There are a number of unhealthy foods on the market today. It would take forever to list them all so here are my top seven to avoid at all costs…

1) Canned tomatoes
BPA is a toxic chemical linked to reproductive abnormalities, neurological effects, heightened risk of breast and prostate cancers, diabetes, heart disease and more. To avoid this hazardous chemical, avoid canned foods entirely and stick to fresh fruits and vegetables, or switch over to brands that use glass containers instead—especially for acidic foods like tomatoes.

2) Processed meats
Deli meats are typically made with meats from animals given growth hormones, antibiotics and other veterinary drugs. These meats also typically contain sodium nitrite and other chemical flavorings and dyes. Processed should be avoided entirely as processed meats increase your risk of cancer, and NO amount of processed meat is “safe.” Fresh organically-raised grass-fed or pastured meats, or wild caught salmon are healthier options.

3) Margarine
There are a myriad of unhealthy components to margarine and other butter impostors, including trans fats, free radicals, emulsifiers and preservatives, hexane and other toxic solvents. Raw milk butter, when made from grass-fed cows, is rich in beneficial conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which is known to help fight cancer and diabetes.

4) Vegetable oils
Vegetable oils are highly processed, and when consumed in large amounts, they distort the important omega-6 to omega-3 ratio. Vegetable oils can oxidize good cholesterol, turning it into bad cholesterol. Coconut oil is best for cooking as it is not very susceptible to heat damage. It’s also one of the most unique and beneficial fats for your body. Olive oil is easily damaged by heat and is best reserved for drizzling cold over salad.

5) Microwave popcorn
Microwave popcorn bags are lined with PFOA, and when they are heated the compound leaches onto the popcorn. These chemicals are part of an expanding group of chemicals known to disrupt your endocrine system and affect your sex hormones. The EPA has ruled PFCs as “likely carcinogens,” and has stated that PFOA “poses developmental and reproductive risks to humans.”
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6) Non-organic potatoes and produce
Your best bet is to buy only organic fruits and vegetables, as synthetic agricultural chemicals are not permissible under the USDA organic rules. That said, not all conventionally grown fruits and vegetables are subjected to the same amount of pesticide load. Fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide load, making them the most important to buy or grow organically, include apples, cucumbers, spinach, kale and potatoes.

7) Table salt
Regular ‘table salt’ and the salt found in processed foods are NOT identical to the salt your body really needs. Table salt contains chemicals like ferrocyanide and aluminosilicate, and added iodine, while natural salt contains many naturally occurring minerals, including trace minerals like silicon, phosphorous and vanadium. My favorite is Himalayan salt, which contains about 84 trace minerals your body needs.

Source: Shakahari

BDST: 1658 HRS, AUG 02, 2015
Edited by:  Sharmina Islam, Lifestyle Editor