As a result of the global population boom, a lot of food companies are now looking for new ways to preserve vegetables, fruits, meats, and other natural produce. Nowadays, most of the food items you can buy in a supermarket are preserved or canned using artificial flavors and other chemicals. Although not all types of preservatives and similar substances used by food companies to prolong food shelf life can be harmful, there are some that you absolutely need to stay away from because of their adverse side effects.

Below are eight food additives that you need to watch out for when buying your grub.

1. Propyl Gallate

This preservative is often used with BHT (butylated hydrozyttoluene) and BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) to preserve the most common foods, such as chewing gums, chicken soup base, meat products and others. However, several studies conducted in animals show that Propyll Galate may contain compounds that are link to cancer.

2. Monosodium Glutamate

MSG, a more common name for Monosodium Glutamate, is a popular food enhancer in Asia. This amino acid is known to enhance the umami taste such that salad dressings, chips, soups, entrees and other restaurant foods will surely taste good. However, some experts believe that MSG can bring about nausea and headache. Furthermore, animal studies also connect this substance to nerve cell damages in young mice.

3. Trans Fat

Most diet books will tell you to absolutely stay away from trans fat because this type of fat is responsible for the development of heart problems. Aside from junk foods and some fried meats, you will also find trans fat in foods that are served in restaurants and fast food chains.

4. Sodium Nitrate

Processed foods, such as bacon, ham, luncheon meat, corned beef, hot dogs, and smoked fish are really delectable. However, these types of food usually contain huge amounts of sodium nitrate or sodium nitrite, two types of preservatives that are associated with the development of certain types of cancer.

5. Certain Food Colorings

In order to make food look more palatable, food colorings are added. There is really nothing wrong with food colorings, especially if they are natural based. However, based on animal clinical studies, there are some that were found to cause cancer in animals. The food colorings that you need to stay away from are Red 3 (which is used in candies, baked goods, and canned or bottled cherries), Yellow 6 (found in gelatin, sausages, candies, baked goods and beverages), Green 3 (which is used to dye beverages and candy), and Blue 1 and 2 (also used in candies, baked goods, beverages, and pet food).

6. White Sugar

Refined white sugar makes food taste sweet. However, it does not really have any nutritional value. White sugar is usually found in cereals, crackers, baked goods, sauces and other processed foods.

7. Olestra

Abdominal cramping, gas, and severe diarrhea are just some of the side effects caused by Olestra, a synthetic type of fat that can be found in certain brands of potato chips. Furthermore, this substance can also prevent the body from absorbing vitamins from vegetables, fruits and other fat-soluble carotenoids.

8. Aspartame

The rise in the number of people who are suffering from diabetes has brought about the popularity of sugar substitutes, such as Aspartame. This sweetener can be found in diet beverages, low-calorie desserts and other sweet goodies. However, some believe that Aspartame may set off neurological problems, such as hallucinations or dizziness.

If you are one of those people who love to eat processed foods and other stuff that are filled with preservatives and additives, you may want to start cleansing your colon to get rid of these unhealthy substances. One way to do that is by detoxification. A product that can help you undergo internal cleansing easily and safely is Colopril.