This additive is a stabilizing and emulsifying agent found in many food products. Carrageenan is extracted from seaweed and processed with alkaline substances. Unfortunately, carrageenan can cause digestive problems, such as bloating, irritable bowel disease (IBD), and inflammation. While FDA approved, there is much debate on if it’s truly safe to eat.
Included but not limited to flavorings on nutrition labels that say ”red 40, caramel color, yellow 6”. As you can guess from the name, they are artificially made and come with various side effects. Some dietitians suggest they can cause serious side effects like cancer, allergies, and even hyperactivity. At Real Food Bar, we’re all about natural ingredients and believe these are probably a sign the product is highly processed and not good for you.
High Fructose Corn Syrup is cheaper and sweeter than sugar, making it a popular ingredient. However, it’s an ingredient you should avoid. Only your liver can process high fructose syrups, which overloads the liver. The overload is very damaging and can lead to liver disease. Consuming too much of this sweet additive can also lead to insulin resistance, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.
IMOs are a mixture of short-chain carbohydrates often called high maltose. Your body can’t fully break them down in the digestion process. Because of this, it commonly causes digestive issues and can also spike your blood sugar.
It is a prevalent ingredient commonly used to help reduce sugar in foods while still providing a sweet taste. However, our bodies can’t fully digest them because they are artificial. Digesting sugar alcohols commonly leads to painful gas, bloating, stomach pain, and even high blood sugar.
Whey protein is heavily processed and often has unsafe toxins in it. In addition, Protein powders aren’t regulated by the FDA. So if you aren’t entirely sure how the protein is created or what it contains, it’s best to avoid it! On top of unsafe toxins, avoid this common food nutrition label ingredient if you have any dairy allergies or sensitivities.
Oils are a common nutrition label ingredient. Some include trans fat, hydrogenated oils, and too many saturated fats. So when you are reading your nutrition labels, look for high-quality oils made from healthy fats such as extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil and avoid the oils below.
Many packaged goods, including bars, sauces, and drinks, contain natural flavors to enhance flavors and improve food taste. These flavors can even be addicting. So why are they called natural? They are derived from a natural source (a plant or animal) and then mixed with different ingredients, including chemicals and solvents.
