List Of Controversial Ingredients

Here is a list of controversial ingredients that you can commonly find in foods. This list is a work in progress, but I want everyone to be able to easily see why they should avoid certain foods that I list as bad foods - without me having to write it out each time. It just makes my job easier.

Acesulfame Potassium - also seen as Acesulfame K, Ace-K, Sunett, or Sweet One, Acesulfame Potassium is a sugar substitute that is 200 times sweeter than table sugar. It is used as a flavor enhancer and sweetener for foods. It is a low calorie food ingredient because our bodies do not metabolize it. Acesulfame K also is not consumed by bacteria so it does not contribute to tooth decay as sugar does. However, methylene chloride is used for the production of Acesulfame K, which also is used as a propellant, degreaser, and paint stripper. There are many side effects with consumption of Acesulfame K, including increased risk for cancer, triggering chronic respiratory disease, or abnormal cravings for sweets.  This artificial sweetener has a slight bitter aftertaste, but companies are using this with sodium ferulate to mask the bitterness. Other companies use Acesulfame K with other alternative sweeteners such as Aspartame or sucralose to control the use of it.

Alum - Alum is used as an ingredient in baking powder and is used to give crispness to pickles and maraschino cherries and to harden gelatin. Alum can be a dangerous substance when not used properly. Ingestion of 1 ounce has killed adults.

Artifical color - made from petroleum products. The consumption of artificial dyes has been thought to increase hyperactivity in children

Artificial flavors - The FDA does not require companies to disclose ingredients of color or flavor additives, typical artificial strawberry flavor contains over 30 chemicals and according to manufacturer safety data sheets those chemicals cause eye irritation, corneal damage, eye burns, skin irritation, severe / permanent damage to digestive tract, gastrointestinal irritation, gastrointestinal tract burns, CNS depression, neurological effects, liver abnormalities, cardiac abnormalities, or other harm

Aspartame - One of the most common artificial sweeteners is aspartame, also seen as Equal or Nutrasweet. It is 200 times sweeter than table sugar and lower in calories. It is composed of the amino acids aspartic acid and phenylananine, which are building blocks of proteins. There is much controversy on whether aspartame causes cancer. People with phenylketonuria (PKU) should not eat foods with aspartame because phenylalanine is a component of aspartame and they cannot break down that specific amino acid. If it does, levels of phenylalanine can build up in the blood, preventing necessary chemicals to reach the brain.

Blue 1 - commonly known as Brilliant Blue FCF or E133, Blue 1 is found in beverages, dairy products, jellies, etc. as a food coloring. It can produce various shades of green according to the manufacture’s wishes in conjunction with Yellow 5. It was originally derived from coal tar, but now made from an oil base such as petroleum. All dyes are considered additives by the FDA through the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) since it is not used for the purpose of consumption, but to improve the appearance of the product. The synthetic dye does not fade as easily as other natural sources of blue dye such as indigo and is more preferred by the manufacturer. The consumption of artificial dyes has been thought to increase hyperactivity in children. It has been banned in much of Europe, but is still considered legal according to the European Union and the United States.

Blue 2 -FD&C Blue No.2, commonly added to tablets and capsules; also used in ice cream, sweets, baked goods, confectionary, biscuits, synthetic coal tar derivative; may cause nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, skin rashes, breathing problems and other allergic reactions. Banned in Norway. The largest study suggested, but did not prove, that this dye caused brain tumors in male mice.

Caramel Color - One of the most widely used colors is caramel, the color of burnt sugar. There are many different types of caramel color, each engineered to serve a particular purpose in food chemistry. Caramel color is a colloid, a mixture in which solid particles are suspended in water. The particles in colloids have electric charges that keep the particles from clumping together and settling out of solution. The charges can be positive or negative. If a negative coloid is added to a product that has positive colloidal particles in it, the two will attract one another and clump up, making the product cloudy. Caramel color can be made with either positively or negatively charged particles. This allows manufacturers to use negative colloidal caramel in acidic soft drinks, and positive in beers and soy sauces. Beer has positively charged proteins suspended in it, and soy sauce has a high salt content that requires the more salt-tolerant positive caramel color. Caramel color is an emulsifying agent as well as a colorant. In soft drinks, it helps keep the flavor oils suspended in the solution. In chocolate milk, the muddy color of caramel is darkened by the addition of FD&C Red #40 to give what the industry refers to as a "Dutch" chocolate shade. Blues and yellows are sometimes used to give a more brown color.

GREEN 3 - A 1981 industry-sponsored study gave hints of bladder cancer. Fortunately, this possibly carcinogenic dye is rarely used.
High fructose corn syrup - there has been controversial evidence showing that the consumption of HFCS is associated with obesity

Partially Hydrogenated Oils:
The process of hydrogenation creates "trans fatty acids" (TFAs), which are toxic entities that enter cell membranes, block utilization of essential fatty acids (EFAs) and impede cell functionality. TFAs also cause a rise in blood cholesterol. Trans fats are also called hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Trans fats are found in margarine and shortening and foods -- such as cookies, crackers and other commercially baked goods -- made with these ingredients. Trans fat raises LDL cholesterol and lowers high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the "good" cholesterol.


Phosphoric Acid - is a corrosive acid that can form three different classes of salts, namely primary phosphates, dibasic phosphates and tribasic phosphates. It is used as an anti-oxidant in food, as a flavour additive for sharp taste in food (jellies, preserves) and soft drinks, as a tang (Food Additive 338) and for the manufacture of yeasts and gelatine.

Polysorbate 80 -made by combining ethylene oxide, which is a precursor to antifreeze, with a sugar alcohol derivative. Polysorbate 60 and 80 are found in cleaning products, motor oils, lubricants, shampoos, cosmetics, lotions, vaccines, etc

Potassium Benzoate -  is a colorless white crystalline powder that is used as a preservative in foods. It prevents bacteria and fungi from contaminating food, beverages, cosmetics, dental care products, and pharmaceuticals. Potassium Benzoate is an alternative to Sodium Benzoate when low sodium content is required. In presence of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) such as in jams, sodium benzoate can form the chemical benzene. Benzene is known to damage DNA, genetic material, which can lead to leukemia and other cancers. Fruit juice, pickles, and soft drinks can be preserved with potassium benzoate. Most countries approve the use of potassium benzoate, but the European Union suggests children not to consume products preserved with it.

Red 3 - Erythrosine FD&C Red No.3; red color used in cherries, canned fruit, custard mix, sweets, bakery, snack foods; can cause sensitivity to light; can increase thyroid hormone levels and lead to hyperthyroidism, was shown to cause thyroid cancer in rats in a study in 1990; banned in Norway.  .

Red 40 - a dye commonly used as food coloring in today’s foods. The proper chemical name is actually 6-hydroxy-5-[(2-methoxy-5-methyl-4-sulfophenyl)azo]-2-naphthalenesulfonic acid, but also known as “azo” dye. By itself Red 40 has an orangish-red color and found in cherry and strawberry flavored foods. Orange foods are typically dyed with Yellow 6. All dyes are considered additives by the FDA through the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) since it is not used for the purpose of consumption, but to improve the appearance of the product. For example, chocolate pudding would be slightly greener without the use of red dye.

Sodium Benzoate - used as a food preservative or antiseptic, sodium benzoate is a white crystalline powder chemically known as C7H5O2Na or E211. Although it is classified by the Federal Drug Administration as safe, sodium benzoate is a controversial additive. Sodium benzoate was previously used for centuries as a preservative to prevent the growth of microbial organisms in the food. In presence of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) such as in jams, sodium benzoate can form the chemical benzene. Benzene is known to damage DNA, genetic material, which can lead to leukemia and other cancers.

Sodium Nitrate - Sodium Nitrate and Sodium Nitrite are both salts used as preservatives in processed meats. Sodium Nitrate, NaNO3, is used as a food preservative because of its anti-microbial properties so food stays fresher longer. There is controversy of its use because it can produce nitrosamines, which cause cancer, when food with sodium nitrate is cooked at high heat. Over-consumption of sodium nitrate can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.
TBHQ - Tertiary Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) is an antioxidant approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a preservative. The purpose of using TBHQ is to stabilize possibly explosive compounds. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) put a limit of .02% maximum of TBHQ in the food product. Ingestion of 5 grams can cause death, while only 1 gram can cause alarming symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), delirium, etc. TBHQ is butane based, a main component of lighter fluid.

Sorbitol -  Too much sorbitol (as little as 10 grams per day) can lead to irritable bowel syndrome with symptoms including flatulence and bloating. Sorbitol is a natural laxative since consumption of excess fruits leads to the general effects. It is not well absorbed, so excess water enters the gastrointestinal tract, leading to diarrhea or flatulence. Sorbitol is safe to consume but the amounts consumed should be wary.
Sulphur Dioxide - Sulfiting agents prevent discoloration and bacterial growth. They also destroy vitamin B-1 and, most important, can cause severe reactions, especially in asthmatics. It has caused at least twelve known deaths and probably many more.

Yellow 5 - The dye has been banned in Norway, Austria, and Germany, but not all of Europe since it would affect many food businesses economically. Yellow 5 may be contaminated with carcinogens such as benzidine and 4-aminobiphenyl during the manufacturing process

Yellow 6 - commonly known as Tartrazine, E110, or Sunset Yellow, Yellow 6 is a food coloring that is added to foods to produce an orange to yellow color. All dyes are considered additives by the FDA through the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) since it is not used for the purpose of consumption, but to improve the appearance of the product. It is the third-most-widely used dye, but evidence shows that the manufacturing process used to create the dye can also result in the production of a carcinogenic red dye called Sudan 1. Sudan 1 is a dye commonly found in solvents, oils, waxes, petrol, and shoe and floor polishes. If consumed, Sudan 1 can damage cellular DNA, or genetic material, to cause tumors.

Another thing to note, there are 4.2 grams of sugar in every teaspoon. Example: a product has 22 grams of sugar, that is over 5 teaspoons of sugar in one serving!

Buy This & Not That: Cottage Cheese

Whew! This list took a long time to put together. I put together a list of good, okay and bad cottage cheeses. I know a lot of healthy recipes call for cottage cheese, plus it can make a great healthy snack. To be sure you're getting the best out of 'healthy foods', you want to eat the ones that are best for you. You want to avoid harmful ingredients, artificial colorings and flavorings. We all know what kinds of foods we are suppose to eat, but no one tells us which brands to eat. So, I'm here to help!

I know I would like a list of the best foods for you, so I know I will be resorting to this list every so often. I plan to do this with other foods as well, but it's going to take time. If you have any certain foods you want me to cover, just let me know!


Good:
President's 1% Milk Fat Cottage Cheese (high in sodium)
President's 2% Milk Fat Cottage Cheese (high in sodium)
Friendship Whipped Lowfat 1% Milkfat Cottage Cheese (high in sodium)
Friendship Lowfat Cottage Cheese (high in sodium)
Friendship All Natural Cottage Cheese (high in sodium)

Okay:
Wegmans 1% Milkfat Cottage Cheese (high in sodium, contains phosphoric acid)
ShopRite 1% Milkfat Cottage Cheese (high in sodium, high in saturated fat)
ShopRite 4% Milkfat Cottage Cheese (high in sodium, high in saturated fat)
Breakstone's Lowfat 2% Milkfat Cottage Cheese (high in sodium)
Breakstone's Liveactive Low Fat For Digestive Health Cottage Cheese 4 pack (high in sodium)
Breakstone's Liveactive Lowfat Cottage Cheese 4 pack (high in sodium)
Cabot Vermont Style No Fat Cottage Cheese (high in sodium)
Knudsen 2% Milkfat Lowfat Cottage Cheese (high in sodium)
Knudsen Free Nonfat Cottage Cheese (high in sodium)
Knudsen On The Go! Lowfat Cottage Cheese 4 pack (high in sodium)
Friendship California Style Cottage Cheese (high in sodium, high in saturated fat)
Friendship 4% Milkfat Cottage Cheese (high in sodium, high in saturated fat)
America's Choice 1% Milkfat Cottage Cheese (high in sodium, contains phosphoric acid)
Axelrod 4% Cottage Cheese (high in sodium, high in saturated fat)
Light N Lovely 1% Milkfat Cottage Cheese (high sodium, contains artificial flavors)

Bad:
Wegmans 4% Milkfat Cottage Cheese (high in sodium, high in saturated fat, contains phosphoric acid)
Great Value Fat Free Cottage Cheese (high in sodium)
Great Value Low Fat Cottage Cheese (high in sodium, contains polysorbate 80)
Great Value Cottage Cheese (high in sodium, high in saturated fat, contains polysorbate 80)
Land O Lakes 1% Low Fat Cottage Cheese (high in sodium, contains polysorbate 80)
Land O Lakes Cottage Cheese (high in sodium, high in saturated fat, contains polysorbate 80)
Cabot Vermont Vermont Style Cottage Cheese (high in saturated fat, high in sodium, contains polysorbate 80)
Breakstone's 4% Milkfat Cottage Cheese (high in saturated fat, high in sodium)
Breakstone's Fat Free Cottage Cheese (high in sodium, contains artifical color)
Breakstone's Liveactive Lowfat with Mixed Berries Cottage Cheese 4 pack (high in sodium, contains high fructose corn syrup, contains Red 40)
Breakstone's Liveactive Lowfat with Pineapple Cottage Cheese 4 pack (high in sodium, contains high fructose corn syrup, contains Yellow 5)
Breakstone's Cottage Doubles (high in sodium, contains high fructose corn syrup)
Breakstone's 100 Calorie Cottage Cheese Doubles (high in sodium, contains high fructose corn syrup)
Knudsen Cottage Doubles (high in sodium, contains high fructose corn syrup)
Knudsen Liveactive Lowfat with Pineapple Cottage Cheese 4 pack (high in sodium, contains high fructose corn syrup, contains Yellow 5)
Knudsen Liveactive Lowfat with Mixes Berries Cottage Cheese (high sodium, contains high fructose corn syrup, contains Red 40)
Knudsen On The Go! Lowfat with Pineapple Cottage Cheese 4 pack (high in sodium, contains high fructose corn syrup)
Friendship Lowfat 1% Milkfat Cottage Cheese with Apple Raisin (high in sodium, contains artificial flavors)
Friendship Nonfat Cottage Cheese with Peach (high in sodium, contains high fructose corn syrup, contains artificial colors)
Friendship Non Fat Cottage Cheese with Pineapple (high in sodium, contains artificial flavors)
America's Choice 4% Milkfat Cottage Cheese (high in sodium, high in saturated fat, contains phosphoric acid)
Axelrod Nonfat Cottage Cheese (high in sodium, contains artificial colors)
Dean's Cottage Cheeses (high in sodium, contains polysorbate 80, contains artifical flavoring)
Light N Lively Nonfat Cottage Cheese (high in sodium, contains artificial colors, contains artificial flovors)

Saving Money While Eating Healthy

Once again, here are a few deals & coupons you may want to take advantage of to save the most money you can while eating healthy. We all know how expensive it can be to eat healthy and every penny counts!

There are a few new coupons out for Cascadian Farm this month:

•  $.75/1 Cascadian Farm Product
• $.85/1 Cascadian Farm Product

Save on Muir Glen organic products this month with these new coupons:

• $.50/1 Muir Glen Products
• $.60/1 Muir Glen Products

If any of you are starting your Christmas shopping already, this might be a good gift idea for a coffee lover. For $54, you can get a Wolfgang Puck Coffee Maker with a bag of their organic coffee.  The original retail price is $242.

Head over to the Oikos Organic Facebook page and you can print a $1/2 Oikos Yogurt coupon.

Clean Berry Smoothie

Here is a pretty simple smoothie.

1 cup of blueberries
1 cup of strawberries
1 tbsp flax seed
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup of unsweetened almond milk

This isn't my favorite smoothie, I'll be honest. I really expected this to taste more... I dunno, tasty? It didn't seem to have a ton of flavor to it. Maybe it was because I forgot to thaw out my berries first. It would probably have tasted way better with fresh berries.

What do you think of this recipe? Comment below!

Buy This & Not That: Baby Gummies

Well, there's something my kids love - gummies!! They could each eat a whole box of gummies a day, if I let them (which I don't). My kids gotta have gummies. They beg for them. "Just one more, please? Please? One more!" How many times have I listened to that?

Well, I was doing a bit of looking around and I have found some not so good gummies. Yes, I am talking about those Gerber Graduates Juice Treats. I am totally guilty of buying these for my kids. These are definitely one yummy gummy you should want to stay away from.

They contain 100 calories and 17 grams of sugar per pack (that is nearly a whopping 4 1/2 teaspoons of sugar in one small pack - not good!). They also contain hydrogenated oil.

There are better options out there:

Beech-Nut Let's Grow! Mixed Fruit Nibbles have 80 calories a pack, but are guilty of also having 17 grams of sugar. However, they have NO hydrogenated oil.

Gerber Graduates Fruit Twist (not gummies but a great substitute) have 35 calories per twist and only 7 grams of sugar (under 2 teaspoons). No controversial ingredients. Sounds like a winner to me.

There are also the organic options, which are usually pretty healthy too. You just need to check the labels. Watch for hydrogenated oil and high amounts of sugar.

Clean Spinach Pizza

I got this recipe from The Gracious Pantry.

This is just a small, quick pizza that you can toss in the microwave if you are not in the mood to cook. I was a little put off by this recipe because I hate cottage cheese. I just think it's gross. But, it wasn't really that bad. The cottage cheese tasted fine. It's not something that made me say wow, but I would probably eat it again.

Here are the ingredients:



1 Whole Wheat Pita
1/4 cup of tomato sauce (I used Hunt's Paste.. it tasted fine)
1/2 cup of low fat cottage cheese
1 handful of spinach

Step 1:



Put your sauce on your pita

Step 2:



Add your spinach

Step 3:



Add your cottage cheese. Then, you put it in the microwave. I did two minutes in the microwave, but I think that was a bit much because the pita breads edges were very hard to cut. I think a little less than 2 minutes would be better.

Now, this is VERY messy! I am not kidding. This was just so messy and it was the biggest thing that put me off about this pizza. I had sauce and cheese all over me. I used a fork and knife, but even so. It didnt help that I had my two youngest kids trying to steal it, so it was not something I want to eat around kids again. It wasn't bad and actually did taste kind of like a real pizza, but it was by far the messiest pizza I have ever had.

What do you think? Leave a comment below!

Clean Hot Chocolate

Now that colder weather is starting to fall upon us, many of us will start drinking hot chocolate. I know it's a favorite for many in the fall and winter. You do not have to drink the store bought packaged hot chocolate! It's full of sugar and chemicals. You can make your own hot chocolate at home using just a few ingredients.

1 cup unsweetened almond milk
2 1/2 to 3 tbsp honey
1/2 tsp cinnamon
3/4 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

Combine all ingredients in a pot, heat on the stove at medium high heat. Stir until all ingredients are mixed and mixture gets hot.

I thought this tasted pretty good. I went a little high on the honey, so I'd use a bit less next time I make it. You can alter this however you want. Leave out the cinnamon, use soy milk or skim milk - whatever you'd like.

Like this recipe? Comment below!