The 4 Best and 3 Worst Sweeteners to Have in Your Kitchen

The 4 Best and 3 Worst Sweeteners to Have in Your Kitchen

I seldom agree with the health articles on Yahoo.com. However, I believe this one is very informative, so thought I would share.

Best of health to you all,

Andrea B.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100127095945.htm

I just found this interesting article on a recent study regarding good bacteria and the immune system:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100127095945.htm

Personally, I believe taking probiotics has helped me with digestive system issues too.

Andrea B.

EAT LOCAL! In Your Own Backyard

Check out this great article I found on local, home gardening here in Sarasota, Florida:

EAT LOCAL! In Your Own Backyard

Enjoy,

Andrea B.

USDA seeks comments on organic label claims

USDA seeks comments on organic label claims: "The US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking comments on draft guidance for the labeling of products that contain at least 70 percent organic ingredients."

I am glad to read in the aforementioned article that the "USDA seeks comments on organic label claims". However, as I have mentioned previously in this blog, I would much rather see them focus on making those who use genetically modified ingredients label their products accordingly, so people will no longer be blind to this issue and can, therefore, make more informed choices regarding their food purchases.

In concern for your health,

Andrea B.

Cell-destroying protein to boost cancer fight: scientists

Cell-destroying protein to boost cancer fight: scientists

The above link is to an interesting article regarding some new research into modifying our own immune system's natural defense in order to fight cancer cells and other diseases. This sounds great in theory, but I am concerned that doing so without knowing what all the implications of modifying our own natural immune defenses are may have unexpected side effects, such as only being able to fight what the defenses are modified to fight and nothing else. I wish there was more research into cancer prevention through natural means, as well as finding treatments and/or cures. That would not benefit the drug companies who are usually the ones that fund much of today's medical research, but one can dream.

Here's to your health and well-being,

Andrea B.

Enzymes

I've just begun taking a dietary enzyme supplement, due to some digestive discomforts that occur when I eat certain foods and I have to tell you, my uncomfortable digestive symptoms have lessened from doing so.  Too many of the foods that we consume are cooked, canned, processed, etc., so that doesn't leave much room for the benefit of naturally occurring enzymes.  Do any of you use enzyme supplements?  Any success stories?

Fish oil linked to increased risk of colon cancer in mice | MSU News | Michigan State University

Fish oil linked to increased risk of colon cancer in mice MSU News Michigan State University

I just found this article published today on the Michigan State University's website and find it to be of much concern, as I was of the belief, as many people are, that taking fish oil supplements is a healthy practice to help lower triglycerides and reduce risks of heart attack and stroke. However, this research suggests that excessive fish oil supplementation may increase the risk of colon cancer. The article does, however, state that a recommendation should be developed regarding guidelines for how much fish oil is too much to take and that only those who are low in omega-3 fatty acids should be considering this type of supplementation at all; very interesting. I imagine these new findings will spark further research in this regard. Unfortunately, we will have to wait and see.

In concern for your health,

Andrea B.