We know junk food is bad for us – look at the name after all.
And this was even before a recent animal study that found diets high in junk marred kidneys in mice similarly to type-2 diabetes.
Some foods are easy to tell if they’re unhealthy. Some, not so much. Foods that’re labeled ‘natural’ may not be healthy; processed foods can come with some mysterious ingredients.
These are common ingredients found in processed foods that may have you raise an eyebrow when you see them on the food label. While these processed food ingredients aren’t the end-all-be-all of your health, you won’t find these ingredients in fresh foods you buy, or in any typical kitchen.
Calcium carbonate: Usually found in baked goods as a leavening agent. It’s also a source of calcium for these foods (you might’ve been able to guess that though).
Calcium chloride: This sounds like a science lab agent, but is another fortifier of calcium. An unnecessary ingredient for the body, necessary to firm up foods like veggies sealed in a can. Also found in some cheeses.
Monoglycerides and diglycerides: This duo prevents separation of ingredients that typically don’t blend well, like oil and water. You can find them on some salad dressing labels, and peanut butters.
Sodium benzoate: A preservative found in acidic foods like condiments.
Xanthan gum: Another ingredient that binds and holds incompatible liquids. It can also be used as a thickener, increasing the viscosity of liquids and batters. This is found in low-fat foods (e.g. dressings, baked goods).
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