20 pack of Thins Potato chips

There are 5 flavours in these packets & you will need a magnifying glasses to read the ingredients. So here is a list of the excitotoxins present in each of the flavours:
Light & tangy- E621, Flavour (natural vegetable extract).
Chicken- Maltodextrin,  Flavour enhancers E621, 627, 631, Vegetable powders (onion & garlic), Natural flavour & Nature identical.
Sweet Chilli & Sour Cream-  Vegetable Powders (Onion & Garlic), Sour Cream Powder, Yeast Extract,  Flavour Enhancer (E635),  Natural Flavour, and fructose to add sweetness!

Salt & Vinegar- Maltodextrin, Flavour Enhancer (621).
Original- NO MSG OR ADDED MSG!

EXCITOTOXINS- the taste that kills

This week I will be focusing on common children's snack foods which contain MSG and other excitotoxins which are officially named 'flavour enhancers' ( numbers E625,631 & 635). These excitotoxins break through the blood brain barrier causing certain unprotected brain cells to die from over stimulation. The affected cells are located in the hypothalamus, a key area in the brain that controls hormone release, hunger, thirst, sleep and emotions such as rage and aggression.
Arnott's Barbecue Shapes contain E635 & natural flavour (another term for MSG).
Arnott's Chicken Crimpy shapes contain E621, E635, chicken onion powder, yeast extract & natural flavour ( these last 3 ingredients all contain hidden MSG!).

It is well worth listening to what Dr. Russell Blaylock, M.D. has to say in this You Tube clip:

Anandamide (The Bliss Chemical) in Cocoa

Anandamide is the English spelling;

Anandamide (or n-arachidonoylethanolamine) is a neurotransmitter which has been isolated in

cocoa in quantities which are significant enough to affect the brain. Anandamide is a cannabinoid

naturally found in the human brain. Anandamide is a lipid (a fat) known as "the bliss chemical"

because it is released when we are feeling good. (

anandamine is the French spelling)

It is true that anandamide has a similar effect to the compound THC in cannabis (marijuana), but it

acts in a different way; acts only on certain groups of brain cells and not the whole brain; and thus

creates blissful feelings with much less intensity. ENJOY!

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

Morlife dark chocolate coated Goji Berries: Morlife has combined premium goji berries and dark chocolate to create a decadent treat. Enjoy a small handful on their own, or 'jazz up' your favourite fruit and nut mix. A delicious source of antioxidants, free from colours and gluten free.

ENJOY!

Dark Chocolate & Depression

Cocoa contains monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO Inhibitors) which help improve our mood

because they allow serotonin and dopamine to remain in the bloodstream longer without being

broken down.

Cocoa also contains anandamide which stimulates blissful feelings. Cocoa also contains B

vitamins, which are associated with brain health.

Cocoa improves memory, mental function and mood. It has also been shown to slow the

progression of dementia.

Cocoa also contains the amino acid Tryptophan which makes the neurotransmitter known as serotonin, which promotes positive feelings and helps keep us from feeling depressed.

You be the judge: Cocoa is a potent source of serotonin, dopamine and phenyl ethylamine. These are three well studied neurotransmitters which help alleviate depression and are associated with feelings of well being.

10 Reasons to eat dark chocolate

Amongst my friends it is a well known fact that I absolutely love to eat dark chocolate- I rarely miss my daily dose of chocolate! Here are 10 good reasons to include it in your diet too:

1. Protect the body against free radical and oxidative damage
2. Are potent inhibitors of LDL (bad cholesterol) oxidation and damage to blood vessel walls
3. Improve blood flow, reduce atherosclerotic plaques and lower blood pressure
4. Provide an anti-neurodegenerative effect, protecting the brain cells from amyloid beta
protein development
5. Help prevent the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates and normalise blood sugars
through their insulin mimetic action
6. Sustain health of red blood cells
7. Preserve pancreatic islet cells, which are responsible for producing insulin
8. Increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels and lower triglycerides
9.  Relieve inflammation and activates the immune system
10.  May help decrease the risk of depression and increase mental acuity.

Kellogg's K-time twists

K-time twists: a box of six(6) bars available in a variety of flavours- Raspberry & Apple, Strawberry & Blackberry, Strawberry & Yogurt, Apple & Cinnamon. On the outside of the box it states that these bars are a 'deliciously tasty and convenient snack that's 97% fat free'. With only 4% raspberries and 2% apples    and 40 other listed ingredients, 19 of which are numbers they are far from nutritious. Numbers 122,124 & 132 are all suspected carcinogen's, are linked to hyperactivity and banned in Norway. Fructose is 4th on the ingredient list & flavour (another word for MSG) is mentioned twice! 

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

Go Natural Trail Mix Snack Bar- Go Natural is a 100% Australian Owned Family business which was established in 1987. There are five (5) bars in every packet & each bar contains Almonds, Brazil Nuts & Berries (Cranberries & Blueberries) together with eight (8) grains. Available at your local supermarket. ENJOY!

HOW HYDROLYSED VEGETABLE PROTEIN IS MADE

Hydrolysed vegetable protein is one of the more common substitutes for pure MSG found in a huge range of common foods. Dr. Blaylock M.D. provides this explanation of what exactly this healthy sounding ingredient really is: HVP is made from junk vegetables selected for their high quantity of excitotoxins, e.g. glutamate. The vegetables are boiled in a vat of sulphuric acid for several hours then the acid is neutralised with caustic soda. The brown sludge is scraped off the top and dried into a powder. The powder contains known carcinogens and dicarboxylic acid, the safety of which is unknown. MSG is often added to this powder. Finally, the powder is put in our food, including some baby 'food' and we eat it.

Here is a video clip of Dr. Russell Blaylock explaining what these excitotoxins do to our brain. It's worth taking the 13 mins out of your busy day to listen to this amazing man.

Ovalteenies

I used to include a packet of Ovalteenies in my son's lunch box when he was in primary school (now 15 years ago!). However, after I read about all the aliases for MSG such as Maltodextrin, Soy Protein,  Flavour, Whey Powder, Yeast Extract, Malt extract, malt flavour, spices, seasoning, hydrolysed protein and hydrolysed (anything else), plus around 40 other names I refused to buy them any longer. The first 4 ingredients are listed on the back of the packet of Ovalteenies!
Hydrolyzed Protein is a glutamate containing ingredient, or in other words, a way of adding MSG without saying so.

MISLEADING ADVERTISING

Maggi noodle delights: the label clearly states (in bold print) NO ADDED MSG & ONLY NATURAL COLOURS & FLAVOUR.
However, on the back of the wrapper (in very small print) the ingredient list states the flavour sachet contains HYDROLYSED VEGETABLE PROTEIN (a form of MSG!) as well as FLAVOUR ENHANCER 635.
Both of these additives are far from natural- this is advertising by omission and very misleading as most consumers do not read the fine print. 

Next week I will explain exactly how Hydrolysed Vegetable protein is made and this may make you more interested in looking at the fine print!

Ten foods you should eat

The Centre for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) recommends that we should DEFINITELY eat the following ten foods:
1. Sweet Potatoes ( loaded with carotenoids,vitamins,potassium, and fibre).
2. Whole-grain bread (higher in fibre and nutrients than white bread).
3.Broccoli (lots of Vitamin C, carotenoids, and folic acid).
4.Watermelon (good source of Vitamin C and carotenoids).
5.Beans (low in fat, and rich in nutrients and fibre).
6.Rockmelon (lots of Vitamin A & C).
7. Spinach and kale (lots of vitamins, minerals & fibre).
8.Oranges (lots of vitamins & fibre).
9.Oatmeal (inexpensive, lots of fibre, rich in B complex for the brain).
10. Milk ( permeate free of course!).

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

just Organic Fairtrade Organic GREEN TEA: I have been enjoying this tea every morning for a number of years now(purchased from ALDI stores). I prefer to allow the tea to draw for around 8-10 mins as this allows the flavour to develop fully. The tea is organically grown and cultivated without the use of pesticides, herbicides or artificial chemical fertilisers plus is a good source of anti-oxidants.

By choosing this tea you are supporting Fairtrade farmers and workers in developing communities through fair wages, fair pricing and economic education.

HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP

Check out this video clip-although Dr. Vince Bellonzi  is talking about the population in America, we too have similar foodstuffs widely available in Australia.

"LOW FAT'

'Nutrition experts'  and advertisements often boast of the quality of breakfast cereals, saying that they are of higher quality now than they were several years ago when fat content was much higher. However, what is not taken into account is that when food processors remove fat from a food, they put sugar in its place- and market it as 'Low Fat!' thus promoting the idea that low fat equates to healthy. It never does.

How to use Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is an amazing natural elixir that has some pretty incredible uses. Here are five of my favourites:
1. Eat It -This is perhaps the most obvious use, but very important nonetheless!  You might be saying, “but wait, coconut oil is a saturated fat”, and while that may be true, just roll with me for a moment. Not all saturated fats are created equal. Coconut oil is composed primarily of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) that are burned almost immediately for energy production. Bruce Fife says in his book The Coconut Oil Miracle, “Eating foods containing MCFAs is like putting high octane fuel into your car. The car runs more smoothly and gets better gas mileage. Likewise, with MCFAs, your body performs better because it has more energy and greater endurance”. In addition, coconut oil wont produce free-radicals upon heating like other vegetable oils do. It can be used in cooking without fear!

2. Eye Makeup Remover & Eye Cream- This one is so simple but you will be amazed at how well it works. Just take a cotton pad and dab some coconut oil on it and rub over your face and eyes.

3. Pre-shave & after shave- Coconut oil will moisturize pre and post shave for a affordable and organic, clean shave without clogging pores. Your skin will thank you.

4. Burn Relief & scar reduction- Coconut oil in itself has a cooling effect on the skin and when applied generously will keep skin supple, moisturized and will prevent peeling, blistering and scarring.

5. Oil Pulling- To do this, stick a spoon full of oil in the mouth (weird at first, I know), and pull it through your teeth. Repeat twice a day for about 20 minutes and rinse. Like anything, consistency is the only way to get results.

You are not only drawing out toxins from the mouth but from deep within crevices between teeth and gums and also from the teeny tube-like structures inside of your teeth, which are rarely tended to. When toxins are absorbed through the oil, the body can start to absorb proper minerals and heal itself. Oil pulling can improve conditions such as allergies, chronic fatigue, diabetes, migraine headaches, PMS, and chronic skin problems.

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

Whilst doing the weekly shop last Saturday afternoon I came across a fabulous new addition to the fresh juice area. To date there are only two (2) options- Organic Apple & Organic Apple & Blackcurrant Juice but the  juice is produced in Tasmania and is Australian Certified organic.

The local market ( held at Shark's) does have a truly FRESH organic apple juice that also tastes delicious!

Coconut and Coconut Oil benefits

Due to the high level of interest shown in last weeks Product of the Week (Extra Virgin Coconut Oil) I have decided to feature a video which further explains the numerous benefits of the Coconut.

BIG FAT LIES

Should we be eating saturated fat? Is there any truth in the Lipid Hypothesis? Check out this video clip: