15 Surprising Toxins Lurking in Your Pantry Right Now
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When you look at your pantry, it is likely somewhere comfortable that is stocked with snacks and ingredients awaiting meals to be made. However, what if some of those everyday staples are holding secrets that are harmful? Many of us don’t realize it, but we stock items that are against our health when eaten too often or in the wrong way. You may think nothing of a trip into your pantry, but a closer look may reveal a surprising lineup of potential hazards.
This isn’t about fear mongering or throwing everything you own. It’s about awareness. So by learning a little bit more about these hidden toxins, you can make informed decisions without having to do a full out pantry purge. Let’s take a look at what might be hiding behind those cabinet doors.
Refined Sugar
Sugar is sweet, but the hangover isn’t always so. Eating too much refined sugar has been associated with a greater chance of obesity, diabetes and heart disease. In fact, an NIH study found that eating too much sugar can interfere with your immune system working properly. If your snacks and cereals are full of sugar, you may want to reconsider those purchases.
Canned Goods
Canned foods are convenient but sadly most cans are lined with BPA (bisphenol A), a chemical shown to disrupt hormones. BPA can act like estrogen in the body, causing fertility problems and other health issues. Choose BPA-free labeled brands when possible.
Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners are the solution if sugar is a problem, right? Not so fast. It’s been shown that some sweeteners, such as aspartame, may have a bad effect on gut health. Your gut isn’t just about digestion — it plays a role in immunity and even mood. Next time you head to the vending machine for a diet soda, think about what it may be doing from the inside out.
Non-Stick Spray Oils
While non stick cooking sprays might save you from scrubbing pans, they usually contain propellants like butane and propane. They can leave residue in your food, and may irritate sensitive stomachs. Using olive oil in a refillable spray bottle can be a much cleaner, healthier alternative.
White Flour
White flour is a pantry staple, but most of the nutrients are stripped when bleached. On the glycemic index, it’s also fairly high, which means it gives you a quick spike in your blood sugar. A small swap with big benefits is replacing white flour with whole grain or almond flour.
Rice
Arsenic may be present in rice, particularly brown rice, which is grown in a certain way. The levels are usually low, but long term consumption in excessive quantities could be dangerous. To reduce the arsenic content, you should wash your rice thoroughly before cooking.
Microwave Popcorn
Though popcorn is yummy and simple, many bags contain perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) to prevent grease from soaking through. Thyroid problems and weakened immune systems are associated with these chemicals, which can leach into your food. The easy fix is to make popcorn on the stovetop or in an air popper.
Food Dyes
Some colored cereals and candies are attractive but many artificial dyes have been associated with hyperactivity in children and allergic reactions in sensitive people. These dyes are allowed by the FDA but it recommends moderation. Limiting exposure to these additives can be done by reading labels.
Nut Butters
Natural doesn’t always mean harmless. Some nut butters contain unhealthy ingredients like palm oil, which has been responsible for deforestation, and associated with inflammation. It’s better for your health and the planet if a brand uses just nuts and salt.
Old Spices
Spices don’t last forever. The flavor of these becomes less as they age, and they can also contain mold or bacteria. That paprika from 2012? It’s time to let it go. If it can still be used in your pantry, a quick sniff test is usually all you need to know.
Granola Bars
Many granola bars are often marketed as healthy snacks, but are actually full of sugars and preservatives. Sometimes, one bar can have as much sugar as a candy bar. Look for ones with simple ingredients or make your own for truly whole some options.
Instant Noodles
Although some of these foods, such as instant noodles, may be cheap and or delicious, they tend to be high in sodium and MSG (monosodium glutamate) from the seasoning packets. Sodium intake that is consistently high is associated with elevated blood pressure, so these should be enjoyed sparingly if you must.
Dried Fruit
Dried fruit seem like the healthy snack, nut it has added sugars and sulfur dioxide as a preservative. Go for fresh fruit which has the fiber and vitamins, but not the extras.
Powdered Coffee Creamers
The powdered creamers that make your morning coffee creamy? Usually they’re loaded with trans fats and artificial flavors. A much cleaner choice is to switch to a splash of milk or a plant based alternative.
Packaged Soups
Yes, packaged soups are convenient and comforting, but they’re so often sodium bombs. The UCF Health says a single serving can contain more than half of your recommended daily amount of salt. Check the labels and make soup from scratch when you can.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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