I will start with discussing BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxyltoluene). BHA and BHT are chemical petroleum by-products that are used as a preservative in various packaged food and cosmetics.
They are known to have neurotoxic affects (most often seen in young children), are possible carcinogens, and potentially toxic to the liver and kidneys. Long term exposure in animal studies caused liver cancer, thyroid and kidney dysfunction, and blood coagulation. Health Canada has recognized BHT as a moderate health priority, BHA a high health priority, and both have been flagged for future assessment under the government's Chemical Management Plan. Until then, they remain unrestricted in Canada. These chemicals are both banned in a very long list of other countries.
Some studies have shown that BHA and BHT may actually have anti-cancer properties, this is probably because the antioxidant affect scavenges damaging free radicals. These studies have suggested low levels to be toxic and high levels to be beneficial... and vise versa! So, basically, no one really knows for sure how these chemicals affect humans and we should NOT be apart of the experiment!!
Instead, look for Vitamin E or tocopherols (a family of Vit. E compounds) on the ingredients list for a natural and safe antioxidant/food preservative.
Commonly found sources of BHA and BHT
BHA; butter, meat, cereal, packaged snack foods, beer, animal feed, cosmetics, rubber, and petroleum products.
BHT; Shortening/lard, margarine, cereal, vegetable oils, enriched grains.
**BHT is also added to packaging material which often leached in to the food product. This is considered not an "additive", but a "contamination" and therefor does not have to be listed as an ingredient :(
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