(NaturalHealth365)  Did you know that a substance used in paint strippers, rubber cement, and permanent spot remover has been used as a preservative in many popular foods (and beverages) for decades?!

The culprit is sodium benzoate, which you may have seen while glancing at a food label.  Sadly, too many people dismiss it as one of those chemical preservatives ‘necessary’ to process packaged food.  But there’s an ugly truth that the food industry is hiding about this preservative.

Wicked food preservative deprives cells of oxygen and causes DNA damage

Most people never learn that sodium benzoate is a leading cause of cancer.  In fact, it was even banned by the rubber production industry due to high incidents of workers who handled it developing leukemia.

When sodium benzoate is mixed with sodium hydroxide, it becomes active and develops solvent qualities that are highly destructive to cellular functioning.

While Europe is clamoring to have this toxic chemical banned entirely, in the U.S., it’s a different story.  The controlled “lamestream” media never reports about it.

On top of that, many doctors and researchers are afraid to conduct studies or report their findings due to the increase in threats and “mysterious deaths” of cancer researchers and holistic doctors.

The danger of sodium benzoate to humans is that it deprives the cells of oxygen, compromises the immune system, and can lead to the development of blood cancer.  It’s the cheapest mold inhibitor available, but it leaches essential nutrients in the body – causing and exacerbating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Ingesting sodium benzoate triggers uncontrolled cell division

In food items, sodium benzoate also reacts with vitamins C and E to form benzene.  This is when leukemia is triggered due to cellular mitochondria being deprived of oxygen.

Since the mitochondria are the cells’ power station, programmed cell death results.  Cells are then unable to battle disease and infection – including cancer, which is the uncontrolled division and mutation of cells.  Sodium benzoate is also destructive at the DNA level.

In short, while sodium benzoate actually does extend the shelf life of food and beverages, regular consumption can shorten the lives of those who consume it.  While listed as a ‘preservative,’ this chemical (and other cancer-causing food additives) clearly has no place in ANY food item.  It should not be handled or included in non-food products, either.

And, just for the record, foods that contain sodium benzoate include salad dressings, soy sauce, vinegar, jams and jellies, fruit juices, salsas, dips, sodas, and shredded cheese.  It is also an ingredient in toothpaste, cough syrup, mouthwash, and many cosmetic products.

Regulatory status and controversies

Believe it or not, sodium benzoate is limited to 5 ppb in drinking water (that’s 5 parts per billion) – and yet, food and beverage manufacturers are exempt from this regulation.  Some sodas have as much as 100 ppb of benzene.  (Can you believe it?!)

Despite the concerns raised by some researchers and health advocates, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) still considers sodium benzoate “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS).  The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has also evaluated sodium benzoate and deemed it safe for use as a food additive at current levels.

However, controversy persists due to studies suggesting potential health risks.  A 2007 study published in The Lancet found that sodium benzoate, when combined with artificial food coloring, may increase hyperactivity in some children.  This led to renewed calls for further research and stricter regulations.

Favoring unprocessed, natural, organic foods free of preservatives will reduce your cancer risk

The presence of such a harmful chemical in so many foods and beverages easily explains why nearly one in two people are expected to be diagnosed with some form of cancer in their lifetime.  As is so often the case, avoiding processed, non-organic foods in favor of natural, organic choices is the most effective path to minimizing your cancer risk.

If you’re concerned about sodium benzoate in your diet, here are some steps you can take to reduce your exposure:

Read labels:  Always check ingredient lists on packaged foods and beverages.  Sodium benzoate may be listed as E211 in some countries.
Choose fresh foods:  Opt for fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats instead of processed or packaged alternatives.
Make homemade versions:  To avoid added preservatives, prepare your own salad dressings, sauces, and jams at home.
Limit carbonated drinks:  Many sodas contain sodium benzoate.  Choose water, homemade juices, or beverages without preservatives.
Buy organic:  Organic products often have stricter limitations on preservatives.
Look for “preservative-free” labels:  Some brands specifically market their products as free from artificial preservatives.
Consume fermented foods:  Natural fermentation can preserve foods without the need for artificial additives.

By making these simple changes, you can significantly reduce your intake of sodium benzoate and other artificial preservatives in your diet. Don’t wait; take action today – because life is worth living!

Sources for this article include:

NIH.gov
Med-Health.net