Comments for Better Being with Ann Barnes http://beabetterbeing.com/blog Sun, 22 Apr 2012 10:52:44 -0700 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.4 Comment on Dried Hemp Honey Apple – Gluten free, Nut Free, Dairy Free (Vegan), Soy Free by Kathroset http://beabetterbeing.com/blog/2011/10/dried-hemp-honey-apple-gluten-free-nut-free-dairy-free-vegan-soy-free/comment-page-1/#comment-300 Kathroset Sun, 22 Apr 2012 10:52:44 +0000 http://beabetterbeing.com/blog/?p=1251#comment-300 <p>Note: Honey is not commonly considered Vegan as it comes from an animal. There is however an alternative is Sweet Freedom Natural Syrup (Fruit) available in Australia, the UK and other parts of Europe. <a href="http://www.sweetfreedom.co.uk/" rel="nofollow">http://www.sweetfreedom.co.uk/</a>.</p> Note: Honey is not commonly considered Vegan as it comes from an animal. There is however an alternative is Sweet Freedom Natural Syrup (Fruit) available in Australia, the UK and other parts of Europe. http://www.sweetfreedom.co.uk/.

]]> Comment on Flax Facts by Rob http://beabetterbeing.com/blog/2011/11/flax-facts/comment-page-1/#comment-299 Rob Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:28:09 +0000 http://beabetterbeing.com/blog/?p=1261#comment-299 <p>Hi Ann,<br>To follow up on the concerns about cyanogenic glycosides in flax seed. This substance is actually found in many foods: corn, rice, barley, wheat, rye, mangos, apple seeds, and in vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin form). Cyanogenic glycosides and glucosinolates from vegetables in the Cruciferous family (Brussels sprouts, etc.) breakdown to form thiocyanates which are the substances that can block iodine uptake and negatively impact the thyroid gland. All of these foods have been in our diet for quite some time though and none of them have been shown to have negative effects in normal dietary amounts. Poor quality diets low in iodine could be more susceptible to larger amounts of cyanogenic glycosides in the diet though. The 1993 British Journal of Nutrition study you quoted actually concludes "up to 50 g high-alpha-linolenic acid flaxseed/d is palatable, safe and may be nutritionally beneficial in humans by raising n-3 fatty acids in plasma and erythrocytes and by decreasing postprandial glucose responses." To put things in perspective, 1 tablespoon of flax seed is about 14g and ground flax is about 7g so 50g even is quite a large amount daily. <br>As far as lignans and phytoestrogens, it is a controversial topic but the majority of reviews I've read have come to the conclusion that phytoestrogens have a protective effect or at least no negative effect with regards to estrogen + breast cancer.  For example:</p> <p>Tempfer CB, et al. Side effects of phytoestrogens: a meta-analysis of randomized trials.Am J Med. 2009 Oct;122(10):939-46.<br>Mark J Messina and Charles E Wood. Soy isoflavones, estrogen therapy, and breast cancer risk: analysis and commentary. Nutrition Journal 2008, 7:17</p> <p>I would be far more concerned with xenoestrogens from the environment like Bisphenol A.</p> <p>Was there a reason why you chose to focus on cherry picking negative research findings for flax and ignore all the positive research related to flax seed and flax oil? For example, trace amounts of cadmium are found in many foods and it depends on the soil the foods are grown in as well as the cultivar of plant. It isn't that flax preferentially absorbs cadmium - it preferentially absorbs many minerals as well, and a soil rich in iron and zinc can help prevent uptake of cadmium. This study found that flax did not increase thiocyanate levels or cadmium levels in humans:<br><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11857049" rel="nofollow">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pu...</a></p> <p>When you said "it is speculated that tumor growth induced by flaxseed, may be due to its high cadmium content." is that based on the rat study you referenced later? The 2007 Khan rat study you are referencing used flax seed at a whopping 10% of their total diet and the researchers state that the cadmium content was 6 times higher than what is allowed by the WHO for humans. Rat studies are notoriously flawed when it comes to extrapolating them to reality for humans. Rats have different digestive systems and different metabolism than humans and feeding massive quantities of flax in order to increase cadmium levels past a safe level, causing tumour growth and then trying to conclude that flax could lead to tumours in humans is pretty disingenous. I would urge consumers concerned with cadmium or any other heavy metals in foods to check with the manufacturer or supplier and make sure they test for heavy metal content. For example, flax oil would use the WHO standard for cadmium at <0.3 ppm and flax in Canada usually comes in far below this.</p> <p>I appreciate being cautious in what you consume but I found most of the examples here to be exaggerated and all of the health issues (constipation, hypertension, CVD, etc.) strangely ignored a large number of studies showing benefits. Here are two balanced reviews of benefits relating to cardiovascular health for flaxseed and the oil:<br><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19568181" rel="nofollow">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pu...</a><br><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14995053" rel="nofollow">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pu...</a></p> <p></p> Hi Ann,
To follow up on the concerns about cyanogenic glycosides in flax seed. This substance is actually found in many foods: corn, rice, barley, wheat, rye, mangos, apple seeds, and in vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin form). Cyanogenic glycosides and glucosinolates from vegetables in the Cruciferous family (Brussels sprouts, etc.) breakdown to form thiocyanates which are the substances that can block iodine uptake and negatively impact the thyroid gland. All of these foods have been in our diet for quite some time though and none of them have been shown to have negative effects in normal dietary amounts. Poor quality diets low in iodine could be more susceptible to larger amounts of cyanogenic glycosides in the diet though. The 1993 British Journal of Nutrition study you quoted actually concludes “up to 50 g high-alpha-linolenic acid flaxseed/d is palatable, safe and may be nutritionally beneficial in humans by raising n-3 fatty acids in plasma and erythrocytes and by decreasing postprandial glucose responses.” To put things in perspective, 1 tablespoon of flax seed is about 14g and ground flax is about 7g so 50g even is quite a large amount daily.
As far as lignans and phytoestrogens, it is a controversial topic but the majority of reviews I've read have come to the conclusion that phytoestrogens have a protective effect or at least no negative effect with regards to estrogen + breast cancer.  For example:

Tempfer CB, et al. Side effects of phytoestrogens: a meta-analysis of randomized trials.Am J Med. 2009 Oct;122(10):939-46.
Mark J Messina and Charles E Wood. Soy isoflavones, estrogen therapy, and breast cancer risk: analysis and commentary. Nutrition Journal 2008, 7:17

I would be far more concerned with xenoestrogens from the environment like Bisphenol A.

Was there a reason why you chose to focus on cherry picking negative research findings for flax and ignore all the positive research related to flax seed and flax oil? For example, trace amounts of cadmium are found in many foods and it depends on the soil the foods are grown in as well as the cultivar of plant. It isn't that flax preferentially absorbs cadmium – it preferentially absorbs many minerals as well, and a soil rich in iron and zinc can help prevent uptake of cadmium. This study found that flax did not increase thiocyanate levels or cadmium levels in humans:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pu...

When you said “it is speculated that tumor growth induced by flaxseed, may be due to its high cadmium content.” is that based on the rat study you referenced later? The 2007 Khan rat study you are referencing used flax seed at a whopping 10% of their total diet and the researchers state that the cadmium content was 6 times higher than what is allowed by the WHO for humans. Rat studies are notoriously flawed when it comes to extrapolating them to reality for humans. Rats have different digestive systems and different metabolism than humans and feeding massive quantities of flax in order to increase cadmium levels past a safe level, causing tumour growth and then trying to conclude that flax could lead to tumours in humans is pretty disingenous. I would urge consumers concerned with cadmium or any other heavy metals in foods to check with the manufacturer or supplier and make sure they test for heavy metal content. For example, flax oil would use the WHO standard for cadmium at <0.3 ppm and flax in Canada usually comes in far below this.

I appreciate being cautious in what you consume but I found most of the examples here to be exaggerated and all of the health issues (constipation, hypertension, CVD, etc.) strangely ignored a large number of studies showing benefits. Here are two balanced reviews of benefits relating to cardiovascular health for flaxseed and the oil:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pu...
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pu...

]]> Comment on 100 Tips to a Better You! by colon therapist boston http://beabetterbeing.com/blog/2010/06/100-better-being-tips/comment-page-1/#comment-298 colon therapist boston Thu, 29 Mar 2012 10:21:09 +0000 http://beabetterbeing.com/blog/?p=138#comment-298 <p>relationship between the brain and coImprove Your Colon Health through SAGE-guided colonic therapy and understanding the special healing lon...<br></p> relationship between the brain and coImprove Your Colon Health through SAGE-guided colonic therapy and understanding the special healing lon…

]]> Comment on The Secret Codes of Produce by Aapierce http://beabetterbeing.com/blog/2012/01/the-secret-codes-of-produce/comment-page-1/#comment-291 Aapierce Mon, 19 Mar 2012 15:34:30 +0000 http://beabetterbeing.com/blog/?p=1273#comment-291 <p>Also, ones that begin with a 3 are irradiated to kill fungus and bugs. California won't accept fruits and veggies from many other countries or states if they are not irradiated.  Any irradiated organic ones will have a 93XXX.</p> Also, ones that begin with a 3 are irradiated to kill fungus and bugs. California won't accept fruits and veggies from many other countries or states if they are not irradiated.  Any irradiated organic ones will have a 93XXX.

]]> Comment on The Secret Codes of Produce by Ann Barnes http://beabetterbeing.com/blog/2012/01/the-secret-codes-of-produce/comment-page-1/#comment-286 Ann Barnes Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:13:49 +0000 http://beabetterbeing.com/blog/?p=1273#comment-286 Hi Shannon - if you can give the the full code it would help. The #6 with an E usually identifies a Flavor enhancer. It would be most helpful to have the full code. Thanks! Hi Shannon – if you can give the the full code it would help. The #6 with an E usually identifies a Flavor enhancer. It would be most helpful to have the full code. Thanks!

]]> Comment on The Secret Codes of Produce by Shannon http://beabetterbeing.com/blog/2012/01/the-secret-codes-of-produce/comment-page-1/#comment-282 Shannon Wed, 15 Feb 2012 19:14:06 +0000 http://beabetterbeing.com/blog/?p=1273#comment-282 I have recently bought apples that started with a 6 here in Canada! What does that one mean? any ideas? Thx:) I have recently bought apples that started with a 6 here in Canada! What does that one mean? any ideas? Thx:)

]]> Comment on by Kealey http://beabetterbeing.com/blog/2010/03/hello-world/comment-page-1/#comment-302 Kealey Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:24:49 +0000 http://beabetterbeing.com/blog/?p=1#comment-302 <p>Hi Ann, <br>My names Kealey and i happened to pop into the JACS health food store in stayner today and met a lovely lady named Jennie who had told me about yourself, your book and your amazing recipes! After checking out your website, i figured it would be a chance for me to write you a message. I myself have just today registered for the first part in completing my diploma in advanced nutrition, to become a registered holistic nutritionist once I've completed all 4 courses. I have become more and more interested in holistic nutrition over this past while and am very excited to get started in this new field I have grown passionately about quickly. I seem to find myself researching and reading more about this field and can't wait to get started on my course. I am hoping to make it to stayner in February to hopefully get to meet you in person!<br>Until then, take care.<br>Kealey</p> Hi Ann, 
My names Kealey and i happened to pop into the JACS health food store in stayner today and met a lovely lady named Jennie who had told me about yourself, your book and your amazing recipes! After checking out your website, i figured it would be a chance for me to write you a message. I myself have just today registered for the first part in completing my diploma in advanced nutrition, to become a registered holistic nutritionist once I've completed all 4 courses. I have become more and more interested in holistic nutrition over this past while and am very excited to get started in this new field I have grown passionately about quickly. I seem to find myself researching and reading more about this field and can't wait to get started on my course. I am hoping to make it to stayner in February to hopefully get to meet you in person!
Until then, take care.
Kealey

]]> Comment on The Secret Codes of Produce by Ann Barnes http://beabetterbeing.com/blog/2012/01/the-secret-codes-of-produce/comment-page-1/#comment-277 Ann Barnes Wed, 18 Jan 2012 01:37:31 +0000 http://beabetterbeing.com/blog/?p=1273#comment-277 What a shame that we cannot have access to info about what we are putting into our bodies. It should be mandatory not voluntary. Thanks for your post! What a shame that we cannot have access to info about what we are putting into our bodies. It should be mandatory not voluntary. Thanks for your post!

]]> Comment on The Secret Codes of Produce by Ann http://beabetterbeing.com/blog/2012/01/the-secret-codes-of-produce/comment-page-1/#comment-278 Ann Tue, 17 Jan 2012 22:50:36 +0000 http://beabetterbeing.com/blog/?p=1273#comment-278 Thanks for your post emmipea. I agree with you and it is so unfortunate that it is voluntary and not mandatory. But we can all vote with our dollars and insist on organic! Thanks for your post emmipea. I agree with you and it is so unfortunate that it is voluntary and not mandatory. But we can all vote with our dollars and insist on organic!

]]> Comment on The Secret Codes of Produce by emmipea http://beabetterbeing.com/blog/2012/01/the-secret-codes-of-produce/comment-page-1/#comment-276 emmipea Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:24:53 +0000 http://beabetterbeing.com/blog/?p=1273#comment-276 Unfortunately, in the U.S., this labeling is voluntary.  Producers have the option of using PLU numbers beginning with 8, but are not required to do so - obviously the vast majority choose not to label. If you choose organic, however, you should be in good shape.  In order to become certified organic, food must be proven to be GMO free. Unfortunately, in the U.S., this labeling is voluntary.  Producers have the option of using PLU numbers beginning with 8, but are not required to do so – obviously the vast majority choose not to label. If you choose organic, however, you should be in good shape.  In order to become certified organic, food must be proven to be GMO free.

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