Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has vowed to ‘Make America Healthy Again.’ After being selected by Donald Trump to lead America’s Department of Health and Human Services, he revealed his intent to ban hundreds of food additives and chemicals, like food dyes, that are deteriorating Americans’ health. He also called for prohibiting ultra-processed foods to reduce diet-related chronic illness. While his plans are still in their nascent stage, he may ban the following 12 items after the official election.
Farmed Salmon
You can easily find farmed salmon in various grocery stores, but it may get banned because of its potential health hazards. Farmed salmon have 16 times more dioxins like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) than wild salmon, which are linked to various health challenges. Harmful contaminants like PCBs can pave way for adverse health conditions, like cancer, and negatively affect an individual’s immune, reproductive, neurological, and endocrine systems.
Frozen Pizza
Frozen pizza is a staple for busy professionals because it’s convenient, tasty, and cheap. However, it is also harmful to human health, primarily because of its ingredients. Some frozen pizzas contain titanium dioxide. It is a color additive linked to DNA damage. Problematic preservatives like TBHQ are also found in frozen pizza which may harm your immune system. There are plenty of more harmful ingredients that can create long-term health damages.
Instant Noodles
Ultra-processed food items like instant ramen noodles are harmful to human health. Instant noodles lack nutrition and contain excessive sodium, artificial flavor enhancers, preservatives, etc., which are incredibly unhealthy. One packet of instant ramen noodles includes 1,760 mg of sodium, 88% of the sodium recommended by WHO. Consuming only one packet a day will make it challenging to keep your sodium intake within the current dietary requirements, leading to health challenges like stomach cancer, stroke, heart disease, etc.
Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners like Aspartame, Sucralose, Saccharin, etc., may sound healthy because of their low caloric profile, but they’re far worse than sugar. According to research, artificial sweeteners are linked to various health challenges like obesity, heart diseases, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, etc. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. may ban food items high in artificial sweeteners like certain breakfast cereals, flavored yogurts, granolas, sugar-free desserts, chewing gums, etc.
Food with Excess Sodium
High-sodium food items like chips, pizzas, processed meats, packaged soups, etc., have become a regular in most peoples’ daily lives. While excessive sodium may temporarily enhance the flavor profile, it causes long-term health effects. Eating too much sodium can make you vulnerable to stroke, heart disease, increased blood pressure, etc. Surprisingly, stroke and heart disease kill more people in America than any other factor, making it highly susceptible to getting banned.
High-Fructose Corn Syrup Products
Numerous products contain high-fructose corn syrup, like breakfast cereals, candies, ketchup, granola bars, peanut butter, soft drinks, etc. While high-fructose corn syrup may appear like an ordinary sweetening agent, it is disastrous for your health. If you consume excessive high-fructose corn syrup products, you risk getting fatty liver disease, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and several other serious health challenges.
Processed Cheese
While cheese is a great protein source, processed cheese isn’t very healthy. Several dieticians and nutritionists recommend limiting processed cheese intake because it contains high amounts of sodium and fat. Excessive consumption of food items made using processed cheese can result in high blood pressure, cardiac issues, increased cholesterol levels, etc.
Non-Organic Strawberries
Fruits like strawberries have always been the go-to source for people to get their daily dose of fiber, antioxidants, and other good nutrients, but items like non-organic strawberries are causing more damage than good to people’s health. Non-organic strawberries contain high levels of pesticides that can cause various neural tube defects, lower sperm concentrations, DNA damage, spontaneous abortions, cancer, heart diseases, etc.
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO)
Some food manufacturers genetically modify food items to infuse them with the desired nutritional value. While the FDA regulates GMO food items, it doesn’t make them healthy and good for people’s health. Research shows that some GMO foods can trigger allergic reactions, causing discomfort to people. GMO foods are also linked to cancer as they may raise potential carcinogenic substances in the body. Toxicity for body organs, changes in human DNA, and antibacterial resistance also stem from these foods, making them toxic for consumption.
Artificial Food Flavorings
Many processed and ultra-processed food items contain artificial food flavoring to enhance the taste and appeal of food items. While not all artificial food flavors are harmful, some are. Excessive consumption of foods loaded with artificial food additives can lead to various health problems like allergic reactions, food hypersensitivity, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, etc. It is also linked to ADHD in children, raising serious concerns about its usage.
Food with Carrageenan
Food companies often use carrageenan, a food additive, to thicken, emulsify, and preserve certain drinks and food items. While they’re used in multiple products, you can commonly find them in meat products, nut milk, yogurt, etc. Brands often promote foods made with carrageenan as natural, but some studies show that it’s bad for human health. This food additive causes inflammation, food allergies, colon cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, bloating, and various other severe health problems.
Foods with Azodicarbonamide
Commercial bakers commonly use azodicarbonamide to improve their product’s color, texture, and appeal. What’s surprising is it’s also used to manufacture yoga mats and shoe soles, raising concerns about its usage in food items. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. may ban the usage of azodicarbonamide because of its link with cancer, respiratory issues, and other serious health challenges. It is already banned in Europe and Australia.
