Written on Sep, 06, 2007
by DrB
The company said in its complaint that ads and labels including hormone-free production claims mislead consumers into believing that hormone-free dairy products are healthier and safer.While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved rBST in 1993, and finds no health risk, other governing agencies and associations disagree.”Monsanto and the FDA claim that there is no scientific basis for rBST- and rBGH [recombinant bovine growth hormone]-free dairy being safer or healthier,” said Charles Margulis, spokesman from the Center for Food Safety in San Francisco…. Organic dairy is regulated by the USDA and already prohibited from using any hormones in the cows or feed, as well as pesticides, fungicides or synthetic fertilizers, and therefore any production claims by organic dairy farmers would fall outside the scope of Monsanto’s complaint.But for mainstream producers and packagers who choose to use the hormone-free production claim on their dairy, the FTC ruling can be seen as a small triumph.”The agency rejected Monsanto’s complaint, and that’s a victory for consumers who demand to know what is in their milk,” said Margulis.
Written on Aug, 02, 2007
by DrB
Eating Blueberries Slashes Colon Cancer Risk:Adding blueberries to your diet may be a natural way to prevent colon cancer, according to researchers at Rutgers University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.In a study of 18 rats with colon cancer, those fed a diet supplemented with blueberry compound pterostilbene had 57 percent fewer pre-cancerous lesions after eight weeks compared to the control group…. Adding blueberries to your ground meat before cooking it (ideally at low temperatures) is also an ideal way to prevent cancer-causing heterocyclic amines (HCA) from forming.Though blueberries are low in sugar, it’s best to eat them in moderation to keep your insulin levels from spiking.As for colon cancer, now the second leading cause of death from cancer in the United States, it’s considered one of the most preventable forms of cancer.
Written on Aug, 02, 2007
by DrB
However, in reactions involving COX-2, an increased amount of fish oil did not change the binding process, so more vegetable oil was converted to prostanoids.The findings suggest that the body naturally regulates levels of prostanoids produced by fish and vegetable oils, but the researchers are still investigating exactly why COX-1 and COX-2 act differently. They hope that, upon further investigation, they will be able to design new anti-inflammatory drugs that will bind to COX-2 and decrease the levels of prostanoids from vegetable oils.Journal of Biological Chemistry August 3, 2007, Vol…. The vast majority of foods on your supermarket shelves — from tomato sauce to bread — contain them.Consuming too many vegetable oils has been linked to:AsthmaBlindnessHeart diseaseCancerTo get your omega-6 to omega-3 ratio closer to the ideal 1:1, simply cut back on all vegetable oils (you’ll need to read labels if you eat processed foods) and get a regular supply of high-quality omega-3 fat, like that from krill oil, daily.And remember, if you’re struggling with pain from inflammation, you can avoid the serious risks of anti-inflammatory drugs by trying out these natural anti-inflammatory alternatives instead.
Written on Aug, 02, 2007
by DrB
The study showed that those who drank more than 30 grams of alcohol per day (less than two pints of strong lager) raised their cancer risk by about 25 percent.According to Dr. Walker, Cancer Research UK’s director of cancer information, “While there is increasing evidence that over indulging in alcohol can increase the risk of some cancers, research also shows that by far the biggest risk for life threatening diseases is the combination of smoking together with drinking alcohol.”BBC News July 30, 2007International Journal of Cancer July 19, 2007Dr…. It can also cause serious disruption to your delicate hormone balance.In addition to that, excessive drinking– just like smoking — may also be the cause of several other cancers, including:cancer of the mouthlarynxesophaguslivercolonbreastpancreas, and lungsA previous study on alcohol consumption and breast cancer, found that postmenopausal women who drink more than a half a glass of alcohol per day, and have low intakes of the B vitamin folate, are 60% more likely to develop breast cancer than those who do not drink alcohol and have the highest intake of folate.
Written on Jul, 22, 2007
by DrB
A 10-year study that compared organic and non-organic tomatoes found that the organic varieties contained more antioxidant flavonoids.Specifically, levels of two flavonoids — quercetin and kaempferol — were 79 percent and 97 percent higher, respectively, in the organic tomatoes…. They’re known to fight high blood pressure, heart disease, certain forms of cancer and dementia.If this study spurs more people to recognize the benefits of growing food without toxic pesticides and fertilizers, and in the most nutrient-rich soil as possible, then it’s done its job.You should seek out foods grown in this way as much as possible, and remember that you can sometimes find locally grown foods that are organically grown, yet the small farmers have not been able to afford the certification process to legally claim that they are.Of course, these foods will give you the same health and taste benefits, and have the added bonus of not taking up valuable fuel to be transported across the country or farther.Now, while organic produce is likely to be more nutritious for you and your family, don’t be fooled by the processed organic foods that have recently hit the market claiming to be healthy.
Written on Jul, 18, 2007
by DrB
Are There Antibiotics in Your Lettuce?:You’re likely familiar with the fact that your lettuce could be contaminated with pesticides and even rocket fuel, but now researchers at the University of Minnesota have uncovered another risk: antibiotics.Livestock are routinely given antibiotics to prevent disease outbreaks (which are common due to the typically crowded, unsanitary conditions in which these animals are raised)…. Root crops like potatoes, carrots and radishes may be particularly vulnerable, they said.Consuming antibiotics via your salad could lead to allergies and the development of more antibiotic-resistant superbugs, among many other as yet unknown effects.This time, however, eating organic is not the answer.