ICE SCREAM: TASTY TREAT OR TOXIC TERROR??
Slowly but surely people are beginning to peel off the winter layers. dust off their thongs and head for the beach, and what better way to cool down on a hot sunny day, than with a delicious, ice cream treat!!
Who doesn’t love ice cream? it’s cooling and comforting and reminds us of our care free childhood days. Sadly, our favourite summer indulgence is no longer made from the wholesome ingredients it used to be!
The truth is that companies are doing everything possible to reduce their costs of production and increase their profits. Today’s ice cream is all about the money and no longer about the treat itself. So what lengths are manufacturers actually going to in their quest for financial gain?
Many commercial ice creams on the market today are not fit for human consumption! Firstly, the fact that the milk they are produced from has been sourced from dairy cattle that have been given growth hormones to increase milk production is not good! The use of growth hormones in dairy herds can increase the risk of infections to the mammary glands such as mastitis. To combat these disorders, many dairy farmers inject the cows with antibiotics, which then find there way in to the milk supply.
When humans consume milk containing the antibiotic residue, it can cause our bodies to build up a resistance to antibiotics, rendering them useless should we suffer a bacterial infection. The antibacterial residue can also cause allergic reactions in milk drinkers.
As if that is not enough to put you off your Mr Whippy, there are also a host of pretty scary toxic chemical additions, however depending on which country you live in, certain manufacturers by law are not forced to list the chemical ingredients they put into their concoctions.
So for that reason, I have listed them for you below, and I am sure it will not have you ice screaming with joy!!
Diethyl glycol (DEG) – Is a paint solvent, used to produce polyester resins and plasticisers. A common addition in anti-freeze for engines and paint removers. It is also employed as a cheap substitute (emulsifier) instead of eggs to thicken ice cream. The FDA have stated that this substance in ANY amount is not suitable for use in toothpastes. So how on earth can it be allowed to be added to foods we consume?
Piperonal also known as heliotropin – Is added in place of vanilla as a cheap substitute. It’s listed in the National Library of Medicine HSDB Database as “moderately toxic” as well as a “human skin irritant”. Also a common ingredient in head lice formulas to kill lice.
Ethyl Acetate (EtOAc or EA) – A pineapple flavouring, used as a cleaner for leather and textiles. Commonly found in paints, nail polish and glues as an activator or hardener. Its vapors have been known to cause chronic lung, liver and heart damage.
Aldehyde C-17 – A cherry flavouring. An inflammable liquid employed in dyes and the manufacture of plastic and rubber.
Amyl Acetate (pentyl acetate, also known as banana oil) – A banana flavouring. More commonly used as a paint and lacquer solvent.
Butyraldehyde (butanal) – Derived from butane. Used in the manufacturing of plasticisers, alcohols, solvents, polymers, rubber accelerators and cements, textile auxiliaries, perfumery and flavors.
Benzyl Acetate (phenylmethyl acetate) – A fragrance and food flavoring agent to name but one of its uses. Also found in detergents, soaps, inks, polishers, lacquers and as a solvent in plastics and resins.
Propylene Glycol (1,2-propanediol or propane-1,2-diol) – A humectant (E1520) and preservative found in food and tobacco products. Also a solvent in plastics and paint and added to aircraft de-icing fluid, automotive engine anti-freeze, liquid household and dishwashing detergents, as well as industrial soaps and cleaning fluids. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) lists the kidneys, urinary and respiratory system as well as the skin as being affected by propylene glycol. The acute oral toxicity of propylene glycol is classed as very low. However, it is still toxic!
Sodium benzoate (E211) – A popular preservative in foods, drinks, medicines and cosmetics. Also used in fireworks as a fuel, and has been shown in studies to be a carcinogenic substance. Professor Peter Piper, a professor of molecular biology and biotechnology at Sheffield University, in 2007 said “These chemicals have the ability to cause severe damage to DNA in the mitochondria to the point that they totally inactivate it; they knock it out altogether. The mitochondria consumes the oxygen to give you energy and if you damage it – as happens in a number of diseased states – then the cell starts to malfunction very seriously. And there is a whole array of diseases that are now being tied to damage to this DNA – Parkinson’s and quite a lot of neuro-degenerative diseases, but above all the whole process of ageing.”
When combined with vitamin C or E, the combination causes benzene to be formed. Benzene has been revealed to cause cancer.
Potassium sorbate (E202) – A preservative, added to inhibit the growth of yeast and molds to increases shelf life. Research has shown it to be a respiratory, skin and eye irritant. Some studies have stated that it is both genotoxic and mutagenic to human blood cells. Potassium sorbate is toxic to human DNA which negatively affects immunity.
Polysorbate 80 (E433 as well as many other names) – An emulsifier frequently found in ice cream. Also added to soaps and shampoos. Known to suppress the immune system, causing severe allergic reactions including anaphylactic shock.
There you have it, the scary truth about our beloved ice cream. So before you decide on one scoop or two, think twice about what you are putting in your mouth!! Always ensure that you are buying a high quality, non toxic product. Better still try one of the delicious recipes in the menu on the web site, they are quick, easy, delicious and chemical free.