PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

OLIVE LEAF EXTRACT

Always a valuable addition to your diet, this extract is one I frequently use, particularly during the winter months.
Olive leaf extract works on restoring a weak or comprised immune system.
It contains essential plant compounds with natural polyphenolic antioxidants.

According to laboratory studies, olive leaf extract is effective in fighting microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, viruses and protozoa that cause numerous diseases. It certainly helps in building a strong and healthy immune system to ward off winter colds and flues.

If you are sick with the flu, colds,

 fever or a respiratory tract infection take two teaspoons every 6 hrs.

According to a naturopathic doctor, 15ml every 6 hrs is recommended for those with throat infections, fever or swollen glands. (Follow recommended dosage as per individual bottle).

 Available in most health food stores as well as some chemists.

NOT ALL WHEY PROTEIN POWDERS ARE CREATED EQUAL

The subject of Whey Protein Powders is vast so I will present this in dot points under 2 subject headings, 'What's good/ safe; What's not so good/ not safe'.

SAFE:
1) The gold standard is organic whey protein produced from grass-fed, non-hormonally treated cows that is minimally processed (cold processed). This is an assurance of purity & is certainly a healthy supplement to your diet & an excellent source of protein.
2) This type of whey powder contains beneficial immuno compounds, including immunoglobins, and lactoferins, as well as the key amino acids and other beneficial nutrients.
3) Helps the pancreas- produced insulin work more effectively- this supports balanced blood sugar levels.
4) Supports your immune system.
5) Helps preserve lean body tissue ( especially during exercise) as it delivers bio available amino acids and cysteine.

                                                           SAFE

NOT SAFE:

1) Most commercial whey products are derived from pasteurised dairy and processed with heat and acid. Many are also artificially sweetened. All these factors render them completely useless from a health perspective.
2) Some of these products have been found to be significantly contaminated with heavy metal toxins such as arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury.
3) The limit for arsenic is 15 micrograms; 5.0 micrograms for cadmium.
4) Testing of some protein shakes in the USA recently revealed the following data:
a) of the 15 drinks tested, 3 contained worrying levels of arsenic, cadmium and lead.
b) Muscle Milk Chocolate Powder contained all 4 of the above toxic metals.
c) Muscle Milk's liquid Nutritional Shake Chocolate also tested high in arsenic, providing consumers with an average of 14.3 micrograms of arsenic per day!


BUYER BEWARE- QUALITY IS EVERYTHING!

SODIUM BENZOATE (211)

WARNING!

Sodium Benzoate occurs in small amounts naturally in berries, but it is a commonly used in large amounts as a preservative in soft drinks and cordials to prevent mould.
This preservative is flying under the radar at the moment, but it has the ability to deprive the cells of oxygen, break down the immune system and cause cancer.

 This silent cell choker has found its way into thousands of products, even foods that are labelled as all natural. But don't be fooled. While benzoic acid is found naturally in low levels in many fruits, the sodium benzoate listed on a product's label is synthesized

in a laboratory.

Sodium benzoate chokes out your body's nutrients at the DNA cellular level by depriving mitochondria cells of oxygen, sometimes completely shutting them down. Just as humans need oxygen to breathe, cells need oxygen to function properly and to fight off infection, including cancer. It has the ability to deactiviate parts of DNA so hence the links with cirrhosis of the liver and Parkinson's disease.

The FDA says it's safe because the amount used to preserve foods is very low, but don't ever combine it with vitamin C or E, as this causes benzene to be formed. This is dangerous. Benzene is a known carcinogen, which means it causes cancer.

Researchers have found benzene levels as high as 79 parts per billion (ppb) in some soft drinks - the federal limit for benzene in drinking water is 5 parts per billion!

Benzoates (210-213) are considered dangerous for asthmatics and people sensitive to Aspirin (salicylates). The British Medical Journal, the "Lancet" has reported that benzoic acid caused adverse reactions in 79% of children, i.e. fidgeting, can't concentrate, hyperactivity.

So the sodium benzoate extends the shelf life, while it shortens human life.

HEINZ LITTLE KIDS Wholegrain Cereal Bars (Apple & Cinnamon)

CAN WE BELIEVE THE FRONT OF THE BOX?
(No added Flavours, No preservatives, No Artificial Colours?)

You will need a magnifying glass to read the actual ingredient list!

Here is my analysis:

There is 1 added flavour (just called 'flavour'), plus an emulsifier (Soy Lecithin), both of which are highly likely to contain MSG!  MSG is prohibited from baby foods & infant formula's but if your child is 1-3yrs (the target market for these bars) it's okay. Really?

No preservatives?- well, when I last checked the details about Humectant 422- Glycerin or Glycerol (which is mentioned twice on the ingredient list), it's function is to help retain the water content. In other words, stop the product from drying out. In my opinion, that is helping to 'preserve' the product.
In addition, this particular additive (422) may cause headaches, high blood sugar levels & even eye skin irritation in sensitive people.

No Artificial Colours?- actually, this is true, but unfortunately, the Natural Colour (Annatto, 160b) used in these bars is the ONLY NATURAL COLOUR  that to date, has been found to cause AS MANY ADVERSE INTOLERANCE REACTIONS AS ARTIFICIAL COLOURS!

Behavioural symptoms - look out for restlessness, irritability, and sleep disturbance;
                                     head banging in young children;
                                     headaches in children & adults.

Note: reactions may occur on the same day but are more likely to be delayed than reactions to artificial colours.

In summary, far from an ideal snack for children aged 1-3 yrs.

Remember Annatto (160b) is often used in yogurts & cheese!
160a) is Beta-carotene - it's safe!

CANCER IN BAGS & CANS

WARNING!

CANCER IN PACKETS & CANS

For years I have been aware of acrylamide ( a suspected carcinogen & neurotoxic chemical) being created when carbohydrate-rich foods are heated at high temperatures.
However, I wasn't aware of just how fa...r potato fries & chips were over the recommended safe level of acrylamide until I watched this video clip.

Spend 5 mins to hear the results of research into this chemical- it's well worth remembering if you are ever tempted!

Current advertising would have us believe that baked is better than fried, but hear the scientific facts for yourself.

The good news is that Pepsi Cola is planning a CELEBRITY CHIP MAKEOVER!

By 2020 they are planning to remove MSG & use natural colours from beets, carrots etc. But will they still use Flavour Enhancers? This remains to be seen.

It's also highly likely that the level of a acrylamide will just be below the required level to avoid needing a cancer warning label!


The solution- consume more raw or minimally processed foods.

Limit grilling & baking- steaming is safer.

Remember- the darker brown the food the more acrylamide present- e.g. dark brown toast compared to light brown toast.

PASS IT ON!
Our supermarket aisles & food outlets are full of these products.

cPASS IT ON.

UNCLE TOBYS PUFFS

WARNING!

It pays to read the small print!  'Puffs' are yet another product promoted as being good for you. According to the boldly marketed TV adds, there are 'No Artificial Colours or Flavours'- but what lies within the ingredient list? Is this what is termed 'advertising by ommission'?

These snack bars are available in Chocolate, Caramel & Berry- true, there are no artificial colours but there are artificial flavours & other additives.

All have a very high sugar content & whilst the Caramel has hydrogenated fat (8th) it also has 3 ingredients which are highly likely to contain MSG- namely, Whey Powder (10th), Soy Lecithin (12th)& flavour (mentioned twice: 14th & 24th).

Whilst the Berry flavour has no artificial colours, it too has both Soy Lecithin & Flavour.
It is also full of concentrated fruits which, if you have been reading my posts for some time, you would now realise that these fruit concentrates nearly always contain high fructose corn syrup- one of the big nasties we need to avoid.

It was pleasing to see no forms of MSG in the chocolate flavoured puffs but it's still very high in sugar & energy dense.

My advice is to always avoid processed foods with a long ingredient list & a long USE BY date. They are 'immortal' foods and our bodies & brain function so much better on 'real whole foods'.

Looking for a snack to give to your children- look no further than fresh, seasonal fruit.



The Truth about Artificial Sweeteners

WARNING- why artificial sweeteners are slowly poisoning you.

One of my readers recently asked me to remind them of how the artificial sweeteners in their foods and drinks are dangerous to their health.

Take 6 mins to view this video clip narrated by Dr. Russell Blaylock M.D.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqIFDoOwSFM

Elevate Guarana Alcoholic Soda

WARNING!

I didn't realize that such a drink existed- Well, I guess I knew alcoholic energy drinks existed but I just hadn't seen one up close, let alone studied the list of ingredients!

Besides the fact that this drink is 8% Alc/ Vol and contains both guarana & caffeine, it also has an artificial dye- 102. This dye is derived from petroleum which is also used to make diesel fuel, asphalt and tar!

Artificial dyes have been linked to brain cancer, nerve-cell deterioration & hyperactivity. Such colours are banned in Finland, Norway, Austria, United Kingdom & France.
BUT NOT IN AUSTRALIA!

The preservative 202 (Potassium sorbate) has been linked to liver damage & behavioural problems. Asthmatics would be wise to avoid this additive.

Flavour  is listed as the sixth ingredient- this is highly llikely to contain MSG.

Inositol  (7th on the ingredient list),is a vitamin-like substance. It is found in many plants and animals. It can also be made in a laboratory.
Inositol is 'possibly safe' for most adults. However, it may cause nausea, tiredness, headache, and dizziness.

 There is some concern that taking too much inositol might make bipolar disorder worse. There is a report of a man with controlled bipolar disorder being hospitalized with extreme agitation and impulsiveness (mania) after drinking several cans of an energy drink containing inositol, caffeine, taurine, and other ingredients (Red Bull Energy Drink) over a period of 4 days. It is not known if this is related to inositol, caffeine, taurine, a different ingredient, or a combination of the ingredients.

At least there are
 no artificial sweeteners but with the above array of additives it would be best to avoid such drinks.

SIPAHH Milk Flavouring Straws

WARNING- all is not what it seems!

The claim on the packet states : 'No Artificial Colours, No Artificial Flavours & No Preservatives'.

However, this is only partly true- there are no artificial flavours but there are Artificial Flavour Enhancers. i.e. flavour & maltodextrin which are 3rd/ 4th or 5th on the ingredient lists. Both these substances contain MSG which is addictive & sources of free glutamate. They act as excitotoxins & literally excite the brain cells to death. In the industry this is referred to as 'advertising by omission'.

The other nasty additive that is in the very tiny print on the back of the packet is the Artificial Sweetener, Sucralose (955). This sweetener is also an excitotoxin and has been linked to neurological and immunological disorders. Tests have revealed a link to both kidney and liver damage. Avoid as much as possible would be my advice.

Sipahh is available in a huge range of flavours in over 100 countries. In Australia, 5  flavours are available – Cocoa-Bean Chocolate, Luscious Strawberry, Mellow-Yellow Banana Smoothie, Chilled-out Choc-mint and Cookies and Cream.

The claim 'No Artificial Colours' is not entirely accurate either:   a)Strawberry has 162  is beet red and is regarded as unsuitable for children due to it's sodium nitrate content (250 - possible carcinogen); &
                                                                                                 b) Cookies & Cream has 150a which is Caramel i- this has been linked to gastro intestinal problems & it's safety is suspect.


So the well advertised claim that the straws 'Wake Up Milk' might be better said as' Destroy Your Brain Cells!'
Sipahh flavoured straws are marketed at mum's as a healthy after school snack:
 Quote- "All you need is a Sipahh straw and a glass of milk to keep your kids happy!"
 "Best of all, the yummy flavours and sipping excitement keep kids coming back for more."

True, children may keep coming back for more- remember MSG is addictive & enhancer's the flavour, but these straws are not a safe choice at all.


                                            

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

SUNRAYSIA ORGANIC JUICE (200ml)

This organic juice comes in four (4) varieties: Tropical ,Orange, Apple and Apple & Blackcurrant.

Consider this:
Organic food averages 25% more nutritional value and contains about one-third more cancer-fighting antioxidants than non-organic foods.

The caption on the front of the recyclable pouch states: 'Nothing Added, Nothing taken away'.

It is great to see the following claims on the back of the pouch- * No chemical pesticides

(Exposure to pesticides can also interfere with normal hormone development, potentially causing low sperm count in boys and an early onset of puberty in girls.)

                                                                                                * Nothing genetically modified
                                                                                                * Nothing artificial
                                                                                                * No added sugar or preservatives

The organic juice is sourced from the United Arab Emirates. Bearing in mind, their commitment towards a healthier society, I am not surprised. However, it's just a pity the juice is not sourced here in Australia.

The average Australian consumes 2kg of food additives each year, many of which are associated with food intolerances, behaviour and learning difficulties for children and illness. Eat organic and you will reduce this significantly.

ENJOY!

NEW MOUNTAIN DEW

WARNING

This new energy soft drink comes in striking colours, is certainly an eye catcher and is designed to appeal to our youth.
There are a total of 10 ingredients, 7 of which are detrimental to health & well being.

Second & third on the ingredient list are sugar & reconstituted orange juice- this reconstituted component is highly likely to contain fructose.

Fifith & Sixth are 2 preservatives- namely, 211 (Sodium Benzoate) and 202 (Sodium sorbate)-  both of which are linked to hyperactivity & behavioural problems; plus they should be avoided by asthmatics.

Seventh on the list is caffeine and 8th is.flavour, which as you would be aware by now contains MSG.

Coming in 9th is a colour 102 Tartrazine, derived from coal-tar dyes. This artificial colour has been banned in numerous European countries.102 is linked to hyperactivity & behavioural problems, migraines, as well as thyroid problems. It shouldn't be in any food, let alone that consumed by children.

Our children deserve better- such drinks are 'energy dense but nutrient poor'.

SPREAD THE WORD - PASS IT ON!

Wice Crackers RICE CRACKERS MIXED

WARNING!

Do not be misled by the claims on the front of the packet:
* No Added MSG  - Maltodextrin (7th on the ingredient list)- contains processed free glutamic acid, i.e. MSG, plus, there is a very high chance that this product is derived from Monsanto's GM corn. Rats feed GMO corn have a 300% increase in tumours!

* Cholesterol Free- true! Hurrah!

* No Artificial Colours or Flavours - two colours are listed on the label , one is natural but the other, 150a is not.  150a is Caramel -it's safety is suspect as well as being linked to gastro intestinal problems.
160c is Paprika Oleoresins - used to colour drinks, jelly, soy sauce & snacks and is derived from red capsicum.

4th on the ingredient list is Thickener 1404 ( oxidised starch)- this additive is linked to asthma as it may have been treated with sulphur dioxide during it's manufacture. Nothing natural about this additive!

Unfortunately there are 3 forms of sugar - sugar (3rd), Glucose Syrup (5th) & Malt Syrup (6th) - that's why they are 99% fat free. When you take out the fat, sugar is added to enhance the flavour.

The PRODUCT OF CHINA statement makes these snacks even less appealing.

In summary, not a wholesome snack choice- a piece of fresh fruit would be a wiser choice.

Up & Go Energize 2x Protein

Warning!
Have you seen the advertisement on T.V. for this drink which is marketed to our youth?

The television advertisement depicts a teenager boy drinking the new Up & Go and then his arm muscle magically increases in size! But when you study the ingredient list the only thing that is highly likely to increase in size is the boy's susceptibility to obesity and diabetes.

Not only is it high in sugar but there are 3 forms of fructose -fructose insulin, fructose & corn syrup solids.
High fructose corn syrup and corn syrup are also both incredibly hard for the body to digest. It can take up to four days for your body to fully digest high fructose corn syrup, as opposed to 24 hours to digest natural sugar.
Like sugar, high fructose corn syrup can also cause an imbalance of your body's blood sugar levels, which can cause diabetes.
 Further study of  the list of ingredients reveals still more reasons why it is far from healthy:

1) Soy protein (4th) & wheat maltodextrin (5th ) both contain MSG.

2) Carrageenan (407) is not only a suspected carcinogen but is also linked to ulcerative colitis as well as damage to the immune system. Research states that products containing this ingredient should not be given to children as more work is needed. Yet, here it is and the supermarket shelves are packed full of it!

3) Sodium carboxymethylcellulose (466) is also a suspected carcinogen and is linked to intestinal upsets, diarrhoea and flatulence. No wonder they just use the number!

These are the same 2 ingredients that are in the new liquid breakfasts- Cocoa Pops & Nutri Grain (featured a fortnight ago)

Just heard today a star * rating may be introduced on our food labels- here's hoping this product does not earn any stars!

  Pass this on to your family & friends.

 

MICHAEL POLLAN TAKES ON COOKING

ENJOY THIS 7 MIN VIDEO CLIP

Michael Pollan is one of my favourite authors- here is a short video clip about his latest book.

Michael talks of cooking as being 'a defining human activity' and how there is a definite link between the time spent cooking & health.

A disturbing statistic is that the majority of consumers now only spend half as much time cooking as they did in the 1960's! We are cooking less and buying more.

Take control of your health- ditch the ultra processed food- BUY LESS, PREPARE MORE FOOD FROM SCRATCH.

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

ALDI'S GLUTEN FREE RANGE IS BACK!

Usually, gluten free products are more expensive than 'normal' (non-gluten free!) products, but Aldi's range this year is far bigger than ever, plus pricing is very competitive.

Not only are they gluten free but the pasta for example, is 'Wheat, Dairy, Egg, and Yeast Free'. It is made from Rice Flour (88%) & Cornflour (12%) only.


The product line-up is diverse and in addition to the crackers & biscuits their products includes plain and self raising flour, sticky date pudding mix, rice  crumbs, felafel mix and a variety of pastas. There is also some Fresh life-branded gluten free muesli.
 Aldi’s marketing people said the decision on whether they would include any gluten free products in their regular line-up depended on how well this range sells. This product range will be stocked until they sell out.
 

Worth checking out & here's hoping these products will become 'regular' stock.

ENJOY!

CAMPBELL'S FULLY LOADED SOUP RANGE

WARNING!

This new soup line may be 'chunky' & wholesome looking on the outside label but the actual contents are indeed 'LOADED'-   not with wholesome ingredients but 'LOADED' with MSG & flavour enhancer 635!

 In fact, 8 varieties -(Beef Steak, Lamb Hot Pot, Chilli Beef, Beef Strongoff, Peppered Steak & Chicken & Mushroom) all have Yeast Extract & Flavours (both contain MSG) plus Disodium 5'- ribonucleotides (635).

Those with Asthma should certainly avoid 635. This flavour enhancer can cause a nasty itchy rash called ribo-rash; hyperactivity, mood changes & sleeplessness.

The Moroccan Lamb has both yeast extract & flavours but no 635.
The Outback Steak has both maltodextrin (MSG) & 635.

Vine Tomato with Spinach & Ricotta Ravioli has no 635- just yeast extract.
Creamy Pumpkin has no 635 but has 2 forms of MSG- soy protein & yeast extract.

Spicy red Capsicum has no 635- but has natural flavour (MSG) & Caramel iv (150d). This colour has been linked to gastro intestinal problems  & it's safety is suspect. Caramel i is regarded as the safest.

In a nutshell- too 'LOADED'  with artificial ingredients to be considered safe.

Homemade Muesli Bars

ENJOY!
Easy to make (melt & mix method)

MUESLI BARS (makes 12)

Ingredients

110g organic wholegrain oats                                           1C chopped raisins or figs   
175g butter
120ml honey                                                                    1C chopped prunes
45g brown sugar or coconut palm sugar
100g hazelnuts, chopped                                                  1/2 C pumpkin seeds
100g brazil nuts, chopped                                                 1C sesame seeds
100g raw cashew nuts, chopped                       

Method

1. Grease a 20cm x 20cm  slice tin and line it with greaseproof paper.
2. Toast the oats in a large frying pan over a low heat until lightly browned. Remove oats from pan & set aside.
3. Melt butter, honey & sugar in a saucepan over low heat until the butter has melted and the sugar has dissolved.
4. Return the oats to the pan and add all of the remaining ingredients. Mix well.
5. Pour into the lined slice tin. Press the mixture down firmly & allow to cool, Slice into bars.

Enjoy!
(Tip: sourcing sulphite free dried fruit can further enhance these bars; may substitute nuts & dried fruits of your personal preference)

This is a good way of avoiding HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP, VEGETABLE OILS,  & PRESERVATIVES etc which are frequently listed on muesli bar labels.

Nestle MILO BAR

You will need a magnifying glass & plenty of time to read the very long list of ingredients in a single Milo Bar.

Here is my summary:  
There are 3 additives which often contain MSG- namely maltodextrin (mentioned twice),
                                                                          malt extract (listed twice) &
                                                                          flavour ( also listed twice).
When large amounts of artificially high doses of MSG are consumed we end up with a large quantity of glutamate's in our system. This is particularly harmful to the brain as they may seep through the blood-brain barrier, and excite the neurons (brain cells) which die.
Not only has MSG been linked to the obesity epidemic but it has also been named as a contributing factor in Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, hyperactivity & learning disorders.

Both additives 341, 471 & 504 have no known adverse affects but 420 (Sorbitol) is not recommended for young children as it may cause gastrointestinal upsets & liver toxicity.
422 (Glycerin / glycerol) may increase blood sugar levels and headaches.

Far too many artificial ingredients- a dense energy bar with very little real nutrient value

IN A NUTSHELL- AVOID

NEW LIQUID BREAKFAST POPPERS

WARNING!

Kellog's have introduced 2 new liquid breakfast options for the 'early morning rush'. They are NutriGrain Breakfast Cereal and Coco Pops Chocolately Liquid Breakfast.

I am astounded and disgusted at the list of ingredients as there are 2 suspected carcinogen's in products clearly marketed at our unsuspecting Mum's to feed to their much loved children.

Carrageenan (407) is not only a suspected carcinogen but is also linked to ulcerative colitis as well as damage to the immune system. Research states that products containing this ingredient should not be given to chiildren as more work is needed. Yet, here it is and the supermarket shelves are packed full of it!

Sodium carboxymethylcellulose - no wonder they just put 466 on the label! 
466 is also a suspected carcinogen as well as being linked to diarrhoea, flatulence & intestinal discomfort.

And, if this is not enough to convince you to spread the word amongst your friends there is another ingredient INULIN, (listed 3rd as vegetable fibre), on which researchers have much to say:

Inulin has been very thoroughly researched because food manufacturers want to include it in many foods. All of the research to date suggests that at no point does the fructose get liberated by our digestive system. We just don’t possess the required cutting shears. Our gut bacteria do, but they use the fructose to fuel themselves rather than us.
Because we can’t digest inulin (directly at least), food manufacturers have managed to convince food regulators the world over (including Australia and the US) to allow them to describe inulin as fibre on food labels (rather than as a sugar, which is chemically what it is).
Manufacturers want to put inulin in our food for one very good reason. Health? No. Flavour? No. Marketing? Yes.

Inulin tastes slightly sweet (and so reduces the amount of other sugars required) but it counts as fibre rather than sugar on the label. This combined with the fact it can be advertised as a prebiotic makes the food sound healthier.

In summary then, fructans are choc full of fructose but our digestive systems can’t get at it directly. Instead our gut bacteria digest it for us. But the fatty acids created by the bacteria do eventually find their way into our bloodstream. And some of the latest research (see the August 2008 edition of Pancreas Journal )- says that fatty acids released in this way may not trigger an appetite suppressing response -unlike normal dietary fat, which does.

 Whether bacteria fill our arteries with fatty acids (when we digest fructans) or our liver does the job (when we digest fructose) is probably beside the point if neither of them trigger a hormonal response that suppresses our appetite.

I’m not happy that we know enough about fructans (and in particular inulin) to be certain that their effect on our bodies is not just as bad as pure fructose.

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

ENJOY! 
So much safer than artificial sweeteners & better for you than normal sugar (or even raw ).

Coconut Palm Sugar:   This sugar is the crystallized nectar of the tropical coconut palm tree blossom. It is evaporated and ground into a unique, slightly caramel-tasting, not too sweet sugar alternative.

TOTALLY DIFFERENT SPECIES THAN THE PALM OIL TREE

Not only is Coconut Palm Sugar unbleached & preservative free but it is has a nutritional content richer than possibly all other commercially available sweeteners- protein (12 amino acids) & comparatively high mineral content - potassium, magnesium, phosphorous, zinc & iron.

This sugar has a naturally low Glycemic Index (GI 35)- this is nearly half that of cane sugar (GI 68) and lower than honey (GI 55) and even Agave (GI 42).

A sustainable Power Super food. Replace 1:1 with cane sugar in your tea, coffee, chai ,cocoa or favourite dessert recipes.
Available from your local health food store.

This morning I dissolved a little in the water before cooking my fresh rhubarb. Tastes delicious!

Wrigley's CIRRUS ....A BURSTING BLUEBERRY

WARNING:

This is a Blueberry flavour sugar free chewing gum and as I read the ingredient list for the first time today I was not only absolutely disgusted, but saddened at the fact that this chewing gum, which is wrapped in somewhat striking colours, would appeal to our young children and teenagers.

The last 2 ingredients are 129, Allura Red; & 133 Brilliant Blue. These are artificial colours that are banned in Norway, Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden & Austria. This is because they are suspected carcinogen's, are linked to hyperactivity and should be avoided by asthmatics.

In addition to this, there are 4 forms of artificial sweeteners- namely, Sorbitol (420)- linked to liver toxicity & gastrointestinal upsets;
Xylitol (967)- a possible carcinogen plus linked to stomach upsets & diarrhoea;
Mannitol (421)- linked to hyperactivity & kidney damage; and
Aspartame (951)- possible carcinogen, linked to depression, nausea, asthma, hyperactivity & seizures.

SPREAD THE WORD- DO NOT CONSUME.

ROCKET SALAD WITH THREE CITRUS DRESSING

WAIT TO YOU TASTE THIS CITRUS DRESSING!

I recently enjoyed this Rocket Salad with 3 citrus dressing at a local Gold Coast restaurant. Within less than a week I had sourced some recipes for the citrus dressing & was eating it again!

SO FRESH, SO TASTY & SO QUICK TO PREPARE!

INGREDIENTS

Rocket, shaved Parmesan
1/3 C fresh orange juice, 1 Tb fresh lemon juice
2Tb extra virgin olive oil, 1 tspn Dijon Mustard

(optional- thinly sliced fresh pear; small cubes roasted pumpkin; orange segments)

METHOD
1. Place orange juice, lemon juice, olive oil and Dijon mustard together in a clean jar; shake until well mixed.

2. Spread rocket over a long shallow serving dish. ( Optional- add thin slices of fresh pear, or roasted pumpkin or orange segments).

3. Toss citrus dressing through rocket just before serving. Top with thin slivers of Parmesan cheese.

ENJOY!
P.S. It's hard to stop eating this!

FOODS THAT HELP LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE

MINDFUL FOOD TIPS (cont):

High blood pressure (BP) or hypertension is considered a high risk factor for heart attacks and strokes as well as kidney failure.

Here are a few tips to help reduce high blood pressure:

1. Reduce caffeine intake.

2. Reduce or preferably, eliminate alcohol. Alcohol decreases the body's ability to burn fat by almost 35%.

3. Snacking on raisins three times daily may also help reduce BP. 

4. No margarine or hydrogenated oils. Read product labels carefully as hydrogenated oils are hidden in many everyday foods- e.g. muesli bars, dips, biscuits, cakes, salad dressings etc.

5. Eating 3 kiwi fruit per day may help lower BP.

6. A Florida State University study found that watermelon lowers BP. In addition to watermelon's potassium contribution, they found a specific amino acid that contributes to lowering BP.

7. Don't forget chocolate!  It should be organic and dark or bittersweet without milk and with very little sugar. Yes, it has been researched- there are compounds in cacao that dilate blood vessels and lower blood pressure!

The perfect After School snack?

WARNING!

The perfect After School snack!  Maggi Noodles Pk.5 ????

A few weeks ago in one of our major supermarket's weekly specials brochure I noticed an advertisement for Maggi 2 Minute Noodles.
 I couldn't help becoming upset- How many consumers are going to be mislead by this statement and buy this 'industrial novelty' for their children not knowing the effects of the additives in the flavour sachet?

 Not only are the noodles devoid of any nutrient value but the flavour sachet contains 4 forms of MSG (maltodextrin, yeast extract, flavours & onion powder) and 2 flavour enhancers (621, & 635).

These flavour enhancers are particularly nasty- they are toxic to the nervous system and have been linked as a contributing factor in brain tumours, hyperactivity, mood changes, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. Asthmatics are not the only people who should avoid them - we all should!

MSG & flavour enhancers are called 'excitotoxins'- when they reach the neurons they cause them to become overstimulated. If overstimulated too much, the neurons die. In other words, they kill our brain cells.

Is this the 'Perfect After School Snack' or indeed, is it even suitable for human consumption?

ARTIFICIAL COLOURS REMOVED-SPOT THE DIFFERENCE!

ARTIFICIAL COLOURS REMOVED-  PROOF IT CAN BE DONE!

FOR THE U.K. MARKET!

Today I would like to share with you a remarkable lady whose journey into food advocacy was inspired by the love of her children.
Robyn O'Brien was one of the speakers I recently listened to via the 'Food Revolution Summit' - I posted up the link a couple of weeks ago.

The sudden onset of a food allergy in one of her own children led Robyn to investigate the food her family was eating and where it came from.

Robyn reveals the startling fact that American companies had removed harmful artificial dyes from some of the products they market overseas, but not in their own country!

Kraft, Coca Cola and Wal-Mart reformulated their product lines in other countries and no longer include the artificial food dyes, and they did it in response to consumer demand and an extraordinary study called the Southampton Study.
As Robyn states ' we aren’t asking our corporations to reinvent the wheel, we are simply asking for them to place the same products on our grocery store shelves that they are selling overseas'.

If they can do it for the U.K. market then why not in Australia too?


  SPOT THE DIFFERENCE!

 

Robyn is the author of 'The Unhealthy Truth' and her TED talk may be viewed on You Tube.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all my 'safeeating' Mum's and Grandmother's!

PRACTICE MINDFULNESS-Today I would just like to share a few more of Michael Pollan's eating rules to be 'mindful' of:


1. AVOID food products with the wordoid “lite” or the terms “low-fat” or “nonfat” in their names. Many low and non-fat foods boost the sugars to make up for the loss of flavour. ‘You’re better off eating the real thing in moderation than bingeing on “lite” food products packed with sugars and salt.

2.Don’t eat anything your great-grandmother wouldn’t recognize as food.

3. AVOID foods that have some form of sugar (or sweetener) listed among the top 3 ingredients. (barley malt, beet sugar, fruit juice concentrate etc)

4. It’s not food if it arrived through the window of your car!

ENJOY YOUR SPECIAL DAY!

LCMs Golden Joys Corn Flakes Bar

BE AWARE!

There is not alot to be 'joyous' about when it comes to the ingredients in LCMs latest addition to their range- Golden Joys Corn Flakes Bar.
The front of the box states 'No Artificial Colours or Flavours. Is this an accurate description?

In my opinion this is far from accurate & in fact, very misleading.
The average consumer might not bother to read any further than the front of the box; and most would not know that 'malt extract' (mentioned twice), 'flavour' (mentioned twice) and 'maltodextrin' are all sources of processed free Glutamic acid which have the same adverse health effects as MSG.

To make this 'industrial novelty' even less joyous, sugar (or other types of sugar), including fructose, are listed 6 times. 

 SORBITOL (420), which may cause liver toxicity and gastrointestinal upsets is also listed.
Sorbitol is a) not suitable for diabetics, infants and young children &
                b) is supposed to be prohibited in foods for infants & young children when I last checked!

Three types of hydrogenated oils are listed. One particular nasty one is 320 (BUTYLATED HYDROXYANISOLE). Not only is it a known animal carcinogen and a suspected human carcinogen but because of it's ability to disrupt the body's hormone balance it should especially be AVOIDED BY CHILDREN.
Indeed, it's prohibited in foods intended for infants & children.
( Isn't this the job of our Food Authority (FSANZ)?

LCMs are specifically marketed at busy Mum's to be packed in their children's lunchbox.

Hopefully, this knowledge will empower you to make the wise decision & not purchase LCMs for your child's lunchbox.

SPREAD THE WORD!

GENETIC ROULETTE- MOVIE TRAILER

During the past week I haven't been able to do as many posts as usual due to the time it took to listen to 3 radio broadcasts per day from 'The Food Revolution Summit'. I am planning to share with you some of the key information concerning health & well being commencing tonight.

The spread & inclusion of GMO soy & corn throughout our foods is nothing short of alarming. We must demand the clear labelling of such products on our shelves.

Here is a movie trailer of 1 of the movies mentioned during the first day of the summit: Genetic Roulette.
SPREAD THE WORD!

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