Monday, February 27, 2023
Monday, January 9, 2023
The hidden toxins in your favorite foods
In a report last month, researchers found toxic metals in every dark chocolate bar they tested, including big-name brands like Hershey's, Lindt and Tony's Chocolonely.
It may also be a surprise that a chemical used in explosives sometimes finds its way into breads, muffins and cookies, or that an ingredient in lighter fluid is used to keep chicken nuggets fresh.
In recent weeks experts also have issued warnings about red food dyes in candy, Doritos and sodas, which have been linked to cancer and inflammatory bowel disease.
Substance found in lighter fluids, is also in chicken nuggets
Butane isn’t just for lighters anymore — it's also added to chicken nuggets, potato chips and some fast foods to keep them fresh for longer.
The chemical — tert-Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) — is considered to be safe in low doses in foods.
But in higher amounts it has been linked to tumors, liver enlargements, convulsions and paralysis.
Food companies swear by TBHQ because it can preserve food, keeping its flavor, color and nutritional value for longer.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the chemical for use in foods back in the 70s, when fast foods were becoming ever-more popular.
Now it is claimed to be in everything from McDonald's chicken nuggets and nstant noodles to snack crackers.
The FDA currently allows for no more than 0.02 percent of an item's total fat and oil content to be TBHQ.
Authorities in Europe have also determined that TBHQ is safe to use in foods in low concentrations.
The chemical is made from butane, which is stored in lighters as a liquid and released as a gas ignited by a spark.
Explosive material in breads, muffins and cookies
Potassium bromate has been used as an explosive for decades.
But the white powder is also mixed into flour used for baked goods such as breads and cookies, because it can help dough to rise and keep its shape.
Lab studies have repeatedly linked it to cancers in the thyroid and peritoneum — the thin layer of cells covering the bladder, rectum — and the uterus.
But the FDA is yet to outlaw its use in the United States, and continues to consider the substance as 'GRAS', generally recognized as safe.
This contrasts with the view in many other countries and blocs, including the UK, Canada, India, Brazil and the European Union — which have all outlawed it.
Warnings over its potential to cause cancer date back to 1999, when reports on this risk began to be released.
The food industry has long argued it is safe to use because during cooking the powder is converted into potassium bromide, a non-carcinogen.
But tests in the UK back in 1994 showed that potassium bromate remains in foods even after cooking.
This included all six unwrapped bread products tested, and seven out of 22 wrapped that were checked.
Lead exposure in children is often difficult to observe, with no immediate symptoms.
But if there is suspicion a child has been exposed, then parents should talk to their child's healthcare provider about getting a blood test.
Lead is more harmful to children under six years old because their body is still developing.
Children:
- Damage to the brain and nervous system;
- Slowed growth and development;
- Learning and behavior problems;
- Hearing and speech problems.
This can lead to:
- Lowered IQ;
- Decreased ability to pay attention;
- Underperformance in school.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Dark chocolate has been repeatedly lauded for its health benefits, from promoting heart health to packing a heavy punch of antioxidants.
But a recent investigation into 28 popular brands — including Lindt, Hershey's and Trader Joe's — found all the bars contained alarming amounts of cadmium and lead.
Cadmium ends up in chocolate when it is sucked up through cacao tree roots, with exposure over a long period of time linked to kidney failure and weak bones.
But lead, which is well-known to be dangerous to humans, gets into chocolate after cacao beans are left out to dry by roadsides — and become coated with lead from car fumes.
Lead exposure over long periods is linked to memory loss, abdominal pain and low mood in adults.
But in children it can damage brain development, as well as leading to learning and behavior problems and issues with speech and hearing.
Experts say there is too little heavy metal in each individual bar to poison someone, with this only likely to happen after eating more than an entire sharing-sized bar.
The FDA sets no national limit for lead and cadmium levels in chocolate.
A spokeswoman for the agency told DailyMail.com last month: 'The FDA continues to monitor and regulate levels of environmental contaminants, including lead and cadmium, in foods.
'If the agency finds that the level of a contaminant causes the food to be unsafe, we take action.'
Vomit chemical hiding in butter and parmesan
It turns out that a chemical found in vomit is also present in some butters and parmesan cheeses.
Called butyric acid, it is a short-chain fatty acid made naturally that ends up in animal products — such as those using milk.
About three to four percent of butter is butyric acid, which is behind the disagreeable smell created when the food turns rancid.
Few studies have been carried out into the substance, but those that have suggest it has positive health benefits.
The substance has already been linked to a lowered risk of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), colon cancer and improved insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetics.
No estimates are available on how much of the acid is needed to prompt health benefits in people.
But raising fiber intake may be the best strategy, scientists say, because this triggers bacteria breaking it down to produce chemicals like butyric acid.
Carcinogenic chemical in candy
A substance deployed in paints, rubber and plastics is also hidden in many popular candy brands.
Industries often use titanium dioxide to give their products a white color and glossy sheen.
But manufacturers of popular candies, salad dressing and chewing gum also use it to give a smooth texture or as a white colorant.
The FDA has imposed strict guidelines on how much can be used in food, setting a maximum limit of no more than one percent.
While US regulators say the compound is safe in small amounts, the additive has been banned in European Union countries.
Microplastics lurking in fast foods
Popular fast food items from major chains like McDonald's and Burger King contain small amounts of industrial chemicals called phthalates, the compounds used to make plastic pliable.
Scientists have repeatedly found evidence of these insidious chemicals in a majority of foods tested.
A study published in 2021 tested 64 fast food items from national chains including McDonald's, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and Chipotle, and found the majority contained these chemicals.
They have previously been linked to health problems including hormone disruption, infertility and an increased risk for learning, attention and behavioral disorders in children.
The substances mainly get into foods when they come into contact with packaging and handling equipment, such as cellophane and papers.
Concerns are being raised over microplastics as they are introduced into the food chain amid widespread use of plastics.
But researchers say the levels being detected in foods at present are not such that they would raise alarm at federal agencies.
Source :
Saturday, December 24, 2022
Thursday, December 1, 2022
10 signs your partner is 'definitely' cheating on you
1. They start going to the gym a lot
2. Their undies get an update
3. Their entire appearance gets an overhaul
4. Mobile phone habits change like being constantly on WhatsApp, being stuck to their hand 'like glue', the 'last online' function is switched off and they keep the password a secret
5. Snoring suddenly stops
6. They start cutting themselves out of your friendship group activities, they avoid your mutual friends and their 'work events' increase
7. Not answering their phone while they are out
8. They come home smelling like perfume
9. They don't want to touch you, be touched by you, or have sex with you
10. They no longer show interest in your life or sharing their life with you
Source: Mamamia
Monday, November 7, 2022
*_Important numbers to remember :_*
*1. Blood pressure : 120 / 80*
*2. Pulse : 70 - 100*
*3. Temperature : 36.8 - 37*
*4. Respiration : 12-16*
*Males (13.50-18)*
*Females ( 11.50 - 16)*
*6. Cholesterol : 130 - 200*
*7. Potassium : 3.50 - 5*
*8. Sodium : 135 - 145*
*9. Triglycerides : 220*
*10. Amount of blood in the body :*
*Pcv 30-40%*
*11. Sugar*
*Children : 70-130*
*Adults : 70 - 115*
*12. Iron : 8-15 mg*
*13. WBC : 4000 - 11000*
*14. Platelets : 150,000 - 400,000*
*15. RBC : 4.50 - 6 million*
*16. Calcium : 8.6 - 10.3 mg/dL*
*17. Vitamin D3 : 20 - 50 ng/ml*
*(nanograms/ml)*
*18. Vitamin B12 : 200 - 900 pg/ml*
*_Tips for the 60 plus_*
*First Tip:*
Always drink water even if you don't feel thirsty!!
The biggest health problem is from the lack of water in the body!
2 litres Minimum per day (24 hours)
*Second Tip:*
Play sports even when you are very busy!
The body must be moved, even if only by walking or swimming or any kind of sport!.🚶
Walking is good for a start!👌
*Third Tip:*
Reduce food!
Leave excessive food cravings because it never does good!
Don't deprive yourself but reduce the quantity!
Use more of Protein & Carbohydrates based foods.
*Fourth Tip*
As much as possible, do not use the car unless absolutely necessary! Try to reach on foot for what you want (grocery, visiting someone or any goal)! Climb stairs instead of using an elevator/ escalator.
*Fifth Tip*
Let go of Anger!!
Let go of worry!!
Try to overlook things...
Do not involve yourself in situations of disturbances! They all diminish health and take away the splendor of the soul. Talk to people who are positive and listen 👂
*Sixth Tip*
As it is said....'leave your money in the Sun and sit in the shade'!!
Don't limit yourself and those around you.
Money was made to live by it, not to live for it.
*Seventh Tip*
Don't make yourself feel sorry for anyone nor on something you could not achieve,
nor anything that you could not own!
Ignore it, forget it!🤔
*Eighth Tip*
Humility! Money, Prestige, Power and Influence are all things that are corrupted by arrogance!
Humility is what brings people closer to you with love.!☺
*Ninth Tip*
If your hair turns grey, this does not mean the end of life! It is a proof that a better life has begun! 🙋
Be optimistic, travel, enjoy yourself!
Monday, October 17, 2022
International Days
International Women's Day is on March 8, International Democracy Day on September 15, World AIDS Day on December 1... certain special days on the global calendar are very well known and emblematic. However, there are many others, and sometimes their subjects are surprising. Let's discover some of them together… in chronological order!
February 10: World Pulses Day
March 20: International Day of Happiness
March 20: French Language Day
March 21: International Novruz Day
April 22: International Mother Earth Day
April 23: International Book and Copyright Day
April 30: International Jazz Day
May 2: International Tuna Day
May 26: Vesak day
June 21: International Yoga Day
June 30: International Asteroid Day
July 3: International Day of Cooperatives
July 20: International Chess Day
September 7: International Clean Air Day for Blue Skies
Sunday, October 16, 2022
Friday, September 23, 2022
Best Airlines of 2022
THE WORLD’S TOP 20 AIRLINES IN 2022
1. Qatar Airways
2. Singapore Airlines
3. Emirates
4. ANA All Nippon Airways
5. Qantas Airways
6. Japan Airlines
7. Turkish Airlines
8. Air France
9. Korean Air
10. Swiss Int’l Air Lines
11. British Airways
12. Etihad Airways
13. China Southern
14. Hainan Airlines
15. Lufthansa
16. Cathay Pacific
17. KLM
18. EVA Air
19. Virgin Atlantic
20. Vistara
21. Finnair
22. Gulf Air
23. Bangkok Airways
24. Delta Air Lines
25. Iberia
26. Ethiopian Airlines
27. AirAsia
28. Aegean Airlines
29. Scoot
30. Air New Zealand
31. Garuda Indonesia
32. Austrian
33. Asiana Airlines
34. Saudi Arabian Airlines
35. Southwest Airlines
36. Fiji Airways
37. Oman Air
38. Air Astana
39. WestJet
40. Ryanair
THE WORLD’S BEST LONG HAUL LOW-COST AIRLINES
1. Scoot
2. Jetstar Airways
3. Air Canada rouge
4. LEVEL
5. AirAsiaX
THE WORLD’S BEST LEISURE AIRLINES
1. SunExpress
2. Air Transat
3. TUI Airways
4. TUIfly
5. Vietravel Airlines
THE WORLD’S BEST CABIN STAFF IN 2022
1. Singapore Airlines
2. ANA All Nippon Airways
3. Garuda Indonesia
4. Thai Airways
5. Japan Airlines
6. Qatar Airways
7. Hainan Airlines
8. Asiana Airlines
9. EVA Air
10. Cathay Pacific
THE WORLD’S BEST AIRLINE CABIN CLEANLINESS IN 2022
1. ANA All Nippon Airways
2. Singapore Airlines
3. Japan Airlines
4. Qatar Airways
5. Hainan Airlines
6. Asiana Airlines
7. Korean Air
8. China Airlines
9. Fiji Airways
10. Cathay Pacific
THE WORLD’S BEST BUSINESS CLASS LOUNGES
1. Virgin Atlantic
2. Qatar Airways
3. Turkish Airlines
4. Singapore Airlines
5. Air France
6. KLM
7. United Airlines
8. Air Canada
9. Emirates
10. Gulf Air
THE WORLD’S BEST INDEPENDENT AIRPORT LOUNGES
1. Plaza Premium
2. Primeclass
3. The Pearl – Bahrain Airport
4. iGA Lounge – Istanbul Airport
5. Aspire by Swissport
THE BEST LOW-COST AIRLINES IN EUROPE
1. Ryanair
2. Vueling Airlines
3. EasyJet
4. Jet2.com
5. Eurowings
6. airBaltic
7. Norwegian
8. Wizz Air
9. LEVEL
10. Pegasus Airlines
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