Dr. Mercola April 10 2004 1,774 views
An essential oil called methyleugenol that is found in many foods and spices has been connected to causing cancer of the liver, stomach and kidney in mice and rats. Some of the common foods this spice can be found in include candy, cookies, bubblegum, pumpkin pie, puddings, ice cream, apple butter, chutney, anise biscotti, French toast, ketchup, nutmeg and gingerbread.
Although this study hasn’t been proven to be cancerous in humans, it has been listed by the toxicology program as a "reasonably" potential human carcinogen. Further studies have shown that in 98 percent of 206 adults tested for methyleugenol from 1994 to 1998 revealed definite traces of the chemical in their blood.
Participants of a study, consisting of nine volunteers, were asked to fast overnight and eat 12 gingersnaps that had high levels of methyleugenol. Blood samples showed that the concentration of methyleugenol peaked at 53.9 pg/g 15 minutes after the volunteers ate the cookies and returned nearly to the fasting concentration within two hours.
Scientists said the risk of getting cancer from ingesting methyleugenol remains inconclusive, however it was shown that people were also exposed to it through inhalation and use of products such as perfumes, toiletries, sunscreens and cigarettes.
Science News March 22, 2004
No matter how careful you are, chances are you will consume about six micrograms of methyleugenol a day naturally from different spices and herbs. Although the study has not conclusively found evidence that this food flavoring causes cancer, you are likely better off without it.
The best way to avoid the potential danger of this and other flavorings is stay away from them by reducing or eliminating your intake of processed food. Some 90 percent of the money Americans spend on food goes toward processed foods, most of which offer little to no nutritional value.
How can you possibly be healthy with that much processed food in your diet? Our goal should be to reverse that ratio and strive for 90 percent non-processed food and only 10 percent from other sources. By doing this, not only will you reduce your exposure to unhealthy additives while enjoying health benefits, but also the satisfaction of preparing meals and controlling the ingredients is a great feeling.
For even more information on foods you should absolutely avoid, I’ve posted an excellent article on the five worst foods you can eat.
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