Countdown to Fitness

Soybeans: 91% in the US are Genetically Modified (GM)

(Update – now includes a list of references at the bottom.)

Should people be concerned about genetically modified organisms (GMOs)?  Absolutely! And a growing number of critics from around the world, including doctors, molecular biologists, farmers, environmentalists, agronomists, and many others agree.  (Most processed foods are made of GMOs.)  Genetic engineering (GE) has inherent, dangerous, unpredictable consequences, and an increasing body of evidence is bearing this out.  Just as tobacco companies hid research showing the danger of cigarettes, there is proof that biotechnology companies are harboring hidden, raw data that show dangers of GMOs. As hazardous as GE is, the problems don’t stop there.  The chemicals required by GE crops are becoming ever more dangerous, too, for people, animals, and the environment.  Additionally, there are other insidious problems: new, dangerous forms of dominance created by biotechnology companies over farmers and consumers. (more…)

Because Americans are eating less high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), the makers of HFCS want to change its name to “corn sugar” to improve its image and sales.  On September 14, 2010, the Corn Refiners Association (CRA) applied to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to use the new name on food labels.

While the FDA could take a couple of years to decide whether to accept the change, the CRA is already using the name in a new, aggresive marketing campaign on its website and in TV commercials. (more…)

Shrimp Is High in Cholesterol, But Is It Healthy?

This article is dedicated to my friend whom I was talking to today about her doctor’s visit.  Her new doctor wants her to go on a 1500 to 1600 calorie, low-carb diet.  Wow, I’m impressed that her doctor realizes that carbs cause major health problems!

I was discussing cholesterol with her.  So is it bad?  If you listen to conventional wisdom, you would think so; however, the truth is that cholesterol is not the problem.  Insulin (which is released into the blood during carbohydrate metabolism) is the problem.  It is responsible for synthesizing cholesterol. (more…)

Magnesium Citrate - Builds Strong Bones and Teeth

I made an interesting observation of my blood pressure (BP) this morning after I started taking 5 dietary supplements this week (magnesium citrate, coQ10, alpha-lipoic acid, vitamin E, and lemon-flavored cod liver oil), based on the recommendations in the book The Protein Power Lifeplan by Michael Eades, M.D., and Mary Dan Eades, M.D.  My BP was the lowest I’ve observed since I started taking it back in May.  In fact, it was about 10 points lower on both the top (systolic) number and bottom (diastolic) number — 97/60.  Wow!  This is without taking any high blood pressure medication and without exercise.  (I’m not proud of that latter one.) (more…)

500 milligram calcium supplements made from calcium carbonate

Just yesterday, I received a new email notification from NutritionData talking about the dangers of calcium supplements, linked to a new study “Study: Calcium May Increase Heart Attack Risk.” Interestingly enough, in the book I just read, The Protein Power Lifeplan (published in 2000 — 10 years ago!), the two authors, both physicians, talk about the increased risk, not just for heart problems, but also for other health problems. (more…)