ABC 7, KABC-TV Los Angeles, recently did a story on this not so new happening, that consumers did not seem to know about, about how “Meat glue poses health risks for consumers”.

If you were disturbed to hear about “pink slime” in your burger, you’ll want to know about “meat glue,” because a fat, rare-cooked filet mignon may not be what it seems.

Meat glue is a powder officially known as transglutaminase. Originally, the natural enzyme was harvested from animal blood. Now it’s primarily produced through the fermentation of bacteria. Added to meat, it forms a nearly invisible and permanent bond to any other meat you stick it to.

Chef Staffan Terje of Perbacco Restaurant in San Francisco takes food seriously. He doesn’t use meat glue in his restaurant, but like many chefs, he knows how it works and he agreed to show KGO-TV, KABC-TV’s sister station in San Francisco.

Terje took powder and dusted it liberally over the meat pieces. The coated stew meat then went into a circular tin to give it a nice, round filet mignon shape. He was also able to make a New York strip out of thin cuts of round steak. Adding water makes a soupy glaze, and an easier way to coat the meat.

The final steps were to seal the meat in a vacuum bag, adding some pressure to the bond, and then it was off to the fridge to set overnight.

Twenty-four hours later, the humble $4-a-pound stew meat now looks like a $25-a-pound prime filet.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration lists transglutaminase as “generally recognized as safe.” It’s OK to eat cooked meat that’s been glued.

But here’s the problem: the outside of a piece of meat comes in contact with a lot of bacteria making its way from slaughterhouse to table. Usually cooking a steak on the outside will kill all that off. The center of a single cut of steak is sterile, that’s why you can eat it rare. But glued pieces of meat could contain bacteria like E. coli on the inside.

“Say somebody wants that filet steak rare, the center temperature is not going to reach the temperature that will actually kill the bacteria,” Terje said. “And that’s also a really, really happy environment for things that can kill you.”

Pinning down who is using transglutaminase isn’t easy. One meat company owner told KGO-TV that gluing meat is common practice, and the most glued product by far is filet mignon destined for the food service industry.

An industry trade group also said meat glue is most often used where filet mignon is served in bulk – at a restaurant, banquet, cafeteria or hotel.

“You ask yourself, how can they make money selling these cheap steaks all day long, and that look really nice? This is one way of doing it,” Terje said.

Our results were dramatic and our stew meat filet looks good. But the American Meat Institute, a lobby for the meat industry, wants to stress meat glue is used in the industry to glue scraps of filet mignon back together – so technically you’re still getting filet meat.

“It gives chefs and specialists some flexibility to create a very nutritious and healthy product and add value to what ultimately, worst-case scenario, would just be thrown away,” said Betsy Booren, director of scientific affairs for the American Meat Institute.

The USDA said transglutaminase must appear on the ingredient label in addition to terms like “formed” or “reformed meat.” But that’s the second problem. If you’re eating glued meat at a banquet or restaurant, you’re not likely to see “reformed” meat on the menu. You would never know.

“They may not see the label, but what they ought to do if they have concerns, and we understand that consumers, they want to understand where their food is coming from, they should ask their wait staff,” Booren said.

“It has not reached a point where people generally are aware of it and I think it’s primarily because, like pink slime, nobody knew where it was,” said food safety attorney and advocate Bill Marler.

Marler said meat glue is used more than you think and the meat industry isn’t giving consumers the whole picture.

“I think what their fear is, is that the public’s going to look at their information and go ‘I don’t want to eat that,’” he said.

The bottom line for consumers is if you’re at a place where you think you might be eating glued meat, you want to make sure its cooked through and think twice before you eat it rare.

To watch the full video, access this link. http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news%2Fconsumer&id=8642900

The main thing to know about Acupuncture is that it has everything to do with maintaining balance in the body. A body operating in perfect equilibrium will have a much greater ability to maintain good health than one that is not.

A growing number of people have now heard about meridians in the body. Meridians are lines, or pathways, along which the body’s energy is believed to flow. Points used in Acupuncture are located along these pathways having evolved through thousands of years of practice in number of different counties.

The knowledge of energy flows and pathways is becoming increasingly recognized and utilized in Western medicine. Even though this energy cant be detected by sight, it is very much
present and can be tapped in both treatment and diagnosis in Western medicine.

Today we have such tools as electrical muscle exams (EMGs), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a variety of other similar tests. Science and the medical profession have accepted the existence of the meridian system as an integral part of human functioning. It controls and coordinates an electromagnetic system within the body and this may actually control all the other systems of the body.

It could be most simple to consider meridians as being similar to radio waves. The human eye can see neither of these; but both are present and operate at their best when they are totally tuned in. A radio station broadcasting at 94.5 would provide static if it was tuned to 94.6. Similarly, a meridian operating out of balance would not produce optimum health.

With this knowledge in hand, an increasing number of chiropractors are working in conjunction with and making recommendations to patients to seek Acupuncture treatment. Its
another drug-free type of practice that’s growing in acceptance in America and many are experiencing excellent results.

Is it possible to change our DNA from within ourselves? Can we even alter our DNA blueprint?

At the Institute of HeartMath, we have been researching these questions for over a decade. This is such an intriguing subject to me that I wanted to share some of the results with you and invite you into the conversation.

First a little background on DNA.

The DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) in the nucleus of our cells contains the blueprint for our developing body and instructions for who we will become. For example, it can tell our eyes to eventually turn from blue at birth to hazel later on, tell our height to grow from 20 inches at birth to 70 inches as an adult, and direct a multitude of other changes over the course of our lives.

Scientists used to believe that the DNA with which we are born is the sole determinant for who we are and will become, however studies have shown that strict genetic determinism is a flawed theory. Thus, a new field of study called epigenetics was born, which is quite exciting.

Epigenetics and Beyond

The field of epigenetics studies how the development, functioning and evolution of biological systems are influenced by forces operating outside the DNA sequence, including intracellular, environmental and energetic influences. Scientists have accepted since the 1950s that epigenetic influence is critical to human development.

Epi – Greek for “besides” – combines with the word, genetics, to essentially mean “something more than genetics.” That “something more” is most often held to be the environment –meaning that our genetic code and the environment in which we develop together determine who and what we are.

Stem cell biologist, Institute of HeartMath scientific advisory board member, and a bestselling author on the subject of epigenetics, Bruce Lipton, Ph.D. explains why exploring the distinction between genetic determinism and various epigenetic influences is vitally important:

“The difference between these two is significant because this fundamental belief called genetic determinism literally means that our lives, which are defined as our physical, physiological and emotional behavioral traits, are controlled by the genetic code,” said Lipton in an interview with the online magazine, Superconsciousness. “This kind of belief system provides a visual picture of people being victims:  If the genes control our life function, then our lives are being controlled by things outside of our ability to change them. This leads to victimization that the illnesses and diseases that run in families are propagated through the passing of genes associated with those attributes. Laboratory evidence shows this is not true.”

Changing DNA with Heart-Focused Intention

Institute of HeartMath researchers found evidence that the physical nature of DNA strands can change with heart-focused intention.  Their published article, Modulation of DNA Conformation by Heart-Focused Intention – McCraty, Atkinson, Tomasino, 2003 – describes experiments that achieved such results.

In one study, an individual holding three DNA samples was directed to generate heart rhythm coherence – a physiological state of mental, emotional and physical balance and harmony – with the aid of a HeartMath technique that utilizes heart-focused breathing while experiencing a positive emotion of love and appreciation, and then holding the intention that one or more of the DNA samples would either wind or unwind. The individual succeeded, as instructed, to intentionally and simultaneously unwind two of the DNA samples to different extents and leave the third unchanged.

“The results provide experimental evidence to support the hypothesis that aspects of the DNA molecule can be altered through intentionality,” the article reported. “The data indicate that when individuals are in a heart-focused, loving state and in a more coherent mode of physiological functioning, they have a greater ability to alter the conformation of DNA…    Individuals capable of generating higher ratios of heart coherence were able to alter DNA conformation according to their intention. … Control group participants showed low ratios of heart coherence and were unable to intentionally alter the conformation of DNA.”

A Steady Diet of Quantum Nutrients

Many of us feel that who we are and what we can become are affected by the thoughts, feelings and intentions we have every day. Yet, it’s something else to ponder how our thoughts, feelings and intentions can, in turn, affect what our DNA expresses.  I intuitively feel that the appreciation and love we experience or the anger and anxiety we experience can influence and possibly alter the outcome of each individual’s DNA blueprint.

When we have ongoing negative emotions such as anger, anxiety, dislike or hate, or repeatedly think negative thoughts such as ‘I hate my job,’ ‘I don’t like so and so’ or ‘Who does he think he is?,’ we experience stress and our energy reserves get redirected. Emotional stress causes a portion of our energy reserves, which otherwise would be maintaining, repairing and regenerating our biological systems, to become drained and another portion to be directed to offsetting the immune and hormonal consequences that negative thoughts and feelings create.

In contrast, when we intentionally activate the coherent power of our heart with sincere feelings of appreciation, care and love, we allow our heart’s energy to work for us and to refuel our energy reserves. Consciously choosing to focus on a sincere positive heart feeling over a negative one means instead of the drain and damage stress causes our internal systems, we are renewed mentally, physically and emotionally. The more we do this, the better we’re able to ward off stress and energy drains in the future. Heartfelt positive feelings fortify our energy systems and nourish the body at the cellular level. At HeartMath we call these heartfelt positive emotions “quantum nutrients.”

In simple terms that most of us can relate to, what this means is that when we are having a bad day or going through a rough period such as dealing with the sickness of a loved one or coping with financial troubles, we can actually nourish our bodies – all the way down to the cellular level (and possibly the DNA level) – by shifting into a heart coherent state and focusing with intention on positive emotions and positive thoughts. You can read more about Quantum Nutrients in Solutions for Emotional Well-Being.

Heart Intelligence Theory – an Underlying Factor

*The flame retardant, also known as BVO, is currently listed as an ingredient in various citrus soft drinks such as: Mountain Dew, Squirt, Fanta Orange, Sunkist Pineapple, Gatorade Thirst Quencher Orange, Powerade Strawberry Lemonade and Fresca Original Citrus.*

But why and what for? According to the Environmental Health News, BVO contains “bromine atoms which weigh down the citrus flavoring so it mixes with sugar water” instead of floating to the top. Basically, BVO gives soda more consistent flavoring. That sounds good! But BVO is also added to polystyrene foam cushions in furniture and plastics in electronics because BVO can slow down the chemical reactions that cause a fire. Yuck. Is that what we want to be drinking?!!

So how the hell if BVO is banned in foods in Europe and Japan, does BVO still exist here? Well, back in 1977, the FDA set what they thought was a “safe” limit for BVO in sodas and soda companies have been allowed to use BVO ever since. Seriously! That’s the only reason! Scientists believe that the data the FDA looked at in the 1970s is outdated (ya think?) and that BVO needs a closer look. The EHN says:

“After a few extreme soda binges—not too far from what many gamers regularly consume—a few patients have needed medical attention for skin lesions, memory loss and nerve disorders, all symptoms of overexposure to bromine. Other studies suggest that BVO could be building up in human tissues, just like other brominated compounds such as flame retardants. In mouse studies, big doses caused reproductive and behavioral problems.”

credit: Casey Chan of GIZMODO.com

Introduction

Theobroma cacao, the scientific name of the plant from which raw cocoa powder is derived and the main ingredient in chocolate, literally means “food of the gods.” It is a famous plant with a lengthy and rich history; a symbol of love that cuts across cultures; a power food packed with antioxidants, phytochemicals, minerals and the building blocks of neurotransmitters and other “feel good” hormones; and a medicine backed by modern research with far-reaching implications for treating cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, cancer and other chronic degenerative diseases. Some experts are even saying the health-giving properties of cacao will potentially benefit public health equal to or more than antibiotics and anesthesia. The beautiful thing is that raw organic cocoa, a derivitive of the cacao plant, is readily available in health food stores.

What is the difference between “cacao” and “cocoa”?

Cacao refers to the plant, its pod, the beans within, and the pure paste of the bean. Cocoa is the powder made from the cacao bean, which is mashed into a paste and then pounded to extract the cocoa butter. This powder is increasingly being referred to as “cacao powder”, rather than “cocoa powder” in organic circles. It is believed the name “cocoa” came about as the result of a misspelling by early English traders.

History

Theobroma cacao is native to Central and South America.  Historical documentation cites cacao and its products a cure for almost everything from fatigue, indigestion, emaciation, and hemorrhoids to respiratory ailments, cancer, depression and heart problems. The ancient people of Central America, the Mayans and Aztecs, believed this plant could impart immortality. Well, this amazing plant probably will not impart immortality to its consumer, but if there was ever a food to do so cacao would be the one. Throughout history, the cacao plant has been used as currency, food and medicine. In fact the cacao bean is still used as a form of currency in some areas of South America. The Aztecs revered theobroma cacao because of its central role in their culture. They even believed the plant to have divine origins. Due to this belief, the consumption of cacao was usually reserved for royalty, warriors, and other high society people. While the Spanish were exploring the Americas in the 1500s, theobroma cacao was being introduced to Europe. Although initially consumed by the European elite, cacao quickly spread through Europe to the masses. Chocolate, cacao’s most familiar product, has its origins in Europe.

Quality Control

So what about chocolate? Can we consider it a health food? It is important to realize that most research is conducted on raw cocoa powder and not chocolate. With that being said there is some indication that chocolate can be a healthy addition to the diet, but the real magic happens with raw organic cocoa powder. As the sugar and milk portion increases in chocolate, the health benefits of the chocolate decreases. The greatest health benefits are derived from unprocessed cocoa rather than a processed version of it and so raw organic cocoa is superior to dark chocolate which is better than milk chocolate. Dutch processed or alkalinized cocoa helps to reduce the acidity of raw cocoa, but also destroys some of its medicinal power. Raw cocoa powder that is not organic contains pesticide and herbicide residues.

There is also controversy surrounding the high amount of lead found in some cacao products. Lead is a heavy metal that can cause damage to the body when ingested in almost any amount. The evidence seems to point to the manufacturing process of raw cocoa as the source of lead. An October 2005 study in Environmental Health Perspectives shows that the cacao bean itself has very little lead; in fact, it has one of the lowest levels of lead of any natural food. There are insignificant amounts of lead found in raw beans but significant amounts found in some chocolate products, leading one to conclude the manufacturing process is the culprit. Unfortunately, no one is exactly sure where all the lead is coming from. To be safe and promote maximal health benefits and to prevent potential lead exposure, choose raw organic cocoa powder. You can also call your favorite chocolate company and ask about their policies for testing heavy metals in their products.

Health Effects and Myths about Cacoa

Did you know the laundry room might be one of the more toxic areas of your home? Researchers have found that dryer vents can emit more than 25 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when scented laundry detergent and dryer sheets are used. Fortunately, you can take several steps to ensure your laundry room is healthier and more efficient.

First, avoid hazardous chemicals in laundry detergents. Few of the chemicals in laundry-care products have been thoroughly tested, and some chemicals are still widely used despite tests showing they can be harmful to human health. Although laundry detergent manufacturers aren’t required to disclose all ingredients on labels, most still list ingredients on products or online.

Instead of using chemical-laden products, choose responsible ones (from the provided below), or make your own using the Simple Washing Powder recipe:

♥Simple Washing Powder♥
This simple, homemade detergent is inexpensive to make and free of harmful chemicals.

16 cups baking soda
12 cups washing soda
8 cups grated castile soap
3 tablespoons lavender, lemon or grapefruit essential oil (optional)

Combine baking soda, washing soda and soap flakes. If using, add essential oil and mix with a wire whisk. Use 1/8 cup per load.

**Yield: This recipe makes enough powder to last a typical family of four for one year.**

—

Follow some of these tips for a healthier, more efficient laundry room.

credit: Jessica Kellner of care2.com

While only two lipsticks tested contained more lead than California’s recommended limit of 5 parts-per-million and none exceed Canada’s recommendation of 10 parts-per-million, there is certainly still cause for concern.

According to the Campaign For Safe Cosmetics,“Many experts agree that there is no safe blood level of lead for children and pregnant women. Lead is a proven neurotoxin that can cause learning, language and behavioral problems such as lowered IQ, reduced school performance and increased aggression. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to lead exposure, because lead easily crosses the placenta and enters the fetal brain where it can interfere with normal development.”

While health experts, including an advisory committee to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, agree that lead exposure is a serious problem, the FDA does not believe lipsticks are unsafe. The Campaign For Safe Cosmetics has cried foul to this statement, pointing out that “[the FDA] conducted a formal safety assessment of lead in lipstick” and thus can’t really safe for sure if they are safe or not.

Currently, the FDA does not regulate the the amount of lead in cosmetics. They are, however, considering implementing regulations.

Lipsticks with the Most Lead

1. Maybelline Color Sensational in Pink Petal 7.19
2. L’Oréal Colour Riche in Volcanic 7.00
3. NARS Semi-Matte in Red Lizard 4.93
4. Cover Girl Queen Collection Vibrant Hues Color in Ruby Remix 4.92
5. NARS Semi-Matte in Funny Face 4.89
6. L’Oréal Colour Riche in Tickled Pink 4.45
7. L’Oréal Intensely Moisturizing Lipcolor in Heroic 4.41
8. Cover Girl Continuous Color in Warm Brick 4.28
9. Maybelline Color Sensational in Mauve Me 4.23
10. Stargazer Lipstick in C 4.12

Lipsticks with the Least Lead

1.Wet’n’ Wild Mega Mixers Lipbalm in Bahama Mama 0.026
2. L’Oréal Colour Juice in Cherry On Top  0.026
3. Clinique Almost in Black Honey  0.026
4. Lori Anne Mood in Blue 0.03
5. M.A.C. Satin in M.A.C. Red 0.03
6. Estée Lauder Pure Color in Pink Parfait 0.04
7. Lori Anne Mood in Yellow 0.05
8. M.A.C. Matte in Lady Danger 0.05
9. Iman Cosmetics Luxury Moisturizing in Image Red 0.05
10. Fashion Fair Lipstick in Earth Red 0.05

credit: Katie Waldeck of care2.com

According to the most recent first-of-its kind study, Acupuncture was incorporated into a treatment plan and its effectiveness compared against anti-depressant drugs, which are now commonly used in therapy. The aim was to see how these two treatment programs compared in bringing relief from the side effects of breast cancer surgery including hot flashes, night sweats and excessive sweating. The results were presented in September at the 50th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology in Boston, Mass.

The anti-depressant Effexor® (venlafaxine) produced by the drug company Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Inc., has become part of the normal drug therapy treatment plan for women suffering from hot flashes. Usually, hot flashes are treated with hormone therapy, however, breast cancer victims cant receive hormone therapy as it increases the chance the disease will return.

There are many good reasons, including weight gain, nausea, constipation and fatigue, not to use the powerful anti-depressant drugs. Many women prefer not to use the drug because of additional problems it is known to present such as insomnia, decreased libido and dizziness. And, some women simply don’t want to take drugs.

The study conducted at Henry Ford Hospitals Department of Radiation Oncology in Detroit, much, involved 47 breast cancer patients. Following their surgery, each was experiencing at least 14 hot flashes per week. What was discovered was that Acupuncture was equally effective in reducing the hot flashes as the anti-depressant drug, but it also provided additional health benefits.

The researchers noted that the women who received Acupuncture had an increased sense of well-being about them. They also had more energy and, in some cases, a higher sex drive than those who underwent drug treatment for their symptoms.

The researchers were forced to reduce the number of participants to 114 from the planned 480. Also, patients receiving Metoprolol rather than Acupuncture were considerably more likely to discontinue treatment, the authors stated. Thus the recruitment phase of the study was ended prematurely after 114 patients had been randomized.

The headache study was part of a larger nationwide research project to study the effectiveness of Acupuncture for headaches, chronic low back pain, and pain from osteoarthritis. The methodology called for real Acupuncture treatments, sham or minimal Acupuncture, and no treatments, as well as drug treatment in the case of the headache trials.

The results showed that, for all three conditions, Acupuncture produced a clear benefit that lasted for at least several months, and whose benefit was greatest in the osteoarthritis groups. In all three categories, Acupuncture proved extremely effective at reducing pain and inflammation compared to either traditional drug or other treatments, or no treatment at all.

The study was aimed at providing more information for the government to ascertain whether Acupuncture for these conditions should be covered by medical insurance. As a result, insurance in Germany has been extended to include osteoarthritis of the knees. Further research is planned in the other areas surveyed.