You’ve heard it before -- you are what you eat! But do you always know exactly what you’re eating?
Probably not! Ignorance is bliss, right?
Well, whether you like it or not (spoiler: Rach didn’t!), Dr. Ian Smith visited our show and revealed little-known (and slightly gross) facts about what’s hiding in some of our favorite foods.
RELATED: The Best Foods For Your Skin
With that said, he DID have some comforting words!
"[They are] not harmful," he assures. "They are FDA-approved. They are fine to eat. They’re just a little weird to eat."
Fair enough! Here we go!
NO. 1: Lac Bug Secretions
Found on: Some hard candies, pill coatings and “shiny” fruits and veggies
Label to look out for: "Confectioner’s Glaze" or "Resinous Glaze"
If you’re worried, Dr. Ian suggests opting for vegan candy or using a brush to get the glaze off your food.
RELATED: Healthy or Hype? A Nutritionist Answers!
NO. 2: Beaver Castoreum (Spoiler: "It comes from the castor sacs of a beaver," Dr. Ian says. "And it's near its butt. It's under the tail." Eek!)
Found in: Some strawberry or berry-flavored items, like some ice cream and yogurts
Label to look out for: "Natural and Artificial Flavors"
NO. 3 Duck Feathers and Human Hair (FYI: It’s typically used to soften dough!)
Found in: Some bagels and breads
Label to look out for: "L-Cysteine"
If this one doesn’t sit well with you (we don’t blame you!), Dr. Ian advises buying fresh bread, gluten-free bread OR baking your own bread!
NO. 4: Non-Toxic Wood Pulp
Found in: Some high-fiber snacks, cereals, salad dressing, shredded cheese
Label to look out for: "Cellulose" or "Cellulose Gum"
