In the sci-fi adventure "Outland," sheriff Sean Connery arrives on a distant mining asteroid determined to dig up the truth about a slew of fatal, so-called accidents. We suggest, on this planet, you put your efforts into digging up info on added inorganic phosphate (phosphoric acid, calcium phosphate, sodium phosphate and more) found in lots of foods and beverages and running them out of town. New studies indicate that they may cause high blood pressure, along with a passel of other health risks.

Natural phosphate in foods normally isn't a problem, unless you have advanced kidney disease. But the added phosphate (PO) is inorganic, and that boosts blood levels of the mineral. When PO levels are high, certain hormones and enzymes get juiced up and cause overaccumulation of calcium and sodium. That can aggravate kidney problems and cause arterial stiffening and fluid retention, triggering high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke.

Inorganic phosphate is put into food because it prevents spoilage, helps ingredients stay combined and generally lets processed and packaged foods hang out on the shelf far longer than Mother Nature ever intended. You'll find it in colas, iced teas, luncheon meats, baked goods, canned fish, some soft cheeses, Parmesan, some breads, instant coffee and more.

So be your family's food sheriff! Read ingredient labels before you buy to avoid excess phosphate! Corral fresh and fresh-frozen foods (fresh-frozen foods rarely have added inorganic phosphate) and say, "No" to packaged and prepared food, including some pre-seasoned raw poultry and meats.