12 Awful Ingredients Everyone Still Uses—But Shouldn’t!

 




 

3. Fake Butter

block of butter with slice out of it from knife on platter

“Some margarine tubs contain artery-clogging saturated fats and are made with processed oils that may be pro-inflammatory,” says Isabel Smith, MS, RD, CDN, founder of Isabel Smith Nutrition. Inflammation can lead to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. For a healthier alternative, switch to grass-fed butter or pick up a product like Earth Balance, which contains a mix of less processed oils.

 

4. Food Coloring

Food coloring

“Artificial food dyes, which many people use to color baked goods, are cause for concern and may have serious side effects—especially in children,” says Jay Cardiello, diet expert and personal trainer to the stars. “Red 40, for example, may contain cancer-causing contaminants, despite the fact that it’s approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The dye may also be a potential trigger for hyperactivity in children. Instead, color your dishes with natural sources of color like beet juice, red cabbage, or paprika.” The studies around it have been small and additional research is needed, but why not try naturally using things like beet juice and other natural ingredients instead of relying on artificial food dyes?