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FDA Recalls: Harry & David Coffee, Vitamins. NEW Gastro Vaccine

FDA News Digest

April 7, 2008

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IN THIS WEEK’S ISSUE

»  News

    — FDA Approves New Vaccine to Prevent Gastroenteritis Caused by Rotavirus

    — Federal Agents Seize More Than $1.3 Million of Illegal Dietary Supplements

»  Safety Alerts/Recalls

n Harry and David Chocolate Covered Select Blend Espresso Beans

n HC Fresh Frozen Salted Croaker

n Malt-O-Meal brand and other private labels

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NEWS

 

FDA Approves New Vaccine to Prevent Gastroenteritis Caused by Rotavirus

FDA has approved Rotarix, the second oral U.S. licensed vaccine for the prevention of rotavirus, an infection that causes gastroenteritis (vomiting and diarrhea) in infants and children. Rotarix is a liquid given in a two-dose series to infants from 6 to 24 weeks of age. Rotavirus causes about 2.7 million cases of gastroenteritis in U.S. children each year. About 55,000 to 70,000 of those require hospitalization, and between 20 and 60 deaths are attributed to it.

http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01814.html 

 

Illegal Dietary Supplements Marketed for use by Body Builders.

Federal Agents Seize More Than $1.3 Million 

At FDA‘s request, U.S.  marshals have seized more than $1.3 million of dietary supplements from Michigan-based LG Sciences, LLC. These products — marketed and distributed online and in retail stores under the names “Methyl 1-D,” “Methyl 1-D XL,” and “Formadrol Extreme XL” –contain unapproved food additives or ingredients that cause the products to violate the law. Labeled as dietary supplements, the products are marketed for use by body builders.

http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01815.html

   

 

SAFETY ALERTS/RECALLS

Food Recalls:

›  Harry and David Chocolate Covered Select Blend Espresso Beans, 8-oz. size

Reason for recall: milk component not declared on package

http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/harrydavid04_08.html

 

›  HC Fresh Frozen Salted Croaker (distributed in New York , New Jersey , Pennsylvania , Illinois and Texas)

Reason for recall: possible Clostridium botulinum contamination

http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/grandsupercenter04_08.html

 

›  Unsweetened Puffed Rice and unsweetened Puffed Wheat, marketed under the Malt-O-Meal brand and other private labels, with “Best If Used By” dates between April 8, 2008 (coded as “APR0808”), and March 18, 2009 (coded as “MAR1809”)

Reason for recall: possible Salmonella contamination

http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/maltomeal04_08.html

 

For a list of recalls, market withdrawals, and safety alerts involving FDA-regulated

products from the past 60 days, go to http://www.fda.gov/opacom/7alerts.html.

Feed Your Libido…

The best sex begins with great nutrition, according to international studies. Research on Maca is praised for: energy, strength, stamina, libido and sexual function. Doctors and Dietitians confirm that making certain minerals, vitamins and herbs as a part of your daily diet could add some zing to your step and encourage the Health Benefits of Sex.

Almonds, Basil, Vanilla are said to have a perfumes that entice and stimulate attraction.

Celery contains androsterone, a male hormone.  When men eat the celery, pheromones are released through the sweat glands, which then stimulates the female attraction. 

Dietary Source:  Truffles have the same effect!

Figs are fantastic finger foods to be shared between lovers.  They are high in Potassium, fiber, calcium and are all around heart healthy.

Garlic when crushed, releases an active enzyme called allicin.   Allicinassists in: erections, raises HDL cholesterol and fights off a variety of diseases.  The lack of an erection is typically due to reduced amounts of Nitric Oxide in the body.  Allicin inhibits iNOS (induced nitric oxide synthase) and allows nitric oxide to work better in the body.  Those with ED, may be showing a more serious problem that should be brought to your doctor’s attention.  

Dietary Source: Garlic clove: minced  in a vinaigrette,  tossed with vegetables, or rubbed onto a warm slice of baguette bread.

Maca is an herb/ (root) found in Peru, that has been studied for it’s health benefits. Maca is praised for: energy, strength, stamina, libido and sexual function (proven to correct ED). Similar to graham flavor, maca can be added in cookies, cakes, blender drinks, chips, or taken in a capsule (500mg 3x’s/day).

Potassium assists in the body’s electrolyte balance by pushing out excess sodium from cells. It promotes nerve transmission, muscle and nerve functions and a strong healthy heart. 

Dietary Source: fruits, vegetables and legumes.

Vitamin B.

  • Increase mood stability
  • Creates energy reduces headaches, (B-2)
  • Increase blood circulation and is a vessel dilator (B-3).
  • Improves fertility and promotes heart health, (B-12)
  • Reduce depression and stress (B-5 and B-7),
  • Reduces weakness, numbness, tingling in arms, improves on diabetes (B-6)

Dietary Source:  Fortified Cereal, Garbanzo Beans, Chicken, Banana, liver, meat,  eggs, spinach, tomato, potatoes.

Vitamin E   is an important body lubricant for all organs and muscles. Additionally, it keeps skin, eyes and the heart healthy (increasing HDL cholesterol). 

Dietary Source: Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO), Avocado, Almonds, Olives, Nuts, Seeds

 Zinc plays an important part in the desire to reproduce. Including, organ function, increase of sex hormones (estrogen, androgen’s, testosterone) and sperm production.  

Dietary Source: Oysters, beef, pork, dark meat poultry, lamb, peanuts, legumes, (meat /egg protein enhance zinc). 

Ideal Dinner for Two

Substitutions

  • Alcohol: Sparkling Water with lime slice and after dinner coffee (aphrodisiac)  
  • Vegans: Lobster or Tofu instead of steak
  • Shell Fish: Prosciutto, Olives, Almonds, Bruschetta

AMBIANCE

Cover table with a white table linen and lightly scatter rose petals. Or, be adventurous, use fresh basil leaves and halved almonds, instead.  Place a low lit vanilla candle in center of table.

APPETIZERS: 

  • Begin with 1 of Glass of wine (don’t over do it or the plan will fail!) 
  •  Oyster on half shell (or mussels and claims)
  • Olives.

SALAD: 

  • Red Leaf lettuce,
  • Arugula,
  • Figs chopped
  • Avocado slices
  • Raspberry vinaigrette

DINNER: 

  • 4 ounce fillet Mignon top off with  sauteed onions in EVOO,
  • Mashed Potatoes,
  • Steamed green beans and thinly sliced carrot sticks (or Asparagus). Toss with 1tbsp of EVOO, 1 minced garlic clove and chopped almonds.
  • May serve with multi-grain bread.

DESSERT: 

  • Chocolate cake (made with a small amount of Maca),
  • 1 glass Spumante
  • Strawberries to enhance flavor of wine.

By:  Kimberly Crocker

 Global Literature Research

  3. Lonnerdal B. Dietary factors influencing zinc absorption. J Nutr 2000; 130: 1378 S.

Health Benefits of Sex

The three fundamental needs of males and females are: Hunger, Thirst and Sex!  Most individuals would have no problem agreeing with that list.  The health benefits of sex are measured, however not commonly known.  What research tells us is everything we know about sex is even better than sex itself.  Let’s face it sex can be great and even fantastic when romance is added to it.   Some known benefits of sex are:

Helps you live longer.   It’s been researched to have a 50% reduction in mortality rate increasing life expectancy by 3-8 years.

Strengthens your heart.   Yes, sex can be considered as physical activity.  Having the same caloric burning effect in an hours time as regular Cardio. 

Reduces loneliness.       Closeness trumps loneliness!  Oxytocin, is a hormone responsible for child birth and lactation can also be found in men, stimulating smooth muscle contractions in the walls of the sperm ducts.  Oxytocin is a feel good hormone responsible for bonding and it rises in both genders during sexual arousal and peak at orgasm.

Strengthens bones, muscles and blood circulation.   Testosterone levels in both genders increase and improve on bones and muscles growth.  Blood circulation also benefits the brain, which increases the heart rate and deep breathing.

Got a headache? Engage in Sex.  Opioids have a similar effect on the body as the drugs Opium and Morphine.  When endorphins (one of the four classes of Opioids) increase they provide a natural tranquilizing response to pain reduction.

Fight depression, stress and overeating.   As neurotransmitters are properly excited (dopamine), or inhibited (serotonin and dopamine), depression, stress and overeating are reduced.  Dopamine helps to combat depression and create focus. While Serotonin regulates: mood stability, food cravings, pain, sleep cycle (Most are relaxed and sleepy after a nice romp between the sheets!) and increases the immune system.

Increases the body’s sense of smell. After a passion filled event, the hormone prolactin increases. Found in the olfactory bulb (located in the brain) where smell is formed, prolactin makes brain’s stem cells to grow new neurons 

Aphrodisiacs. Feed Your Libido!!!!!

Let’s make a complete circle and address some aphrodisiacs for the Thirst and Hunger drives.  After all, the Greeks, Romans and Aztecs used food and drink (dilated vessels increase blood flow) as a means of foreplay.

The Gourmet Sleuth suggests the following aphrodisiacs for the palete.

Quench your thirst with a glass of wine.  Drinking from the fruit of longevity is a great way to relax you, promote blood circulation and stimulate your senses.  BUT, more than two glasses of wine can ruin the mood and have a reverse affect. 

Grab the Champagne glasses!  According to the Australian Orchid Society, “Old Totonac lore says that Xanat, the young daughter of the Mexican fertility goddess, loved a Totonac youth. Unable to marry him due to her divine nature, she transformed herself into a vanilla plant that would provide pleasure and happiness.”  Fill tall Champagne glasses to the rim and add a vanilla bean for a heady, bubbly treat.

Coffee in small amounts dilates vessels, but too much will suppress the serotonin levels.

Food of Phallic Shape were eye candy for the ancients.  Asparagus, Avocado (growing in pairs on the tree they resemble male testicles,  Ahuacuatl), Banana, Carrot, Figs and oysters, both which represent the female genitalia.

Many other foods and herbs are known to inspire romance.    Almonds, Broccoli Rapini, Chocolate, Fennel, Pine Nuts, Pineapple, Strawberries and Raspberries

Herbs:  Sucking on Anise seeds, Arugula, Asafetida, Basil, Cilantro, Garlic (small clove crushed, add to vinaigrette for a salad), Ginger, Mustard (try on pork loin), Nutmeg, Truffles liquorice and honey

Prepare a low setting table with lit candles and a few pillows to relax on. Enjoy the ambiance and intimacy that sex brings, knowing that there are many health benefits that go beyond the pleasure of lovemaking.  

By: Kimberly Crocker

Literature Research

  1. Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology Sixth Edition, Frederic H. Martini
  2. Perspectives in Nutrition Sixth Edition, Wardlaw, Hampl, DiSilvestro
  3. http://www.neurogistics.com/TheScience/WhatareNeurotransmi09CE.asp
  4. http://daily.stanford.edu/article/2005/5/20/theTop10SecretHealthBenefitsOfSex
  5. http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/exercise/HQ01676/METHOD=print
  6. http://www.gourmetsleuth.com/aphrodis_foods.htm
  7. http://longevity.about.com/od/lifelongrelationships/p/sex_longevity.htm