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Dark Calories & Toxic Oils: What’s Really Hiding in Your Food?

Dark Calories & Toxic Oils: What’s Really Hiding in Your Food?

When it comes to what’s on our plates, there’s more going on than meets the eye. You’ve probably heard about calories, carbs, and fats, but terms like dark calories and the hidden dangers of seed oils might be less familiar. Today, we’re uncovering what these mean—and why 

Industry Playbook: Health or Hype?

Industry Playbook: Health or Hype?

The food industry knows how to play the game. Slick marketing, feel-good slogans, and carefully crafted buzzwords all create an illusion of health that’s hard to resist. Labels like “all-natural,” “low-fat,” and “organic” are thrown around liberally, but how often do we stop to question 

“From Cigarettes to Candy Bars: How Big Tobacco Hooked Us on Junk Food”

“From Cigarettes to Candy Bars: How Big Tobacco Hooked Us on Junk Food”

In the 1980s and 1990s, major tobacco companies like Philip Morris and R.J. Reynolds diversified into the food industry, acquiring brands such as Kraft, General Foods, Nabisco, and Hawaiian Punch. This strategic move allowed them to apply their expertise in creating addictive products to the food sector, leading to the proliferation of hyper-palatable foods—items engineered with high levels of sugar, fat, and salt to enhance taste and encourage overconsumption.

The Washington Post

Research indicates that during their ownership, tobacco companies formulated and marketed foods that were significantly more hyper-palatable than those of their competitors. This approach mirrored their tactics in the tobacco industry, focusing on product formulations that heightened consumer cravings and fostered habitual consumption.

Medical Xpress

Even after divesting from the food industry in the early 2000s, the legacy of these practices persists. A substantial portion of the American food supply remains hyper-palatable, contributing to public health challenges such as obesity and related diseases.

Neuroscience News

This historical intersection of the tobacco and food industries underscores the importance of scrutinizing corporate strategies that prioritize profit over public health. Understanding these tactics is crucial for developing effective policies and interventions to promote healthier eating habits and mitigate the impact of hyper-palatable foods on society.

Ultra-Processed People: Dr. Chris van Tulleken’s Eye-Opening Exposé on What’s Really in Our Food

Ultra-Processed People: Dr. Chris van Tulleken’s Eye-Opening Exposé on What’s Really in Our Food

In his new book, Ultra-Processed People, Dr. Chris van Tulleken—the renowned infectious diseases doctor and BBC broadcaster—delves into a global issue that’s both insidious and deeply personal: ultra-processed food (UPF). From his years of medical training at Oxford to his groundbreaking research on corporate influence 

AG1 – The Rise, the Hype, and the Untold Story of Its Founder

AG1 – The Rise, the Hype, and the Untold Story of Its Founder

If you’ve listened to just about any podcast lately, you’ve probably heard about a certain green smoothie powder that claims to be a one-stop shop for all your nutrient needs. AG1 (formerly Athletic Greens) has taken the wellness world by storm, backed by some of 

The Hidden Truth Behind Processed Meat: Why Is Ham Pink and What Aren’t They Telling Us?

The Hidden Truth Behind Processed Meat: Why Is Ham Pink and What Aren’t They Telling Us?

We see it everywhere: bright pink ham slices, perfectly packaged, marketed as a safe and tasty snack for kids and adults alike. But how did we end up believing that processed meats are healthy or even necessary? And what’s behind that appealing pink color? A recent investigation uncovers disturbing truths about the food industry, revealing how lobbying and strategic manipulation have shaped public perception—and policy—on processed meats.


How “Healthy” Meat Isn’t So Healthy After All

In 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified certain additives in processed meats as carcinogenic. This includes nitrites, the chemicals responsible for giving ham and other meats their familiar pink hue. These additives are used to preserve meats and prevent bacterial growth, but the risks may far outweigh the benefits. Long-term exposure to nitrites has been linked to an increased risk of cancer.

In the 1970s, the U.S. nearly banned these additives when evidence of their risks first surfaced. But what happened? Enter the powerful meat industry lobby, who orchestrated a campaign to discredit the scientists behind these findings. Studies raising health concerns were quickly cast aside, while industry-funded research suggested there was nothing to worry about.


Lobbying, Influence, and the Cost of Public Health

Lobbyists for the meat industry have been working for decades to prevent regulations that could limit the use of certain additives. This goes beyond just nitrites and pink ham; these tactics have influenced policy decisions on various food additives and chemicals across the entire food industry.

How does it work? Lobbyists fund studies that downplay health risks or even promote the supposed benefits of meat consumption. Scientists who produce favorable research receive generous financial support and access to prestigious platforms. On the flip side, researchers who reveal health risks are often dismissed, undermined, or pressured into silence. The result is a controlled narrative, where public perception is shaped to favor industry interests.


From Farms to Lawmakers: The Global Impact

Filmmaker Sandrine Rigaud followed these lobbying efforts from small European towns to California’s food markets, unearthing a pattern of influence stretching across borders. Her year-long investigation exposed how lobbyists have affected policy in the U.S., Europe, and beyond, influencing everything from labeling practices to food safety regulations. Thanks to this powerful network, the food industry often determines what information reaches the public—and what stays buried.


The Confusing World of Food Labels

Ever tried to decipher a food label only to feel like you need a degree in chemistry? This is no accident. Labels are often intentionally complex, filled with scientific terms and misleading phrases, making it difficult for consumers to make informed choices. This confusion allows harmful additives to slip under the radar. Until clearer labeling and tighter regulations are enforced, it’s up to consumers to be vigilant, researching ingredients and looking beyond the marketing.


What Can We Do?

The fight for transparency is far from over, but knowledge is power. Here are a few ways to protect yourself and your family:

  1. Be Wary of Processed Meats: Opt for fresh, unprocessed meats, or explore plant-based proteins to reduce exposure to harmful additives.
  2. Read Labels Carefully: Look for terms like “nitrates” and “nitrites” on ingredient lists, and educate yourself on other potentially harmful additives.
  3. Support Advocacy for Transparency: Stay informed about organizations pushing for clearer food labeling and stronger regulations on additives.

Conclusion: Time for a Change

The tactics used by the meat industry to influence public perception and policy reveal a system where profits often come before health. By staying informed and supporting transparency, we can push back against the influence of big industry and make choices that truly benefit our health. It’s time to question the “pink” in our ham and demand a food system that puts people before profits.

The Great Food Fraud: What the Industry Doesn’t Want You to Know

The Great Food Fraud: What the Industry Doesn’t Want You to Know

If you think you’re well-informed about what’s healthy and what’s not, think again. This blog dives into a world of food fraud and industry deception—a world where the fine print is written in dollar signs rather than in truths about health. Here, you’ll find links, 

Navigating the Skies with Laughter

Navigating the Skies with Laughter

Ah, flying. The act of defying gravity while confined in a metal tube hurtling through the air at breakneck speeds. It’s a marvel of modern engineering and a source of both excitement and dread for travelers worldwide. But fear not, fellow wanderers, for I, your 

Japan travel links

Japan travel links

Guide to Japan: A Silly Sojourn Through the Land of the Rising Sun

Greetings, fellow explorers of the eccentric and aficionados of the absurd! Today, we embark on a ludicrously delightful journey to Japan, a country where the traditional meets the avant-garde with the grace of a tap-dancing sumo wrestler. So, strap on your silly walks and let’s dive into the wonderfully wacky world of the Land of the Rising Sun.

  1. Onomichi: A Town Where Cats Call the Shots Our escapade commences in Onomichi, a picturesque port town where felines reign supreme and the rooftops serve as their lofty thrones. Follow Lisa’s escapades as she navigates this charming feline-filled landscape in her delightful blog post https://www.lisaeatstheworld.com/post/onomichi-itinerary-hiroshima-japan. Remember, in Onomichi, it’s not unusual for a cat to give you directions or demand a belly rub in exchange for insider tips!
  2. Tosashimizu Geopark: Rocks That Rock Your World Next stop, the Tosashimizu Geopark, where the rocks have a sense of humor that rivals even the most seasoned comedian. Prepare to be tickled by geological oddities and marvel at nature’s whimsical creations. Learn more about the Tosashimizu Geopark
  3. Snow Monkey Park: Monkeying Around in Hot Springs Ever dreamt of sharing a Jacuzzi with snow monkeys? Well, hold onto your hats (or towels), because we’re headed to the Snow Monkey Park (Jigokudani Yaen Koen), where you can witness these furry philosophers pondering life’s mysteries while soaking in steaming hot springs. Plan your visit to the Snow Monkey Park
  4. Used Tire Mart Sagamihara Store – Vending Machine Corner: A Tired Joke Turned Reality Feeling a bit deflated? Fear not! At the Used Tire Mart Sagamihara Store, you’ll find a vending machine corner that’s sure to inflate your spirits faster than you can say “Monty Python’s Flying Circus.” Who knew buying tires could be this amusing? Discover the quirky vending machines at Used Tire Mart Sagamihara Store
  5. Beppu Onsen: Soak Your Troubles Away Prepare to be pampered at Beppu Onsen, where the therapeutic hot springs will melt away your worries faster than you can say “sumimasen.” It’s the perfect remedy for a stressful day of adventuring. Explore the wonders of Beppu Onsen
  6. Sawanoi – Ozawa Brewery: Sake, Silly Walks, and Spirited Shenanigans Quench your thirst for adventure at Sawanoi – Ozawa Brewery, where the art of sake-making meets the absurdity of Monty Python. Sip on liquid enlightenment and toast to the sheer silliness of it all. Indulge in the world of Sawanoi Sake
  7. Mount Mitake and Mitake Shrine: Scaling Heights of Hilarity Take a hike up Mount Mitake and pay homage to Mitake Shrine, where ancient traditions collide with modern-day buffoonery. Just watch out for any stray Ministry of Silly Walks enthusiasts attempting to scale the summit in style! Plan your hike up Mount Mitake
  8. Spa Resort Hawaiians: Aloha, Japan! Experience a slice of the tropics in the heart of Japan at Spa Resort Hawaiians, where the spirit of aloha meets the madness of Monty Python. It’s a surreal spectacle that will leave you questioning reality in the most delightful way possible. Escape to Spa Resort Hawaiians
  9. Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan: Soak in History, Silly Style End your escapade with a soak at Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan, the oldest hotel in the world. Let the ancient waters wash over you as you contemplate the absurdity of existence and wonder if Cleese himself ever took a dip in these historic hot springs. Experience the timeless luxury of Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan

As we bid adieu to this uproariously nonsensical tour of Japan, remember that sometimes the best way to navigate life’s absurdities is to embrace them with a hearty laugh and a playful spirit. So, go forth, fellow travelers, and may your adventures be as joyously ludicrous as a skit from Monty Python’s legendary repertoire. Safe travels, and don’t forget to bring along your most preposterously large hat!

Als de meeste paarden met pensioen zijn.

Als de meeste paarden met pensioen zijn.

(“When most horses are retired.”) english Ergens in het noorden van Nederland, waar de wind de baas is over het weidse landschap, besloot een duo, even tijdloos als de designs in hun nostalgische woonkamer, om een caravan te scoren. Niet zomaar een caravan, maar een