#1 Artificial Colors
#2 Keurig K-Cup Coffee Pods
Some coffee pods also contain furan, which is a toxic substance that can affect your digestion and liver. It’s, therefore, better to skip the plastic pods or simply cut down on your coffee consumption.
#3 Plastic Bottled Water And Water Filter Pitchers
It’s always great to learn about the world around us and its impact on our health and well-being. That’s why it’s great that creators like Bobby Parrish help educate people about the items they buy at the grocery store. His video on fake foods really breaks down which normal everyday things contain harmful ingredients. That’s exactly what inspired us to create this list for you.
It’s important to understand that every food item is made up of some normal chemicals like potassium, proteins, carbohydrates, and even vitamins. They can also have additives to enhance their flavor or to prevent them from spoiling. The problem occurs more so with products containing pesticides and heavy metals, as well as the cheap materials used to make and package the items.
#4 Processed Cooking Oils
#5 Shampoo Containing Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
#6 Laundry Detergent Containing Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS)
It might seem like no big deal if a few of the products or food items we use contain additives or metals, but the reality is a bit more sinister. Studies have found that there are more than 14,000 distinct chemicals that come in contact with our food. Out of them, more than 3,500 have been detected in the human body.
The presence of these heavy metals and substances has been linked to reproductive issues, cancer, and digestive issues. You might believe that only opting for organic food can help solve this problem, but sometimes, even organic farming requires the use of natural pesticides. That’s why it’s incredibly important to make better food choices.
#7 Sweet N Low (Saccharin), Splenda (Sucralose), Equal (Aspartame)
In a few studies, the sweeteners were found to cause unpleasant symptoms like headaches and, in severe cases, seizures. Saccharin and Sucralose were also shown to decrease healthy gut bacteria in a few instances.
#8 Dishwashing Detergent Pods
Although there’s not enough evidence backing the claim, it would be better to switch to healthier alternatives. You can look out for dishwashing detergent pods that have plant-derived fragrances and are made from natural ingredients.
#9 Chemical Based Sunscreen
Luckily, there are sunscreens without these chemicals; you’ve just got to spend a bit of time looking for them.
Even though the FDA exists to protect people from toxic products, there is one loophole that can allow chemical-ridden items to still pass through. It is known as the “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) classification.
This loophole gives manufacturers the power to determine which food chemicals are safe for consumption, and hence, they can exploit the rule. That’s why consumers need to take their health into their own hands and learn about the additives and chemicals that can be toxic to their health.
#10 Sushi, Tuna, Salmon
Another thing you have to look out for is fake tuna. White tuna is often swapped out for something called Escolar, which can cause intestinal problems.
#11 Fake Cinnamon Stix
The best way to spot the difference between the two is by reading packaging labels. You can also spot Ceylon cinnamon by its tan-brown color and light flaky feel.
#12 Greens Powders
In some cases, the supplements may lead to people consuming more nutrients than their bodies actually need. The best thing to do is to consult a doctor and then only take these supplements.
It might seem daunting to think of going to the grocery store and having to figure out which foods and products are safe and which should be avoided. To make things easier, you can try following some of these steps:
- Check ingredient lists on products and learn which chemicals you need to keep an eye out for.
- Read articles or watch videos from credible medical and scientific sources explaining this topic.
- Use glass and stainless steel items instead of plastic to protect yourself from being exposed to harmful compounds.
- Learn what levels of certain chemicals are okay for the body and what is too high.
#13 Tea Bags
Rather than sticking to your nanoplastic-ridden tea, it might be better to look for loose-leaf tea. You can brew it and then have it after straining it well.
#14 Mosquito Repellent Containing DEET
Overall, this chemical isn’t considered toxic at normal levels, but it’s better to be safe and avoid ingesting it or applying it over cuts and wounds.
#15 Seed Oils
From coffee to detergent, there are just so many products that we use on a daily basis that could potentially damage our health. That’s why it’s essential to learn about the chemicals and compounds in the things we use and consume. The more we know, the better equipped we are to live healthier and happier lives.
Which item from this list shocked you the most? Let us know if you have any examples of your own to share.
#16 Fragrances
The current FDA laws also do not require perfume companies to disclose fragrance ingredients, which means many harmful chemicals can pass under the radar. The best way to stay safe from this is to check labels and avoid bottles that have no information about the chemicals used in them.
#17 Pre-Ground Coffee
Along with that, some brands have also been found to contain unhealthy contaminants like Ochratoxin A, Acrylamide, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, Yeast, and Pesticides. The only way to avoid this is by buying whole-bean coffee or getting pre-ground coffee from trusted sources.
#18 Ground Black Pepper
The best way to avoid getting duped by such practices is to get whole peppercorns and grind them yourself.
#19 Truffle Oil
#20 Pasteurized Juices
Since kids are often the biggest consumers, it is important to be cognizant of what type of juice you’re buying. It’s better to buy juice that’s not from concentrate.