More on vitamin D

It seems like almost every few days a new study on the benefits of vitamin D emerges.
Recently, the European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) Panel on Dietetic Products concluded that "a cause and effect relationship has been established between the dietary intake of vitamin D and contribution to the normal function of the immune system and healthy inflammatory response, and maintenance of normal muscle function”.

This just adds the ever mounting evidence supporting the importance of adequate amounts of vitamin D in the diet.

Now, all we need is for the health authorities in Canada to commission more studies and show Canadians how safe it is to take vitamin D supplements.

Bad taste in you mouth

Recently, Kraft Foods Inc. announced that it will be lowering the amount of sodium in a number of its products by an average of about 10% over the next two years.

At first glance, this statement makes Kraft seem as though they are taking significant steps towards addressing and changing the issue of the high sodium content in their foods. But if you take a closer look at what they are doing and crunch some numbers, you would soon realize that this change has a small and almost insignificant impact on their overall sodium levels. Not to mention the clever marketing ploy to allow people to continue eating their products guilt free.

Here is the article for reference.

http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/03/18/kraft-sodiumreduction.html#socialcomments

To give you a better idea of what the impact will be, here are some interesting facts.

· 1 cup of Kraft Cheese and Macaroni contains about 600mg of sodium.

On average people will eat about 2 cups of Mac and Cheese in one sitting. This equals to 1200mg of sodium or your recommended amount of sodium for the day!

By lowering this by 10%, all you are doing is shaving off about 120mg of sodium. This is so insignificant. You should be more worried about the 1080mg that you are eating and not the 120mg that you aren’t.

· If you try and eat other foods to equal the same amount of sodium in 2 cups of Mac & Cheese here is what you would have to consume:

o 1200 bananas or

o 6 Sirloin steaks or

o 12 glasses of milk or

o 40 potatoes

The point is, be mindful of what you are eating and how it compares to other foods. A bowl of Mac & Cheese can be eaten as a treat but not as a staple.

New studies that look at the benefits of Vitamin D

Recently, the Globe and Mail reported on a new long term study underway that will hopefully put to rest the debate on how much vitamin D to take a day and the overall benefits of it.

Here is the article:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/two-studies-hope-to-test-the-benefits-of-vitamin-d-once-and-for-all/article1490123/

More of these studies need to be conducted not only to understand how vitamin D plays a role in our health but to show people that nutritional deficiencies can strike anyone and are not limited to underdeveloped/malnourished nations.
A better understanding of what we are putting in our bodies, why it is good for us and its effects on our health will allow everyone to make smarter choices and keep deficiencies at bay.

Are Fish Oil Pills Contaminated? - ABC News

For all those who are concerned about the quality of fish oils you are taking please watch the video in the link below.

Are Fish Oil Pills Contaminated? - ABC News


Make sure you know that the brand you are taking is trusted and that the company conducts their own independent testing on the raw materials they receive.

Two trusted companies that sell fish oils are Genuine Health (O3mega) and Ascenta Health (NutraSea).

For more info feel free to contact me at 477-1606.

March is Nutrition Month

The month of March is known for being the start of spring and a segue into summer. It is also referred to as the month for nutrition. You should use this reminder to start looking at your own eating habits and try to find ways to improve them.

Here is a quick and easy tip to improve your eating for the better.

Aim to have 3 servings of fruit and 3 servings of vegetables a day. It is as simple as having 2 at each meal. Try it and see how you feel. I bet your digestion will improve and will experience more energy and stamina.