Additives Substances in Food to Avoid During Pregnancy

Pregnancy

An expectant mother should be more careful to maintain good health during pregnancy, because the development of the child has been determined since the pregnancy. Pregnant women should also be picky about food because foods that contain added chemicals or certain additives can be bad for pregnancy and fetal conditions.

Here are 4 kinds of additives in food that are harmful if consumed by pregnant women, as reported by NaturalNews, on Saturday (08.09.12) include:

1. Artificial sweeteners

Several types of artificial sweeteners have recently also found in chewing gum, soft drinks, snacks and even healthy foods like yogurt though. The body can not recognize the substance contained in the artificial sweetener, so that when the body's metabolic processes to process these foreign substances will lead to various health problems.

The harmful effects of artificial sweeteners include headache, dizziness, seizures, vision problems, and stroke. This of course can be dangerous to someone who is pregnant condition.

General indicators that certain food products containing artificial sweeteners is to give the label 'no sugar' or 'diet'. Although too much sugar is bad for health, but sugar is much better when compared with artificial sweeteners.

2. Monosodium glutamate (MSG)

MSG is a flavor enhancer commonly used in dishes such as soups, snacks like chips and so forth. This additive is classified as an excitotoxin, which causes brain cells to become hyperactive in its activities to communicate with other cells.

MSG has been shown to increase the risk of cancer, heart disease, obesity, and behavioral disorders are dangerous if consumed by people who are pregnant.

Unfortunately, to recognize that it contains MSG in food packaging is quite difficult because it is disguised in many names. The best way to avoid MSG is to avoid fast food, processed food and food packaging that has a savory taste too strong.

3. Nitrate

Nitrate is often used additives in meat, hot dogs, and the like. When cooked meats containing nitrates, will release a carcinogenic compound that has been known to be associated with various cancers.

Research has also shown that consumption of these chemicals during pregnancy increases the risk of higher brain tumor in children. Nitrate was originally used to preserve meat and prevent botulism.

But the meat producers now use it to give a little reddish color to attract buying customers. Be careful in shopping for meat by shopping at the local market may be safer.

4. Pesticide

Fruits and vegetables that are sold commercially, is generally treated with pesticides and herbicides by farmers in order to get the results that many and great. However, these chemicals can have harmful effects on the fetus, especially during the development phase.

The best way to avoid this is to eat fruits and organic vegetables, use a carbon filter water to remove the additive from drinking water, and prefer not to use insecticides to rid the house of insects.