Posted June 28, 2011
New evidence suggests that vitamin D may have a more versatile role than previously thought, particularly when it comes to maintaining a healthy immune system and boosting mood. Read more.
Archives for June 2011
7 Surprising Things You’re Not Supposed to Know About Sunscreen and Sunlight Exposure
Posted June 27, 2011
Ask somebody about sunscreen and you’re likely to receive an earful of disinformation from a person who has been repeatedly misinformed by health authorities and the mainstream media. Almost nothing you hear about sunscreen from traditional media channels is accurate. So here’s a quick guide to the 7 most important things you need to know about sunscreen, sunlight and vitamin D. Read more.
Green Tea and Cocoa Epicatechin Flavonoids Lower Diabetes Risk and Extend Lifespan
Posted June 27, 2011
New research published in the Journal of Nutrition provides evidence that potent epicatechin flavonoids from extracts of green tea and cocoa lower the destructive effects of high blood sugar. This can effectively prevent damage that ravages the major organs and especially the coronary arteries lining the heart muscle. Read more.
Gluten then and now
Posted June 27, 2011
Over the past decade, the frequency of conversations about gluten intolerance (GI) and celiac disease (CD) in the United States has gone from almost unheard of to commonplace. Chances are your local supermarket sells dozens of items labeled “gluten free” where none existed five years ago. Restaurants and school lunch programs frequently offer gluten-free alternatives. What happened? Read more.
The FDA Needs a Warning Letter of Its Own
Posted June 27, 2011
In June 2007, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued the final rule on Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs), which, according to Nutraingredients-usa.com, is regarded by many as “the most important regulatory development for the dietary supplement industry in over a decade.” But will it assist companies? And, more importantly, what’s really at stake here? Read more.
Peru Implements Ten-Year Ban on GMOs
Posted June 24, 2011
A rarity in the world today, the South American nation of Peru has yet to be contaminated by the import, cultivation, or breeding of any genetically-modified (GM) crops — at least not openly — unlike some of its nearby neighbors like Brazil that have openly and willingly accepted them. And the recent decision by Peru’s Plenary Session of the Congress to enact a ten-year moratorium on GMOs, in direct defiance to previous governmental pushes for legalization, represents a huge victory for Peruvians. Read more.
Why Laying Off Ag Reporter Philip Brasher is Bad for Food
Posted June 24, 2011
Well-known DC-based agriculture reporter Philip Brasher was just let go by the Des Moines Register. His reporting also often appeared in USA Today; both papers are owned by the parent company Gannett. But here is why you should really be concerned about the future of food and agriculture policy in this country. Read more.
Supreme Court Sides with Pharmaceutical Industry in Two Decisions
Posted June 24, 2011
The Supreme Court gave the pharmaceutical industry a pair of victories, shielding the makers of generic drugs from most lawsuits by injured patients and declaring that drug makers have a free-speech right to buy private prescription records to boost their sales pitches to doctors. Read more.
New Study: Cholesterol Meds May Cause Diabetes
Posted June 24, 2011
I have previously written about research that showed that statins increase the risk of diabetes. This latest study examined five major clinical trials on statins that included 32,752 non-diabetics over 4.9 years. During the study period, 2,749 patients (or 8.4 percent) developed diabetes. Those on the highest doses of statins (which are increasingly prescribed by physicians) were at the highest risk of developing diabetes. Read more.
10 Easy Ways to Green Your Home
Posted June 24, 2011
Environmental problems like climate change and air and water pollution may sometimes seem unsolvable, but there are many simple and inexpensive things you can do every day to help. The best place to start is your home. Read more.