Healthy Choices E-News
Helping you make healthy
choices for life
May 2004
Welcome to this month's edition of
the Healthy Choices newsletter and a special
welcome to all our new subscribers.
Each month we feature up-to-date information on health issues that may affect you and your family. We also look at one of our many product ranges; provide details of our latest special offers plus give you a chance to win one of the products from our toxin-free toiletries range.
Contents:
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Microwave Ovens - Are they safe?
Microwave ovens were introduced to the market in the 1970s but started to become popular in the 1980s and 90s and now over 90 per cent of U.S homes have one. The UK and Europe are probably close behind and you, too, may have one in your kitchen. You may wonder how you ever managed without a microwave as they are very convenient for
defrosting food, reheating food, and cooking a ready-meal from the freezer within minutes. In our busy lives, microwaves have become an "essential" cooking implement and some
people use them more than a conventional oven and hob.
But, are they safe? Surely the government wouldn't allow them if there was any doubt about their safety. For those of you who have been receiving this E-News for
some time, you will be aware of the tactics used by industry to denigrate studies performed by independent scientists.
Remember tobacco, fluoridation, cosmetics,
toiletries and aspartame? So why did the Soviet Union ban the use of microwave ovens in 1976?
How do microwaves work?
Microwaves are a form of electromagnetic energy, like light waves or radio waves. Each oven contains a tube in which electrons are affected by magnetic and electric fields to produce microwave radiation. This device is
called a magnetron. The microwave radiation bombards food, creating friction which heats the food up.
However, this also causes substantial damage to the surrounding molecules, often tearing them apart or forcefully deforming them.
Warnings on baby
milk
A number of warnings have been made public, particularly regarding the heating of baby milk in a microwave oven. One such warning was published in 1989 by Young Families, the Minnesota
Extension Service of the University of Minnesota. It states:
“Although microwaves heat food quickly, they are not recommended for heating a baby's bottle. The bottle may seem cool to the touch, but the liquid inside may become extremely hot and could burn the baby's mouth and throat …
Heating the bottle in a microwave can cause slight changes in the milk. In infant formulas, there may be a loss of some vitamins.
In expressed breast milk, some protective properties may be destroyed".
Another
concern about heating a baby's bottle in a microwave was reported by
Dr Lita
Lee of Hawaii in The Lancet, December 9, 1989. She discovered changes to baby formula when heated in a microwave that made the formula toxic to both the nervous system and the kidneys.
In an article in the journal, Paediatrics (volume 89, no.4, April 1992) entitled "Effects of Microwave Radiation on
Anti-Infective Factors in Human Milk", Richard Quan MD and John A Kerner MD found that microwaving
human milk
(breast milk) - even at a low setting - can destroy some of its important disease-fighting capabilities. - "... Heating the milk well above body temperature
- 37 degrees centigrade - can break down not only its antibodies to infectious agents, but also its
lysozymes or bacteria-digesting enzymes". They also found that breast milk heated at 72 degrees centigrade to
98 degrees centigrade lost 96 %
of its immunoglobulin A antibodies, agents that fend off invading microbes. The final statement of their study reads:
"This preliminary study suggests that microwaving human milk could be detrimental. Further studies are needed to determine whether and how microwaving could safely be done".
Other
Studies
1) Comparative Study of Food Prepared Conventionally and in the Microwave Oven, published by Raum &
Zelt, 1992
"A basic hypothesis of natural medicine states that the introduction into the human body of molecules and energies, to which it is not accustomed, is much more likely to cause harm than good...
Artificially
produced microwaves, including those in
ovens are produced
from alternating current and
fire a billion or
more polarity reversals per
second in every food
molecule they hit...
One short term study found significant and disturbing changes in the blood of individuals consuming microwaved milk and vegetables.... Haemoglobin levels decreased and over all white cell levels and cholesterol levels increased. Lymphocytes decreased."
2) The Swiss Clinical
Study
In 1991, Dr Hans Ulrich Hertel, who worked as a food scientist at one of the major Swiss food companies, and Bernard H Blanc, of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and the University Institute of Biochemistry, published
a research paper indicating that food cooked in microwave ovens could pose a greater risk to health than food cooked by conventional ovens.
In their carefully controlled
study lasting eight weeks, they concluded that microwave cooking changed the nutrients so that changes took place in the participants’ blood that could cause deterioration in the human body systems.
As soon as Hertel and Blanc announced their results in 1992, the Swiss
Association of Dealers for Electro-Apparatuses for Households and Industry forced the President of the Court of Seftigen, Kanton Bern, to issue a "gag order" against them. Blanc quickly recanted his support but Hertel stood his ground. In March 1993, Dr Hertel was convicted for "interfering with
commerce" and prohibited from further publishing his results.
However, Dr Hertel fought this decision over the years and defied the court by appearing at large seminars in Germany. In August 1998, the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg held that there had been a violation of Hertel’s rights in the 1993 decision. They also ruled that the "gag order" issued by the Swiss court in 1992 against Dr Hertel, prohibiting him from declaring that microwave ovens are dangerous to human health, was contrary to the right to freedom of expression. Switzerland was ordered to pay Dr. Hertel
compensation.
3) Russian and German
Studies
The Russians and Germans in the 1940s and 50s conducted research on the biological effects of microwaves in radar and also on how they affected foods. They discovered that foods exposed to microwave radiation had cancer-causing effects on the body, had a marked reduction in nutrients, and caused a deterioration in general health. The Russians decided to ban the use of microwave ovens in the Soviet Union as a direct result of these findings.
Unfortunately, studies on the effect of microwaves
are few and far between. The microwave industry only
seems interested in taking steps to minimise dangerous microwaves escaping from their ovens into the surrounding area where the radiation could cause damage to humans. Yet, even in
the best made ovens, the industry has to admit that some microwaves will escape.
In her book Health Effects of Microwave Radiation - Microwave
Ovens, Dr Lita Lee of Hawaii stated that every microwave oven leaks electromagnetic radiation, harms food, and converts substances cooked in it to dangerous organ-toxic and carcinogenic products.
It seems illogical that an industry which recognises that microwaves which leak out from
an oven pose a threat to human health, is so against
testing the effects
of microwaves on humans who eat microwaved foods. I
wonder why!
Here is a list of reasons why you
should consider throwing out your microwave oven, taken from the findings of the
Swiss, Russian and German clinical studies:
1). Continually eating food
processed from a microwave oven causes long term - permanent - brain damage by
"shorting out" electrical impulses in the brain (de-polarising or de-magnetising
the brain tissue).
2). The human body cannot
metabolise (break down) the unknown by-products created in microwaved food.
3). Male and female hormone
production is shut down and/or altered by continually eating microwaved foods.
4). The effects of
microwaved food by-products are residual (long term, permanent) within the human
body.
5). Minerals, vitamins, and
nutrients of all microwaved food is reduced or altered so that the human body
gets little or no benefit, or the human body absorbs altered compounds that
cannot be broken down.
6). The minerals in
vegetables are altered into cancerous free radicals when cooked in microwave
ovens.
7). Microwaved foods cause
stomach and intestinal cancerous growths (tumours). This may explain the rapidly
increased rate of colon cancer in America and Europe.
8). The prolonged eating of
microwaved foods causes cancerous cells to increase in human blood.
9). Continual ingestion of
microwaved food causes immune system deficiencies through lymph gland and blood
serum alterations.
10). Eating microwaved food
causes loss of memory, concentration, emotional instability, and a decrease of
intelligence.
We threw
out our microwave oven over a year ago, although it took some convincing. I don’t miss it at all now and I’d much
rather have “peace of mind” than the convenience of having my meal a few minutes
earlier. It really isn’t worth the
risk to our health.
For further reading on this
subject, click on www.mercola.com/article/microwave/hazards.htm.
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Sinusitis
is an immune disorder caused by fungus
Researchers
have found that chronic sinusitis, which causes long-term nasal congestion,
production of thick mucus and loss of sense of smell, is an immune disorder
caused by fungus. Results of their research suggest that common airborne fungi
lodge in the mucus lining of the sinuses in most people, but initiate an immune
response only in individuals prone to chronic sinusitis. The immune response
causes the fungi to be attacked, which leads to damage of the sinus membranes,
resulting in full-blown symptoms. It is recommended that those who face chronic
sinus problems avoid the use of antibiotics, avoid any sinus surgery, and find a
doctor who can treat you for mould sensitivities.
(Source: Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology in San Francisco March 23, 2004)
The Benefits of Water
Birth
Most
maternity units accept that water births are far kinder to the mother, and can
significantly reduce labour pains.
But
the role of the birthing pool may be even more important than obstetricians
realise, new research suggests. Researchers from Southampton Hospital in England
have discovered that women who go into water in the very first stages of labour
are far less likely to need pain relief or a caesarean.
They
tested the theory on 99 first-time mothers, half of whom were immersed in water
in the earliest stages of labour, while the rest had standard care without
access to a birthing pool.
Those
who went in the birthing pool had far fewer epidurals, needed less help in
delivering and had fewer obstetric interventions.
(Source:
British Medical Journal, 2004; 328: 314-8).
A study of 2000 women aged 65 - 79 found that those who drank two or more alcoholic drinks daily significantly increased their risk of breast cancer compared with non-drinkers. "Alcohol is known to increase oestrogen levels in the blood, and therefore it could stimulate hormonally sensitive tumours", the researchers said.
(Source:
What Doctors Don't Tell You. Special Report, April
2004)
Artery
Thickening Found in Obese Children
New
research from Australia shows obese children as young as 10-years-old have
arteries resembling heavy smokers and face the prospect of coronary disease in
early middle age.
Using
ultrasounds to monitor children's blood vessels, doctors from Hong Kong and
Sydney's Royal Prince Alfred Hospital found some of the children's arteries had
thickened to look like those of adult smokers.
"It
means these children are at risk of heart attack or stroke in their 40s or 50s,
rather than their 70s or 80s. This has terrible implications for later in life,"
said Royal Prince Alfred Hospital cardiologist David Celemajer.
Even
flabby children were at risk. The research will be published in May’s issue of
"International Journal of Obesity."
RPA
director Kate Steinbeck said a study has found that with a healthy low-fat diet
and sustained exercise over one year, the children's blood vessels returned to
normal.
(Source:
Yahoo! News April 28, 2004)
With the weather warming up and the opportunity to spend more time outdoors, it is important to stock up on your sun protection creams. Sadly, many of the products available in the shops contain chemicals which have been found to harm health and some offer very poor protection against UVA rays which are believed to be responsible for skin cancer. NEWAYS Sun Care System gives your skin total UV protection without using mineral oil, PABA, or benzophenone - ingredients that may suffocate skin or lead to photoallergenic reactions.
SUNBRERO
For safer sunning and full-spectrum ultraviolet protection from UVB, UVA, and UVC rays (SPF 30), Sunbrero contains zinc oxide, a physical sunblock that reflects harmful ultraviolet rays. Its water-resistant formula helps eliminate loss of ultraviolet protection due to perspiration or water contact.USAGE: Apply liberally to areas to be protected from the sun. For maximum effectiveness, reapply every 2 to 3 hours. Reapply after swimming or after perspiring excessively.
Size: 125ml Price: £9.87/€14.74
LIPCEUTICAL
Botanically rich lip balm that quenches dry, parched lips while protecting them from harsh climatic extremes. Sunflower seed and safflower oils blend with aloe vera extract to replenish moisture and condition your lips. A water resistant lip balm that provides full UV protection (SPF 10).
USAGE: Apply to lips.
REBOUND
Your skin can be a sun survivor with Rebound's milk flora enzyme extract - micrococcus lysate -formulated to assist in the body's recovery from UV-activated skin damage. Apply shortly after UV exposure to help soothe sunburned skin and balance epidermal moisture levels.
USAGE: Apply liberally to clean skin immediately following exposure to sun’s rays.
GREAT TAN
A sunless tanning lotion that works with your skin's pigmentation to darken its appearance. Self-tanning agents erythrulose and dihydroxyacetone (DHA) provide a more natural-looking tan without ultraviolet light. Formulated for streak-free tanning and sunscreen protection (SPF 10) to give you a great tan - in or out of the sun.
USAGE: Use daily. Apply Great Tan on clean skin until absorbed. Wash hands immediately afterward. With cotton ball, apply to back of hands. Avoid getting lotion on light-coloured hair or hairline as discolouration may occur.
If you would like to order the
products listed above, you can place your order by phone, e-mail or via the
Healthy Choices website at www.healthychoices.ukhq.co.uk/UKStore/Suncare.html
or www.healthychoices.ukhq.co.uk/EuroStore/Suncare.html
.
Also see our exclusive offer on the
Family Sun Care Pack, in May's
Special Offers.
Postage and Packing
Rates
£1 - £14.99: £3; £15 - £29.99: £4; £30
- £49.99: £5; £60 and over: Free
€40 - €84.99: €8; €85 and over:
Free
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Normally £28.79/ €35.53 each.
Special Offer : Buy two for £46 / €58 plus p&p, and save over £11 / €13
Promotion Code for Postal or Telephone Orders: MAY 1. Remember to state flavours.
Credit
card orders may be placed by clicking on: www.healthychoices.ukhq.co.uk/UKStore/Month_Offer.html or www.healthychoices.ukhq.co.uk/EuroStore/Month_Offer.html
* Exclusive to E-News
Subscribers *
Family Sun
Care Pack
This exclusive offer for E-News subscibers only is great value for money and provides the essential sun care products for a safe family holiday in the sun. All products are safe for babies from 6 months old.
The pack includes:
Lipceutical 10.5ml
Sunbrero Sun Cream125ml
Rebound After Sun 125ml
Normally £32.63/ €49.13 + p&p
Special Offer Price: £28/ €43.50 + p&p
Promotion Code for Postal or Telephone
Orders: MAY
2
Credit card orders may be placed by clicking on: www.healthychoices.ukhq.co.uk/UKStore/0504.html or www.healthychoices.ukhq.co.uk/EuroStore/0504.html
Postage and Packing
Rates
£1 - £14.99: £3; £15 - £29.99: £4; £30
- £49.99: £5; £60 and over: Free
€40 - €84.99: €8; €85 and over:
Free
Offers
end on 8th June 2004.
See next
month’s issue for more offers.
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*
Competition *
Answer the question below and you could be the winner of a 50ml bottle of Eliminator Mouthwash with handy dispenser spray worth £2.46/€3.36. Eliminator Mouthwash is not just a mouthwash but has dozens of other uses around the home as an odour eliminator to a skin freshener and even as a wound cleanser. To see a list of over 50 extra uses for Eliminator, click on the following link - www.healthychoices.ukhq.co.uk/Articles/Eliminator_Uses.pdf
Question: Which of these statements about microwaved food is correct?
a) Microwaves increase cholesterol levels in the blood
b) Microwaves decrease cholesterol levels in the blood
c) Microwaves make no change to cholesterol levels in the blood
E-mail your answer to competition@healthychoices.org.uk
and put your answer in the Subject line. Closing date is
8th June. Should there be more than one correct entry,
the winner will be chosen at random.
April’s Competition
Winner: No one entered in April, so don't miss out for this
month!
The correct answer was a) 7 - 8 teaspoons of sugar are added to a can of fizzy drink.
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At
Healthy Choices, we frequently come across websites which provide
good quality information about a number of health issues. Here are 3 sites which you may find
interesting.
http://www.wen.org.uk/cosmetics
The
Women's Environmental Network is an organisation which
campaigns to get companies to remove harmful toxins from their products,
something Healthy Choices wholeheartedly
supports. Contains information on how you can join in the campaign,
too.
Not Too Pretty is another organisation which warns the public about harmful ingredients in personal care products and cosmetics, particularly pthalates. It also mentions the companies who still use them and those that don't. Neways is mentioned as one of the companies who actively produce toxin-free alternatives.
Vitamins & Minerals Under Threat
www.conservatives.com/vitamins
The vitamin & mineral tablets used by millions of British people are under threat. Products such as 1gram Vitamin C tablets that are frequently used in the cold season, and the mineral Boron, important for strong bones and teeth, are set to become illegal once recently passed European laws are fully introduced. This affects every country in the EU but in the UK there are campaigns to challenge this legislation. Take a look at this website and sign a petition of your opposition to this riduculous EU Directive.
There
will be more sites listed next month.
If you have come across any websites which you feel would be of benefit
to subscribers of Healthy Choices E-News, please e-mail healthychoices@ecoworld.co.uk
with the details and we’ll check it out for future issues.
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Many of our regular customers at
Healthy Choices have chosen to open a direct account with
Neways International to save up to 30% off the recommended retail
prices.
For £10/€14.50, to cover the cost of an
Introductory Pack, as a direct account holder, you are
entitled to buy all the products at wholesale + VAT and delivery, a saving of up
to 30% depending on the size of your order. You also receive a free, bi-monthly
copy of Prime Time magazine which gives product information,
testimonials and special offers. The only condition is to place at least one
order every six months no matter how small.
For more information, click
on the link below:
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to e-mail this newsletter to friends and family.
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have any comments about Healthy Choices E-News or suggestions for
topics to be included in future issues, please send an e-mail to: healthychoices@ecoworld.co.uk
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Choices is an
Independent Distributor of Neways products
Tel No
UK: 0845
6442819
Outside
UK: 44 1234 851318
e-mail:
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