food safety

Do You Still Believe Soy is a Health Food?

By Dr. Mercola

Soybeans contain compounds called phytoestrogens or isoflavones, which have been found to produce a variety of mild hormonal actions within the human body by mimicking the sex hormone estrogen. An increased risk of breast cancer is another potential hazard, especially if you’re exposed to high amounts of estrogen-mimicking compounds from birth.

Making matters worse, unless you’re buying USDA 100% Organic soy products, chances are you’re consuming genetically engineered soy, or feeding it to your baby, and GE crops—soy in particular—have also been linked to serious fertility problems. Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, has similarly been implicated in causing miscarriages, and both conventional- and genetically engineered soy are typically treated with heavy doses of this herbicide.

All in all, the health hazards of unfermented soy products—particularly genetically engineered varieties—are so serious and numerous, I strongly suggest avoiding them altogether, whether you’re planning a pregnancy or not. But clearly, it’s of particular concern for pregnant women.

Please also understand that many supplement use lecithin in them, which is typically made from genetically engineered soy. If you take supplements please be sure to find a supplier that also avoids soy lecithin.

For an excellent summary of the many dangers of consuming unfermented soy, please see this previous article by The Weston A. Price Foundation.

Unfortunately, many Americans who are committed to healthy lifestyles have been hoodwinked and manipulated into believing that unfermented and processed soy products like soymilk, soy cheese, soy burgers and soy ice cream are good for them. This is a tragic case of shrewd marketing and outright lies, with the end result of producing large profits for the soy industry and impaired health for most who have been deceived into using unfermented soy long-term.

… for the health of your family,
ellen

(www.mercola.com)

Do you want GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) food for your family?  GMO food has had its genes spliced with lab-replicated genes from other animals, plants, and viruses to make it resistant to insects, heat, drought and more so it will grow more easily for mass production.  This includes cross specie changes. 91% of soy  and 85% of corn are now GMO produce. Many scientists and health professionals are concerned about the long term health issues attached to the consumption of GMO food.  "In one study, traces of insecticide were present in the blood of 93% of pregnant women and in 80% of umbilical cord blood." * Others say time for more research is needed. 30 countries, including the European Union, Australia and Japan won't allow GMO farming. They didn't wait until health negative results surfaced. 

How would you know if you are eating GMO food?  You won't, unless the food companies are required to use a GMO label .Or, unless you buy all organic, stay away form the Top 8: corn, soybeans, canola, cottonseed, sugar beets, Hawaiian papaya and yellow squash.  There is a Non-GMO Shopper's guide: www.nongmoshopping guide.com.

In 2 days, the FDA, who has a former Vice President of GMO producing leader Monsanto as their Deputy Commissioner for Food, must respond to the Petition to require GMO labeling.  To sign this petition, please CLICK HERE. Thank you.

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Don't forget to enter to win a case of Creamy Almond Butter with Omega 3s by Once Again Nut Butter. www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes.

*"GMO", Prevention Magazine, April 2012, p. 89.

Pink Slime is the either Boneless Lean Beef Trimmings (BLBT) or Lean Finely Textured Beef (LFTB) that is created from low quality beef trimmings and connective tissue, and is treated with ammonia hydroxide (ammonia and water) to kill bacteria.  It is used in ground beef – may represent up to 25% of patties. The problem is that you didn't know this was added to the ground beef products you have been buying.  We don't like to feel violated.  Maybe you would be okay with spending less for this mix of beef and fat if you knew this was added to reduce the price.  Having the facts is essential for your decision process. Some beef companies said they are eliminating pink slime from their products. Schools are also moving to remove it from their meals. Makers of pink slime are reportedly shutting down some the production plants. Hue and cry does work!  So does voting with your pocket book.

Another truth: ammonia hydroxide is found in many processed products – baked goods, cheeses, chocolate, snack foods, jam, jellies, pudding and more.  This is why we recommend eating fewer packaged and more fresh foods.

As you know, organic and grass feed beef is the best.  You get more with every bite – a little goes a long way.  Eat less and get more for your money.

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Do forget to enter to Win a Case of Oat Blueberry Lemon Whenever Bars, gluten free, by Pamela's Products.  www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes.  Enter more than once to up your odds!

I try to stay away from politics but this is just too important – GMO foods have invaded our food system and now are proving to cause health and eco challenges… I predict more will be discovered.  Don't you think you should know which foods are genetically altered before you decide to buy them? Please read below.

"Right now we have 48 hours left to tell President Obama and the FDA that it’s time to label genetically engineered foods on a legal petition filed with the FDA by the Just Label It coalition. Tomorrow is the deadline to make comment, please add your voice today!

1. Share on Facebook
2. Post on Twitter
3. Pass along this message via email — click here or use the draft message below.

Last year a Canadian study discovered that insecticide toxins from genetically engineered (GMO) crops were found in the blood of 93% of blood samples taken from pregnant women and 80% umbilical cords tested. Monsanto has maintained that these toxins in their crops would never affect the food supply or affect humans, but can we trust them? Today 88% of corn and 94% of soybeans are genetically engineered. How could this be affecting you and your family?

For the past 20 years, Americans have been denied the basic right to know what’s in our food, despite the fact that nearly 50 countries around the world already require labeling of genetically engineered food.

Unlike America, countries such as Russia and China label GMOs, allowing their citizens the fundamental right to know what they’re eating! Why not the U.S.? Because giant biotech and seed companies like Monsanto have written the rules for our governmental regulatory agencies and paid billions in lobbying, PR and campaign donations over the past two decades.

Please pass this link onto your friends:

http://action.fooddemocracynow.org/go/554?akid=496.88584.GuMJDA&t=5

Thank you for participating in food democracy,

(Remember, democracy is like a muscle – use it or lose it!)

Dave, Lisa and the Food Democracy Now! team

“Hooked on chicken nuggets: Girl, 17, who has eaten nothing else since age TWO rushed to hospital after collapsing.” *

Apparently this teenager has never eaten fruit or vegetables.  Now she is in hospital with  swollen veins in her tongue, has anemia and has been warned that she was killing herself.

You say, no way this can happen.  I say, “Yes Way.”  Too many times I have has parents tell me, “My son/daughter will only eat chicken nuggets so that’s what I give him or her.  They refuse to eat anything else.”  I simply look at them and wonder who’s the boss.  Moms and dads, you have to guide your children away from the wrong decisions and to the right ones.  Sometimes that is easier said than done, yet, the alternative can be deadly.

Keep in mind you may be working against addictions.  Unfortunately, ingredients put in some foods are purposely habit forming.  Take charge now and avoid disaster later.  I am using strong words.  Don’t underestimate the consequences.  Steer your kids into making better food choices today and tomorrow.

… for the health of your family,
ellen

P. S. Please pray for this girl.

* This is a report from the U.K.