Lesson 3: Processed Kids

• To improve shelf life• To improve flavor• Keep their color• As a way to make a profit – may own ingredients

Consumer Advocacy Group Watchdog of the food industry Deemed some artificial additives and preservatives as unsafe

Many once considered safe now known to cause allergies and even cancer

How Many Cells Does Your Brain Have?

100 BILLION

NeuronsNeuralgia or glia (means glue)

Cells within the brain consisting of: Cell body - Dendrites - Axon

Cell Body

Enlarged part of the cell

Houses the nucleus

Nutritional hubContains

macromolecules (VERY LARGE)

Dendrites

Pick up electrical impulses from neighboring cells

Transmits these impulses to the cell body

Large branching cell structure Carries electrical impulses away from the cell body to other cells Transmission called a synapse

Triggers the release of chemicals called neurotransmitters

Peptide

Regulate appetite, mood and feelings of pain

Biogenic Amine

Improves memory and ability to learnRegulates happinessHelps control impulses

Dendrites

Induces excitement in the brain or fast signaling between neurons

These chemicals have neurotoxin* properties

*A substance that can injure or cause problems with the

neurons in the brain

They are not food Artificial colorings made from

coal-tar Liver detoxifies chemicals Affect the balance of

neurotransmitters leading to aggression, asthma, eczema and headaches

Connected to ADHD

No solid evidence either way Individuals eat a variety of these chemicals everyday Difficult to pinpoint

Environmental factors can also contribute to brain cell damage

BHA and BHT Found in cookies,

crackers and chips Same chemicals found

in embalming fluid

Keeps oil from going rancid Found in cereals, chewing gums, potato chips and vegetable oils

US Dept. of Health and Human Services – “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen”

FDA still allows it

Used as a flavor enhancer Found in potato chips, snack foods, soups, salad dressings, restaurant foods, boxed foods and more!

Known to cause “Chinese Restaurant Syndrome”

Not allowed in baby foods

Heating sugars with ammonium compounds, acids or alkalis

Found in colas, baked goods, pre-cooked meats, soy sauce and chocolate flavored foods

California Public Health – “known carcinogen”

CSPI is asking for ban

Artificial Sweetener Found in diet foods, soft drinks, drink

mixes, gelatin desserts, low-calorie foods and sugar-free packets

Causes cancer, neurological issues, hallucinations or dizziness and digestive distress

Long-term effects not known CSPI recommends against

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNlCsUxxuS8&feature=related