Sweet Poison, Anyone?

Several years ago, lifestyle diseases became so popular that it actually gave birth to “healthier alternatives”, only these things are not so healthy afterall! One of the most popular inventions to ever hit mankind is the artificial sweeteners. Even today, you can see them even at the smallest of stores and they are being offered along with your coffee every morning. Except for strictly organic stores, artificial sweeteners are almost given out to customers for free.

Artificial sweeteners are primarily made for diabetics to help manage their sugar levels and for people suffering from obesity to help in their weight-loss management. Now, I wonder why these artificial sweeteners are made available to the public if they were meant to alleviate medical conditions. Maybe because there are people who would rather consume chemicals than feel guilty about their excess food consumption. Furthermore, it was suspected that the slew of supply is due to the fact that artificial sweeteners cut almost 50% of the production cost for manufacturers, making it a very ideal money-making venture.

Those artificial sweeteners you see in little packets are pure chemical, no natural-anything in there. The very first artificial sweetener cyclamate was even banned by the FDA because of its addictive components that are considered harmful by the authorities. Today, aspartame is considered as the most dangerous form of artificial sweetener which was found to have a strong connection with cancer.

There are many natural sweeteners you can use instead of artificial sweeteners. Granted, they are not to be used in excess or else, you risk getting fat again and it may be harder to wean yourself out of the artificial ones, not to mention the weird taste that most artificial sweetener addicts complain of, but in the long run, you’ll thank yourself for taking the initiative for better, healthier life.

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Placental Extract

Placental Extract comes from the placentas of humans and other mammals.  The placenta is a thin film which envelops the womb of mammals which is attached to the umbilical cord where nourishment and oxygen passes through.  Cosmetic companies use this to make skin care products and grooming products like shampoos and conditioners.

Placental Extract contains hormones like progesterone and estrogen which are vital for fetuses to develop while inside the wombs of their mothers.  Cosmetic companies have taken advantage of these hormones present in the placenta to make hair shinier, skin softer and tighter and other positive effects it has on our outward appearance.

However, studies have shown that girls ranging in ages from 1-8 years old were given hair products containing placental extract.  Within 24 months of use, 50% of the subjects developed breasts and pubic hair.  Discontinued use of the product regressed the development of their breasts and public hair.  No other cause for their early sexual development was found.

Products containing placental extracts are tainted with hormones which may be dangerous not only to young girls but also to the rest of us.  Excess progesterone and estrogen has been linked to breast cancer, ovarian cancer and other reproductive cancers.

Canada has banned the use of placental extracts from all its grooming and personal care products.  Natural alternatives like olive oil, wheat germ oil, coconut oil, almond oil and the like should be used instead of placentas from mammals which may contain waste matter eliminated by the fetuses.

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Dibutylphthalate- Banned cosmetic ingredient

Dibutylphthalate or DBP is most commonly used by the cosmetic industry in nail polishes to make them less brittle and minimize cracking; in hairspray to make the hair less stiff allowing the user to style the hair even after the hairspray is applied and as solvents in perfume.

The use of this substance has been banned by the European Union since 1976.  And as of 2006, all major nail polish producers have eliminated the use of this chemical due to its effects on the endocrine system.  Phthalates are known as endocrine disruptors which may cause birth defects and fertility issues among those exposed to it.

Other possible effects of prolonged exposure are: dizziness, headaches, nausea and seizures.  Reports also indicate that this chemical may be absorbed through the skin.

The good news is that the use of DBP has been eliminated by major producers of cosmetics.  However, this chemical is still used in adhesives and certain inks.

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