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.