Mamia Fruit Snack Cereal Bars, Banana Flavour

WARNING!
 These fruit snack bars from Aldi  have one form of MSG in them (Natural Banana Flavour - 9th on the ingredient list), as well as sugar listed 4 times (5th, 6th, 13th & 14th). 
 Canola Oil and numerous other additives are also listed ( 11 in total; 2 may be detrimental to health and well being).
Humectant (422)- listed 7th - Glycerin or glycerol may cause headaches, high blood sugar or skin irritation in sensitive people.
Potassium pyrophosphate (450)- listed 21st- linked to kidney stones in susceptible people.

Although the 'Inulin'  content of these cereal bars is less that 3%  (18th on the list), the jury is still out on this relatively new ingredient. There are positives and negatives to this carbohydrate.
 Inulin belongs to a class of compounds known as fructans (closely related to fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS).
 These are all starches (carbohydrates), just varying in structure. Since inulin is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, it is considered to be a fibre.

Inulin/FOS also goes by names such as Neosugar, Alant Starch, Atlanta Starch, Alantin, Dahlin, Helenin, and Diabetic Sugar. It also has a slightly sweet taste and is very low on the glycemic index making it suitable for diabetics. There are even some claims it can be used as a sugar substitute.

Manufacturers claim that inulin/FOS specifically feeds only good bacteria. Unfortunately, this isn't reality.

 

A good example is Klebsiella. Recent studies have shown that inulin/FOS encourages the growth of Klebsiella, a bacteria implicated in Ankylosing Spondylitis and in increased intestinal permeability (leaky gut).

 

In addition, many different species of yeast are able to utilize inulin/FOS for energy including Candida Albicans.

Inulin is present in all types of products, especially in dairy products. 

Best to adhere to Michael Pollan's food tip: 'Don't eat anything that has ingredients listed that you can't recognize in their raw state, i.e. as a real food'.

 

Maltodextrin

AVOID
Corn maltodextrin, from GM corn should be totally avoided.

Look for certified USDA organic tapioca maltodextrin, or better still,  avoid products with any form of maltodextrin in them.

If you pick up a natural product and the ingredients list says “maltodextrin,” chances are very high that the maltodextrin in the product is derived from Monsanto’s GM corn.
Virtually all the maltodextrin used throughout the 'natural' products industry is genetically modified.

Avoid all flavoured Rice Crackers: not only do most contain 'yeast extract' & 'natural flavours' but take for example,  SakataWholegrain with Parmesan, herb & garlic.These crackers not only contain the 2 above ingredients, but also contain 'whey powder', vegetable oils & the GM corn derived 'maltodextrin'. With no less than four (4) forms of MSG you would find them very tasty & they would keep you coming back for more!

Ongoing research has linked excess glutamate as a contributing factor in brain tumours, hyperactivity, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.

WISHING YOU ALL A  SAFE, WONDERFUL AND RELAXING EASTER!

Rafferty's Garden Mash Range

WARNING!   BE AWARE!

 Many consumers are aware of MSG (621) & know that it's wise to avoid consuming it.
However, YEAST EXTRACT seems harmless enough on the surface & many consumers are unaware that this is a hidden form of MSG! Hidden MSG is also labelled as 'AUTOLYZED YEAST EXTRACT', 'TORULA YEAST' AND 'HYDROLYZED VEGETABLE PROTEIN/ TVP'.
Food manufacturers put it in savoury snacks, canned/ packet soups, frozen meals even vegetarian products.

It is  most upsetting to see 'yeast extract' in all of the four flavours offered in the Rafferty's Garden Mash range that has a target market of 8 mths & upwards.
In the Vegetable Risotto yeast extract is 7th on the ingredient list, whilst it is the 8th ingredient in the Beef with Vegetables & Basmati Rice. Yeast Extract is 9th on the ingredient list in the Tuna with Asian Greens, plus it is the13th ingredient in the Chicken with creamy leek and potato. Why? One simple reason- to enhance the flavour & keep your baby wanting more.
It is also disappointing to see Canola oil in each of the four products in the range.
BUYER- BE AWARE!

Moccona Sachets (Mochaccino flavour)

WARNING!

The bar code on this packet of coffee sachets starts with a '931' so it seems as if they may be at least packed in Australia. The label states they are 'Made in New Zealand' so that's why I'm thinking the sachets must be manufactured in New Zealand but packed in Australia as the New Zealand bar code starts with '94'.

Firstly, it is very disappointing to see the following words- 'Made in New Zealand from imported ingredients. Not even, as some other labels state,' from local & imported ingredients' or, with ingredients entirely sourced locally.

What is worse though is that sugar, not coffee is the 1st ingredient & glucose, another source of sugar, is 6th. Salt is last but should we be having salt with our coffee?

The 'avoid as much as you can' ingredient 'vegetable oil, is 3rd and the frequently used ingredient 'flavour' (i.e. a form of MSG) is 7th on the ingredient list.

There is 8.5% instant coffee & 6.5% cocoa powder- 4th & 5th respectively on the ingredient list.

There are 6 additives listed by their respective numbers (466,340,452,339,471,& 341). All are quite long & difficult to pronounce, with 466- sodium carboxymethylcellulose having some of the worst side effects. Not only is 466 a possible cause of flatulence, intestinal discomfort & diarrhoea but it is also a suspected carcinogen.

Potassium polymetaphosphate (452) should be avoided by those who are susceptible to kidney stones.

The remaining 4 additives (340, 339, 471, & 341) have no known adverse effects.

Yes, these coffee sachets may be convenient & probably taste good. I've never had one! But remember, they do not contain a high % of neither coffee nor cocoa, and sugar, salt & additives make up the largest % of the sachet mixture.

P.S. If you have consumed this product & find it addictive remember there may be more than 1 form of MSG in the actual sachet because of the labelling loophole- if it's less than 5% manufacturers don't have to declare it! MSG is addictive!

                                                                                    

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK:
 Bath milk from Wallan Vale Dairy.
This is premium raw milk from pasture feed jersey cows.

Wallen Vale Dairy is situated in the Gold Coast Hinterland and first trialled organic practices across several paddocks in 1993, and have been operating the entire farm using organic principles since 1999 with:

~ NO ARTIFICIAL CHEMICALS

~ NO ARTIFICIAL FERTILISERS

~ NO PESTICIDES

~ NO ANTIBIOTICS

The process to achieve Official Organic Certification is currently underway, currently in conversion 113631C for organic certification with ACO (Australian Certified Organic). Wallan Vale Dairy is a boutique ‘cottage industry’ where the cows are treated as pets. Most of their jersey girls have been bred on the farm and are at least a third generation descendant.
The cows are not fed any grain at all, they are solely pasture fed. This delivers optimal health for the cows and ensures the purest quality bath milk is achieved.

G'J's Organic Meats, Parkwood, Gold Coast  receive two deliveries of Bath Milk per week (Tuesday & Thursday). Cost is $7.50. I guarantee you that you & your family will love the taste/ flavour of this 'bath' milk.

                                                                     

Rafferty's Garden, Beef Bourguignon

MIXED RESULTS!
Rafferty's Garden promotes itself as a Premium Baby Food range. The packaging is promoted as BPA free and this is commendable.
Today I will analyse the ingredient list on one of their 'Round the World' meal range, namely 'Beef Bourguignon'.
The first 3 ingredients are vegetables (41.5%), cooking water, and Beef (8%). This is fine although a higher % of beef would certainly have been more desirable, as well as the use of Organic beef with the exact cut used, named.
This left me pondering as to what % of the entire contents was water? Anywhere between 9 & 41% as it's listed 2nd.
This also left me to calculate that the remaining 9 ingredients constituted anything from as low as 10.5% to as high as 41.5%. Quite a range and, considering that 10th on the list is Yeast Extract ( a form of MSG) this lack of clarity on percentages is disappointing. There should be NO forms of MSG in toddler's products.

This is especially true when the range is marketed as a premium range- consumers wish to know exactly what they are feeding their children. It would be so helpful to make a more informed decision about this product if even the % of water was given. No one wants to pay a premium price for essentially 49.5% of actual real food plus a somewhat unclear % of water and added condiments.
                                                                   

                                                                     

'Hungry for Change' FREE ONLINE SCREENING

Here is a short 4 min clip from the movie Hungry for Change.

Sugar has been labelled the sweetest poison, toxic, and harmful, and recently in 'Hungry For Change' - a drug. Hear from some of the films experts about how sugar is robbing you of the health and vitality you deserve.

This time last year, the Hungry For Change message created a ripple of empowerment all over the world, reaching people from all walks of life in over 100 countries!
People began to realise how their food choices were impacting their health and their weight and finally became aware of the diet industry's deceptive strategies and traps.

Imagine a world where the majority of the people you interacted with every day were 'on the same page' as you and 'got' why good health mattered so much.

Here is the link for the short clip on sugar:
http://www.hungryforchange.tv/free-worldwide-online-screening-sugar-is-a-drug


The directors of "Food Matters' have a dream and this March it is getting closer to reality.
The 2013 Hungry For Change Free Online Screening is going to be bigger and better than before and jam packed full of exciting giveaways, amazing event specials, extended interviews and more.

This free screening event will be running for 10 days only from March 21 - 31. During this time you'll have unlimited access to watch the film online plus get access to the extended Take Action Videos, Free Recipes & Live Q&A.
Tell your friends and family about this amazing event by sharing the link below, and you could be one of 500 lucky winners of a Food Matters DVD!

To register for the FREE ONLINE SCREENING CLICK THE LINK BELOW:

http://www.hungryforchange.tv/free-worldwide-online-screening

Rafferty's Garden, Yogurt Buttons( Banana, Mixed Berry & Strawberry)

Rafferty's Garden  Baby & Toddler Food Range: Wow! What an extensive variety of products & informative web site. I will continue to write a few posts this week in order to cover their extensive range.
 In a nutshell they seem to be quite mindful of both their packaging and ingredients, but unfortunately, some products miss the mark.

Yogurt Buttons: It was so pleasing to see No Artificial Colours and No Synthetic Antioxidants like BHT, BHA or TBHQ. Instead, to prevent oxidation of fats & oils they use mixed Tocopherols.
Natural mixed tocopherols (forms of vitamin E), consisting of d-alpha (a), d-beta (ß), d-gamma (¿), and d-delta (d) tocopherol, can help maintain the freshness and shelf life of products.

Both the Mixed Berry & Strawberry flavours utilize beet juice to enhance the colour of their product- Great! NO COAL-TAR DYES.

All 3 products have 97% yogurt & around 2% fruit. The other 1% is made up of 6 ingredients.
 However, it was very disappointing to see two forms of MSG. Namely 3rd (Natural Flavour) and 6th (Maltodextrin) on the ingredient list. They are obviously there to enhance the flavour of the product but it is prohibited from use in baby foods in Australia. Unfortunately, as these names refer to a 'form of MSG' this requirement is effectively  only keeping it out of most baby formula's and baby food. Toddler snack food is not covered by this law but it should be.

Some yogurt and/or fresh fruit would be a safer choice. And, with Yogurt Buttons costing  $14.93 per 100g, so much cheaper!
Looking at it from another angle, at least these products are not as high in sugar & salt as many other confectionary/snack items are.


                                                                     

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

BENEFICIAL PRODUCT!
To save some of my readers scrolling back a long way through my blog posts I have decided to re-feature one of my favourite products: HIMALAYAN PINK SALT

Did your know that table salt is 97.5% sodium chloride and 2.5% additives (iodine, absorbents and even sugar?)
Common salt is dried at more than 1,200° Fahrenheit, a process which zaps many of the natural chemical structures.
This salt is referred to as 'white gold' in the Himalayas and has as many as 84 minerals and elements. 

Here is a list of just some of it's amazing health benefits:
Controlling the water levels within the body, regulating them for proper functioning

Promoting stable pH balance in the cells, including the brain.

Encouraging excellent blood sugar health

Aiding vascular health

Supporting healthy respiratory function

Lowering incidence of sinus problems, and promoting over-all sinus health

Reducing muscle cramps

Increasing bone strength

Naturally promoting healthy sleep patterns

In combination with water, it is necessary for blood pressure regulation

Prevents cellulite, when compared to table salt

Reduces chances of developing rheumatism, arthritis and gout, when compared to common chemically-treated salt

Reduces chances of developing kidney and gall bladder stones when compared to common chemically-treated salt
ENJOY!



                                                                   

Could Diet Drinks be Making You Depressed?

WARNING: A new study of more than 260,000 people has found a link between diet drinks (including iced teas) and depression. Researchers say that the artificial sweetener Aspartame (951) may be to blame.
According to Jean Carper's Aspartame may also increase migraine frequency in more than 50% of the migraine patients who participated in the study. These migraines can be a precursor to potentially fatal grand mal seizures and convulsions.

Aspartame is made up of 50% phenylalanine. Excess phenylalanine can interfere with melatonin (sleep transmitter) and tryptophan (which makes serotonin).  The levels of serotonin in the brain may decrease, which then leads to mood swings, fatigue, irritability, insomnia and even depression.

If you regularly consume artificially sweetened gums, cordials, juices, fizzy drinks, confectionery, yogurts or add such a product to your tea or coffee, I would strongly recommend using a natural sweetener like Stevia or even honey.
Avoid all products labelled 'diet'.
Aspartame has many aliases: Nutra Sweet, Equal, Canderel, Benevia, Spoonful & Misura.

                                               

                                                                

Mindful tips (cont)

Knowing where your food comes from is essential nowadays as some countries are not as strict on the use of pesticides etc as others. Many products no longer show where they are made, only giving where the distributor is located.
It is essential to be able to analyse the bar code to track the food's origin.
Here are a few tips to be mindful of:
1. If the first 3 digits are 690-692......CHINA
2.           "                       93................AUSTRALIA
3.            "                      50.................U.K.
4.             "                     49.................JAPAN
5.             "                    471...............TAIWAN
6.             "                     40-44............GERMANY
7.              "                    30-37.............FRANCE
8.              "                    00-09.............USA & CANADA

Whilst buying Australian made products is often a more desirable choice, it may not always be the 'safest' choice due to the fact that some Australian food products still contain numerous coal-tar based colours (100 numbers) that are banned in such countries as USA, Sweden, Norway, Austria, Belgium, France & Germany.
This is where Michael Pollan's tip is worth remembering: 'AVOID FOOD PRODUCTS CONTAINING INGREDIENTS THAT NO ORDINARY HUMAN WOULD KEEP IN THE PANTRY.'
                                                                               

BHA (320) Butylated hydroxyanisole

BHA (320) belongs to a class of additives known as Antioxidants. They are incorporated into numerous sweet and savoury foods to prevent spoilage, thereby giving the product a long shelf life.
Antioxidants 300-309 are all safe. However, antioxidants 310-312 and 319-321 are very suspect and should be avoided at all costs.
The difficulty here is that these additives are often not listed as they are present in amount less that 5% of the ingredient and are therefore not required by law to be listed.

You can call the manufacturers and ask, or even better don't purchase products that have oils & fats listed on their ingredient list. For example, most frozen chips, potato gems & hash browns contain BHA (320) or BHT (321). These are known animal carcinogens and acts as a xeno-oestrogen stimulating the growth of breast cells in laboratory cultures.Unlike some additives, 319 & 320 have a cumulative effect as they are stored in body fat.

So although most hash browns have a small number of ingredients rest assured that the oils in such product lines are not safe.

BHA (320) is also found in both sweet and savoury biscuits as well as margarine, some mayonnaise, peanut butter and other frozen foods ( i.e. frozen meals).

                 

                                                        

FREE WORLD- WIDE SCREENING

'Hungry for Change'  is a relatively new movie that has been developed by the directors of 'Food Matters'.

The free world-wide screening event will be running for 10 days only from March 21 - 31. During this time you'll have unlimited access to watch the film on line plus get access to the extended Take Action Videos, Free Recipes & Live Q&A.

 I have already signed up. The link below was included in my sign up acknowledgement to share with others.

Tell your friends and family about this amazing event by sharing the link below, and you could be one of 500 lucky winners of a Food Matters DVD!
( In my opinion this DVD is packed full of amazing information- remember 'Knowledge is Power'. In this case, the power to gain increased health and well-being). Health Matters!

http://www.hungryforchange.tv/free-worldwide-online-screening

A new test for some types of Cancer

There is no doubt that Peter Harvey, one of our most eminent journalists here in Australia will indeed be sadly missed after he recently lost his fight with Pancreatic Cancer.
Let's hope that our current medical system takes note of this new discovery and the invention of a sensor which is capable of detecting not only pancreatic but also ovarian & lung cancer in their early stages.
Early detection is vital for survival- this has the potential to save thousands.
The sensor is 168 times faster, 26,000 times less expensive, and 400 times more sensitive than the current standard of detection. The test cost 3 cents, takes 5 minutes and has a 90 percent accuracy rate and we have a 15yr. old to thank for it!

JACK ANDRAKA'S story is amazing.

 

 

 

 

Research suggests that 3 lifestyle issues may contribute to the development of pancreatic cancer: sugar/fructose consumption, Vitamin D deficiency and a lack of physical exercise.

Furthermore, pancreatic tumor cells have been found to use fructose, specifically, to divide and proliferate — again attesting to the fact that there are significant metabolic differences between fructose and other sugars.

Mindful Health Tips

Here are a few points to be mindful of when choosing what kind of food to eat. These tips are courtesy of Michael Pollan. Michael is an American author, journalist, activist, and professor of journalism at the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism. He is the author of  'Food Rules', 'In Defense of Food', 'Omnivores Dilemma" & numerous other publications. I have read all three and highly recommend them.

Michael has recently published ' Omnivores Dilemma: Young Readers Edition. Looking forward to reading this book soon!
Mindful health tips:
1. Get out of the supermarket whenever you can. Grow your own &/or visit the markets. Find food that is alive and which will eventually rot.
2.Eat only foods made from ingredients that you can picture in their raw state or growing in nature. 'This rule will keep all sorts of chemicals and food like substances out of your diet.
3. Avoid foods that have some form of sugar (or sweetener) listed among the top 3 ingredients (barley malt, beet sugar, fruit juice concentrate).
4. Avoid food products which contain high-fructose corn syrup.
5. Don't overlook the oily little fishes (sardines, anchovies, even mackerel). This fits well with a Dutch proverb- 'A land with lots of herring can get along with few doctors'!
6. Eat some foods that have been predigested by bacteria or fungi ( organic or a2 yogurt, sauerkraut, soy sauce-Tamari, sourdough bread).
                                                     

Santarium Vegie Delights

There are a number of products in the Vegie Delight Santarium range. Today

I will discuss the ingredients in the 'Bacon Style Rashers'.

To say that I was disappointed is true, but to be honest, I am disgusted that consumers who are vegan pay a high price for what can only be considered  'industrial novelities'.

With only 15% Vegetable Protein in the "Bacon Style Rashers' this means that the other 85% is made up of water, canola oil, 3 forms of MSG (flavours, carrogeenan, yeast extract); plus starch, sugar & salt.

At least there is a little free range egg white, minerals & Vit.B12. However,this factory produced product leaves alot to be desired.
Really, what are you paying for? I would suggest creating great tasting vegetarian meals from scratch and forget the supermarket shelves. They are simply not worth your hard earned dollars.

Oven Baked Kale Chips

Kale chips, whether baked in the oven or dehydrated are a quick and easy nutrient dense healthy snack alternative to  the endless array of processed snacks available in the supermarket. Not only do they have a superior 'crunch' to the energy dense/ nutrient poor/ high sodium potato or corn chips, but they have numerous health benefits minus the high kilojoules.
Kale, a cruciferous vegetable is high in beta carotene and lutein which supports not only your eyesight but helps prevent  the age-related macular degeneration of the eye.
Kale's nutrients benefit heart health & 1 C of Kale has 134% of your daily requirement of Vit. C which supports a healthy immune system.
One cup of kale, (about 100g) contains less than 100 Kj, 1 g of fat, 10 g of carbohydrates, including 2 g of fibre, and 3 g of protein.
Kale is a good source of minerals and contains 40 percent of your manganese, 14 percent of your calcium and copper needs and 13 percent of your potassium requirement.

                                                                                                                 

OVEN BAKED KALE CHIPS                     

  Method:

  1. Remove leaves from stems & tear into reasonable large pieces.

  2. Gently rinse leaves.                                               

  3. Spread out on paper towelling & allow to dry.
  4. Turn oven on to 150 degrees C. Line a large oven tray with foil.
  5. Place leaves in a large mixing bowl & mix in (using hands or tongs)
      1-2 Tb Extra Virgin Olive Oil. (I personally prefer the light olive oil).
  6. Add your choice of seasoning: 1Tb Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar,
      ground salt & pepper; OR Rosemary & Pepper; OR Curry Powder;
      OR Sesame Seeds;  OR Rosemary, Lemon Zest & Pepper OR 
      Dried Chilli Flakes.
  7. Spread out evenly onto baking tray, curly side up. Do not overlap
       leaves. Bake for 15-20 mins depending on your oven.
  8. Turn leaves over (using tongs), after 8 mins.
  9. Remove from oven & if desired, sprinkle with salt (Himalayan Pink
      salt is delicious).

 10. Share & Enjoy! Be warned- they may be so delicious that they all are consumed very quickly. Have a spare bunch of Kale ready to bake another batch! Store in a sealed container.

 TIP:

It might be easiest to combine your ingredients in a zip-top plastic bag and shake to coat the kale evenly. Bake in the oven until crisp but not burnt. The addition of a small amount of olive oil, ( healthy fat), will make it easier for your body to use the vitamin K in the Kale.