You've Been Lied to About This

Summary

The video exposes the deceptive practices in food labeling, particularly the rounding rule that allows manufacturers to list ingredients under 500 mg as zero, concealing harmful additives like trans fats and MSG. It highlights the risks of incidental additives, such as maltodextrin and hexane, a neurotoxin used in soy protein extraction. Viewers are urged to critically read ingredient labels, especially on products labeled 'sugar-free.' A simple iodine test is introduced to detect hidden starches in foods and supplements, illustrating the importance of being informed about what we consume.

Takeaways

• 😀 The rounding rule allows food manufacturers to claim zero grams of certain ingredients if they are below 500 mg per serving, leading to misleading nutrition labels.
• 😀 Many food products may contain hidden sugars, with over 200 different names for sugar complicating ingredient lists.
• 😀 Incidental additives, which serve functions unrelated to flavor or preservation, can be excluded from ingredient lists if they make up less than 5% of the product.
• 😀 Maltodextrin, often used as a filler in vitamins and supplements, can act like sugar despite being classified as a carbohydrate.
• 😀 Hexane, a neurotoxin, can be present in soy protein products due to extraction processes, raising health concerns.
• 😀 Products labeled as 'sugar-free' can still contain hidden sugars or sugar-like substances that affect blood sugar levels.
• 😀 Blood sugar monitoring can help consumers understand how certain products impact their health, particularly those with hidden sugars.
• 😀 Corn syrup solids are essentially a solid form of corn syrup and should be viewed as a sugar equivalent.
• 😀 Sugar-free non-dairy creamers may contain questionable ingredients, prompting some to prefer black coffee instead.
• 😀 A simple iodine test can reveal hidden starches like maltodextrin in foods and supplements, helping consumers make informed choices.

Q & A

What is the rounding rule in food labeling?

The rounding rule allows manufacturers to claim that a product contains zero of an ingredient, like trans fats or MSG, if the amount per serving is less than 500 mg.

Why is maltodextrin concerning in food products?

Maltodextrin is often used as a filler and can act like sugar on the glycemic index, but it can be hidden in ingredient lists, misleading consumers about the sugar content.

What are incidental additives?

Incidental additives are ingredients that serve a different function than texture or flavor, such as solvents, and may not be declared on labels if they comprise less than 5% of the product.

What is hexane, and why is it a concern in food products?

Hexane is a solvent used in the extraction of soy protein and is classified as a neurotoxin, raising concerns about its presence in food labeled as all-natural or organic.

How can consumers identify hidden sugars in products?

Consumers should read ingredient labels carefully, as many products labeled 'sugar-free' can still contain hidden sugars like maltodextrin or corn syrup solids.

What should you consider when a product claims to be 'sugar-free'?

Even if a product is labeled 'sugar-free,' it may still contain carbohydrates that affect blood sugar levels, so it's essential to check the ingredient list and nutritional information.

How can iodine be used to test for starches in food?

Iodine can be used to test for starches because it turns blue when it comes into contact with starches, helping identify hidden carbohydrates in food.

What are some common terms for sugar found in food labels?

There are over 200 different terms for sugar, making it difficult for consumers to recognize all sources of sugar in their food.

Why should you be cautious with non-dairy creamers?

Non-dairy creamers, especially those labeled 'sugar-free,' often contain additives and hidden sugars, so it's safer to avoid them.

What is the significance of the 450 mg capsule mentioned in the video?

The 450 mg capsule symbolizes how manufacturers can mislead consumers by claiming zero content for certain ingredients, raising awareness about the accuracy of nutritional information.