1. Refined Sugars

Refined sugars are basically sugars that have undergone certain processing to achieve a certain texture and taste. When sugar is refined, fiber, vitamins and trace minerals from the sugar is removed leaving you with empty calories that causes sugar highs and crashes. Research also shows that cancer cells thrive on refined sugars. Watch out for: commercial bread/wheat bread, sodas, powdered and other instant juices, ketchup, ready-to-eat spaghetti sauce, commercial kid’s vitamins, breakfast cereals

    2. Hydrogenated Oils

As lifted from mayoclinic.com: “Trans fat is made by adding hydrogen to vegetable oil through a process called hydrogenation, which makes the oil less likely to spoil. Using trans fats in the manufacturing of foods helps foods stay fresh longer, have a longer shelf life and have a less greasy feel.” Trans fats basically lower your good cholesterol (HDL) and increase your bad cholesterol (LDL). When this happens, you can develop clogged arteries, which can lead to a heart attack or a stroke. Shortening and some margarine are also high in trans fats. It is also believed to wake up cancer cells. Watch out for: baked goods (bread, rolls, packaged cakes from the supermarket), crackers, frozen french fries usually have hydrogenated oils

    3. Sodium Nitrates

Also from mayoclinic.com: “Sodium nitrate, a preservative that’s used in some processed meats, such as bacon, jerky and luncheon meats” Why is it bad? Sodium nitrate is said to damage blood vessels that lead to hardened and narrowed arteries. It also increases the risk of diabetes because it affects how your body processes sugar. Watch out for: hotdogs, sausages, canned meat such as SPAM, corned beef, etc.

    4. Manufactured MSG (Food additive)

Manufactured MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) is a food additive commonly used in Asian cooking. Although glutamate is a naturally occurring substance in some food, manufactured msg has a different effect in the body. It may cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, sweating/flushing/wheezing, palpitations, weakness, numbness or tingling, and other neurological effects that vary from one person to another. Watch out for: chips, seasoning mixes, “vegemeat”, bouillon cubes, bottled sauces, instant noodles

    5. Artificial Sweeteners

There are many artificial sweeteners out there being sold in packets under various brand names. Here are just some of the generic names of artificial sweetners: Acesulfame potassium, Aspartame (Nutrasweet, Equal), Neotame, Saccharin (Sweet’N Low), and Sucralose (Splenda). Sugar-free almost always means it has artificial sweeteners Artificial sweeteners have been found to increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity. Watch out for: diet sodas, zero sodas, sugar free pastries and cookies, almost everything that says “sugar-free” on the packaging