Bacon cheeseburgers and fries are linked to weight gain, increased cholesterol and higher blood pressure. But what if other research results made these foods look safe?
One way or another, much of the American diet is proving to be unhealthy and even harmful. Conscientious meal planning is increasingly needed and desired. First, many foods are high in fat and sugar. The fact that these foods monopolize the fast food options needed in a fast-paced society further exacerbates this problem. Second, modern food processing methods are robbing once-healthy foods of essential nutrients. Third, with pesticide residues and artificial flavors and colors, chemicals have turned out to be just another ingredient in the recipe. Unfortunately, the danger does not end here. Another, even more alarming, food content insidiously permeates foods every day. As a large percentage of America remains uninformed, food itself has stolen control over people's own bodies. Poison can actually be included in the diet too….
Soft drinks, with their lively bubbles, sparkling texture, dancing foam and energy boosts, act as a common household item for most of the society. Dinner, lunch, even breakfast, America welcomes soda, fruit juice and flavored water into its glasses. However, these pleasant drinks do not come cheap. Weight gain from frequent consumption of high-calorie beverages is proving to be all too common, and these beverages are a major contributor to the nation's ever-increasing obesity rates. But scientists have discovered something even more disturbing. Along with high sugar, artificial flavors and calcium-reducing fizz, some soft drinks even contain the highly toxic substance benzene – sometimes at alarming levels. Could a bottle of good old soda be nothing more than a fizzing industrial plant?
How did benzene get into a mere soda can?
Automobiles release benzene through their fumes. Above gas stations, benzene lingers invisibly in a thick, stubborn haze. Factories release benzene in the production of some plastics, chemicals, dyes and detergents. A pollutant and toxin, it's no wonder benzene causes cancer. The air in such work facilities is said to have infected employees. With such properties, benzene is certainly not a substance one would expect to find in the grocery aisle. So, how did it get there?
Many soft drinks contain benzoate salts and ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Both of these substances are naturally part of fruit-based drinks. A high percentage of other sodas use them as preservatives or as nutritional supplements. However, when benzoate salts and vitamin C come into contact with high levels of light and/or heat, there is a good chance that a chemical reaction will occur. The product of this process is benzene.
Is it possible to prevent benzene contamination?
There is no way to ensure that soft drinks remain benzene-free. But what if someone only drinks the ones they buy? What if people only store drinks in cool and shady places? It does not matter. No one can be sure of the conditions in every warehouse or every shipment transported. Once formed, benzene remains permanently. Even the most perfect treatment and care cannot erase the existing damage.
Although the presence of any amount of benzene is of concern, the FDA has determined that levels must not exceed 5 ppb to pose a threat. Yet thousands of bottles and cans are never untested. No one can be sure of the history of their individual drink before purchase. Scientists cannot be sure how benzene levels will affect any particular person. What if some people are more sensitive than others? Will tomorrow's research find that lower levels of benzene are actually harmful? In these circumstances, facts can easily change and "assurances" leave questions unanswered.
In 1990, soft drink companies changed production methods in hopes of preventing the development of benzene. However, from 2005 to 2006, the FDA found benzene levels well above 5 ppb in some products. Moreover, the experiment turned out to be very inadequate. The study covered only a small percentage of the country and did not include all products or brands. What if the benzene levels are actually much higher? Could these findings be just a glimpse of a terrible reality? .
Are there any prevention strategies?
It's not just unhealthy anymore, some foods can actually contain toxic elements. People can maintain a healthy diet with foods low in fat, sugar and salt and high in fiber. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats are some excellent examples. Foods without artificial sugars, dyes and preservatives reduce the risk of unwanted chemicals. While healthy and natural foods are proven to be the best, people don't always have a choice. The FDA has only recently confirmed that benzene still appears in some soft drinks. Can harmful substances contaminate other foods? How can one defend against unknown threats?
Doctors and trained nutritionists can not only point out the safest foods, but they can also provide a personalized supplement program. Vitamins and herbs that have the ability to fill in missing nutritional gaps also have the ability to protect the body from many environmental stresses and food impurities. Strengthening the immune system and cleansing the liver are two key tactics. Even though vitamins are natural, they are still powerful. Inappropriate use of some vitamins can actually weaken the immune system and destroy the liver. But with the right instruction from a trained professional, people can correct dietary deficiencies, support the body against inevitable damage, and help build an even healthier life than ever thought possible.
It is also advisable to have a trained professional recommend the best brands. Labels can't always be trusted. Some vitamin manufacturers dilute their products too much with buffers, and others use fewer fillers. However, with proper education, consumers can easily find affordable high-quality discount vitamins from excellent retailers.
People can easily eliminate possible benzene levels by avoiding soft drinks. Unfortunately, protecting the body from other unknown chemical toxins is not so easy. Apparently, not everything in food is always edible. Nevertheless, an individual diet plan under the guidance of a trained professional can easily ensure health and prevent problems. Healthy and natural foods and vitamin discounts are very much preparing for the unknown.
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