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As a general rule, if you cannot pronounce an ingredient, it is best
to steer clear. Real, whole, healthy foods will usually have no more
than five ingredients on the label. Knowledge is power, and the

more you know about the scary ingredients hiding within some of
our most common food items the better.

Carrageenan: Carrageenan is a thickening agent extracted

from red seaweed. It is used as a fat substitute in many food
products, including processed meats, as well as cosmetics and
pharmaceuticals.

In its processed form, manufactured via alkali chemical solvents, it
can be hazardous to health. Some studies have linked carrageenan
to gastrointestinal disturbances including inflammatory bowel
syndrome (IBS), intestinal ulcers, and colorectal problems.

Brominated vegetable oil (BVO): An emulsifier derived from
corn or soy (usually genetically modified) combined with bromine,
BVO is used in many citrus-flavored sodas. It also doubles as an

industrial flame retardant. Banned from food use across Europe
and in Japan, BVO has been linked to skin lesions, nerve disorders,
and memory loss.

Animal studies have found that BVO may lead to behavioral and
reproductive problems when consumed in large doses. Additionally,
bromine is an endocrine disruptor and inhibits the body’s ability to
retain iodine, which is essential for tissue health.

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