Acrylamide is not added to food. It forms naturally in plant-based foods, particularly starches, as part of the browning reaction that occurs when we fry, roast, bake, or toast them. A wide range of foods including French fries, potato chips, breakfast cereals and even coffee can contain small amounts of acrylamide.
The Swedish National Food Administration and Stockholm University reported that trace levels of naturally occurring acrylamide were detected in some baked and fried foods. These findings raised concerns due to the toxicity of acrylamide at much higher levels. Health organizations and food manufacturers around the world began reviewing this research and designing studies to understand and determine what, if any, risk to human health exists. Food agencies including the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and Health Canada (HC) have initiated studies, which are critical to determine any associated health risks between acrylamide and food.
As a consumer, should I change my diet to reduce or eliminate exposure to acrylamide?
No. There is no indication at this time that consumers need to change their eating habits in response to these preliminary studies. The WHO, the FDA, several government organizations, and other respected food safety experts continue to advise consumers to follow established dietary guidelines such as the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans and eat a healthful, balanced diet consisting of a wide variety of foods.
A balanced and diverse diet rich in fruits, vegetables, meats and whole grains and low in fat promotes good health. There is no reason at this time to recommend dietary changes based on current findings.
Share on Facebook
March 14th, 2009
Posted by
fitnfree |
To Your Health! |
no comments
A lot of children and teens take vitamin and mineral supplements. National survey data indicate about one third of people between 2 and 17 years used supplements in a given month.
Researcher Ulfat Shaikh of UC Davis Children’s Hospital says some of the kids might need them. For instance, kids who don’t get enough dairy, or who face hunger because their families can’t provide adequate food consistently, might benefit.
The study in Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine was supported by the National Institutes of Health.
Share on Facebook
March 13th, 2009
Posted by
fitnfree |
Fit Facts |
no comments
If you’ve ever been treated for severe pain from surgery, an injury, or an illness, you know just how vital pain relief medications can be.
Pain relief treatments come in many forms and potencies, are available by prescription or over-the-counter (OTC), and treat all sorts of physical pain— including that brought on by chronic conditions, sudden trauma, and cancer.
Pain relief medicines (also known as “analgesics” and “painkillers”) are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Some analgesics, including opioid analgesics, act on the body’s peripheral and central nervous systems to block or decrease sensitivity to pain. Others act by inhibiting the formation of certain chemicals in the body.
Among the factors health care professionals consider in recommending or prescribing them are the cause and severity of the pain.
Download the complete Guide to Using Pain Medicine in PDF.
Share on Facebook
March 10th, 2009
Posted by
fitnfree |
To Your Health! |
no comments
If you are maintaining your current body weight, you are in caloric balance. If you need to gain weight or to lose weight, you’ll need to tip the balance scale in one direction or another to achieve your goal.
If you need to tip the balance scale in the direction of losing weight, keep in mind that it takes approximately 3,500 calories below your calorie needs to lose a pound of body fat.1 To lose about 1 to 2 pounds per week, you’ll need to reduce your caloric intake by 500—1000 calories per day.2
To learn how many calories you are currently eating, begin writing down the foods you eat and the beverages you drink each day. By writing down what you eat and drink, you become more aware of everything you are putting in your mouth. Also, begin writing down the physical activity you do each day and the length of time you do it. Here are simple paper and pencil tools to assist you:
By studying your food diary you can be more aware of your eating habits and the number of calories you take in on an average day.
Physical activities (both daily activities and exercise) help tip the balance scale by increasing the calories you expend each day.
Share on Facebook
March 5th, 2009
Posted by
fitnfree |
Fit Facts |
no comments
In India, the Hindu’s are looking to cow urine as an alternative soft drink:
Researchers in India are putting the finishing touches to releasing soft drinks made from cow urine onto the market, a potential craze that one organisation hopes may sweep the predominantly Hindu notion, says new reports.
There are claims that cow urine can cure diseases such as diabetes, blood pressure, asthma, psoriasis, eczema, heart attack, blockage in arteries, fits, cancer, AIDS, piles, prostrate, arthritis, migraine, thyroid, ulcer, acidity, constipation, gynecological problems, ear and nose problems, abortion and several other diseases. Ref: Cow Urine Can Cure Many Diseases
There is even a “Cow Urine Manual” online.
And a complete “Cow Urine” web site – “Dr.Jain’s Cow Urine Therapy provides the right solutions for most of the diseases that are considered incurable.”
In December of 2006 we were informed that, “Cow ‘emissions’ more damaging to planet than CO2 from cars”, which kind of put a bad light on our poor cows…
But now we’re told cow urine is healthy. It’s interesting, but I’m not so sure I could ingest something that contained cow urine – the thought just doesn’t sound all that appealing…seriously, do you think you could?
Share on Facebook
March 2nd, 2009
Posted by
fitnfree |
Food Facts |
no comments
