I read an interesting article today when I was on Twitter, “The 5 Grossest Things You’re Eating”. I clicked the link and the page opened to Women’s Health. I was completely shocked at what I found out and decided to share with everyone the pain I feel inside about some of my favorite foods. 

Shrimp

Imported shrimp comes from shrimp farms besides being tainted with chemicals they can also be full of mouse hair and pieces of insects. Only about 2 percent of all imported shrimp is inspected so this dirty shrimp makes it onto your dinner plate with no problem. Try to buy local fresh fish whenever possible. 

2. Grain

Grain products are not as great as you thought. Many packaged breads include L-cysteine. This is a non-essential amino acid that is used to make the texture of the dough more favorable. The only thing is, this amino acid is made by dissolving human hair or even duck feathers, yeah that’s right. Try to avoid eating processed foods and you can easily avoid this disturbing ingredient. 

3. Salad Dressing

Salad dressing is also contaminated with chemicals. One is titanium dioxide, a chemical used in sunscreens to make them more white. Sometimes it can contaminate your dressing with lead so try making your own salad dressings (ranch isn’t good for you anyway).

4. Jelly Beans

Jelly beans contain a lot of artificial food dyes that come from petroleum. Orange and purple dyes have been shown to impair brain function while others lead to ADHD. Although everything these days are bad for you, artificial anything should be avoided when possible. 

5. Mushrooms

Mushrooms top the list being the grossest food. I mean come on, they are fungus which is already a little gross. However, the FDA legally allows 19 maggots and 74 mites in every 3.5 ounce can (barf!). No one should want these maggots in their mouth, I hope. 

I hope that everyone found these facts as disturbing as I did (you’re welcome). I honestly haven’t been able to forget about the whole shrimp ordeal or the mushrooms. Some of the facts can help you lead a healthier life while others do nothing but gross you out.