Magnesium

Magnesium's Role in Your Diet


Magnesium is a mineral necessary for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body. It is used by every cell and is important for maintaining heart rhythm, nerve function, metabolism, and bone strength.

According to the National Institutes of Health, surveys indicate that many Americans don't consume enough magnesium — despite the fact that this important mineral is plentiful in many whole foods (like nuts, fish, and whole-grain breads). Insufficient magnesium intake is linked to cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

The diet that emphasizes a balanced meal plan consisting of nutrient-dense whole foods is a good source of magnesium. Magnesium is notably absent in refined flour — yet another reason to avoid processed foods.

Here are a few good sources of magnesium.

Almonds
Avocado
Cashews
Halibut
Hummus
Lentils
Peanuts
Pumpkin seeds
Spinach
Wheat germ
Whole-grain breads

It's unnecessary to supplement your diet with magnesium unless you have a specific health problem that results in a significant loss of magnesium. Deficiency-causing illnesses include untreated diabetes, alcoholism, severe diarrhea, and chronic or severe vomiting.

Maui Taro Burger

If you have been searching for a delicious meatless burger option that is soy-free, wheat-free, gluten-free, vegan, all natural, without preservatives or saturated fat, you must try the Maui Taro Burger. It comes in three varieties and you can purchase a 48 patty pack for $105.00 delivered straight to your door. This is a cost of $2.18/burger patty delivered via fed-ex 2 day on ice. These burgers stay good in the freezer for up to three years.

Follow the link below or read the information below.

http://www.hawaiitaro.com/htc_mtb.html

The very best way to cook these burgers is on a charcoal grill. The second best way is in a skillet with a very smal brush of olive oil. Cook the burger until it is crispy all the way around.


"There's nothing in it that you can’t pronounce- only food with no preservatives, no binders, and no additives of any kind."
• Delicious, natural & healthy
• 100% Hawai'i-grown taro
• Only vegetables, herbs & spices.
• Meatless, wheatless, soyless & vegan
• No preservatives
• No cholesterol
• No saturated Fat
• Good source of fiber
• Rich in vitamin A
• Low glycemic index
The Maui Taro Burger is great as a sandwich, with salads, or as a side dish with any entrée. Try the Maui Taro Burger in our savory recipes.Use your imagination!• Tacos • Teriyaki • Wraps • Lasagna• Enchiladas • Parmesan • Stir-Fry

ABOUT HTC
WHAT IS TARO
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.....................................
~INGREDIENTS ~
Taro, Luau Leaf, Brown Rice, Carrots, Corn, Onions, Sunflower Seeds, Oats, Tomatoes, Canola Oil, Garlic, Sea Salt, Natural Herbs & Spices

WHERE can I find the MAUI TARO BURGER? >>>
WHAT others have to say about our products >>>
VISIT our recipe page >>>


COOKING INSTRUCTIONS~ Sauté frozen Maui Taro Burger in a small amount of oil (or none) for 4-5 minutes on each side until crispy. You can also barbecue, bake or dropit in the toaster.

Hawai'i Taro Co., Inc. Haiku, Maui Hawaii ©2005 hawaiitaro.com

For the Maui Taro Burger, we use the entire plant – root, stalk and leaves. Our special processing delivers a delicious patty with great taste and texture. The purple color in our variety comes from the same substance that gives red wine its color and anti-oxidant properties. Our taro includes the following nutritional benefits:• High in complex carbohydrates and fiber• Excellent source of potassium, calcium, iron and Vitamin A• Non-allergenic and low in fat• A low glycemic index
Lastly, taro is not poi, poi is made from taro.

Sustenex Probiotic

I was just listening to the John Tesh daily radio show on Lite Rock 99.3 in Orlando, Florida, and he shared some information on the new Sustinex Probiotic. This supplement is sold over the counter and per the advert, is endorsed by Dr. Roizen for IBS.

Podcast from Dr. Roizen
http://twitter.com/sustenex/

I was able to find a reviewer from http://www.dailystrength.org/blog/149-constipation-your-medications that said the following, " I have IBS and have tried a number of remedies, whether it be fiber, a prescribed pill, etc. and the best aide I have now for the bloating and constipation I have from that and as a side effect of some of my medications, I now take Sustinex, a rather new probiotic, which I found at a local supermarket. Works like a charm, with no spasms or nasty cramps.

Ganeden Biotech announced that Sustenex(TM), its all-natural daily probiotic supplement is now available nationwide. Each Sustenex(TM) capsule contains at least 2billion live probiotic cells of GanedenBC30, a proprietary, patented strainof Bacillus coagulans designed to help promote immune and digestivefitness. Sustenex(TM) with GanedenBC30 Probiotic is designed to survive andthrive in the digestive tract delivering ten times more probiotic cellsthan most yogurts. Immune and Digestive Fitness According to health and nutrition experts, taking care of the wholebody, including the gut, is important to good health and successful aging.

Probiotics, or beneficial bacteria, can help counteract insults to thedigestive system from poor diet, age, travel, antibiotic use and stress."Good" and "bad" bacteria maintain a delicate balance in the intestinaltract, which is home to more than 70% of the body's immune system. "We need to start paying more attention to digestive health," saidSteven Pratt, MD, renowned nutrition and lifestyle expert and author ofSuperFoods RX and SuperFoods HealthStyle. "Our digestive system isbombarded with insults every day. Eating a healthy diet is critical, but inorder to create the right balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut tohelp build up defenses we need to look at probiotics." According to Dr.Pratt, to get the full benefits of probiotics, look for a supplement thatcan survive transit through the harsh stomach environment. "Sustenex is agreat choice because it contains Bacillus coagulans, a powerful probioticwith a natural protective shell that shields the bacteria from stomach acidas it moves through your digestive system. Probiotics don't work if theydon't make it to the gut. Choose one that gets the job done," continuedPratt. "A daily probiotic supplement helps achieve a balance in the digestivesystem that we couldn't otherwise meet through diet alone," said GanedenNutrition Advisor Susan Davis, MS RD. In terms of probiotic foods, Davisnoted that yogurt stands out in consumers' minds. "Many people think theycan get all the probiotics they need by eating yogurt, but they're wrong.The live, active cultures in yogurt struggle to make it though the harsh,acidic stomach environment. Probiotics like Bacillus coagulans found inSustenex(TM) survive and successfully colonize the intestinal tract wherethey can do the most good," said Davis. "Just like Omega 3s andmulti-vitamins, probiotics need to become part of our daily healthregimen," Davis continued.

Recently, Dr. Mehmet Oz, M.D. and Dr. Michael Roizen, M.D., authors of the new book YOU: Staying Young, also outlined the importance of havingbeneficial bacteria in your gut for maintaining digestive and immunehealth. In YOU: Staying Young, Drs. Oz and Roizen listed a daily dose of 2billion cells of the probiotic Bacillus coagulans as a choice to consider. Sustenex Sustenex(TM), is an all natural daily supplement developed by GanedenBiotech, containing 2 billion cells of GanedenBC30, which is a patentedstrain of Bacillus coagulans. GanedenBC30 survives the hostile environmentof the stomach, colonizes the intestines, and produces lactic acid, whichare all critical components to the success of a probiotic. "We plan to emphasize the uniqueness of the strain of Bacilluscoagulans that we have identified and patented by branding it GanedenBC30Probiotic," said Ganeden Biotech President Andy Lefkowitz. "The new brandlogo will be visible on the Sustenex(TM) package as a clear identifier ofour unique GanedenBC30 Probiotic. GanedenBC30 has powered our DigestiveAdvantage(TM) product line for consumers with particular digestivedisorders. By placing it in Sustenex(TM), we're now offering the benefitsof GanedenBC30 to consumers interested in probiotics as part of a dailyhealth regimen," continued Lefkowitz. Ganeden Biotech selected Swardlick Marketing Group, a full-servicemarketing and communications agency based in Portland, Maine, to lead anintegrated marketing campaign in support of the national rollout ofSustenex(TM). The campaign will include advertising, promotion and publicrelations. Sustenex(TM) is widely available at Wal-Mart, Walgreens andCVS/pharmacy, select Rite Aid/GNC Live Well(R) stores, Meijer, Longs,Kroger, Stop & Shop, Giant and other retail outlets. Sustenex(TM) is alsoavailable online at drugstore.com, amazon.com and other sites.

Earthlings

I have ordered the Earthlings movie and plan to watch it on Friday. I will do a review of the movie next week.

I watched the movie Earthlings with a heavy heart. This movie was heartwrenching and eye-opening. Even if you are not opposed to eating the flesh of an animal, when you watch this movie you will think twice before taking a bite of today's farmed meat. The meat in your supermarket today is not of the value or sustinance that was available 20 years ago. Cows are fed steroids to produce the most meat possible, antibiotics to kill the viruses that exist in their surroundings and every time you ingest meat, you are ingesting the medications along with the chemical laced feed they are fed and consume daily.

I will continue this review at a later time.

The Basics on Buckwheat

The Basics on Buckwheat
Buckwheat is not a type of wheat, nor is it even a grain; it's actually the fruit of a plant related to sorrel and rhubarb. Unlike whole grains, buckwheat is a rich source of all eight essential amino acids — important molecules that help repair tissue and build cells.

Swine Flu

Swine Flu Vaccine on Horizon

A U.S researcher hopes to have a swine flu vaccine ready for testing in mice in two to three weeks.
And the vaccine could be ready for production in a few months, said Purdue University professor Suresh Mittal.

"We would like to have a vaccine in two to three weeks to start testing in mice," said Mittal, a comparative pathobiology professor in the School of Veterinary Medicine.

Mittal and collaborators at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will use a method he developed for dealing with the H5N1 bird flu to accelerate work on the H1N1 swine flu.
They will use a common cold virus to carry a gene of the H1N1 flu virus and stimulate cells to create both antibodies and cell-based protection that will guard against mutated forms of the flu virus.

"The adenovirus is incapable of replicating and does not seem to cause disease in humans," Mittal said in a news release. "That makes it a suitable virus to work with for flu vaccines."
The vaccine Mittal created for the bird flu worked on three different strains isolated over a seven-year period and was described in papers for the Journal of Infectious Diseases and the journal Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics.

A number of different institutions, both private and public, are working on a swine flu vaccine.
The latest WHO figures show 2,371 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infections have been reported in 24 countries, not including Brazil and Argentina, which reported their first cases later Thursday. Forty-six people have died, including 44 in Mexico and two in the United States.
"If things go well, and we achieve full-scale production, it will be several months until the vaccine will be available," a spokesman for the CDC cautioned.

Who Knew? Sleep Might Help You Stay Thin?!

Not Just a Dream: Sleep Might Help You Stay Thin

You can't sleep it off, when it comes to weight, but getting a good night's rest could be at least part of the secret to staying thin, according to a study presented at an international conference on obesity in Amsterdam on Thursday.

"After a bad night's sleep, people ate 550 calories (22 percent) more than normal," said the findings of a study by the European Centre of Taste Science in Dijon in central France.
That amounts to about one large hamburger.

Hunger pangs were higher among a test group who slept four hours the previous night than among those who slept eight hours, stated an extract of the findings.

"These results indicate that sleep deprivation increases food intake and . . . could be a factor promoting obesity," it said.

In another study researchers at the Netherlands' Maastricht University found that children who got less sleep during puberty than when they were younger also gained more weight compared with children whose sleep patterns did not change.

The World Health Organization estimates that about 1.6 billion adults were overweight in 2005. At least 400 million of those were obese.

Cherries- Nature's Antioxidant

My family and I all eat cherries every single day. We have found the Dole Frozen cherries, which are already pitted are the very sweetest and best on the market. I have been eating cherries for nearly a year now on a daily basis, and the pain I used to experience in my knees in no longer present.

Tart Cherries Boost Antioxidant Activity

Eating one and a half servings of tart cherries could boost the body's antioxidant activity significantly, according to new University of Michigan research reported at the recent Experimental Biology meeting.

In the study, healthy adults ages 18 to 25 who ate a cup and a half of frozen cherries had increased levels of antioxidants, specifically five different anthocyanins, the natural antioxidants that give cherries their red color.

Twelve were assigned randomly to eat either one and a half cups or three cups of frozen tart cherries. Researchers analyzed participants’ blood and urine at regular intervals after they ate the cherries and found increased antioxidant activity for up to 12 hours after eating cherries.
"This study documents for the first time that the antioxidants in tart cherries do make it into the human bloodstream and is coupled with increased antioxidant activity that could have a positive impact," says Sara L. Warber, M.D., co-director of University of Michigan Integrative Medicine, associate professor in the famlly medicine at the U-M Medical School, and principal investigator of the study. "And, while more research is needed, what’s really great is that a reasonable amount of cherries could potentially deliver benefits, like reducing risk factors for heart disease and inflammation."

Previous animal studies have linked cherries and cherry compounds with important benefits, including helping to lower risk factors for heart disease and impacting inflammation. Warber's research team previously has showed that a cherry-enriched diet can lower blood cholesterol levels and reduce triglycerides, an unhealthy type of blood fat, in animals. Other benefits of cherries found in animal studies include reduced body weight and less “belly fat,” the type linked with increased heart disease risk and Type 2 diabetes.

"It’s encouraging when research like ours finds that great-tasting fruit can lead to real-life benefits, continuing to underscore the importance of whole foods in the diet," Warber says.

About 95 percent percent of cherries consumed in the United States are grown here, with most coming from Michigan, Wisconsin, Utah, Washington, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and New York.
Funding for the study was provided by the Cherry Marketing Institute, an organization supported by the North American tart cherry growers and processors

Jiggle Away Harmful Fat

This was emailed to me today and I thought people might find it of interest.

Jiggle Away Harmful Fat

Vibrating exercise platforms, which are becoming increasingly popular in commercial gyms in Europe and elsewhere, might help people lose the particularly harmful deep "hidden" fat that surrounds abdominal organs and is linked to Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
"We conclude that it would be good to combine aerobic exercise with whole body vibration in a weight loss program," study chief Dirk Vissers, a physiotherapist at the Artesis University College and the University of Antwerp in Belgium, told Reuters Health.
With whole-body vibration training, people do squats, lunges, calf raises, push-ups and sit-ups on a platform that sends mild vibratory impulses through the feet and into the rest of the body. These vibrations make muscles contract rapidly, which builds lean muscle mass. Whole-body vibration training is touted as a more effective method of resistance training. Its true value, however, has been unclear.
To investigate, Vissers and his colleagues divided 79 overweight or obese adults into four groups. One group dieted but did not exercise; another group dieted and did conventional aerobic and general strength training exercises; a third group dieted and engaged in three sessions a week of supervised whole-body vibration training but no aerobic exercise; and the control group did not diet or exercise.
Just over 60 of the participants completed the study, which consisted of a six-month "intervention" period, followed by a six-month period in which they were encouraged to do their best to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen.
"Over the year, only the conventional fitness and vibration groups managed to maintain a 5 percent weight loss, which is what is considered enough to improve health," Vissers said at the European Congress on Obesity in Amsterdam, where he presented the study findings Friday.
During the first six months, diet-only participants lost about 6 percent of their initial body weight but could not maintain a 5 percent weight loss in the next six months. Those who dieted and engaged in conventional exercise lost about 7 percent of their initial body weight in the first six months and managed to keep most of it off by the end of the study.
The whole-body vibration participants, on the other hand, lost 11 percent of their body weight during the intervention phase and had maintained a 10.5 percent weight loss by the end of the follow-up period.
The control group gained weight.
"But the biggest surprise," Vissers told Reuters Health, "was that we saw an effect of vibration exercise training on the visceral adipose tissue, which is the intra-abdominal fat that is the most important because it really plays a central role in metabolic syndrome."
The vibration group lost significantly more of this particularly harmful hidden fat during the intervention period than the other groups and was more likely to keep it off during the next six month period.

Top 20 Antioxidant-Rich Foods

Top 20 Antioxidant-Rich Foods
Trying to add more disease-fighting antioxidants into your diet? The following 20 foods contain the highest antioxidant concentration.
Pomegranates
Small red beans (dried)
Wild blueberries
Red kidney beans
Pinto beans
Blueberries (cultivated)
Cranberries
Artichokes (cooked)
Blackberries
Prunes
Raspberries
Strawberries
Red Delicious apples
Granny Smith apples
Pecans
Sweet cherries
Black plums
Gala apples
Black beans (dried)
Plums
Antioxidants are naturally occurring nutrients that help prevent heart disease, cancer, and the effects of aging. Little is actually known about how antioxidants work or what makes them function best. Scientists believe that some antioxidants are more potent than others, and their potency can be affected by cooking or digestion. For example, the antioxidants in blueberries lose their potency when cooked, while the antioxidants in tomatoes become more potent when cooked.
So use this list to find antioxidant-rich foods, but for the best nutritional outcome, eat them in a wide variety.

Best Fast Food Salads

Salad Hall of Fame

Now that you’ve been warned of the greenest nutrition follies in the nation, here are seven salads worthy of their healthy reputation.

McDonald’s Premium Asian Salad with Grilled Chicken300 calories10 g fat (1 g saturated)890 mg sodium

Panera Classic Café Salad400 calories11 g fat (1.5 g saturated)270 mg sodium

Au Bon Pain Butternut Squash Salad280 calories6 g fat (4 g saturated)570 mg sodium

Jack in the Box Southwest Chicken Salad with Grilled Chicken Strips310 calories12 g fat (5 g saturated)840 mg sodium

Carl’s Jr. Charbroiled Chicken Salad330 calories8 g fat (3.5 g saturated)580 mg sodium

Denny’s Grilled Chicken Salad Deluxe290 calories10 g fat (5 g saturated)770 mg sodium

Arby’s Martha’s Vineyard Salad272 calories9 g fat (4 g saturated)609 mg sodium

Secrets That Restaurants Don't Want You To Know

Secrets That Restaurants Don't Want You To Know Posted Mon, Sep 08, 2008, 7:00 pm PDT
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Restaurants have one major purpose: to stuff you with as much food as they possibly can. If they do that, they achieve their primary business goal, which is to lighten your wallet.
But while they’re doing that, they’re also using their best marketing tricks, craftiest numerical switcheroos, and most dastardly dietary stratagems to swap unhealthy, cheap ingredients for more expensive, wholesome ones. The result: bloated bottom lines — for their budgets, and for their customers. But we don’t want to let that happen to you, which is why we’ve spent the last two years researching all the ways restaurants try to sabotage your food choices. Below you’ll find a sampling of the fruits of our long labor: some of the new secrets the restaurant-chain gang doesn’t want you to know. They’re only a few of the many ways restaurants fatten up their customers for the sales slaughter. Heed the warnings and you (and your family) can make it through the drive-thru alive.

1. Baskin-Robbins doesn't want you to know that..... Sometimes a drink can have fruit in the title, but not in the cup. For instance, the top four ingredients in its Blue Raspberry Fruit Blast were Sierra Mist soda, water, sugar, and corn syrup. Since we first called the company out on this fruitless horror, Baskin-Robbins discontinued the Blue Raspberry Fruit Blast. The company also began listing all nutrition and ingredient information online. We call that progress. If you’re looking for a real fruit smoothie, visit Jamba Juice. Just remember to check those calorie counts, so you don’t over-indulge.

2. Papa John's doesn't want you to know that... Unlike rival chains such as Domino's, it has made little effort to introduce healthier options. After we goaded them on their slow pace of innovation, Papa John's did introduce whole grain wheat crust pizzas last May. Now, if only Papa would toss a thin-crust version into the mix and alter the recipe for sides like cheesesticks, which are loaded down with more than 2,900 milligrams of sodium!

3. Fuddruckers doesn't want you to know... The fat content of its 1-pound burgers. We contacted our local Fuddruckers restaurant and were told that the nutritional information was available on the chain's Web site (it's not). The corporate office later responded that providing such information would be "very extensive and timely." We're pretty sure he meant "very expensive and time-consuming." How's that for a Freudian slip?

4. Panera Bread doesn't want you to know that... The synthetic food colorings in its pastries have been linked to irritability, restlessness, and sleep disturbances in children. And British researchers found that artificial food colorings and preservatives in the diets of 3-year-olds caused an increase in hyperactive behavior. The same ingredients appear in fast-food items like mayonnaise, M&M Blizzards, and McDonald's shakes.
On Panera's Web site, you can track down calories, fat, sugar, and other nutritional numbers. If you look hard enough you'll find ingredient lists, too — and note that a few items still contain artificial coloring. Disappointing. If you want to cut out the artificial stuff entirely, head over to Chipotle: The restaurant uses no artificial colorings or flavorings. Just make sure you saw their burritos, which can have more than 1,000 calories, in half.

5. Chevy's Fresh Mex doesn't want you to know ... How its tortillas stack up nutritionally. The chain says it provides "nutritional information regarding calories, fat, protein & carbohydrates for some of our most popular items" — the chicken, steak, and shrimp fajitas, for example — on its Web site. But the numbers provided don't include the tortilla: an essential component typically bloated with fat and carbs. When we called a New York Chevy’s for more information, a server told us he couldn't find that info on the in-house menu, either, which would seem to be a violation of New York city regulations. He did direct us to the same misleading nutritional information on the company's Web site. Gee, thanks.

6. Applebee’s, IHOP, Olive Garden, Outback, Red Lobster, and T.G.I. Friday’s don’t want you to know ... The nutritional impact of their dishes. Despite the fact that we continued to pester each company, they all were mum about their nutritional information. So we had it nutritionally analyzed on our own. We may not be in this fix for long, however. New York City regulations that went into effect in July require all restaurants with 15 or more branches nationally to post calorie counts on their menus.
After tracking down every last dish, we can see what they were hiding: At Friday’s, no fewer than nine sandwiches and 10 appetizers topple the 1,000-calorie barrier; at IHOP, the “healthiest” entrée-size salad has a staggering 1,050 calories; and at Outback, even a simple order of salmon will wipe out 75% of your day’s caloric allotment.
For more restaurant industry secrets that will freak the weight right off of you, check out these other dubious restaurant secrets that are being hidden from you!

Coffee Creamer

Getting Creamed at the Office?Nutrition Action Healthletter Weighs Coffee Creamers
WASHINGTON—The nutrition label on the powdered Coffee-mate in your office kitchen might list 10 calories and just a half a gram of saturated fat. Those sound like reassuringly low levels of both. But use a more realistic tablespoon-size serving instead of the miserly teaspoon the Food and Drug Administration allows—and unround the rounded down numbers on the label—and you’re looking at 45 calories and three grams of heart-harmful saturated fat. Have three of four servings of your office coffee thusly “creamed” and you’ve stealthily consumed half a day’s saturated fat.
But the liquid version of Coffee-mate—flavored or Original—is worse. Instead of using the coconut and palm kernel oils Nestlé employs in the powdered version, the liquid versions use partially hydrogenated soybean or cottonseed oil. Three mugs of coffee with that (and without Nestlé’s innovative arithmetic) delivers 1.86 grams of saturated fat , not to mention the 2.76 grams of trans fat—which is more than an entire day’s worth of the kind of fat that raises your bad cholesterol and lowers your good cholesterol.
A review of coffee creamers entitled “Are You Getting Creamed?” appears in the April issue of the 900,000-circulation Nutrition Action Healthletter, published by the nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest.
“Anyone glancing at the Nutrition Facts label for most of these coffee creamers would have a false sense of security,” said CSPI nutrition director Bonnie Liebman.
Several iterations of Coffee-mate and other brands are lower in saturated and trans fat. But ’s only “Best Bite” ratings go to International Delight Fat Free and Silk liquid creamers, as well as plain old fat-free, 1%, 2%, or even whole milk, and the successful fat-free half & half made by Land O’Lakes and some store brands.

Hydrogen Peroxide Therapy.

This is a must read for everyone. I was emailed recently with what I call a teaser email. It said there was a one minute cure. I worked hard to determine what the one minute cure was and found out it was Hydrogen Peroxide. The information below was taken from www.moldsurvivor.com There are different grades of hydrogen peroxide and in the article below you will find out it is useful as a cleaning agent as well as a food grade product. It can even replace chlorine in a swimming pool.

Check it out.

The Many Benefits of Hydrogen Peroxide
By Dr. David G. Williams
For laundry and detox below(Original title: Hydrogen Peroxide - Curse or Cure?)When it comes to hydrogen peroxide therapy there seems to be only two points of view. Supporters consider it one of the greatest healing miracles of all time. Those opposed feel its ingestion is exceptionally dangerous, and only the foolhardy could think of engaging in such behavior. Before either condemning or endorsing hydrogen peroxide, let's take a real close look at what we're dealing with.If any substance is interesting, it's hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide should really be called hydrogen dioxide. Its chemical formula is H2O2. It contains one more atom of oxygen that does water (H20). By now everyone's aware of the ozone layer that surrounds the earth. Ozone consists of three atoms of oxygen (03). This protective layer of ozone is created when ultraviolet light from the sun splits an atmospheric oxygen molecule (02) into two single, unstable oxygen atoms. These single molecules combine with others to form ozone (03). Ozone isn't very stable. In fact, it will quickly give up that extra atom of oxygen to falling rainwater to form hydrogen peroxide (H202). (Bear with me: all this chemistry mumbo jumbo I'm going through actually will help you understand the importance of hydrogen peroxide.) Helps PlantsIt is this hydrogen peroxide in rainwater that makes it so much more effective than tap water when given to plants. With the increased levels of atmospheric pollution, however, greater amounts of H202 react with air-borne toxins and never reach the ground. To compensate for this, many farmers have been increasing crop yields by spraying them with diluted hydrogen peroxide (5 to 16 ounces of 35% mixed with 20 gallons of water per acre). You can achieve the same beneficial effect with your house plants by adding 1 ounce of 3% hydrogen peroxide (or 16 drops of 35% solution) to every quart of water you give your plants. (It can also be made into an excellent safe insecticide. Simply spray your plants with 8 ounces of 3% peroxide mixed with 8 ounces of white sugar and one gallon of water.)
Hydrogen peroxide is odorless and colorless, but not tasteless. When stored under the proper conditions, it is a very stable compound. When kept in the absence of light and contaminants, it dismutates (breaks down) very slowly at the rate of about 10% a year. (This can be slowed even further by storing the liquid in the freezer.) It boils at 152 degrees C and freezes at minus 2 degrees C.When exposed to other compounds hydrogen peroxide dismutates readily. The extra oxygen atom is released leaving H20 (water). In nature oxygen (02) consists of two atoms--a very stable combination. A single atom of oxygen, however, is very reactive and is referred to as a free radical. Over the past several years, we've continually read that these free radicals are responsible for all types of ailments and even premature aging. What many writers seem to forget, however, is that our bodies create and use free radicals to destroy harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi. In fact, the cells responsible for fighting infection and foreign invaders in the body (your white blood cells) make hydrogen peroxide and use it to oxidize any offending culprits. The intense bubbling you see when hydrogen peroxide comes in contact with a bacteria-laden cut or wound is the oxygen being released and bacteria being destroyed. The ability of our cells to produce hydrogen peroxide is essential for life. H202 is not some undesirable by-product or toxin, but instead a basic requirement for good health.
Newer research indicates we need hydrogen peroxide for a multitude of other chemical reactions that take place throughout the body. For example, we now know that vitamin C helps fight infections by producing hydrogen peroxide, which in turn stimulates the production of prostaglandins. Also lactobacillus found in the colon and vagina produce hydrogen peroxide. This destroys harmful bacteria and viruses, preventing colon disease, vaginitis, bladder infections and a host of other common ailments. (Infect Dis News Aug.8,91:5). When lactobacillus in the colon or vaginal tract have been overrun with harmful viruses, yeast, or bacteria, an effective douche or enema solution can be made using 3 tablespoons of 3% H202 in 1 quart of distilled water. Keep in mind, however, that a good bacterial flora must always be re-established in theses areas to achieve lasting results.

Aerobic versus AnerobicWhile we are discussing enemas and douches, there is another misconception about H202 I need to address. The friendly bacteria in the colon and vagina are aerobic. In other words, they flourish in high oxygen environments and thrive in the presence of oxygen rich H202. On the other hand, most strains of harmful bacteria (and cancer cells) are anaerobic and cannot survive in the presence of oxygen or H202. We can agree that hydrogen peroxide produced within individual body cells is essential for life. And no one doubts its effectiveness when it comes to treating infections topically. The controversy deals with ingesting the substance orally or introducing it into the body intravenously. The dispute has been going on for decades, and considering the attitude of our medical community, it will continue for many more decades to come.
I'll admit I was skeptical when I first learned about using H202 orally or intravenously. This healthy dose of skepticism, however, lead to a great deal of investigation, clinical work and experimentation. And while I realize a large majority of readers will probably never be convinced that H202 is a safe and effective compound, I am. Hydrogen peroxide is safe, readily available and dirt cheap. And best of all, it works! No one yet fully understands the complete workings of hydrogen peroxide. We do know that it is loaded with oxygen. (A pint of the food-grade 35% solution contains the equivalent of 130 pints of oxygen. A pint of 3% hydrogen peroxide found at the local drugstore contains 10 pints of oxygen. And a pint of the 6% solution used to bleach hair contains 20 pints of oxygen.) We also know that when H202 is taken into the body (orally or intravenously) the oxygen content of the blood and body tissues increases dramatically. Early researchers felt these increases were simply due to the extra oxygen molecule being released. This doesn't however, appear to be the case.
Only very diluted amounts of H202 are ever introduced into the body. The small amount of oxygen present couldn't be solely responsible for the dramatic changes that take place. Dr. Charles Farr, a strong proponent of intravenous use, has discovered another possible answer. Dr. Farr has shown that hydrogen peroxide stimulates enzyme systems throughout the body. This triggers an increase in the metabolic rate, causes small arteries to dilate and increase blood flow, enhances the body's distribution and consumption of oxygen and raises body temperature (Proceedings of the International Conference on Bio-Oxidative Medicine 1989, 1990, 1991).
Father Richard WillhelmWe are just beginning to learn exactly how H202 works. It was reported to work as far back as 1920. The English medical journal, Lancet, then reported that intravenous infusion was used successfully to treat pneumonia in the epidemic following World War I. In the 1940's Father Richard Willhelm, the pioneer in promoting peroxide use, reported on the compound being used extensively to treat everything from bacterial-related mental illness to skin disease and polio. Father Willhelm is the founder of "Educational Concern for Hydrogen Peroxide" (ECHO, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public on the safe use and therapeutic benefits of hydrogen peroxide.) Much of the interest in hydrogen peroxide waned in the 1940's when prescription medications came on the scene. Since that time there has been little economic interest in funding peroxide research. After all, it is dirt cheap and non-patentable. Even still, in the last 25 years, over 7,700 articles relating to hydrogen peroxide have been written in the standard medical journals. Thousands more, involving its therapeutic use, have appeared in alternative health publications. The number of conditions helped by hydrogen peroxide is astounding. The reported dangers and side effects are few and often conflicting.
EmphysemaLet's look at several conditions that seem to respond especially well to H202 therapy. First, keep in mind that there are two methods of administering the peroxide-1) orally and 2) intravenously. While most conditions respond remarkably to oral ingestion, emphysema is one condition in which intravenous infusion can be a godsend. Emphysema involves destruction of the alveoli (the small air sacs in the lungs). Although chemical fumes and other irritants can cause the destruction, it is most often the result of smoking. As the disease progresses, the patient finds it more and more difficult to breathe. A wheel chair and supplemental oxygen become necessary as the disease progresses. Lack of adequate oxygen reaching the tissues forces the heart to pump more forcefully. This leads to high blood pressure, enlargement of the heart itself and eventually heart failure. Conventional medicine offers little help for emphysema. There is no cure. The best that can be hoped for is symptomatic relief and the prevention of any serious complications that might result in death. H202 therapy can offer more. Using 1 ounce of 35% peroxide per 1 gallon of non-chlorinated water in a vaporizer improves nighttime breathing tremendously. But intravenous infusion holds the real key to relief. It has the ability to cleanse the inner lining of the lungs and restore the ability to breathe.
We continue to hear the same story from Dr. Farr and others who use intravenous infusion for emphysema and congestive lung problems. Within minutes oxygen from hydrogen peroxide begins to bubble up between the membrane lining the lungs sacs and the accumulated mucus. (Dr. Farr refers to this as the "Alka-Seltzer effect.") The patient begins to cough and expel the material that has accumulated in the lungs. The amount of bubbling, coughing, and cleansing can be regulated by simply turning the H202 on and off. As the peroxide clears the lung surface and destroys the bacterial infections, the patient regains the ability to breath more normally. We continue to receive reports from patients for whom the technique has improved breathing so much that a wheelchair and supplemental oxygen are no longer needed. If you would like to find a doctor in your area trained in the use of intravenous H202 infusion, contact the International Bio-Oxidative Medicine Foundation (IBOM), P.O. Box 13205, Oklahoma City, OK 73113 at (405) 478-4266. They can provide names and addresses of doctors using the procedure in your area.
If emphysema were the only ailment successfully treated with H202 therapy, it would still rank as one of the top health discoveries of all time. Fortunately, H202 works wonders on a multitude of health problems. It does so by increasing tissue oxygen levels. A closer look at how we have decreased the availability of external and internal oxygen, will show you just how important this can be. If you were not too occupied with trying to hide dissection specimens in the other student's desks, you might remember from elementary science courses that our atmosphere contains about 20% oxygen. That is under ideal circumstances. It has recently been reported that in many of our more polluted cities, there levels have dropped to around 10%! (I have already mentioned how less hydrogen peroxide-containing rain is reaching the earth's surface. With increased pollution it is reacting with airborne toxins before it even reaches the ground.) And everyone, by now, knows the oxygen-generating rain forests are being destroyed worldwide, which further reduces available oxygen. Internal oxygen availability is also under attack.
Chlorination of drinking water removes oxygen. Cooking and over-processing of our foods lowers their oxygen content. Unrestrained antibiotic use destroys beneficial oxygen-creating bacteria in the intestinal tract. Dr. Johanna Budwig of Germany has shown that for proper cellular utilization of oxygen to take place, our diets must contain adequate amounts of unsaturated fatty acids. Unfortunately, the oils rich in these fatty acids have become less and less popular with the food industry. Their very nature makes them more biologically active, which requires more careful processing and gives them a shorter shelf-life. Rather than deal with these challenges, the food industry has turned to the use of synthetic fats and dangerous processes like hydrogenation.
It's obvious that our oxygen needs are not being met. Several of the most common ailments now affecting our population are directly related to oxygen starvation. Asthma, emphysema, and lung disease are on the rise, especially in the polluted metropolitan areas. Cases of constipation, diarrhea, intestinal parasites and bowel cancer are all on the upswing. Periodontal disease is endemic in the adult population of this country. Cancer of all forms continues to increase. Immune system disorders are sweeping the globe. Chronic fatigue, "Yuppie Flu" and hundreds of other strange viral diseases have begun to surface. Ironically, many of the new "miracle" drugs and nutritional supplements used to treat these conditions work by increasing cellular oxygen (oftentimes through H202 formation). For example, the miracle nutrient, Coenzyme Q10, helps regulate intercellular oxidation. Organic germanium, which received considerable publicity not too long ago, also increases oxygen levels at the cellular level. And even substances like niacin and vitamin E promote tissue oxidation through their dilation of blood vessels.
Hydrogen peroxide is only one of the many components that help regulate the amount of oxygen getting to your cells. Its presence is vital for many other functions as well. It is required for the production of thyroid hormone and sexual hormones. (Mol Cell Endocrinol 86;46(2): 149-154) (Steroids 82;40(5):5690579). It stimulates the production of interferon (J Immunol 85;134(4):24492455). It dilates blood vessels in the heart and brain (Am J Physiol 86;250 (5 pt 2): H815-821 and (2 pt 2):H157-162). It improves glucose utilization in diabetics (Proceedings of the IBOM Conference 1989, 1990, 1991). The closer you look at hydrogen peroxide, the less surprising it becomes that it can help such a wide variety of conditions.
The following is only a partial listing of conditions in which H202 therapy has been used successfully. (Many of these conditions are serious, if not life-threatening. As always, I would highly recommend seeking the advice and guidance of a doctor experienced in the use of these techniques.)
Allergies
Altitude Sickness
Alzheimer's
Anemia HIV
Arrhythmia
Asthma
Bacterial
Bronchitis
Cancer
Candida
Cardiovascular Disease
Cerebral Vascular Disease
Chronic
Detoxing
Diabetes Type 11
Diabetic Gangrene
Diabetic Retinopahty
Digestion Problems
Epstein-Barr Infection
Emphysema
Food Allergies
Fungal Infections, including Yeast
Gingivitis
Headaches
Herpes Simplex
Herpes Zoster
Infection
Influenza
Insect Bites
Infections
Liver Cirrhosis
Lupus Erythematosis
Multiple Sclerosis
mycotoxicosis
Parasitic Infections
Parkinsonism
Periodontal Disease
Pain Prostatitis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Shingles
Sinusitis
Sore Throat
Ulcers
Viral Infections
Warts

Grades of Hydrogen PeroxideHydrogen peroxide is available in various strengths and grades.
A) 3.5% Pharmaceutical Grade: This is the grade sold at your local drugstore or supermarket. This product is not recommended for internal use. It contains an assortment of stabilizers which shouldn't be ingested. Various stabilizers include: acetanilide, phenol, sodium stanate and tertrasodium phosphate.B) 6% Beautician Grade: This is used in beauty shops to color hair and is not recommended for internal use.
C) 30% Reagent Grade: This is used for various scientific experimentation and also contains stabilizers. It is also not for internal use.
D) 30% to 32% Electronic Grade: This is used to clean electronic parts and not for internal use.
E) 35% Technical Grade: This is a more concentrated product than the Reagent Grade and differs slightly in that phosphorus is added to help neutralize any chlorine from the water used to dilute it.
F) 35% Food Grade: This is used in the production of foods like cheese, eggs, and whey-containing products. It is also sprayed on the foil lining of aseptic packages containing fruit juices and milk products. THIS IS THE ONLY GRADE RECOMMENDED FOR INTERNAL USE. It is available in pints, quarts, gallons or even drums. It is rare to find, but highly suggested.
UPDATE-MH IS NOW HAPPY TO OFFER THIS PRODUCT DUE TO CONSUMER DEMAND ON OUR MH SOLUTIONS RESOURCE SITE
Suggested methods of use

Laundry

Nizoral shampoo
Borax
35% Food h2o2
Laundry detergent


Take 2 Tblsp. Nizoral shampoo and mix with warm water as washing machine fills up with water. Add 1 cup borax, 1 cup 35% Food h2o2, and regular amount of laundry detergent. After water has mixed the above ingredients, add clothing.
Rinse two times. Add fabric softener, if desired during second rinse cycle.

Either line dry or in dryer, but ensure all fabric is extremely dry before using.

Bath Detox

Add one cup 35% Food h2o2 to a very warm bath, along with ½ cup Epsom salts. Lie in tub for thirty minutes. Top off water to keep tub warm. Enjoy.
G) 90%: This is used as an oxygen source for rocket fuel.
Only 35% Food Grade hydrogen peroxide is recommended for internal use. At this concentration, however, hydrogen peroxide is a very strong oxidizer and if not diluted, it can be extremely dangerous or even fatal. Any concentrations over 10% can cause neurological reactions and damage to the upper gastrointestinal tract. There have been two known fatalities in children who ingested 27% and 40% concentrations of H202. Recently, a 26 month old female swallowed one mouthful of 35% H202. She immediately began vomiting, followed by fainting and respiratory arrest. Fortunately, she was under emergency room care and although she experienced erosion and bleeding of the stomach and esophagus, she survived the incident. When she was re-examined 12 days later, the areas involved had healed (J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 90;28(1):95-100).
35% Food Grade H202 must be
1) handled carefully (direct contact will burn the skin--immediate flushing with water is recommended).
2) diluted properly before use. 3) stored safely and properly (after making a dilution the remainder should be stored tightly sealed in the freezer).
One of the most convenient methods of dispensing 35% H202 is from a small glass eye dropper bottle. These can be purchased at your local drugstore. Fill this with the 35% H202 and store the larger container in the freezer compartment of your refrigerator until more is needed. Store the eye dropper bottle in the refrigerator. The generally recommended dosage is outlined in the chart below. The drops are mixed with either 6 to 8 ounces of distilled water, juice, milk or even aloe vera juice or gel. (Don't use chlorinated tap water to dilute the peroxide!)
Suggested ProtocolThe program outlined is only a suggestion, but it is based on years of experience, and reports from thousands of users. Those who choose to go at a slower pace can expect to progress more slowly, but that certainly is an option. The program is not carved in stone and keep in mind that it can be adapted to fit individual needs. Individuals who have had transplants should not undertake an H202 program. H202 stimulates the immune system and could possibly cause a rejection of the organ.
Day # -Number of Drops/ Times Per Day1 - 3 32 - 4 33 - 5 34 - 6 35 - 7 36 - 8 37 - 9 38 - 10 39 - 12 310 - 14 311 - 16 312 - 18 313 - 20 314 - 22 315 - 24 316 - 25 3
Maintenance DosageIn most situations after the above 21 day program, the amount of H202 can be tapered off gradually as follows:25 drops once every other day for 1 week25 drops once every third day for 2 weeks25 drops once every fourth day for 3 weeks
This can then be reduced to between 5 and 15 drops per week based on how one feels. Those with more serious problems will often benefit from staying on 25 drops three times a day for one to three weeks, then tapering down to 25 drops two times daily until the problem is resolved (possibly as long as six months). Those with chronic systemic Candidiasis may need to start with 1 drop three times a day, then 2 drops three times a day before starting the above schedule. It is important that H202 be taken on an empty stomach. This is best accomplished by taking it either one hour before meals or three hours after meals. If there is food in the stomach, the reaction of H202 on any bacteria present may cause excess foaming, indigestion, and possibly even vomiting. Additionally, some animal research indicates that when H202 given orally combines with iron and small amounts of vitamin C in the stomach, hydroxyl radicals are created (J Inorg Biochem 89;35(1):55-69). The bleach-like aftertaste of H202 can be lessened by chewing one of the sugar-free cinnamon gums. Some individuals taking H202 immediately before bedtime have a difficult time getting to sleep. This is probably due to a sense of alertness triggered by an increase of oxygen at the cellular level. The oral dosage schedule is basically the same for all conditions. There are several points to keep in mind, however.
Some individuals may experience upset stomach. If this occurs it is recommended that one not stop the program, but rather remain at the current dosage level or reduce it to the previous level until the problem stops. (Some patients have been able to solve the nausea problem by taking three or four lecithin capsules at the same time they take the H202.) During the program it's not uncommon to experience what is known as a healing crisis. As dead bacteria and toxins are released from your body it may temporarily exceed your capacity to eliminate them quickly enough. In some individuals this overload may cause fatigue, diarrhea, headaches, skin eruptions, cold or flu-like symptoms, and/or nausea. One should not discontinue using the peroxide to stop this cleansing. By continuing the program, toxins will clear the body sooner and this healing crisis will pass rather quickly.
If you are not already taking vitamin E and an acidophilus product, I recommend starting them before going on H202. Vitamin E can make more efficient use of any oxygen available and acidophilus will help re-establish the beneficial bacterial flora in the lower bowel and also help in the internal production of hydrogen peroxide.
Making and Using 3% Solutions of H202A 3.5% solution can be made quite easily by first pouring 1 ounce of 35% H202 into a pint jar. To this add 11 ounces of distilled water. This will make 12 ounces of 3.5% H202. 3.5% H202 has a variety of medicinal uses.
1. Three tablespoons mixed with a quart of non-chlorinated water makes a good enema or douche formula.2. It can be used full strength as a mouthwash or mixed with baking soda for toothpaste.3. It can be used full strength as a foot bath for athlete's foot. (Diabetics have found relief from circulation problems by soaking their feet in 1 pint of 3% peroxide mixed with 1 gallon of warm, non-chlorinated water for 30 minutes nightly.)4. A tablespoon added to 1 cup of non-chlorinated water can be used as a nasal spray. Depending on the degree of sinus involvement, one will have to adjust the amount of peroxide used. I have seen some who can use it at the full 3% strength and others who had difficulty with using a few drops and mixed with a cup of water.5. 3.5% H202 can be added to pets drinking water at the rate of 1 ounce per quart of non-chlorinated water. Sick cattle reportedly benefit from 1 pint (of 3%) to each 5 gallons of water. (Chickens and cows have remained healthy by using 8 ounces of 35% H202 per 1,000 gallons of drinking water.)
If you are looking for a physician who utilizes hydrogen peroxide therapy go to our physicians/treatments tab and conduct a search in your state. Ask if those physicians utilize such techniques as H202 is not declared legal in all states. You should also be aware that there are now numerous hydrogen peroxide products on the market but we recommend 35% H202 for several reasons listed below on our solutions resource. Some are simply peroxide that has been flavored and mixed with sea minerals, aloe vera, inner tree bark or other ingredients to make the peroxide more palatable (Superoxy, Oxy Toddy, etc.). There is also available on this site.
Others claim to have developed products that deliver more oxygen than does simple hydrogen peroxide (Aerox, Anti-Oxid-10, Di-Oxychloride, Aerobic 07, Aqua Pure, etc.). Basically you'll end up paying a small fortune and at best achieving the same results you can get for pennies by using hydrogen peroxide.
ConclusionHydrogen peroxide is one of the few simple miracle substances still available to the public. Its safety and multiple uses ranks it right up there with DMSO. If you've never used either of these compounds you are overlooking two of the most powerful healing tools ever discovered. Most of us started on hydrogen peroxide shortly after birth. Not only does mother's milk contain high amounts of H202, the amount contained in the first milk (colostrum) is even higher. This seems only reasonable now that we know one of its main functions is to activate and stimulate the immune system. Although I am a strong supporter of H202 therapy, I am not suggesting that everyone needs to be using it. There are probably some individuals whose health and well-being would not be enhanced with hydrogen peroxide. But there are also millions of others who are suffering needlessly because they either do not know about hydrogen peroxide or they have been misinformed about its use.

Chocolate May Boost Your Brain Power!!!

Girls, this is for you.

1. Chocolate May Boost Brain Power and Fight Fatigue
The next time your energy slumps, but you need to be sharp, a cup of hot chocolate might be just the boost you need.
That’s because flavanols, which are chemicals plentiful in dark chocolate, fight fatigue and hone mental sharpness, according to scientists at the Brain, Performance and Nutrition Center at Northumbria University in Newcastle, UK.
Researchers gave 30 people a series of math tests before and after having either a flavanol-loaded chocolate drink or a placebo beverage. On a test that required repeatedly subtracting numbers, volunteers who got the flavanol-rich drink performed better than those drinking the dummy drink. In addition, the flavanols seemed to offset the fatigue from the intense mental concentration.
“We asked them about their mental fatigue, and that increased, but the cocoa offset that increase,” said researcher Crystal Haskell.
The brain-boosting effect is tied to flavanols’ ability to dilate blood vessels, allowing more blood to reach important areas of the brain.
The study also found that a 500 mg dose of flavanols worked best. That’s the equivalent of five bars of chocolate, so researchers are trying to discover whether lower levels work as well.
“The amounts we were giving them were more than you would get from eating small amounts in diet,” said co-researcher David Kennedy, “But there is quite a bit of evidence showing that general consumption over time is protective against neurodegenerative disease and decline in cognitive function.”
Flavanols are also found in red wine, olive oil, broccoli, blueberries, tea, and onions. They’ve been linked to lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and brain function.

Best and Worse Sandwiches from the "Eat This, Not That" books

If you are like me, sometimes it feels like the food industry is out to harm us in every way possible in the name of PROFIT. I do not advocate eating meat, but for those of you reading this that are not vegetarian, and need some advice on eating outside of the home, the following information may be of help to you in finding a healthy option for breakfast or lunch.


WORST BREAKFAST SANDWICH
Au Bon Pain Sausage, Egg and Cheddar on Asiago Bagel810 calories47 g fat (23 g saturated, 0.5 g trans)58 g carbs1,540 mg sodium A healthy breakfast sandwich can be a great start to your day—the protein-packed eggs and meat will keep you feeling fuller longer. But Au Bon Pain’s breakfast bagel isn’t what we had in mind. Cut calories by switching to bacon and Swiss there, and cut carbs by choosing an English muffin over a bagel, roll, or croissant.

EAT THIS, INSTEAD!Scrambled Eggs Tomato and Spinach Wrap390 calories15 g fat (4 g saturated)47 g carbs650 mg sodium
(For other early morning sandwiches to dodge at home, check out THIS list of the 12 worst breakfast foods at the supermarket.)

WORST TURKEY SANDWICHAtlanta Bread Company Turkey Bacon Rustica960 calories56 g fat (19 g saturated)62 g carbs2,480 mg sodium Sandwiches shouldn’t top much more than 500 calories; this one gobbles up almost half your daily allowance. While it’s loaded with protein, it’s also packed with saturated fat and more than a day’s worth of sodium (the blame falls largely on the one-two punch of mayo and pesto).

EAT THIS, INSTEAD!Turkey on Nine Grain370 calories6 g fat (2 g saturated)50 g carbs1,240 mg sodium

WORST STEAK SANDWICHQuizno’s Prime Rib Cheesesteak Sub, Large1,490 calories92 g fat (22.5 g saturated, 2 g trans)102 g carbs2,620 mg sodium At 670 calories, even the small version of this sub is pushing the bounds of reasonable consumption. But in this big guy, you’re taking in a day’s worth of sodium, along with a day’s worth of saturated fat, and nearly a whole day’s caloric intake as well. A survival strategy for eating at Quiznos: If you’re going to order a sub, order it small and without dressing or cheese. Better yet, skip the subs altogether in favor of the more restrained Sammies. You’d be better off with two of them than with most regular-sized sandwiches at Quiznos.

EAT THIS, INSTEAD!Bistro Steak Melt Flatbread Sammie280 calories13 g fat (4 g saturated)26 g carbs645 mg sodium

WORST GRILLED CHICKEN SANDWICHRomano’s Macaroni Grill Grilled Chicken and Artichoke Sandwich1,260 calories80 g fat (17 g saturated)71 g carbs2,990 mg sodium Most people know by now that grilled equals good in the world of chicken, but Romano’s somehow manages to challenge that well-established nutritional tenet. The heavy-handed Italian chain takes two reasonable foods—lean chicken and nutrient-rich artichoke—and turns them into a monster of a fat-laden sandwich that comes with almost a day-and-a-half’s worth of sodium and the caloric equivalent of 27 chicken McNuggets.

EAT THIS, INSTEAD!Pollo Magro 320 calories5 g fat (1.5 g saturated)29 g carbs1,630 mg sodium

WORST FRIED CHICKEN SANDWICHChili’s Cajun Crisper Bites Sandwich1,410 calories79 g fat (18 g saturated)124 g carbs3,930 mg sodium Words on the Chili’s menu to avoid: “Cajun” and “Crisper.” In Chili’s land, they translate to fat- and calorie-packed sauces and frying oil. Put them between two slices of bread, and you’ve got one of the worst sandwiches we’ve found on all counts—with the sodium equivalent of 120 saltine crackers and the same number of calories as you’ll find in 56 strips of bacon. Taste the same bold flavors and save more than 1,000 calories and 2,000 milligrams of sodium by opting for the Fajita Pita instead.

EAT THIS, INSTEAD!Fajita Pita Chicken380 calories12 g fat (2 g saturated)1570 mg sodium WORST VEGGIE SANDWICHBlimpie Special Vegetarian 12 Inch1,186 calories60 g fat (19 g saturated)131 g carbs3,532 mg sodium “Vegetarian” doesn’t automatically translate to “healthy” (the same holds true for salads—check out this list of America’s worst salads to see what we means). Sure, this sandwich has vegetables, but it’s also loaded with fatty oils and sauce, and it’s on bread that’s 12 inches long. No wonder it contains over half a day’s worth of calories and an explosion of carbs. Portion control is key to keeping weight off. Your strategy with this sandwich: Share it with a Little League team.

EAT THIS, INSTEAD!VeggieMax 6 Inch522 calories20 g fat (6 g saturated)56 g carbs1,272 mg sodium

WORST “HEALTHY” SANDWICHNoah’s Deli Chicken Salad Sandwich1,150 calories95 g fat (14 g saturated, 1.5 g trans)61 g carbs1,190 mg sodium Don’t be fooled because it’s got the word “salad” in its name. This trans-fatty Noah’s sandwich is not a healthy choice for your arteries or your waistline. (Click here for an indispensable list of other health food imposters.)

EAT THIS, INSTEAD!California Chicken Sandwich360 calories7 g fat (2 g saturated)49 g carbs840 mg sodium

WORST SANDWICH IN AMERICAQuizno’s Tuna Melt, large1,760 calories133 g fat (25 g saturated, 1.5 g trans)92 g carbs2,120 mg sodium Tuna melts are scary because they sound so harmless—in almost all other forms, tuna is usually a smart and healthy choice. So what’s with the insane caloric overload? Blame the fat-packed mayo the tuna is mixed with, along with Quizno’s larger-than-life portion sizes. Even though they’ve managed to trim this melt down from the original 2,000-plus calorie mark when we first tested it, it still remains the worst sandwich we’ve found.

EAT THIS, INSTEAD!Sonoma Turkey Flatbread Sammie280 calories14 g fat (4 g saturated)26 g carbs760 mg sodium

Red Wine- Resveratrol

Red Wine Helps You Think

Resveratrol, the chemical in red wine that has been shown to have numerous health benefits, is giving you another reason to kick back and have a glass of red wine. It increases blood flow to the brain and helps you think.
Researchers at Northumbria University in Newcastle, UK, gave 24 people a series of arithmetic tests while blood flow to their brains was monitored. Before testing, they were given 500 mg or 1,000 mg of resveratrol or a placebo. Those who had been given resveratrol showed significant changes in brain flow and improved performance on the tests. Additional tests will seek to discover the optimal dose needed for reveratrol’s brain-boosting effects.
An earlier study at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine found that moderate amounts of wine — 5 to 10 ounces daily — might slow the accumulation of amyloid plaques that are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. Other tests have shown that resveratrol lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease by increasing the levels of “good” cholesterol, and also fights cancer, obesity, and diabetes.
Resveratrol is found not only in red grape skins but also in cranberries, blueberries, raspberries, and peanuts. “It is interesting to see that a component you come across in many everyday foods can have a positive effect on brain function,” said researcher Emma Wightman.

MSG- Monosodium Glutamate

Please read below. Avoid chinese restaurants that will not allow you to order your food without this additive. This additive is not harmless to your health, it is very HARMFUL!


Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a food additive that is used to add flavor and appeal to foods. MSG is commonly added to food such as canned vegetables, Chinese food, soups and processed meats. Although MSG is on the Food and Drug Administrations GRA list (generally regarded as safe), its safety and health consequences remain controversial. MSG is of concern because it crosses a safety net, called the blood brain barrier, which separates the brain from the rest of the body. MSG “tricks” the brain into thinking that the food you are eating tastes good, causing you to consume more and more of the product. Signs and adverse reactions that have been linked to MSG intake include:
• Headaches• Seizures• Flushing • Sweating • Chest pain • Shortness of breath • Heart palpitations• Feelings of facial pressure or numbness• Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
Recent research has also indicated that MSG is a potential pre-cursor to obesity. MSG appears to affect the hunger and weight control centers of the brain and can stimulate an increase in appetite and cravings.
Toxic exposure to food additives and chemicals is at an all-time high and with MSG crossing the blood brain barrier, I highly recommend eliminating foods that contain MSG from your diet and switching to more natural food sources. Organic fruits and vegetables, lean meats, low-fat dairy products, nuts, seeds and whole grains are filled with nature’s goodness without you having to worry about toxicity levels. For more information about meal plans filled to the brim with quality nutrition, visit Truestar’s Nutrition section today!

Chemical Sunscreen

This is an interesting article that was sent to me a few days ago. There are excellent sunscreens that are chemical free and you can find them in some Wal-Mart stores in the organic sections, and in most health food stores. You can also find them on E-bay.

Sunscreen: 21st Century Snake Oil
By Jon Herring
ETR reader SR in New York recently wrote, "I read that most sunscreens contain a chemical that acts like estrogen in the body. Could this be harmful? And should I avoid sunscreen? I'm heading to Florida in a few weeks and don't want to get burned."
The answer is yes. Almost all commercial sunscreens contain not just one but several chemicals, known as xenoestrogens, that mimic the hormone estrogen. Your Best Health Under the Sun, a book I wrote with Dr. Al Sears, highlights a Swiss study that found five of these chemicals in commonly used sunscreens:
Octyl-dimethyl-PABA (OD-PABA)
Benzophenone-3 (Bp-3)
Homosalate (HMS)
Octyl-methoxycinnamate (OMC)
4-methyl-benzylidene camphor (4-MBC)
In laboratory testing, each one of these chemicals behaves like estrogen. And when they are combined, they can have a synergistic effect. In other words, two "weak" xenoestrogens can produce a very strong response.
Not only does this disrupt the hormonal system, but these chemicals are known to stimulate tumor growth and the spread of cancer. (Not to mention a decline in male sperm count, early puberty, and feminine characteristics in men.)
And don't think you're safe just because you don't "ingest" these chemicals. Clinical studies show that they easily penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream.
Whenever possible, you should avoid using chemical sunscreen. Protect yourself from sunburn with clothing and shade. And when it is necessary to use sunscreen, look for a chemical-free product with zinc oxide as the active ingredient. (You can find several brands at health food stores.)

Red Wine

I was recently watching Oprah which featured Dr. Oz and the author of the "Blue Zone" book. The Blue Zone book speaks of all 5 places in the world that feature the most centenarians. One of the blue zones mentioned on the show was Sardinia, Italy. The item of most interest to me was the red wine made from the Cannonau grapes that are native to that area. I decided I had to try the wine and I set out to find a source. Here in Florida, I was able to find it by contacting ABC Fine Wine and Spirits. It is approximately $15.00 bottle and well worth the money. It is a smooth red wine without a bitter aftertaste. Check out the information below:

Mehmet Oz, a prominent heart surgeon and professor at Columbia University's College of Physicians & Surgeons, is well known for touting the health benefits of various ethnic diets. In a recent column in Esquire magazine, Oz highlighted Japanese green tea, Indian curry spices and, yes, Sardinian wine.
Sardinia, a large Mediterranean island that belongs to Italy, is the source of red wine that "contains five to 10 times the procyanidins -- powerful antioxidants with cardiovascular benefits -- of most other varieties," Oz wrote.
Whether or not it's the wine they drink, Sardinians are famously long-lived, with an unusually high percentage of centenarians -- not just compared to the United States, but to other parts of Italy. A 2005 report in National Geographic credited the island's isolated gene pool, little changed over the centuries; a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables and meat and cheese from grass-fed animals; physically active jobs such as farming and animal husbandry; and red wines made from a little-known, indigenous grape called cannonau.
Because it is separated from the mainland by more than 100 miles of water, Sardinian culture, cuisine and wine are quite distinct from the rest of Italy, reflecting centuries of invasion by outsiders including Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans and Spaniards.
Even today, some islanders speak a dialect of Catalan, evidence of early invaders from that part of Spain. And it was from the Spanish, apparently, that Sardinia adopted some of the unusual wine grapes that have come to define its viniculture, including cannonau, a relative of Spain's garnacha grape (grenache in French).
The wine Oz was talking about is cannonau. It may very well be good for your heart, but I can think of plenty of other reasons to drink it as well. Cannonau yields red wines with unusually complex flavors, ripe and very earthy. They go great with any number of red meat dishes, the heartier the better. And the wines are cheap, even by Italy's standards.
Sardinia may be the least recognized among Italy's 20 wine regions, though it is one of the most exciting, producing wine varieties and styles found nowhere else. The island's indigenous grapes include cannonau and monica, among the reds, and nuragus, torbato and vermentino among the whites, though the latter is said to be similar to the rolle grape of France's Provence region.
Sardinian wines may not all possess the antioxidant effects of cannonau, but they're consistently well made and very food-friendly. The fact that they're different than anything from California, or other parts of Italy for that matter, makes them a cool choice for entertaining.
Perhaps the only drawback for Americans is availability, or the lack thereof. When's the last time you saw a Sardinian wine at your local liquor store?
Fortunately, two of the best Sardinian brands are distributed in New Jersey.
Argiolas, imported by Winebow Inc. of Ho-ho-kus, makes a fine vermentino called Costamolino ($13) and a delicious cannonau called Costera ($15). Another red called Pedera, made from the monica grape, is a soft, medium-bodied wine that matches nicely with a wide variety of food. The current vintage is 2006.
The other Sardinian label with good availability in New Jersey is Sella & Mosca, the best known of the island's wineries. I recommend the 2006 Sella & Mosca La Cala Vermentino ($14) and the 2004 Sella & Mosca Cannonau Riserva ($14). The brand is imported by Palm Bay International of Boca Raton, Fla.

Jones Soda

I am not promoting the idea of drinking soda as I think it is not at all healthy for any one and especially not a child, but if you must drink a soda or something other than water or tea, you should check out the article below. Jones Soda is available at most stores from Wal-Mart to Publix to some of your health food chains.

Dr. Oz and Oprah Issue the Soda Pop Prescription Challenge!
Two weeks! Can you do it? It’s only fourteen days…
You can succeed! You can go without soda pop for two weeks and understand why Dr. Oz and Oprah issued the first Prescription challenge to improve the Health of Oprah’s audience and reduce the caloric intake daily which is the first step towards eliminating the causes of Obesity in America.
You will actually feel the difference it makes! Your body and your mind will be different without all the sugar, artificial ingredients, and extra calories that weigh your body down with each sip of this beverage that has become such a bad habit for so many uninformed people. Your emotional roller coaster of sugar highs and lows may also convince you to make it a lasting and permanent change that leads to Optimal Health and Wellness.
When I first began to change my diet and Lifestyle in the 1970’s, one of the first things to go was the refined sugar. It was in cereals, in sodas, in ketchup, in salad dressings…sugar was in so many foods that it astounded me! I started drinking more herbal teas, more natural sodas, and more purified water. it was a major shift in my behavior and it made such an impact, it gave me the encouragement to continue to make additional changes.
I eliminated all artificial ingredients and any food with anything chemically adulterated from my diet. I learned to become an excellent cook as a direct result of this incredible choice! The more I changed, the better I felt…day by day by day!
Soda Pop is going to carve a huge wedge in your Lifestyle when it’s gone! it’s huge! You don’t realize it right now, but it will become apparent to you over time. Every drink you take into your body needs to be a healthy substance! You will never know Total Health and Well-Being unless you make every drink count…for Life! Red Wine, Green Tea, and a wild array of freshly-juiced fruits and vegetables - it’s a New World! You’ll never want to go back to your old bad habits. You’ll never want to disgrace your body with soda pop ever again. You will realize that you do, indeed, Love yourself!
There are delicious and satisfying drinks that will readily replace soda pop! You just need to know where to look and what to look for to find them. Shop with us online or go to your local Food Co-op or health food store like Whole Foods! There’s an impressive selection that is far more diversified than what was available to me when I made the switch!
I had Coor’s Root Beer and a few other nice alternatives thirty five years ago. You have every flavor combination under the sun today. You have Jones Soda, Blue Sky, Reed’s and many more great natural sodas. They all have natural ingredients that are healthy and nutritious.
Try some of the Jones Sodas first. They are incredibly good and fun, too! In fact, make it special by commemorating your switchover with your own customized Label on your own six-pack of Jones Soda! Yeah! You can design and order your own Label! Getting Healthy for Life is a fun and rewarding process! Laugh, Love, and glug some healthy drinks down today while you make progress in your Journey to Optimal Health!
Jones Soda

Dixie Diner

If you are interested in purchasing some nutritional products online at wonderful prices you must check out Dixie Diner's Club at http://www.dixiediner.com/ They have vegetarian offerings, gluten free, low-carb and some dessert mixes and bread mixes. Please note, I do not advocate using TVP or non-fermented soy products as there are health concerns, but they have numerous offerings for all types of diets.


Lifestyles
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Dairy Free
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Gluten Free
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Heart Healthy
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Low Carb
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Low Fat/Fat Free
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Low Sodium
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Low/No Sugar Added
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Vegan
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Diabetic Friendly

Meet Your Meat Documentary

This documentary is heartwrenching. If you have never thought of where the meat comes from that you are consuming, you must take 12 minutes out of your day and watch this. It will deeply sadden you and make you think twice before ordering that hamburger.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIjanhKqVC4

KFC Cruelty!

This is a must read for all Americans. The process in which KFC is handling the animals in which some of you consume daily, is appalling. Before you take another bite of food from KFC, you must read this information below. It will sadden you and sicken you. My hope is that you will do as many Americans have and close your wallets when passing a KFC.

KFC suppliers cram birds into huge waste-filled factories, breed and drug them to grow so large that they can’t even walk, and often break their wings and legs. At slaughter, the birds’ throats are slit and they are dropped into tanks of scalding-hot water—often while they are still conscious. It would be illegal for KFC to abuse dogs, cats, pigs, or cows in these ways.
KFC’s own animal welfare advisors have asked the company to take steps to eliminate these abuses, but KFC refuses to do so. Many advisors have now resigned in frustration.
Please join Pamela Anderson, Sir Paul McCartney, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, The Rev. Al Sharpton, and countless other kind people worldwide by not eating at KFC


Every time undercover investigators enter the facilities of KFC’s suppliers, they find hideous abuse and suffering. At one KFC “Supplier of the Year” slaughterhouse in West Virginia, workers were caught tearing birds’ heads off, ripping them apart, spitting tobacco into their eyes, spray-painting their faces, and throwing them against walls—all while the birds were still conscious and able to feel pain. This is in stark contrast to KFC’s claim that it “only deal[s] with suppliers who promise to maintain our high standards and commitment to animal welfare.”
Some of the largest and most respected newspapers in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia have written scathing editorials decrying the conditions at these facilities, and customers have spoken with their wallets, turning away from KFC in droves as they learn about the hideous ways that the more than 850 million chickens who end up in KFC’s buckets each year are abused.
The investigations detailed below prove that KFC desperately needs to adopt the recommendations of its animal welfare advisors (five of whom have quit in recent years after KFC refused to listen to their advice) to eliminate at least the very worst abuses that chickens suffer for KFC.
In the United States
Tyson's Dirty Deeds Exposed During New Undercover Investigation A PETA investigation into two Tyson Foods plants exposes disgusting conditions that the KFC supplier does not want you to see. Watch the undercover video, then write to Tyson and KFC urging both companies to end their cruel practices!
A PETA undercover investigation at a Missouri slaughterhouse owned by KFC “Supplier of the Year” George’s, Inc. documented that live birds were being thrown by workers, scalded alive, and injured by broken transport cages.
Workers at a former KFC “Supplier of the Year” slaughterhouse in West Virginia were caught tearing birds apart, spitting tobacco into their eyes, spray-painting their faces, stomping on them, and throwing them against walls—all while the birds were still conscious.
Workers at a KFC-supplier slaughterhouse in Maryland were documented punching frenzied, terrified birds and spiking them like footballs, among other sadistic acts of cruelty.
Maryland-based animal rights group Compassion Over Killing documented the entire 45-day cycle of a KFC chicken shed. Check out a week-by-week snapshot into these horrible conditions and the drug-induced, crippling injuries caused by one of KFC’s top suppliers.
A whistleblower at a Tyson slaughterhouse testified that birds intentionally were scalded to death, were blown apart by makeshift firecrackers, and had their legs broken by workers to fit them into slaughter-line shackles. Tyson is KFC’s number one supplier.
A PETA undercover investigation found workers who were ripping live animals’ heads off and shoddy, outdated slaughter machines cutting open birds’ legs, wings, and chest cavities at this Tyson plant in Alabama.

Sports Drinks Are Worse Than Soda on Your Teeth

Another tip from Dr. Blaylock.

Sports Drinks Can Damage Teeth More Than Colas
Sipping on a sports drink can give you a burst of energy, but the drinks also can damage your teeth even more than colas.
That’s because the popular drinks can cause tooth erosion and hypersensitivity, according to a recent study at New York University College of Dentistry. They also may lead to a condition called erosive tooth wear in which the acids in the drinks eat away tooth enamel and seep deep into the tooth, causing it to weaken and soften. The result can be severe tooth damage and even tooth loss.
“This is the first time that the citric acid in sports drinks has been linked to erosive tooth wear,” said Dr. Mark Wolff, who led the study.
Wolff and his research team cut cow teeth, which closely resemble human teeth, in half. They submerged half in a sports drink and the other half in water. When they compared the two halves, the tooth soaked in the sports drink showed a significant amount of erosion and softening.
“Five teeth were immersed in each drink for 75 to 90 minutes to simulate the effects of sipping on sports drinks over the course of the day,” Wolff said. Gatorade, Poweraid, Vitamin Water, SoBe Life Water were tested, and all caused damage.
Sports drinks are high in sugars and acids, mainly citric and ascorbic acid added to boost flavor and extend shelf life. They help replace liquids and minerals lost during exercise, but studies have shown they are more caustic than cola.
Brushing teeth after drinking a sports drink can make matters worse, because toothpaste can be very abrasive to softened tooth enamel.
“To prevent tooth erosion, consume sports drinks in moderation, and wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth, to allow softened enamel to re-harden,” Wolff said. “If you frequently consume sports drinks, ask your dentist if you should use an acid-neutralizing remineralizing toothpaste to help re-harden soft enamel.”

Don't Poison Yourself at Dinner

This is from the Blaylock Report. It is his tip of the week.

Your entire family’s safety is at risk every time you shop for food. From salmonella in chickens, to deadly contaminants in food grown in China, to pesticides and other chemicals used on fruits and vegetables grown south of the border, foods sold in grocery stores across America are harboring dangerous chemicals and bacteria.

However, few people are aware of the dangers and expect government agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration to protect them. (For information on the dangers found in many imported foods as well as those produced in the U.S.You can take steps to reduce your risk of food poisoning:

Consider growing your own vegetables and fruits. They can be grown in your yard or in hydroponic gardens indoors. Using hydroponics would allow you to grow produce in the winter. Likewise, natural insect control is vital, using insects such as ladybugs. You also can use other biological control systems.

Buy locally grown foods. Talk to farmers and ask about pesticide and herbicide use. Organic farms are popping up all over the place, and have been growing at a rate of 15 percent a year with no end in sight.

Buy organically fed and free-range meats. But don’t expect even organic meats to free you automatically from the fear of mad-cow disease. Unfortunately, the government prevents cattle ranches from testing their cattle for the disease.

Wash all vegetables and fruits. To wash your vegetables properly, fill a 2-gallon pot with purified water (filtered) and add two caps of vegetable wash such as Fit Fruit & Vegetable Wash. For information on how to wash and store vegetables and fruits safely, go here

When buying organic produce, make sure that it looks healthy. Plants with spots and bruises are not safe to eat. Sick plants infected with molds, viruses, and bacteria secrete powerful toxic substances to protect themselves, and they are very toxic to people.
Avoid injected meats and poultry. You may have noticed that most whole birds and many hams have a carefully worded label that says they were injected with either gluten, natural flavors, or hydrolyzed protein extracts. In essence, this is a glutamate mixture much like MSG. And like MSG, it is toxic to your body, especially the brain.

Wash your poultry well. It also is important to wash whole birds before you cook them. Many are covered in chemicals and bacteria contamination. Just hold the bird under the water and scrub the skin with a vegetable brush. All foods should be washed thoroughly before cooking.
Cook all meats completely, even steaks. Most animals, especially cattle and chickens, are infected with carcinogenic viruses and there is compelling evidence that humans can develop cancer from these viruses. Several studies have shown that slaughterhouse workers and those who butcher meat have significantly higher rates of lymphomas and leukemias than the general population. These are the same cancers found in cattle and chickens.

Drinks Have Bigger Impact on Weight than Food

Drinks Have Bigger Impact on Weight than Food
When it comes to weight loss, what you drink may be more important than what you eat, according to researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Researchers examined the relationship between beverage consumption among adults and weight change and found that weight loss was positively associated with a reduction in liquid calorie consumption and liquid calorie intake had a stronger impact on weight than solid calorie intake. The results are published in the April 1 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
“Both liquid and solid calories were associated with weight change, however, only a reduction in liquid calorie intake was shown to significantly affect weight loss during the 6-month follow up,” said Benjamin Caballero MD, PhD, senior author of the study and a professor with the Bloomberg School’s Department of International Health “A reduction in liquid calorie intake was associated with a weight loss of 0.25 kg at 6 months and 0.24 kg at 18 months. Among sugar-sweetened beverages, a reduction of 1 serving was associated with a weight loss of 05 kg at 6 months and 0.7 kg at 18 months. Of the seven types of beverages examined, sugar-sweetened beverages were the only beverages significantly associated with weight change.”
Researchers conducted a prospective study of 810 adults aged 25-79 years old participating in the PREMIER trial, an 18-month randomized, controlled, behavioral intervention. Caballero along with colleagues from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine; the National Heart, Lung, and Blood institute; Duke University; the Pennington Biomedical Research Center; the Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research; the University of Alabama; and Pennsylvania State University measured participant’s weight and height using a calibrated scale and a wall-mounted stadiometer at both 6 and 18 months. Dietary intake was measured by conducting unannounced 24-hour dietary recall interviews by telephone.
Researchers divided beverages into several categories based on calorie content and nutritional composition: sugar-sweetened beverages (regular soft drinks, fruit drinks, fruit punch, or high-calorie beverages sweetened with sugar), diet drinks (diet soda and other “diet” drinks sweetened with artificial sweeteners), milk (whole milk, 2 percent reduced-fat milk, 1 percent low-fat milk, and skim milk), 100 percent juice (100 percent fruit and vegetable juice), coffee and tea with sugar, coffee and tea without sugar and alcoholic beverages. They found that at 37 percent sugar-sweetened beverages were the leading source of liquid calories.
Consumption of liquid calories from beverages has increased in parallel with the obesity epidemic. Earlier studies by Bloomberg School researchers project that 75 percent of U.S. adults could be overweight or obese by 2015 and have linked the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages to the obesity epidemic, which affects two-thirds of adults and increases the risk for adverse health conditions such as type 2 diabetes. Researchers recommend limited liquid calorie intake among adults and to reduce sugar-sweetened beverage consumption as a means to accomplish weight loss or avoid excess weight gain.
“Among beverages, sugar-sweetened beverages was the only beverage type significantly associated with weight change at both the 6- and 18-month follow up periods,” said Liwei Chen, lead author of the study and a Bloomberg School graduate. “Changes in the consumption of diet drinks and alcoholic beverages were inversely associated with weight loss, but were not statistically significant. Our study supports policy recommendations and public health efforts to reduce intakes of liquid calories, particularly from sugar-sweetened beverages, in the general population.”

Folic Acid Fortification May Increase Colon Cancer Risk

More information taken from Newsmax.com


Folic Acid Fortification May Increase Colon Cancer Risk
The rate of colorectal cancer in Chile may have increased since that country began fortifying wheat flour with folic acid, reports a study in the European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology.
"Our data provide new evidence that a folate fortification program could be associated with an additional risk of colon cancer," according to the new report by Dr. Sandra Hirsch and colleagues of University of Chile, Santiago.
The researchers analyzed changes in colon cancer rates since the Chilean government introduced a mandatory program of folic acid fortification of wheat flour in 2000. Several countries have implemented similar policies in recent years, with the goal of preventing spina bifida and other neural tube defects. In Chile, the rate of neural tube defects decreased by 40 percent in the first year after the start of folic acid fortification.
The researchers compared hospital discharge data on colon cancer rates in Chile in four-year periods before and after folic acid fortification: 1992-96 versus 2001-04. Although no causative relationship can be proven, the data suggested a significant "temporal relationship" between folic acid supplementation and colorectal cancer. Reported cases of colon cancer increased by 162 percent in people aged 45 to 64 and by 190 percent in people aged 65 to 79.
After adjustment for other factors, discharge diagnoses of colon cancer in these age groups were two to three times more frequent after the start of folic acid fortification. Most other diseases showed no consistent pattern of changes. There was a small increase in breast cancer, which may have been related to early detection and universal treatment programs for breast cancer.
Chile is the third country to report an apparent increase in colorectal cancer after introducing a national folic acid fortification program. A 2007 paper suggested increases in colorectal cancer after folic acid fortification was introduced in the United States and Canada in the mid-1990s. Chile uses a higher "dose" of folic acid than the two North American countries. Folic acid fortification has not yet been introduced in Europe.
There are other possible explanations for the rise in colon cancer in Chile, including increases in obesity and other risk factors.
Another important limitation of the study was the use of hospital discharge data to identify cases of colon cancer. "Discharge rates are influenced by health care politics, increasing access to healthcare for new strata of the population with increased cancer risk, and so forth," comments Dr. Reinhold Stockbrugger, one of the editors of The European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology. "This study provides only a weak, indirect indication of a causal relationship between folate enrichment and colorectal cancer, though similar to that reported in the U.S. and Canada."
The journal is published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, a part of Wolters Kluwer Health, a leading provider of information and business intelligence for students, professionals, and institutions in medicine, nursing, allied health, pharmacy and the pharmaceutical industry.

Big Bottoms Are Good for Health

1. Big Bottoms Are Good for Health
One question a man hates to be asked is, “Does my butt look too big in this?” But researchers suggest the healthy answer could be “yes.” They believe that the type of fat women hate, the kind that collects around the hips, may offer health benefits including helping protect women against Type 2 diabetes.
The type of fat that accumulates under the skin — called subcutaneous fat — may improve sensitivity to insulin, which regulates levels of blood sugar and may protect people against developing diabetes. So, a generous bottom may mean a lower risk of developing diabetes. In addition, the fat around bottoms may also produce hormones called adipokines, which may counteract the negative effects caused by abdominal fat (also known as visceral fat).
Scientists at Harvard Medical School found even more good news for pear-shaped people: They are less likely to develop heart disease.
Study leader Dr. Ronald Kahn gave mice transplants of subcutaneous fat deep into their abdomens. The mice began to lose weight after several weeks and their fat cells shrank. The insulin levels and blood sugar also improved.
“The surprising thing was that it wasn’t where the fat was located, it was the kind of fat that was the most important variable,” said Dr. Kahn. “Even more surprising, it wasn’t that abdominal fat was exerting negative effects, but that subcutaneous fat was producing a good effect.”