Anyone who has taken the time to read the ingredients on almost any processed food product in the supermarket knows that there are a whole host of weird-sounding additives on the list in addition to what you might expect. Something as simple as ice cream, which can be made with cream, sugar and some flavoring will often have a lengthy paragraph of ingredients with unfamiliar names of various additives the manufacturer uses for various purposes including coloring, improving consistency and increasing shelf life. Some food additives are worse than others and these 10 are the worst of the worst.

1. Artificial Sweeteners

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While most people agree that sugar is not the best thing for you, a number of artificial sweeteners are much worse. Among the very worst is Aspartame, also known as Nutrisweet or Equal. The harmful effects of this stuff are too long to list in full, but here are some highlights: Evidence suggests that it causes cancer. It has been blamed for more adverse reactions than all other foods and food additives combined. In addition to its reputation as a carcinogen, it’s also a neurotoxin, meaning that it can wreak havoc with your brain. Some believe the consumption of Aspartame may be linked to diabetes, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, brain tumors, migraines and seizures, among other things.