FDA and Sugar Limits

Over the last few weeks there have been a few articles written about health concerns over the amount of sugar that we eat in the US. The New York Times recently published an article by Mark Bittman, the lead food reporter for the NY Times, about sugar's toxicity. His writing sourced the "Center for Science in the Public Interest's" report on sugar levels, which can be read here: http://www.cspinet.org/new/201302131.html



In this article scientists are urging the FDA to create recommendations for sugar consumption to moderate daily intake. One of the culprits of this sugar overload is the large sized sodas sold everywhere in this country. Research supports that diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity are largely preventable conditions that have been created and made worse by the consumption of large amounts of sugar. The argument for regulating these massive sized sugary beverages is based on public health concern.

Which ever side you are on the regulation of food and related products, the issue remains that the public does not seem to understand the seriousness of sugar toxicity on the body. Considering the amount of money these diseases place on our economy, it seem to make sense that the FDA should weigh in on the issue. As the public waits to hear the news on recommendation levels, which Science already knows, regulation is left up to the individual consumer to educate themselves on these issues. As a growing public heath concern continues, maybe one day the FDA will decide to do it's job and stand up to corporate interests to protect the American people.

FDA Let-down

Many of us have know for years now that the FDA has a conflict of interest when it comes towards review big business's food products. As such, we as the consumers of these items need, to be aware of what we are putting into our bodies. Below is a list of ingredients that have been banned by most other developed nations. Why we are so slow to catch on in the states? Because often profits come before people. That is an unfortunate consequence of unregulated capitalism.

Here is the list to watch out for:
1. COLORING AGENTS (BLUE 1, BLUE 2, YELLOW 5, AND YELLOW 6)
2. OLESTRA (AKA OLEAN) - Found In: Fat-free potato chips
3. BROMINATED VEGETABLE OIL (AKA BVO) - Found In: Sports drinks (like GatorAid) and citrus-flavored sodas
4. POTASSIUM BROMATE (AKA BROMINATED FLOUR) - Found In: Rolls, wraps, flatbread, bread crumbs, and bagel chips
5. AZODICARBONAMIDE - Found In: Breads, frozen dinners, boxed pasta mixes, and packaged baked goods
6. BHA AND BHT - Found In: Cereal, nut mixes, gum, butter, meat, dehydrated potatoes, and beer
7. SYNTHETIC HORMONES (RBGH AND RBST) - Found In: Milk and dairy products
8. ARSENIC - Found In: Poultry

Happy and healthy eating!

RunKeeper

The app "Runkeeper" has been a really great tool to log my runs and for motivation. I occasionally will forget to start the app once I have began my run, and will not want to stop and restart. Some of it's features include playing your own music, incremental updates, and time updates. I often find that on the days that I expect to record my worst times, I end up recording the best times. Maybe I lower the bar just enough that I inspire myself? All in all, this is a great product that is affordable and user friendly.

Below are some stats about who is using this app. Turns out that USA uses it the most, and 60% of the users are male.