What your food should tell you

As of August 4, 2012, enhanced labelling regulations come into force in Canada to help consumers identify allergens that may be present in the food they consume.

These include:

• Most prepackaged products must include food allergens, gluten sources, and sulphites in the list of ingredients or in a statement that begins with "Contains:.." on their labels;
• Food allergen or gluten sources must be written in commonly used words such as "milk" or "wheat";
• Mustard seed will be added to the regulatory definition of food allergen and will need to be in the list of ingredients or in a statement that begins with "Contains:.." on the label;
• The common names for the plant sources of starches, modified starches, hydrolyzed plant protein and lecithin must be modified to provide source information. For example, the label must indicate hydrolyzed soy protein rather than just hydrolyzed vegetable protein;
• Products that include spelt and kamut must declare wheat as an allergen on their labels;
• Sulphites in products above 10 ppm will need to be in the list of ingredients or in a statement that begins with "Contains:.." on the label ;
• Products must list any components of an ingredient that are food allergens, gluten sources, or sulphites (when 10 ppm or more).  For example, if a prepackaged food contains the ingredient "spices", that food will be required to list any allergens, gluten sources, or sulphites present in the spices, such as mustard. 
• Food allergens present in wine and spirits as a result of the use of fining agents made from allergenic ingredients such as eggs, fish, milk, etc, must be shown on the label of the product.
• Prepackaged fruits and vegetables that have a protective edible coating or wax must include the source of any allergen or gluten on their labels.

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Vitamin D and mushrooms

More interesting research on getting Vitamin D through mushrooms. 


Although this is vitamin D2 (ergosterol) and not D3 (cholecalciferol) , there's growing research suggesting that readily bioavailable D2 may have as many health-giving benefits as D3. 

What do you think?

nice work from a Canadian company fighting GMO's

from the CHFA newsletter:

Nature’s Path feels that the potential danger from GMOs to the environment, to human health and to organic farmers and producers is too vast to ignore. They have always had a strict non-GMO policy for their products and packaging. And, they support mandatory labeling of GMO products - firmly believing that everyone has the right to know what’s in their food and that genetically engineered foods should be clearly labeled so we can all make an informed choice. Right now in the U.S., Californians are gathering signatures to get an initiative on the 2012 ballot that would require manufacturers to label genetically engineered ingredients for sale in the state. At least 800,000 signatures are needed to ensure The California Right To Know Genetically Engineered Food Act gets placed on the ballot and can be voted on by California citizens in the November election. Even though they are a Canadian company, Nature’s Path has pledged to contribute $600,000 to support the campaign to make this California ballot initiative and mandatory GE labeling a reality. California is such an influential state that if this initiative is successful, the rest of the country and Canada will hopefully follow suit.

arsenic levels in organic brown rice syrup

Concerns are high after a study demonstrated high levels of arsenic in products made with organic brown rice syrup,http://blogs.laweekly.com/squidink/2012/02/arsenic_found_in_organic_brown.php.  Lots to think about.

Looking for something to read?

The website the blue ok is a fascinating, and unnerving, collection of alternative viewpoints on cancer, genetic engineering, gardening, green living, health, culture and more. Definitely worth browsing. While snooping through the site, we found Dr. Devra Davis and her work detailing the dangers of cell phones most convincing.

To support alternative health in Canada...please read and forward ...

In this month's VISTA magazine, a very well-written letter from Preferred Nutrition's Deane Parkes to Oshawa MP Colin Carrie

Exciting new approach to health with nitric oxide

There’s been a lot of excitement recently about nitric oxide, especially since Dr. Gifford—Jones’ article a couple of weeks ago. A powerful antioxidant, nitric oxide helps to widen blood vessels and lower blood pressure, helps prevent formation of arterial plaque, protects stomach from ulcers,  and inhibits growth of bacteria associated with cystic fibrosis and urinary tract infections.  It’s beneficial for upper respiratory chest infections, improves sports endurance, helps reduce stress….the list goes on!  The highly respected supplement company AOR has designed a number of supplements targeted towards various health issues using the nitric oxide technology.  Gaudaur’s is proud to be one of the first stores in a limited market rollout to carry their product line.  Drop by the store, take a look at the literature and see if one of the new NOx products would be suitable for you!

Next Organics snacks look great and taste yummy!

 They're tasty, they're organic and they're new! Next Organics dark chocolate-covered coconut, almonds, cherries, pretzels and ginger root.

Gluten free, chemical free ZuZu Luxe cosmetics now in stock

Indulge yourself and choose your next cosmetic from the ZuZu Luxe line from Gabriel.  Gluten-free and no harmful chemicals.  Smooth on glowing colours in a foundation, lipstick, blush, eyeshadow, eyeliner and mascara.  Look your very best while lavishing your sensitive skin with spring water, herbs, botanicals and vitamins.

And here's a tip for stylish cheekbones: try a darker shade of blush just under your cheekbones and blend in a lighter blush with more shimmer towards the top.