Eating For Health

Summer is here and so is hot weather.   We are all looking forward to a nice cool beverage on hot days.   Will your favorite beverage may be missing from the shelf?   The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is recalling 28 different beverages including sodas, juices and even some bottled water.   Why?   Because of some harmful ingredients and even some cancer-causing chemicals.   Is your beverage on the list? Why is the FDA recalling some beverages? The FDA is recalling 28 beverages because of harmful ingredients.   One tea was recalled because it contained some anti-inflammatory medication, not listed as an ingredient.   An apple juice was recalled because it contained high levels of arsenic.   Arsenic actually “occurs naturally in the environment.” FDA has guidance on how much arsenic can be in foods as high levels are associated with “increased risk of bladder and skin cancers”.     Sodas were recalled because of sugar co...

Who doesn’t love some morning coffee?   Or, on cold days, a nice hot cup of tea.   Does drinking coffee or tea affect one’s blood glucose levels?    Should healthy adults be concerned about coffee or tea and blood glucose levels?   The Mayo Clinic says that for healthy adults, caffeine will probably have no noticeable effects on their blood sugar or blood glucose levels.   Studies have found that up to 400 milligrams of caffeine is safe for most of us.   A cup of coffee has about 120-180 milligrams of caffeine and most adults drink about 2 cups of coffee a day.   FDA says healthy adults can consume up to 400 mg of caffeine a day which equates to about 4-5 cups of coffee a day, or 10 cans of soda , or 2 “energy shot” drinks.   (See:   Caffeine – good or bad for your health? )     Can drinking coffee or tea reduce chances of getting type 2 diabetes? Some studies have found that coffee, tea, and other drinks with caffei...

Caffeine – who doesn’t enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning?   Whether a K-cup, Starbucks or Mr. Coffee, most people enjoy starting their day with a cup of coffee.   According to the FDA , about 80% of adults in the US have some caffeine every day.     How does all this caffeine affect our health? What beverages and foods have caffeine? Coffee and tea have caffeine as does chocolate.   Energy drinks such as Red Bull contain caffeine.   How much caffeine is safe to drink? FDA notes that for most people, caffeine can be part of a healthy diet.   “But too much caffeine may post a danger to your health.”   FDA says healthy adults can consume up to 400 mg of caffeine a day which equates to about 4-5 cups of coffee a day, or 10 cans of soda , or 2 “energy shot” drinks.   But this varies as some people are more sensitive to caffeine and some people metabolize it faster or slower.   Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult with t...