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This is probably one of the most important blogs you'll come across, purely because you'll only get the truth here. If you've ever wanted to know the truth about what is in our foods and products, the truth about our health, the best way to live each and every day to the fullest, and how to live in peace and harmony with our Earth WITHOUT compromising on the things you love... you've come to the right place! While I'm learning the art of website building, I'll be writing post after post on here without catagorising it, so it may be a bit of a mess but bare with me - the wait for the main site will be worth it! There will be a heck of a lot of info going up here in the coming months, with hopefully an online shop to follow next year. Stay tuned my Apples, a change is coming xxx

Tuesday 20 March 2012

Sodium Benzoate

WHAT IS IT? Also list what else it is called.
Sodium Benzoate (211).

Now, benzoic acid is a better preservative, but 211 is created because it is much more soluble (200 times more, to be precise) and therefore more widely adaptable and can be produced en-masse.


WHAT’S IN IT? (OR) WHAT IS IT IN?
This little doozie is a very popular preservative used in soft drinks, salad dressing, sauces, shredded cheese, salsa, dips, jams, picklings, pet foods, fruit juices, as well as in cosmetics and medicines, and as a fuel in fireworks (you know the whistling sound? Yep. Compress and ignite our buddy 211 and he whistles!). Basically, in food terms, anything acidic (less than 4.5 pH) that needs to be preserved will have 211 in it. It’s a cheap way to make an effective mould inhibitor in acidic products.

It’s also really popular as an anti-corrosive additive to automotive engine antifreeze coolants, as well as being made into plastics such as polypropylene to improve strength and clarity, AND in photographic processing.

Pretty impressive resume hey?! Bon Appetite!

I am going to compile a list of as many products as I can that have 211 in it. If you’re shopping and you see it – leave a message here or on the Facebook page and I’ll put it on the list!


HOW IS IT MADE?
This preservative is made by neutralising benzoic acid with sodium hydroxide.
Does that mean much to you? Me neither, but at least we know now! The important thing to know is that it is completely and totally artificially produced in a laboratory – and is not processed by the body in anyway similar to its natural long-distant second cousin, benzoic acid.
WHAT DOES IT DO TO OUR BODIES?
The problem is that Sodium Benzoate can be found in products that are labelled “all natural”, and they’re trying to fool you into thinking that the naturally created benzoic acid found in low levels in many fruits is the same thing.

It’s not.

211 is synthetically produced in a lab, and put into thousands of products that we consume.

If sodium benzoate (or potassium benzoate, for the record) is combined with ascorbic acid (vitamin C, has the number 300 on the label), you produce benzene. Now, benzene is a KNOWN carcinogen. Think of those lovely fruit juices you buy and remember this: 300 + 211 = CANCER. The argument is that benzene levels are considered low enough for safe consumption… but… ahem, excuse me… since when did any level of carcinogenic chemicals become acceptable?! I bet the clowns that do the recommending don’t drink it. Heat exposure and shelf life can also affect the amount of benzene that is created.
 Recent studies by a professor of molecular biology at Sheffield University, Peter Piper (in between picking packs of pickled peppers), found that sodium benzoate severely damages certain parts of our DNA.

DNA DAMAGE, PEOPLE!!!

Let me explain. The damaged DNA of the mitochondria (the part of the cell responsible for respiration and energy production) begin to malfunction very erratically when affected this way. A whole array of diseases are now being found to be linked to this damaged part of the cell – including Parkinson’s Disease, and quite a lot of other neurodegenerative diseases. This also affects the ageing process. This one is close to my heart. I know someone with a neurodegenerative disease, and I’m angry that chemicals like this could have aided her condition…

Get rid of it, and tell your friends. We don’t need it.


WHAT ARE THE SAFE ALTERNATIVES, WHERE CAN I GET THEM, AND WHAT WILL IT COST ME?
This is a tough one, because it is found in so many products…

In terms of soft drinks, just stop drinking them – they’re awful and contain a whole cocktail of chemicals and poisons that make you fat, moody, and sick. You’ll save money too.

For juice, buy only fresh. And use it as a treat, rather than an every day drink. Fresh juice is more expensive though, so look out for specials! No more reconstituted shelf juices or 25% fruit orange drink things…

And I’ll get back to you about the rest; just remember for now that 211 is an absolute NO NO. Go through your pantry and fridge and get rid of it.


REFERENCES

http://www.inchem.org/documents/cicads/cicads/cicad26.htm

http://www.naturalnews.com/033726_sodium_benzoate_cancer.html

1 comment:

  1. WOW (or should I say OW)

    I've avoided 288, the 600's and MSG for twenty years, but didn't twig to this one.

    I'm sure there will be a few items not joining our trolley this week :)

    I like the fact you are outlining one at a time - makes it so much easier to withdraw things slowly. The family won't be rebelling now lol!

    ReplyDelete