Petroleum is made of organic material. It can be extracted from specific rocks and then refined into fuels like gasoline, kerosene, or diesel oil. It is hard to imagine using petroleum in food production. But, manufacturers can! Petroleum is a common additive found in the products your kids eat. Keep reading to know and avoid the 5 cancer causing snacks that your children are constantly taking.
Yellow dye #5 and red dye #40 are the worst variations of petroleum added in various food coloring. These popular products like soda, sports drinks, mac & cheesecake, candies, and other American snacks all contain high amounts of these dyes that contribute to your favorite foods’ unnatural color — which you consume every day without even knowing it! FDA still approves the use of products that contain petroleum by-products, although they are already banned in other countries around the world because of their health-harming effect.
Regular consumption of ‘petroleum-enriched’ foods can cause:
- Allergic reactions
- Weight gain
- Asthma
- Diabetes
- Hypoglycemia
- Chromosomal damage
- Damage of vital organs
- Birth defects
- Hyperactivity
- Cancer
In Great Britain and the European Union, food dyes have been banned since 2009/2010 because they contain toxins. About 90% of food dyes are red 40, yellow 5, and yellow 6. These oranges are soaked in dyes to provide a brighter, more unique color. Even fresh fruit like these is treated with a dye that makes them stand out against other brands of similar products according to Michael Jacobson, an executive director at CSPI. Numerous studies have shown some devastating results:
- Red 40 induces tumor development in the immune system of lab mice. It has been associated with allergy symptoms and hyperactivity in children;
- Yellow 5 has the same effect, plus it contains many carcinogens that cause damages to vitals;
- Yellow 6 has caused adrenal tumors in lab animals, and it triggers hypersensitivity in children;
5 of the Most Popular Children Snacks that Can Cause Cancer
1. Pop-Tarts
Frosted strawberry is a favorite among kids, but did you know it contains substances that can be harmful to your health? A few of the dangers are shown on Kelloggs’ website. America’s favorite midday snack contains high fructose corn syrup, dextrose, and sugar. These cause diabetes, sugar addiction, and even liver malfunction in children. The product also contains a petroleum-based chemical called TBHQ that has been shown to damage DNA and cause cellular dysfunction in humans. In lab animals, it’s caused tumors, vision loss, enlarged liver cells, neurotoxic effects including convulsions or paralysis.
2. Fruit Snacks
Although fruit snacks are marketed as healthy, they actually contain food coloring that gives them appealing color and flavor. Red 3 is commonly added to these products, and it has already been taken out of the production of cosmetic products since it has been shown to cause thyroid tumors.
3. M & MS
Although they are one of the world’s most popular candies, M & Ms contain red 40, yellow 5, and yellow 6. The list of ‘goodies’ does not end here, because they also contain blue 2, which has been associated with the development of brain and bladder tumors. Blue 1 has a devastating effect on nerve cell development.
4. Cheetos
The product contains many questionable food colorings, including yellow 6. Analysis has shown the presence of an artificial flavoring mix that consists of extremely toxic substances. ‘Flamin’ Hot’ is linked to abdominal distress, gastritis, and addiction in individuals at any age.
5. Teddy Grams
They might seem like a harmless and tasty alternative, but experts do not agree on this one. The snacks are super-packed with TBGH which is associated with nausea, vomiting, delirium anxiety, and stomach cancer.
Avoid these 5 cancer causing snacks and instead, replace them with healthier and organic alternatives. Store-bought products are in no way better than healthy servings of fresh fruits and veggies. Unfortunately, toxic dyes are found in vitamin supplements, cough syrups, and toothpaste. Make your family safe from toxins by checking the labels before you buy any product.
