FUZE – A Drink that Slenderizes? [Nutrition Impostor]

Fuze is a line of beverages that got its start in 2001 in Northern California but has expanded nationally in the past 10 years, especially after it was acquired by Coca Cola in 2007.

The idea is to provide a cool, new age beverage, that is portrayed as healthy because it is jacked up with vitamins.

Let’s see if the name lives up to its reputation.

What you need to know:
The drink has only 15 calories for a rather large serving – 14.5 ounces. But that’s because it is artificially sweetened. It has 200% of the daily value for vitamin C, and a few other vitamin and mineral values are very high. But that doesn’t mean that this product will help you lose weight. More on that in a bit.

Here is the ingredient list:
Water, Apple Juice Concentrate, Less than 0.5% of: Malic Acid, Natural Flavors, Garcinia Cambogia Rind Extract,  Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Acesulfame Potassium, Sucralose, Purple Sweet Potato Concentrate (Color), L-Carnitine, Dl- Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Black Carrot Concentrate (Color), Beta-Carotene (Vitamin A), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Chromium Picolinate.

As you can see, there is almost nothing real about this drink. Barely any fruit (5%). All the vitamins are added on. And artificial sweeteners that are plain bad for you.

The one good thing we can say about this drink is that unlike many of its counterparts, at least it is not artificially colored. The color comes from purple sweet potatoes and black carrots.

So why won’t you slim down with this drink? Because instead of drinking water, or unsweetened tea, your taste buds become accustomed to overly sweet things. As a result, you’ll crave sweet foods more, and have a harder time with naturally sweet fruit. For more information see Artificially Sweetened Beverages: Cause for Concern by Harvard Professor David S. Ludwig, MD.

What to do at the supermarket:
We’ve said it a million times, and we’ll keep repeating it. Tap water is your best hydration solution. It’s free, it won’t get you craving sweets, and with money saved you can buy real fruits.

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FUZE – A Drink that Slenderizes? [Nutrition Impostor]

Congress Loves Money, Not Kids

If you had a doubt as to the true alignment of your representatives when it comes to childhood obesity, last week Congress showed that all you need to do is follow the money trail. Lobbies representing the biggest food advertisers have gotten to our elected officials and convinced them that marketing Apple Jacks to children is just fine.

Because a cereal that is 40% sugar by weight is a healthy way for little Sally to start the day. And a cereal with hyperactivity triggering artificial dyes is a wonderful way for little Johnny to get in the groove on a school day.

Here’s the story:

Two years ago, Congress asked 4 agencies to review the marketing practices of the food industry when it comes to children, and to provide recommendations. The interagency working group (IWG), comprised of members from the FTC, FDA, USDA, and CDC sat diligently and came up with a set of proposed principles that would not be written into law, rather VOLUNTARILY accepted by the food industry.

Food marketers were very upset, and demanded changes to the proposals. So a  few months ago, unwillingly, the IWG weakened these voluntary guidelines.

But that was still not good enough. Last week, Congress shot down the proposals through the use of some lame “cost benefit analysis” rule:

The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2012 includes a provision that requires the Federal Trade Commission and the three agencies that are part of the Interagency Working Group to conduct a cost-benefit analysis of the proposed guidelines. The move, considered a major victory for food and beverage advertisers, effectively delays release of the final guidelines, originally expected by the end of this year. More here…

What’s the cost benefit analysis? Well, if the voluntary guidelines were to be adopted, billions of dollars in advertising would not be spent, and even more billions in revenue would not be made. But kids would consume less crap. That sounds like a great idea for America’s children. But it’s “bad for business”.

Expect a 2012 filled with junk food commercials planted in our kids’ brains, and then later in their stomachs. Sigh.
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Source

Congress Loves Money, Not Kids

Is apple cider vinegar a magic food?

When thinking about apple cider vinegar and its potential benefits, it's important to keep in mind that it is not a whole food, but rather a liquid derived from processing. While vinegar can be both delicious and nourishing, it is still not possible to consider it as a whole food, and we don't include vinegar on our website as one of our World's Healthiest Foods for this reason.

High acidity

First and foremost, vinegar is usually highly acidic. The acidity of vinegar is typically related to its acetic acid content, and this content can vary fairly widely from vinegar to vinegar. For some individuals, especially those with stomach or digestive problems including acid reflux, vinegar might not be a desirable food component to include in their meal plan because it can serve as an irritant. I've seen some websites that recommend use of vinegar precisely because of its acidity. These websites suggest that vinegar can be used to help offset problems with acid deficiency in the stomach or other digestive problems. I'm not aware of any scientific research that supports this recommendation.

Claimed benefit - blood sugar control

I'd group the claimed benefits of apple cider vinegar into two categories. First, there are some studies linking vinegar to improved control of blood sugar following a test meal. About half of the limited studies in this area have been conducted on genetically modified rats and do not provide any immediately helpful information about humans and the way we eat everyday. The human studies in this area tend to focus on delivery of a test food or test meal-typically highly processed and devoid of any whole, natural foods-that has been augmented with a dose of vinegar. While these studies do show a trend toward improvement in blood sugar response in the range of 2-20%, it seems reasonable to assume that a key problem here is the poor quality of the test foods and test meals.

Several authors have mentioned delayed stomach emptying as a likely mechanism for the impact of added vinegar on blood sugar response. If that hunch turns out to be correct, the idea of poor quality foods makes even more sense. Our stomach tends to empty too quickly if it is filled with highly processed, low-nutrient, fiber-free foods. I would expect whole, natural foods with excellent fiber content and nutrient variety to be more effective in improving blood sugar control than vinegar added to a meal that is composed of poor quality foods.

Claimed benefit - enhanced calcium absorption

Second is the area of calcium absorption. This area has only been explored in animal studies so far, and both the doses and experimental conditions have been limited and difficult to match up with everyday consumption of vinegar on a salad or in a marinade. But the results of these studies showed the vinegar to increase the solubility of calcium within the intestinal tract of the test animals and to increase absorption in this way. Once again, I would question the value of these rat experiments for decision-making about whole, natural foods. From my perspective, the degree of calcium solubility in whole, natural foods that are properly handled and properly cooked is exactly what it should be.
Some websites tout the nutritional benefits of apple cider vinegar from a mineral standpoint. Based on nutrient database values, the amount of minerals in a tablespoon of this food is very, very limited and cannot be thought of as a significant contribution to any diet.

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Is apple cider vinegar a magic food?

Food of The Week- Apples

You've heard, an apple a day will keep the doctor away. While it will certainly take more than a daily apple to keep you healthy, it is a step in the right direction. Apples are delicious, easy to carry for snacking, low in calories, a natural mouth freshener, and they are still very inexpensive.

Apples are source of both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber such as pectin actually helps to prevent cholesterol buildup in the lining of blood vessel walls, thus reducing the incident of arteriosclerosis and heart disease. The insoluble fiber provides bulk in the intestinal tract, holding water to cleanse and move food quickly through the digestive system.

It is a good idea to eat apples with their skin. Almost half of the vitamin C content is just underneath the skin. Eating the skin also increases insoluble fiber content. Most of an apple’s fragrance cells are also concentrated in the skin and as they ripen, the skin cells develop more aroma and flavor.
There are hundreds of varieties of apples on the market today, although most people have only tasted one or two of the most popular such as Red Delicious or Granny Smith. Apples can be sweet, tart; soft and smooth, or crisp and crunchy, depending on the one you choose. There are apples to suit everyone’s taste, so why not choose one. Have an apple today!

Apple Nutrition Facts
(One medium 2-1/2 inch apple, fresh, raw, with skin)

Calcium 10 mg
Calories 81
Carbohydrate 21 grams
Dietary fiber 4 grams
Folate 4 µg
Insoluble fiber
Iron .25mg
Phosphorus 10 mg
Potassium 159 mg
Sodium 0.00 mg
Soluble Fiber
Vitamin A 73 IU
Vitamin C 8 mg

Food of The Week- Apples

Study shows what kids eat at McDonald’s

Eating out, and especially eating at fast-food restaurants, is considered a risk factor for obesity, poor diet and .

Yet eating fast food is a major American habit: At least one quarter of adults eat fast food daily, as do 25 – 30 percent of kids.

Fast food meals typically serve big portions of calorically dense food, rich in fat and sugar and quite aptly labeled “fiberless food”.  The typical kids’ meal in fast food chains is no better – the main distinction of the young ones’ fare is the addition of the collectable toy.
Fast-food restaurants publicize (and are often applauded for) their move to healthier oils, and many have revamped their menu and now include a few healthier options, such as salads and apple slices (both accompanied by condiments that return guilt into the equation).  But do kids and their parents order the ‘better’ menu options?

What kids actually eat at McDonald’s

A new study in Childhood Obesity collected the receipts and interviewed 544 families with kids visiting the McDonald franchise inside the Children’s Hospital of San Diego for lunch.
Let me pause for a moment to comment on the presence of a McDonald franchise inside a children’s hospital, which feels like a great endorsement from a major medical institution.  I assure you that no reputable medical authority has ever given McDonald’s its blessing, yet San Diego’s Children’s Hospital is not alone in hosting a fast-food joint.  Children’s hospital of Philadelphia, considered by some the No 1 children’s hospital in the nation, had a McDonald’s for 34 years — it closed a few weeks because the hospital needed the space – Children’s Los Angeles has a McDonald’s on its first floor, as does Texas Children’s.

So what’s for lunch? The most frequent items bought for preschoolers (2-5 years) were French fries, soda, chicken nuggets, cheeseburgers and hamburgers.  The most frequent items for kids 6-11 years were French fries, chicken nuggets, cheeseburgers, soda and apple pie.  Adolescents’ choices centered on French fries, soda, cheeseburgers, chicken nuggets, and chocolate chip cookies.
Less than 1 percent of kids bought the yogurt parfait, and apple dippers were bought by less than 1 percent of preschoolers, 3.5 percent of 6-11 year-olds, and almost none of the teens (0.3 percent).
And now to the calorie count:  The average caloric content bought for kids’ lunch was 646-811 calories, which makes about half of the daily caloric need of a young kid.
The meals averaged 35-39 percent of calories from fat, with about 10 percent of that fat saturated.
The sodium content of the meals averaged 866-1100 mg, which pretty much covers the daily sodium allowance of a preschooler.

The parents were asked what made them choose McDonald’s for lunch, and the most common reasons for their pick were “the kids like the food” and its convenience.

Better options at fast food restaurants – a remote option

This study confirms what we already know: Customers go to McDonalds for fries, hamburgers and soda, not for milk and salad.  A recent article by Christina Rexrode of the The Associated Press sums up the healthier options at fast food chains as just that – a remote option.  What really sells is the high calorie, high fat food, which the chains are famous for.   And the reasons are varied, but one of them is price: “Healthier foods also are usually among the most expensive menu items, which can be tough for recession-weary customers to stomach”.

Let’s face it, McDonalds isn’t renowned for its salads and apples, and as the kids in this study testify, they’re ‘lovin’ it’ for the taste they know — it’s the McDonald’s fat-salt-sugar mixture they crave.
And it would have been fine, had it remained an infrequent indulgence.  Problem is, kids are eating fast food often.  Very often.

by Fooducate
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Study shows what kids eat at McDonald’s

Is a glass of fruit juice equivalent to a piece of fruit?

Whole fruit is always the better option: A medium orange contains just 62 calories and 12 grams of sugar, and it has 3 grams of belly-filling fiber.  By comparison, an 8-ounce glass of Minute Maid OJ has 110 calories, 24 grams of sugar, and no fiber.  What’s more, so-called juices contain not only the natural sugar from the fruit but also a large amount of added sugars, so that they aren’t as tart. (Cranberry juice, in fact, is too sour to drink when it hasn’t been sweetened.)  Even drinks labeled 100 percent pure juice aren’t necessarily made exclusively with the advertised juice. Another example is that pomegranate and blueberry may get top billing in some drinks, even though the ingredient list reveals that pear, apple, and grape juice are among the first four ingredients.  These juices are used because they are cheap to produce and because they are super sweet which increases the likelihood of you wanting to get more. Juices considered a “superfoods” are most likely considered prone to this type of trickery. To avoid the huge sugar surge, pick single fruit juices, pour half a glass and fill the rest with water or seltzer. Your best bet is to simply use whole fruit.

Is a glass of fruit juice equivalent to a piece of fruit?

Companies that “Healthify” their Products Make More Money

An interesting study [Download PDF] was published by the Hudson Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation last week. According to research

Food and beverage companies with a higher percentage of their sales coming from better-for-you (BFY) foods and beverages perform better financially, according to a new report from the Hudson Institute. These companies record stronger sales growth, higher operating profits, superior shareholder returns, and better company reputations than companies that sell fewer BFY products.

Researchers examined sales and other financial metrics for 15 major national and international food and beverage companies, including General Mills, Nestle, Campbell Soup  and Kellogg’s, from 2007 to 2011.  

The companies with BFY portfolios showed a 50% growth in operating profit vs. 20% growth for the other companies. Although the Better-for-you foods account for only 40% of these companies’ sales, they were responsible for 70% of  revenue growth. Shares of the BFY rich companies outperformed those of their peers on S&P. Their reputation ratings were 30% higher than those of their peers.

What you need to know:
While this is potentially good news, unfortunately, many of the better for you foods and beverages are still a long way from being healthy foods and beverages. Healthwashing of junk foods is an ugly habit that many marketers have adopted in recent years as ways to jack up food prices and to increase sales.
Examples:

• How is Coke zero better than Coke? Does replacing sugar with potentially carcinogenic artificial sweeteners make the beverage healthy?
• Is a low fat cookie a healthy food? Or is it still just a cookie
• Is a cereal with 10 grams of sugar healthier than one with 11 grams of sugar?

While moving up from a D grade food to a C grade food is nothing to be frowned at, consumers would do better to REDUCE their overall consumption of processed foods. This, unfortunately, is not in line with the interests of the majority of the food industry, which wants to sell more, not less. This friction will continue to be a source of friction in the years to come.

What to do at the supermarket:
Try to buy less processed foods. Avoid soft drinks. Drink tap water. Don’t settle for health claims on the front of pack – read ingredient lists and nutrition labels to decide if a “better-for-you” item is really healthy enough for your family.

By Fooducate
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Companies that “Healthify” their Products Make More Money

You’re Probably Eating Crappy Bread- Nothing you eat should be bleached. We’ll tell you how to pinch the right loaf.

By Ian Cohen

Man may not live by bread alone, but he should at least get some dietary value out of it if he’s going to spend time chewing, digesting and evacuating it. But even that may be too much to ask, since most breads available at your local supermarket are nutritionally worthless.

While most people have finally clued in to the fact that plain white bread boasts the dietetic value of couch stuffing, few are aware that wheat breads are equally empty. “How can that be,” you ask, “when it’s got the word ‘wheat’ right in the name?”

On paper, the word “wheat” implies good health, but when it comes to most commercially processed breads, that’s simply not the case. Any health benefits conferred by wheat depend on the form in which it's eaten, so those benefits are minimal if the wheat used to make your bread has been processed into bleached (or unbleached, for that matter) flour. Technically, plain white bread is “wheat bread” too.

To be clear, 100% whole wheat bread is extremely healthy, loaded with essential nutrients and high in fiber. Unfortunately, most of the mass-baked breads you’ll find for sale aren’t 100% whole wheat&emdash;not even close. They’re versions of the wheat grain stripped to approximately 60% of their original form and turned into flour. Worse still, the 40% that’s removed includes the healthiest parts: the bran and the germ of the wheat grain. So how do you pick the right bread?

DON'T BE FOOLED
Just like car dealers who use the term “previously owned” instead of “used,” lousy bread manufacturers have baked up a few of their own catchphrases to fool you...

“Wheat Flour:” This is what’s left after all the good stuff is removed. Most every commercially processed bread uses either bleached or unbleached flour as its main ingredient. During the factory process of making flour, over half of the vitamin B1, B2, B3, E, folic acid, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, iron, and fiber are lost. 

“Enriched:” Enrichment is the process of replacing all of the vitamins and minerals that were removed during extraction. Except that nutrients added to flour later don’t compare to the ones that occur naturally.

“Stone-Ground:” This is another healthy-sounding technique that, in reality, just describes how the flour was milled. Stone–ground flour is pretty much the same as wheat flour, which means it’s pretty much worthless too.

“Multigrain:” Your bread can have 72 different types of grains, but it won’t mean squat if none of them is whole.

The Rye Lie: On its own, rye flour is loaded with healthy fiber. Unfortunately, most rye breads sold in stores are made with a combination of rye and unbleached, enriched flour, explaining why most rye breads are low in fiber—less than a gram per slice.

Sour D’oh!: Just like rye and wheat breads, sourdough can offer a variety of benefits, including easy digestibility and a mild effect on blood sugars. Yet bread companies have again found a way to spoil a good thing by adding bad things—namely enriched flour and fructose.

YOUR BEST BET: GO 100%

To be confident you’re getting the most from your bread, make sure the first ingredient is always either "100% whole wheat" or "100% whole grain." This way you’ll know the most nutritious parts of the wheat have been left intact. Since the health benefits include protection from stroke, diabetes, heart disease and some cancers, it only makes sense to keep your bread whole.
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You’re Probably Eating Crappy Bread- Nothing you eat should be bleached. We’ll tell you how to pinch the right loaf.

Many 'natural' foods are loaded with GMOs

(NaturalNews) Weed killer is thriving biologically inside most conventional crops as they grow in the fields of America, only to be sprayed with more heavy doses of Roundup, and then shipped to the world's supermarkets as "all natural," with absolutely no GMO disclaimer or warning. Even vegetarian products have been infiltrated by this cancer-causing "Trojan horse."

Corn and soy based products infiltrate the American "norm" for daily general consumption, and the healthcare industry loves the results. Hundreds of thousands of Americans are suffering from infections, serious gluten allergy reactions, headaches, dizzy spells, kidney stones, bowel irregularities, and worst of all, mutagenic cell production leading to cancer. Monsanto's GMO farm land has increased from just 4 million acres in 1997 to over 330 million acres now, most of which is United States soil. Brazil and India are now popular GMO breeding grounds also.

Veggie burgers are no exception, so no more of that for your vegetarian cookouts. Forget about all the soy-based items that are boxed, bagged and bottled in the center aisles of the grocery store. The only place where you should be looking for food in the grocery store is around the outer walls, where the fresh fruits and vegetables are being rinsed. There's no safety in numbers anymore, and the FDA is grasping for straws, constantly changing the names of poisons as more and more educated consumers know where the toxins are and how to read the tricky labels.

Over 93% of all U.S. soy products are Monsanto GMO, which are carcinogenic. Stop eating the following: vegetable oil, lecithin (an emulsifier), soy protein concentrates, tofu (soybean curd), soy sauce, teriyaki and tamari sauce, soy flour, soy nuts, soy nut butter, soy isoflavones, soy milk, hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP), hydrolyzed soy yeast, soy-based infant formulas, non-dairy frozen yogurt, and soy isolate fiber (SPF). Soy protein isolates, containing up to 92 percent protein, possess the most dangerous amount of "highly refined protein" of all soy products.

Over 86% of all U.S. corn products are Monsanto GMO and are carcinogenic. If you haven't watched the documentary King Corn, it's a must see. The Bush Administration subsidized this GMO food devil the infamous high fructose corn syrup, for ethanol, and also to serve as feed for livestock, which gives animals digestive infections.

Cows are not evolved enough to digest corn, especially Monsanto GMO cancer causing corn, and as soon as corn products become their main diet, farmers must give them antibiotics to fight off digestive infections. That's how the whole cycle of drugs and meat perpetuates.

Stop eating corn starch, corn chips, baking powder, caramel (made from corn syrup), confectioner's sugar, corn flour, corn gluten, corn syrup, corn meal, corn oil, dextrose, dextrin, maltodextrin (synthetic thickening agent), food starch, modified food starch, fructose, gum arabic, GDL (additive in cured meats), invert sugar, invert syrup, malt syrup and extract, mono and di-glycerides, monosodium glutamate (MSG - popular in Chinese foods), sucrose, treacle (mixture of molasses and corn syrup), vegetable protein, vegetable shortening, and of course, xantham gum. If you like corn, eat organic corn on the cob.

Canola oil is GMO and is carcinogenic. It was never meant for human consumption. It comes from the rapeseed plant and is an excellent insect repellant. Canada paid off the FDA to label it as safe. It has been known to disrupt the central nervous system, cause respiratory illness, constipation, low birth weights in infants, and even lung cancer. Canola is not just another oil to choose from. The only reason Canada promotes this is because it is one of the nation's chief export products.

Also watch out for tomatoes, potatoes, beets and alfalfa that are not truly organic. Stick with grocery stores like Trader Joes and your local farmers markets. True organic food prices are coming down quickly now that the word is getting out about GMO corn and soy, and about the labels that are often lies, like "all natural" and "natural flavors added."

Textured vegetable protein, or TVP, is a meat substitute made from soy flour and comes in small flakes or large chunks. This ground meat-looking staple product isn't suitable for animals, much less humans, but the recipe tells you to add it to your favorite soup, chili or pasta sauce. TVP is in most storable foods.

Use olive oil or coconut oil for cooking, and fill your refrigerator and pantry with 100% organic everything. Until you can remember all of the poisons, print this page and put it in your wallet or purse so you'll have it handy at the stores. Change your eating habits now and you will feel the difference immediately, and your body will reward you with renewed energy and vitality.

Sources for this article include:

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/033780_natural_foods_GMOs.html#ixzz1Zv3u5ucz

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Many 'natural' foods are loaded with GMOs

Should you eat Trans Fats?

Trans fats are a completely an artificial invention that studies have linked to an increased risk of heart disease and diabetes. Trans fats turn the dietary fat in foods into especially hard to move body fat on your belly, in your heart and everywhere else that matters. They are created by combining of vegetable oil (a liquid) with hydrogen to create "hydrogenated" or "partially hydrogenated" oil are known as trans fatty acids. Once infused with hydrogen, the liquid vegetable oil turns into a solid at room temperature. Historically, the food industry has loved trans fats because they are cheap and help food stick around until cockroaches inherit the earth. Once they're inside your body, however, the enzymes that break down fat in your body can't effectively handle artificial trans fats. Trans fats are the equivalent of the hairballs women leave behind in the shower drains: They clog your pipes. So check ingredients lists for trans fats or in other words "hydrogenated" or "partially hydrogenated." Processed baked goods such as shortenings an margarine are the two of the most common ways in which trans fats find their ways into our bodies.

Should you eat Trans Fats?

The 100 Most Unhealthy Foods in the American Diet

Looking for some healthier foods to eat than your usual fare? It may be wise to first figure out what not to eat. Unfortunately, many of the best-tasting foods in America are terrible for us. Whether they are high in calories, fat, sugar, sodium or some other nasty additive, we’ve listed America’s 100 most unhealthy foods below.
Some of the foods on this list are obviously unhealthy, though you may be surprised by a few. (It is the stealthy ones that can really get us at times.) We have also included beverages, as well as the worst dishes from popular American chain restaurants, to round out the list. Since it would be difficult to rank the foods according to health risk, we have categorized and alphabetized each item.
 
Common Household Foods
Sadly, some of our favorite household foods top the “should not eat” list. Here are some American favorites that should be approached with cautious moderation.

1. Baked Beans – Many people keep a stock of canned beans in the pantry. Those that are soaking in sugary syrup, like baked beans, are high in refined sugars and contribute to many health problems.
2. Campbell’s Condensed Soups – Have you seen how much salt is in your classic Campbell’s condensed soup? Do yourself a favor and try the low-sodium version instead.
3. Chicken Pot Pie – Processed, store-bought pot pies are terribly unhealthy. Pepperidge Farm makes roasted chicken pot pie 1,020 calories and 64 grams of fat.
4. Hot Dogs – Not only are these a leading cause of choking in children and adults, they contain highly processed meat “byproducts,” whatever that may be. Stay away from foods with such mysterious ingredients.
5. Luncheon Meats – Commercial cold cuts are highly processed and packed with unhealthy additives.
6. Ramen Noodles – College students everywhere are scraping by with this inexpensive dish. However, it offers nothing in the way of nutrients and is loaded with sodium.
7. Saltines – These crackers taste good with your soup, but provide only excessive carbohydrates and sodium.
8. White Bread – Foods made of mostly white flour are just empty calories and carbohydrates. Don’t be fooled by wheat bread, either. You should be looking for whole wheat bread.
9. White Pasta – The white flour strikes again. Although tasty, this refined product offers too many carbohydrates and too many calories.
10. White Potatoes – These are the type of potatoes that are commonly used for junk food like French Fries. They contain solanine, which can have a toxic effect on people. Among other things, solanine can contribute to calcium depletion and arthritic pain.

Drinks
Everything you consume can have positive or negative health consequences, including drinks. While many people are conscious about the food they eat, they forget about the liquid calories in their diet. Below are some of the unhealthiest drinks in America.

11. Baskin Robbin’s Large Heath Bar Shake – According to Yahoo! Health, this is the unhealthiest drink in all of America. It contains a whopping 2,310 calories, 266 grams of sugar and 108 grams of fat!
12. Cocktails – What do you get when you combine high levels of refined sugar and unhealthy amounts of hard liquor? You get a cocktail, which was invented by the British Navy so sailors would get drunk a little slower. Like anything, moderation is key, but you would be better off with a glass of red wine than with a cocktail.
13. Coffee – Need a pick-me-up in the morning? Studies show that a fresh apple and a glass of water can actually do this in a more healthy, natural way. Let your poor adrenal glands get some rest by laying off the coffee.
14. Diet Soda – Don’t assume diet soda is better for you than the regular kind. Sugar substitutes are known to have long-term, unpleasant side effects. Plus, caffeine of any kind is bad for your health.
15. Eggnog – This creamy drink is a favorite around the holidays. Even without the liquor, it is quite fatty and unhealthy.
16. Fruit Juice – Most commercial fruit juices are loaded with sugar. In fact, some fruit juices offer more sugar in one serving than a candy bar. Think about that the next time you go for some Hawaiian Punch.
17. Fruit Smoothie – Just like fruit juice, most smoothies are delicious, yet contain more sugar and high fructose syrup than actual fruit. Be selective when looking for a healthy fruit-based drink.
18. Irish Coffee – This combines three unhealthy ingredients: coffee, cream and hard liquor.
19. Liquor – While studies have shown that moderate consumption of beer or wine can offer heart benefits, there is really no reason to drink hard liquor. It is bad for your kidneys, your liver and even a small amount will dehydrate you.
20. Red Bull – This drink gives you wings… and extremely high amounts of sugar, caffeine and carbohydrates. This intense energy drink has actually been linked to a few deaths. Listen up, America: France actually banned this potent tonic.
21. Soda – Soda is bad for you on many levels. It usually offers tons of sugar and caffeine, not to mention it isn’t so great on your teeth. It does, however, work well to remove rust from metals. Think about that, won’t you?
22. Starbucks’ Java Chip Frappuccino – Frankly, you should avoid any beverage at Starbucks that isn’t green tea or water. However, the Java Chip Frappuccino really stands out for its whopping 650 calories. You could eat a greasy cheeseburger from a fast food restaurant and consume less calories!
23. Whole Milk – Whole milk is not only high in fat, certain brands contain harmful hormones. Look for a dependable organic, hormone-free brand and try to make the switch to skim.

Snacks
Let’s face it — most of us don’t want to munch on celery stalks when we feel a small rumble in our tummy. However, the following snacks could make that tummy a lot bigger, so don’t overindulge.

24. Chocolate – It isn’t just the calories that make chocolate a big no-no. It is also a source of caffeine and some people are quite sensitive to the effects.
25. Coffee Cake – This sugary baked good definitely tastes great, but it is full of refined sugars, artificial additives and fat.
26. Cookies – Technically, there are healthy cookie recipes out there. However, the typical cookies are full of refined flour, refined sugars and more calories than you should ever consume in one nibble.
27. Corn Chips – Don’t let the word “corn” fool you. This snack does not count as a vegetable serving and are just as bad for you as any other fried, salted snack.
28. Doughnuts – Artificial flavors, refined sugar and trans fats abound in these devilishly delicious snacks.
29. French Fries – French fries are not only fatty, they contain acrylamide, which is a known carcinogen.
30. Ice Cream – Ice cream can be fatty with the whole milk and sugar alone. However, it becomes even worse when you start adding things like chocolate pieces or cookie dough. Opt for low-fat frozen yogurt if you must indulge.
31. Lunchables – This Oscar Mayer product is convenient for lunch or a quick snack, but contains highly processed meats, non-enriched bread and a lot of sodium.
32. Potato Chips – Most of us realize how bad these are for us, yet they are hard to resist. Potato chips are high in trans fats, calories, salt and the carcinogen acrylamide.

“Health Foods”
Some foods are marketed as being healthy and many of us assume they are great additions to our diet. However, the following items should be eaten in moderation or not at all.

33. Bagel and Cream Cheese – This is a favorite breakfast food for many people. It seems healthier than a big, traditional breakfast. However, the average bagel covered in cream cheese offers 40 grams of fat and tons of carbohydrates.
34. Bran Muffin – Those looking for a healthy start in the morning often reach for a bran muffin. However, refined flour and sugars are not a healthy source of energy first thing in the morning.
35. Dried Fruit – Fresh fruit is far healthier than dried fruit, as it takes more dried fruit (and calories) to feel full. Also, many dried fruit products are covered with sugar.
36. Fruit Cocktail – Fruit is an integral part of a healthy diet. However, you should be buying fresh fruit and not fruit that is soaking in thick, sugary syrups. Not only is the added sugar unhealthy, fruit can lose a lot of nutrients when it is processed and canned.
37. Granola Bars – While the word “granola” is often used to describe health advocates, granola bars are often loaded with fatty oils and sugar.
38. Low-Fat Salad Dressing – While some salad dressings offer a reduced amount of fat, the taste is often salvaged by adding sugar.
39. Margarine – At one time, margarine was hailed as the healthy alternative to pure butter. However, margarine is loaded with trans fats and is linked to a higher risk of heart disease.
40. Microwave Diet Meals – There are many brands, such as Weight Watchers and Lean Cuisine, that claim to offer “healthy” microwave meals. However low in fat they may be, however, they are very processed and salty. Also, the portions are so small that you are likely to eat again very soon.
41. Olive Oil – While real olive oil is good for raising HDL cholesterol levels, it is still just as fatty as vegetable oil and its healthy properties are reduced by heat. Don’t expect to drop many pounds by cooking anything in oil. Olive oil is merely the lesser of the evils.
42. Pasta Salad – Pasta is loaded with refined flour, which offers you a quick spike in blood sugar and isn’t so great for your waist line. That, along with high-calorie dressing, makes pasta salad a “health food” you should avoid.
43. Pretzels – While it is true that pretzels are better for you than potato chips, they only offer empty calories. There are no nutritional benefits to pretzels and some are filled with sugar, which only makes you hungrier.
44. Protein Bars – Why these food items line the shelves of health food stores is a mystery. They offer a convenient source of protein, yes, but they are also packed with calories and fat.
45. Tuna Fish Sandwich – This isn’t quite the healthy lunch you thought it was, particularly if you order one in a restaurant. Not only is the mayo high in fat, eating large quantities of tuna exposes you to mercury contamination.
46. Turkey Burger – Turkey burgers are not necessarily low-fat alternatives to regular hamburgers. In fact, they can be just as loaded with fat and grease. When purchasing patties in the grocery store, compare the turkey burgers to beef burgers and you might be surprised.
47. Yogurt Cups – Yogurt can be quite healthy if prepared properly. However, most yogurt cups found in grocery stores, such as the ones with fruit in the bottom, are loaded with sugary corn syrup.

Condiments
It isn’t just the main portions of your meals that affect your health. The condiments you use to improve taste can really add up the calories, fat grams and other unhealthy properties. Below are some usual suspects to avoid.

48. Butter – Most of us know that butter is bad for us, yet the tempting product haunts us every time we eat a baked potato or piece of bread. If you must succumb to butter, try whipped butter instead.
49. Honey Mustard – While mustard does not offer many unhealthy properties, honey mustard is loaded with sugar and other additives.
50. Jellies/Jams/Preserves – Most brands are big on taste and on refined sugars, unfortunately. Organic, low sugar is the best alternative to mainstream, processed jellies/jams/preserves.
51. Ketchup – Sure the bottle boasts about the inclusion of lycopene, but you can also get that from fresh tomatoes. Kethcup is a highly processed food that is packed with sugar.
52. Mayonnaise – This is one of the easiest ways to turn a healthy sandwich into something very fattening. Substitute mayonnaise with something lighter whenever you can. Mustard is a great alternative in many cases.
53. Sugar – One could write a book about the unhealthy side effects of a diet high in sugar. It is hidden is many processed foods so the last thing you should do is keep extra sugar on the table. Use it very sparingly, in fact.
54. Salt – Excess sodium is no good for you, so take a stand and banish salt from your table. There are healthy alternatives to spicing up bland food.
55. Soy Sauce – Aside from the fact that soy has its negative aspects, there is a terribly high amount of salt in this popular sauce.
56. Tartar Sauce – Tartar sauce is actually mayonnaise combined with onions, pickled cucumbers and other ingredients. This is why it is even more fattening than mayonnaise, which is saying a lot.

Allergens
Some foods are unhealthy to us because we are sensitive to them or have a true allergy. A full-blown allergy can in fact be deadly, so it is important that you know how the following foods react with your body.

57. Dairy Products – Those with lactose intolerance cannot digest dairy products without adversely reacting. A dairy-free diet is encumbering but can be managed by learning how to read labels properly.
58. Eggs – An egg sensitivity is quite common, particularly in young children. Luckily, this can be outgrown in many cases. A full allergy to eggs, however, can be deadly.
59. Fish – Some children and adults are allergic to certain types of fish. When one allergy becomes apparent, it is recommended that people consult an allergist to find out if they can eat other kinds of fish.
60. Gluten – Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye products. Some people only experience a mild sensitivity to gluten. However, those with Celiac Disease suffer from an autoimmune disorder that results in intestinal damage and other health problems when gluten is consumed.
61. MSG – Monosodium glutamate, also known as MSG, is a food additive that many people are sensitive to. Symptoms of MSG sensitivity include a headache, nausea, lethargy and more.
62. Peanuts – Although a severe peanut allergy is rare, it can cause anaphylactic shock almost immediately upon consumption.
63. Shellfish – Shellfish, such as shrimp, crab and lobster, can cause deadly allergic reactions in some people. This is a rare but serious allergy.
64. Soy – Soy is regarded as healthy by many, as it can provide protein in a meat-free diet. However, some people have a soy protein allergy. Also, soy has been linked to hormonal shifts in men and women, as well as a higher risk of breast cancer.
65. Wheat – Wheat allergies, commonly confused with the autoimmune disorder Celiac Disease, manifests when anything containing wheat flour is consumed.

Applebee’s
Applebee’s touts itself as a friendly neighborhood eatery. However, there is nothing friendly about the calories and fat in the following menu items.

66. Grilled Steak Caesar Salad – Perhaps you see the words “grilled” and “salad” in this meal’s name and you think it must be somewhat healthy. Think again. This is far from a healthy garden salad – it contains 1,951 milligrams of sodium, 1,190 calories and 75.4 grams of fat!
67. Riblets With Beans, Coleslaw and Fries – This is a commonly ordered meal at Applebee’s, yet many customers might be shocked to hear the actual nutritional stats. With this hearty meal, you are consuming 2,228 milligrams of sodium, 2,027 calories and 130 grams of fat.
68. Southwest Philly Roll-Up With Salsa – This one is deceptively healthy looking when compared to a big cheeseburger. However, it contains 2,338 milligrams of sodium, 1,605 calories and 121 grams of fat.

Burger King
To be fair, most of us are aware of how fattening Burger King is when we enter the drive-thru. However, the following figures may keep you from caving to temptation again.

Double Whopper – Ah, this flame-broiled burger tastes even better with two patties. However, it only increases the unhealthiness. Try 920 calories and 57 fat grams on for size!
69. Double Whopper With Cheese – What happens when you put cheese on the worst sandwich at Burger King? You are now looking at 1,020 calories and 65 grams of fat.
70. King Size French Fries – Most people always round out a meal at Burger King with fries. With the largest size, you will also be adding 540 calories and 25 grams of fat to the meal.

Chili’s Grill & Bar
Chili’s is similar to Applebee’s in its fare. Sadly, it also offers some of the worst meals and side orders. Below are the worst offenders.

72. Awesome Blossom – Some consider this to be the worst menu item at any American restaurant. Mind you, this is only considered an “appetizer” and yet it contains 6,360 milligrams of sodium, 2,710 calories and 203 grams of fat!
73. Boneless Buffalo Chicken Salad – Oh dear, another deceptively unhealthy “salad.” This one offers 4,040 milligrams of sodium, 910 calories and 58 grams of fat.
74. Chicken Crispers – If this list has taught us anything, it’s that the word “chicken” is not synonymous with “lean.” Take this lovely fried dish for example. It has 1,870 calories and 129 grams of fat in it!
75. Chocolate Chip Paradise Pie – You aren’t going to leave without dessert are you? This one will satisfy your sweet tooth and fill you with 78 more grams of fat.

Kentucky Fried Chicken
You will be hard-pressed to find anything low-fat and healthy on the KFC menu. Even the corn is soaked in butter, after all! While fried chicken is an obvious choice for this list, below are the biggest offenders.

76. Chicken and Biscuit Bowl – Which genius decided to mix the worst fried foods with white flour breads in one bowl? Well, it is yummy, but it offers 44 grams of fat in one tiny serving.
77. KFC Original Recipe Chicken – Before you purchase a whole bucket, keep in mind that one thigh piece of the KFC original recipe chicken has 25 grams of fat.
78. Popcorn Chicken – Who doesn’t love these little things? While tasty and convenient, the Family Size is packed with 1,210 calories and 66 grams of fat.
79. Poutine – This French Canadian side order isn’t available at all KFC locations. That’s probably a good thing because it has 54 grams of fat in it.

McDonald’s
While McDonald’s is clearly not regarded as a healthy source for food, some of these facts and figures will make you realize just how unhealthy it can be.

80. Chicken Selects Premium Breast Strips – This is touted as one of the more high-end items on the menu, yet it is one of the worst chicken dishes available in fast food. These chicken strips offer 830 calories and 55 grams of fat. Hey, you might as well have a hamburger instead!
81. Chicken McNuggets (20 Piece) – Not many people try to conquer a 20-piece but if you do, you will have consumed 1,030 calories and 65 grams of fat.
82. Crispy Chicken Club Meal – Who would have thought that some of the worst offenders at McDonald’s would be chicken items? This one is stuffed with 1,250 calories and 48 grams of fat.
83. Deluxe Breakfast With Syrup and Margarine – The worst way to start out your day is with 1,330 calories and 64 grams of fat.
84. Premium Grilled Chicken Meal – Yes, you read that correctly. This grilled chicken meal has 1,130 calories and 41 grams of fat.

On the Border
If you are a fan of Tex-Mex, then you may be familiar with this popular restaurant. The salsa may be the only healthy thing on the menu, unfortunately.

85. Beef and Chicken Quesadillas – This combo platter has an amazing 1,130 calories and 93 grams of fat.
86. Border Sampler – You sample a little too much with this meal, as you end up consuming 1,940 calories and 120 grams of fat.
87. Corona Extra Dinner – “Extra” is the operative word here, as there is an excessive amount of calories and fat. Try 2,040 and 126 grams, respectively.
88. Dos XX Fish Tacos – Fish tacos sure sound healthier than beef or even chicken, right? Amazingly, this might be one of the worst Mexican dishes around, offering 2,100 calories and 130 grams of fat.
89. Grande Taco Salad With Taco Beef – Again, this doesn’t sound like it could be the worst thing on the menu. Still, it is loaded with 1,450 calories and 102 grams of fat.
90. Stacked Border Nachos – Well, at least these warn you by looking unhealthy. These nachos pull no punches with 2,740 calories and 166 grams of fat.

Outback Steakhouse
Don’t be fooled by this theme restaurant. Most Australians will tell you they don’t eat “bloomin’ onions” back home. Still, this place is a guilty pleasure for many Americans.

91. Aussie Cheese Fries – This one is infamous and can be found on many “worst foods” lists. This side dish contains 2,900 calories and 182 grams of fat!
92. Bloomin’ Onion – Chili’s commits the same crime with this fried delight. However, the Bloomin’ Onion clocks in at 2,310 calories and 134 grams of fat.
93. Chocolate Thunder From Down Under – If you have already tried the cheese fries, why not do yourself in with this dessert? It will only add another 78 grams of fat to the meal, after all.
94. Melbourne Porterhouse – This monster steak has 1,230 calories and 99 grams of fat to offer a hungry patron.

Quiznos
These toasted subs sure are delicious. However, they are dangerous to your health. Think of Quiznos as Subway’s evil twin.

95. Classic Italian Sub – Would you believe a sub sandwich could pack 85 grams of fat in? Yep, this one certainly does.
96. Tuna Melt – This sandwich may sound harmless enough, but has 118 grams of fat in it. Yikes!

Romano’s Macaroni Grill
This restaurant offers delicious and unique Italian meals. However, its meals contain some of the highest amounts of salt and fat in America.

97. Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo – You will be hard-pressed to find a fettuccine alfredo dish that isn’t packed with fat and calories. However, Macoroni Grill is in a league of its own here with 1370 calories and 97 grams of fat.
98. Chicken Portobello – This is one of the saltiest dishes you can order in a restaurant, boasting 7,300 milligrams of sodium. If that doesn’t deter you, perhaps the 1,020 calories and 66 grams of fat will.
99. Double Macaroni ‘n’ Cheese – Shockingly, this is actually a kids’ meal and yet it offers 3,450 milligrams of sodium, 1,210 calories and 62 grams of fat!
100. Spaghetti & Meatballs (With Meat Sauce) – This is a classic Italian dish and probably sounds a little healthier than some of the creamier items on the menu. However, this Macaroni Grill favorite offers 5290 milligrams of sodium, 2430 calories and 128 grams of fat.

The 100 Most Unhealthy Foods in the American Diet

FDA-Approved Vitamins

Overview

While vitamins are a common dietary supplement, they are subject to much less regulatory supervision than medication. Unlike medications and prescription drugs, the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, does not have to approve or even inspect vitamins sold in the United States. You should always research any vitamin carefully and consult with your physician about the potential effects and health consequences of using a dietary supplement.

 

Vitamins and Dietary Supplements

Federal law classifies vitamins as a dietary supplement, which places them under the general category of food and not drugs. As a dietary supplement, the FDA has no duty or authority to "authorize" a vitamin for sale. A vitamin manufacturer has the duty to ensure the vitamins it sells are safe before entering the market, but the FDA does not have to authorize or approve the vitamin before the manufacturer sells it.

 

Dietary Supplements

The 1994 federal Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, or DSHEA, allows manufacturers to sell dietary supplements. These supplements are defined as any product taken by mouth intended as a supplement to a person's diet. These products can contain ingredients such as plants, enzymes, minerals and vitamins, but they but cannot contain drugs, controlled substances or harmful ingredients.

 

FDA Actions

Though the FDA is not authorized to require product approval before a manufacturer sells vitamins, it can limit the sale of vitamins if it finds a product is unsafe. Manufacturers have to be sure that the product is safe, and if the manufacturer receives any reports of harmful health effects from people using its product, it has to report those to the FDA. The FDA can then investigate these claims and issue a recall if it concludes a product is unsafe. You should always check with your doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements.

 

Recalls

When the FDA investigates a potentially harmful dietary supplement such as vitamin and issues a recall, it issues a press release and lists the vitamin on the recalled products page on its website, fda.gov. Consumers can check this page to see if any vitamin has been recalled, as well as check any "adverse event" reports the FDA has received from manufacturers about vitamins.

References

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Overview of Dietary Supplements
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS)

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FDA-Approved Vitamins