What’s hiding in your family’s breakfast cereal could be harming your health more than helping it. In today's world of processed foods, additives are ubiquitous. These substances, while extending shelf life, enhancing flavours, and giving foods appealing textures, have also raised serious health concerns.
This is particularly alarming when it comes to children's diets, urging us to be more cautious about what we consume.
Breakfast cereals, a household staple, are often a surprising source of harmful additives. Big-name brands have recently come under scrutiny for loading their cereals with artificial ingredients, sugars, and preservatives that could potentially do more harm than good for both adults and children.
Over the last 5 years I have seen a huge rise in both children and adults, across the world on our Rejuv tele-consults, being diagnosed with ADD and ADHD. I’m a firm believer the additives in our food plus the pesticides and glyphosate are wreaking havoc on our gut and therefore our brains too. You can read more about that on my blog from earlier this year.
10 Harmful Additives to Watch For in Processed Foods
Here's a closer look at the top ten harmful additives to avoid and what to look for when reading food labels.
High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)
- What it is: A sweetener made from corn that is cheaper than sugar.
- Why it's harmful: HFCS has been linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, especially in children. This sweetener is used in many sugary breakfast cereals and spikes insulin levels.
- What to look for: Avoid products with "high fructose corn syrup" listed among the first ingredients.
Artificial Colors (like Red 40, Yellow 5)
- What it is: Synthetic dyes enhance the colour of processed foods.
- Why it's harmful: Studies have connected artificial colours to hyperactivity and behavioural issues in children and also linked to the mature onset of ADD & ADHD in adults. They're also potential allergens and may be linked to certain cancers.
- What to look for: Steer clear of cereals and snacks with colour additives, often labelled as "Red 40," "Blue 1," or "Yellow 5."
Artificial Flavours
- What it is: Chemical mixtures designed to mimic natural flavours.
- Why it's harmful: Artificial flavours can include multiple compounds that aren't required to be disclosed individually. Some studies indicate potential neurotoxic effects and allergic reactions.
- What to look for: Look for products that state "natural flavours" rather than "artificial flavours."
Butylated Hydroxyanisole & Butylated Hydroxytoluene
- What it is: Preservatives commonly added to cereals, snacks, and oils.
- Why it's harmful: BHA and BHT are suspected carcinogens and may interfere with hormone function.
- What to look for: Avoid foods with BHA or BHT in the ingredient list, especially cereals for children.
Sodium Nitrite & Nitrate
- What it is: Preservatives are typically used to cure meats but are now found in breakfast items like sausage and bacon.
- Why it's harmful: These compounds can form nitrosamines, which are linked to cancer. Excessive intake may also impact heart health.
- What to look for: Choose uncured and nitrate-free options when buying processed meats.
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
- What it is: A flavour enhancer commonly found in savoury snacks and processed foods.
- Why it's harmful: MSG can trigger headaches, sweating, and heart palpitations in sensitive individuals. Studies suggest it also impacts neurodevelopment.
- What to look for: Be wary of "monosodium glutamate," "yeast extract," and "hydrolysed protein" in the ingredients list.
Potassium Bromate
- What it is: A dough conditioner strengthens bread and baked goods.
- Why it's harmful: Potassium bromate is linked to cancer in laboratory animals and is banned in several countries. Some studies suggest it may pose risks to human health as well.
- What to look for: Avoid products with "potassium bromate" on the label, or opt for organic or artisanal breads, which are typically free of this additive.
Carrageenan
- What it is: A thickener derived from seaweed, commonly found in dairy and dairy alternatives.
- Why it's harmful: Carrageenan has been linked to digestive issues and inflammation in some individuals, especially children.
- What to look for: Choose carrageenan-free options, particularly for milk alternatives like almond and coconut milk.
Trans Fats (Partially Hydrogenated Oils)
- What it is: Artificial fats are commonly added to extend the shelf life of processed foods.
- Why it's harmful: Trans fats increase LDL (bad) cholesterol and lower HDL (good) cholesterol, leading to heart disease. They may also contribute to inflammation and obesity. It is also wise to avoid high inflammatory seed oils.
- What to look for: Avoid products with "partially hydrogenated oils" & "seed oils" on the label, even if labelled as "0 grams trans fat."
Aspartame & Sucralose
- What it is: Artificial sweeteners are used as sugar substitutes.
- Why it's harmful: These sweeteners can disrupt gut health and have been linked to headaches, mood changes, and metabolic disruptions. Notably, aspartame has been linked to neurotoxicity.
- What to look for: Avoid "sugar-free" or "diet" options that list aspartame or sucralose among the ingredients.
Kids' Health and the Breakfast Cereal Problem
Breakfast cereals marketed as healthy and convenient options often contain concerning sugar levels, artificial flavours and colours, and preservatives like BHT. Kellogg's and other big-name brands have recently faced criticism for these additives.
High sugar content in cereals not only spikes blood sugar levels but also contributes to the early onset of obesity and metabolic syndrome.
Additionally, artificial colours and flavours in cereals can lead to hyperactivity, allergies, and other behavioural changes in children.
A balanced diet free from artificial additives can improve children's focus, mood, and energy levels. It's always wise to read labels carefully and look for cereals made from whole grains, with low sugar content and no artificial ingredients.
Organic cereals and oats with fresh fruits and nuts are great alternatives that satisfy tastes while keeping us all healthier in the long run.
Choose Natural Foods, Avoid the Junk
Reading food labels is a crucial step in avoiding the hidden dangers of additives. When possible, choose products with minimal ingredients, natural preservatives like ascorbic acid, and organic certification to ensure you're making the healthiest choices for you and your family.
By selecting wholesome, natural foods, you can minimise exposure to these harmful additives and confidently support a healthier diet for yourself and your family.
In a world where processed foods are the norm, choosing whole foods and additive-free options is a powerful way to protect the health and well-being of both adults and children. By embracing natural foods, you can reduce exposure to harmful additives and support a healthier diet for your family.
By cutting out these harmful additives and focusing on natural foods, you’re taking the first step toward a healthier future for your family.
Add Natural Supplements To Support The Gut
If you or your child is suffering from gut and immune issues, the causes could be additives to your food. For one month, try removing additives as listed above and add digestive support supplements to help heal your gut:
- We have our Kids Gut Support powder, which has no taste for children. You can serve it in water, organic yoghurt, or 100% fruit juice with added pulp.
- For Adults, we have our Probiotic Max Capsules to rebuild your good gut bacteria.
- To support your digestive system, if you're prone to bloating, we have our Digestive Support capsules, or if you feel you need a gut reset, our Gut Healing pack is outstanding. It comes with a complimentary wellness plan that gives you holistic healing support.
Create Your Own Wellness Plan
For a tailored path to long-term well-being, take five minutes to complete your Wellness Profile Quiz. This quiz taps into the Seven Pillars of Wellness, a framework grounded in my 20+ years of research and experience.
Your personalised one-page report will reveal the three pillars you need to focus on—nutrition, sleep, mindfulness, or others—and offer practical steps to start improving your health immediately.
There are no trends, no gimmicks—just actionable insights to help you live your best, healthiest life.
