Artificial sweeteners
Unfortunately, ‘sweet enemies’ can be found under different names on labels of familiar products (so we recommend that you check the contents carefully in the supermarket). They are 10-600 times sweeter than sugar and cause intense hunger, which can lead not only to extra pounds but even to obesity. Our brain does not get the signal that the desire for ‘something sweet’ has been satisfied, and we continue to eat more without even noticing it.
Hydrogenated and trans fats
Unless we’re talking about vegetable oils, they’re hardly good for humans. And those used for fried foods, fast food and some baked goods are even dangerous. Hydrogenated fats are caloric and toxic, and can increase ‘bad’ cholesterol, lower ‘good’ cholesterol, and completely disable the body. Also avoid foods that say “partially hydrogenated oil” in their composition: consuming trans fats increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and type II diabetes.
Energy drinks
The average can of energy drink contains more than 30 grams of sugar and a lot of stimulants which suppress your appetite, disturb your sleep and dehydrate your body.
Carbonated beverages
Sodas contain corn syrup, the fructose in which can cause serious liver damage (avoid corn syrup in all products). In addition, sodas increase hunger, forcing us to consume more calories than our body needs.
Nitrites
They are added to processed meats such as bacon, ham, salami and sausages. At high temperatures, nitrites can form toxic compounds known as nitrosamines, which in turn are carcinogenic and increase the risk of pancreatic, stomach and colorectal cancer.
Food colorings
The yellow dyes #5 and #6 found in cereals, puddings and other foods interfere with concentration and learning in children. And yellow #5 can also cause allergic reactions in a small percentage of the population.
Microwave popcorn
The chemical coating used in some popcorn bags breaks down when heated to a substance called perfluorooctanoic acid – it can cause cancer.
Processed and hormone-farmed meat
Consuming processed meat, sausages and bacon increases the risk of heart disease by 42% and type II diabetes by 19%. Processed meat is also high in sodium. Similarly, meat specially raised on farms, laden with hormones and inflamed due to the stress the animal has been under should be avoided.
