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