As we prepare for our feast on July 4th celebration, the question is : Do you know what is in your food? How many of us skip reading the label and pick up the food item because it looks good? These are 5 tricky ingredients lurking in your favorite food item that are NOT healthy... read on 1.High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a highly-refined artificial sweetener which has become the number one source of calories in America. HFCS packs on the pounds faster than any other ingredient, increases your LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels, and contributes to the development of obesity and diabetes.

*** Found in sweetened yogurt, salad dressings, breads, canned fruit juice and canned vegetables, granola bars, certain cereals and condiments.

2. FOOD DYES:  BLUE #1 & BLUE #2, RED #3 & RED #40,  YELLOW #6& YELLOW #5 (TARTRAZINE)  actually contain carcinogenic or cancer-causing materials and are linked to migraines, anxiety, blurred vision and allergic reactions. Artificial colorings may contribute to behavioral problems like ADD and ADHD in children and lead to a significant reduction in IQ.

*** Found in powdered chicken broth, pickles, orange cheeses, yogurt, butter, alcohol mixers, fruit cocktail, maraschino cherries, cherry pie mix, ice cream, candy, bakery products, American cheese, macaroni and cheese.

3. BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) is added to keep foods from spoiling and currently, safe at very low doses. However, the National Institute of Health (NIH) categorizes BHA as a probable carcinogen. BHA can be found in rubber, wax food packaging and even petroleum products.

This common preservative keeps foods from changing color, changing flavor or becoming rancid. Effects the neurological system of the brain, alters behavior and has potential to cause cancer. BHA and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) are both additives which can form cancer-causing reactive compounds in your body.

*** Found in potato chips, preserved meats, butter, beer and instant mashed potatoes. Also, used as a preservative in cereal, frozen sausages, enriched rice, lard, shortening, candy, jello.

4. Potassium Bromate  is known to cause cancer in animals. Even small amounts in bread can create problems for humans. This additive allows the manufacturers to speed up baking process and make it more cost-effective. Opt for FRESH items from bakery.

*** Found in bread, bread crumbs and rolls

5. SULPHUR DIOXIDE - Sulphur additives are toxic. Adverse reactions include: bronchial problems, asthma, hypotension, flushing tingling sensations or anaphylactic shock. It destroys vitamins B1 and E in the body. Not recommended for consumption by children.

*** Used as a preservative in beers, soft drinks, dried fruit, juices, cordials, wine, vinegar, and potato products

So, next time you're grocery shopping, check out the list of ingredients in your food items ... You may be SURPRISED!