When you’re at the supermarket, it’s easy to convince yourself that everything on the shelf is safe. You assume that harmful ingredients aren’t found in favorite snacks and that it’s okay to treat your kids to these items. However, this is not true, as many of these items are dangerous foods that contain oil and other toxins.
Many of our favorite snacks contain unhealthy ingredients, including oil. Research shows that these unhealthy foods are linked to poor physical and mental health. Even with the science backing up the issues, the federal government still allows it to be in food.
Petroleum products can cause cancer, behavioral disorders and other health problems. Since the ingredient is in foods that don’t spoil, it’s a sure sign of unsafe food.
What is oil?
Petroleum is an oil that runs your car, powers planes and lubricates heavy machinery. It is used in computers, clothing, cleaning products, bottles, containers and other objects. The oil is also found in lotions, shampoos, makeup and other beauty items.
This ingredient is used so often because it prevents them from going rancid. The only reason it can stop things from going wrong is because it’s not actually food. However, this supposed benefit can have harmful health effects.
The oil is known as mineral oil in the food industry and many manufacturers claim that it is safe to consume. However, some scientists claim otherwise and show that harmful foods should be avoided.
How to find oil and other toxins on food labels
Sometimes it’s hard to tell if your favorite foods contain oil. Manufacturers often list it differently, making it difficult to identify. When reading food labels, look for the following ingredients:
- tert-butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ)
- tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ)
- butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)
- methyl benzoate
- ethyl methylphenidate
- blue 1
- blue 2
- yellow 5
- yellow 6
- red 40
- Mineral oil
Unsafe foods containing oil and toxins
Avoid consuming these things.
1. Fruit snacks
The same thing about this sandwich can fool you because it usually doesn’t contain any fruit. Most fruit snacks have Red 3, a petroleum-based food coloring. Red 3 is considered a carcinogen as it is linked to cancer.
Snacks get their fruity flavor from added ingredients rather than the actual food. Red 3 is banned from use in cosmetics because it is associated with thyroid tumors. You shouldn’t eat it if you can’t use it on your skin, and that’s something to remember.
Fruit snacks aren’t the only gummy foods to avoid. Any sugary or sticky snack with false claims that it contains fruit is likely an unsafe food.
2. Graham Cracker Bears
Graham Cracker Bears are an easy and delicious snack, but they are on the unhealthy list. They’ve been around for decades, leaving many people assuming they’re healthy. However, they are filled with petroleum in the form of TBHQ, a common toxic ingredient in foods.
TBHQ can cause problems such as vomiting, ringing in the ears, weakness or collapse and delirium. Studies show that it can also cause cancer and damage cells. It can also cause restlessness, anxiety, and aggravation of ADHD symptoms in children.
Regularly eating this snack and others with TBHQ can have lasting effects. It presents dangerous health risks that you could avoid by making better nutritional choices.
3. snacks
These cupcakes are fun and sometimes delicious, but they’re one of the least safe foods you can eat. Many of them contain TBHQ, which prevents oxidation or deterioration. While it might sit on your shelf longer, it won’t promote a healthy lifestyle or make you feel good.
Processed snack foods also contain saturated fat, sodium, carbohydrates, and sugar. Also, there are very few nutrients in these products.
4. Chocolates with caramel coating
This chocolate candy contains Blue 1, Blue 2, Yellow 5, Yellow 6 and Red 40, all derived from petroleum. May increase the risk of cancer because they are carcinogen. They can also cause hyperactivity in children, so parents will want to remember this one. In addition, these harmful ingredients can also damage DNA and cause allergic reactions.
5. Macaroni and Cheese Dinners
Kraft dinners are a popular choice for families because they are convenient and quick. Also, kids love it, but these dinners can be harmful to health. Kraft dinners contain artificial petroleum dyes.
6. Gum
You don’t swallow gum, but you consume the ingredients anyway. Many chewing gums contain butylated hydroxyanisole and tertiary butylhydroquinone. It also often has tocopherol, another chemical compound.
7. Cooking oil
Petroleum preserves cooking oils, and you will typically find TBHQ in unsaturated vegetable oils and animal fats. These ingredients allow the cooking oil to retain the taste or smell of the foods you use it on. They also ensure that the oil does not discolor.
Vegetable oils, including peanut and soybean oil, often contain TBHQ. Fish oil also has TBHQ. However, palm and walnut oils include BHA, BHT and PG.
8. French fries
While potato chips stacked in a can are a delicious snack, they are one of the most unsafe foods. The spicy variations and pizza flavor are full of petroleum-based toxins. It is linked to attention problems and is a carcinogen, meaning it can cause cancer.
9. Thin wheat crackers
Many people consider thin wheat crackers to be a healthy snack, but this is far from the truth. They are highly processed and contain canola oil and refined sugar. Wheat sludge has been banned in some countries because it contains BHT.
10. Square Cheese Crackers
When you eat cheese squares, you consume flour, oil and some cheese. Oil contains TBHQ to increase shelf life. The color of the cookies makes you think they are cheese, but the color comes from the paprika used in the recipe.
11. Crispy Fried Cheese Appetizers
This cheesy orange snack has become increasingly popular due to videos on social media showing unique ways to use these crunchy, cheesy snacks. However, it is better to ignore these tips because they are dangerous foods. They contain yellow 6, methyl benzoate and ethyl methylphenidate.
12. Ramen noodles
Many people turn to Ramen noodles because they are cheap, quick, and easy to prepare. However, these so-called benefits cause you to consume toxic ingredients. It’s not worth saving money when it can cause serious health problems.
Ramen noodles are full of sodium and preservatives, including TBHQ. TBHQ is indigestible and does not provide any benefit to your body.
13. Frozen Waffles
Frozen waffles contain dyes, soy and oil, making them a health hazard. They may also contain GMOs, and the long-term effects are unknown. Your best bet is to make homemade waffles in large batches to heat through the week.
14. Fast food
Fast food is often the least safe food you can choose. Some fast food items contain TBHQ, including Doritos Locos Taco Shells by Taco Bell.
Also, some restaurants use caramel coloring. The caramel coloring gives bell peppers, barbecue sauce, oatmeal and other items a darker color. Some of the caramel colors contain 4-methylimidazole, a potential carcinogen. It also comes from wheat or dairy and can trigger food allergies.
15. Sandwich cookies
Cookies are an easy snack, making them a popular choice for busy people and parents alike. However, many cookies contain TBHQ as a preservative. Not only can it cause cancer, but it can also harm vision.
16. Chicken Nuggets
Children tend to prefer chicken nuggets to other foods, but they should only be an occasional treat. They contain TBHQ and other harmful toxins and additives. Next, if you or your child likes to dip your nuggets, the sauce likely contains more toxins and other harmful ingredients.
17. Microwave Popcorn
Some microwave popcorn contains TBHQ and palm oil, making it an unhealthy snack. In addition, it may contain large amounts of salt and fat.
18. Breakfast Toast
Often used as a breakfast food, the breakfast pastries you put in the toaster are seriously unhealthy. They contain artificial colors, synthetic additives and tons of harmful sugar. They can cause sugar addiction, liver problems and diabetes.
19. Kitchen spray
TBHQ is used to provide a longer lifespan by stopping and preventing deterioration. Research shows that cooking spray with sesame oil becomes less healthy as it gets hotter. It also passes harmful ingredients into the foods you fry in it.
20. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
This candy is not allowed in some health and whole food stores. Contains TBHQ, making it one of many unhealthy foods. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups also contain other chemical preservatives, adding to the harm to your health.
what to eat instead
After reading about these unhealthy foods, you might be wondering what is safe to eat. You can choose from many quick and easy healthy snacks even when you are in a hurry.
Keep organic fruits and vegetables on hand and opt for homemade snacks. You can make a lot of granola bars with fruits, nuts, and other healthy ingredients. Finding recipes online is simple, so look for alternative recipes to your favorite snacks.
Preparing food at home ensures you know the ingredients without deciphering a label. Look for organic ingredients whenever you can, as you’ll find fewer toxins. However, some foods labeled organic have hidden ingredients, so be sure to check the label.
Final Thoughts on Hazardous Foods Containing Oil and Other Toxins
You want to live a healthy life and provide your family with the best food, but many hidden ingredients are unhealthy. Stop buying these unhealthy foods and turn to homemade or organic foods.
Once you’ve swapped your unhealthy favorites for better options, you’ll find new staples in your diet. Plus, you’ll feel better knowing that you and your family are healthier.
By Sarah Barkley. Article in English