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Many processed meats, including popular options such as pepperoni, deli meat, hot dogs, and sausages, contain nitrates and food coloring to enhance their appearance and flavor. Processed cheese also contains food coloring as well as other preservatives, such as carrageenan and inulin. Unfortunately, these chemical additions can cause a range of health problems. Nitrates prevent proper oxygen circulation in the body and can increase the risk of certain types of cancer. Some studies have suggested that food coloring can increase the symptoms of ADHD in some cases, and even cause ADHD-like symptoms in children who do not have this condition. Carrageenan can cause ulcers and problems in your gastrointestinal system, while inulin can cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Sodium is another unhealthy ingredient found in many types of meat and cheese. Your body needs a small amount of this mineral, but it’s easy to eat too much, and doing so can cause health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and an increased risk of stroke. In addition to avoiding processed meat and cheese, you’ll want to watch out for blue cheese (which contains 326 mg of sodium per serving) and feta cheese (with about 323 mg of sodium per serving). Even certain types of seafood can have a surprisingly high sodium content and should thus be eaten in moderation. Lobster, for example, has 17 grams of protein per serving and almost no fat, but it also contains 320 grams of sodium per serving. Other kinds of seafood with more than 300 milligrams of sodium per serving include blue crabs, oysters, and scallops. Protein Supplements There are many reasons why people use protein supplements, such as protein powders and drinks. Some people use them as a meal replacement to try to lose weight. Others take them because they want to ensure that they are getting enough

Chapter 1: Getting to Know Proteins and Protein-Rich Foods

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