From eNewsletter 7/3/2019
DID YOU KNOW that a study in Journal of the American Heart Association found that three to four hours after drinking 32 ounces of energy drinks, the heart's electrical activity was abnormal compared to drinking a placebo drink.
Two different commercially available energy drinks produced the same results, suggesting that energy drinks should be consumed with extreme caution.
UNHEALTHIEST FOOD FADS
Steve & Bonnie: Part of our job is to dispel food fads. We're currently in a particularly strong vortex. Please take heed.
FAUX MEAT CRAZE
If not already, you will soon be bombarded with new companies creating myriad ways to mimic animal protein. Our message is simple. Ask us first, or wait until we evaluate them.
We are not discounting some of these methods, including lab-grown protein. We just need to be patient and get all the details, as well as monitor how it is being tolerated by early adopters. Here's three examples of why you need to be wary. Impossible Foods, maker of the Impossible Burger This product has received a lot of media attention because it looks like a beef burger and "bleeds" like a rare beef burger. If you look at the ingredients however, you need to be wary. Ingredients: Wheat Protein, Potato Protein, Heme (iron which gives the liquid the "bleed" look), Coconut Oil, Soy Oil, Konjac and Xanthan Gum. COMMENT: This product contains a cornucopia of potential reactors/allergens/GI disturbers. Good Catch Foods, makers of faux seafood products. Ingredients: water, Good Catch™ 6-Plant Protein Blend (Pea Protein Isolate, Soy Protein Concentrate, Chickpea Flour, Lentil Protein, Faba Protein, Navy Bean Flour), Algal Oil, Sea Salt, Sunflower Oil, Seaweed Powder (Seaweed, Salt), Citric Acid, Onion Powder, Yeats Extract (Yeast, Salt), Garlic Powder, Soy Lecithin. Contains Soy COMMENT: Pea protein isolate and yeast extract are hidden MSG ingredients. Conventional soy protein is never recommended because of the heavy xenoestrogenic pesticide residue. Omega-3 DHA in the form of algal oil we do not recommend. Many people react to one or more beans so eating this consistently can be problematic for some. Just Egg, faux liquid eggs Ingredients: Water, Mung Bean Protein Isolate, Expeller-Pressed Canola Oil, Contains less than 2% of Calcium Citrate, Enzyme, Gellan Gum, Natural Carrot Extractives (color), Natural Flavors, Natural Turmeric Extractives (color), Onion Puree, Salt, Soy Lecithin, Sugar, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate, Preservatives (Nisin, Potassium Sorbate). COMMENT: Once again, isolates and extractives are MSG derivatives. Also, phates and bates can be reactive for many who have sulfur dioxide issues. Conclusion Lab grown meat has not yet been approved for human consumption, but we're very close to this introduction into the food supply. Please do not think just because these products are animal flesh-free that they are healthful. We've had to dispel myths with other categories of foods, starting with fat-free, then sugar-free, gluten-free, and now animal free. We're getting close to some good meat-less foods, but we're not quite there yet. KOMBUCHA EXPOSED If you are a long time reader of this eNewsletter, you'll know that our stance on the fermented beverage kombucha has been, to put it nicely, unenthusiastic. The way kombucha is made is disgusting. It contains a small of amount of naturally-occurring alcohol. For those with mold or yeast issues, it is poison. And please do not even put it in the same universe as the fermented food sauerkraut. Research on kombucha has been nonexistent until recently. The findings from three recent studies all conclude that kombucha does not have a defined health benefit. However, there was one discovery that warranted our attention because it was emphasized in all three studies. The increased risk of metabolic acidosis. The risk of excess acidity is common with kombucha because of the insanely high amounts of lactic and acetic acids it contains. But metabolic acidosis is not just being a little acidic. Metabolic acidosis is a condition that occurs when the body produces excessive quantities of acid or when the kidneys are not removing enough acid from the body. This condition can create a host of adverse effects. The fact that this appeared in the research is concerning. We are already overtly acidic because of our diet and beverage choices, and the high amounts of stress of every day life. Do we really need to consume a beverage marketed as healthful, but is really as acidic as soda? IS THE KETO DIET RIGHT FOR ME? To put it bluntly, ketogenic or "keto" diet is not right for you. The ketogenic eating style has been around for decades because of its success for epilepsy. It has also been mildly successful for insulin-dependent diabetics whose blood sugar is out of control. If you do not fall into these two camps, you may want to pass on this "diet du jour". Here are two reasons. Brain Drain. The keto diet requires that you consume less than 30 grams of carbohydrates daily. The average amount of glucose your brain needs to function daily is 150 grams. This is just to function. This does not include exercise, or the undo stress the modern daily lifestyle puts on our brain's energy needs. Proponents of the keto diet say that the extra fat consumed turns into enough usable energy. We disagree. For many reasons, especially genetic, transferring fat into usable glucose is not smooth at all. Are you willing to take the chance of not giving your brain the optimal nourishment to function? Ketones. Very low carbohydrate diets induces a state of ketosis, where the body uses ketones for energy. Ketosis is a natural adaptation to starvation. Aside from the stress it puts on your liver and kidneys, the keto diet elevates LDL cholesterol levels, contributes to irregular heart rhythms, increased inflammation, low energy and mood. If we were still living as hunter and gatherers, we would have no choice than to be in perpetual starvation mode. However, we now have better ways to control body mass without stressing our organs. APPLE CIDER VINEGAR Aside from burning your esophagus, creating excess acidity, and adding fuel to potential yeast overgrowth, why else should you avoid supplementing with Apple Cider Vinegar? It pulls calcium from bone. Why do you think bone broth manufacturers add apple cider vinegar to their recipes? So they can more easily draw calcium from the bones!
EYE HEALTH UPDATE
Steve: Here's the latest research on eye health prevention...this article is reserved for NCI Well Connect Members. You can get this article by signing up here. You can get our free eNewsletter by signing up at the top of our website.
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