You might be surprised at some of your daily choices
Did you know that mercury might be lurking in this tasty snack? Some samples of Yoplait Strawberry Yogurt were found to have mercury in it's sweetener, High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS).In a recent study by the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, mercury was detected in nearly one-third of 55 popular brandname foods like Quaker, Hershey's, Kraft and Smucker's where HFCS is the first or second highest labeled ingredient.
2. Snyders of Hanover Pretzel Snack Mix
This pretzel snack rates poorly on health issues for 3 main reasons: it is high in sodium, high in saturated fat and has 2 added colors that both the UK Food Standards Agency and CSPI have recommended to be banned. The high levels of saturated fat and sodium in this product are based on a portion size of 1/3rd of a cup-- and we all know that once you get started on these savory snacks, it's hard to stop. For some pretzel alternative try Snyders of Hanover Multi Grain Sticks
3. Keebler Club Crackers Snack Sticks
That sweet flavor that makes these crackers addicting might just be the High Fructose Corn Syrup. HFCS accounts for 10% of all calories in the overall U.S. diet, according to the UC Berkeley Wellness Letter, and closer to 20% in specific segments of the population including children. The USDA estimates that the average American consumes 17 teaspoons of HFCS every day! So, to help reduce your children's HFCS intake today by making a different choice in crackers .
4. Chef Boyardee Macaroni and Cheese
Not all Mac and Cheeses are created equal. Chef Boyardee Macaroni and Cheese has several ingredients you want to stay away from: added colors, partially hydrogenated soybean oil and lots of sodium. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans healthy adults should aim to eat less than 2500 mg (and CSPI ) says 1500 milligrams) of sodium a day or approximately one teaspoon of salt. This can be difficult to achieve, especially when you consider the amount of sodium that is already added to the foods that we eat. It is estimated that approximately 75% of the sodium that we consume is added to foods by manufacturers.
5.Horizon Reduced Fat Milk, Strawberry
Milk is a good source of calcium, but flavored milks are generally full of sugar. The 31 grams of sugar in 1 cup of Horizon Reduced Fat Strawberry milk is equivalent to almost 8 teaspoons of sugar. If sugar or any of the other words indicating added sugars, are listed in the first few ingredients of a label, then you know that the majority of the total sugars in the product are coming from added sugars.
Have you ever tried throwing a few fresh strawberries in a blender with some plain milk?
