Synthetic Food Dyes

Monthly Newsletter – August ’23

Synthetic Food Dyes

(And Their Risks To Children)

Despite the decades old controversy surrounding synthetic food dyes and their possible link to hyperactivity in children, the FDA has yet to establish a causal relationship between the two!

What’s Taking So Long?

When asked by Consumer Reports Magazine (November 14, 2022 | Updated February 2, 2023) what was taking so long to act on the issue of regulating Synthetic Food Dyes (Specifically Red Dye #3), the FDA responded with the following statement. “The FDA evaluates and approves color additives for certain uses, based on the most current science available at the time. Following our initial evaluation, our scientists continue to review relevant new information to determine whether there are safety questions and whether the use of such substance is no longer safe under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.”

chemist, laboratory, analysis-2815640.jpg

california legislators

Legislation:

Legislators in California are currently pushing for warning labels to be placed on food products containing artificial food dyes, so parents can make informed decisions about what their children eat.

This move is similar to what the European Union did back in 2007, which required warning labels on products containing certain dyes. As a result, many manufacturers opted to remove synthetic food dyes from their European market altogether and used natural dyes instead.

Who May Be Most Affected by Food Dyes?

Food safety experts and advocates agree that while dyes likely pose risks to people of all ages. Young children may be the most vulnerable. Even older studies suggest a link between food coloring and children’s behavioral problems. In fact, 64 percent of the 27 clinical studies analyzed showed an association between food coloring and children’s behavioral problems. Recent studies were more likely to show a correlation, with 5 out of the 6 studies done after 1990 reporting statistically significant results.

child holding four food packs beside red wall

food dyes

What Is Being Done Currently?

The FDA suggests that parents who wish to limit their children’s intake of synthetic dyes check food ingredient lists on labels. Some consumer advocacy organizations are pushing for the FDA to either revoke approval for dyes or to inform consumers about the risks from them. A senior scientist at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, claims that dyes and artificial colorings aren’t vitamins or nutrients. Simply stated, they are cosmetics used to make unhealthy foods look more appealing to children.

What Can Parents Do To Protect Their Children?

The precise effect of dyes, even in the best-run clinical trials, can be difficult to tease out. Foods with artificial colors often have other additives, like sugar, that may influence behavior. Many families claim that they can pinpoint dyes as the cause of their children’s issues. They are accomplishing this simply by a process of elimination.

Without government intervention likely in the matter anytime soon, that is my recommendation for families with young children. Avoid foods and drinks that contain U.S. certified colors Red #3, Red #40, Blue #2, Yellow #5 (Tartrazine), Yellow #6 (Sunset Yellow), as well as sodium benzoate. If your child’s health has been improved, then you know that you have taken a step in the right direction.

In a word…Do your own due diligence when your family’s health is at stake! Read current peer reviewed medical journals and reports on the subject. Investigate who is backing the studies you read about in those journals. Determine if the study is biased one way or another. Make informed decisions based upon what YOU have learned yourself in those readings.

Synthetic Food Dyes

Due Diligence

Red Dye 3

In Summary:

Ultimately, the debate over synthetic food dyes and their potential impact on children’s behavior continues. The push for more transparency and education on the matter is growing. Legislators and advocacy groups are uniting in a call to action. Warning labels and more information on food product labels are suggested. Check out the section on Label Reading in my Wellness Academy for more guidance on that subject.

Monthly Newsletter- July 2023 – Handling Kitchen Knives Safely

Monthly Newsletter

This Month’s Topic:
Handling Kitchen Knives Safely

Knife Safety Tips

Handling kitchen knives safely has to become your first priority and second nature for you in your kitchen. If you plan to engage in a healthy eating lifestyle, then the odds are pretty good that you’ll be doing more of the cooking and prep work at home yourself. Knife accidents are common in household kitchens, but can be avoided if you use some good habits. I would be lacking in my duties as a teacher if I didn’t (at least briefly) touch on knife safety.

Knives are essential tools in any kitchen, but they can be dangerous if not used properly. To prevent injury and keep your kitchen running smoothly, it’s crucial to practice proper training and knife handling. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook in need of a refresher, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind for safe knife handling.

sliced lemon on chopping board

Keep Your Knife Sharp:

A dull knife requires more force to cut through food, which increases the risk of injury. To maintain a knife’s precision, use a sharpening stone or knife sharpener. Between thorough sharpenings, use a sharpening steel to touch up your knife.

When it comes to actually sharpening your knives, it will depend greatly on frequency of use but I recommend every 3-4 months for low to average use. When you make knife sharpening a more regular part of your kitchen routine, you’ll also start to get a much better sense of when they start to dull.

Choose the Right Knife for Each Task:

Different knives are designed for specific purposes, so it’s essential to select the right knife for the job. Consider blade size, flexibility, and edge type when choosing a knife for a cutting chore.

Most cutting tasks in the kitchen are achievable with a good chef’s knife. With that thought in mind, a blade that’s designed specifically for a purpose can bring more ease and precision to the cut. Using the right knives will encourage you to prep food with accuracy and confidence. I’m free of worries about how best to approach a cut when I use the right tool for the task at hand.

Choosing the right knives for your kitchen may seem like a daunting task when you consider how many knives exist on the market. If you have spent years buying the cheapest bargain basement knives that you could find, and are tired of crushing things instead of slicing them…STOP! Do yourself a favor and begin to accumulate the best knives available. You’ll thank me for it when you see what a difference a quality blade will make!

Always Keep Your Knives Clean:

Proper cleaning and sanitation are critical to prevent contamination and maintain your knife’s durability. Immediately clean your knife after use and inspect it for any food debris that may have collected. Don’t toss a knife in with the utensils to soak it clean! When it comes to handling kitchen knives safely, that’s a recipe for disaster if you like your hands!

NEVER wash your expensive kitchen knives in the dishwasher!

Your knives deserve the best care possible, and that means avoiding the dishwasher. Here are a few reasons why:

Heat and humidity can cause serious damage to both the steel and handle of your knife. Turbulence from the water jets can cause your knife to knock into other items in the dishwasher, damaging the blade’s edge. Detergents used in the dishwasher can dull or discolor your knife. Knives can scratch other items in the dishwasher, your fingers, and even the machine itself.

So what’s the best way to clean your knives? For most knives, hand-washing in hot, soapy water is the way to go. Just make sure to use hot tap water, not boiling water, to avoid any damage.

Store Your Knives Properly

The Benefits of Using a Knife Block for Your Knives.

Knife blocks are a popular and convenient way to store your knife collection. They come equipped with various sized slots to fit your chef knife, serrated knife, and other common blades. A knife block serves as an accessible and practical storage method, and also allows for an attractive way to display your collection.

Traditional knife blocks, however, have their downsides.

The slots on these blocks can harbor bacteria and cause your knife to dull over time. That’s why we recommend using a magnetic knife block for countertop storage. This type of knife block showcases your knives while preventing them from dulling or collecting bacteria.

While knife blocks work well for many people, they may not be the best option for everyone. They can take up valuable counter space, and the limited number of slots may not accommodate a growing knife collection.

Other Options:

For those with smaller kitchens or larger collections, a magnetic knife strip or in-drawer knife organizer might be more practical. When not in use, store your knives in a designated storage space such as a knife block or roll to prevent mishaps and increase their longevity.

Secure Your Cutting Board

When it comes to handling kitchen knives safely, the knife is only as steady as the surface you cut on! I use a perforated rubber shelf liner cut to match the size of my cutting boards. The rubberized shelf liners are machine washable, so they can stay clean like the rest of my kitchen. In a pinch, a dampened kitchen towel folded to fit the cutting board and placed underneath can stop the slide. Don’t forget, a dull knife causes you to use more pressure to make a cut which, in turn, can make your cutting board move when cutting!

Know The Correct Cutting Techniques

Some of these suggestions may seem redundant, but they’re worth repeating. Proper handling and cutting techniques are crucial for safe knife handling. Here are some safety guidelines to consider when you use hand-held knives:

Keep knives sharp: A sharp knife makes cutting easier and reduces the risk of unsafe pressure and angles while cutting.

Wear a cutting glove: Don’t be ashamed to wear a cutting glove. Hurting your pride hurts far less than hurting your body. A cutting glove will keep your hand safe from cuts.

Always cut away from yourself: This will prevent injury in case the knife slips.

Use the right knife for the job: Different cutting jobs require different knives. The wrong knife will make cutting difficult and increase the risk of injury.

Cut on a stable cutting board: A loose or wobbly cutting surface can easily cause knives to slip and injure employees.

Never grab a falling knife: This is important to remember, as it can cause severe injury.

Keep your eyes on the blade: This will enable you to notice if the knife starts to slip or is coming dangerously close to causing injury.

Carry the knife pointed down or in a scabbard: This will prevent you from falling onto sharp knife blades.

Never cover a knife: A knife that can’t be seen is a dangerous knife. Always keep it where it can be seen.

Don’t put a knife in a sink full of soapy water: Someone might stick their hand in the water and cut themselves. It’s best to wash the knife off immediately.

Keep the cutting area clean: Any liquids or byproducts on the floor create a slip risk, which is dangerous when handling knives.

Stay Focused: Always give cutting tasks your full attention and avoid distractions. Ignoring knife safety basics could turn one of your most-used kitchen tools into a hazard. If I had to rank any of the previous tips first for handling kitchen knives safely, I’d have to say…

(((STAY FOCUSED)))

knife, cutting board, sharpening steel-1383834.jpg

Wellness Academy

Are you enrolled in our Wellness Academy?

Introduction to the Wellness Academy

My Wellness Academy was created with better Health in mind. Your Health! With my guidance, your journey to a healthy lifestyle can be attained through continually learning about the many healthy choices that are available to you that you might not be aware of. If you can follow the tips that I provide in this course, success can be yours by forming new, healthier habits that could soon become a part of your daily life.

Learn More

Cooking With Debbie

November 4 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Cooking With Debbie

Please join Debbie Romano, Founder of Fountain Hills Healthy Heartbeats and The Wellness Academy, for Cooking With Debbie at The Fountain Hills Community Garden. Debbie will share health info on Healing Foods in this Cooking With Debbie Class.The Fountain Hills Community Garden is a gathering place for resident gardeners. They can learn to garden, grow healthy produce, connect with nature, stay physically active and build social interactions.First of all, the garden is a place of inter-generational relationships! Master Gardeners can share their wisdom about progressive gardening techniques, composting and water conservation to young children and adults. As a result, that atmosphere makes it the perfect place for the Cooking With Debbie Class.Secondly, the Garden offers a quiet and restful setting for the enjoyment of nature. It offers a wide variety of plants, birds, insects and soil. Young students learn about service and giving back to the community. Seniors can find a place to belong and a sense of purpose.Most importantly, the Garden is located in the Heart of Fountain Hills adjacent to the Town Library, Community Center and Town Hall. This central location makes it convenient for residents to enjoy and participate in Garden activities. Don’t miss the upcoming Cooking With Debbie Segment on November 4th at 11.00 am where she will cover Healing Foods!

Details

Date:: November 4
Time:: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Event Categories:: Presentations, Workshops
Event Tags:: Cooking With Debbie, Healing Foods
Website:: FHHealthyHeartbeats.com

Organizers

: Debbie Romano
: Joy Hubbard

Venue

Fountain Hills Community Garden; 12901 N La Montana DrFountain Hills,
AZ
85268
United States
+ Google Map
Phone:: (602) 692-1183; View Venue Website

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Membership Newsletter June 2023 – Carbonated Water – [#8311]

Monthly Newsletter

This Month’s Topic: Carbonated Water And Its Effects On Health

A Message from Our Founder

I know you are saying: “Ok, I get it…Enough about water, Debbie”. You should have a pretty solid grasp on how important water is to the human machine, but let’s face it, water can taste pretty boring! I don’t recommend sugary additives to make it taste better, and coffee and tea contain various amounts of caffeine which can dehydrate and sort of defeats the purpose of drinking water in the first place. So what other options do you have? Let’s explore carbonated water and its effects on health.

Carbonated water is a popular choice for those looking to quench their thirst without the negative effects of sugary drinks. However, some people have concerns regarding its impact on health. In this article, we will explore the different health effects of carbonated water, answering some of the most common questions.

Woman Drinking Water From Glass Bottle

What is Carbonated Water?

Carbonated water, also known as sparkling water, club soda, soda water, seltzer water, and fizzy water, is water infused with carbon dioxide gas under pressure. This process produces a bubbly drink, which can be enhanced with added salt and minerals. While seltzer water is usually mineral-free, other carbonated waters often contain minerals and sulfur compounds. Tonic water is another form of carbonated water that contains quinine, a bitter compound, along with sugar or high-fructose corn syrup.

Acidity

Carbonated water has a slightly acidic pH of 3-4, which can cause a burning and prickly sensation in the mouth. However, this does not mean that it increases the body’s acidity. The kidneys and lungs work to remove excess carbon dioxide, maintaining the blood at a slightly alkaline pH of 7.35-7.45, regardless of what you eat or drink.

Dental Health

One of the main concerns about sparkling water is its effect on teeth. While there is little research on this topic, studies have shown that sparkling mineral water has a similar effect on enamel as still water. Additionally, mineral water is 100 times less damaging to enamel than sugary drinks. Sugar-sweetened carbonated beverages have been shown to erode tooth enamel, while sugar-free carbonated drinks are less harmful. To minimize potential damage, try drinking carbonated water with meals or rinsing your mouth with plain water after consuming it.

Digestion:

Carbonated water may have several benefits for digestion. Studies suggest that it may improve swallowing ability and feelings of fullness after meals. In addition, it may help relieve constipation, leading to improvements in bowel movement frequency. In some cases, it may also improve other symptoms of indigestion, such as stomach pain.

Bone Health:

While some people believe that carbonated drinks are bad for bones, research suggests that carbonation isn’t the culprit. Cola drinks have been shown to decrease bone mineral density, while carbonated water appears to have no effect on bone health. In fact, animal research suggests that carbonated water may even improve bone strength.

Heart Health:

Although the research on carbonated water’s effect on heart health is limited, one study in postmenopausal women showed that drinking sodium-rich carbonated water decreased LDL (bad) cholesterol, inflammatory markers, and blood sugar. Additionally, those who consumed carbonated water had a lower estimated risk of developing heart disease within ten years than those who drank plain water.

carbonation bubbles