Navigating food labels can feel overwhelming, but being mindful of certain ingredients can make a significant difference in your health. Many common additives and ingredients found in everyday foods can disrupt your body's balance, leading to a host of health issues. Here’s a list of what to look out for and why.
Seed Oils
What to Watch For: Canola oil, vegetable oil, rapeseed oil, soybean oil, sunflower seed oil
These oils are staples in processed foods, but they are highly inflammatory. High in omega-6 fatty acids, they can create an imbalance in the body’s fatty acid profile, promoting oxidative stress and inflammation. Long-term consumption has been linked to chronic conditions such as heart disease and metabolic dysfunction.
Pro Tip: Read labels carefully. Seed oils hide in everything from salad dressings to granola bars. Opt for healthier alternatives like avocado oil, olive oil, or coconut oil.
Sugar
What to Watch For: Cane sugar, honey, coconut sugar, maple syrup, high fructose corn syrup, maltose, brown sugar, galactose, corn syrup, fruit juice concentrate, dextrose, sucrose, lactose
Regardless of the type, sugar is a key culprit behind blood sugar spikes. These spikes lead to energy crashes, cravings, and a cascade of stress on your body’s metabolic processes.
Pro Tip: If you need a touch of sweetness, stick to natural, low-glycemic sweeteners like monk fruit or stevia.
Synthetic Sweeteners
What to Watch For: Aspartame, acesulfame potassium, saccharin, sucralose
While marketed as low-calorie or sugar-free, synthetic sweeteners are far from harmless. These unnatural compounds can disrupt gut health, alter taste perception, and even lead to metabolic issues.
Gums and Stabilizers
What to Watch For: Guar gum, xanthan gum, carrageenan, gellan gum, gum arabic
These additives are often used to thicken, stabilize, or preserve foods. While generally recognized as safe, they can irritate the gastrointestinal lining.
Remember: Small, consistent changes can lead to big health improvements. Start with one swap at a time and celebrate your progress toward a cleaner, healthier diet.
