CHILDREN'S VITAMINS CONTAIN ASPARTAME, GMO's, & OTHER HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS

The #1 Children's Vitamin Brand in the US contains ingredients that most parents would never intentionally expose their children to, so why aren't more opting for healthier alternatives?

Kid's vitamins are supposed to be healthy, right? Well then, what's going on with Flintstones Vitamins, which proudly claims to be "Pediatricians' #1 Choice"? Produced by the global pharmaceutical corporation Bayer, this wildly success brand features a shocking list of unhealthy ingredients, including:

Aspartame  
Cupric Oxide  
Coal Tar Artificial Coloring Agents (FD&C Blue #2, Red #40, Yellow #6)  
Zinc Oxide  
Sorbitol  
Ferrous Fumarate
Hydrogenated Oil (Soybean)  
GMO Corn Starch
 
On Bayer Health Science's Flintstones product page designed for healthcare professionals they lead into the product description with the following tidbit of information:

82% of kids aren't eating all of their veggies1. Without enough vegetables, kids may not be getting all of the nutrients they need.

References: 1. Lorson BA, Melgar-Quinonez HR, Taylor CA. Correlates of fruit and vegetable intakes in US children. J Am Diet Assoc. 2009;109(3):474-478.
 
The implication? That Flintstones vitamins somehow fill this nutritional void. But let's look a little closer at some of these presumably healthy ingredients....

ASPARTAME  
Aspartame is a synthetic combination of the amino acids aspartic acid and l-phenylalanine, and is known to convert into highly toxic methanol and formaldehyde in the body. Aspartame has been linked to over 40 adverse health effects in the biomedical literature, and has been shown to exhibit both neurotoxicity and carcinogenicity [1] What business does a chemical like this have doing in a children's vitamin, especially when non-toxic, non-synthetic non-nutritive sweeteners like stevia already exist?
 
CUPRIC OXIDE
Next, let's look closer at Cupric Oxide, 2mg of which is included in each serving of Flinstone's Complete chewable vitamins as a presumably 'nutritional' source of 'copper,' supplying "100% of the Daily Value (Ages 4+), according to Flintstones Vitamins Web site's Nutritional Info.[2]

But what is Cupric Oxide? A nutrient or a chemical?

According to the European Union's Dangerous Substance Directive, one of the main EU laws concerning chemical safety, Cupric Oxide is listed as a Hazardous substance, classified as both "Harmful (XN)" and "Dangerous for the environment" (N). Consider that it has industrial applications as a pigment in ceramics, and as a chemical in the production of rayon fabric and dry cell batteries. In may be technically correct to call it a mineral, but should it be listed as a nutrient in a children's vitamin? We think not.  

Top US Brand of Children's Vitamins Contain Aspartame, GMO's, & Other Hazardous Chemicals
 
COAL TAR ARTIFICIAL COLORING AGENTS  
A well-known side effect of using synthetic dyes is attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. For direct access to study abstracts on this topic view our Food Coloring research page. There is also indication that the neurotoxicity of artificial food coloring agents increase when combined with aspartame,[3] making the combination of ingredients in Flintstones even more concerning.

ZINC OXIDE  
Each serving of Flinstones Complete Chewable vitamins contain 12 mg of zinc oxide, which the manufacturer claims delivers 75% of the Daily Value to children 2 & 3 years of age. Widely used as a sun protection factor (SPF) in sunscreens, The EU's Dangerous Substance Directive classifies it as an environmental Hazard, "Dangerous for the environment (N)." How it can be dangerous to the environment, but not for humans ingesting it, escapes me. One thing is for sure, if one is to ingest supplemental zinc, or market it for use by children, it makes much more sense using a form that is organically bound (i.e. 'chelated') to an amino acid like glycine, as it will be more bioavailable and less toxic.
 
SORBITOL  
Sorbitol is a synthetic sugar substitute which is classified as a sugar alcohol. It can be argued that it has no place in the human diet, much less in a child's. The ingestion of higher amounts have been linked to gastrointestinal disturbances from abdominal pain to more serious conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome.[4]

FERROUS FUMARATE  
The one clear warning on the Flinstone's Web site concerns this chemical. While it is impossible to die from consuming iron from food, e.g. spinach, ferrous fumarate is an industrial mineral and not found in nature as food. In fact, ferrous fumarate is so toxic that accidental overdose of products containing this form is "a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6." The manufacturer further warns:
Keep this product out of reach of children. In case of accidental overdose, call a doctor or poison control center immediately.

HYDROGENATED SOYBEAN OIL  
Finding hydrogenated oil in anything marketed to children is absolutely unacceptable. These semi-synthetic fatty acids incorporate into our tissues and have been linked to over a dozen adverse health effects, from coronary artery disease to cancer, violent behavior to fatty liver disease.[5]

GMO CORN STARCH 

While it can be argued that the amount of GMO corn starch in this product is negligible, even irrelevant, we disagree. It is important to hold accountable brands that refuse to label their products honestly, especially when they contain ingredients that have been produced through genetic modification. The 'vitamin C' listed as ascorbic acid in Flintstones is likely also produced from GMO corn. Let's remember that Bayer's Ag-biotech division, Bayer CropScience, poured $381,600 of cash into defeating the proposition 37 GMO labeling bill in California. Parents have a right to protect their children against the well-known dangers of genetically modified foods and the agrichemicals that contaminate them, don't they? GMO corn starch is GMO, plain and simple. We'd appreciate it if Bayer would label their "vitamins" accordingly.

In summary, Bayer's Flintstone's vitamin brand is far from a natural product, and the consumer should be aware of the unintended, adverse health effects that may occur as a result of using it.

SOURCE - http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/top-us-brand-childrens-vitamins-contains-aspartame-gmos-other-hazardous-chemicals

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Pineapple

• Pineapple is known to be very effective in curing constipation and irregular bowel movements. This is because; it is rich in fiber, which makes bowel movements regular and efficient.

• For any kind of morning sickness, motion sickness, or nausea, drink pineapple juice. It works effectively in getting rid of nausea and vomiting sensations.

• It has virtually no fat and cholesterol and is loaded with essential nutrients and vitamins that are needed by the body for overall growth and development.

• The juice from fresh pineapple can be used to relieve bronchitis, diphtheria, and chest congestion. Not only does it have enough amounts of Vitamin C, but it also contains an enzyme called bromelain (an extract from the stem of pineapples), which is known to dissolve and loosen up mucus. It is the bromelain present in pineapple which helps in loosening the mucus.

• Bromelain has anti-inflammatory properties, which benefits the internal organs, accelerates the recovery from internal injuries, and reduces swelling. Pineapple also reduces 'ulcerative colitis'.

• Pineapple is very effective in fighting viruses, which spreads cold and cough. If you are infected with the ailment, intake of fresh pineapple juice can help you recover quickly.

• Pineapple is effective in getting rid of intestinal worms and also keeps the intestines and kidneys clean. It is effective in flushing out the toxins from the body, thus making the body metabolism strong.

• Pineapples are very rich in manganese; manganese is required for the growth of healthy bones and tissues.

• Pineapples are rich in Vitamin C and thus, help prevent gum disease and also prevent the formation of plaque, consequently keeping the teeth healthy.

• Pineapple discourages blood clot development, which makes it a valuable diet for frequent fliers and those who are at a risk of forming blood clots in their bodies.

• Effective in preventing macular degeneration, pineapple reduces the risk of getting affected by this disease. Macular degeneration causes vision loss in adults, mainly due to the damage of retina when the reading, doing daily chores, and recognizing faces become difficult.

• Regular intake of pineapple reduces the risk of hypertension as it contains sodium and potassium. Including potassium and sodium in the diet lowers the blood pressure in the body.

• Consumption of pineapple improves the elasticity of the skin apart from improving skin hydration and removing dead and damaged cells.

 

 

HEALTH NEWS ~ AUGUST

I can hardly believe summer is almost gone and fall is around the corner. Here is a great recipe to try while summer is still here and all the fresh fruit is available.

Fruit Salad

One recipe Whipped Topping, (See April’s Newsletter)

Fresh fruit of choice, but here are some ideas:

Apples                             

Bananas

Blueberries 

Cantaloupe

Grapes

Honeydew

Kiwi                                  

Mango

Oranges                           

Papaya

Pineapple

Raspberries                     

Strawberries 

                   

Cut up fruit and place in bowl. Add whipped topping and mix with a big spoon and chill. Serve with toast, rice cakes, or popcorn and enjoy!

It would be well for us to do less cooking and to eat more fruit in its natural state. Let us teach the people to eat freely of the fresh grapes, apples, peaches, pears, berries, and all other kinds of fruit that can be obtained. 7T 134

Fruit is so good for us, we need to be sure to eat it every day and a variety. Did you know that?

The pomegranate is referred to in 11 Old Testament books. This shows the importance of this fruit.

In Exodus 28:33 we read that the hem of the high priest’s robe was embroidered with pomegranates. Pomegranates were used to ornament the pillars in King Solomon’s Temple (1 Kings 7:20). The spies who went to explore the land of Canaan returned with a single cluster of grapes so large that two men had to carry it on a pole. They also had some pomegranates and figs to prove that the land was fertile (Num. 13:23). Yes, the pomegranates grew in abundance in Canaan. So the pomegranate is a special fruit!

KIWI: Tiny but mighty. This is a good source of potassium, magnesium, vitamin E & fiber. Its vitamin C content is twice that of an orange.

APPLE: An apple a day keeps the doctor away? Although an apple has a low vitamin C content, it has antioxidants & flavonoids which enhances the activity of vitamin C thereby helping to lower the risks of colon cancer, heart attack & stroke.

STRAWBERRY: Protective Fruit. Strawberries have the highest total antioxidant power among major fruits & protect the body from cancer-causing, blood vessel-clogging free radicals.

ORANGE: Sweetest medicine. Eating 2-4 oranges a day may help keep colds away, lower cholesterol, prevent & dissolve kidney stones as well as lessens the risk of colon cancer.

WATERMELON: Coolest thirst quencher...Composed of 92% water; it is also packed with a giant dose of glutathione, which helps boost our immune system. They are also a key source of lycopene - the cancer fighting oxidant. Other nutrients found in watermelon are vitamin C & Potassium.

GUAVA & PAPAYA: Top awards for vitamin C. They are the clear winners for their high vitamin C content. Guava is also rich in fiber, which helps prevent constipation. Papaya is rich in carotene; this is good for your eyes.

BANANAS: Contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose, and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant sustained and substantial boost of energy.

Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90 minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.

But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial n umber of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

A banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around; so maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"

PS: Bananas must be the reason monkeys are so happy all the time! :)

I will add one here; want a quick shine on our shoes?? Take the INSIDE of the banana skin, and rub directly on the shoe...polish with dry cloth. Amazing fruit!

In the New York Times science section (July 17, 2007, page 6) it says: "People who choose organic fruits and vegetables to avoid pesticides and other chemicals may have another reason to buy organic. A new study finds that organically grown tomatoes have higher levels of flavonoids, which may protect against cardiovascular disease."

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." Romans 12:1

Let’s present our bodies a living sacrifice by eating to the glory of God. We need to have clear minds to hear the Holy Spirit talking to us and to have healthy bodies to do His will and get the work done so we can go home to heaven!