The 11 Most Toxic Foods To Avoid – Dangers Of The Standard American Diet
It’s hard to narrow down to the 11 most toxic foods to avoid, as almost everything in the Standard American Diet is toxic. However, here are 11 toxic foods that stand out from the others. Avoiding these foods and consuming a healthy diet like my Cellular Healing Diet is the first step to improving your health and life quality.
The 11 Most Toxic Foods To Avoid – #1 Processed Foods And Fast Food
Processed foods are highly convenient and easily available, but they are also loaded with preservatives, additives, and artificial ingredients that have adverse effects on our health. These include processed meats, packaged snacks, and sugary drinks which dominate 80% of the grocery store aisles.
Processed foods contain high quantities of sugar or artificial sweeteners. Consuming excessive amounts of sugar leads to health issues such as obesity, insulin resistance, and heart disease.1
Artificial sweeteners are linked to various health issues such as increased appetite and digestive problems. Studies have shown that a number of sugar substitutes harm gut bacteria, leading to dysbiosis. This results in digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea.2
Vegetable oil is a generic term used to describe various types of seed-based oils such as soybean, cottonseed, and sunflower oil. It is used in processed foods due to its low cost and high smoke point. However, vegetable oil is highly processed and contains high levels of omega-6 fatty acids that are often rancid, making it harmful to our health. Vegetable oils are linked with chronic inflammation and heart disease.3
Preservatives are food additives that prolong the shelf life of processed and packaged foods. They help prevent spoilage, maintain flavor and color, and reduce the growth of harmful bacteria. While preservatives are effective in extending the expiration date of food, some types of preservatives have negative effects on our health.
There are two main types of preservatives: natural and synthetic. Natural preservatives, such as salt and vinegar, have been used for centuries to preserve foods. These types of preservatives are generally considered safe for consumption. However, synthetic preservatives are chemically made and pose health risks.
Some common synthetic preservatives found in processed foods include BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole), BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), TBHQ (tert-butylhydroquinone), sodium nitrite, sodium benzoate, and potassium sorbate.4
These preservatives have been linked to various health issues, such as allergic reactions and respiratory problems. They also interfere with our body’s natural digestion and nutrient absorption process.5
Artificial food coloring is commonly used in processed foods to make them more visually appealing, but they have been linked to allergies, asthma, hyperactivity, and behavioral problems in children. Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Red 3, and Yellow 6 are among the most commonly used artificial food coloring agents. Avoid products that contain these dyes.6
The 11 Most Toxic Foods To Avoid – #2 Sodas and Energy Drinks
Sodas and energy drinks are high in sugar and caffeine, which lead to weight gain, increased blood sugar levels, and a host of other health problems.7
Diet soda is even worse, as it contains artificial sweeteners. Diet soda is linked to autism and studies have found a three times higher prevalence of ASD in children born to mothers who consumed artificial sweeteners during pregnancy.8
It’s best to stick to water or herbal teas for hydration.
The 11 Most Toxic Foods To Avoid – #3 Juice
I bet you didn’t think you would find juice on this list. However, juice, even 100% natural juice, is not good for our health. While it is filled with vitamins and minerals, the amount of sugar in juice is incredibly high. In fact, a glass of apple juice has as much or more sugar than a soda.
Juices are made from fruit that has been stripped of its fiber which means that it lacks the ability to slow down the absorption of sugar into our bloodstream. This leads to a spike in blood sugar levels and puts a strain on our pancreas, leading to insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.9
The 11 Most Toxic Foods To Avoid – #4 Canned Foods
Canned foods may seem like a convenient option, but they often contain high amounts of sodium, preservatives, and BPA (a harmful chemical used in the lining of cans). It is best to opt for fresh or frozen options instead.10
The 11 Most Toxic Foods To Avoid – #5 High Mercury Fish
While fish is generally considered a healthy food, some types such as swordfish, tuna, and mackerel contain high levels of mercury which have toxic effects on the body. Mercury gets into fish through water pollution, particularly from coal-fired power plants. As smaller fish are eaten by larger ones, the mercury accumulates up the food chain. This means that larger predatory fish have higher levels of mercury than smaller ones.11
Mercury builds up in the body over time and causes neurological, reproductive, and immune system issues. Mercury is a neurotoxin, which means it damages nerve cells and impairs brain function. High levels of mercury have been linked to symptoms such as memory loss, tremors, and vision and hearing problems.12
The 11 Most Toxic Foods To Avoid – #6 Farmed Salmon
Farmed salmon may seem like a healthy choice, but they are often fed antibiotics and have higher levels of contaminants such as PCBs compared to wild-caught salmon. These chemicals have harmful effects on our health by disrupting hormone function. Additionally, farmed salmon are often raised in crowded conditions which leads to the use of pesticides and other chemicals to control diseases.13
The 11 Most Toxic Foods To Avoid – #7 Non-Organic Produce
Pesticides and fertilizers used in conventional farming leave residue on fruits and vegetables, making them harmful for consumption. It is best to opt for organic produce whenever possible.
The non-organic fruits and vegetables that have the highest amount of pesticide residues include strawberries, peaches, pears, nectarines, apples, grapes, cherries, blueberries, green beans, peppers, and leafy greens. Ideally, only consume these foods if they are 100% organic.14
The 11 Most Toxic Foods To Avoid – #8 Cereal
Cereal is often considered a quick and easy breakfast option, especially for busy individuals. However, many popular brands of cereal contain GMOs and harmful chemicals that have serious negative effects on our health.15
One such chemical is glyphosate, which is used as an herbicide in agriculture. Glyphosate is used on crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat, which are commonly used in cereal production. Glyphosate is linked with microbiome dysfunction and hormone dysfunction.16
Read more about how glyphosate affects health.
In addition to glyphosate, many cereals also contain chlormequat chloride, a plant growth regulator. This chemical is often used to increase crop yields, but it has been linked to negative effects on human health by disrupting hormone balance.17
The 11 Most Toxic Foods To Avoid – #9 Non-Dairy Coffee Creamer
Like many processed foods, non-dairy coffee creamers contain harmful ingredients that have negative effects on our health. Hydrogenated oils, also known as trans fats, are often used in non-dairy coffee creamers to give them a creamy texture and extend their shelf life. These oils have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.18
High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a common sweetener used in many processed foods, including non-dairy coffee creamers. Additionally, artificial sweeteners like sucralose, aspartame, and saccharin are found in non-dairy coffee creamers.19 20
Carrageenan is a common additive used in non-dairy coffee creamers as a thickening agent. However, this ingredient has been shown to cause inflammation in the body and may contribute to digestive issues, such as bloating, gas, and discomfort. To make non-dairy coffee creamers taste and look more appealing, manufacturers often add artificial flavors and colors.21 22
The 11 Most Toxic Foods To Avoid – #10 Microwave Popcorn
Microwave popcorn is a favorite go-to snack for many people, but it may come as a surprise that it contains hidden toxic chemicals. The bags used for microwaving popcorn often contain perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which is a known carcinogen and has been linked to various health issues including thyroid disease and infertility.23
Additionally, microwave popcorn bags are often lined with perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), another toxic chemical that leaches into the popcorn during microwaving. PFOS has been linked to various health problems, including developmental issues, reproductive problems, and liver damage.24
Moreover, the act of microwaving itself contributes to the toxicity of popcorn. When heated at high temperatures, the chemicals in the bag and flavoring break down into harmful substances that are then released into the air and inhaled. Specifically, the artificial butter flavor used in microwave popcorn contains diacetyl, a chemical that has been linked to lung damage when inhaled, resulting in a condition called Popcorn Lung.25
The 11 Most Toxic Foods To Avoid – #11 Low Fat Ice Cream
One of the biggest concerns with low-fat ice cream is its high sugar content. In order to compensate for the lack of flavor from removing fat, many manufacturers add excessive amounts of sugar to their products. Moreover, low-fat ice cream often contains artificial sweeteners like aspartame or sucralose.26
Many brands also use harmful additives, preservatives, and stabilizers to enhance the texture and shelf life of their products. These can include ingredients like carrageenan and propylene glycol, a common food additive that has been linked to skin irritation and even liver damage.27
The 11 Most Toxic Foods To Avoid – Dangers Of The Standard American Diet
It is important to avoid the most toxic foods as they significantly impact our health. Incorporating a variety of whole, unprocessed foods into our diet provides us with the nutrition we need to optimize our health.
Read more about my Cellular Healing Diet.
References
1 Gillespie KM, Kemps E, White MJ, Bartlett SE. The Impact of Free Sugar on Human Health-A Narrative Review. Nutrients. 2023 Feb 10;15(4):889. doi: 10.3390/nu15040889. PMID: 36839247; PMCID: PMC9966020.
2 Pang MD, Goossens GH, Blaak EE. The Impact of Artificial Sweeteners on Body Weight Control and Glucose Homeostasis. Front Nutr. 2021 Jan 7;7:598340. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2020.598340. PMID: 33490098; PMCID: PMC7817779.
3 Esmaillzadeh A, Azadbakht L. Home use of vegetable oils, markers of systemic inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction among women. Am J Clin Nutr. 2008 Oct;88(4):913-21. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/88.4.913. PMID: 18842776.
4 EWG’s Dirty Dozen Guide to Food Chemicals: The top 12 to avoid. (2024, February 29). Environmental Working Group. https://www.ewg.org/consumer-guides/ewgs-dirty-dozen-guide-food-chemicals-top-12-avoid
5 Novais C, Molina AK, Abreu RMV, Santo-Buelga C, Ferreira ICFR, Pereira C, Barros L. Natural Food Colorants and Preservatives: A Review, a Demand, and a Challenge. J Agric Food Chem. 2022 Mar 9;70(9):2789-2805. doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.1c07533. Epub 2022 Feb 24. PMID: 35201759; PMCID: PMC9776543.
6 Miller MD, Steinmaus C, Golub MS, Castorina R, Thilakartne R, Bradman A, Marty MA. Potential impacts of synthetic food dyes on activity and attention in children: a review of the human and animal evidence. Environ Health. 2022 Apr 29;21(1):45. doi: 10.1186/s12940-022-00849-9. PMID: 35484553; PMCID: PMC9052604.
7 Vartanian LR, Schwartz MB, Brownell KD. Effects of soft drink consumption on nutrition and health: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Public Health. 2007 Apr;97(4):667-75. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2005.083782. Epub 2007 Feb 28. PMID: 17329656; PMCID: PMC1829363.
8 Fowler SP, Gimeno Ruiz de Porras D, Swartz MD, Stigler Granados P, Heilbrun LP, Palmer RF. Daily Early-Life Exposures to Diet Soda and Aspartame Are Associated with Autism in Males: A Case-Control Study. Nutrients. 2023 Aug 29;15(17):3772. doi: 10.3390/nu15173772. PMID: 37686804; PMCID: PMC10490529.
9 Ruxton CHS, Myers M. Fruit Juices: Are They Helpful or Harmful? An Evidence Review. Nutrients. 2021 May 27;13(6):1815. doi: 10.3390/nu13061815. PMID: 34071760; PMCID: PMC8228760.
10 Stanford researcher finds link between canned food and exposure to hormone-disrupting chemical. (2016). https://news.stanford.edu/press/view/9046
11 Barone G, Storelli A, Meleleo D, Dambrosio A, Garofalo R, Busco A, Storelli MM. Levels of Mercury, Methylmercury and Selenium in Fish: Insights into Children Food Safety. Toxics. 2021 Feb 20;9(2):39. doi: 10.3390/toxics9020039. PMID: 33672494; PMCID: PMC7923435.
12 Basu N, Bastiansz A, Dórea JG, Fujimura M, Horvat M, Shroff E, Weihe P, Zastenskaya I. Our evolved understanding of the human health risks of mercury. Ambio. 2023 May;52(5):877-896. doi: 10.1007/s13280-023-01831-6. Epub 2023 Feb 15. PMID: 36790578; PMCID: PMC10073381.
13 PCBs in farmed salmon. (2003, July 31). Environmental Working Group. https://www.ewg.org/research/pcbs-farmed-salmon
14 Environmental Working Group. (2003). Check out @EWG’s 2024 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in ProduceTM! #DirtyDozen #CleanFifteen | @ewg |. https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/full-list.php
15 National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Division on Earth and Life Studies; Board on Agriculture and Natural Resources; Committee on Genetically Engineered Crops: Past Experience and Future Prospects. Genetically Engineered Crops: Experiences and Prospects. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2016 May 17. 5, Human Health Effects of Genetically Engineered Crops. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK424534/
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