Blogs

Sodas are a part of modern life. But like all sugar-heavy foods, moderation is the key. This is especially true for women planning a family. A new study finds that women who drink more than 5 servings per week of sugary cokes pre-conception raise their risk for developing diabetes during pregnancy (http://www.beveragedaily.com/Industry-Markets/Regular-cola-drinking-link...). Glucose (or sugar) intolerance in women is one of the most common complications in pregnancy and increases the chances of lifelong diabetes in women.

Following previous moves by big cereal makers Kellogs and Post, General Mills announced it will reduce sugar to single digit grams per serving in 10 cereals marketed to children (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000142405274870482550457458575180674481...).

The maker of Lucky Charms, Trix and Cocoa Puffs, General Mills has also increased whole grains in some of their cereals. The reduction of sugar and increase in whole grains are responses to consumer demands as people are increasingly looking at the nutritional value of foods.

Today we launched our new “ALL VEGETARIAN Preferred Brand” program. This program recognizes those brands that have made the decision to make their entire product range ALL VEGETARIAN, GMO free, natural, and organic (1). Ten great brands, including Amy’s – one of my personal favorites, met our stringent criteria and have been awarded ALL VEGETARIAN Preferred Brand status by Down to Earth. Preferred brands have special signage so you can easily see them on our shelves, and will also be given preferential treatment in our monthly flyer program.

Yet another reason to avoid fast food establishments. A study published in the January 2010 edition of International Journal of Food Microbiology found a nearly 50% contamination rate for soda fountain beverages in a 22 mile study area of Virginia [1]. Nearly half of the 90 beverages tested positive for coliform bacteria -- which could indicate possible fecal contamination. Also found were antibiotic-resistant microbes and E.coli.

Research presented at the February 21, 2010 meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology in New Orleans, suggests that eating animal flesh may be a much more common trigger for anaphylaxis than previously thought. [1] Anaphylaxis shock is a life-threatening severe allergic reaction to a compound, in this case animal flesh.

A Reuters report out of Washington said that “A study of 60 patients who had unexplained severe allergic reactions suggests that a compound in meat known as alpha-galactose may be the culprit.” [1]