Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Processed Meats Declared too Dangerous for Human Consumption



The World Cancer Research Fund recently completed a detailed review of 7,000 clinical studies covering links between diet and cancer. Upon conclusion it is evident that processed meats are dangerous for human consumption and consumers should stop buying and eating processed meats.

What are processed meats?
Processed meats include bacon, sausage, hot dogs, sandwich meat, packaged ham, pepperoni, salami and nearly all meat found in prepared frozen meals. Processed meats are usually manufactured with a carcinogenic (linked to promote and cause cancer) ingredient known as sodium nitrate. Sodium nitrate is primarily used as a colour fixer by meat companies to make the packaged meats look bright red and fresh. Monosodium glutamate is also added on a regular basis to enhance the savoury flavour.

Sodium Nitrate has been strongly linked to the formation of cancer-causing nitrasamines in the human body, leading to a sharp increase in the risk of cancer for those consuming them. A 2005 Hawaii University study found that eating processed meats increased the risk of pancreatic cancer by 67%, whilst another study found that it increased the risk of colorectal cancer by 50%. These are scary numbers for those consuming processed meats on a regular basis.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a second dangerous chemical found in virtually all processed meat products. MSG is a dangerous excitotoxin linked to neurological disorders such as migraine headaches, Alzheimer’s disease, loss of appetite control, obesity and many other serious health conditions. Manufacturers use MSG to add an addictive savory flavor to dead-tasting processed meat products.

Food items to check carefully:
•Beef jerky
•Bacon
•Sausage
•Pepperoni
•Hot dogs
•Sandwich meat
•Deli slices
•Ham
•Frozen pizzas with meat
•Canned soups containing meat
•Frozen meals with meat
•Ravioli and meat pasta foods

…and many more meat products

If it’s so dangerous to consume why are they allowed to sell it?

Unfortunately now days the food industry interests now dominate the actions of the government regulators. The USDA for example tried to ban sodium nitrate in the late 1970′s but were overridden by the meat industry insisting the chemical was ‘safe’. Today the food and agriculture corporations hold tremendous influence over the food industry and as a result consumers have little protection from dangerous chemicals intentionally added to foods, medicines and personal care products.

To avoid the dangers of processed meats:
•Always read ingredient labels
•Don’t buy anything made with sodium nitrate or MSG
•Avoid eating red meats served by restaurants, schools, hospitals, hotels or other institutions without asking for details
•Eat more fresh produce and only purchase fresh meats
•Avoid processed meats as much as possible
•Spread the word and tell others about the dangers of sodium nitrate and MSG

Vitamin C naturally found in fresh fruits and vegetables has been shown to help prevent the formation of cancer-causing nitrosamines, protecting you from the devastating health effects of processed meats. The best defense of course is to avoid process meats all together.


Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Kiwi Benefits

What’s in a Name?

For this fruit, quite a lot! The kiwi, originally called the Chinese gooseberry and later the “sunny peach”, was renamed the kiwi by New Zealand natives after their national bird. There are over 400 varieties of this fuzzy fruit, which grows off of vines on a trellis, much like grapes are cultivated.


Researchers exploring the potential positive features of the kiwi fruit have conducted several studies involving children and adults. A study in Italy indicated that children had less trouble with wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing in the night when they consumed 5-7 servings of kiwi or citrus fruit a week. Asthma sufferers were found to derive the most benefit from the kiwi, even when eaten as few as 1-2 times a week. Adults can also benefit from eating the jewel-toned fruit! Another study demonstrated that eating 2-3 kiwi fruits a day can reduce the potential for blood clots and decrease triglycerides. Yet another study cited the kiwi’s ability to protect and repair the body from DNA damage, which could protect against cancer.

Nutritional No Limits

 
From disease prevention to an abundance of vitamins and minerals, the kiwi provides a wide array of nutrition benefits. According to a study at Rutgers University, the kiwi is the most nutrient dense fruit, ounce for ounce. Below is a list of the different ways that the naturally fat-free kiwi can help our health:

Disease Prevention

 
Fiber: Kiwi provides 16% of the RDA for fiber and has a role in the prevention of constipation and some cancers.
 
Phytonutrients: Kiwis have phytonutrients, which repair DNA, act as the body’s protection against some cancers, and function as antioxidants. Learn more about phytonutrients plant powers.

Vitamins

 
Folic Acid: Kiwi provides 10% of the RDA for folic acid, which is important for expectant mothers and works to produce red blood cells.
 
Vitamin C: One serving of kiwi gives the body 230% of the RDA for Vitamin C, which helps heal wounds, increase iron absorption, and boost the immune system.
 
Vitamin E: Kiwi provides 10% RDA for Vitamin E and decreases the risk of heart disease.
 

Minerals
 
Calcium: Kiwi provides 5.5% of the RDA for Calcium.
 
Chromium: Kiwi aids in regulating heartbeats.
 
Copper: Kiwi provides 8% of the RDA for Copper.
 
Iron: Kiwi provides 4% of the RDA for Iron.
 
Magnesium: Kiwi provides 6% of the RDA for Magnesium, which can enhance your energy level.
 
Potassium: Kiwi aids in fluid maintenance.
 
Zinc: Kiwi helps keep hair, skin, teeth, and nails healthy.
 
Selecting, Storing, and Eating a Kiwi

How do I choose a kiwi?

Look for a fruit that is plump and fragrant with no visible bruising or wrinkles and a slightly firm feel
What if I chose a fruit that isn’t yet ripe?

Kiwis ripen quickly when placed in either a paper or plastic bag with a banana. However, once they are ripened, store them away from other fruit or they will decompose more quickly!

How long are kiwis good for once I buy them?

Ripe kiwi fruit can last in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks.
 
Can I eat the skin?

You can, but wash carefully to remove unwanted pesticides! Rub it a bit to minimize the fuzz. The skin actually provides more fiber to your sweet snack. If you’re not fond of the fuzzy exterior, simply “sloop” it out by slicing the kiwi in half horizontally and spooning out each end to enjoy.
 
What is a serving size?

A serving of kiwi fruit is ½ cup, or 1 medium-sized kiwi.

The Kiwi Craze

Kiwi fruit can be enjoyed in smoothies, sprinkled into your morning yogurt, mixed into fruit salad, or eaten plain.

Alexandria Hardy is a Registered Dietitian employed by Diablo Clinical Research, where she provides nutrition education to clinical research subjects and works on various marketing and nutrition communications. She earned her undergraduate degree in Dietetics and Fitness/Nutrition/Health from Purdue University and completed her internship in Indianapolis, IN.

Article Source: www.tinyurl.com/cv9fkrl