Here are some ingredients that you want to avoid in your food and may be disguised under a different name.

1. MSG (Monosodium glutamate)

A common flavor enhancer found in many packaged and processed foods as well as an addition to many restaurant meals and takeaways. It can cause headaches, nausea and other unpleasant symptoms.

Look for: Flavor enhancers, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, textured vegetable protein, yeast extract, glutamate, glutamic acid, gelatin

2. High fructose corn syrup (HFCS)

A cheap, popular sweetener, HFCS are found in fizzy drinks, fruit juices, cereals, sauces and many more foods.  It can affect memory and disrupt metabolic function. It also increases risk of obesity.

Look for: Fructose, corn syrup

3. Trans fats

Made by adding hydrogen to liquid oil — which creates a solid substance similar to margarine, trans fats improve flavour, texture and increase the shelf life of foods. The problem is, they also increase the levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol and increase the risk of heart disease.

Look for: Trans fatty acids, partially hydrogenated oils

5. Artificial sweeteners

Found in yoghurts, cereals and ‘diet’ foods amongst lots of other foods. Can cause health problems such as headaches and mood swings and can be addictive.

Look for: Aspartame, neotame, saccharin?