in some white flour, breads, and rolls, potassium bromate is known to cause cancer in animals. Even small amounts in bread can create problems for humans. 

Found in: breads

http://www.tmnaturehealth.co.uk/

10 Snack ideas under 200 calories

Three square meals a day is all well and good, but we all sometimes need a little something in between — particularly when we live an active lifestyle. However, snacking can easily become a diet downfall rather than an energy boost, but it really does not have to be this way. That is why we've compiled 10 healthy snacking options, which you can use to fill that energy gap without piling on the calories!

Almonds are high in protein and fibre, as well as being low-GI, a good source of magnesium, and rich in vitamin E (an antioxidant). Dried apricots, on the other hand, are rich in carotenes — which may lower the risk of cancers of the throat and lungs — and provide you with potassium, iron, calcium, silicon, phosphorus, and vitamin C.

Interestingly, dried apricots have a far greater nutritional value than fresh ones because the nutrient content is so concentrated. Gram for gram, dried apricots have twelve times the iron, seven times the fibre and five times the vitamin A of fresh ones. The best way to eat this healthy snack is to impale the almonds in the apricots!
Six to eight apricots plus 20 to 25 almonds = approximately 250 calories.

Yogurt is low in fat, high in calcium, so as well as being a healthy snacks in its own right it is also good for your gut. A recent study also found that people who got their calcium from yogurt rather than other dairy sources lost more weight around the tummy area. Opt for low-fat, unflavoured varieties that contain probiotic bacteria, and add a touch of sweetness with honey. Honey has been shown to increase the blood’s level of protective antioxidants, and may also be a useful diet addition for people with high cholesterol. According to research, using honey instead of sugar or an artificial sweetener can reduce total cholesterol and triglyceride levels and increase HDL (or ‘good’) cholesterol.
One 120g (4oz) pot of yoghurt plus one tablespoon of honey = 140 calories.

By eating these you can put two ticks against your five-a-day fruit and veg target! Apples are high in pectin, a soluble fibre; contain quercetin — an antioxidant that can reduce damage caused by cholesterol; and have a high water content, which will help to keep your thirst satiated. Apples are also a good source of vitamin C. Pears are high in potassium and are also a good source of fibre and vitamin C. A study in 2003 found that women who consumed three apples or pears a day for three months lost more weight than women who had a similar calorie-controlled diet but did not have the fruit. How about that for a way to snack yourself to weight loss?
One apple and one pear = 125 calories.

While a fruit juice counts towards your all-important fruit and veg target, it doesn't offer any fibre at all. A smoothie, on the other hand, contains the pulp of the fruit and not just the juice, and provides you with fibre plus a whole array of vitamins and minerals. It also boosts hydration, of course — and research from Penn State University in the US found that liquid foods help you to feel full for longer, making you less likely to overeat later on. For maximum health benefits, choose a berry-rich flavour smoothie for the best healthy snack drink option.
One serving = 200 calories (on average — obviously it depends on the ingredients!).

Chocolate has an unnecessarily bad press in health terms. Yes, a nougat or sugar-filled milk chocolate bar the size of a brick isn't the best choice, but you can eat chocolate as a healthy snack option and part of a healthy, balanced diet. Dark chocolate containing at least 70 per cent cocoa solids is a good source of antioxidants — particularly flavonoids, which are the type that are found in green tea and red wine. And while chocolate is high in fat, it consists of saturated types — including stearic and palmitic acid — and oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat that is also found in olive oil. A number of studies have found that chocolate's main fat, stearic acid, has a neutral effect on the LDL (or ‘bad’) cholesterol. Dark chocolate has also been shown to reduce high blood pressure, and has twice the magnesium of and more iron than milk chocolate. Plus chocolate makes us feel good!
A 20g (0.7oz) bar or chunk = 100 calories.

A tasty, crunchy snack that’s perfect if you've got cold storage nearby. Hummus is best when you make it yourself using chickpeas — but if you don’t have time to do this, opt for the reduced fat variety, which will supply you with vitamin E, manganese, and disease-fighting garlic. Use raw veg — such as beta-carotene-rich carrot sticks and potassium-rich celery — to dip into the hummus, in order to boost your fibre intake.
50g (1.8oz) reduced fat hummus with veggie sticks = 125 calories.

This is the perfect combination of protein, fat, carbohydrate, and lots of fibre. While peanut butter is high in fat, it’s the unsaturated (or ‘good’) kind — and peanuts are a great source of the antioxidant vitamin E. Peanut butter is also rich in protein — so is an especially good option for vegetarians — and a good source of magnesium. Opt to spread the peanut butter on rye crispbreads — which are low in salt, high in fibre and have a low GI — so you won’t get an energy high followed by a crash. You would have to be nutty (or allergic) not to take advantage of this healthy snack option.
Two teaspoons of peanut butter on two rye crispbreads = 180 calories.

While seeds are high in fat, it is mostly unsaturated ‘healthy’ fat — and since they weigh so little, they are easy to eat on the move and therefore a very portable healthy snacking option. Seeds are also high in protein and a good source of phytosterols — plant compounds which are believed to reduce cholesterol and enhance immune function. In a US Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry report, sunflower seeds proved to be the best source of phytosterols — as well as being a good source of magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, and vitamin E. Pumpkin seeds contain cucurbitacins — a substance that appears to help prevent prostate enlargement — and are also a good source of zinc, magnesium, and manganese. Research also suggests pumpkin seeds might have anti-inflammatory properties that are useful in curbing the symptoms of arthritis. Add a handful of raisins to this mix and you’ll be upping your iron intake and potassium intake
A tablespoon each of pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and raisins = 240 calories.

If you're a cheese lover, you are probably only too aware of its high saturated fat content – which is particularly the case for the harder varieties. But it’s not all bad: hard cheese is a great source of calcium and phosphorus, and is one of the few good sources of vitamins B2 and B12 for non-meat eaters. Plus, if you buy stronger-tasting cheeses, you will only want to eat a little at a time. Eat with red grapes to up your fibre and fruit intake. Grapescontain polyphenols – antioxidants which are helpful to the heart – and ellagic acid, which is a cancer-fighting phytochemical, and that's got to be more than enough reason to tuck into this healthy snack.
A 30g piece of cheddar and a handful of grapes = 180 calories.

Avocado is something of a ‘superfood’, as it’s rich in vitamin E, high in monounsaturated fats and a good source of potassium – as well as vitamin B6, which aids the process of serotonin synethesis (a process that promotes good mood). Spread half a ‘medium ripe’ avocado on a slice of wholemeal toast to get a tasty, wholesome, low-GI snack containing a healthy dose of fibre. And if you like a spicy touch, sprinkle it with a dash of chilli sauce for a tasty spicy healthy snack.
Half an avocado on one slice of bread = 220 calories.

April is Bowel Cancer Awareness, hope this helps

Diagram of the Digestive system to try and help to understand more about the bowel.

April is bowel cancer awareness, this is the 4th most common cancer in the UK.

Did you know that Sir Bobby Moore lost his life to bowel cancer 20 years ago. Bobby Moore Fund is launching a new campaign to make Bobby proud.

Here are some helpful tips in which to try and prevent Bowel Cancer:-

STOP SMOKING - Regular, long term smokers will be more prone to bowel cancer than people that don't smoke.  Tobacco contains many toxins that are really bad for our health, and which can lead to so many cancers.

KEEP YOUR WEIGHT IN CHECK - Being overweight will increase the risk of cancer, so when stopping smoking try and keep your weight in check.

CUT DOWN ON THE ALCOHOL - Heavy drinking, or binge drinking is known now to increase the risk of Bowel cancer, so try to cut it down or out (if possible)

EXERCISE REGULARLY - By exercising 30 minutes everyday will help burn the calories, which will help weight maintenance. It is also very important as it will also help move food through the digestive system more quickly.

EAT HEALTHILY - Make sure that you eat plenty of dietary fibre, have lots of vegetables, seeds, whole grains, fruit and drink plenty of water...
There is a strong evidence of a  link with bowel cancer from eating red meat  and processed meat, so try and avoid it.
Poultry, Fish and Red meat substitute Quorn, Meat free
There is a also healthy Vitamins and Mineral supplements which can also help towards reducing the risk of bowel cancer...Please check that the supplements do not contain chemicals


Cancer cells are abnormal cells that have developed as a result of errors in the way normal cells in the body have reproduced, so that they become aggressive and start to spread to the surrounding tissues and even to other parts of the body.  Bowel cancer,, also known ascolorectal cancer or colon cancer,  is any cancer that affects the colon (large bowel) and rectum (back passage).It usually grows very slowly over a period of up to 10 years, before it starts to spread and affect other parts of the body

http://www.tmnaturehealth.co.uk/healthy_starter_programme

Restoring conditioner

This is formulated to protect and strengthen hair while restoring natural shine. Herbal extracts provide needed moisture to stressed or overworked hair, helping to repair and prevent damage to hair shafts.



http://www.tmnaturehealth.co.uk/restructuring_conditioner_(240ml)

This lovely shampoo,

This is a gentle, thorough cleansing shampoo that is ideal for daily use. Plant derived cleansers combine with pure botanical extracts, including aloe, nettle and chamomile to improve hair’s appearance and manageability.

A wholesome blend of vitamins, including A, B, C and E, strengthens hair and provides reinforcement against harmful environmental elements. Jojoba, Peppermint and Tea Tree oils invigorate and revitalise the scalp and hair. Microscopic spheres filled with an active hair repair complex bind to hair keratin where they remain attached for hours.

This unique hair repair complex lets your hair shine with restored health and beauty.

http://www.tmnaturehealth.co.uk/restoring_shampoo_(240ml)

A wonderful hand and body lotion....

Irish Moss Hand & Body Lotion is designed for overall skincare, and promotes skin health, suppleness and elasticity. This improved formula contains a unique moisture replenishing complex that protects against harmful external drying elements and ensures optimal hydration.

It also provides important vitamins A, B, C and E that deposit vital nutrients directly to the skin. Herbal and botanical extracts, including Irish moss extract, aloe vera gel, green tea, comfrey root extract and Icelandic moss provide natural, skin-nourishing benefits.

This formula comes in a tube for easier dispensing and has a pleasant, natural fragrance and colour.

Don't just take my word for it, try it for yourselves.......

http://www.tmnaturehealth.co.uk/irish_moss_hand_body_lotion_(250ml)

Why not try a chemical free toothpaste??

Dental Health

This fluoride free toothpaste features hydrated silica powder, calcium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate to help improve stains and polish teeth without damaging tooth enamel.
Sunshine Brite also contains soothing Aloe Vera gel, golden seal, Myrrh, Icelandic moss, Astragalus, Green Tea and Elderberry for natural oral healthcare.
Sunshine Brite is naturally flavoured with real mint.

My Family really like the taste of the toothpaste, and the fact that there are no horrible chemicals which would enter the body and do harm.

DID YOU KNOW???
That bleeding gums is one of the first signs of scurvy caused by Vitamin C deficiency.


http://www.tmnaturehealth.co.uk/sunshine_brite_toothpaste_(100g)