6 Toxins in Feminine Products and 4 Healthier Alternatives

 

Click HERE to Discover these 80 Keto-Friendly and Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes

6 Hormone Disruptors and Toxins in Feminine Products (& 4 Healthier Alternatives)

In a world of vaginal steams, crystal-wearing, and period panties, are organic feminine products really worth the hype, not to mention the extra expense? Is it a legitimate need or a silly gimmick that can be skipped?

Consider this: the skin in the vagina is highly absorbent, and it is known to be an effective method for systemic drug delivery. Chemicals introduced into the vaginal canal are going to be easily absorbed and systemically delivered to the rest of the body, too.

The Dangers of Toxic Exposure

Why should we be worried about toxic exposure from feminine products? Most women figure that they only use pads and tampons for just a few days every month, but when you add that up over three decades of reproductive years? That’s anywhere from 2,000 to 4,000 days of a woman’s life.

Products like tampons, pads, and pantiliners have contact with vaginal mucous membranes, which are designed to be highly absorbent. Because this area is filled with blood vessels and lymphatic vessels, it’s primed to deliver whatever it encounters to the entire body through the circulatory system. Chemicals in feminine products can be carried through the circulatory system.

Enter the argument that the chemicals found in these products can’t be “that bad.” If you read the label on the average tampon or pad, it won’t sound that scary, at least not until you dig a little deeper.

Most people believe that the FDA or some overarching government body regulates these types of products and won’t allow anything in them that would be unsafe.

Because tampons and pads are categorized as medical devices, they’re regulated by the FDA, but the FDA doesn’t regulate the cosmetic industry or other chemical-laden products strictly either.

Just because the FDA allows it to be sold doesn’t mean it’s safe. As a medical device, companies also aren’t required to disclose every detail about the ingredients.

Bottom line: Women need to be aware that toxin exposure from unexpected sources can still have a significant impact on their health, and feminine products are no exception.

Toxins Found in Feminine Products

Most toxins found in feminine products aren’t easily deciphered by simply reading the label. Companies manufacturing these items are either unaware that they’ve created a chemical delivery system, or they’re trying to mask it with pink and blue boxes and fresh scents.

Even if we assume the best of these companies, initiatives over the last few years to get full label disclosure have been met with silence. Companies disclose ingredients that may be in their products, but do not transparently list exactly what they contain.

The truth is that any feminine products not labelled as organic can contain any of the following. Since manufacturers are not being open, we can assume that their products very likely contain many or most of them.

6 Hormone Disruptors and Chemicals Found in Feminine Products

Phthalates

A plastic-like chemical found in many products that are scented, phthalates, found in fragranced pads or tampons used to mask vaginal odors, are hormone disrupting.

Dioxins

You know how those tampons and pads are crisp and white? Dioxins are chemicals that appear as a result of the bleaching process, and are associated with hormone disruption and autoimmunity.

Mercury

While no one is adding mercury to feminine products, it can be found in pads and tampons because it’s a by-product of the manufacturing and bleaching process, and it’s associated with disruption of the nervous, immune, and digestive systems.

Glyphosate

Cotton, one of the primary ingredients of tampons and pads, is one of the top GMO (genetically modified organism) crops that are heavily treated with glyphosate.

 Cotton is highly absorbent, hence the use in tampons and feminine pads, but it also absorbs those chemicals that it’s doused with. One study found that 85 percent of non-organic tampons contained glyphosate.

Rayon

A synthetic ingredient made from sawdust, rayon is most closely associated with TSS, or toxic shock syndrome. Tampons all get a warning label that they shouldn’t be left in for more than eight hours because of TSS, which can cause symptoms like fever, rash, low blood pressure, vomiting, diarrhea, and even seizures.

TSS is life-threatening, so most women are educated about this risk. However, women aren’t informed that the very same tampon that could cause TSS is also exposing them to dioxins, which are by-products of rayon, and which are not safe at any exposure level.

Synthetic Fragrances

A fancy way of saying “a chemical cocktail to produce a synthetic scent,” fragrances are used in thousands of products to produce a specific smell. They’re also used to mask odors, such as in feminine products.

The problem with this is that just because something smells clean and fresh doesn’t mean that it is. Chemicals used in fragrances are often proprietary and are not required to be disclosed, meaning you have no idea what you’re inhaling, ingesting, or inserting. Some fragrances even contain known carcinogens.

Avoid scented pads – They main contain carcinogens!

Bottom line: While women aren’t exposed to feminine products on a daily basis, the cumulative hours that they will be exposed over their lifetime is significant, especially considering that a few of these chemicals have no safe exposure levels.

3 Dangers of Toxic Feminine Products

It might be easy to brush off chemicals found in pads and tampons as less important than chemicals found in, say, make-up or lotions, based on daily usage and skin coverage.

However, for a week every month, for roughly 30 years, women often get around-the-clock exposure from these seemingly harmless items.

1. More Infections

Chemicals and synthetic ingredients found in feminine products increase a woman’s risk of yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis because the presence of these unnatural materials disrupt normal and healthy vaginal bacterial balance.

2. Cancer Risk

While most companies will deny that their products or ingredients are carcinogenic, dioxins and other components of women’s hygiene products have cancer-causing components.

3. Reproductive Harm

All of the exposures that a woman faces on a daily basis from environmental sources can work together to attack fertility. Hormones are sensitive to disruptions, and women face risk by chemicals found in feminine products they use.

Bottom line: The volume of usage and hours of exposure make feminine care products one of the most significant issues regarding toxic exposure.

4 Organic and Toxin-Free Alternatives

Organic feminine products cost more than non-organic versions, and one of the largest complaints is that companies slap the organic label on there so that they can charge more. The truth is that the products are entirely different, and given a moment to compare, you’ll see why.

Cleaner hygiene products are critical since vaginal tissues absorb toxins and chemicals more easily than other skin areas. Chemical-free feminine products are critical, as vaginal tissue is super absorbent.

Natural alternatives exist for everything from organic cotton tampons and pads that are not bleached to reusable and washable products like fabric pads, menstrual cups, and period underwear that are designed to eliminate waste altogether.

While many women may view laundering their menstrual products as an unnecessary chore (or a gross one at that), all of these organic and reusable products have been designed with care for both women’s health and the environment.

So explore the various chemical-free options available for menstrual care and choose a system that works best for you.

Organic and Disposable Tampons, Pads, and Liners

Much the same as the non-organic ones, these are disposable and convenient.

Made from organic cotton that is unbleached and free from nasty chemicals, these products are produced primarily by four brands: Seventh Generation, NatraCare, Maxim, and The Honest Company. They’re available in varying sizes and thicknesses and work as effectively as other non-organic brands.

Reusable Pads

Menstrual pads work the same way as disposable ones, except they’re constructed from cotton and are highly absorbent. These also come in different sizes and thicknesses, and are designed to be laundered and reused for numerous cycles.

The laundering process is described by each company, and is simple and ick-free. Most suggest soaking in a bucket of natural disinfectant solution during the menstrual cycle, and washing everything in one load at the end.

If you’re really bothered by the idea of dirty menstrual rags, you can easily wash them more often. Popular brands include GladRags, LunaPads, Sckoon Organic Cloth Pads, Charlie Banana Reusable Cloth Pads, and Earth Girl.

Menstrual Cups

Menstrual cups are in a league of their own: they collect the menstrual blood and don’t absorb. They can safely be worn longer than tampons and don’t carry the risk of toxic shock syndrome.

They’re available in different sizes and shapes, and can be used for numerous cycles, only needing to be rinsed before each use and washed thoroughly at the end of the cycle before storing until the next one.

These are great options for women of any age. Top brands include the DivaCup, Lunette Menstrual Cup, Ruby Cup, Yuuki Cup, and EvaCup.

Period Underwear

Newest on the scene are panties specifically designed to be worn during menstruation. Some are designed to be worn without any additional pads or cups, while others are meant to be used in conjunction with reusable pads or cups.

They are made of highly absorbent and leak-proof materials, and are designed to last for many years. Popular brands are Thinx, PantyProp, Modibodi, and Knixwear.

Bottom line: Each of these different menstrual options offers their own benefits and come without the chemical cocktail of side effects like conventional period products.

Not only are they cleaner options, but they are greener and either come from more ethically sourced disposable cotton or remove the need for disposing altogether.

While the cost for any of these options will be more than just buying the cheapest option, your health is an investment and is worth protecting from an onslaught of chemicals.

Watch these 2 videos below –

Best ORGANIC Non-toxic Feminine Care Pads (Review)| Natural Care for Women

Natural and Non-Toxic Personal Care Products

Written by Aimee McNew

Author Bio:

Aimee McNew is a Certified Nutritionist who specializes in women’s health, thyroid problems, infertility, and digestive wellness. She ate her way back to health using a Paleo diet, lost 80 pounds, and had a healthy baby after numerous miscarriages. She focuses on simple nutrition practices that promote long-lasting results.

A lot of people have gotten results from the Keto diet, and enjoyed the foods that it has to offer. However, many of the people who are following this diet have a hard time finding the recipes that they need, especially ones that are quick and easy to complete.

Fortunately, Kelsey Ale, noticed this problem, and decided to do something about it. She’s found that making recipes in a slow cooker gives you meals which are not only delicious, but also take very little time to make. Mostly you just put a few simple ingredients in the slow cooker, and let it do the rest.To find out more, click on – Keto Slow Cooker Cookbook

Hidden Dangers of Emulsifiers and Thickeners to Gut and Brain

 

Click HERE to Discover these 80 Keto-Friendly and Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes

Are Emulsifiers and Thickeners in Your Food Sabotaging Your Gut?

Check the label – sneaky emulsifiers and thickeners may be causing you achy gut problems.

While you might notice “natural” additives called thickeners and emulsifiers in your organic staples and not think much of it, new studies reveal the danger they pose to your gut health.

Here’s why these additives are more dangerous than they appear – and how to identify them in the foods you buy.

What Are Thickeners and Emulsifiers?

Thickeners and emulsifiers stabilize and thicken foods. They can be synthetic or natural, and may be added to store-bought products like salad dressing to help keep the mixture well combined.

So, what’s the problem with these additives? While it’s true that almost all thickeners and emulsifiers are “Generally Regarded As Safe” (GRAS) by the FDA, this simply means that they don’t pose a serious risk.

However, this doesn’t mean that they don’t come without side effects. And one of those extremely important but often overlooked side effects is their effect on gut health and digestion.

Common Thickeners and Emulsifiers

You’ve probably come across several of the most common thickeners and emulsifiers in your favorite packaged foods, such as nut milk, non-dairy yogurts, salad dressings, and more. Here’s a breakdown of what they are, how they affect your digestion, and reasons you may want to avoid them.

1. Cellulose Gum

Cellulose gum, or carboxymethylcellulose, is a thickening agent that comes from the cell walls of many types of plants. It is commonly used to thicken low-fat foods, since it can add a rich, creamy texture without adding fat.

While cellulose gum is generally recognized as safe, many researchers are now questioning whether it may be responsible for intestinal inflammation. This is due to the uptick in cases of inflammatory gut conditions like IBS with the increasing prevalence of cellulose gum in foods.

Animal studies do indeed show that cellulose gum causes inflammation and obesity, even at low doses. Cellulose gum can also alter the gut bacteria and erode the protective mucus lining of the intestines, causing irritation.

2. Polysorbate 80

Polysorbate 80 is a synthetic emulsifier that is added to foods and cosmetics to help bind ingredients together to increase smoothness. Take ice cream, for example: Polysorbate 80 might be added to maintain its rich, creamy texture while it’s on the shelf.

This emulsifier is another additive considered “safe” by the FDA, but studies show it creates an imbalance in your digestive system.

Studies in mice show polysorbate 80 creates intestinal inflammation and an immune response that typically happens in patients with colitis, meaning it could create the conditions necessary in your gut to develop this bowel disorder. It was also found that polysorbate 80 shortened the colons of mice and disrupted the protective mucus layer lining their guts.

3. Carrageenan

Carrageenan is similar to cellulose gum. It is derived from red seaweed and can be found in everyday foods like milks, yogurt, and condiments. It has quite a controversial reputation due to conflicting studies showing that it’s safe versus others that show it can cause inflammation and even interferes with the hormone insulin.

When it comes to gut health, studies show that carrageenan can create inflammation in your gut, and also creates some of the same symptoms as those found in inflammatory bowel disease.

4. Xanthan Gum

Xanthan gum can often be found in gluten-free baked goods thanks to its ability to create a doughy texture. It is produced through bacterial fermentation with a strain of bacteria and added sugars, then dried, powdered, and added to food.

While xanthan gum is considered “natural”, it still poses a negative effect on gut health. One study found that some infants who were fed formula thickened with xanthan gum developed a fatal intestinal disease.

With that being said, it’s important to note that infants’ digestive tracts are extremely sensitive, which was likely a huge factor in their reaction to xanthan gum. However, caution is warranted with xanthan gum, especially when it comes to little ones.

Thickeners and Emulsifiers and the Gut-Brain Link

In addition to affecting your gut health, studies show that the changes that happen in your gut when you consume these additives can also affect your brain. One study found emulsifiers added to the drinking water of mice resulted in gut inflammation, which then altered their mental state, resulting in changes in behavior.

How to Avoid Thickeners and Emulsifiers (Plus Natural Alternatives)?

If you’re experiencing any type of digestive discomfort and already removed gluten, dairy, and other irritating ingredients from your diet, you may want to take a closer look at the thickeners and emulsifiers in the foods you are eating.

Keep in mind that these can be found in nut milks like almond and coconut milk (canned and boxed) as well as non-dairy yogurts, ice creams, chocolates, and other packaged foods and baked goods.

The easiest way to avoid artificial thickeners and emulsifiers is to read labels carefully, and when in doubt, whip up your own alternatives to common foods that contain additives.

Try making your own nut milk by adding almonds to a blender with water, blending on high, then straining through a cheesecloth or nut milk bag. You can also make your own chocolate at home to avoid stabilizers and added sugars.

Here’s another trick: thicken your own foods using arrowroot or tapioca starch.

Watch this video – Dangerous Food Additives You Need to Know About

The Bottom Line

If you’re trying to improve your gut health, stick to eating foods in their most natural state. Whenever you buy packaged foods, check the label to make sure it doesn’t contain any of the emulsifiers and thickeners mentioned above.

Written by Megan Patiry

Author Bio:

Megan is an inquisitive nutrition and wellness writer harboring an editorial love affair with the decadent and the nutritious. She is a dedicated researcher in all areas of ancestral health, a certified specialist in fitness nutrition, personal trainer, and professional almond milk latte addict.

A lot of people have gotten results from the Keto diet, and enjoyed the foods that it has to offer. However, many of the people who are following this diet have a hard time finding the recipes that they need, especially ones that are quick and easy to complete.

Fortunately, Kelsey Ale, noticed this problem, and decided to do something about it. She’s found that making recipes in a slow cooker gives you meals which are not only delicious, but also take very little time to make. Mostly you just put a few simple ingredients in the slow cooker, and let it do the rest.

To find out more, click on – Keto Slow Cooker Cookbook

Is It Safer and Healthier to Use BPPA-Free Plastics?

 

Click HERE to Discover these 80 Keto-Friendly and Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes

Just Because It Says “BPA-Free” Doesn’t Mean It’s Safe

“BPA-free” is a buzzword that may fool you into thinking you’re getting a safer, better product. Unfortunately, this label is not always what it seems.

Plenty of products, food packaging, and other items on store shelves boast a BPA-free status, but it doesn’t necessarily make it better.

While the label “all natural” does not have any standardized meaning, “BPA-free” in fact indicates that the product is free from one specific chemical: bisphenol-A.

However, that doesn’t mean that it’s free from similar chemicals. Read on to discover what BPA is, and why a BPA-free label isn’t necessarily healthier.

What Makes Plastic BPA-Free?

BPA is a chemical found in plastics and other household products, including certain toys, the linings of canned goods, and disposable baggies.

This chemical was originally added to items in the 1950s because it helped strengthen hygiene products, food containers, baby bottles, and other plastic goods that needed to resist degrading with use.

However, once the concerns that BPA disrupts the endocrine system emerged, companies began making changes to their products. Now, many products boast a BPA-free label.

The most popular items that still might contain BPA include:

• Canned goods
• Toiletries
• Feminine hygiene products
• Paper receipts from stores
• Electronics
• Sealants for dental fillings
• CDs and DVDs

It’s generally agreed that minimizing BPA exposure is a good idea, though messages are mixed. For example, the FDA officially states that BPA is safe, but required that baby products be made without BPA starting in 2012.

So… is BPA-Free Plastic Safe?

While many companies manufacture their products without BPA, the downside is that these products often contain BPS (bisphenol S) or BPF (bisphenol F) instead. Bisphenol A, S, and F are all chemical compounds that are in the same category. These chemicals are not studied as thoroughly as BPA, but almost certainly have similar health concerns.

While experts disagree on whether BPA is truly harmful or to what extent, research indicates that BPA can have the following potentially harmful reactions when it’s present in the body:

• Acts as estrogen. BPA binds to estrogen receptors and can interfere with hormone balance.

• Interacts with thyroid hormone receptors. This can alter hormone production in the body.

• Causes reproductive problems. Common reproductive problems include recurrent miscarriage, low egg quality, Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), reduced sperm count, and infertility.

• Affects fetal development. BPA can cause hormone changes that occur in utero, including low birth weight in babies.

• Alters mental health. Exposure to BPA can lead to decreased connections between brain cells and may cause hyperactivity in children and adolescents.

• Raises blood pressure. BPA exposure increases the chances of heart disease by as much as 63 percent and can increase the potential for type 2 diabetes by as much as 60 percent.

• Leads to weight gain. Obesity and increased body weight are especially common in women.

Unfortunately, research reports that BPS and BPF can disrupt the cells in the body in a similar method to BPA – meaning that a “BPA-free” label doesn’t mean a product is completely free from harmful chemicals.

So how can you know if you’re getting exposed to BPA, BPS, or BPF? Plastic items that contain the numbers 3 and 7, usually on the bottom or base of the product, are likely to contain one or more of these ingredients. That means that even if the label says “BPA-free”, you may not be completely free from exposure.

What Are Safer Alternatives to Plastics?

To avoid exposure to BPA and related chemicals, opt for any of these safer alternatives.

Glass and Ceramic

Skip plastic drinking bottles, dishes, travel mugs, and other plastic food items and choose glass and ceramic instead. Ceramic travel mugs, glass drinking bottles, and glass and ceramic items are safe to heat and won’t leach chemicals into your food or drink.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is nearly indestructible and if it’s food-grade, it won’t rust or otherwise degrade. There are stainless options for baby bottles, mugs, travel containers, cookware, and more.

Silicone

Skip plastic bags and other plastic wraps that can contain harmful chemicals and choose food-grade silicone reusable bags instead. You can even find silicone baby teething toys!

Wood

If you have kids, plastic toys are abundant and many of them are labeled “7”. This number is usually found on the bottom or underside of a toy, typically with a triangle shape around it. Wooden toys are making a popular comeback since those made in the U.S. are now required to be made with lead-free paint.

Fabric

Handbags are frequently handled, so opt for fabric or leather alternatives when shopping for a new purse. You can also buy fabric dolls and similar toys for kids. The safest type of fabric is 100 percent organic cotton.

Tip: Buy Food That Isn’t Packaged

When you’re looking to avoid BPA exposure in foods, opt for fresh foods that aren’t preserved, packaged, or canned. This is the best way to ensure you aren’t getting any BPA exposure.

The safest cosmetics and personal care brands are organic and natural, meaning they don’t use plastics, chemical-laden preservatives, or fragrances. Plus, you’ll limit your waste, too!

When Plastic is Unavoidable

If you have to use plastic, follow these best practice guidelines:

1. Choose plastics that don’t contain a “7” on them. This means they’re likely free from BPS, BPA, and BPF or similar ingredients.

• Don’t heat them. Never use plastic in the microwave or dishwasher. Heat breaks down the particles in plastic, leaching them onto food.

• Use sparingly. Simply being mindful is everything. If a plastic bottle is all you have at the moment, use it – just remember to switch to a ceramic or glass cup when you get home.

Watch this video – IS BPA-Free Safe? What the Plastic Industry Has Tried to Hide

Bottom Line

While there are mixed opinions on BPA, most agree that it can cause some harmful effects when it enters the body. It’s not a substance found in nature, so choosing something organic instead will always be the safer bet.

Plastic-free living is ideal, but it’s not always possible. Minimize plastic exposure whenever you can to keep your body less burdened by chemical absorption.

Written by Aimee McNew

Author Bio:

Aimee McNew is a Certified Nutritionist who specializes in women’s health, thyroid problems, infertility, and digestive wellness. She ate her way back to health using a Paleo diet, lost 80 pounds, and had a healthy baby after numerous miscarriages. She focuses on simple nutrition practices that promote long-lasting results.

A lot of people have gotten results from the Keto diet, and enjoyed the foods that it has to offer. However, many of the people who are following this diet have a hard time finding the recipes that they need, especially ones that are quick and easy to complete.

Fortunately, Kelsey Ale, noticed this problem, and decided to do something about it. She’s found that making recipes in a slow cooker gives you meals which are not only delicious, but also take very little time to make. Mostly you just put a few simple ingredients in the slow cooker, and let it do the rest.

To find out more, click on – Keto Slow Cooker Cookbook

What to Look Out for When Purchasing Processed Foods

 

Click HERE to Discover these 80 Keto-Friendly and Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes

The 4 Levels of Processed Foods, From Best to Worst

Not all processed foods are created equal. Here are the four defined levels of processed foods, ranked from best to worst.

Not all processed food is unhealthy. In fact, when we dive into the nitty-gritty of it, there are actually plenty of processed foods that can be a very healthy addition to your diet.

The trick is knowing which foods to stay away from, and why.

What are Processed Foods?

We tend to categorize anything that comes in a box or package as a “processed” food. These products are packaged and often altered from its original state to either make it shelf stable, to improve the taste, or to create a “new” food from multiple ingredients.

However, there can be some confusion here. For example, pure tuna that has been packaged in a glass jar with water probably wouldn’t be considered a processed food just because of its packaging.

There are different levels of processed food and what it can do for our health. Here are the four levels of these foods as we see it, ranked from minimally processed to highly processed.

What are the Four Levels of Processing?

Consider the differences between a strawberry, strawberry jam, a strawberry Pop-tart, and a piece of strawberry candy. The strawberry is a whole, natural food. The jam is processed, but depending on how much sugar or other ingredients were added to it, the jam can still be healthy. The Pop-tart and candy probably have very little actual strawberry in it at all.

A classification system known as NOVA helps define these different levels of food processing. They are defined into these four groups:

Group 1: Unprocessed or Minimally Processed

Only very minimally processed foods fit into this category. Think whole foods like fruits, veggies, meat, and nuts. Freezing, vacuum-sealing, and similar methods to preserve shelf life are acceptable here.

Group 2: Processed Ingredients

The next level of processing is obtained or extracted from the whole foods in group one. Think: sugar and molasses obtained from cane or beets, honey extracted from the honeycomb, canned coconut milk, and oils made from nuts or fruits, like olive oil. These items may contain additives to preserve freshness.

Group 3: Processed Foods

These processed foods contain just two or three ingredients. Think: tuna jarred in olive oil, canned veggies, salted and packed nuts, boxed almond milk, and cured or smoked meats. Beer, wine, and ciders also fall here because they contain more than one ingredient and are processed from whole foods like grapes or barley.

Group 4: Ultra-Processed

This is the mega-processed group of foods. They often include artificial colors, dyes and additives, non-sugar sweeteners, and processing aids such as caking and glazing agents, emulsifiers, and humectants. Think: candy bars, hot dogs, and Toaster Strudel.

In general, the more processing that occurs, the less healthy the food becomes. The ideal diet avoids Group 4 entirely, as consuming too many calories from these foods results in obesity, blood sugar issues, and other metabolic diseases.

However, groups one to three are a bit more of a gray area.

How to Identify Healthy Processed Foods

Paleo foods, like honey, tuna, and olive oil, go through a necessary process before they’re available on the shelf of your grocery store.

Other examples of healthy processed foods include sprouted seeds, kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickles. Sprouted foods can give you more nutrients than non-sprouted foods and processed, fermented cabbage provides high doses of probiotics.

The difference between a healthy and unhealthy processed food really comes down to added ingredients. Take non-dairy yogurt, for example, a healthy option contains only natural thickeners like tapioca root starch, and perhaps a dash of fruit or honey instead of sugar.

Another example of a healthy processed food option is a packaged Paleo cookie.

The ingredient list would most likely include dates instead of sugar, almond flour, coconut, almond butter, or fruit.

Frozen foods are also considered processed, and can be healthy options such as frozen whole veggies and fruits.

Processed Foods You Should Avoid Entirely

Ideally, you should avoid Group 4 foods altogether. This includes ultra-processed foods like candies, pastries, and other foods that contain a long list of unrecognizable ingredients.

Check the labels of packaged foods to see if they land safely within Groups 2 or 3. It’s not terrible to buy certain Group 3 foods, like roasted nuts or cured meats, as long as the added ingredients contain pure foods like sea salt or natural spices.

What to Look Out for When Purchasing Processed Foods

The quality of ingredients is important when choosing processed foods, and so it’s worth checking the packaging itself. For example, you’ll want to look for glass containers or cans with BPA-free lining whenever possible.

Here are a few other tips for choosing processed food:

• Whole foods or extracts from whole foods (like olive oil) should make up most of the ingredient list.

• Preservatives should be natural. Look for vitamin E instead of chemical compounds like polysorbate 80 and sodium nitrate.

• Choose glass-packaged foods over canned or plastic-wrapped, since these can leach toxins into the food.

• Look for pure Paleo ingredients, like almond flour instead of wheat, and honey instead of refined sugar.

• Just like with fresh foods, choose wild-caught, grass-fed, and organic whenever possible.

Watch this video – What to Look Out for When Purchasing Processed Foods

The Bottom Line

“Processed” food is a term that’s often thrown around in general terms, but many processed foods can actually be a part of a healthy diet. Keep the majority of your diet fresh, with whole fruits, veggies, nuts, and fresh meats, but don’t be afraid to add a couple of healthy processed options.

Written by Megan Patiry

Author Bio:

Megan is an inquisitive nutrition and wellness writer harboring an editorial love affair with the decadent and the nutritious. She is a dedicated researcher in all areas of ancestral health, a certified specialist in fitness nutrition, personal trainer, and professional almond milk latte addict.

A lot of people have gotten results from the Keto diet, and enjoyed the foods that it has to offer. However, many of the people who are following this diet have a hard time finding the recipes that they need, especially ones that are quick and easy to complete.

Fortunately, Kelsey Ale, noticed this problem, and decided to do something about it. She’s found that making recipes in a slow cooker gives you meals which are not only delicious, but also take very little time to make. Mostly you just put a few simple ingredients in the slow cooker, and let it do the rest.

To find out more, click on – Keto Slow Cooker Cookbook