The Hidden Dangers in Your Diet: What Processed Foods, Sugar, and Salt Are Doing to Your Health

In our effots to take care of our health, besides for the foods that are important for our diets, there are also the foods that we must try to avoid. Below we will address some of these foods, and their effect on our bodies.

Meat

Dr. Chaim Sadowsky describes of the alarming process used by some manufacturers to prepare processed meat and he explains that certain producers of processed meat add water to the meat, claiming that this tenderizes the meat and makes it easier to eat. Consumer organizations however suspect the real motive is to increase the meat's weight for higher profit. Unfortunately, this is only a small aspect of the damage:

• The added water causes the meat to spoil more quickly, and therefore phosphates are added to prevent this.

• This process causes the meat to lose its natural red color, and therefore artificial red coloring is added to make it appear fresh.

• Nitric acid (nitrate) is also added to give the meat a 'fresh' appearance. This chemical is dangerous because it can convert in the body into nitrite, which may then react with substances called amines found in food to form nitrosamines which are potent carcinogens.

• To ensure the coloring is evenly distributed throughout the meat, emulsifiers are added.

• After this cosmetic treatment, the meat may become rubbery, and therefore softening agents are added.

• As this processing robs the meat of its original taste, monosodium glutamate (MSG) is added to enhance the flavor..."

Cholesterol-Rich Foods

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance found in the blood that protects blood vessels from wear and tear. There are two types:

• Good cholesterol (HDL): protective and beneficial.

• Bad cholesterol (LDL): contributes to high blood pressure, gallstones, arterial calcification, and heart disease.

Bad cholesterol is found in animal fats, in both meat and dairy products, as well as in liver and egg yolk. Good cholesterol is found in salmon, mackerel, sardines, flaxseed, soy, and more.

Sugar

Sugar is one of the most harmful substances found abundantly in modern food. It is produced from sugar beets and sugar cane, which in their natural forms contain fiber, minerals, and vitamins. By the end of processing however, all the beneficial components are stripped away, leaving only white sugar which is empty carbohydrates. Brown sugar is not much better, as it is essentially white sugar with some of the removed molasses added back in.

Sugar is harmful because in order to break down these nutritionally empty carbs, the body is forced to deplete its stores of vitamins and minerals. Not only does sugar offer no benefit, it robs the body of vital resources. Sugar contributes to the following health issues:

• Attention and concentration problems in children. Significant reduction in sugar intake has been shown to bring calmness to many of them (before rushing to give chemical medications, one should check the child's sleep habits and iron levels- sometimes natural remedies are enough).

• Depletion of the body’s calcium stores, weakening bones.

• Tooth decay- sugar fuels the bacteria that cause cavities.

Human nature does not require sweetened drinks or sugary foods. Those accustomed to sweet drinks can gradually reduce sugar until they enjoy plain, filtered water. When sweetness is needed, natural alternatives like honey, fruit concentrates, dates, raisins, or ground sesame paste can be used. Even desserts can be sweetened naturally. Some families reward children for trading in sugary snacks from kindergarten for healthy alternatives or even small savings deposits!

Salt

Like white sugar and white flour, table salt is a refined product stripped of its beneficial components. Natural sea salt contains iodine and various minerals, but refining removes these, and harmful additives like aluminum compounds are introduced for anti-clumping and whitening.

While the body needs some salt, excessive intake leads to calcium loss, weakened bones, kidney issues, heart problems, and vascular disease. Modern foods are overloaded with salt- even basic bread contains about 1% salt, and eating just 250g of bread provides half a teaspoon. Salt-heavy foods include olives, pickles, snacks, soup powders (one cube can contain a full teaspoon), potato chips, self-rising flour, deli meats, and more.

A wise person will learn the use of herbs and spices (which are healthy in their own right) to flavor food instead of relying on soup powders or excessive salt.

The information presented paints a troubling picture of harmful eating habits. The goal is not to overwhelm, but to inspire real change, because the Torah commands us to care for our physical health. That said, we must avoid becoming overly anxious or pressuring those around us. Our bodies are designed to handle a certain amount of unhealthy substances- up to a point. Education and gentle communication are key, so that changes come from understanding and joy, not coercion or fear. After all, “Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.”

Undoubtedly, those accustomed to processed foods may struggle to change. However, as our bodies are part of nature, it is our responsibility to return to natural ways and stop harming ourselves by our own hands. Each of us is given the power of choice.  Fortunate is the one who chooses a life aligned with truth, both spiritually and physically.

We conclude with the profound words of the Rambam: “When a person eats or drinks...he should not do so merely to enjoy the taste- as if he were a dog or donkey- but should eat and drink only to maintain his body and health. Therefore, he should not eat everything that the palate craves, but only what is beneficial, even if bitter or bland. He should not eat harmful foods, even if sweet and delicious.”