While the food industry has been using various sources of technology for decades to improve the appeal and shelf life of their products, nanotechnology in food is still a concept that's in its infancy. Whether you realize it or not, you may already consume foods and drinks that use this technology, such as certain beers,…
BPA's toxic effects are well-publicized. From the lining of canned foods to polycarbonate hard plastics to even the thermal coatings on cash register receipts, this is one of the world's most proven bad news endocrine disruptors. BPA is linked to everything from hormone-related breast and prostate cancers to polycystic ovarian syndrome and early puberty. But BPA isn't the…
In order to improve the texture and shelf life of granular and powdered food products, such as protein powders and seasonings, anti-caking additives are often used. One such additive is silicon dioxide, which the ability to help prevent ingredients from becoming moist and clumping together. What is silicon dioxide exactly, and is it safe? Also…
In the U.S., approximately 1 to 2 percent (or more) of the population has a peanut allergy — about 3 million people — a percentage that continues to rise. In the past two decades, the prevalence of peanut allergies has more than quadrupled, up from 0.4 percent of the U.S. population in 1997 to…
Have you ever ingested phosphoric acid? Most likely, yes — so what is it? This type of acid is used as a rust inhibitor, a dental and industrial etchant, fertilizer feedstock, and as an ingredient in home cleaning products. So wait — why on earth would you have consumed such a thing? Because it's also commonly added…
Vegetable oil is a common ingredient that most of us have sitting on our kitchen shelves. However, there's a lot of confusion about whether or not vegetable oils are actually good for you. While some claim that vegetable oil is a good source of polyunsaturated fats, others point out that it's also highly refined, heavily…
There's a lot of confusion out there when it comes to things like butter — especially grass-fed butter — and cooking oils. From margarine to butter to coconut oil and olive oil, figuring out which ingredients to add to your kitchen cabinet can feel incredibly overwhelming. Margarine is one of the most common ingredients out…
Fructose is one of the most controversial forms of sugar available. With more and more research emerging claiming it could contribute to obesity, heart disease and liver problems, many have even called for it to be banned or restricted in some parts of the world. Believe it or not, this type of sugar is likely…
Potato chips are considered a staple snack in households across the country. However, while they're loved for their crisp texture and salty flavor, potato chips aren't exactly known for their health benefits or nutrition profile. In fact, aside from having a high amount of calories in potato chips, they also tend to be loaded with…
The following is an adapted excerpt from Beat Autoimmune, The 6 Keys to Reverse Your Condition and Reclaim Your Health, by Palmer Kippola with foreword by Mark Hyman, MD (Kensington Books). Palmer is a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach who reversed her MS by removing her inflammatory root causes and healing her gut. She has…
