Remember that super easy and super cheap meal you made when you were in college, Ramen Noodles? I liked the chicken flavored with the hint of curry. Oh so yummy and cooked to perfection in fast record time. I stopped eating it the further I got in to my Dietetic major because I learned the Sodium level was too much. It was also packaged/processed and that was during the time I stepped back from purchasing so much processed foods.
After studying and conducting my own in-depth research I’ve learned so much more about this product. It has the qualities of staying stocked in your pantry for several months because of one important ingredient, Tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ). Whew, say that three times fast. Heck, say it only two times fast. It’s used in most animal fats and fats in oils to preserve your food for a longer shelf life. In addition, companies will spray TBHQ on packaging for preventing discoloration and adding flavor & color. Outside of foods, it is used in makeup, lacquers, perfumes, etc to “maintain stability”. You know, marketing reasons. Now, to get to the root of what it is, TBHQ is a byproduct for petroleum. You know, petroleum. The stuff extracted from rocks to produce fuel like gasoline, kerosene, diesel, oil…the stuff you put in your car to make it run. Yea, petroleum. In your food. As an ingredient. You’re ingesting. What?!
TBHQ has been tested on lab animals and the outcome is disturbing. The lab animals have experienced stomach tumors, convulsions, liver enlargement, paralysis, and even neurotoxic effects. In humans, it has been noted to cause issues with vision in certain doses. Long term effects in humans could be onset cancer and tumors as well as weakening of the organs. Death has occurred from ingesting just 5 grams of TBHQ. Hooowww, may you ask, is that ok by the FDA?
The FDA has reported TBHQ safe in the moderate dosage of 0.02 percent. Think about all the foods you eat throughout the day that contain TBHQ in that “mild” dosage. It can add up! You can find it in almost anything like McDonald’s chicken nuggets, KFC, Keebler crackers, Crisco, Teddy Graham’s, Pam cooking spray, Tasty Kake, some forms of soy milk, Little Debbie, Taco Bell beans and shells, and so so much more!
Have any issues with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)? The Feingold diet is designed for those who have ADHD and say those who are struggling with this disorder should avoid TBHQ. Be sure to read your food labels and avoid TBHQ and closely related preservatives like tert-butylhydroquinone, tertiary butylhydroquinone, and butylated hydroxyanisol. Opting for fresh ingredients will surely help you avoid this preservative or at least limit it.
How are you holding up? Are you drying tears over retiring the oh-so convenient fast meal of Ramen? Don’t worry, I’ve got something for you. Here’s the seasoning for chicken flavored ramen noodles, homemade, that I found from this really awesome blogger at Simplifiedsaving.com. This is an even better option because not only is it so much better for you, but you get to moderate the quantity of seasoning to put on your noodles and possibly have some left to save! You can follow the link below for a real cool post and directions with ingredients. I’m also going to list the ingredients here for you, too. I haven’t personally tried it, yet, but it sounds so delicious and spot on for taste.
- 2 Tbsp poultry seasoning
- 2 Tbs garlic powder
- 2 Tbs onion powder
- 2 Chicken-flavored bouillon cubes
- 1 tsp black pepper
Now, remember, Ramen noodles are not the only foods with TBHQ added for longer life shelf. I keep relating back to them because it seems to be the most bought snack, especially for kids, that I’ve seen in homes. Remember to check your labels and look for the alter egos of Tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ).
