The Broth that Kills!
My wife was feeling a bit under the weather and I decided to help by offering her some Chicken Bouillon. Nothing better than good old chicken broth I thought. I went to the cupboard and pulled out a little bottle of Wyler's Chicken Bouillon. You know, the kind that comes wrapped in little squares. As I began to heat some water, I happened to gaze at the ingredients. I was floored. This stuff won't help my wife -- in fact, if I wanted to get rid of her I'd use these ingredients. Here is what is in a simple cube of chicken bouillon:
MALTODEXTRIN. Maltodextrin is an easily digestible carbohydrate made from rice, corn or potato starch. In this case, it's made from corn. It's a white powder used in processed foods as a thickener, or a filler since it's fairly inexpensive. Also used in pharmaceuticals as a binding agent, it is also found in sugar substitutes, like Splenda for example.
Maltodextrin is made by cooking down the starch, and then acid and/or enzymes break the starch down even further, kind of like what the body does to digest carbohydrates. It's usually used in such small amounts, so it doesn't have a significant impact in terms amount of protein, fat, carbohydrate, or fiber. Every gram of maltodextrin has 4 calories, which is not really a significant caloric load. Maltodextrin is processed and it's not the best thing to be consuming.
SODIUM BICARBONATE.
Sodium bicarbonate is an antacid that neutralizes stomach acid. Sodium bicarbonate is used to relieve heartburn and indigestion. Sodium bicarbonate is also used to make the blood and urine less acidic in certain conditions. Sodium bicarbonate may also be used for purposes other than those listed.
Do not take sodium bicarbonate or any antacids without first talking to your doctor if you take any other medications. Sodium bicarbonate contains a large amount of sodium. If you are on a sodium restricted diet or have high blood pressure talk to your health care professional before taking sodium bicarbonate. Do not take sodium bicarbonate or any antacids without first talking to your doctor if you have: an intestinal problem or appendicitis; heart problems; high blood pressure; swelling of the arms or legs; kidney disease; liver disease; or problems urinating;
HYDROLIZED CORN PROTEIN. This is where my investigation really got heavy. A conspiracy exists. They like to label hydrolyzed proteins as pea protein, whey protein, corn protein, etc. If a pea, for example, were whole, it would be identified as a pea. Calling an ingredient pea protein indicates that the pea has been hydrolyzed, at least in part, and that processed free glutamic acid (MSG) is present. Relatively new to the list are wheat protein and soy protein. Disodium guanylate and disodium inosinate are expensive food additives that work synergistically with inexpensive MSG. Their use suggests that the product has MSG in it. They would probably not be used as food additives if there were no MSG present.
MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE (MSG). MSG reactions have been reported to soaps, shampoos, hair conditioners, and cosmetics, where MSG is hidden in ingredients that include the words "hydrolyzed," "amino acids," and "protein." Low fat and no fat milk products often include milk solids that contain MSG. Low fat and no fat versions of ice cream and cheese may not be as obvious as yogurt, milk, cream, cream cheese, cottage cheese, etc., but they are not an exception. Protein powders contain glutamic acid, which, invariably, would be precessed free glutamic acid (MSG). Glutamic acid is not always named on labels of protein powders.
Then, I read this: These OFTEN contain MSG or create MSG during processing:
Carrageenan, Maltodextrin, Malt extract, Natural pork flavoring, Citric acid, Malt flavoring, Bouillon and Broth, Natural chicken flavoring, Soy protein isolate, Natural beef flavoring, Ultra-pasteurized, Soy sauce, Stock, Barley malt, Soy sauce extract, Whey protein concentrate, Pectin, Soy protein, Whey protein, Protease, Soy protein concentrate, Whey protein isolate, Protease enzymes, Anything protein fortified, Flavors(s) & Flavoring(s), Anything enzyme modified, Anything fermented, Natural flavor(s) & flavoring(s), Enzymes, anything Seasonings, (the word "seasonings"). I struck it rich here.
Binders and fillers for medications, nutrients, and supplements, both prescription and non-prescription, enteral feeding materials, and some fluids administered intravenously in hospitals, may contain MSG.
According to the manufacturer, Varivax–Merck chicken pox vaccine (Varicella Virus Live), contains L-monosodium glutamate and hydrolyzed gelatin both of which contain processed free glutamic acid (MSG) which causes brain lesions in young laboratory animals, and causes endocrine disturbances like OBESITY and REPRODUCTIVE disorders later in life. It would appear that most, if not all, live virus vaccines contain MSG. Reactions to MSG are dose related, i.e., some people react to even very small amounts. MSG-induced reactions may occur immediately after ingestion or after as much as 48 hours.
Remember: By FDA definition, all MSG is "naturally occurring." "Natural" doesn't mean "safe." "Natural" only means that the ingredient started out in nature.
CHICKEN FAT. In the future, fat shaved off chicken breasts and other parts of the chicken may power automobiles that emit less pollution. Chemical engineering researchers associated with the Mack Blackwell Transportation Center at the University of Arkansas (UA) have developed an optimized method of converting chicken fat into biodiesel fuel. The novel project could lead to using chicken fat — a plentiful, accessible and low-cost feed stock — as an inexpensive supplement to petroleum-based diesel fuel. Why does my wife need something we can use to run our car? She just wants broth. I decided to pass on COOKED CHICKEN POWDER.
CORN SYRUP SOLIDS. Pure cornstarch is by far the biggest source of the carbohydrate sweeteners used by today’s food manufacturers. Cornstarch is split into a variety of smaller fragments (called dextrins) with acid or enzymes. The smaller fragments are then converted into the various cornstarch sweeteners used by today’s food manufacturers.
Hydrolysis is the term used to describe the overall process where starch is converted into various sweeteners. Sweetener products made by cornstarch hydrolysis include dextrose, corn syrup, corn syrup solids, maltodextrin, high fructose corn syrup, and crystalline fructose. A juice concentrate is the syrup produced after water, fiber and nutrients are removed from the original fruit juice.
When a corn syrup has been concentrated to contain less than 10% water, it can be listed as “corn syrup solids” in an ingredient statement. To qualify as “corn syrup solids,” the glucose (dextrose) content must be at least 88% of the weight of the concentrated syrup. This product can be called “dried glucose syrup” or “glucose syrup solids” in an ingredient list. Corn syrup solids are used in the same types of foods as dextrose and corn syrups. This is really getting disgusting.
TRICALCIUM PHOSPHATE. What the hell is that? Tricalcium phosphate is a compound with formula Ca3(PO4)2. It is also known as calcium orthophosphate, tertiary calcium phosphate, tribasic calcium phosphate, or "bone ash" (calcium phosphate being one of the main combustion products of bone). It has an alpha and a beta crystal form, the alpha state being formed at high temperatures.
Tricalcium phosphate is used in powdered spices as an anti-caking agent. Calcium phosphate is an important raw material for the production of phosphoric acid and fertilizers. Calcium phosphate is also a raising agent (food additives) E341. It is a mineral salt found in rocks and bones, it is used in cheese products. It is also used as a nutritional supplement. There is some debate about the different bioavailabilities of the different calcium salts.
It is commonly used in porcelain and dental powders, and medically as an antacid or calcium supplement, although calcium carbonate is more common in this regard.
Another practical application of the compound is its use in gene transfection. The calcium ions can make a cell competent (a euphemism for "rip holes in its membrane") to allow exogenous genes to enter the cell by diffusion. A heat shock afterwards then invokes the cell to repair itself. This is a quick and easy method for transfection, albeit a rather inefficient one.
TBHQ (Tert-Butylhydroquinone). TBHQ is a highly effective preservative for unsaturated vegetable oils and many edible animal fats. It does not cause discoloration even in the presence of iron, and does not change flavor or odor of the material it is added to. It can be combined with other preservatives such as butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA). As food additive, its E number is E319, where it is used as a preservative. It is added to a wide range of foods, with highest limit (1000 mg/kg) permitted for frozen fish and fish products. Its primary advantage is enhancing storage life.
It is used industrially as a stabilizer to inhibit autopolymerization of organic peroxides. In perfumery, it is used as a fixative to lower the evaporation rate and improve stability. It is also added to varnishes, lacquers, resins, and oil field additives.
In high doses, it has some negative health effects on lab animals, such as precursors to stomach tumors and damage to DNA. A number of studies have shown that prolonged exposure to TBHQ may induce carcinogenity.
I can't go any further. Does anyone really care about BHA or Propyl Galate? I sure don't. Here's a suggestion: READ THE LABELS OF EVERYTHING YOU PUT INTO YOUR BODY. What you don't read can harm you.
Now I think we'll have a bowl of Pacific Foods Creamy Organic Tomato Soup in a box. It is wonderful!
GARY MIALOCQ & ASSOCIATES
Copyright @ 1998-2008
All Rights Reserved
- Salt
- Sugar
- Corn Maltodextrin
- Sodium Bicarbonate
- Hydrolized Corn Protein
- Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
- Onion Powder
- Chicken Fat
- Cooked Chicken Powder
- Water
- Garlic Powder
- Disodium Inosinate
- Disodium Guanylate
- Autolyzed Yeast Extract
- Hydrolized Soy Protein
- Turmeric
- Natural Chicken Flavor
- Calcium Silicate
- Natural Flavors
- Gelatin
- Soybean Oil
- Corn Syrup Solids
- Celery Seed
- Modified Corn Starch
- Silicon Dioxide
- Soy Lecithin
- Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil
- Artificial Flavor
- Spice
- Butter (Cream, Annatto)
- Tricalcium Phosphate
- TBHQ (preservative)
- Alpha Tocopherol
- BHA (preservative)
- Propyl Galate
- Citric Acid
Who is the madman at Wyler's who came up with this concoction and called it "soup"? What was he thinking? Was he mad at his own wife and devising a way to dispose of her? Who could ever blame him for simply providing a cup of broth? I decided to further investigate just what this madman almost conned me into feeding my wife.
MALTODEXTRIN. Maltodextrin is an easily digestible carbohydrate made from rice, corn or potato starch. In this case, it's made from corn. It's a white powder used in processed foods as a thickener, or a filler since it's fairly inexpensive. Also used in pharmaceuticals as a binding agent, it is also found in sugar substitutes, like Splenda for example.
Maltodextrin is made by cooking down the starch, and then acid and/or enzymes break the starch down even further, kind of like what the body does to digest carbohydrates. It's usually used in such small amounts, so it doesn't have a significant impact in terms amount of protein, fat, carbohydrate, or fiber. Every gram of maltodextrin has 4 calories, which is not really a significant caloric load. Maltodextrin is processed and it's not the best thing to be consuming.
SODIUM BICARBONATE.
Sodium bicarbonate is an antacid that neutralizes stomach acid. Sodium bicarbonate is used to relieve heartburn and indigestion. Sodium bicarbonate is also used to make the blood and urine less acidic in certain conditions. Sodium bicarbonate may also be used for purposes other than those listed.
Do not take sodium bicarbonate or any antacids without first talking to your doctor if you take any other medications. Sodium bicarbonate contains a large amount of sodium. If you are on a sodium restricted diet or have high blood pressure talk to your health care professional before taking sodium bicarbonate. Do not take sodium bicarbonate or any antacids without first talking to your doctor if you have: an intestinal problem or appendicitis; heart problems; high blood pressure; swelling of the arms or legs; kidney disease; liver disease; or problems urinating;
HYDROLIZED CORN PROTEIN. This is where my investigation really got heavy. A conspiracy exists. They like to label hydrolyzed proteins as pea protein, whey protein, corn protein, etc. If a pea, for example, were whole, it would be identified as a pea. Calling an ingredient pea protein indicates that the pea has been hydrolyzed, at least in part, and that processed free glutamic acid (MSG) is present. Relatively new to the list are wheat protein and soy protein. Disodium guanylate and disodium inosinate are expensive food additives that work synergistically with inexpensive MSG. Their use suggests that the product has MSG in it. They would probably not be used as food additives if there were no MSG present.
MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE (MSG). MSG reactions have been reported to soaps, shampoos, hair conditioners, and cosmetics, where MSG is hidden in ingredients that include the words "hydrolyzed," "amino acids," and "protein." Low fat and no fat milk products often include milk solids that contain MSG. Low fat and no fat versions of ice cream and cheese may not be as obvious as yogurt, milk, cream, cream cheese, cottage cheese, etc., but they are not an exception. Protein powders contain glutamic acid, which, invariably, would be precessed free glutamic acid (MSG). Glutamic acid is not always named on labels of protein powders.
Then, I read this: These OFTEN contain MSG or create MSG during processing:
Carrageenan, Maltodextrin, Malt extract, Natural pork flavoring, Citric acid, Malt flavoring, Bouillon and Broth, Natural chicken flavoring, Soy protein isolate, Natural beef flavoring, Ultra-pasteurized, Soy sauce, Stock, Barley malt, Soy sauce extract, Whey protein concentrate, Pectin, Soy protein, Whey protein, Protease, Soy protein concentrate, Whey protein isolate, Protease enzymes, Anything protein fortified, Flavors(s) & Flavoring(s), Anything enzyme modified, Anything fermented, Natural flavor(s) & flavoring(s), Enzymes, anything Seasonings, (the word "seasonings"). I struck it rich here.
Binders and fillers for medications, nutrients, and supplements, both prescription and non-prescription, enteral feeding materials, and some fluids administered intravenously in hospitals, may contain MSG.
According to the manufacturer, Varivax–Merck chicken pox vaccine (Varicella Virus Live), contains L-monosodium glutamate and hydrolyzed gelatin both of which contain processed free glutamic acid (MSG) which causes brain lesions in young laboratory animals, and causes endocrine disturbances like OBESITY and REPRODUCTIVE disorders later in life. It would appear that most, if not all, live virus vaccines contain MSG. Reactions to MSG are dose related, i.e., some people react to even very small amounts. MSG-induced reactions may occur immediately after ingestion or after as much as 48 hours.
Remember: By FDA definition, all MSG is "naturally occurring." "Natural" doesn't mean "safe." "Natural" only means that the ingredient started out in nature.
CHICKEN FAT. In the future, fat shaved off chicken breasts and other parts of the chicken may power automobiles that emit less pollution. Chemical engineering researchers associated with the Mack Blackwell Transportation Center at the University of Arkansas (UA) have developed an optimized method of converting chicken fat into biodiesel fuel. The novel project could lead to using chicken fat — a plentiful, accessible and low-cost feed stock — as an inexpensive supplement to petroleum-based diesel fuel. Why does my wife need something we can use to run our car? She just wants broth. I decided to pass on COOKED CHICKEN POWDER.
CORN SYRUP SOLIDS. Pure cornstarch is by far the biggest source of the carbohydrate sweeteners used by today’s food manufacturers. Cornstarch is split into a variety of smaller fragments (called dextrins) with acid or enzymes. The smaller fragments are then converted into the various cornstarch sweeteners used by today’s food manufacturers.
Hydrolysis is the term used to describe the overall process where starch is converted into various sweeteners. Sweetener products made by cornstarch hydrolysis include dextrose, corn syrup, corn syrup solids, maltodextrin, high fructose corn syrup, and crystalline fructose. A juice concentrate is the syrup produced after water, fiber and nutrients are removed from the original fruit juice.
When a corn syrup has been concentrated to contain less than 10% water, it can be listed as “corn syrup solids” in an ingredient statement. To qualify as “corn syrup solids,” the glucose (dextrose) content must be at least 88% of the weight of the concentrated syrup. This product can be called “dried glucose syrup” or “glucose syrup solids” in an ingredient list. Corn syrup solids are used in the same types of foods as dextrose and corn syrups. This is really getting disgusting.
TRICALCIUM PHOSPHATE. What the hell is that? Tricalcium phosphate is a compound with formula Ca3(PO4)2. It is also known as calcium orthophosphate, tertiary calcium phosphate, tribasic calcium phosphate, or "bone ash" (calcium phosphate being one of the main combustion products of bone). It has an alpha and a beta crystal form, the alpha state being formed at high temperatures.
Tricalcium phosphate is used in powdered spices as an anti-caking agent. Calcium phosphate is an important raw material for the production of phosphoric acid and fertilizers. Calcium phosphate is also a raising agent (food additives) E341. It is a mineral salt found in rocks and bones, it is used in cheese products. It is also used as a nutritional supplement. There is some debate about the different bioavailabilities of the different calcium salts.
It is commonly used in porcelain and dental powders, and medically as an antacid or calcium supplement, although calcium carbonate is more common in this regard.
Another practical application of the compound is its use in gene transfection. The calcium ions can make a cell competent (a euphemism for "rip holes in its membrane") to allow exogenous genes to enter the cell by diffusion. A heat shock afterwards then invokes the cell to repair itself. This is a quick and easy method for transfection, albeit a rather inefficient one.
TBHQ (Tert-Butylhydroquinone). TBHQ is a highly effective preservative for unsaturated vegetable oils and many edible animal fats. It does not cause discoloration even in the presence of iron, and does not change flavor or odor of the material it is added to. It can be combined with other preservatives such as butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA). As food additive, its E number is E319, where it is used as a preservative. It is added to a wide range of foods, with highest limit (1000 mg/kg) permitted for frozen fish and fish products. Its primary advantage is enhancing storage life.
It is used industrially as a stabilizer to inhibit autopolymerization of organic peroxides. In perfumery, it is used as a fixative to lower the evaporation rate and improve stability. It is also added to varnishes, lacquers, resins, and oil field additives.
In high doses, it has some negative health effects on lab animals, such as precursors to stomach tumors and damage to DNA. A number of studies have shown that prolonged exposure to TBHQ may induce carcinogenity.
I can't go any further. Does anyone really care about BHA or Propyl Galate? I sure don't. Here's a suggestion: READ THE LABELS OF EVERYTHING YOU PUT INTO YOUR BODY. What you don't read can harm you.
Now I think we'll have a bowl of Pacific Foods Creamy Organic Tomato Soup in a box. It is wonderful!
Copyright @ 1998-2008
All Rights Reserved
Is it true that there are over 1,500 ingredients that can be added to packaged food that are not required to be listed on the label?
ReplyDeleteindeed and there is also like 40,000 or more chemicals pesticides toxins of all sorts that dont have to be addressed on labels, we dont know what we consume these days
DeleteI loved your Death by chicken bouillon. We have struggled to find natural foods for our children for 9 years now, and it made me mad to find out msg comes under many names. I have used your blog as a resource to help me find foods without those ingredients.
ReplyDeleteThank you
I am a vegetarian and I never knew that chicken fat was in the Chicken flavor that was in ramen noodles.... I feel sooo sick. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteYou just ruined my life..... by saving it? So much for my comfort food :(
ReplyDelete