Fiber King

Why Are “Yoga Mat Chemicals” Still in Our Bread? The Startling Truth Behind American Loaves Picture this: you’re biting into your morning toast, but it shares ingredients with your yoga mat. Sound crazy? Welcome to American bread. The “Yoga Mat” Chemical: Azodicarbonamide (ADA) Azodicarbonamide (ADA) is a dough conditioner found in nearly 500 U.S. food products, from Wonder Bread to Pillsbury Rolls. It’s also used in yoga mats and vinyl. During baking, ADA breaks down into semicarbazide and urethane, both linked to cancer in lab animals. While companies like Subway have phased it out, the FDA still approves ADA at levels up to 45 parts per million, claiming it’s safe. Potassium Bromate: The Carcinogenic Rising Agent Potassium bromate makes bread rise faster, but it’s been linked to kidney and thyroid cancers in lab tests. It’s banned in the EU, China, Brazil, and India but remains “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) in the U.S., despite petitions to ban it. Some brands like Arby’s still use it, while others are phasing it out. Why Aren’t These Chemicals Banned? The FDA’s self-regulation system lets companies decide what’s safe. Once classified as GRAS, additives rarely undergo further review. Consumer groups argue that this approach is flawed, allowing risky ingredients to persist in our food. What You Can Do Read labels closely. ADA may appear as “dough conditioner” and potassium bromate as “bromated flour.” Support local bakeries that avoid these additives, or try baking at home. Bottom line: should bread contain ingredients also found in foam and flooring? The choice is yours. References: https://lnkd.in/dJJZhMF2 https://lnkd.in/eU5DA29

10 Ways to Limit Ultra-Processed Foods and Improve Our Health 1. Smaller Portions, Same Price Shrink packaging sizes for ultra-processed foods, offering only smaller portions while maintaining the price relative to the size. This can help limit overconsumption and encourage more mindful eating habits. 2. Increase Taxes on Ultra-Processed Foods Impose higher taxes on ultra-processed foods, making them less affordable, similar to how taxes are applied to tobacco or alcohol. This can also help offset healthcare costs tied to diet-related diseases. 3. Age Restrictions on Ultra-Processed Foods Like alcohol and tobacco, consider restricting the sale of ultra-processed foods to individuals over a certain age, such as 18 or 21. This helps protect growing children and teens from exposure to foods that can harm their long-term health. 4. Educate Parents and Schools Target educational efforts toward parents and schools, helping them understand the harmful effects of ultra-processed foods. With this knowledge, they can make healthier choices and provide better food options for children. 5. Graphic Warnings on Packaging Take inspiration from Australia's approach to tobacco by adding bold, graphic warnings on ultra-processed food packaging. These labels should clearly state the health risks, making it harder for consumers to ignore. 6. Fortify Ultra-Processed Foods with Nutrients and Fiber If eliminating ultra-processed foods isn’t an option, at least make them healthier by fortifying them with essential nutrients, vitamins, and fiber. For example, adding psyllium husk to the breading of chicken nuggets or fortifying the chicken itself with vitamins and minerals. 7. Ban Adorable Cartoony Images on Packaging Stop using cartoon characters to attract children to ultra-processed foods. Removing images of happy animals or playful characters from packaging will reduce the appeal to younger audiences and curb their desire for unhealthy foods. 8. Limit TV Ads Targeting Kids Just like the UK, we should ban TV advertisements for ultra-processed foods that target children. By reducing exposure to these ads, we can help prevent children from developing unhealthy eating habits early in life. 9. Adjust Product Placement in Stores Place ultra-processed foods on higher shelves, out of the direct line of sight of both children and parents walking through the aisles. Keeping them off the middle shelves can reduce impulse buys and limit exposure to these unhealthy options. 10. Highlight Nutritional Claims in Produce Sections Promote the benefits of whole foods by placing clear nutritional claims in the produce section. For example, signs could point out that broccoli is rich in vitamins B and C, or that apples support heart health. This approach can encourage shoppers to choose nutrient-dense foods over ultra-processed options. These solutions offer a clear path toward reducing ultra-processed food consumption and improving overall health.

The Link Between Dietary Fiber and Mental Health in Hypertension Patients Research has shown that a higher intake of dietary fiber can have a positive impact on mental health, particularly for individuals with hypertension. This summary explains how increasing your fiber intake could help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. https://lnkd.in/d3TNy-8p

The Power of Diversity: Why You Need a Variety of Dietary Fibers for Optimal Health https://lnkd.in/dwaa6CN7

How Dietary Fiber Can Improve Skin Health and Boost Your Mood When we think about dietary fiber, the first benefits that come to mind are often related to digestive health. However, research shows that the impact of fiber extends far beyond the gut, influencing everything from skin health to mood. In this article, we’ll explore how dietary fiber can contribute to glowing skin and a balanced mood, supported by scientific evidence. https://lnkd.in/dD2bG4Ri

The Fiber Deficiency Epidemic: Are You Getting Enough? The Importance of Dietary Fiber Did you know that most people aren’t getting enough dietary fiber in their diets? While it may seem like a minor detail, the impact of fiber on your overall health is significant. Dietary fiber plays.... https://lnkd.in/d3tCVPUU

Glucomannan: The Fiber Supplement That Packs a Powerful Punch Glucomannan has emerged as one of the most popular fiber supplements, particularly among those looking to manage their weight and improve digestive health. Derived from the roots of the konjac plant, this natural fiber has been praised for its impressive ability to absorb water, making it a highly effective supplement for a variety of health goals. In this article, we’ll explore what glucomannan is, its key health benefits, and highlight a study that underscores its effectiveness. READ MORE: https://lnkd.in/dyJQ2T8d

Why We Must Care About Eubacterium eligens and What is it? https://lnkd.in/gT5WqJxi

The Surprising Link Between Fiber and Mental Health: Boost Your Mood with a High-Fiber Diet.... https://lnkd.in/gPR8MsqU