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SOIL
A lot of foods that we eat start in the soil, such as fruits and vegetables, and a lot of other foods, such as meats, have a lot of contact with the soil. One of the issues with the soil is that it can be extremely toxic. One of the reasons for soil sometimes becoming toxic is the addition of fertilizers to the soil.
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PESTICIDES
Pesticides are chemicals that farmers use to kill a number of living organisms, from insects to rodents. The use of these chemicals on foods can result in large amounts of toxins in the foods that you eat. The goal of pesticides is to kill some organisms while protecting others but, unfortunately, often pesticides spread toxins to the organisms they are supposed to protect.
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GENETIC MODIFICATION
Genetic modification involves altering the genes of foods in order to be able to grow them faster and easier. Some researchers estimate that around 70% of food in a typical American grocery store contains genetically modified elements. The problem with genetically modified foods is that their long-term effects are simply not known.
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FOOD ADDITIVES
Currently, there are about 2,800 substances and additives that food manufacturers use to make their foods look better and last longer. Many of these substances contain toxins and other dangerous elements that can be harmful to health.
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ASPARTAME
Aspartame is one of the most toxic chemicals that many people get exposed to on a daily basis. You can find aspartame in soft drinks, chewing gum, and other products. Aspartame can lead to dizziness, muscle aches, and more. At 86F, aspartame breaks down into formaldehyde and then becomes formic acid. Both of these elements are toxic.
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BHT
BHT is added to many processed foods. There is no single opinion on whether it’s harmful or not, but the International Agency for Research on Cancer says that it potentially may be a carcinogen, which is why avoiding BHT for safety is not a bad idea.
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HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP
Today high fructose corn syrup is a very popular sweetener in all kinds of foods, including drinks and cereals. High fructose corn syrup has mercury in it, which is one of the worst toxins. High fructose corn syrup has been linked to tooth decay, obesity, and diabetes.
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MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE
Monosodium glutamate or MSG is an additive that improves the taste of food. It is a toxin that can lead to nausea, dizziness, mood swings, and rashes.
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OLESTRA
Olestra is fake fat that consists of molecules that are too big for our bodies to absorb, which is why it doesn’t end up in our bodies and keeps moving through them. One of the issues with this additive is that it replaces fats, but doesn’t bring the benefits of real fats. Human bodies need real fats to absorb some key vitamins, including vitamins A, D, and K.
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SPLENDA
Splenda is yet another artificial sweetener that can cause toxic effects. Splenda is a combination of chlorine and natural sugar. Some studies suggest that Splenda can cause swelling and liver damage.
