Aloha! Here’s a fun tropical twist on an American classic. Best of all, it’s a cinch to prepare. This wholesome, flavorful breakfast consists of just eggs (protein), nonfat milk (calcium), and a touch of spice. Top with sliced bananas, fresh strawberries and blueberries for a super nutritious morning start!
Hawaiian bread is unique ‘treat’, but for a lower fat, higher fiber French toast, Keep reading →
Sometimes it’s a challenge to eat all your fruits in a day. Perhaps you miss all those luscious summer fruits that were once so abundant at the produce stand. Consider the next best thing — the frozen foods section of your supermarket! It’s stocked with an array of colorful fruits — from berries to cherries to pineapples. Best of all, they’re available all year and perfect for whirling into a creamy lo-cal, tropical smoothie. Try one for a refreshing breakfast or a midday pick-me-up. Keep reading →
Artic char flesh resembles salmon, but has a milder taste
Icelandic artic char, also known as salmon trout, is rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. If you haven’t tasted artic char, it’s well worth giving it a try. Artic char tastes similar to salmon (even looks like salmon with it’s pinkish-orange flesh), but is milder in flavor.
Artic char is an excellent choice if you don’t like a strong tasting fish, but want to include fish in your diet for it’s health benefits. Be sure not to overcook this versatile delicacy or you’ll lose it’s natural moistness. A quick grilling on both sides is all you need. Keep reading →
Q: Do carrots really help your eyesight? Both my wife and I have had cataract surgery. Is there anything that we can eat to help protect our vision? ~ V.O., Bath, OH
Carrots contain eye-healthy compounds
A: Carrots contain lutein (LOO-teen) and zeaxanthin (zee-uh-ZAN-thin) which are nutrients that may protect the eyes. Lutein and zeaxanthin are xanthophylls that belong to the carotenoid family of organic pigments. Xanthophylls are found naturally in plants and give fruits and vegetables their pretty colors. They are found in the flesh of the fruit and vegetable as well as in the leaves.
Tortilla chips are the classic appetizer in Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurants and great for scooping up creamy guacamole and other exotic dips. However, these tasty wedges can be packed with salt and fat. It’s easier than you might think to make your own seasoned chips sans the grease and sodium. In this recipe, sprinkle your chips with some fresh lime zest after baking for a flavorful citrus finish.
Tortillas are a suitable replacement for bread if you’re watching your sodium intake. One Mission white corn tortilla has just 5 mg of sodium compared to 160 mg in one slice of whole wheat bread. Keep reading →
Q: I read your comparison between Clif Bar and the Nature Valley Granola Bar. How does Clif Bar compare to PowerBar? ~ S.G., San Francisco, CA
A: PowerBar® makes slightly smaller bars than Clif Bar. A PowerBar is 2.29 oz. (64.8g) as compared to Clif Bar which is 2.4 oz. (68g). For this side-by-side comparison, the PowerBar nutritional information was calculated to match the larger 2.4 oz serving. Keep reading →
Looking for a quick side dish that’s different and delicious? When you’re in the mood for a new twist on the usual steamed broccoli, give this salad a try. The rough crunchy texture of the broccoli and almonds combined with the smooth creaminess of the avocado create a tasty contrast per forkful.
Avocados are a good source of both heart-healthy monounsaturated fats (known to lower blood cholesterol) and vitamin E, a powerful anti-aging antioxidant.
Both avocados and broccoli contain lutein – a nutrient from the carotenoid family of chemicals that contain pigments. Lutein is one of the primary yellow pigments found in the central part of the retina (macula) that absorbs harmful components of sunlight. Both lutein and zeaxanthin have been found to help protect against eye diseases, such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), AMD is the leading cause of blindness in the elderly.
One serving (1 1/4 cup) of this salad contains a whopping 4.5 mg of lutein which nearly meets the 6 mg that is recommended per day by leading physicians. Keep reading →
To continue with how the body system changes, the following is an overview on what happens to your skin as you age.
Skin loses its 'snug fit' and wrinkles with age
The skin is the largest organ of the body and one of the most revealing places where aging occurs. Over time, your skin may lose its original ’snug fit’ and begin to wrinkle and sag due to the following age-related changes:
Sugar snap peas have edible pods (they’re actually fruits) and are cousins to snow peas. Their pods are round, as compared to flat like the snow pea, making sugar snap peas crisp with a crunch that pops in your mouth!
Sauté quickly and serve with shallot ‘butter’ for a simple side dish that’s full of flavor. Sugar snap peas are a very good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C (63% of your total daily requirement per cup), and vitamin A. Keep reading →
“How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you were?” ~ Leroy “Satchel” Paige
Today’s post is the first of a series on “How to Prevent Aging”. By having an understanding of the physiological changes, the causes, and effects on the rate of aging, you can adjust the way you live, work, and play and prevent or delay the onset of diseases that are disproportionately associated with aging.
* * *
Chronic diseases and disability were once synonymous with old age, but after over fifty years of research by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), you can prevent or at least control certain diseases, often through the way you live.
Individuals age overall at immensely different rates, and age-related changes in cells, organs, and tissues differ greatly as well. Organs in one individual may age faster than those in another. For example, your bone strength may diminish more rapidly as compared to your spouse whose heart function may decline faster. This suggests that the rate of aging is affected by:
“Normal aging” varies considerably and its rate can be affected by behavioral factors in your control, such as healthy eating and physical activity. Age in years does not necessarily correlate with physiological age. Keep reading →
When you’re in the mood for something different for lunch, try one of these refreshing high-protein sandwiches. They’re unusually delicious with their light soft texture, several layers of flavor, and cool crisp crunch. Start out with a base of sweet red onion, top with a generous slice of tofu seasoned with natural soy sauce and savory Spike® spice, then complete with a bed of paper-thin slices of fresh cucumber.
(Japanese) mandoline makes uniform slicing easy
Cucumbers have negligible calories and are a very good source of vitamin C and K. They are actually classified as fruits, like squash, avocado, and tomatoes, since they have an enclosed seed and develop from a flower.
Cucumbers that are grown to be eaten fresh are called “slicers” as opposed to those meant to be pickled which are called “picklers”. Interestingly, cucumbers are eaten in their ‘unripe’ green stage because when fully ripe (yellow in color), they tend to be bitter and sour. Keep reading →
Know the causes of sports injuries
You successfully shoo your children away from the computer, TV, and video games and they’re finally on their way to flex some muscles. Whether they bike casually around the neighborhood, take the family dog for a run, or play organized ball, the activity will help to keep them healthy and will hopefully become a regular routine.
Sometimes good-for-you pasttimes can hurt though, but if you stay on top of your game, they can stay fun. Follow these tips to keep your kids on the move and off the sidelines:
Height and weight differences increase risk of sports injuries
Remember to tell this to your children before they run off to play. While they’re still growing and developing, coordination and reaction times are not yet up to speed with that of an older child or adult. Kids mature physically at different rates and younger children (under 8 years old) are particularly susceptible to injury. When your kids are knocking around with pals of varying ages and sizes (or even you), the potential for injury increases considerably.
The amount of force involved directly affects the risk of getting hurt. As they get taller and heavier, collisions produce more force which increase the potential for injury just as substantial differences in height and weight between players increase the susceptibility to sports injuries. When it comes to selecting sports leagues or teams, be sure your children are matched with kids with similar skill levels as well as physical and emotional development. This will decrease the likelihood of injury and increase the fun factor. Keep reading →
Here’s an easy meal that’s bursting with taste and texture. This dish blends the signature flavors of Louisiana, Thailand, and India into a single pot filled with colorful veggies and shrimp. The light coconut milk adds rich and creamy goodness to this flavorful curry while the Cajun seasoning adds a nice subtle ‘zing’.
Shrimp is high in protein and very low in fat
Shrimp is a good source of protein and iron. It’s very low in saturated fat although high in cholesterol content (200 mg.* in 3.5 oz, or about 12 large shrimp). However, scientific research dismisses the link between high cholesterol and shellfish and may, in fact, raise levels of HDL (good cholesterol). Shrimp also contains good-for-the-skin selenium, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids which can counteract the effects of premature aging. Keep reading →
Q: What’s the difference between the Nature Valley Granola Bars that I buy at Costco and Clif Bars? ~ R.A., San Ramon, CA
A: When you need some quick fuel and you don’t have anything on hand, an “energy bar” can help satisfy your appetite and energy needs. However, energy bars on the market vary greatly. Some bars are just slightly more nutritious than a candy bar while some are actual meal supplements that contain part of your daily requirement of vitamins and minerals.
Note: Food labels list percentages of nutrients based on the amount you should consume each day — your Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). The term Percent Daily Value (DV) is used to declare what one serving of the food provides in relation to the established daily standards. Keep reading →
Spinach helps fight cancer, heart disease, and aging
If you love spinach dip, but cringe at the thought of all the fat, salt, and mayonnaise, try this! It’s the new-fashioned version of an old classic and so tasty, you’ll keep going back for more. This leafy green hors d’oeuvre contains a hefty pound of iron-rich spinach. Serve this dip with vitamin C-rich foods, such as bell peppers and broccoli, to help absorb the iron* and boost your energy level.
*Spinach contains non-heme (non-blood) or plant iron which is not easily absorbed as is heme (blood) iron found in meat. Keep reading →
Q: “Resurrect Daily Detox and Health Beverage” - Is it really as healthy as it claims to be? ~ M.N., South Lake Tahoe, CA
A: The makers of this beverage, Healthy Innovations, Inc., assert their:
“…elixir is becoming a part of the daily diet for the health conscious individual. Formulated with 22 vitamins, aminos, electrolytes, and herbs, our unique blend of ingredients help to detoxify your body and energize your soul.”
Ingredients: Carbonated Water, Citric Acid, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Sodium Citrate, Caramel Color, Sucralose, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate
Nutrition Facts: 5 calories – 0 g Sugar – 2 g carbohydrates - 30 mg caffeine per 12 oz can – 60 mg Vitamin C
This beverage is basically a glorified soda containing artificial sugar (sucralose) and flavors. What is most concerning is the fact that it contains sodium benzoate and vitamin C. Refer to post How to Prevent Cancer and Aging (Sodium Benzoate) for more details. Keep reading →
Live butter lettuce stays fresh and crispy for days
When you’re in the mood for a fresh all-in-one meal, this dish is an easy fix. It’s colorful, rich in skin-lovin’ omega-3’s, and delicious. The creamy avocados and the tender, slightly sweet flavor of the butter lettuce (a.k.a. Boston lettuce) combine scrumptiously with these zesty, delicate salmon cakes. Salmon cakes are typically 30% bread or cracker crumbs, but these cakes don’t contain a lot of starchy fillers — so you’ll get more of the true flavor and texture of the salmon. Perfect for a hot summer day! Keep reading →
Retaining the integrity of your skin is the first step to maintaining good health. The skin is the largest organ of the body and your first line of defense against infection, injury, damaging pollutants, and harmful ultraviolet rays. Dirt and debris need to be removed from your skin and face, but without degrading the valuable skin layers. Stop the germ cycle with the following nine tips:
Cleansing Tip #1 – Soaping Up
Recite the ABC's when lathering up and rinsing
Rub, Recite, and Rinse. Practice the 3 R’s of good basic hand washing. Rub well, recite the alphabet, and rinse a lot. Frequent hand washing is one of the best preventive measures against spreading infectious diseases.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends spending at least 20-30 seconds (about the time it takes to recite the alphabet from A to Z) lathering your hands to thoroughly dislodge & remove germs. Then rinse well in warm water!
Cleansing Tip #2 – Rinsing
Soap works by attaching itself to dirt and lifting it off. Therefore, if the lather isn’t rinsed off completely, germs and soap end up drying on the skin. Most people don’t rinse well enough after washing. When you think you’re done rinsing, splash your skin at least three more times. Better yet, recite the alphabet while rinsing as well.
Black Cod — also known as Butterfish and Sablefish — contains as much as 30% more heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids as wild salmon, except King Salmon. This delicacy has a soft texture and buttery richness (similar to Chilean Sea Bass) that makes this fish highly prized overseas, particularly in Japan. It’s no wonder that it’s also popularly known as ‘Butterfish’. Black Cod survives in the deep frigid waters of the North Pacific which is why it accumulates a substantial amount of essential fatty acids.
This fish has a very mild flavor as opposed to other types, such as salmon or mackerel. Due to it’s mildness, Black Cod is easily enlivened with savory flavors, such as this Hawaiian habanero marinade. It’s made from a base of natural soy sauce and is blended with silky papaya habanero chili preserves, tangy orange juice, a kick of fresh ginger, and an added dash of heat (jalapeno peppers). Serve over a bed of Japanese buckwheat noodles (soba) and a side of steamed broccoli for an absolutely heavenly meal. Drizzle the cooking juices over everything and enjoy! Keep reading →
Q: I like to keep the air conditioner going all summer, but my wife insists we need to “air out the house” and opens up the windows. My solution to clearing the air is spraying the rooms with Lysol. Is there anything wrong with that? ~ R.V., Riviera Beach, FL
A: During the summer when you’re hot or homebound, keeping your home closed up tight with the air conditioner on may be a nice retreat from the heat. It’s no different from those who keep their windows shut all winter to block out the cold. However, keep in mind that the majority of germs are airborne, invisibly transferred, and continually reproduce.
What you inhale is absorbed into the bloodstream
Disinfectant sprays are manufactured to kill viruses, bacteria, and fungi on surfaces — not in the air. Some of the newer ’sanitizing sprays’ on the market claim to “kill odor-causing bacteria in the air”. However, be aware of the ingredients that are supposedly ‘refreshing’ the air you breathe. Once inhaled, these chemicals are absorbed into the bloodstream.
A few widely-used brands and their disclosed ingredients are listed below. Click on the product name to access its Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and the individual chemical for the MSDS on that specific substance.
Lysol® Neutra Air® Freshmatic®:
When you crave Mexican food, but want to scale down the calories and fat, try a Tofu Enchurrito! It’s easy to assemble with your protein and veggies all rolled up into one.
Tofu is made from soybeans and rich in protein. Studies have shown soy-based foods boost the production of the antioxidant enzyme catalase. (See post on How to Prevent Gray Hair.)
Try some Hatch enchilada sauce made by third-generation chile farmers and now available at Whole Foods Market. It boasts real authentic flavor and contains less salt than other brands. FYI: The city of Hatch in New Mexico has a reputation for growing the best chile peppers in the world! Keep reading →
Chemicals can be beneficial or hazardous to your health when they pass through your skin and have a biological effect on cellular tissues. Is your skin a chemical trap?
There are three major routes in which chemicals enter the body:
(A) Epidermis (B) Dermis (C) Hypodermis (D) Blood & Lymph Vessels (1) Hair shaft (8) Hair follicle (10) Nerve fiber (11) Sweat gland (13) Artery (14) Vein (16) Sweat pore
The skin is the largest organ of the body and consists basically of three layers:
(A) Epidermis – outermost layer: Chemicals first make contact with this thin protective layer.
(B) Dermis: After a substance passes through all the layers of the epidermis, it contacts this much thicker underlayer called the dermis. The dermis contains most of the skin’s living structures, such as:
Once a chemical seeps into the dermis, it is allowed entry into the veins inevitably circulating throughout the bloodstream. Keep reading →
Here’s a no-cook summer spin on tangy Texas black bean dip. It’s rich in texture and flavor and has lots of kick! Scoop it up with baked tortilla chips or veggies as a snack/appetizer, enjoy it as a spicy salsa over salad, tacos, grilled fish and chicken, or dish it out as a hearty side.
It’s made from a spicy base of cholesterol-free protein and fiber (black beans) and vitamin E-rich avocados. This recipe yields a lot and tastes better the longer it sits, but you’ll find it disappears fast! Keep reading →
Look for a nice golden color
Pineapples are a great source of valuable enzymes, vitamin C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy this tasty tropical fruit, but trying to pick the perfect pineapple doesn’t have to be a hit-and-miss effort.
Pineapple season is March through July in Hawaii where they peak in April/May. They will not ripen nor will they become sweeter after they’re harvested. Pineapples do not have extra starch reserves, like bananas or pears, which can easily be converted into sugar after they’re picked. To select one of these popular Hawaiian jewels:
Scientists have investigated pineapple enzymes for its medicinal properties
Q: I heard that eating pineapple is beneficial after sustaining an injury or having surgery. Is there any truth to this? ~ J.C., Seattle, WA
A: Pineapples are refreshing tropical fruits and contain a natural enzyme called bromelain. For hundreds of years, pineapples had been used in folk medicine to treat digestive ailments and treat inflammation. Natives applied pineapple dressings to wounds and skin injuries to reduce inflammation and drank the juice of the fruit to ease stomachaches and indigestion. Recently, research scientists have investigated possible medical uses for this enzyme.
Proponents use bromelain to reduce swelling, bruising, inflammation, and pain after surgery and injury. Bromelain has been approved for these uses by the German Commission E since 1993. According to an article posted by the American Cancer Society, research studies have been conducted to prove that bromelain may: Keep reading →
Organic vs. conventional - Is is worth the cost?
Q: We eat lots of fruit in the summer. Is organic produce really worth the extra expense? ~ G.M., El Cerrito, CA
A: Summer is synonymous with sumptuous fresh strawberries, peaches and watermelons. They’re great sources of antioxidants and fiber and a special treat at this time of year. However, fruits consistently top the list of produce that are most contaminated by pesticides. Buying pesticide-free produce is the best choice, but they’re generally more costly or may be unavailable.
During tough economic times, coming up with the extra cash to buy organic can be difficult. Knowing when it’s smart to buy organic and when it makes sense to go conventional, you’ll spend your money wisely. Keep reading →
A delicious, easy and heart-healthy snack
If you’re in need of a fast off-the-shelf appetizer or snack, try Affi’s Aubergine and Baked Crackers by Marin Gourmet, Inc.
This dip is made with simple ingredients: several varieties of eggplant, fresh home-grown herbs, garlic, olive oil, and no preservatives. Their crispy baked crackers pair perfectly with the tasty mesquite-flavored spread and are free of salt, sugar, and fat. Keep reading →
Q: Regarding your post on How to Prevent Gray Hair, can an individual augment the level of enzymes to generate pigmentation with pills or injections? ~ D.E., Santa Fe, NM
A: Thousands of enzymes are manufactured by the cells in all living matter with each having a specific purpose. All chemical reactions in the body (i.e. breaking down or synthesizing compounds) are regulated by enzymes and you could not live without them.
Due to the “more is better” mentality, there are many enzyme products and advertisements in the marketplace. However, there is not enough clinical evidence that would support swallowing or injecting enzyme supplements to keep you healthy as well as prevent gray hair (in particular, the enzymes catalase to break down hydrogen peroxide and tyrosinase to produce melanin).
Q: I am really sensitive to perfume and fragranced body products (especially soaps and lotions). I get a rash and I cough when I spray on perfume or am near someone wearing heavy cologne. What’s in them that is so irritating? ~ K.A., Huntington Beach, CA
Artificial fragrances are common allergens and irritants
A: Artificial fragrances are synthetically-derived substances used solely to impart an odor. They are a common offender of adverse allergic reactions.
In a study by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group, fragrances were the number one cause of allergic and irritant reactions to cosmetics. (Preservatives were the second most common cause of cosmetic allergies.)
Fragrance manufacturers may use any raw material in fragrance formulas
Pre-market approval of fragrance materials is NOT required. With the exception of color additives and nine prohibited ingredients, fragrance manufacturers may use any raw material in a fragrance formula and are exempt from disclosing the chemicals on their label.
Fragrance ingredients need only be listed on the label as “fragrance” thereby limiting the FDA’s surveillance and actual authority over the fragrance industry.
There are no official government definitions for “fragrance free”, “unscented”, or “natural fragrance”. In short, manufacturers can formulate their own interpretation of such label claims.
Commercial “fragrance free” or “unscented” products are rare and may only mean they have no discernible scent. Companies may add a masking fragrance to a product to conceal the odor of its raw ingredients without adding a discernible odor to it. Keep reading →
Here’s the perfect summer salad that’s as colorful as nutritious. This 7-layer Hawaiian-style salad is a meal in itself and easy to make. The light tangy Asian dressing blends the silky texture of the tofu with the crunchy veggie layers.
Made with fresh chopped vegetables (local grown is best!) and salmon that’s packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Tofu is a high-quality source of vegetable protein, contains no cholesterol, and is rich in healthy isoflavones.
Q: Why does hair turn gray? Is there any way to slow down this part of the aging process? ~ K.P., Richfield, OH
A: Hair is initially white (no pigment) and gets its natural color from a type of pigment called melanin. Melanin begins forming (melanogenesis) in utero and is produced by specialized pigment cells called melanocytes.
These cells are located at the opening of the skin’s surface where the hair grows. When a hair is being formed, melanocytes inject pigment into epithelial cells within the hair follicle (a sac from which the hair grows).
Hair has only two types of pigments – dark (eumelanin) and light (phaeomelanin) – but they create a wide range of colors. Your natural hair color is determined by the amount of and blending of melanin in the middle layer of the hair shaft (cortex).
Pigment cells die and hair loses color
White hair has no pigment. Gray hair has a reduced amount of pigment. The mixture of pigmented hair and white hair produces the perception of “gray hair”.
Hair loses color and starts to gray when pigment cells die and levels of enzymes decrease. The chances of your hair color turning gray increase 10-20% every decade after your 30th birthday. Keep reading →
Bruschetta (pronounced “brusketta”) is a healthy snack or appetizer and easy to make. (Chopping tomatoes required, but can be therapeutic.) If you’re so lucky to have vine-ripened tomatoes and homegrown basil on hand, this refreshing Italian dish promises to be extra flavorful. The tomatoes add a rich source of lycopene making it a red-hot antioxidant that’s protective against aging and a growing list of cancers.
Q: What’s the difference between the more expensive soap made with vegetable oils and the cheaper commercial brands of soap? ~ D.W., Los Angeles, CA
A: Soap is the resultant compound made by reacting fat (either from vegetables or animals) with sodium hydroxide. The less expensive, commercially-manufactured soaps use tallow (animal fat).
Tallow is a low-cost waste product of the meat industry. It is basically fat stripped from slaughtered cattle, but it may also include fat rendered from slaughtered sheep and pigs.
Ivory is made from tallow
Soap manufactured from animal fat is called sodium tallowate. 50% of a slaughtered steer is tallow and bones – the main ingredient of commercial mass-produced soap. Ivory® states that their tallow comes from meat processing scraps and consists of beef and/or pork hide and bones.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, from the time cattle hides are removed from the animal, rapidly-growing bacteria populates the fresh hide. In order to control bacterial growth, bactericides and detergent or large amounts of salt need to be used as a preservative. Further, cattle hide is one of the primary sources of E.coli contamination on carcasses. Keep reading →
This version of Manhattan clam chowder uses lycopene-rich tomatoes, but includes a touch of milk to soften the acidity. It’s high in flavor, but low in fat. Fresh clams can be added, but canned clams are used here to make it an easy, full-bodied soup that you can throw together fast. Add a green salad and whole grain bread and you have a healthy, heartwarming meal.
Benzoates are widely used preservatives and linked to aging and cancer
Sodium benzoate (also known as E211) is a chemical preservative used to help inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungus in acidic products. It is linked to aging and cancer and is widely used in foods, beverages, cosmetic, dental care products, and pharmaceuticals that contain:
Sodium benzoate is used in some sodas
This crystalline powder is the sodium salt of benzoic acid and is produced by reacting sodium hydroxide (lye) with benzoic acid. Benzoic acid is commercially manufactured by reacting toluene with oxygen. Toluene, also known as methylbenzene or phenylmethane, is related to benzene (a carcinogenic substance). Toluene is found in crude oil and used to make gasoline.
Due to the unpleasant aftertaste of sodium benzoate and not so much for toxicity, sodium benzoate concentration is limited by the FDA in the U.S. and should not exceed 0.1% by weight. Potassium benzoate, the potassium salt of benzoic acid, is an alternative preservative to sodium benzoate. When lower sodium content is required, potassium benzoate is used in place of sodium benzoate. Keep reading →
Q: What’s in the artificial dyes that are used to color our food? ~ C.O., San Ramon, CA
A: Synthetic colors used to make products more attractive, appealing, and appetizing originally started out from coal tar crudes and are often still called “coal tar colors”.
The origin of colorants
Today, according to the Food and Drug Administration, many certified dyes are synthesized from petroleum (crude oil) – a naturally occuring flammable liquid found in the Earth’s rock formations. Benzene, a known human carcinogen, is a natural constituent of crude oil and coal tar.
It’s hard to imagine that these usually black or dark brown (and sometimes yellowish or greenish) hydrocarbons are the primary raw materials used to manufacture the colorants widely used in:
FoodMoreover, synthetic coloring agents are recognized as a frequent cause of skin and eye irritation.
Sample of heavy crude oil (the base ingredient of artificial colorants)
Even though coal-tar and petroleum are extremely volatile, toxic substances, the FDA determines that there is “reasonable certainty” that a dye poses no harm, or the risks are extremely small when used under its proposed conditions. However, the absolute safety of any substance can never be proven.
In 1900, there were approximately eighty (80) food color additives being used and considered safe. Due to adverse or carcinogenic effects since then, the list of acceptable FD&C (Food, Drug, & Cosmetic) colorants in the U.S. has been reduced to nine (9) certified colors.
THR Tip: Steer away from artificially-colored products which you consume or slather on your skin. By doing so, you’ll eliminate unnecessary petrochemical additives and possible carcinogens from entering your body.
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© 2009 Karen Owoc and The Health Reporter™. All Rights Reserved.
One of the most important ways for men at any age to stay healthy and live longer is to get recommended screening tests. These tests can detect diseases early (i.e. cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and more) when they are easier to treat.
NOTE: If you have risk factors, a diagnosed condition, or a family history of certain diseases, talk to your physician. The types of tests, when you start testing, and how often you test may differ from the standard recommendations below.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for the following diseases:
1. Obesity: Have your Body Mass Index (BMI) calculated to screen for obesity. BMI is a tool that is used to measure body fat by the weight (in kilograms) to height (in meters) ration of an individual. A BMI of 25 – 29.9 kg/m indicates overweight and a BMI greater than 30 kg/m indicates obesity.
You can use the BMI calculator from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to find your own BMI.
2. High Cholesterol (age 45+): Starting at age 35, have your blood checked regularly for cholesterol levels (fasting blood test). Talk to your provider about testing earlier if you are younger than 35 and if:
3. High Blood Pressure (age 18+): Starting at age 18, have your blood pressure checked at least every two years. A blood pressure reading of 140/90 and above is high.
4. Colorectal Cancer (age 50+): Starting at age 50, your physician can decide which test is right for you. Keep reading →
One of the most important ways for women at any age to stay healthy and live longer is to get recommended screening tests. These tests can detect diseases early (i.e. cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, and more) when they are easier to treat.
NOTE: If you have risk factors, a diagnosed condition, or a family history of certain diseases, talk to your physician. The types of tests, when you start testing, and how often you test may differ from the standard recommendations below.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for the following diseases:
1. Obesity: Have your Body Mass Index (BMI) calculated to screen for obesity. BMI is a tool that is used to measure body fat by the weight (in kilograms) to height (in meters) ration of an individual. A BMI of 25 – 29.9 kg/m indicates overweight and a BMI greater than 30 kg/m indicates obesity.
You can use the BMI calculator from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to find your own BMI.
2. Breast Cancer (age 40+): Starting at age 20, the American Cancer Society recommends getting a Clinical Breast Exam (CBE) by your health care provider about every 3 years. Breast self-exam (BSE) is also an option for women starting in their 20s. At age 40, you should have a mammogram every year and a CBE prior to the mammogram.
3. High Cholesterol (age 45+): Starting at age 45, have your blood checked regularly for cholesterol levels (fasting blood test). Talk to your provider about testing earlier if you are younger than 45 and if:
If you’re having difficulty paying your bills and face the decision to sacrifice your health care to make ends meet, you’re not alone. In a recent study, one in three Americans report having problems paying their medical bills. As a result, patients are skipping doctor appointments, ceasing or reducing their medication, and postponing surgery or treatment to save money. Making such changes without consulting your physician is risky and can jeopardize your condition.
Before you take shortcuts with your health, consider the following ways to reduce your medical expenses and increase the value of your health care dollars:
1. Continue or start a healthy daily routine of physical activity and nutritious eating to reduce or maintain a healthy weight and ward off illness and disease. Also, moderate alcohol and eliminate beverages that contain empty calories.
2. Switch to generic brands for prescription medications under your physician’s advisement. Generic drugs contain the same active ingredient(s) as the name-brand versions. Generics are less expensive because the generic drug manufacturer does not invest money in drug research and development or in government approval of a new drug nor does it spend money on media marketing (i.e. print, television, internet, etc.).
The Food and Drug Administration requires that generic brands are the same as the brand-name drugs in the following ways:
3. Check large warehouse membership club chains (e.g. Costco) that purchase high volumes for savings on prescription drugs. These stores have both onsite and online/mail order pharmacies, so pricing is available online. Costco will ship your prescription FREE via USPS from Everett, WA (allow 6-11 days to receive your order). Acceptable insurance plans are listed online. Keep reading →
Karen Owoc