PHOTOS: 40 Foods That Wreak Havoc On Your Body

1. Corn-Fed Beef

Feeding cattle grains, such as corn and soybeans has become a common practice among farmers these days, as it facilitates the “plumping” process before they get slaughtered. But just as human beings didn’t evolve to eat junk food, cattle is meant to be nourished with grass, not grains. Corn-fed beef is lower in omega-3s and essential minerals and vitamins, while being higher in saturated fats that are believed to provoke heart disease.

2. Sprouts

See those little plant shoots sticking out of the sandwich? Those are sprouts, and although they are largely touted as a healthy food, they can actually be extremely harmful. Why? Because the conditions required for them to grow are the same conditions that encourage bacteria growth, including salmonella, listeria and E.coli. Not to mention, sprouts of all kinds are frequently recalled due to food safety issues.

3. MILK

Milk contains saturated fats that could increase the risk of heart disease or rheumatism. Consuming full-fat milk in small amounts won’t hurt you (a splash in your coffee, with cereal), but the American Heart Association does recommend sticking to fat-free or low-fat dairy products. You can also alternate plant-based milks with dairy-based kinds for a healthier mix. Find out here which milk is right for you.

4. STORE-BOUGHT CAKES AND PASTRIES

Got a super sweet tooth? Well, have it pulled out. All that white sugar in the icing and glazing on most pastries takes your body forever to break down. Use natural alternatives to sugar when baking at home. Substitutes include brown sugar, agave syrup, coconut flakes, maple syrup and honey.

5. Sausages

High in both fat and salt, sausages have never made it onto any diet list. But more recently, the risks associated with sausages are known to include cardiovascular diseases and cancer. The same goes for most industrially processed meats.

6. Low-Fat Snacks

“Low-fat” might seem like an appealing label when it comes to packaged snacks, but ultimately, you’re not doing yourself any favors. Crackers, cookies, or chips that claim to be lower in fat often contain GMO corn syrup and artificial sweeteners. Stick to good ol’ fashioned fruits and vegetables if you want to avoid harmful ingredients.

7. Corn

Corn is full of sugar and mostly GMOs. And let’s not forget the butter you usually slather on top. Unless you’re buying organic corn from the farmer’s market, say goodbye to corn on the cob.

8. Canned fruits

Unless you’re going to be stranded somewhere, there’s no need to stock up on tons of canned fruits. Or at least don’t make them a part of your daily diet. Canned fruits are swimming in high-fructose corn syrup, which engenders such risks as obesity, high cholesterol and insulin intolerance. Some even contain artificial coloring (cherries, peaches). Word of advice: read the nutritional facts on the can and always favor freshly available seasonal fruits.

9. Frosting

It’s hard to say no to cake that’s offered by someone else. But when you’re the one baking, you’re better off never buying prepared frosting ever again. Whether it comes in a can or a package, it is essentially composed of corn syrup and trans-fats, with artificial flavors, artificial colors and preservatives. Store-bought frosting also usually contains GMOs. Just say no.

10. Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners have fewer calories than sugar, but that doesn’t make them any healthier. They have an especially negative influence on your metabolism. Try natural sweeteners like Stevia, agave syrup or coconut flakes.

11. Farmed Salmon

Farmed salmon has 32% more calories than wild salmon and 3 times its saturated fat content. It also contains more contaminants (carcinogens, flame-retardants, pesticides) and has an overall diminished nutritional value compared to wild salmon. Not to mention, farmed salmon is naturally white in color, so to give it that characteristic colored hue, the fish are fed pellets that contain pink dye. Yuck!

12. Microwave popcorn

The artificial butter or caramel flavor in popcorn can cause serious lung diseases. Also, the popcorn bags are lined with potentially toxic chemicals.

13. Store-Bought Sandwiches

They can look quite fresh and appetizing, sitting on the refrigerator shelf, and we can even believe that we are making the “healthier” choice by opting for a sandwich rather than a slice of pizza or hot dog… but unfortunately these convenient sandwiches contain very inconvenient levels of preservatives and added sugar.

14. Hydrogenated oils

The consumption of hydrogenated oils (trans fats) can cause significant risks of accumulating bad cholesterol. Long shelf life and cheap availability makes them a part of most packaged and processed foods. Beware, and read the nutrition facts before you buy.

15. Non-Organic Potatoes

You might think that washing and scrubbing your potatoes is sufficient for removing the herbicides, fungicides and pesticides that contaminate its soil during growth and treatment, but don’t be so sure. All those chemicals get absorbed in the flesh, which means even if you tried to let it sprout on its own, it wouldn’t (that’s not natural).

16. Ketchup

You might be thinking: Ketchup comes from tomatoes, therefore ketchup is healthy. Wrong! Most industrially produced varieties of this popular condiment are loaded with sugar and also contain high-fructose corn syrup.

17. Store-Bought Cookies

Those colorful, attractive packets of cookies sitting on the store shelf are hard to resist— but resist you should. They are almost always carriers of hidden fats, and short-chain fatty acids that give us little in the way of energy and end up sitting on our hips.

18. Sugary Breakfast Cereals

When it comes to choosing your breakfast cereal, take a close look at the sugar content. Many popular brands of cereals, especially for children, contain staggeringly high amounts of sugar for relatively little nutritional value. Our advice? Control your sugar intake by buying unsweetened cereals and use honey or raw sugar to sweeten to your taste.

19. Fried foods

Those are two words that go against any healthy diet. Avoid fried foods for the calories but also for the risk of trans fats from the hydrogenated oils used in most fast food chains

20. Pancakes From Prepared Pancake Mix

Instant pancake mixes might be convenient, but did you know that the powder contains trans-fats? Many varieties also contain genetically modified oils (GMOs), in addition to artificial preservatives and salt. None of the above are good for your body in any way.

21. Unwashed fruits

Unbeknownst to many consumers, fruits are often treated with carcinogenic chemicals. Sadly the list includes common favorites, including apples, strawberries and peaches. Remember to wash your fruits thoroughly before consuming.

22. Margarine

Contrary to what you might have heard, margarine is not healthier than butter. It is hiding a wealth of trans-fats, which not only means excess calories but also potential damage to your cardiovascular system, specifically the blood vessels and arteries. Stick to grass-fed butter to avoid these risks.

23. Flour

Normal white flour makes blood sugar levels rise and is known to cause hypoglycemia. It’s hard to break down and can also cause fatigue. Instead, use whole-wheat flour, quinoa flour and coconut flour.

24. Store-Bought Iced Tea

Tea is good for you right? Wrong! Store-bought iced tea is so packed full of artificial sweeteners and flavors that it has almost nothing in common with good old-fashioned homemade tea

25. Bacon

Like any processed meat, bacon has its fair share of bad fat, nitrates and salt.

26. Protein Bars

Sure, not all protein bars are your nutritional enemy. Some can be effective meal replacements. But if you consume them as “snacks” without checking the label, you could be consuming way more calories than you need. Many protein bars also tend to pack a ton of sugar and and contain soy. Bottom line: you’re better off making your own protein-loaded snacks at home.

27. Soda

Most sodas are extremely high in sugar leading to obesity and nervous disorders. The “diet” kinds are no better, due to artificial sweeteners.

28. Industrially Produced Hamburgers

Hamburgers that are produced industrially are sold in big shiny packages, but the reality is that they are the product of cattle that’s been injected with hormones and antibiotics, while also being fed “slop.” The beef also contains “pink slime” (filler fat commonly used for dog food that’s been doused with ammonia), which the USDA doesn’t require be included on the label.

29. Packaged Chips

Store-bought chips contain things you should definitely ignore: fats, salts, artificial flavoring, colorings—all in one bag! Pass.

30. Boxed Macaroni And Cheese

These convenient just add something-something meals are the farthest thing from nutritious. The “cheese” sauce, which comes from a mysterious orange powder, contributes to high levels of sodium and fat. Not to mention, many varieties contain artificial food dyes, which if you didn’t know are produced from chemicals derived from petroleum (aka what you use to fuel your car). Make it from scratch—it’s easy and worth it.

31. Canned foods

Most canned foods have BPA-based epoxy coatings, which are highly toxic and can cause hormonal disorders and increase the risk of cancer and diabetes. Look for the label “BPA-free” before you buy.

32. Processed Bread

Processed sandwich breads, wraps and rolls could potentially contain potassium bromate, which is used to strengthen dough and improve its elasticity. It also cuts down on baking time and costs, which is why many manufacturing companies don’t hesitate to use it in their bread products.

Unfortunately, this oxidiser has been found to be potentially carcinogenic to humans and has since been banned in countries around the world…except the US.

33. Frozen foods

Processed frozen food is full of preservatives, salt and sugar. Need we say more?

34. Salt

The average daily sodium intake for most Americans should be around 1,500 milligrams, while the maximum intake is 2,300 milligrams. More than that, and you’re doing your body zero favors. Too much salt in one’s diet can cause high blood pressure, visible water retention and a pale appearance. So use sparingly.

35. Alcohol

A cold pint of beer after a long day of work is rewarding for sure, but if you’re having more than that, just remember that prolonged alcohol consumption leads to liver damage. Plus, the calories add up fast!

36. Fruit Juice

Don’t be fooled by the images of fresh fruits printed on your juice carton. The truth is, most industrial fruit juices are simply a mixture of sugar and water with fruit flavorings. In some cases, they can even contain as much sugar as regular soda. If you absolutely must have a glass of OJ in the morning, get the 100% fruit juice variety, and always check the ingredient list.

37. Ranch Dip

Whether it comes in dressing-form or dip-style, Ranch is admittedly one of the more delicious and addictive condiments out there. Unfortunately, it doesn’t do your body any favors whatsoever, as the store-bought variety is filled with artificial flavors and sweeteners, and some brands contain as much as 51 grams of fat per 100 grams.

38. Lunch Meats

Highly processed lunch meats are high in sodium and contain nitrates, which is not good for your heart. You’re better off eating freshly sliced deli meats or sticking to cooked and sliced meats instead.

39. Nacho Cheese

It should hardly come as a surprise that the uncategorizable, liquefied cheese product distributed in metal concession stand dispensers isn’t healthy for you. It might be tasty, but it has few natural ingredients.

40. Ice Cream

Ice cream might be comforting on cool days or in times of stress, but all that cholesterol you’re consuming is not going to help you in the long run. There’s also the fat and sugar content, making it a triple threat to your health disguised as a deliciously sweet treat.

Culled from MSN