Working Out In Cold Weather. The Transition

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 As summer winds down and the autumn weather turns the leaves into beautiful colors, it can only mean one thing. That winter will soon be upon us! If your workout routine is dependent upon a mild climate, you’ll need to make some adjustments to account for Mother Nature’s change. Whether you’re an avid runner, serious walker or love to bike, there’s a perfect way for you to transition to working out in cold weather.

 

 

Working Out In Cold Weather

 

 

Don’t Fear The Weather!

A cold climate is no excuse for putting an exercise routine on pause! One of the most common mistakes that outdoor exercise buffs make is not dressing appropriately for their workouts. Due to this, many get discouraged and assume that it is just time to stop working out until spring arrives. It’s natural to adapt to the weather as blood starts pumping and you get in the groove. This doesn’t mean that it’s wise to start a workout feeling cold or to think that overheating is a normal occurrence. How can you beat the bipolar body heat situation? Layers! Start with a long sleeve compression type shirt and layer from there.

Next, you may want to choose a waterproof jacket which can block the rain away and softens the blows of wind. Similar windbreaker style pants are also a good idea. Invest in a running hat and pair of gloves to keep your fingers relaxed and loose. Get hot? Take off the jacket and tie it around your waist. An extra pro tip – as the temperature sinks, ski mittens will likely keep you warmer over runner’s gloves.

Some of us just aren’t made for working out in cold weather. Sadly, it isn’t realistic for us to jet set to a sunny island in paradise either. This is completely OK! Read on to see how you can continue to workout indoors.

 

Focus on Data

Many avid exercisers place a heavy focus on data points to track their progress. Heart rate monitors, pedometers, distance and speed trackers are some of their favorite tools. Runners can take to the treadmill to work on lowering their distance times and overall endurance improvement. There’s something to be said for having a machine that can keep you consistent on speed! Track these metrics and set goals for yourself. When the weather turns around, take your routine back outdoors and put yourself to the test. Are you up for the challenge to maintain your progress

 

Treadmills are Friends, Not Foes!

While the thought of exercising on a treadmill sounds terrible, you have our permission to sweeten the experience by binge watching a TV series or digging into a new novel. This is one of the perks that the great outdoors just can’t provide. Go slow and crank up the incline for a workout that’s sure to burn calories without the strain and intensity of running. Bikers will appreciate the value of a stationary bike. Opt for one that features a traditional seat, or turn your own bike into a stationary one with the help of an accessory tool made to do just that. Follow workout programs that set the resistance to an uphill burn or a mix of different inclines. That’s not always something that you can achieve working out in cold weather outdoors!

 

Master Fitness Programs

Similar to the idea of getting comfortable with a treadmill, consider joining an online fitness program. These programs are a modern take on the workout videos your parents and grandparents used to love. Revitalized programs offer a chance to interact with the instructor and get moving in fun and encouraging ways. Joining a gym is of course always an option, but may come with a cost that might not be budget friendly. Most gyms require a 6-12 month contract which is probably not be something you’re comfortable with committing to.

 

Utilize Indoor Options

Working out in cold weather can be tough so get creative! Head to your local mall as soon as they open or slightly before hours. Doors are typically open up to 2-3 hours before mall opening to allow employees and vendors to prepare for the day ahead. Therefore, you can use the vast indoor space to get a run in and the benches throughout to stretch or do modify crunches on. Just like you would outdoors! Chances are, you won’t be alone in your workout efforts. “Mall walkers” are found all across the world. Local town and county community centers offer public access to their facilities and free trial classes for yoga, Pilates, spin, and martial arts are abundant.

 

Crack Down on Your Diet

Many of the year’s most important holidays fall within the period of colder weather. Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas and the New Year are all festive occasions that call for celebration. If your workout routine is highly dependent on beautiful weather, this is the perfect time to crack down on your diet. All of those holidays call for parties and gatherings with friends, family, and coworkers. The temptation will be everywhere! Yummy homemade cookies, tasty turkey, and coveted family recipes will all make an appearance on the dining room table.

Nutritionists and fitness trainers note that if weight loss is your goal, your diet should be about 80% of your efforts. Exercise becomes a higher priority as you get closer to your weight goal. Analyze your average diet and work to incorporate more protein and fiber. In addition you can check out our article on foods that could be making you feel sluggish as well. Nothing kills your motivation to start a workout more than your body’s longing to take a nap.

 

Take the cold weather as a unique growth challenge instead of a roadblock. You’ll pick up new healthy habits over the winter and learn more about your body and the goals you’d like to reach. Smart eating habits help you to feel good about yourself and avoid the seemingly inevitable weight gain that comes with the holiday season. Use the extra time to think about the upcoming outdoor exercise season and envision yourself achieving the goals you’ve set. Also remember that exercise as a whole is a process. Transitioning doesn’t happen overnight, therefore it may take time to adjust to the drastic environment difference.

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Long Term Hair Removal Methods

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long term hair removal

Unwanted hair unfortunately plagues most individuals at some point. For some, these undesired hairs sprout earlier in life, while others find them as they age. Instinctively, it may seem easiest to reach for a nearby razor and shave them off. But this simple gesture automatically signs you up for a prickly problem that requires ongoing attention.

Shaving hairs leads to quick regrowth and a constant stubble that is anything but soft. Rather than getting stuck in the cycle of shaving, it may be beneficial to seek out a long term hair removal method.

 

Long Term Hair Removal Methods

 

 

There are a variety of long term hair removal treatments that are currently available. Some yield hair-free results. Others reduce hair growth significantly. Despite the different processes, some methods are more suitable for certain hair problems than others. And the cost factor is definitely a big one with these procedures. Read on to find out if permanent hair removal is best for your hairy situation.

 

Electrolysis

How it works

During electrolysis a professional electrologist essentially zaps the unwanted hair. They do this by inserting a very fine needle (about the width of a hair) into the follicle of the hair being removed. Then a small amount of electrical current is shot through the needle. The purpose is to destroy the hair at the root.

 

Cost Factor

The price of electrolysis is usually based on the length of time in the session. A fifteen minute session costs approximately $20 – $40, while an hour long session runs $60 – $90. The more hairs there are and the larger the area of hair removal, essentially means a higher price to pay.

 

Pain factor

When it comes to electrolysis, the old saying, “beauty is pain,” is definitely applicable. In fact, it may be wise to repeat this mantra continually during a treatment so that you direct your attention on something other than the pain. Since the skin is penetrated during this treatment this often results in a painful sensation. Additionally, since the hair root is targeted and is close to sensory endings, this adds to the unpleasantness factor as well. When being compared to laser hair removal, most agree that electrolysis is the more painful treatment.

 

Permanency

Since the cells of the hair follicle are destroyed in electrolysis, this treatment is intended for permanent hair removal. However, because the growth cycles differ for each hair, a client usually needs to go more than once. The electrologist needs to zap hair in the same area at a few different spaced out appointments in order to establish a hair-free zone.

 

Drawbacks

During electrolysis only one hair can be targeted at a time. As a result, this method of hair removal takes quite some time. If you have a lot of hairs concentrated in one area, this will obviously take a lot of time. And since this process is billed by time, it gets to be pretty expensive.

Many would also argue that a major drawback of electrolysis treatments is the pain factor. The zapping of the hair itself is not enjoyable, and there is usually some tenderness to the area afterwards as well.

 

Best For

Electrolysis is effective for all types of hair and all skin types. Since not every person is an ideal candidate for laser hair removal, many opt for electrolysis. Although not entirely comfortable, it is a safe and proven way to permanently remove hair.

 

Laser hair removal

How it works

Even though laser technology was shown to be an effective long term hair removal method in the 1960’s, the FDA didn’t approve this method of long term hair removal until the mid 1990’s. In this treatment a licensed esthetician aims a special laser at the designated area. The laser beam then seeks out the dark hair area, or melanin, on the skin. The laser light then is absorbed into the dark hair follicle but not the rest of the skin. By absorbing the laser the intent is to damage the follicle significantly; thus the follicle will hopefully not be able to sprout future hairs.

 

Cost Factor

The cost of laser hair removal typically depends on the size of the area being targeted. For example, an area on the face will range from $100 to $350 a session. The bikini area generally runs for $150 to $500 a time. Doing a larger area like half the legs costs $300 to $700 for a visit. Keep in mind that the price is her session; in order to establish an area that is free of hair long-term will take multiple sessions.

 

Pain Factor

Compared to electrolysis, laser hair removal is far less painful. Laser hair removal is not invasive and no tangible object gets inserted into the skin. However, those undergoing laser hair removal say that the process feels like a rubber band snapping against the skin. Additionally, some areas of the body are more sensitive than others.

Even after a laser hair appointment some discomfort can occur. The laser should only target the hair follicle, a feeling of being sunburned is typical afterwards. Applying a cooling gel or aloe helps alleviate this. If there is severe burning afterwards, the esthetician should be notified. In following treatments the esthetician should then adjust the laser level to reduce burning of the skin.

While not exactly painful, some do get bothered from the odor of laser hair removal. Even though clients should shave the area prior to the appointment, the smell of burning hair is not atypical. Even though this unpleasant smell is common during treatments, it’s a sign of a treatment that is working.

 

Permanency

Laser hair removal is intended to remove hair permanently. However, this usually will not occur after just one session. It generally takes 6 sessions to remove 70 percent of the unwanted hairs permanently within one area.

 

Drawbacks

Because laser hair treatment is most effective on those with light skin and dark hair, candidates with this combination see more optimal results. Even those who mostly have this combination may have a few blond hairs that won’t get sought out by the laser. For those that want to completely eradicate any hair growth may need to do a combination of laser hair removal and electrolysis.

 

Best for

As mentioned above, laser hair removal works best on those who have light skin and dark hair; the contrast is ideal for the laser to detect melanin. However, there have technological advances made so that those with other skin and hair combinations can benefit from this hair removal process as well.

Those who have dark hair and darker skin may benefit from an esthetician that uses a YAG laser. This light absorbs less melanin making it ideal for those who don’t have light skin. However, because it absorbs less melanin, this usually means more treatments are required long term hair removal.

For those that have light skin and light hair a Ruby laser is probably more effective for this combination. This laser has a higher level of absorbing melanin. Unfortunately, those who do not have very pale skin, or are sporting a tan, may experience burning and discoloration of the skin afterwards.

When pursuing laser hair removal it is generally advised to schedule a consultation appointment with a licensed esthetician. He or she will analyze your skin and hair growth and assess which laser is best for you. They will also be able to give you an idea of how many sessions will be required in order to achieve hair-free permanent results.

 

Getting the most for your money

Long term hair removal is very costly for most. Even though electrolysis and laser hair removal require multiple sessions, many clients can’t afford to continue with an entire series of treatments. Below are a few tips on how get the most bang for your buck:

 

Schedule a couple consultations

Even though scheduling these visitations is time-consuming, it may be worth it. First of all since the process itself is expensive and time-consuming you want to be sure it will work for you. An esthetician will be able to assess if you are a good candidate for a procedure and what your expectations should be. And it’s nice to compare the prices of different venues to get the best rate.

 

Schedule a series of appointments

Because hair grows in a cycle, it is best to work with the esthetician to schedule appointments effectively. Some offices recommend that hair removal treatments take place every six weeks to account for this. When scheduling a series of appointments, it may be beneficial to ask if a discount is possible. Some offices will knock off a percentage of the total price if a client commits to a series of appointments.

 

Special offers

Keeping an open for special offers is another easy way to save money. Many spas or hair removal clinics will give you a great deal if you are a new client. Many of these venues will also give you a discount if you refer a friend.

Other offers might appear as part of a seasonal mailer that showcases advertisements and coupons – more commonly known as “junk mail.” But if you are contemplating permanent hair removal, taking a minute to flip through these ads can save you a bundle in discounts.

While many offers arrive via postal mail, an increasing amount are also available online. Signing up for a group-on or a daily deal is another great way to get savings on hair removal procedures. Just be sure to pay attention to the fine print. Many times they are good for a limited time only. Starting the process generally takes a bit of research and effort. However, if a year later you no longer reaching for a razor, it just may be worth it!

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Breaking Free of the Caffeine Trap

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caffeine trap

We are a nation of caffeine addicts. Most of us can’t get through our day without a cup of caffeine, and many can’t even start their morning without it. Drinking beverages infused with caffeine is so common these days, it is almost more difficult to find a tasty beverage that doesn’t have caffeine in it. In addition, beverages are coming out on the market that contain less drink and more caffeine. While many grew up in households where drinking a cup of coffee led to a caffeine jolt, we are now able to attain this much caffeine by consuming, a single, sweet shot’s worth of liquid. With this easy accessibility of caffeine, it may be time to ask ourselves if we have fallen into a caffeine trap. And if so, how can we break free of the caffeine trap?

 

Breaking Free of the Caffeine Trap

 

How much caffeine is too much?

Every person is different with regard to how much caffeine they can tolerate or how sensitive to caffeine they are. Those who do not consume caffeine everyday usually have a greater sensitivity to it. Having said that, most health professionals recommend up to 400 mg of caffeine a day is generally a safe amount. This is essentially the equivalent of four cups of coffee.

Kids should not consume more than 100 mg of caffeine a day, and young children should be given even smaller amounts, if that. And for women who are pregnant it is recommended to consume no more than 200 mg of caffeine per day. Various studies on animals showed that more than 300 mg of caffeine consumed a day led to an increase of miscarriages and birth defects in the study group.

 

Also Read: 5 Amazing Health Benefits Of Coffee

 

Common caffeinated beverages and caffeine content

We definitely like our caffeinated beverages. While currently water is currently the most frequently consumed beverage in the U.S., it recently traded places with soda which has a history of sitting at the top. Some of the caffeinated drinks that are frequented the most and their caffeine amounts are as follows:

 

Coffee

83% of Americans are consumers of coffee, and 54% of them drink coffee every day. Trends indicate there are more coffee drinkers now than in previous years. While the blend and strength of coffee varies, an 8 ounce cup of coffee typically yields 95 – 150 mg of caffeine. Coffee that contains dark roasted Arabica beans generally contains less caffeine that blends that incorporate Robusta beans.

 

Frappes and Frozen Coffees

In the summer many opt for the cool, sweetened frappes over traditional coffee. Starbucks came out with the Frappuccino beverage in 1995 and sees much financial successes as a result. An 8 ounce frozen coffee drink generally contains 60 – 150 mg of caffeine, but most consumers don’t drink just 8 ounces worth.

 

Soda

About half of Americans drink soft drinks on a daily basis; consuming soda is one of the easiest ways to fall into the caffeine trap. Those that do consume the sweet, caffeinated form of carbonation usually drink 2.6 glasses of soda per day. A 12 ounce can of caffeinated cola contains 35 to 55 mg of caffeine. Some brands of diet soda even contain more caffeine than their sugary counterpart.

 

Also Read: Dangers Of Diet Soda

 

Energy drinks

Energy drinks have taken off in popularity within the last 15 years, although they started to appear on the market during the 1980’s. Teens and young adults gravitate to these beverages more than older adults; 66 percent of those who consume energy drinks regularly are between the ages of 13 and 35 years old. Redbull, which is the most popular brand of energy drink, contains 80 mg of caffeine in its 8.2 oz. can. Energy drinks come in a variety of formats from small, single shots, to drinks sold in monster-sized cans.

 

Tea

Tea is found in roughly 80% of U.S. households. And 85% of tea consumed in the U.S. is iced. Despite all the energy drinks on the market tea has seen a steep increase of popularity among Millennials. 87% of Millennials claim to drink tea frequently.
There are four major types of tea; black, green, white, and oolong. These major types all come from the same plant, but the different methods of treatment result in the different types. Black is the most commonly consumed type of tea. Black tea contains about 40 – 70 mg of caffeine. Green tea, which is the second most popular tea type contains about 15 – 45 mg of caffeine.

 

The Effects of Caffeine

 

Caffeine Dependency

Most consume caffeine because they like the quick feeling of alertness it brings. Caffeine is a stimulant and quickly affects the brain. Those who are feeling tired or sluggish suddenly start to perk up with just a few sips of a caffeinated drink. Many also find themselves in a caffeine trap because they feel they need to have caffeine in order to focus on a task. Students often rely on caffeine to get some major studying done. Additionally, many employees in the workplace have a cup in hand in order to battle the tasks of the day.

 

Irritability & Anxiety

While caffeine does help kick-start the mind, there are many negative consequences that come into play when consuming too much. For starters, since caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, many of the negative effects mess with our heads. After consuming an abundance of caffeine it’s not uncommon to experience the jitters and feel anxious. Some also feel suddenly irritable, especially when the caffeine wears off.

 

Insomnia

Consuming caffeine in the evening, or even in the late afternoon causes some to have a hard time sleeping at night. Drinking excessive amounts of caffeine leads to insomnia in some people. And while we don’t generally think of caffeine being a drug that one overdoses on, it is possible. For those that do overdose on caffeine they may experience confusion. Overdosing even leads to hallucinations in some cases.

 

Heart Complications

In addition to affecting the brain, caffeine also negatively impacts other parts of the body. It takes an hour or two for caffeine to enter the blood stream. When it does it results in an increase of blood pressure and a faster heartbeat. In addition to a rapid heartbeat, too much caffeine also causes some to experience an irregular heartbeat. For those with heart trouble, caffeine can cause further heart complications.

 

Nausea

Another common side-effect of caffeine can be an upset stomach. Consuming caffeine increases the amount of acid in the stomach. For some this results in nausea and vomiting, while others experience diarrhea. Acid-Reflux is another consequence of digesting large amounts of caffeine. One way to reduce stomach issues is to eat something before consuming a caffeinated drink.

 

Tips for breaking away from the caffeine trap

If you are one who consumes caffeine throughout the day, suddenly stopping any caffeine from entering the body is actually not the best approach. Cutting caffeine out completely will mostly likely result in a gigantic, painful headache and will make you feel extremely irritable. If you very dependent on caffeine, suddenly eliminating caffeine can actually make you feel sick. Most health professionals agree that breaking away from the caffeine trap should be a gradual process of reducing caffeine over time. Below are some tips on how to cut out some caffeine if you are caught in the caffeine trap.

 

Be aware of your intake

If you are someone who doesn’t keep track of your caffeine consumption, now may be a good time to start. Since you feel the effects of caffeine pretty quickly, you probably are aware when you are drinking caffeine. However, you probably don’t know exactly how much. It may be beneficial to keep tabs on the caffeine content of your drinks. Also be aware of how much you are drinking.

To go along with this, learn to distinguish the difference between a serving and what you are actually ingesting. A convenience store may label their 32 ounce beverage cup as “small,” but if you are consuming 32 ounces of Mountain Dew, your caffeine intake is anything but small. The bottom line is the cups we are drinking from usually contain multiple servings. Therefore the caffeine content entering our system needs to be multiplied when keeping track of the math.

 

Opt for half-decaf

One way to decrease the caffeine content in your beverage is to mix in the decaffeinated or caffeine-free version of your drink with the regular caffeinated kind. For example, rather than drinking a cup of fully leaded coffee, brew a half-eineited version as an alternative. This requires a little bit of an adjustment, but is much easier on your system than cutting out caffeine cold turkey. Going half-decaf will still perk you up, but allows you to reduce your caffeine intake.

With this method you can eventually wean yourself entirely off caffeine over time. You may want to start by having 75% of your preferred beverage be caffeinated and 25% non-caffeinated, but over the course of a month or so you can switch the ratios by adjusting the beverage. Many women who discover they are pregnant find this approach useful in order to have a healthier pregnancy.

 

Drink water

Unfortunately, many drink their favorite caffeinated beverages instead of drinking water. When faced with some of the more unpleasant side-effects affiliated with caffeine, or even withdrawal symptoms, it’s a good idea to drink some water. Staying hydrated helps reduce headaches and will keep you healthier in the long run.

 

Also Read: 3 Major Benefits Of Water

 

Stretch

It is quite common to seek out a caffeinated beverage when we are feeling tired or lethargic. During the work day this sleepy feeling typically finds us a couple of hours after lunch. Since napping is usually not an option, we once again get sucked into the caffeine trap. To shake this feeling, rather than reaching for a caffeine-filled soft drink, try reaching for the sky instead. Doing a quick stretch routine is an easy, fast way to rejuvenate the mind and body. This doesn’t have to be a 30 minute, sweat-inducing cardio routine. Even taking just a few minutes to wiggle the limbs, or walk around the building helps stimulate the mind. It’s also good to wake up your body with a little exercise as well.

 

Head outdoors

Venturing outdoors is another way to energize the senses without falling back into the caffeine trap. Going outside for even a few minutes is a great way to perk up and obtain Vitamin D. In addition, research studies have found that taking a brief walk outside helps to foster creativity. Instead of relying on a chemical stimulants, let the fresh air stimulate you. Studies have also shown that being outdoors generally improves our overall mood. And heading outside, rather than the convenient store for a caffeine fix is good for another reason: it will conveniently save you some cash.

Breaking free from the caffeine trap isn’t always easy and requires hard work and dedication. Utilizing the above tips and sticking to a plan will allow you to make strides over time. Hopefully you will experience the benefits of not having to rely on caffeine and feel like a healthier person overall.

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Reading the Fine print of Food labels

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Food has definitely changed over the last few decades. In former times most of our food was either picked or hunted. Nowadays it seems that most of what we put in our mouths comes from a crinkly package. These snacks certainly manages to fill us up, and not many people complain about the taste. But if you take a minute and read the fine print of the food labels, you will probably find that you are not familiar with a few of the ingredients used. In fact, after reading some food labels, it almost seems that there are more ingredients that are unfamiliar than those that are familiar.

 

 

Reading the Fine print of Food labels

 

Since we purchase these foods time and time again at our trusty supermarket, and we like them, we don’t get too concerned about what’s in them. But maybe it’s time for a closer look. Some ingredients lead to negative health consequences, while others are fairly harmless. But many of us can’t even get beyond pronouncing the unknown ingredient correctly. Therefore many don’t care to take the time to investigate whether these complex ingredients are healthy or not. Below is a list of some of those common unknown ingredients that are listed on the food labels of most packaged foods:

 

Ammonium Phosphate

 

What is it?

This compound is very common in foods packaged by companies that are involved with high-tech food production. It is usually added as a salt. Since many of the processed desserts or snacks are baked, it serves as a leavening agent as well.

 

Where is it found?

Ammonium Phosphate is in many packaged baked goods from large, food production companies. It appears in a variety of brands of cookies, crackers, breads, and snack foods. It also appears in some processed cheese products.

 

What are the health effects?

Ammonium Phosphate also is a prime compound used in lawn fertilizers. The fact that this ingredient is included in harsh chemicals as well as in our food has become quite a matter of controversy.

Spokespersons for the food manufacturers claim that the ammonia basically evaporates in the baking process. However, many nutritionists feel that incorporating ammonia and related compounds into food is unsafe. Studies also show that frequently consuming foods containing Ammonium Phosphate increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

 

Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)

 

What is it?

BHT along with Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) are synthetic compounds that are added to foods and cosmetics to help better preserve freshness. Many of the ingredients in prepared foods alter in taste and color as time goes on; BHT and BHA are added to slow down this process.

 

Where is it found?

Foods labels that have BHT and/or BHA are as follows: cereals, chewing gum, crackers, snack foods, and butter. A variety of cosmetics also contain BHT and BHA. These compounds are also found in electrical transformer oil, petroleum products as well as embalming fluid.

 

What are the health effects? 

BHT and BHA are currently facing a lot of scrutiny with regard to their impacts on health. Sadly, the studies thus far show that the BHT’s impacts are not positive. Consuming these compounds in high quantities impair blood clotting. They also may impair the liver’s ability to function. Research has also found that BHT and BHA increases the risk of cancer. In a recent study conducted on mice, ingesting foods with the compounds promoted the growth of tumors.

BHT and BHA continue to appear on many food labels of large packaged food companies in the United States. But their link to negative consequences has not gone unnoticed world-wide. Incorporating this compound in food is banned in England, Japan, along with other European countries.

 

Dextrose

 

What is it?

Dextrose is a sweetener that is a form of glucose. It does originate from a natural source since it is made from starchy plants. However, it is still processed. Dextrose is generally used in foods that are sweet. Dextrose also appears on food label of packaged foods since it prolongs shelf life as well.

 

Where is it found?

Many packaged candies, cookies, and desserts contain Dextrose. Sodas and chips contain this sweetener as well. If the package lists corn syrup as an ingredient, essentially Dextrose has been added.

 

What are the health effects? 

Just like consuming an excessive amount of sugar is unwise, eating a multitude of foods that contain Dextrose is also a bad idea. Diabetics in particular need to watch how much of this simple sugar they ingest; otherwise their blood sugar levels could rise leading to serious consequences. Studies have shown that those who frequently consume additional sugars as part of their diet are also at risk of developing heart disease.

 

Malic acid

 

What is it?

This natural substance is added to various foods to give them a sour or tart taste.

 

Where is it found?

Malic acid naturally is found in fruits and vegetables; apples are very common source of the substance.

Packaged foods manufacturers usually add Malic acid to incorporate a tart taste into the food. Many sour-tasting foods such as candies, and fruit snacks contain this substance. Jellies, sherbets, and a variety of drinks also have Malic acid listed on their food labels.

In addition to food items, Malic acid is also added to different cosmetics, lotions, and skin care products.

 

What are the health effects? 

Seeing the word “acid” may lead many to think that this substance is hazardous. But studies have found to the contrary. Malic acid contains anti-oxidants and studies have shown it to help maintain a healthy heart. For those suffering from fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome ingesting Malic acid helps to improve conditions.

Studies also show that Malic acid is beneficial for reducing the signs of aging. Using cosmetics and lotions that contain this substance reduces fine lines and wrinkles. A variety of anti-aging beauty products now contain Malic acid.

There are a few individuals who have an allergic reaction when coming in contact with Malic acid. Symptoms generally include itchy skin and minor skin irritation. If a rash develops on your skin, wash the area thoroughly, and discontinue using skin care items with Malic acid.

 

Sorbic Acid

 

What is it?

Sorbic acid is a colorless, fatty acid that is added to foods to prevent the growth of mold. Food is usually either dipped in the substance or sprayed with it.

 

Where is it found?

Food labels that list Sorbic acid are as follows: baked goods, refrigerated meats, cheeses, canned goods, and prepared salads.

Sorbic acid also is incorporated in different beauty products such as lotions, sunscreens, and cosmetics for the purpose of prolonging shelf life.

 

What are the health effects? 

Sorbic acid is generally harmless and non-toxic. There are a few cases where some individuals develop an irritation to this substance. And those who do usually have an aversion to creams and other topical products that contain Sorbic acid. Symptoms usually include itchy skin or a rash. To reduce the skin irritation clean the affected area entirely.

 

Yellow #5

 

What is it?

Yellow #5, also known as Tartrazine is a vibrant food dye. This synthetic dye is usually listed on food labels of foods or drinks that are yellow, or even bright green, or orange.

 

Where is it found?

As mentioned above, manufactured foods that appear yellowish in color contain this food dye. This includes processed cheeses, macaroni and cheese, as well as various chips, and snack foods. Many bright candies and sodas usually list Yellow #5 on their food labels as well.

 

What are the health effects? 

Back in the 1990s there was a lot of attention was suddenly directed at Yellow #5. Many people were under the impression that consuming an abundance of beverages made the dye affected fertility. Many men feared that drinking soft drinks like Mountain Dew would reduce their sperm count. And many women feared they would not be able to get pregnant.

Since then studies have surfaced on the health effects of Tarrazine. Thus far, there is no concrete evidence indicating that consuming foods with the synthetic dye directly affects fertility. At least not in humans. There have been a few studies within the last ten years on mice. And on these studies there was evidence that Yellow #5 led to a reduction of sperm count within the mice.

Aside from possible fertility issues, research has also shown other undesirable consequences of the yellow dye as well. Recent studies have revealed that Tarrazine increases hyperactivity in children. For children who are already diagnosed with ADHD the hazardous dye alters their behavior further. Other crtics of the dye claim that ingesting the chemical leads to other possible side effects such as the following: migraines, anxiety, blurred vision and fatigue.

Because of the numerous negative effects of the yellow dye many nutritionists feel that this dye should not be used in high tech food production. Many of the packaged foods sold in the United States that use the dye sell a dye-free version of the food to other countries.

In fact, in Europe foods that contain Tarrazine are required to include a special warning on the packaging. In the United States, there are no laws concerning the hazardous dye. However, food companies are required to list the dye on their American food labels.

 

Keep an eye out

 

When reading the list of ingredients listed on the food labels of packaged foods it’s disconcerting to see how many unknown ingredients there are. It may be awhile yet before we know all the health effects of these compounds, substances, and chemicals. Until that time comes – if it comes – it is beneficial to take a good look at the foods you are putting in your body everyday.

If you are constantly reaching for something that was processed and pre-packaged, you may want to change your diet. Choosing fresh fruits and vegetables over processed foods means less chemicals entering your body. Fresh produce provides vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Processed foods seldom provide these healthy nutrients. Therefore, opting for the heathy benefits of fresh foods over processed ones is a win-win.

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Reading the Fine print of Food labels

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