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Food is vital for our health. However, certain foods have no nutritional benefits and can harm us, especially if consumed in large quantities. This type of food is known as “junk food.” It has been shown to cause obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and other health issues. If consumed daily, junk food is especially harmful to children. Therefore, it is important to limit the consumption of certain products.
Read on to find out what foods should be avoided and how to get over the cravings for junk food.
Why is junk food bad for you
Food is the source of energy and provides us with the required nutrients. We go through a daily cycle of using up the nutrient resources stored in our bodies and getting them replenished from the food we eat. If our diet is healthy and balanced, our bodies profits from it. However, if our diet consists of a large amount of junk food, our bodies can end up spending more resources than what we get back. This is because junk foods are rich in calories but poor in nutrients. These kinds of food are designed to be tasty and tempting but not healthy.
Research shows that a diet based on junk food causes a lack of energy, sleepiness, poor concentration, and food cravings. Because junk foods are often loaded with sugar or contain substantial quantities of salt, diets containing large amounts of junk food can result in obesity, tooth decay, constipation, elevated cholesterol, hypertension, and heart diseases.
The Impacts of Junk Food on Health
It is always best to keep track of the nutritional quality of what we eat to avoid deficiencies.
Health issues associated with eating junk food.
Our daily food choices can affect our health’s short- and long-term status. Regular consumption of foods that are poor in nutrients puts our bodies at risk of developing deficiencies and associated pathological conditions.
One of the most common types of deficiencies is iron deficiency. Blood cells need iron to supply the body with oxygen. Iron deficiency is the leading cause of anemia, affecting about 40% of children and 30% of women of reproductive age.
Burden of anemia and its underlying causes in 204 countries and territories, 1990–2019
Other deficiencies affecting blood cells and contributing to anemia include low vitamin B12, folate, or vitamin C levels.
The list below presents other examples of nutrient deficiencies caused by unhealthy diets as well as the health issues that they trigger:
- low levels of vitamin B1 – beriberi disease
- low levels of vitamin B2 – rickets in children or neurological disorders in adults
- low levels of vitamin B3 – pellagra
- low levels of vitamin B5 – paresthesia
- low levels of vitamin B7 (biotin) – hair loss or thyroid disorders
- low levels of vitamin B12 – depression or mental decline
- low levels of vitamin A – night blindness
- low levels of vitamin C – scurvy
- severe vitamin D and/or calcium deficiencies – rickets
- vitamin K deficiency – frequent bleeding or osteoporosis
- magnesium deficiency – leg cramps, migraines, or high blood pressure
- a potassium deficiency – fatigue, muscle weakness, high blood pressure
- Omega-3 deficiency – obesity, cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory disorders
Correlation between dietary intake and obesity risk factors among healthy adults
While essential nutrients are lacking in junk foods, substances prevalent in them cause inflammation and other severe health conditions. For example, excess salt in pizzas and snacks contributes to cardiovascular diseases and kidney, brain, and immune system disorders. Excessive salt consumption is estimated to cause about 5 million deaths yearly.
The impact of excessive salt intake on human health
Regular consumption of trans-fats found in fries, doughnuts, crackers, biscuits, margarine, etc., increases the risk of coronary heart disease by 21%, death due to coronary heart disease by 28%, and death from other conditions by 34%.
Intake of saturated and trans unsaturated fatty acids and risk of all cause mortality
Excess intake of sugar, sweeteners, and calories abundant in junk foods can contribute to inflammation, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic and immune disorders.
Harmful effects of high amounts of glucose on the immune system
A balanced and varied diet can help prevent these conditions. Vitamin supplementation may also be required in cases of severe nutrient deficiencies, but diet management is the key to taking control of our health.
What makes junk food so tempting
While some people don’t tend to crave unhealthy foods and can easily control what they eat, others cannot. This is not due to a lack of willpower – the situation is much more complex.
For some of us, eating unhealthy foods can lead to a full-blown addiction that has the same biological basis as drug addiction. This is because junk food stimulates the reward system in our brains in the same way as any addictive drug.
Neurobiology of food addiction
But the function of the reward system is actually to ensure our survival. When we do something beneficial for us, like eating when hungry, dopamine gets released into the system. And this is interpreted as pleasure by the brain.
The problem with modern junk food is that it can generate considerably more pleasure responses from the brain than whole foods. For example, while eating an apple or a piece of steak may cause a moderate release of dopamine, eating ice cream or pizza releases considerably more dopamine. This is because junk food is an artificial invention designed to trigger amplified response.
Eating ‘Junk-Food’ Produces Rapid and Long-Lasting Increases in NAc CP-AMPA Receptors
When we continuously do something that releases high amounts of dopamine, like smoking cigarettes or eating chocolate, our dopamine receptors become less sensitive. More dopamine is required for pleasure to be felt. This is what causes people to binge on cigarettes or junk food. This also explains why we often can’t stop at just a small piece of cake or a few M&Ms.
From this follows that when a person craves junk food, it is about satisfying the brain’s need for dopamine and has nothing to do with the body’s need for energy or nutrients.
A craving of this kind can influence a person’s attention, and the desire for junk food can prevent them from thinking about anything else. In this state, it is difficult, if not impossible, to consider the health implications of eating such foods. Earlier, we compared cravings with drug addiction. This comparison is founded on findings of numerous rodent studies showing that rats can become physically addicted to unhealthy foods in the same way as they become addicted to drugs.
In addition to the biochemical causes of cravings that are connected to the processes in the brain, there are other reasons for junk food cravings:
- Irregular meals. Skipping breakfast or lunch and not preparing a meal in the evening will most likely result in a b feeling of hunger before bed. In this situation, cooking dinner might no longer be an option as the easiest way would be to eat something fast and convenient like pizza, potato chips, or chocolate. To avoid such cases, it is essential not to skip meals and to plan them in advance. The idea is to avoid being at the point where you are ready to eat just about anything.
- Unbalanced diet. We crave sweets when our bodies lack nutrients, especially fats and proteins. When our diet contains enough complex carbohydrates, high-quality protein, good fats, and fiber, there will be fewer irresistible cravings for unhealthy foods. Therefore, cravings for junk food can be avoided by making every meal well-balanced and nutrient dense.
- Lack of healthy, ready-to-eat food. When feeling hunger pangs, we naturally strive to satisfy them as soon as possible. In such situations, it is essential to ensure the availability of healthy food at our disposal. For example, coming home hungry and having nutritious food handy will make us less tempted to dine on junk food.
- Health conditions. Numerous deficiencies, health problems, insulin resistance, and other health conditions can cause junk food cravings. If this is the case, it is crucial to address the underlying causes with a specialist.
- Lack of water. Dehydration can lead to a desire to eat something and to opt for unhealthy foods. The clue to being dehydrated is the feeling of food cravings in the absence of actual hunger. In such cases, it is best to drink a glass of water. The cravings will likely disappear in about 10 minutes.
Top 15 unhealthiest foods
Refined vegetable oils (corn, sunflower, soybean)
Refined vegetable oils are highly processed. In this regard, they are considered to be “empty calories.”
Refined vegetable oils are rich in polyunsaturated Omega-6 fatty acids that can be easily oxidized when exposed to light or air. It is estimated that the average person consumes 16 times more Omega-6 fats than Omega-3 fats. This means that their respective ratio is on average 16:1 which massively exceeds the normal ratio that should be between 1:1 and 3:1.
Evolutionary aspects of diet, the omega-6/omega-3 ratio, and genetic variation
Observational studies have shown that women who consumed high amounts of Omega-6 fats and low amounts of Omega-3 fats had a greater risk of developing breast cancer than those with a more balanced diet.
Refined vegetable oils are also rich in linoleic acid, which occurs in excess in modern diets, leading us to consume much more than we need.
Trans fat
Trans fats are created by turning unsaturated plant fats into solid fats. Our bodies do not recognize or metabolize trans fats (like they do with natural fats), making them the most harmful kinds of fats. Not surprisingly, the consumption of trans fats can lead to a range of severe health problems, including inflammation, a high risk of cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes.
Dietary intake of trans fatty acids and systemic inflammation in women
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)
Red meat is an excellent source of protein, iron, and several other vital nutrients. However, when prepared in specific ways, it can release toxic by-products called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These preparation methods include frying, grilling, or baking at high temperatures.
Researchers have found that PAHs are toxic and can cause cancer. The best association is between grilled meat and tumors of the digestive tract (especially colon cancer).
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and digestive tract cancers: a perspective
Coumarin in Cassia cinnamon
High amounts of coumarin have been linked to an increased cancer risk and liver damage. Although the safety limit for coumarin in food is 2 mg/kg, baked goods and cereals with cinnamon have been found to contain an average of 9 mg/kg of coumarin. One type of cinnamon cookie tested as part of a study contained a whopping 88 mg/kg.
HPLC analysis and safety assessment of coumarin in foods
Cassia cinnamon contains high levels of coumarin. By contrast, Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum Verum) contains significantly less coumarin, and as such, it can be consumed in fairly large quantities. However, Ceylon cinnamon is less widely available than Cassia cinnamon.
Added sugar
Like the refined oils mentioned above, sugar and high-fructose corn syrup are the “empty calories.” The harmful effects of sugar, however, go far beyond that.
Sugar is high in fructose which, when consumed in excess, can lead to severe diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and fatty liver disease.
Adverse metabolic effects of dietary fructose
Excess sugar has also been linked to cancer. This may be due to its effect on blood sugar and insulin levels which can stimulate tumor growth. An observational study of more than 35,000 women found that those on high-sugar diets doubled the risk of colon cancer compared to those on low-sugar diets.
Salad dressings
Many commercially sold salad dressings contain unhealthy ingredients such as sugar, vegetable oils, trans fats, and various artificial colorings and flavors.
Before buying ready-made salad dressing, it is advisable to check the ingredient list, and it is always best to make salad dressing at home using fresh ingredients.
Margarine
In the past, butter was considered bad for health because of its high saturated fat content, and margarine was deemed a healthier option. However, margarine is relatively rich in trans fats and refined vegetable oils associated with inflammation and cancer, especially when consumed in high amounts.
Processed organic foods
In recent years, “organic” has become a typical marketing buzzword. However, an organic product is not necessarily healthier than its non-organic counterpart. For example, the contents of organic cane sugar are usually 100% identical to regular sugar: it is still just glucose and fructose. So, “organic” doesn’t always mean “healthy.”
Breakfast cereals
Most breakfast cereals contain refined grains, sugar (or other sweeteners), artificial additives (preservatives, flavorings, colorings), and sometimes trans fats. When choosing your breakfast cereal, always check the ingredients list.
Gluten-free processed foods
The problem with gluten-free processed foods is that they usually have the same adverse effects on the body as their gluten-containing counterparts. These foods are highly processed, low in nutrients, and often made from refined starches, which cause high glucose spikes. It is advisable to choose naturally gluten-free foods over processed gluten-free foods.
Agave nectar and other high fructose syrups
One popular “natural” sweetener is agave nectar, also known as agave syrup. Many believe that it is a healthy sweetener. But in fact, it is much worse than sugar. This is because of the fructose count: whereas sugar contains about 50% fructose, agave nectar contains up to 70-90%! Excess fructose intake can cause severe metabolic problems like obesity, diabetes, and non-fatty liver disease.
Low-carb processed foods
In recent years, low-carb diets have been trending. Food manufacturers jumped on this trend and brought to market a variety of low-carb processed foods. But if you look at an ingredient list for any of these products, you will see that most ingredients are artificial. Such foods do not nourish the body. Even if they are technically low-carb, they are very unhealthy.
Low-fat products
The low-fat products came about because of the war on saturated fats, one of the most misguided decisions in the history of nutrition. It was based on weak evidence, which is now thoroughly debunked.
Because saturated fats were considered harmful, processed food manufacturers began removing fat from foods while adding a lot of sugar to improve the taste.
A short history of saturated fat: the making and unmaking of a scientific consensus
Saturated fats are no longer considered unhealthy, but added sugar is incredibly harmful when consumed in excess. The terms “low-fat” or “no-fat” that can be seen on the food packaging usually mean that the products are highly processed and loaded with sugar.
Sweet drinks
Some sources of sugar are worse than others, and sugary drinks are especially harmful. Although they contain liquid calories, our brains don’t perceive them as food. Sugar in a liquid form is not accompanied by fiber, and as a result, we do not feel full when consuming sugary drinks. This means that we may drastically increase the total calorie intake without realizing it. Also, sugary drinks cause high glucose spikes that eventually provoke insulin resistance.
When consumed in large amounts and regularly, sugar and other sweeteners added to drinks lead to the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
Packaged bread
Packaged bread is a highly processed food that is particularly low in essential nutrients but rich in calories. But what’s even worse is that it contains a lot of artificial additives needed to preserve the bread for it to stay soft and tasty. The ingredient list for packaged bread can include artificial baking agents, harmful preservatives, colorants, flavorings, and so on.
Top unhealthiest foods for children
Research shows that in the US, about 36% of children and adolescents between the ages of 2 and 19 regularly consume junk food.
It is essential to understand that what qualifies as “junk food” is not only the obvious fast foods, such as potato chips. In fact, some of the worst offenders are the products that are served regularly at home. Here we reveal the list of the top unhealthiest foods for children.
Fast Food Intake Among Children and Adolescents in the United States
Soda and sweetened drinks
If any drink is to be limited, if not completely avoided, it should be soda and other sweetened drinks such as sports drinks, sweetened milk, and sweetened tea. Sweetened beverages are associated with an increased risk of diseases in children, such as type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that added sugar intake must not exceed 6 teaspoons per day from all foods for children aged 2 to 18. Drinking just one can of Coca-Cola exceeds this amount because it contains as much as 10 teaspoons of sugar!
Soft drinks consumption and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
In addition, sweetened drinks, such as flavored milk, contain high fructose corn syrup, a processed sweetener associated with weight gain in children.
Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Obesity among Children and Adolescents
Juices
Even though 100% fruit juice provides a child with essential vitamins and minerals, its daily consumption should still be limited. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends not to exceed 4-6 ounces per day for children aged 1 to 6 and 8-12 ounces per day for children aged 7 to 18.
Excessive consumption of fruit juices is associated with an increased risk of obesity. Some studies have linked daily fruit juice intake with weight gain in children. For example, a review of 8 studies found that a daily serving of 6-8 ounces of 100% fruit juice was associated with weight gain in children aged 1 to 6. (Note that moderate consumption of 100% fruit juices is not usually associated with weight gain.)
It is also worth mentioning that juices sold in supermarkets often contain added sugar and/or other additives. So, always be sure to check the label before making a purchase.
Finally, fiber is what gives us a feeling of being full. Fruit juices, unlike fruit, lack fiber. As a result, it is very easy for children to consume juice in excess. Therefore, it is better to substitute fruit juices with fruits.
Fruit Juice and Change in BMI: A Meta-analysis
Caffeinated drinks
A study found that 75% of American children consume caffeine, with an average intake of 25 mg per day in children aged 2-11 and twice that amount in children aged 12-17.
Caffeine can cause overexcitement, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, anxiety, and sleep disturbances in children. Children’s health organizations suggest that caffeine should not be served to children before the age of 12. For children over the age of 12, caffeine should be limited to no more than 100 mg per day.
Caffeine and Children, American Academy Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Parents should be aware that because energy drinks may contain more than 100 mg of caffeine per serving, they should be excluded from children’s and teens’ consumption.
Sweetened breakfast cereals
Breakfast cereals are made from processed wheat, oats, rice, and corn. They are a popular breakfast item deemed to be healthy. But this is not the case because of the added sweeteners and preservatives that are used to make breakfast cereals tastier and more appealing.
Consuming cereals rich in sugar and low in protein can cause irritation, fatigue, and cravings for junk food. Unsweetened cereals and granolas, often considered to be healthier options, contain processed carbohydrates that cause glucose and insulin spikes and, therefore, can be responsible for mood disorders.
Subjective Mood and Energy Levels of Healthy Weight and Overweight/Obese Healthy Adults
The bottom line is that cereals are the unhealthiest breakfast option for children.
French fries and potato chips
French fries and potato chips are all children’s all-time favorite snacks. Unfortunately, they are bad for their health. These foods are high in calories, and it is too easy to consume them in excess. Several studies found a link between potato chips and fries and weight gain. In addition, these products contain large amounts of acrylamides. These carcinogenic substances occur while frying or baking potatoes (and other carbohydrates).
Changes in Diet and Lifestyle and Long-Term Weight Gain in Women and Men
Candies and chocolate bars
Candies and chocolate bars are high in sugar, refined wheat flour, and processed fats and are very low in essential nutrients. Moreover, these treats leave the child hungry and provoke a desire to eat more than necessary.
We saw that in the context of children’s nutrition, there are a lot of harmful products, including those considered healthy, like cereals and juices. To avoid health issues, the child’s diet should predominantly consist of whole foods. It’s also worth reading the labels of all processed products bought in supermarkets to check for sugar, caffeine, and artificial additives contents.
Food additives that should be avoided
Added sugar, trans fats, excess salt, and poor nutrient content are not the only problems associated with junk food. It is also loaded with harmful artificial additives. Here we will look at the top 5 unhealthy additives found in food.
Artificial food colorings
Artificial food colorings are used to enhance the appearance of different kinds of food products, from candies to spices. In recent years there have been many concerns about their potential health effects. This is because some food colorings have been linked to allergic reactions and have been found to provoke hyperactivity and attention deficit disorders in children.
Artificial Food Colors and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Symptoms: Conclusions to Dye for
Food colorings are found mainly in processed foods (which should be avoided for reasons outlined earlier). It is always best to opt for whole foods that are free of artificial colorings.
Sodium nitrite (E250)
Often found in processed meats, sodium nitrite (E250) acts as a preservative to prevent bacterial growth. It also adds a salty flavor and reddish-pink color to products that contain it. When exposed to heat and in the presence of amino acids, nitrites can be converted to nitrosamine, and both these chemicals can cause adverse health effects. One scientific review found that a higher intake of nitrites and nitrosamine is associated with a higher risk of stomach cancer.
Nitrosamine and related food intake and gastric and oesophageal cancer risk
Other studies report that consuming processed meats (containing nitrites) may be associated with an increased risk of colorectal, breast, and bladder cancers.
Red and Processed Meat and Colorectal Cancer Incidence
Red and processed meat consumption and breast cancer
Therefore, it is best to minimize the intake of processed meats. Try replacing the meats like bacon, sausages, hot dogs, and ham with unprocessed meats and healthy protein sources. Chicken, beef, fish, pork, legumes, nuts, eggs, and tempeh are just a few delicious, high-protein and healthy foods to replace processed meats with.
Carrageenan
Carrageenan, derived from red seaweed, acts as a thickener, emulsifier, and preservative in many foods. Common sources of carrageenan include almond milk, cottage cheese, ice cream, coffee cream, and dairy-free products like vegan cheese.
For decades, there has been concern about this common food additive’s safety and its potential health risks. One animal study found that carrageenan consumption increased blood sugar and glucose intolerance, especially when combined with a high-fat diet.
Exposure to Common Food Additive Carrageenan
In-vitro and animal studies have shown that carrageenan causes inflammation. In addition, carrageenan is believed to harm digestive health and could be associated with the formation of intestinal ulcers.
Review of harmful gastrointestinal effects of carrageenan in animal experiments
Unfortunately, the research into the effects of carrageenan is still minimal, and more research is needed to fully understand how it affects our health.
Sodium benzoate (E211)
Sodium benzoate is a preservative that is often added to carbonated drinks, salad dressings, pickles, fruit juices, and spices. It has been generally recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration. Still, several studies have identified potential side effects. For example, an analysis of the impact of sodium benzoate on 1800 healthy 3-year-olds found that, when combined with artificial food colorings, it increased hyperactivity.
Another study found that higher consumption of drinks containing sodium benzoate was associated with more ADHD symptoms in 475 college students.
Also, when combined with vitamin C, sodium benzoate can be converted to benzene, a compound associated with cancer. Carbonated drinks contain the highest benzene concentration, and diet drinks are even more prone to benzene formation.
Benzene-induced cancers: abridged history and occupational health impact
To minimize sodium benzoate intake, it is important to check product labels. Avoid foods containing ingredients such as benzoic acid, benzene, or benzoate, especially when combined with a vitamin C source such as citric acid or ascorbic acid.
Artificial flavors
Artificial flavors are chemicals designed to mimic the taste of a wide variety of flavors, from caramel to fruit. Animal studies have shown that these synthetic flavors may have some health risks. For example, in one study, rats’ red blood cell production was significantly reduced after they were fed artificial flavors. In addition, certain flavors such as chocolate, biscuit, and strawberry have been found to have a toxic effect on bone marrow cell formation in rodents.
A caveat is that these studies used a much more concentrated dose than what we usually get with food. Further research is needed to determine the effects of artificial flavors on our health.
Until then, make sure to check product labels and opt for products containing “chocolate” or “cocoa” instead of “chocolate flavor” or “artificial flavor.”
How to replace harmful products
Now that you know which foods are considered most harmful and which foods should be limited or completely excluded, you might wonder how to replace these unhealthy foods. The answer is quite simple.
First, it is essential to balance your diet by including the main macronutrients: healthy fats + good quality protein + fiber + complex carbohydrates. A balanced diet will make it easier to control your cravings for junk food.
Second, instead of buying products with a long list of ingredients, opt for whole, unprocessed foods. For example, choose:
- Whole fruits and vegetables instead of juices and smoothies
- Raw cereals instead of breakfast cereals and muesli
- Healthy fats from unrefined oils, avocados, nuts, and seeds instead of trans fats from store-bought desserts, pastries, and brownies
- Water, tea, chicory, coffee, and cocoa instead of sodas and sweetened drinks
- Turkey, chicken, fish, and seafood instead of processed bacon and sausages
- Quality dark chocolate without sugar instead of chocolate bars like Snickers, Mars, etc.
- Freshly baked whole-grain bread and pastries from the local bakeries instead of packaged toast bread
- Natural full-fat dairy products instead of a processed and fat-free diary
- Unrefined oils instead of refined ones that are devoid of all valuable properties
- Natural sweet berries instead of candies and lollipops
- Homemade vegetable chips, carrot sticks, sliced vegetables, and greens instead of store-bought chips
- Homemade sandwiches with vegetables, fish, or avocados instead of store-bought snacks and sandwiches
In this article, we saw that a large amount of junk food could negatively affect our health. This is why it is so important to monitor what we eat. If you find it difficult to replace all of the junk foods with healthy alternatives at once, begin by removing the most harmful products, and implement small changes incrementally over time. In the long run, it is important to remember that there are always healthy alternatives to junk food.
References
- The Impacts of Junk Food on Health
- Burden of anemia and its underlying causes in 204 countries and territories, 1990–2019
- Correlation between dietary intake and obesity risk factors among healthy adults
- The impact of excessive salt intake on human health
- Intake of saturated and trans unsaturated fatty acids and risk of all cause mortality
- Harmful effects of high amounts of glucose on the immune system
- Neurobiology of food addiction
- Eating ‘Junk-Food’ Produces Rapid and Long-Lasting Increases in NAc CP-AMPA Receptors
- Evidence for sugar addiction
- Evolutionary aspects of diet, the omega-6/omega-3 ratio, and genetic variation
- Dietary intake of trans fatty acids and systemic inflammation in women
- Trans fatty acids induce vascular inflammation and reduce vascular nitric oxide production in endothelial cells
- Fast Food Intake Among Children and Adolescents in the United States
- Soft drinks consumption and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Obesity among Children and Adolescents
- Fruit Juice and Change in BMI: A Meta-analysis
- Caffeine Intake from Food and Beverage Sources and Trends among Children and Adolescents in the United States
- Caffeine and Children, American Academy Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Subjective Mood and Energy Levels of Healthy Weight and Overweight/Obese Healthy Adults
- Changes in Diet and Lifestyle and Long-Term Weight Gain in Women and Men
- Toxicology of food dyes
- Artificial Food Colors and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Symptoms: Conclusions to Dye for
- Nitrosamine and related food intake and gastric and oesophageal cancer risk
- Red and Processed Meat and Colorectal Cancer Incidence
- Red and processed meat consumption and breast cancer
- Exposure to Common Food Additive Carrageenan
- The effects of a double-blind, placebo controlled, artificial food colorings and benzoate preservative challenge on hyperactivity in a general population sample of preschool children
- Review of harmful gastrointestinal effects of carrageenan in animal experiments
- Sodium benzoate-rich beverage consumption is associated with increased reporting of ADHD symptoms in college students: a pilot investigation
- Benzene-induced cancers: abridged history and occupational health impact
- Toxicity of synthetic flavorings, nature identical and artificial, to hematopoietic tissue cells of rodents
- ω-3 and ω-6 Polyunsaturated fatty acid intakes and the risk of breast cancer in Mexican women: impact of obesity status
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and digestive tract cancers: a perspective
- HPLC analysis and safety assessment of coumarin in foods
- Cassia cinnamon as a source of coumarin in cinnamon-flavored food and food supplements in the United States
- Adverse metabolic effects of dietary fructose
- Sugar, meat, and fat intake, and non-dietary risk factors for colon cancer incidence in Iowa women (United States)
- A short history of saturated fat: the making and unmaking of a scientific consensus
