Top 10 Worst Food Preservatives You Need to Avoid

Last Updated on January 7, 2021

Ingesting MSG has several health-damaging effects, such as seizures, brain lesions, depression, and migraines. The glutamate industry is actually aware of the dangerous impact of this preservative, but, sadly, keeps on selling it anyway. To avoid having MSG inside your body, make sure to purchase unprocessed goodies.

7. Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)

BHT isn’t only a dangerous preservative, but also a carcinogen that had been listed as an additive to avoid by the Center for Science in the Public Interest. BHT is used in chewing gum, baked goods, preserved meat, cereal, and butter.

When consumed in large doses, this preservative has been shown to boost cancer rates in animals, in addition to being toxic to kidneys and liver. To avoid BHT, you should only consume whole foods that don’t need preservatives.

8. Potassium Nitrite

The majority of Americans eat immense amounts of sodium and an inadequate intake of potassium. However, you shouldn’t mistake potassium nitrite for being a healthy source of this element because potassium nitrite is an organic compound added to various types of meats, especially ham.

Besides food, potassium nitrite is also used in fertilizer and gun powder. Even though it can be safe when consumed in small portions, this preservative has been associated with many serious health problems, including several types of cancer, coma, convulsions, and irregular heartbeat, in addition to headaches and dizziness in kids.

9. Ammonium Sulfate

Ammonium sulfate is mainly used in fertilizers and household cleaning products, but it’s also found in bread. Shockingly, some fast food chains, like Subway, use ammonium sulfate in their bread.

When consumed in high amounts, this preservative can cause irritation in both the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems, and lead to more damage in those with pulmonary diseases. So why would you accept to eat ammonium sulfate in food while even the cleaning products warn against its consumption?