XTEND-15sec-NEWSt
16th September 2005
Please click on the summary link of interest:
Study finds Walnuts are a potent source of Melatonin...n1
SACRAMENTO, Calif., Sep 13, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Many think melatonin is something you can take to fall asleep after long airplane flights, but scientists are studying how this powerful antioxidant actually fights diseases like cancer, may impact diseases associated with aging and likely will allow people to live healthier lives. Research at The University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio has proven walnuts are a natural source of melatonin.
According to Russel J. Reiter, Ph.D., Professor of Neuroendocrinology at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, "The ingredients in walnuts would be expected to reduce the incidence of cancer, delay or make less severe neurodegenerative diseases of aging, including Parkinsonism, Alzheimer's disease and reduce the severity of cardiovascular disease." Published in the September issue of Nutrition: The International Journal of Applied and Basic Nutritional Sciences, the study is titled "Melatonin in walnuts: Influence on levels of melatonin and total antioxidant capacity of blood."
Dr. Reiter's study found walnuts are a potent source of melatonin, which is easily absorbed in the body. "When walnuts are consumed, blood levels of melatonin increase threefold," notes Reiter. Studies have shown walnuts reduce the risk of heart disease due to their combination of healthy nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Reiter believes it is the synergy among the ingredients in walnuts -- the combination of nutrients plus the melatonin that makes them so beneficial. "Melatonin and omega-3s, both of which are in walnuts, starve cancers because they prevent the growth of cancer cells. When you take melatonin as a tablet, you are exclusively getting melatonin. I think the value of the walnut is the composite of what it contains.
Warren Matthews comments: Well there you go!! Add walnuts to your next salad, or use them as a healthy snack. This would be much better in my opinion, than taking a melatonin supplement. They will give you other benefits as well.
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Now... cholesterol lowering chocolate bars...n2
The candy giant Mars has announced its continued push into the functional food market with the release of a new chocolate bar claimed to help lower cholesterol.
The bar consists of a patented blend of soy-derived sterols and cocoa flavonols.
Sterols are well known to assist some people in lowering cholesterol by absorbing cholesterol in the intestinal tract.
The move by Mars into the health and nutrition area is part of its continuing diversification.
Warren Matthews comments: Forgive me for not being enthusiastic about this bit of news. Whereas it is good to put plant sterols in a chocolate bar it may give the wrong message to some consumers... just as the margarines do when they claim to lower cholesterol because the margarine contains sterols.
For these types of 'foods' the negatives that can come about from the ingestion of 'other substances' within the 'food' may well outweigh any potential benefits. For example, many of the 'cholesterol lowering' margarines still contain transfats which negate the suggested benefits. In the case of chocolate bars I doubt that they will be free of artificial colorants, flavoring, emulsifiers and preservatives.
What I find interesting about these 'functional foods', is that in most countries they are permitted to advertise health benefits even though the specific product may be unproven in that area and they are relying solely on the studies related to one of the ingredients such as sterols in this case. But…if the supplement industry was to sell a sterol in a capsule with no other additives and advertise it on TV as helping to lower cholesterol, they would be shut down by the authorities!
Interesting eh? Maybe it has something to do with the power of money and lobbying?
As a footnote…absorbing cholesterol in the intestinal tract is only one of 6 components that help in lowering cholesterol. Sterols on their own will only work for a very small minority of people in lowering cholesterol.
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Contamination, undeclared ingredients drive recalls...n3
The majority of recent product recalls initiated by the FDA have focused on undeclared ingredients and potential instances of contamination in packaged foods. More...
Comment by Warren Matthews: Hmmm, nothing much to say here! Just reinforces what I continually preach and that is try to avoid eating 'food' that come out of a packet!
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Contamination, undeclared ingredient drive recalls... (Full Article)f1
9/7/2005 - The majority of recent product recalls initiated by the FDA have focused on undeclared ingredients and potential instances of contamination in packaged foods.
For example, Oregon-based Harry & David Operations has recalled 1,400 bags of Spiced Apple Almonds, because of contain undeclared milk.
The bags of Spiced Apple Almonds were distributed throughout the United States, and feature a "Best if used by" date of 07/28/06.
The recall was initiated after it was discovered that product containing milk products were distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of milk products. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a data entry error.
In addition, E.D. Smith USA has recalled 16 ounce bottles of "Classic Sensation and Garden Goodness Honey Dijon Dressing" because they may contain undeclared milk and egg.
The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the milk and egg-containing product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of milk and egg. Subsequent investigation indicates the two ingredients (milk, egg) were not on the ingredient statement of the package.
People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk products run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.
Michigan-based House of Flavors has recalled batches of Shurfine brand Butterscotch Twirl 1/2 Gallon Ice Cream, because it contains undeclared peanut butter. As with milk, people who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to peanuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction.
The recall was initiated after a consumer reported that the product contained peanut butter and that the packaging did not reveal the presence of peanut butter. Subsequent investigation indicated a packaging mix-up.
Instances of potential contamination have also resulted in recent product recalls. Oklahoma-based Allison's Gourmet Kitchens has recalled BBQ Beans because of potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
The recalled product was distributed to retail and food service outlets in Illinois, Oklahoma and Texas. The product was packaged under the Allison's Deli Fresh label.
In addition, Latin Food Group of Miami, Florida has recalled 25 40-lb. cases of its Queso Seco Cheese because the product may also be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
The contamination was detected in a 12 oz. package of cheese with an "El Puro" label, which may have been provided to the distributor by Latin Food Group.
The bacteria was discovered during a routine sampling of cheese by the Florida Department of Agriculture in a grocery store located in Palm Beach County Florida on 2 August 2005.
Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.
For the full article... click here.
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