Maintaining a healthy diet isn’t sufficient; you must also be mindful of everyday food chemicals that contribute to weight gain. Steer clear of these 5 harmful chemicals found in common foods to reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, and obesity.
Let’s take a moment to acknowledge those who are struggling to lose weight despite following a seemingly healthy diet. But fear not, there’s a secret to share—your “healthy” diet may contain certain everyday foods that contribute to weight gain.
Yes, you read that correctly. Recent research has identified harmful chemicals in common foods, including seemingly healthy choices like lean meats, fish, fruits, and vegetables. These chemicals, known as obesogens, disrupt hormonal function and alter our gut microbiome, leading to confused hunger signals, a sluggish metabolism, and increased fat cell formation and storage—ultimately resulting in weight gain. Furthermore, these food chemicals also elevate the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and unhealthy cholesterol levels.
It’s essential to be aware of these everyday food chemicals that promote weight gain and learn how to avoid them in your diet.
Bisphenol-A (BPA)
The growing awareness of the dangers posed by the synthetic compound BPA has indeed spurred the market for BPA-free bottles. However, despite these efforts, BPA is still detected in the majority of people nationwide. A study conducted by Harvard and Brown University, involving 1000 American women, revealed that those with the highest levels of BPA reported gaining approximately 230 grams more per year compared to women with the lowest levels of BPA.
Research indicates that BPA can accelerate the differentiation of fat cells, disrupt pancreatic function, and induce insulin resistance—all of which are risk factors for obesity.
To minimize exposure to BPA, it’s advisable to avoid foods known to contain high levels of this compound, such as canned tomatoes and tuna fish. Canned tuna, in particular, is among the most BPA-laden foods found on store shelves, making it prudent to steer clear of such products to mitigate BPA exposure.
Triflumizole
The decision to opt for conventional produce over organic may often be influenced by factors like availability and affordability. However, here’s a compelling reason to reconsider: Triflumizole, a fungicide commonly used on leafy greens, has been linked to weight gain according to a study published in the Journal of Environmental Health Perspectives.
Moreover, virtually all common chemicals sprayed on crops have been found to disrupt our endocrine system. This disruption encourages fat storage and hampers our body’s ability to build lean muscle mass.
To mitigate the risks associated with these chemicals, it’s advisable to switch to organic versions of everyday foods known to contribute to weight gain. While organic options may entail extra cost and effort, the potential benefits to your health make it a worthwhile investment.
Emulsifiers
Emulsifiers, commonly added to beloved comfort foods such as mayonnaise and salad dressings, serve to enhance texture and prevent separation in processed foods. However, a study published in the journal Nature revealed their detrimental effects on our gut microbiome, leading to bacterial imbalance and potentially resulting in metabolic syndrome.
These emulsifiers may be disguised on food labels under names like “polysorbates” and “sorbitan monostearate.” To avoid their harmful effects, it’s advisable to opt for whole foods instead of processed options.
Antibiotics and Hormones in Food Supply
Consuming cattle meat without awareness of potential antibiotic and hormone treatments could inadvertently contribute to weight gain. Research indicates that these substances may have adverse effects on health. For instance, a study conducted by New York University found that mice exposed to comparable amounts of antibiotics exhibited decreased levels of T-cells, leading to impaired immune function and a correlation with obesity. Additionally, a study published in the Journal of Obesity suggests that the use of steroid hormones in conventional dairy farming and meat production may contribute to the obesity epidemic.
To mitigate these risks, opt for “organic,” “free range,” and “grass-fed” meats and dairy products, as they are typically free of antibiotics and hormones. Choosing these options can help promote both personal health and sustainable farming practices.
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
Your non-stick cookware, also known as Teflon, may offer convenience and ease of use, but it could also contribute to weight gain. This is because non-stick cookware contains PFOA, a chemical linked to various health concerns. Research suggests that pregnant mothers with higher levels of PFOA were three times as likely to have overweight daughters compared to those with lower levels. PFOA can leach into food from the cookware, as well as from greaseproof food wrappers and microwavable popcorn bags.
To minimize exposure to these harmful chemicals and reduce the risk of weight gain, it’s advisable to replace non-stick cookware when it shows signs of chipping or scratching. Alternatively, consider using untreated stainless steel or cast iron utensils, which pose fewer health risks.