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U.S. Foodmakers Asked to Cut the Salt

Most people in America eat two teaspoons of salt every day. That’s more than twice what your body needs to be healthy! And no, most of us aren’t getting all that salt out of a shaker. We’re not snacking on salt-pops or drinking salt soda. More than three-fourths of the salt in the American diet comes from common processed foods. Health experts and advocates are concerned. They are hoping that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will respond to a petition asking for government intervention in regulating sodium levels. The Center for Science in the Public Interest filed the petition … Continue reading →

“Smart Choices” May Not Be So Smart After All

Don’t believe everything a box of cereal tells you. Lots of foods are packaged with little logos and stickers, telling us how healthy the stuff inside is. But is it really that healthy? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says maybe not. They’re taking a closer look at the actual content of popular foods like cereal and crackers — with an eye for whether or not consumers are being mislead about the health benefits. One program being targeted is the “Smart Choices” sticker — the little green check mark on certain foods, declaring that the contents are indeed a Smart … Continue reading →

Economical Beauty: Scrubs

I was at a party this weekend — one of those Tupperware type parties, where you get to check out an entire line of products and shop while you socialize. I tried out an “instant manicure” and quite frankly, loved it. It was an exfoliating scrub for hands, cuticles, and nails that left my skin feeling super-soft afterwards. So I asked the consultant if it was a sugar scrub — the exfoliating bits were finer than the salt crystals I’ve used in making body scrubs for years. She said yes, and then helpfully rattled off the list of ingredients. And … Continue reading →

New Guidelines for Resistant High Blood Pressure

The American Heart Association has new guidelines for treating resistant high blood pressure. What is resistant high blood pressure (also known as resistant hypertension)? There are two different types. One type of resistant high blood pressure remains above the normal or target level despite using up to three medications. Another type of resistant high blood pressure requires four or more medications to reach a normal or target level. Studies suggest that as many as thirty percent of people with high blood pressure may have resistant hypertension. Resistant high blood pressure isn’t the same as uncontrolled high blood pressure, mind you. … Continue reading →

Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease with a Good Meal

You like to eat, right? For many people, a good meal with friends or family is one of life’s finest pleasures. There are some meals that can help reduce your risk of heart disease — ensuring that you will be around for many meals with friends and family to come. Cut back on salt. Too much salt can put you on the path to high blood pressure. High blood pressure is key in causing heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Check the sodium content of packaged foods like frozen dinners, canned soups, and snack foods. Limit your intake to 1500 … Continue reading →

Reducing Sodium Around the World

A high sodium diet isn’t just a problem in the United States — it is a problem around the world! Too much salt can contribute to serious health issues like high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure. Technological advancements have helped reduce sodium levels in foods. In the 1960s, salt was used generously in frozen vegetables. Better freezing techniques have reduced the amount of sodium in frozen vegetables by more than seventy-five percent. That doesn’t mean all frozen veggies are safe and healthy — check the sodium content in sauces. Around the world, governments are making an effort … Continue reading →