What foods should you eat? What foods must you avoid? These simple questions seem to stir up rather complicated answers. An overabundance of conflicting research may leave you confused and frustrated about dietary choices. By now most Americans know that a healthy diet consists of a large variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, with little or no processed foods. Most Americans are aware of the dangers of white flour, white sugar and refined food of any sort. What may come as a surprise is that several food ingredients prevalent in common foods are disease-promoting and health-robbing. Current research, when conducted by unbiased, disinterested parties, is conclusive in its results: The ingredients listed below are dangerous for health and will promote disease.

— Hydrogenated oils, also called trans fats, are artificially processed oils that never appear in nature. Since hydrogenated oils are not recognized by the body, they are essentially seen as poison by the body. They accelerate plaque build-up in the arteries, contributing to heart disease, arteriosclerosis and stroke. Studies have concluded that hydrogenated oils interrupt metabolic processes, cause belly fat to form, contribute to the growth of some cancers and lead to neurological disorders. Unfortunately, many Americans are daily consuming hydrogenated oil without even realizing it. If the label lists the words “hydrogenated oil” or “partially hydrogenated oil” in the ingredients, leave it on the shelf.

— Aspartame is a neurotoxic chemical that is linked to brain tumors, lymphoma, leukemia, vision problems, migraines, seizures, liver problems, sexual dysfunction, infertility, neurological disorders, ADHD and serious birth defects. Research in the area of aspartame is often contradictory; however, the large majority of studies finding aspartame to be safe are the ones conducted by those with financial interest in the sales of products with aspartame. Of all non-industry-sponsored studies, 92 percent find significant risk with consumption of aspartame. Aspartame is found in most products that are promoted as “light” or “diet.” Aspartame is also found in most sugar-free gums and candies. A safe alternative to aspartame or other artificial sweeteners is stevia, a natural herbal sweetener.

— Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is a chemical taste-enhancer that does not belong in the body. Since it is an excitotoxin, MSG overexcites neurons causing cell damage or even cell death. Headaches of all types, including migraines, are often linked to MSG. Studies have shown that MSG can create a lesion in the hypothalamus resulting in obesity, abnormal development, short stature and sexual reproduction problems. Because many Americans are becoming aware of the dangers of MSG, manufacturers have begun to “hide” MSG under different names on labels. Stay away from any product with an ingredient list including the words “yeast extract,” “autolyzed yeast,” “hydrolyzed proteins” or “autolyzed proteins” as it will always contain MSG.

— High Fructose Corn Syrup is manufactured through an industrial chemical process that turns starch into fructose and glucose molecules (www.naturalnews.com/fructose.html). This chemically processed sweetener dominates the food industry because it provides a sweetness similar to sugar, but is cheaper to produce and easier to transport. High fructose corn syrup is more damaging to the body than white table sugar because it contains reactive carbonyls, a type of free radical. It is the most popular sweetener in soft drinks, fruit drinks and pre-packaged products. In fact, almost every section of the grocery store includes a heavy dose of high fructose corn syrup. Check labels carefully to avoid all products that include high fructose corn syrup.

— Sodium Nitrite (or Sodium Nitrate) is a preservative found in processed meats. This dangerous food ingredient is used by manufacturers because it increases shelf life and gives meat a fresh pink color. The medical and scientific adviser for the World Cancer Research Fund, Professor Martin Wiseman, states that “there is convincing evidence of a link between processed meats and cancer.” Sodium nitrite alone is not dangerous, but is broken down during digestion to form nitrosamine, which is a known carcinogen, or cancer-causing agent. Processed meats that are typically preserved with sodium nitrite include bacon, sausage, hotdogs, ham, salami and luncheon meats. Look for meats that are clearly marked “nitrite-free” or nitrate-free” on the label.