The term “food additive” has a simple definition as any ingredient that is added into food products; but, the actual meaning goes far beyond that. In general, food additives are used to maintain freshness, nutritional value, taste, and appearance. As science progresses, however, extra chemicals make their way into your food to help it live further past its original shelf life.

Here are six more food additives you should be avoiding:

Theobromine

Theobromine is an alkaloid naturally found in chocolate. When theobromine was initially declared as “generally recognized as safe (GRAS),” FDA scientists questioned it because the estimated human consumption rate was actually five times higher than the levels reported by the company as safe. Surprisingly, theobromine shows up where you’d least expect it – in sports drinks and nutrition bars.

Secret Flavor Ingredients

The name alone sounds mysterious and can be something as simple as added pepper or basil, or as complex as a cocktail of many substances, including emulsifiers, preservatives, and solvents. Can it even be considered “real” food after so many artificial ingredients are added? Flavor mixtures such as those added to dried soups often contain additives that a manufacturer does not have to disclose. These secret flavors can be easily identified on the label if vague terms such as “flavor” are being used in place of ingredients.

Artificial Colors

Artificial coloring is used to make processed food look better, as it may seem unappetizing without it. Synthetic Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Colors (FDC) are pigments added to food that pose several health concerns including modified development in children. Artificial coloring is a great indicator of a processed food, and should serve as a red flag.

Diacetyl

Used as a flavoring in foods such as butter-flavored microwaveable popcorn, diacetyl is another GRAS ingredient that can cause severe damage to the body. Factory employees who face constant exposure to diacetyl can develop a severe and irreversible condition known as bronchiolitis obliterans, or popcorn lung. The disease leads to inflammation and permanent scarring of the airways, affecting breathing ability. There is little to no response to medical treatment options, and some workers even have to undergo lung transplants.

Phosphate Food Additives

The number of food products containing phosphate food additives continues to grow almost daily, and the exhaustive list includes flavored waters, bottled coffee beverages, breakfast bars, preserved meat, sodas, and iced teas. The type of phosphate additive being used depends on the food. For example, phosphate salts may be added to meats for longer preservation. Elevated phosphate concentrations have been linked with cardiovascular disease.

Aluminum Additives

Used in many processed foods as stabilizers, anti-caking agents, or leavening agents, aluminum additives show up most commonly in refined foods and can be identified on labels. It’s been associated with processes known to affect womb development, and studies suggest these additives may have negative neurological effects.

Foods designated by the government to be GRAS are presumed to be safe for use in food and are not required to undergo premarket testing before launch. Enormous loopholes allow additives with questionable safety information to be listed as “safe,” and the best option is to stick with eating healthy, all-natural, organic foods. Continue to scrutinize food labels, and increase your own awareness of these additives to help you make better decisions for your health.

In the accompanying audio segment, Dr. Holly Lucille goes over the second part of which food additives you should be avoiding, as well as why eating fresh, wholesome foods are so important for your health.