Gail McQueenProfessional Home Economist |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Food and Consumer NewsSafe Sprouts Require Clean SeedsThe popularity of raw sprouts has increased over the years and with it the potential for food borne illness. Researchers at the University of Illinois think they have the answer. The key to keeping sprouts safe lies in the cleaning of the seeds.
said Hao Feng, University of Illinois associate professor of food and bioprocess engineering. In his experiments he used both the FDA - recommended dose of chorine to kill the microorganisms and a new sanitizer that was a combination of surfactant and organic acid. Advanced technology was used to determine the seeds surface structure and to calculate each seeds' surface roughness. The texture of the seed surface was found to be a critical factor in the cleaning process. It is much easier to eliminate bacteria from seeds with smooth surfaces like alfalfa, than those with rough surfaces like broccoli or radish. Seeds with a rough texture are more susceptible to the attachment of pathogens and once attached it is more difficult to remove these microorganisms. Feng's study is the cover story of the August 2011 issue of the Journal of Food Science. Two other papers that detail his work with sprouts will appear in future issues of that journal and the Journal of Food Protection.
Fruit Wash LabelsThose sticky little labels on fruit can be a real nuisance that often damage the fruit or leave a gummy residue behind when removed? Scott Amron may have the answer. He has invented a label that actually dissolves into an organic fruit cleansing produce wash that helps remove wax, pesticides, dirt and bacteria. The transformation occurs simply by washing with water. http://www.amronexperimental.com/Fruit_Wash_Labels.html Not on the market yet, but hopefully coming soon. Salt and Cognitive DeclineRecent research gives one more reason to watch the salt. The study examined the diets and activity levels of 1,262 healthy men and women aged 67 - 84 in Quebec over a 3 year period. It found that a diet high in sodium combined with little exercise was especially detrimental to cognitive performance, while sedentary adults following a low sodium diet showed no cognitive decline over the three year period. Low sodium was defined as 2,263 mg or less, mid sodium 2,264 - 3,190 mg and high Sodium 3,191 mg and more. The research was published August 2011 in The Journal Neurobiology of Aging.
Nutty GoodnessDr. David Jenkins and colleagues at St. Michael's Hospital Toronto have demonstrated that consuming two ounces of nuts daily as a replacement for carbohydrate foods improved both glycemic control and serum lipids in people with Type 2 diabetes. In the study subjects were randomized to one of three treatments for three months. Three different supplements were provided. One group was given muffins. Another was given a mixture of nuts. The third group was given a mixture of both muffins and nuts. Those receiving nuts only supplement had the greatest improvement in glycemic control. This group also experienced a significant reduction in low density lipoprotein cholesterol (known as LDL or "bad cholesterol"). The study was published online in the Journal of Diabetes Care. Probiotic MoleculeResearchers at the University of Guelph have discovered a molecule that has the potential to prevent and possibly treat harmful food and water borne illness. The molecule produced by certain probiotic bacteria acts by interfering with the pathogen's ability to attach to the intestinal wall thus preventing the infection from progressing. Initial studies have been with mice and the pathogen E. coli 0157 but further research suggests that similar success may be possible in humans and that the molecule may be effective not only against E. coli 0157 but other enteric pathogens such as C. Difficile, Salmonella, Campylobacter and Listeria. News wire release July 11, 2011.
Omega-3 Fats and Cognitive DeclineA recent population based study from Paris, France tracked 3294 adults (male and female) with an average age of 64 over a 13 year period. The study found that self reported cognitive complaints were less fequent among participants with higher intakes of the omega- 3 fatty acids DHA plus EPA. Self evaluated cognive complaints may be an early indicator of cognitive decline. E. Kesse- Guyott, S. Peneau et al, The Journal of Nutrition,Health & Aging, 2011 Volume 15, Number 2,115- 120.
Pesticides In FoodsThe Environmental Working Group (EWG) has released revised information for 2011 regarding pesticide residues in common conventionally grown fruits and vegetables. A list of 53 produce items have been ranked according to their pesticide load.
Sodium Reduction StrategyOn July 29, 2010 Health Canada's Sodium Working Group (SWG) released a national strategy to reduce Sodium intake. One of the interim goals is to reduce the average daily sodium intake of Canadians from 3400 mg to 2300 mg by 2016. This is still well above the 1500 mg per day recommended by the Institute of Medicine of the U. S. National Academies (IOM). The report can be accessed at the following link: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/nutrition/sodium/strateg/index-eng.php
Health Canada Informational Web SiteHealth Canada has launched an informational website. As well as providing Canadians with valuable health resources, this site allows consumers to easily access information regarding Recalled Food and Children's Products. Check out : http://www.healthycanadians.gc.ca/
Upcoming Events
|
|
|
|