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Report says organic no better than regular food???

7/29/2009

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nutrient_quality_of_organic_foods_ajcn_2009.pdf
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The FSA Reports link and article from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition were sent to me by the lead researcher that supposedly demonstrates that organic food is no more or less nutritious than conventionally grown foods. I have not read it myself yet as he just sent it to me. I suspect the criteria used in the report may not be the same ones you or I may consider as deciding factors in what we consume and feed our families.
 I thought I would share the actual report so you can read it for yourself as well and not rely on a reporter's sensational journalism for your health information on this important topic.
  Renee Lea-Currie, Ph.D.

From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Wednesday, July 29, 2009 2:35 PM
To: Renee Lea-Currie
Subject: Re: reprint request

Dear Renee,  
The full reports are at the FSA website:
http://www.food.gov.uk/news/newsarchive/2009/jul/organic   Our paper in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition is attached.
 Thanks, Alan  

Dr. Alan Dangour
Registered Public Health Nutritionist
Nutrition and Public Health Intervention Research Unit
Department of Epidemiology and Population Health
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT
Tel:  +44 (0)20 7958 8133
Fax: +44 (0)20 7958 8111

The OPAL study: www.opal-study.org.uk
  The OPEN study: www.open-study.org.uk
 
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Invasion of the superfoods!

7/28/2009

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Tuesday July 28, 2009
Hello Friends,
Many people ask me for reviews of various super berry juice and "superfood" products so I thought I would share my general stance on these products. I have 3 criteria for a product/food regardless of how healthy, anti-aging, etc. it is for the body. They are taste, cost and availability.
   The good news is that the research studies do demonstrate that the exotic superfood berries such as acai, maqui, mangosteen and goji  are indeed extremely high in antioxidants and are healthy beneficial real foods.  I personally find the taste of acai very strong  but I am very, very picky. For those that do not ingest sufficient fruits/vegetables I think it is a great idea for them to drink an acai, or maqui berry beverage or low sodium vegetable juice if they can afford it. The high quality superfood/super berry beverages are not exactly cheap, in my opinion. This is especially true when you consider they are competing against  "antioxidant blend" juice drinks from well known companies that offer coupons for their (sometimes) sugar laden, 10-20% juice drinks blend products.
   Otherwise, if cost, availability or taste is an issue, I would recommend people stick to consuming local fruits and vegetables like blueberries, cherries, strawberries, sweet potatoes or whatever is available in your area. These are antioxidant powerhouses as well but are much more affordable and available.  Prior to creating humans, God designed a whole planet of delicious, healthy foods. I REFUSE to believe God made the most super healthful foods available in only ONE part of the world or affordable to only the most wealthy who can find and pay for them. 
   Regarding juice, I think most people need to stay away from too much commercially prepared juices and especially juice drinks. You can usually find good deals on inexpensive regular blenders that make great smoothies or drinks (with coconut milk-yummy and cheap) using local fruits if you really want the most affordable way. I have found several local farmers’ markets that also accept Food Stamps to make fresh fruits and vegetables affordable to EVERYONE. Check in your area.
Here are some easy healthy drink recipes my kids and I LOVE! The ingredients are found in regular grocery stores.

 Juice Bubbles [my kids named this drink]
frozen concentrate 100% fruit juice (apple, orange, grape)
sparkling water
1. Reconstitute thawed juice concentrate with sparkling water instead of regular water. Yummy!

Fizzy Fiber Juice
5-6 dried apricots
sparkling water
2 TBSP apple juice
crushed ice
1. Add the dried apricots into 2 TBSP apple juice and let soak for 5-10 minutes inside a blender.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Add crushed ice and some sparkling water to your taste for a refreshing fizzy fiber rich drink.
4. There is about 3-4 grams of fiber in a serving of dried apricots, so this is a great tasting way to get a bit more fiber for the day.
Enjoy.
Renee
Check out the other Kid Approved Real Recipes (KARR), photos and blog archives at www.thetakebacktour.com

"Many times when we are sick, we pray to God for healing.
Sometimes, the miracle of healing is the miracle of our obedience." - Renee Lea-Currie , Ph.D., www.thetakebacktour.com


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Battle of the Fruit Rolls

7/20/2009

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battle_of_the_fruit_rolls.pdf
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Battle of the Fruit Rolls
Hello Friends,
I recently saw a new product from Fruit Roll Ups called Simply Fruit.  After reading the ingredients, I was impressed to sample it and compare it to my favorite FruitaBu. It seems the company (Betty Crocker) has realized that parents are tired of purchasing junk  full of fake colors linked to cancer and ADHD that negatively affects their kids behavior. See the attached file for a quick view of the cover, nutrition label and my comparison and verdict on the winner. Either way, it seems everyone wins as both products cost the same and contain no artificial ingredients. They both taste good too.  Please pass this information along so other parents, teachers and caregivers can learn to look for and purchase  healthy, delicious options. I would also be interested in hearing your assessment of both products. Please take the 33 seconds to read the review and share your opinion.

Be informed.
Eat well.
Smile.
Renee


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MMMT: FREE veggie pack & recipe

7/16/2009

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  Hello Friends,
I just found this excellent vegetarian/vegan resource and could not wait to share it with you. Send for your veggie starter pack. The link also includes great lists of vegan fast food items, vegan grocery items, list of meat/dairy substitutes and more. Let us all be more environmentally friendly, waistline kind (simple weight loss) and financially friendlier (beans are cheaper than meat) by eating more vegetarian meals. I am so excited to receive my FREE veggie starter pack (see link below in the next line)
http://www.vegstarterpack.com/
Here is a great transition to whole grain recipe I like to make that is lact-ovo vegetarian or vegan. People that claim to hate brown rice will never know the difference in this recipe. Please note I like my rice pudding to be very firm. If you like a more soupy rice pudding or want to make it vegan, leave out the eggs.
Renee's Brown Rice Pudding
2 packages boil-in-bag brown rice *
3/4 cup  can whole coconut milk [use 1/2 cup if using agave nectar to sweeten]
1-2 eggs
1/2 to 3/4 cup raw sugar [or 1/2 cup agave nectar]
1 TBSP pure vanilla extract
4 TBSP organic butter or vegan Earth Balance
1 small pinch of ground allspice or nutmeg
1 pinch cinnamon [optional]
NOTE: Because the coconut milk is so thick and creamy, you can add water to reach your desired consistency without affecting the taste.
* Boil-in-bag brown rice is simply brown rice that has been pre-cooked for a bit so it does not take as long as normal to cook. Normally people are turned off by the fact that brown rice takes a bit longer than white rice to cook. I like to recommend the boil-in-bag brown rice to help people transition to whole grains and learn to enjoy the taste and health benefits.

1. Cook brown rice according to package directions for 8-10 minutes. Add drained rice into a mixing bowl.
2. While the rice is still hot add other ingredients and stir until mixed well.
3. Coat a glass dish with spray olive oil or coconut oil. Place  rice pudding mixture into a glass dish and bake for 30-35 minutes at 400 degrees.
4. Let cool or serve warm. Cut rice pudding into squares or scoop with a small ice cream scoop and garnish the serving plate with banana or mango for a cute presentation. Enjoy the creamy texture provided by the coconut milk.
Let me know how you like my rice pudding recipe. Enjoy.
Renee


"Many times when we are sick, we pray to God for healing.
Sometimes, the miracle of healing is the miracle of our obedience."
- Renee Lea-Currie, Ph.D., www.thetakebacktour.com


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No Fake Beauty:Take Back Natural Health & Beauty

7/6/2009

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Hello Friends,
    In the book by Michael Pollan In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto he states "Don't get your fuel from the same place your car does." I would like to add my own quote in defense of the largest organ in the body-your skin.
    "Don’t get your cosmetics from the same substance                       your car does."
- Renee Lea-Currie, Ph.D.
   Sometimes avoiding petroleum based products seems difficult or expensive. However, God has provided an array of natural oils, spices and substances that are inexpensive, effective, antibacterial, and safe and are not based on the same product that runs your car. After celebrating our Independence Day this past weekend, I suggest you declare your own Beauty  Independence Day today. Start reducing your dependence on irritating, potentially harmful products and invest in cheap natural products that smell, great, work great and feel great. If you don't have a natural products store in your area (or cannot afford their prices), check out my favorite source for essential oils at www.wfmed.com. They are a bulk supplier that can provide small sizes of quality essential oils that meet a small budget.
 
“Many times when we are sick, we pray to God for
   healing.
Sometimes, the miracle of healing is the  
    miracle of our obedience." - Renee Lea-Currie, Ph.D.

We are surrounded by synthetic foods, clothes, containers, entertainment, sweeteners, cosmetics, and scents everyday. Let us be obedient to the laws of nature and listen to our bodies crying out for relief from the “FAKE” things in our lives. Experience the “miracle” of natural beauty and health.

    Check out my new list natural beauty recipes for simple effective affordable products from our Natural Beauty Secrets of the Bible workshop on June 27 in the Brochures page and photos of the event on our Special Events page. If you missed, it you missed a great time. I allotted 1.5 hours based on last year's response, but everyone had so much fun, they did not want to leave even after 3 hours! If you are interested in having one for your group, please let me know as I am more than willing to help. Be amazed! Be beautiful! Be radiant with joy and health (or just look like you do)
Renee

http://www.thetakebacktour.com/


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    Author

    Renee Lea-Currie, Ph.D.
    email: [email protected]
    A Bit About Renee
    Renee is a married mother of 2 with a Ph.D. in Nutrition Science. Renee currently serves as   Senior Manager of Technical Operations for Zen-Bio, Inc located in Durham North Carolina. Renee is also the Health Ministries Leader for Philadelphia Seventh Day Adventist Church in Burlington, NC, Renee was one of the coordinators of the first community diabetes programs in North Carolina.  Renee continues to help coordinate church-based community health programs in North Carolina and surrounding areas to educate and empower others to improve their health.


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