Do you know how packaged foods harm your health and hormones? Have you ever heard about the hormone side effects of food additives added to packaged foods? Most of us are unaware of how much these foods or drinks impact our hormones. By being informed of these hormone disruptors, also known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals, you will make better decisions.
Hormone Disrupting Food Additives and Your Hormones
A study showed that more than 3000 preservatives/additives were used in various foods. Hormone additives in food are everywhere.
These such foods include cakes, tortillas, muffins, packaged drinks, processed foods, and many others.
Many of these additives have not even been tested before they are added to our foods. The strangest thing is they have not even been tested before they are added to our foods.
However, little research has shown that these additives and disruptors are harmful to our hormones and bodies, especially for the reproductive systems.
What Is An Endocrine Disruptor?
Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that interfere with the normal functions of the endocrine system. They can mimic or block hormones. Which may lead to significant health consequences.
For decades, it has been known that some chemicals in our daily life are considered endocrine disrupters. They are also called xenoestrogens.
They disrupt the endocrine system (hormones) and cause multiple health problems. The endocrine system is one of the most critical systems of our body.
It controls all functions, from growth, reproduction, to the growth of tissues. Let’s study the widely used food additives in your everyday foods.
Common Endocrine Disruptors Added to Your Food:
- Phtlates
- Propyl Paraben
- Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA)
Phthalates are Food Additives That Interfere with Hormones
These are chemicals used as food additives to increase the longevity, duration, and life of foods. One of the most commonly used phthalates is DEHP.
DEHP is added as a preservative in many of our foods. It negatively impacts the male reproductive system, male sex hormones, and testosterone.
Reports also point out DEHP leads to birth defects in men’s genitals. In addition, while some also suffer from poor quality of the sperm in later lives.
DEHP has also been shown to cause infertility problems and reproductive defects.
Propyl Paraben Associated with Known Hormonal Side Effects
It is also a terrible preservative found in many of our food products, including muffins, cinnamon rolls, etc.
Without knowing its side effects, we are used to giving these muffins to our children daily. But in reality, we are actually giving them poison that will ruin their life in some way.
It is because this additive has been reported as the strong reason for impaired fertility in women. Not only infertility. But it also plays its role in working with breast cancer cells and altering estrogen levels.
In 2006, the EU (European Union) strictly banned the use of propyl paraben in food products as additive/preservative. Still, the urine tests of a large population group have been conducted.
The results revealed it is still present in 91% of Americans’ urine. This is alarming. It should be monitored for good health.
Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA)
Last but not least, another killing additive is the butylated hydroxyanisole, identified as a carcinogen.
Here, human carcinogen plays an active role in the onset of cancer in the human body. Not only cancer, but the European Union also listed it as a strong endocrine disruptor.
There are many other side effects of consuming this additive with your food items.
For example, it also leads towards the lowest testosterone levels, as well as the thyroid hormone thyroxine.
It also negatively affects sperm quality. This can lead to many related issues, both in humans and in animals.
Many of us love to eat snacks and chips daily and give them to our children. Unfortunately, these snacks contain a higher proportion of this additive.
Processed meat also contains a greater amount. Which also affects our health.
Therefore, it is important to avoid using packaged or processed food. Instead, prepare fresh food at home. This way, you can take good care of your hormones and your health.
The effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC) on our hormones can be felt for years and decades. Exposure to this may cause harm to the health of people.
Instead, eat the bulk of your foods as whole-unprocessed foods. Always check the food labels of any processed food for endocrine disrupting chemicals before you buy them.
Let’s Discuss Food Additive and Our Hormones!
Hormone additives in food, we simply can’t escape them. They are added to many foods we eat.
Hormone disruptors are important to eliminate. Especially if you suffer from hormone imbalances. What has been your experience with trying to eliminate these additives from your diet?
Let me know your experience with food additives and hormone endocrine disruptors in the comment section below.
I would also love to hear what you think, or take a photo and tag me @Eat_Your_Nutrition on Instagram. I love seeing your photos. #EatYourNutrition #LauraVillanueva
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