Is Ignorance Bliss? (aka What's in your food?)

Do you know what's really in your food? In reality, if you're not making it from scratch, the answer is no. The US Food & Drug Administration requires ingredients to be listed but there are exceptions & loopholes.* Plus, many pre-made or processed foods use large or complex, chemical sounding names. What's a health conscious person to do?

To learn about alternate names for common whole grain, fat, sugar, & salt ingredients, check out WebMD's Reading the Ingredient Label.

While some additives are just gross, others might be downright dangerous. For examples, check out:

- Center for Science in the Public Interest's Berries Over Bugs (BTW, Dannon & Starbucks aren't the only ones... Carmine & related items can be listed simply as natural or artificial flavors.) For a more extensive list & recommendations, peruse their Food Additives page.

- Prevention's 7 Gross Things in Your Food

- US News's What Papa John's Doesn't Want You to Know (Other restaurants are also mentioned...)

Think an "all natural" label will free you from worry? Check out:

- Dr. Oz's What's Hidden in Your Food? (5min video clip)

Instead, consider eating more fresh foods &/or those with short, simple ingredient lists.

(* For an "abbreviated" explanation, check out Food Label Questions starting on p. 5.)