Keeping Monaco Healthy: 5 foods to avoid this summer — and 5 to include!

I know, I know — some of these are summer «classics». I’m not saying you need totally abstain, but being aware of some of their nasty ingredients might help you curb your consumption and protect your health. Your summer (and your family’s) will be healthier if you do! Processed meat (hotdogs, bacon, ham, cured meats, corned beef, smoked fish or any type of lunchmeat) These foods contain nitrites and nitrates — two closely related chemicals used for centuries to preserve meat. Less serious symptoms include hives and itching, but once they enter your digestive system they mix with chemicals in your stomach to form nitrosamines, a carcinogenic substance linked to cancers of the pancreas, bladder and brain. Diet drinks They contain aspartame — a neurotoxin and carcinogen. Known to erode intelligence and affect short term memory, this toxic sweetener is linked to a wide variety of ailments including brain tumors and diseases like lymphoma, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, chronic fatigue, depression, anxiety attacks, dizziness, headaches , mental confusion and seizures. They are also addictive and interfere with our body’s satiety mechanisms — increasing cravings. Never let children have them. Crisps and commercial snacks They often contain Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), a flavor-enhancer that can affect the nervous system and make you feel hungrier than you are. MSG is also an excito-toxin and regular consumption can result in depression, disorientation and obesity. It may also trigger migraines. To avoid it read food labels carefully. MSG is listed as: Yeast extract (yes, marmite!), gelatin, textured and hydrolyzed proteins, calcium caseinate, sodium caseinate. Even packages that say «No MSG» or «No MSG Added» can sneak the substance in disguised as any of the ingredients above. Avoid fast food too. Commercial ice cream The artificial colourings they contain to make food look more […]

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