Naturalpath

The New York Times recently reported that tests found excessive levels of mercury in tuna sushi from 20 Manhattan stores and restaurants. Sushi from 5 of the 20 places, including well known Nobu Next Door, had mercury levels high enough for the Food and Drug Administration to take legal action to remove sushi from the market. These samples were gathered in New York City, but experts believe similar results may be found elsewhere.

In 2004 the Food and Drug Administration joined with the Environmental Protection Agency to warn women who might become pregnant and children to limit their consumption of canned tuna because the mercury it contained might damage the developing nervous system. Fresh tuna was not included in the advisory.

Read the Full Story from the NY Times Here

Read the NRDC Guide to Mercury Contamination in Fish Here

Organic Consumers Association Report on Mercury in Sushi

Healthnotes Newswire (November 8, 2007)—People with diabetes can improve their health by eating well and staying physically active. New research finds that adding a supplement of chromium plus biotin has further benefits, including improved blood sugar control and reduced cholesterol levels.

Healthnotes Newswire (July 5, 2007)—Some people call fish “brain food,” but scientists have found that it’s good for much more than that. New research suggests that eating fish might protect the eyes.

Healthnotes Newswire (June 28, 2007)—When it comes to colon cancer risk, the type of fat that you eat might be more important than the amount. A new study shows that people who consume more omega-3 fatty acids, like those found in oily fish, are less likely to develop colon cancer.

Healthnotes Newswire (June 7, 2007)—It is well known that physical activity is necessary for people to stay strong as they age, but now it appears that unsuspecting older people might have a vitamin D deficiency working against them. New research finds that getting enough vitamin D helps seniors stay strong.

Staying fit is a major concern to many people as they strive to remain independent while facing their later years. Physical fitness influences mental fitness and helps people avoid disability by reducing risk of chronic diseases.

Over the past few years there has been increasing awareness of vitamin D’s role in overall health. In addition to regulating how bones use calcium, vitamin D also controls the way calcium is absorbed and used by the body, influences immune function, and has some anticancer effects.

I just read an alarming blurb in VegNews (June 2007, Page 20) that Unilver, the largest supplier of frozen desserts to the US (and parent company to Ben & Jerry's, Breyer's, Klondike, and Popsicle brands), has started using "ice structuring antifreeze" proteins from genetically modified FISH in some of their products. They synthesize the GMO compound from yeast that comes from the blood of ocean pout to prevent "the crystallization of ice cream when it melts and is refrozen."

Healthnotes Newswire (May 10, 2007)—A type of omega-3 fatty acid, found primarily in cold-water fish, helps to build strong bones, reports the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Most people associate osteoporosis with women, but the disease can also occur in men. Osteoporosis causes the bones to become weak and brittle, making them more prone to fractures. Whites and Asians are more likely to suffer from the disease. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, one in four men over age 50 will develop an osteoporosis-related fracture at some point in their lives.

Natural health experts who recommend juice fasting as a cleansing strategy suggest that when breaking a fast, it's important to gradually reintroduce solid foods.

After a period of drinking only liquids, it's important to chew your food well so that it's easily digested. It is also important not to eat too fast or overeat.

Pay attention to symptoms of food sensitivities or allergies that occur, such as bloating or inflammation. It's important to reintroduce foods slowly so as to avoid irritating the digestive system.

Reintroducing foods after your juice fast may include a diet plan like this:

• Day 1: Two pieces of fruit. Each piece of fruit is divided in half so there are four servings for that day.
• Day 2: Lightly steamed non-starchy vegetables, such as greens like spinach or kale.
• Day 3: Brown rice, fresh salad.
• Day 4: Nonfat plain yogurt, eggs.
• Day 5: Meat, chicken, fish, or tofu.
• Day 6: Beans and other grains.
• Day 7: Other foods, as desired.

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Human beings are at the top of the food chain, thus we bioaccumulate the collective environmental toxins that go into the growth and processing of our food. Every step between you and your food is a pathway for toxins to be added to your dinner plate.

Can a chocolate bar help you live longer? According to the British Medical Journal, if the chocolate is dark, and, better still, packed with healthy almonds, it can contribute to a robust diet rich in antioxidants that can lower your risk of heart disease by over 70 percent, and may just add about six years to your life.