Chemicals in Our Food
It’s no secret to anyone nowadays that many of the foods we consume daily are not only ultra processed, but it also contains chemicals—some of which can be harmful if consumed regularly. The desire for food that has a longer shelf life is not necessarily a programmed biological response, but rather a result of our modern food industry. In order to meet the demands of a growing population and to ensure that food can be shipped long distances without spoiling, food producers have turned to preservatives and other chemicals to extend the shelf life of their products. Unfortunately, many of these chemicals have little to no nutritional value and may even be harmful to our health when consumed in large quantities.
Despite this, it's important to remember that not all preservatives and additives are bad. Many are safe and can help to keep our food fresh and healthy. It's also worth noting that not all fresh food is necessarily healthy or safe to eat. For example, some fresh produce may be contaminated with harmful bacteria or pesticides.
Being aware of what is in our food is an essential aspect of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and not falling in the vicious cycle where giant corporations get to decide what goes in your food for the sake of their bottom line. Here are some ways to be more aware of what is in the food we eat:
Read the labels: Before purchasing any food item, read the label carefully. The label provides information on nutritional content, ingredients, and allergens. Did you know that only since early 2022 are companies required to put labels on GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) in food products? While this was pushed for a long time, there was no regulation on this matter until recently. Many conscious companies have been marking their labels non-GMO for years to help consumers make better choices. You can read more about the NON-GMO Project for more information.
Do your research: Don’t just blindly trust what I am saying—or anyone for that matter. Research the ingredients listed on the label that you are not familiar with, and learn how they can affect your health. In the days of having the internet at our fingertips, there can be a lot of misinformation available. It is important to research on multiple platforms and preferably backed by scientists who have researched. It is also important to trust your intution. If it doesn’t resonate with you, then that is most likely the correct answer for you.
Buy fresh produce: Fresh fruits and vegetables are always a healthy option. Do I need to read labels for fresh produce? Yes. It is important for you to familiarize yourself with the PLU system. It is not just a way to ring up produce on the register. Each code has a different meaning. For example, a 4-digit code beginning in the series of 4000 indicates that the produce may have been grown conventionally with synthetic fertilizers and/or pesticides. Another common code is a 5-digit code beginning with 90000 indicating that it was grown organically without synthetic products. I am no expert on this, and this is not regulated by a governing agency. Please do your own research to make the best decisions for your family and self.
Avoid processed foods: Processed foods are often filled with additives, preservatives, and other unhealthy ingredients. It's best to avoid them as much as possible.
Cook at home: Cooking at home allows you to control the ingredients and be more aware of what is in your food.
By following these tips, you can be more aware of what is in your food and make healthier choices for yourself and your family.
Ultimately, the best way to ensure that we are eating healthy and fresh food is to be mindful of what we are consuming. Whenever possible, choose natural and whole food options for your family and you. It is also important to teach the next generation about how to choose the safest foods so being mindful becomes a natural way of buying groceries. By doing so, we can help to support our overall health and wellbeing while also reducing our exposure to potentially harmful chemicals and additives.