Previously I wrote about the number of chemicals that we consume every time we eat processed food. The good news is that you can limit the number of these chemicals you consume if you simply avoid processed or packaged foods. The bad news is that the chemicals used in modern commercial farming are equally as bad.
Produce is laden with pesticides and livestock are fed everything from corn to wood chips, cement dust, and even feces. For the record, cows are supposed to eat grass. Of course, you’d think this would make the livestock sick. Fortunately (or maybe not so fortunately) for us they are pumped full of hormones to keep them alive and ensure the highest weight at the time of sale. Every time you eat any of this food you are ingesting poisons that your body has to deal with.
How do you avoid this? The best way is to make the switch to organic. I’m not naïve either. I know it is more expensive. Then again, I also know that most families have more than one car and satellite television. If you’re serious about your health or that of your children, the choices you make with money are critical.
An example of an organic produce resource is below. Maybe they have one in your city.
http://www.planborganicfarms.ca/
August 24th, 2006
There are currently four classifications for the chemicals added to processed foods. They are food additives, generally recognized as safe (GRAS) substances, prior-sanctioned substances, and color additives.
Together they total approximately 3000 substances and most of them don’t have to be listed on the label. You might see “artificial flavours” or “artificial colours”, but further explanation is not required because they are GRAS. Keep in mind that the government does not test the safety of these substances. To save time and money the company wishing to use the substance is responsible for testing its safety. After this they simply inform the government that it is safe. Of course, big corporations are always honest so we’re in good hands.
Want to see what you’re eating?
Go here:
http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/eafus.html
The list is extensive, but do it anyway. It might just make you a little more wary of processed foods. That might just change your life.
August 23rd, 2006
If you’re old enough to remember the days when your parents practically had to force feed you cod liver oil it might surprise you to know that they might’ve actually been onto something.
Today fish oils can be used to increase metabolism, decrease carbohydrate cravings, reduce cholesterol and look after your children. Okay…so I made up the last one, but the list of benefits is so extensive that I can’t include them all here.
Unlike the old cod liver oil, fish oils now come in capsules. You should look for a concentrated brand like Omega Pur - Super One a Day that contains 60% of its oils in the form of EPA and DHA. Despite the label instructions, research shows you should start with at least 3 per day. If you’re taking blood thinners consult your doctor before use.
August 22nd, 2006
If you’ve been out of bed any time during the past two years, you’ve probably heard about the remarkable benefits of green tea. It seems it can do everything from relieving muscle pain to
giving you x-ray vision.
What’s the real story behind the hype?
Green tea, oolong tea, and black tea are all made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. All contain caffeine, flouride, and flavanoids to varying degrees. However, unlike other teas from the same plant, green tea is steamed or fired instead of fermented to preserve the most valuable flavanoid EGCG.
Caffeine
Caffeine content of any tea depends on the amount of the bag is left to steep. The stronger the tea the higher caffeine content.
Below is a comparison of popular drinks:
- 8oz Coffee - 155mg
- 355ml Diet Coke - 45mg
- 8oz Green Tea - 15mg
Despite having significantly less caffeine than coffee, some regular java drinkers report a surprising jolt of energy from a of green tea. Other nutrients mentioned later are likely to
blame.
Fluoride
Fluoride levels in green tea are comparable to those recommended for prevention of cavities. In fact, the extract of white tea (a less mature form of green tea) has recently been added to Aquafresh, Colgate, and Crest for its fluoride and antibacterial qualities.
EGCG
Otherwise known as epigallocatechin gallate, scientists believe that this is the one flavanoid responsible for many of the positive effects of green tea. It is a strong antioxidant and has
many potential benefits.
Although scientific evidence is mixed about the effects of green tea consumption on cardiovascular disease and cancer, the results look promising. Evidence is very solid in animal research, but I anticipate that future investigations will show the same benefits for humans.
For years “fat burner” supplements have included green tea extract due to its ability to increase metabolic rate by 3 to 4 percent. Although little research has been done on the actual weight loss effects of green tea it makes sense (based on the metabolic information) that it might help and it definitely won’t hurt.
(As an aside, if you take iron supplements take them separately. Tea blocks iron uptake)
Sounds Great! How much do I need?
To reap the full benefits of green tea you’ll need to consume about three glasses per day. For tea on the go simply boil a pot of water, drop in the tea bags, cool and add splenda. Pour into bottles and you’re set for the day at work. If you can’t get in three glasses don’t worry. Just remember that one is better than none.
August 21st, 2006
