Found this on BevNet:
Although Raley’s introduction of new supplier guidelines, in which dozens of additives and preservatives will be banned from its stores, could be viewed as expected considering Americans’ continuing tilt toward healthier consumption, it is nevertheless a stunning move in which one of the country’s largest conventional grocers appears to be repositioning itself as a natural-focused retailer.
Headquartered in West Sacramento, Calif., Raley’s owns and operates 132 stores in California and Nevada, including those under the Bel Air Market, Nob Hill Food and Food Source banners. With an estimated $3.2 billion in sales for the fiscal year ending on June 28, the grocery chain is ranked number 42 in Supermarket News’s list of the “Top 75 North American Food Retailers and Wholesalers for 2014.”
Placing it squarely at the forefront of natural food trends and greater demand for traceable goods, Raley’s has curated a list of 83 ingredients that will no longer be acceptable for inclusion in products sold in its stores. The list is similar to that of Whole Foods’ “Unacceptable Ingredients for Food,” which includes 78 ingredients commonly used by food and beverage producers, including artificial colors, high fructose corn syrup and sucralose, as well as a number of preservatives, such as sodium benzoate. Also listed are potassium bromate (often used as a leavening agent), azodicarbonamide and brominated vegetable oil (BVO), each of which has been the subject of recent controversy regarding potentially harmful food additives.
There are, however, a few significant differences between the two lists. Unlike Whole Foods, Raley’s will no longer stock food products that are made with genetically modified organisms (GMO). While Whole Foods last year issued an edict declaring “full GMO transparency” in its stores by 2018, the natural grocer will continue carry products made with GMOs. And though Whole Foods is well-known for its policy of selling meat, poultry and fish that are raised without the use of antibiotics, Raley’s explicitly names antibiotics as being banned for use in any products that it sells.
Raley’s has also prohibited the use of bST, rbST bGH, rbGH, each a widely used bovine growth hormone that is injected into dairy cows to boost milk production, from supplier products.
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Vitamin E Critical in So Many Ways
Amid conflicting reports about the need for vitamin E and how much is enough, a new analysis published today suggests that adequate levels of this essential micronutrient are especially critical for the very young, the elderly, and women who are or may become pregnant.
A lifelong proper intake of vitamin E is also important, researchers said, but often complicated by the fact that this nutrient is one of the most difficult to obtain through diet alone. It has been estimated that only a tiny fraction of Americans consume enough dietary vitamin E to meet the estimated average requirement.
Some of the best dietary sources of vitamin E -- nuts, seeds, spinach, wheat germ and sunflower oil -- don't generally make the highlight list of an average American diet. One study found that people who are highly motivated to eat a proper diet consume almost enough vitamin E, but broader surveys show that 90 percent of men and 96 percent of women don't consume the amount currently recommended, 15 milligrams per day for adults.
Findings from the Advances in Nutrition study:
A lifelong proper intake of vitamin E is also important, researchers said, but often complicated by the fact that this nutrient is one of the most difficult to obtain through diet alone. It has been estimated that only a tiny fraction of Americans consume enough dietary vitamin E to meet the estimated average requirement.
Some of the best dietary sources of vitamin E -- nuts, seeds, spinach, wheat germ and sunflower oil -- don't generally make the highlight list of an average American diet. One study found that people who are highly motivated to eat a proper diet consume almost enough vitamin E, but broader surveys show that 90 percent of men and 96 percent of women don't consume the amount currently recommended, 15 milligrams per day for adults.
Findings from the Advances in Nutrition study:
- Inadequate vitamin E is associated with increased infection, anemia, stunting of growth and poor outcomes during pregnancy for both the infant and mother.
- Overt deficiency, especially in children, can cause neurological disorders, muscle deterioration, and even cardiomyopathy.
- Critically important to the early development of the nervous system in embryos, in part because it protects the function of omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA, which is important for brain health. The most sensitive organs include the head, eye and brain.
- Vitamin E supplements seem to benefit slowing progression in those with Alzheimer's disease.
- Elderly with a lifelong dietary pattern that resulted in higher levels of vitamins B,C, D and E had larger brain size and higher cognitive function.
- The most compelling evidence about vitamin E is about a 1000-day window that begins at conception. It is critical to neurologic and brain development that can only happen during that period. It's not something you can make up for later.
More protein, lower BP
Adults who consume a high-protein diet may be at a lower risk for developing high blood pressure (HBP), according to a study in the American Journal of Hypertension. Participants consuming the highest amount of protein (an average of 100 g protein/day) had a 40 percent lower risk of having high blood pressure compared to the lowest intake level.
Important Infection Prevention Tip
The homes of many children infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) may be environments in which MRSA strains live on common household surfaces, according to an article published in JAMA Pediatrics.
That was the case for almost half of the children with MRSA infections in a recent study, in which researchers found MRSA most commonly on bed linens (18%), television remote controls (16%), and bathroom hand towels (15%).
S aureus had colonized in 6 (23%) of 26 dogs tested and 1 (7%) of 14 cats tested; 1 of the 6 colonized dogs had had a skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI) during the past 6 months. In comparison, 4 dogs out of 33 noncolonized pets had had an SSTI in the past 6 months.
Of the 50 children, 20 (40%) had either a colonizing or infecting strain type that was concordant with an environmental strain recovered from a household surface. Surfaces most commonly contaminated with a concordant strain were:
Interestingly, surfaces commonly perceived to be contaminated (such as toilet seats and door handles) were not major reservoirs of MRSA.
Steve: Make sure whomever cleans around your dwelling cleans these surfaces!
That was the case for almost half of the children with MRSA infections in a recent study, in which researchers found MRSA most commonly on bed linens (18%), television remote controls (16%), and bathroom hand towels (15%).
S aureus had colonized in 6 (23%) of 26 dogs tested and 1 (7%) of 14 cats tested; 1 of the 6 colonized dogs had had a skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI) during the past 6 months. In comparison, 4 dogs out of 33 noncolonized pets had had an SSTI in the past 6 months.
Of the 50 children, 20 (40%) had either a colonizing or infecting strain type that was concordant with an environmental strain recovered from a household surface. Surfaces most commonly contaminated with a concordant strain were:
- children's bed linens (8 of 41, 20%)
- television remote controls (8 of 40, 20%)
- bathroom light switches (7 of 41, 17%)
- bathroom hand towel (5 of 31, 16%)
- bathroom sink (6 of 41, 15%).
Interestingly, surfaces commonly perceived to be contaminated (such as toilet seats and door handles) were not major reservoirs of MRSA.
Steve: Make sure whomever cleans around your dwelling cleans these surfaces!
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Chiropractic eases leg pain
People with leg pain related to back problems had more short-term relief if they received chiropractic care along with exercise and advice, rather than exercise and advice alone. The combination resulted in advantages in pain reduction, disability, global improvement, satisfaction, medication use and general physical health status after 12 weeks, as reported in Annals of Internal Medicine.
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Alzheimer's Prevention for 30 somethings
Oh do we love to read this! This is how it is supposed to work!!
http://online.wsj.com/articles/alzheimers-prevention-for-30-somethings-with-no-symptoms-1410823276
http://online.wsj.com/articles/alzheimers-prevention-for-30-somethings-with-no-symptoms-1410823276
What's a big reason why being overweight is harmful?
Overeating increases the immune response. This increased immune response causes the body to generate excessive inflammation, which may lead to a number of chronic diseases. It is therefore important to keep a balance. Too little and too much nutrition may both upset the immune defense system and increase the risk of disease.
Storage of energy causes an inflammatory reaction. The explanation lies in the close connection between the body's immune system, energy conversion and the way in which we store energy. Humans are not made to eat so much. We are intended to toil for our food.
Overeating causes stress to the mitochondria. The mitochondria are the cells' powerhouses, converting fatty acids to energy. When the cells receive excessive energy, the system starts to falter. Long-term stress on the mitochondria causes low-grade chronic inflammation over many years. When damaged mitochondria accumulate, the immune response is activated. This immune response is what causes the inflammation.
Storage of energy causes an inflammatory reaction. The explanation lies in the close connection between the body's immune system, energy conversion and the way in which we store energy. Humans are not made to eat so much. We are intended to toil for our food.
Overeating causes stress to the mitochondria. The mitochondria are the cells' powerhouses, converting fatty acids to energy. When the cells receive excessive energy, the system starts to falter. Long-term stress on the mitochondria causes low-grade chronic inflammation over many years. When damaged mitochondria accumulate, the immune response is activated. This immune response is what causes the inflammation.
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Better blood sugar breakfast
Blood sugar surges -- after-meal glucose "spikes" -- can be life threatening for the 29 million Americans with diabetes. Diabetic blood sugar spikes have been linked to cardiovascular disease, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, kidney failure, and retinal damage. Now a new study, published in Diabetologia, suggests a novel way to suppress these deadly post-meal glucose surges: the consumption of whey protein concentrate, found in the watery portion of milk separated from cheese curds, before breakfast. According to the study, consumption of whey protein before meals may even keep diabetics' need for insulin treatment at bay.
The researchers found that glucose levels were reduced by 28 percent after the whey pre-load over the 180-minute post-meal period, with a uniform reduction during early and late phases. With whey pre-load, insulin and GLP-1 responses also were significantly higher (105 and 141 percent, respectively), producing a 96 percent increase in early insulin response.
Bonnie: This has to do with whey being a protein. Protein normalizes blood sugar, which is why we have always suggested eating a protein with carbohydrates.
The researchers found that glucose levels were reduced by 28 percent after the whey pre-load over the 180-minute post-meal period, with a uniform reduction during early and late phases. With whey pre-load, insulin and GLP-1 responses also were significantly higher (105 and 141 percent, respectively), producing a 96 percent increase in early insulin response.
Bonnie: This has to do with whey being a protein. Protein normalizes blood sugar, which is why we have always suggested eating a protein with carbohydrates.
Infant feeding practices
A recent study in Pediatrics found:
An association between longer duration of breast-feeding and later introduction of foods and beverages other than breast milk, and lower rates of ear, nose, throat, and sinus infections.
An association between longer breast-feeding and increased consumption of water, fruit, and vegetables, and decreased consumption of fruit juice and sugar-sweetened beverages at age six years.
An association between longer duration of breast-feeding and later introduction of foods and beverages other than breast milk, and lower rates of ear, nose, throat, and sinus infections.
An association between longer breast-feeding and increased consumption of water, fruit, and vegetables, and decreased consumption of fruit juice and sugar-sweetened beverages at age six years.
Blood Type Matters for Memory Loss
People with blood type AB may be more likely to develop memory loss in later years than people with other blood types, according to a study published in the September 10, 2014 issue of Neurology.
AB is the least common blood type, found in about 4 percent of the U.S. population. The study found that people with AB blood were 82 percent more likely to develop the thinking and memory problems that can lead to dementia than people with other blood types.
The study was part of a larger study of more than 30,000 people followed for an average of 3.4 years. In those who had no memory or thinking problems at the beginning, the study identified 495 participants who developed thinking and memory problems, or cognitive impairment, during the study. They were compared to 587 people with no cognitive problems. People with AB blood type made up 6 percent of the group who developed cognitive impairment, which is higher than the 4 percent found in the population.
Researchers also looked at blood levels of factor VIII, a protein that helps blood to clot. High levels of factor VIII are related to higher risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. People in this study with higher levels of factor VIII were 24 percent more likely to develop thinking and memory problems than people with lower levels of the protein. People with AB blood had a higher average level of factor VIII than people with other blood types.
AB is the least common blood type, found in about 4 percent of the U.S. population. The study found that people with AB blood were 82 percent more likely to develop the thinking and memory problems that can lead to dementia than people with other blood types.
The study was part of a larger study of more than 30,000 people followed for an average of 3.4 years. In those who had no memory or thinking problems at the beginning, the study identified 495 participants who developed thinking and memory problems, or cognitive impairment, during the study. They were compared to 587 people with no cognitive problems. People with AB blood type made up 6 percent of the group who developed cognitive impairment, which is higher than the 4 percent found in the population.
Researchers also looked at blood levels of factor VIII, a protein that helps blood to clot. High levels of factor VIII are related to higher risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. People in this study with higher levels of factor VIII were 24 percent more likely to develop thinking and memory problems than people with lower levels of the protein. People with AB blood had a higher average level of factor VIII than people with other blood types.
Combat prolonged sitting with short walks
In recent years, the evidence that long hours sitting at a desk or on a couch is bad for one's health has mounted. But new research suggests a quick five-minute walk every hour can reverse the ill-effects of a person's hunched posture and sedentary nine-to-five routine.
The experiment looked at sitting's ill effects -- specifically at the consequences for blood flow, or arterial function. Participants who sat for three hours showed declining arterial function, as expected. But those who walked for five minutes once each hour were able to mostly mitigate that decline. The study included only healthy, non-obese men, ages 20 to 35.
American adults sit for approximately eight hours a day. The impairment in endothelial function is significant after just one hour of sitting.
The study will be published in the next issue of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.
The experiment looked at sitting's ill effects -- specifically at the consequences for blood flow, or arterial function. Participants who sat for three hours showed declining arterial function, as expected. But those who walked for five minutes once each hour were able to mostly mitigate that decline. The study included only healthy, non-obese men, ages 20 to 35.
American adults sit for approximately eight hours a day. The impairment in endothelial function is significant after just one hour of sitting.
The study will be published in the next issue of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.
Thursday, September 04, 2014
Fish really is brain food and more!
Cook Your Fish Right
Eating a piece of baked or broiled fish -- any fish -- once a week boosts brain health, according to new research by doctors at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Regular fish consumers were also found to be better educated about healthier lifestyles.
Feds Get in on the Act
FDA and EPA Issue Draft Updated Advice for Fish Consumption
Emerging science indicates that limiting or avoiding fish during pregnancy and early childhood can mean missing out on these important nutrients that have a positive impact on growth and development before birth, in early infancy for breastfed infants, and in childhood. As a result, FDA and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are encouraging pregnant women, those who might become pregnant, breastfeeding mothers, and young children to eat more fish—and to eat a variety of fish lower in mercury. Here’s how:
Deciphering How Omega-3's Function in the Brain
Consuming oils with high omega-3s is beneficial for the health because their presence makes the membranes more malleable and therefore more sensitive to deformation and fission by proteins. The results, published August 8th in Science, help explain why the abundance of these lipids in the brain represent a major advantage for cognitive function.
Considering that the body cannot synthesize them and that they can only be supplied by a suitable diet (rich in oily fish, etc.), it seems important to continue this work to understand the link between the functions performed by these lipids in the neuronal membrane and their health benefits.
Eating a piece of baked or broiled fish -- any fish -- once a week boosts brain health, according to new research by doctors at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Regular fish consumers were also found to be better educated about healthier lifestyles.
Feds Get in on the Act
FDA and EPA Issue Draft Updated Advice for Fish Consumption
Emerging science indicates that limiting or avoiding fish during pregnancy and early childhood can mean missing out on these important nutrients that have a positive impact on growth and development before birth, in early infancy for breastfed infants, and in childhood. As a result, FDA and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are encouraging pregnant women, those who might become pregnant, breastfeeding mothers, and young children to eat more fish—and to eat a variety of fish lower in mercury. Here’s how:
- Eat 8 to 12 Ounces of Fish/Shellfish Per Week. (That’s 2 or 3 servings of fish a week.)
- Give young children 2 to 3 servings of fish a week with the portion right for the child’s age and calorie needs
- Choose Fish That Are Lower in Mercury.Many of the most commonly eaten fish are lower in mercury, such as salmon, shrimp, pollock, tuna (light canned), tilapia, catfish and cod.
- Avoid 4 Types of Fish: tilefish from the Gulf of Mexico, shark, swordfish and king mackerel. These fish are highest in mercury. Limit white (albacore) tuna to 6 ounces a week.
- Pay attention to fish advisories when eating fish you or others have caught from streams, rivers, and lakes, on those bodies of water. If advice isn’t available, adults should limit consumption of these fish to 6 ounces a week and young children to 1 to 3 ounces a week, and not eat other fish that week.
Deciphering How Omega-3's Function in the Brain
Consuming oils with high omega-3s is beneficial for the health because their presence makes the membranes more malleable and therefore more sensitive to deformation and fission by proteins. The results, published August 8th in Science, help explain why the abundance of these lipids in the brain represent a major advantage for cognitive function.
Considering that the body cannot synthesize them and that they can only be supplied by a suitable diet (rich in oily fish, etc.), it seems important to continue this work to understand the link between the functions performed by these lipids in the neuronal membrane and their health benefits.
Newest reason to choose organic
People with food allergies always have to watch what they eat. Now, they may have to watch what their fruits and vegetables eat, as it seems it's possible to have an allergic reaction to antibiotic residues in food.
An article published in the September issue of Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, examines the case of a 10 year-old girl who had an anaphylactic (severely allergic) reaction after eating blueberry pie. Although she had a medical history of asthma and seasonal allergies, and known anaphylaxis to penicillin and cow's milk, she wasn't known to be allergic to any of the ingredients in the pie.
After weeks of testing on both the young girl and a sample of the pie, the article authors decided that what had caused the reaction was a streptomycin-contaminated blueberry. Streptomycin, in addition to being a drug used to fight disease, is also used as a pesticide in fruit, to combat the growth of bacteria, fungi, and algae.
"As far as we know, this is the first report that links an allergic reaction to fruits treated with antibiotic pesticides," said allergist Anne Des Roches, MD,FRCP, lead study author. "Certain European countries ban the use of antibiotics for growing foods, but the United States and Canada still allow them for agricultural purposes."
An article published in the September issue of Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, examines the case of a 10 year-old girl who had an anaphylactic (severely allergic) reaction after eating blueberry pie. Although she had a medical history of asthma and seasonal allergies, and known anaphylaxis to penicillin and cow's milk, she wasn't known to be allergic to any of the ingredients in the pie.
After weeks of testing on both the young girl and a sample of the pie, the article authors decided that what had caused the reaction was a streptomycin-contaminated blueberry. Streptomycin, in addition to being a drug used to fight disease, is also used as a pesticide in fruit, to combat the growth of bacteria, fungi, and algae.
"As far as we know, this is the first report that links an allergic reaction to fruits treated with antibiotic pesticides," said allergist Anne Des Roches, MD,FRCP, lead study author. "Certain European countries ban the use of antibiotics for growing foods, but the United States and Canada still allow them for agricultural purposes."
Iodine lacking for pregnant and breastfeeding women
Many pregnant and breastfeeding women in the U.S. may be lacking iodine in their diets, which is an essential element for their babies’ brain development, according to a new policy statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Most of the salt in the U.S. diet is from processed foods, and that salt is not iodized. As consumption of processed foods has increased, so has the level of iodine deficiency, with about one-third of pregnant women in the U.S. being deficient. Pregnant and lactating women should take supplements that contain adequate levels of iodine, but only about 15 percent of this group does so.
Adequate iodine intake is needed to produce thyroid hormone, which is critical for brain development in children. Severe, untreated hypothyroidism in infancy has serious, permanent effects on the brain, and milder cases of hypothyroidism can also affect a child’s cognitive development. In addition, iodine deficiency in a mother increases both mother and child’s vulnerability to the effects of certain environmental pollutants -- most notably thiocyanate (found in cruciferous vegetables and tobacco smoke) and nitrate (found in certain leafy and root vegetables).
The AAP recommends iodine supplementation for breastfeeding mothers and should be considered for some other women of childbearing age.
Most of the salt in the U.S. diet is from processed foods, and that salt is not iodized. As consumption of processed foods has increased, so has the level of iodine deficiency, with about one-third of pregnant women in the U.S. being deficient. Pregnant and lactating women should take supplements that contain adequate levels of iodine, but only about 15 percent of this group does so.
Adequate iodine intake is needed to produce thyroid hormone, which is critical for brain development in children. Severe, untreated hypothyroidism in infancy has serious, permanent effects on the brain, and milder cases of hypothyroidism can also affect a child’s cognitive development. In addition, iodine deficiency in a mother increases both mother and child’s vulnerability to the effects of certain environmental pollutants -- most notably thiocyanate (found in cruciferous vegetables and tobacco smoke) and nitrate (found in certain leafy and root vegetables).
The AAP recommends iodine supplementation for breastfeeding mothers and should be considered for some other women of childbearing age.
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