By Julie Coker

Trans Fatty Acids Trans fats are essentially artifi cial fats that have been chemically altered to resemble saturated fats. Trans fats are typically found in shortening, margarine and the majority of commercially baked goods and snack foods.

Rancid fats

Commercial manufacturing creates rancidity, and thus free radicals, in commercial vegetable oils. Free radicals are known to cause cancer.

Omega-6 fatty acids

High levels of omega-6 fatty acids are thought to be dangerous and may cause cancer. Although the body requires small amounts of omega-6 fatty

acids today’s overuse of vegetable oils (the main source of omega-6) may have directly contributed to the nation’fs rising cancer rates.

MSG

Monosodium glutamate is a highly toxic chemical found in almost all processed foods. In some cases, labeling laws do not require this chemical to be included in the ingredient list but rest assured, the majority of unnatural flavorings, spice mixes and hydrolyzed protein contain MSG.

If a product is MSG-free, it must clearly state so. MSG may be directly associated with brain cancer.

Aspartame

Aspartame is an artifi cial sweetener sold under many names including NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, and Equal-Measure. Th is chemical is widely used in low-fat products, sodas, candy and gum and most products that claim to be sugar-free. According to the FDA, aspartame accounts for over 75 percent of all reported adverse reactions to food additives. Many

of these reactions are serious and include such things as seizures and even death. Even low doses of aspartame are clearly linked in studies to numerous cancers including brain and breast cancer as well as lymphoma and leukemia.

The cancer risk from this chemical is so high that authors of one study stated even at a daily dose of 20 mg/kg body weight, which is far less than the current acceptable daily intake, can result in cancer. They further added that an immediate revaluation of the present guidelines on the use and consumption of APM is recommended.66 Always read labels and avoid this chemical at all costs.

Pesticides

Studies show pesticides and herbicides are associated with numerous cancers among other serious diseases. One recent large study in particular shows a direct link between pancreatic cancer and herbicide use.

With today’s commercial farming, most fruits and vegetables are now sprayed with any number of chemicals. Unfortunately, most meat also contains pesticides and herbicides simply because animals are fed pesticide-contaminated feed. Th e only alternative is to buy organic produce and meat whenever possible.

Hormones

Both artifi cial and excessive natural plant hormones are being introduced into our bodies in several ways. Women, who opt for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for symptoms of menopause, are known to increase their risk for breast cancer according to numerous studies.