18 Mar SHELF LIFE

I once read a book that said that my food has so much chemicals and preservatives that it will probably outlive my fat sorry ass.

Had me thinking?! 

When I go and do groceries and purchase natural foods like organic fruits and vegetables they normally rot fairly quickly. Which only logically makes me ask the question …what is being added to our foods to preserve shelf life?

Real foods do not have an expiration date, all of these foods are in some type of shell. That is their natural way to preserve its nutrients. Once picked from the plant or root that it grew on even with this protective cap these plant foods will expire fairly quickly. How are the foods sitting on the shelf at the market surviving for so long? Some expire one, two and even three years from now and actually remain fresh. How is the question!?

Does all of this convenience come with a cost? Where we as the consumer see the value of buying an item that has a longer lifespan due to genetically modified preservatives. 

Or do big companies abuse the convenience to increase profit margin by enhancing the products shelf life with genetically modified ingredients which is cheaper for them to produce. 

Just think about it, you cut an avocado minutes later it starts to turn brown, you slice an apple and within seconds starts to develop brown spots. This is naturally what happens to foods and it is clear that without chemical assistance there are very few foods that can remain shelf stable for long.  

A science teacher did an experiment to see how long a twinkie would last. He ate a pack of Twinkies that were 30 years old and aside from the bread tasting a little stale, it was completely fine!!!!! That’s insane! 

Shelf life is the length of time that an item may be stored without becoming unfit for use, consumption, or sale. According to the FDA a preservative prevents food from spoilage, bacteria, molds, fungi, or prevents changes in color, flavor, or texture maintaining freshness. Artificial and chemical preservatives are used to delay the contamination of foods, but these are artificially produced or synthetic in nature. 

These preservatives are also labeled as additives on the ingredients list. These are the most commonly used preservatives that are legitimately safe according to the FDA…

•Ascorbic acid

•Citric acid 

•Sodium benzoate

•Calcium propionate

•Sodium erythorbate

•Sodium nitrite

•Calcium sorbate

•Potassium sorbate 

•BHA

•BHT

•EDTA

•Tocopherols

We need to be asking, what is deemed as safe. Most importantly we should be asking who is regulating these laws and when they are not safe how are we ensuring it doesn’t get into our foods?  Although we live in an age where we look for convenience in everything. Are you going to look back at your life and say I sacrificed my health for cheaper products? I don’t think so! 

Your health is your wealth! And unfortunately, these preservatives come with that price tag! 

One of the few possible harmful effects of preservatives are …

•Could be a trigger for breathing problems like asthma and bronchitis.

•Problem within young children like hyperactive behaviour. This problem is also measured by parental and objective reporting.

•Sustained and excessive consumption of artificial preservatives can weaken heart tissues which is dangerous especially for people of age. 

•BHA and BHT food additives could be cancer causing. BHT is used in cereals and fats while BHA could be present in potatoes, meats and other baked goods.

•Can cause obesity in some as it contains fatty acids especially in processed foods.

You may read this and say what is the purpose I play in an environment that is much bigger than me. The reality is that you can control your life’s diagnosis! Before you have to be admitted into a hospital or perhaps you might have already been diagnosed. Either way change starts with you no matter the stage you are in for a healthy functional life. Not only being ingredients savvy but also think about the connection it has to profit and what profit is doing to our population.

 Is the next victim a loved one! Or you!?

With Love,

Miss Rehab Ramdass

Disclaimer: Miss Rehab Ramdass website, blog, social media and videos should not be construed as medical advice. Content from this site and blog are not intended to be used as a medical diagnosis or treatment. The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice