Learn how to increase the healthy vegetables and variety in your diet by watching this…
Sprouts (blog)
Are we really human?
We are only 10% human. When put like that, I get a new perspective on the meaning of life. The genetic material defining who we are is made up from microbial and human genes. Our bodies are made up of 150 fold greater number of genes from microbial DNA than human DNA. Microbial cells outnumber human cells ten to one. Microbial includes bacteria, fungi, archae, and viruses. This…
Citric Acid
Before I investigated food processing science, I used to think that citric acid was from citrus fruit. Silly me. I envisioned the food preparer squeezing the fresh lemony zing into my food. Apparently this is not economical or scalable, so here is how citric acid is really manufactured. Erase the lemon image.
Citric acid production uses the mold Aspergillus niger, which produces citric…
Misdiagnosing the Deficit
We live in a world where we define ourselves by our deficits. Somehow a disorder becomes a defining variable. “I am bipolar.” “I am autistic.” “I have ADHD.” What we need to consider, however, is that each of our brains is plastic, meaning that the neurons and neural synapses that define and shape our behaviors are constantly changing in response to our environment. Our…
Oil, boil, toil and trouble
When it comes to cooking oils, some of which I also use in salad dressings in combination with aromatic nut and olive oils, many people decide on those with the highest smoke points, the temperature at which a cooking fat begins to break down and deteriorate. The fats break down and generate free radicals, which can have health implications, especially in our oxidative environment.
Oils…
ADHD Observed in 11% of Children
I read yet another study showing the rise of an additional brain disorder. A New York Times article reports that 11% of children have ADHD, according to a new study. I’m concerned for our youth being prescribed ADHD drugs all too readily before any other methods, such as trying a healthier diet. As a result of turning to drugs instead of lifestyle changes, drugs like Adderall are available for…