Introduction

Now that we know fresh milled, whole grain flour is nutritionally superior to refined, shelf-stable flour, let’s dive into the other side of why you should mill yours fresh – additives!

Why Additives Are Used

Store-bought flour often contains additives to extend its shelf life and improve its texture. These additives include bleaching agents, preservatives, synthetic vitamins, and sometimes bromates. While these might sound helpful, they can have some not-so-great effects on our health.

Common Additives and Their Effects

1. Bleaching Agents:

   • What They Are: Chemicals like benzoyl peroxide and chlorine gas used to make flour white.
   • Health Effects: These agents can produce harmful byproducts. Consuming them regularly may irritate the digestive tract and could potentially disrupt your gut health.
   • Endocrine Impact: Bleaching agents like chlorine can interfere with hormone function, disrupting the endocrine system. This can lead to issues with metabolism, growth, and reproductive health.
   • Research: Endocrine Disruptors and Health, Endocrine Society on EDCs

2. Preservatives:

   • What They Are: Chemicals like calcium propionate added to prevent mold growth.
   • Health Effects: Some people may experience allergic reactions or digestive issues from consuming preservatives.
   • Auto-immune Concerns: Preservatives can trigger or exacerbate auto-immune conditions in sensitive individuals by altering immune responses.
   • Research: Preservatives and Health

3. Synthetic Vitamins:

   • What They Are: Man-made vitamins added back into flour to replace those lost during processing.
   • Health Effects: Synthetic vitamins are not as easily absorbed by the body. For those with certain genetic mutations like MTHFR, synthetic folic acid can be problematic.
   • Endocrine Impact: Synthetic vitamins can potentially disrupt hormonal balances and impact the endocrine system.
   • Research: Synthetic vs. Natural Vitamins, Role of EDCs in Pancreatic Diseases

4. Bromates:

   • What They Are: Potassium bromate is sometimes used to improve dough strength.
   • Health Effects: Potassium bromate has been linked to cancer in animal studies and is banned in many countries but still used in some places.
   • Endocrine Disruption: Bromates can interfere with thyroid function and other hormonal processes, leading to issues like hypothyroidism and other metabolic disruptions.
   • Research: Health Risks of Potassium Bromate, Endocrine Society on EDCs, Thyroid and EDCs

Behavioral and Mental Health Effects

Additives in refined flour can also affect behavior and mental health:

• Artificial Colors and Preservatives: Linked to hyperactivity and attention issues in children.
  • Research: Artificial Colors and Hyperactivity
• Synthetic Chemicals: Can affect neurotransmitter function, leading to mood swings and anxiety.
  • Research: Synthetic Chemicals and Mental Health

Chemicals Used in Grain Production

1. Glyphosate and Other Chemicals:

   • What They Are: Chemicals like glyphosate are used for desiccation of wheat and other grains before harvest.
   • Health Effects: Glyphosate has been linked to various health issues, including cancer, hormonal disruption, and gut microbiome imbalance.
   • Research: Glyphosate and Health Risks, Glyphosate and Thyroid Function, Glyphosate and Endocrine Disruption

2. Desiccation Process:

   • Impact on Health: Grains sprayed with glyphosate or other chemicals can retain residues that may affect human health, contributing to issues like endocrine disruption and gut health problems.
   • Research: Glyphosate and Gut Health, Glyphosate and Endocrine Disruption

Labeling and Hidden Additives

It’s important to note that not all additives are listed on the bag of flour. Regulations do not always require the labeling of certain additives and processing aids used during the production of flour. This lack of transparency can make it difficult for consumers to know exactly what they’re consuming.

Examples of Hidden Additives and Processing Aids:

1. Azodicarbonamide (ADA):

   • Use: Dough conditioner to improve texture.
   • Health Concerns: Linked to respiratory issues and allergic reactions.
   • Research: Azodicarbonamide and Health

2. Calcium Peroxide:

   • Use: Flour bleaching and improving dough strength.
   • Health Concerns: Can cause oxidative damage to cells.
   • Research: Calcium Peroxide and Health

3. Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate (SSL):

   • Use: Emulsifier to improve dough handling and bread volume.
   • Health Concerns: Potential allergen, linked to digestive issues.
   • Research: Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate and Health

4. Ammonium Persulfate:

   • Use: Dough conditioner.
   • Health Concerns: Can cause skin irritation and respiratory issues.
   • Research: Ammonium Persulfate and Health

Key Takeaways

• Nutrient Loss: Store-bought flour loses essential nutrients due to processing.
• Synthetic Additives: Enriched flour contains synthetic vitamins that are not as beneficial.
• Chemical Residues: Store-bought grains may contain harmful chemical residues from agricultural practices.
• Hidden Additives: Some additives and processing aids used in flour production are not listed on labels, making it hard to know what you’re consuming.
• Healthier Option: Freshly milled flour retains all natural nutrients and is a healthier choice.

Supporting Research

Here are some PubMed articles that provide more information on the topics discussed:

• Endocrine Disruptors and Health
• Preservatives in Food and Their Impact
• Synthetic vs. Natural Vitamins
• Health Risks of Potassium Bromate
• Role of EDCs in Pancreatic Diseases
• Artificial Colors and Hyperactivity
• Synthetic Chemicals and Mental Health
• Glyphosate and Health Risks
• Glyphosate and Gut Health
• Glyphosate and Endocrine Disruption
• Glyphosate and Thyroid Function
• Thyroid and EDCs
• Azodicarbonamide and Health
• Calcium Peroxide and Health
• Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate and Health
• Ammonium Persulfate and Health
• Food Labeling Regulations
• Processing Aids and Labeling

Conclusion

These resources can help you delve deeper into the science behind why freshly milled flour is a superior choice for your health. Additionally, check out this article on the difference in nutrition between freshly milled bread and refined flour.

Remember, fresh is best! Milling your own flour ensures you get the full range of nutrients without the added chemicals.