Phosphates are salts and esters of phosphoric acid, which are contained in many of the food we consume. Many contain natural phosphates which are essential for the body, while an increase in artificial phosphates come with some harm. Keep reading to find out more about hidden phosphate dangers in our food!
Natural Phosphates
When you say "phosphorus," most people think immediately of the kind of chemicals you’d use in a lab. Nonetheless, there's a key difference between natural and artificial phosphates. Natural phosphates are healthy and crucial for bodily functions. They're the second most abundant mineral already in our body (after calcium), while playing a vital role in energy metabolism, bone mineralization, cell wall construction, and stabilization of the blood’s pH value. We absorb as much of this mineral as possible from what we eat, but it mostly comes from protein-rich foods like:
- Meat
- Pulses
- Cereals
- Nuts
- Vegetables
- Fruits
Artificial Phosphates
On the other hand, artificial phosphates are the ones which are used by food manufacturers. They are added into many foods as flavor enhancers, preservatives, stabilizers, anti-oxidants, acidity regulators, raising agents, thickeners, and binding agents. Most people assume it's solely fast-food and packaged goods, but now it's becoming present in many healthy foods. Items with high levels of artificial phosphates are:
- Fast foods
- Ready meals
- Sodas
- Cheese, milk, and other dairy products
- Meat and sausage products such as patties, ham, or salami
- Canned fish
- Pastries/cookies
- Baking powder
Health Risks Of Artificial Phosphates
The harm really comes in when the body absorbs more phosphate than it needs, and it's too much for your kidneys to process the excess. This then results in many risks and serious impacts on your health - whether you have kidney disease or not. An increase in blood phosphate levels can cause any of the below:
- Calcify the interior walls of blood vessels
- Heart failure and strokes
- Brittle bones and increase the risk of osteoporosis
- Muscle loss
- Accelerated skin aging
Be sure to eat clean and start avoiding foods with artificial phosphates NOW!
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-Gina
