Foods today are inundated with an assortment of additives, some to enhance the flavor of the food and some act as a preservative. Studies on animals have shown that some additives could cause cancer, although, there have been no conclusive studies to indicate whether or not these additives would have the same effect on humans.

Nevertheless, here are some food additives that you should avoid or limit as much as possible.

• Sodium Nitrite - This additive is used to preserve color and flavor in meat products like bacon, ham, hot dogs, luncheon meats, smoked fish and corned beef. Under certain high-temperature cooking conditions such as grilling, the additive transforms into a reactive compound that has been shown to promote cancer.

• BHA and BHT - Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hudrozyttoluene (BHT) are used to preserve common household foods to keep them from oxidizing. They prevent fats and oils from becoming rancid and are found in cereals, chewing gum, potato chips and vegetable oils. Under certain conditions with some people, these additives could cause cancer.

• Monosodium Glutamate - This is an amino acid that is used to enhance flavor in such foods as soups, salad dressings, chips, frozen entrees and restaurant food. It is commonly associated with Asian foods and flavorings. It can cause headaches and nausea in some people and animal studies link it to damaging nerve cells in the brains of infant mice.

• Aspartame - Known by such brand names as Nutrasweet and Equal, it is an additive found in “diet” foods like low-calorie desserts, gelatins, drink mixes and soft drinks. The safety of aspartame has been the focus of hundreds of studies because of a possible link to cancer.

• Blue 1,2; Red 3; Green 3, and Yellow 6 Food Colorings - Blue 1 and 2, is found in beverages, candy, baked goods and pet food and have been linked to cancer in mice. Red 3 is used to dye cherries, fruit cocktail, candy and baked goods and has been shown to cause thryoid tumors in rats. Green 3 is added in candy and beverages has been linked to bladder cancer. Yellow 6 is added to beverages, sausage, gelatin, baked goods and candy and can cause tumors of the adrenal gland and kidney.

• White Sugar - Foods such as baked goods, cedreals, crackers, some sauces and many other processed foods contain added sugar which, in large amounts, are unsafe for our health and promote bad nutrition. Too much sugar leads to weight control problems, tooth decay and affects blood sugar levels that can lead to diabetes. In addition, it replaces good nutrition and, because it provides unnecessary calories, robs your body of valuaable vitamins and minerals.

• Sodium Chloride - More commonly know as salt, it adds flavor but it is also a hidden food additive that can lead to health issues. Small amounts of salt are needed by the body but in excess it can affect cardiovascular function and lead to high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke and kidney failure.