Riddle of the day:
What does your yoga mat have in common with your lunch?
Answer: If your lunch includes commercially baked bread, the answer just might be azodicarbonamide.
This compound, often used to improve the texture of dough, has been shown to cause respiratory issues in factory workers who were exposed to high levels of azodicarbonamide. There is no indication that small amounts, like the amount found in bread, is actually harmful to ingest.
The fact that it is used in rubber products from yoga mats to flip flops was the red flag for many health advocates. The compound makes the rubber lighter and more flexible.
Many food products benefit from the same type of aeration, such as pastries, pizza, bread products and tortillas.
Subway was the first of many companies to be called out on the use of azodicarbonamide, and urged to find an alternative.
While we fully support taking any chemicals out of our foods, there are far more potentially lethal additives, such as BPA and potassium bromate to contend with.
The best line of defense in protecting yourself and your family from harmful food additives is to eat fresh foods, and avoid processed and packaged foods wherever possible.
photo: Glasshouse Images
Indigo jones 