USDA Approves GMO Apples

   The USDA has approved two varieties of Artic Apples, trademarked by the Okanagan Specialty Fruits Inc. Due to genetic engineering, these apples do not turn brown when cut, as the gene responsible for the browning has been turned off.

   I for one am very and truly disappointed for the introduction of the first GMO apples into the apple marketplace. Apples have been one trustworthy food for non-GMO consumers. Apples are highly nutritious and delicious. I do not know of any health hazard accompanying this new GMO product, but my question is, was this really necessary? Is there such an outcry for non-browning apples? Maybe there is, but I for one will not purchase these.

   The varieties approved for sale in the US are Artic Golden Delicious and Artic Granny Smith. I doubt that they will be on the markets soon, as Okanagan will have to convince growers to grow their apples and it will take some time for those trees to bear salable fruit.

 

   With more than 70% of our food supply coming from potential GMO sources, the rise of food allergies, digestive problems and autism, it seems to be the wrong path to go happily skipping down. Biotech foods might not be the source of these problems but one has to wonder why the explosion of these problems, can it truly be just processed sugars and salts. I have no idea, but I do know that it is getting harder and harder to put ‘natural’ foods in our diets and into our bodies.

Why I Give Blood

   I participated in a blood drive recently. When I was done donating, I rested, as instructed, with a small can of cranberry juice and a small bag of raisins. The manager asked me why I give blood. This was my second donation, my first donation took place on 4/25/2014.

   I would have started much earlier. I first entertained the idea of donating blood in late 2005. I was told that because I have a heart condition, I was not eligible to give. What prompted me to consider giving is that my father was a cancer patient and required occasional blood transfusions. I wanted to give back to the community and have a chance to help others, like my father. I was disappointed that I could not donate.

   Then earlier this year, I read an article that pointed towards a study in Europe that showed that men who donated blood reduced their own risk of heart attack and stroke, and not by an insignificant amount. So, I think of this as a gift of life, not only for those who might receive my blood but for myself as well. And being a gift of life, it is also a gift of love. I will never know who might benefit from my donations. I am not looking for them to thank me personally. It does make me feel good to know that I have helped, and possibly saved someone’s life.

   On April 25^th, 2014, I decided to walk into a blood collection drive location. I read the literature there. I asked if I would be eligible. I had also read that the requirements are reviewed time and time again to protect the blood supply. The receptionist recommended that I go through the screening process and I would learn for sure if I was eligible or not. I followed her suggestion. Much to my surprise, I was eligible. There was some concern, but after checking their computers, they decided that my condition did not prevent my donation.

   Now, why didn’t I consider it before 2005? I am not sure. I probably was: too busy; afraid of the needle; afraid of the process; not concerned with mortality. None of these were good reasons then or now. The procedure is safe. I don’t like needles, so I just don’t watch. I take a book with me and read during the donation process.

   Each donation of a pint (you have 10), can help or even save up to three persons. Blood is constantly needed. The Red Cross Blood services began in 1940, and now supplies about 40% of the blood needed in the US. 41,000 blood donations are needed each day. 38% of the population in the US are eligible to donate blood but less than 10% actually do.

 

   So think about giving the gift of life. You can visit RedCrossBlood.org to learn more. You never know, someone might be alive tomorrow because of your gift today. The need is constant. If you are eligible, it is a gift for them and for you.

Donating Blood Benefits You Too!

I donated blood last week. My youngest son has donated blood for years. When I was first interested years ago, my son told me that I would not be eligible because I have a heart condition, so I did not pursue it. A doctor mentioned in one of the many youtube videos that I have watched that donating blood could vastly reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke. That piqued my interest. I checked with the American Red Cross and found out that I was eligible. My particular heart condition was not one that disqualified me as a donor. Donating was easy. It takes about an hour, but the actual blood draw only takes 8 - 10 minutes,

Below is one of many articles concerning the study that found that frequent blood donations can cut heart attack risk as much as 88% and cut risk of stroke up to 33%. When you give blood, you not only can save the life of someone else, you can protect yourself as well.


Want to reduce your heart attack and stroke risk? Donate blood

Check with the American Red Cross or your local blood bank to see if you are eligible.

Getting Enough Fiber

Going grain free can make it difficult to get enough fiber.  Since grain was a primary source of fiber prior to my decision to go grain free, I have to seek out new ways to get it. Of course, vegetables are a great source of fiber but even then, it might be hard to get enough. I have averaged about 15 grams of fiber each day. To supplement my diet, I have added ground flax seed. I add it to my sauteed savoy cabbage while it is in the pan. It can also be sprinkled on any vegetable dish. Ground flax seed can be sprinkled on almond and coconut pancakes just after you put the batter in the pan. You can also take psyllium husk capsules.

I use an android app called Lose It! to track my calories and macronutrients. It is a wonderful way to keep notes as to what I eat and what nutrition it contains. It also tells me where I need to fill in and cover. I am sure there are other apps that are similar.

Enjoy your journey to good food, good health and a great life. - Justin

*Lose It! is a service of FitNow, Inc.