Ban on China dairy products

Monday September 22, 2008 MYT 8:53:03 PM

Ban on China dairy products to include confectionary

PETALING JAYA: The Government has widened its ban on dairy products imported from China to include confectionary that contain milk, chocolate, chocolate milk, white chocolate and other foods that contain milk.

The decision was based on the latest information received from Singapore’s Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) which found melamine in the “White Rabbit Creamy Candy”, the Health Ministry said in a statement on Monday.

The ministry’s food quality and safety department director Noraini Mohd Othman said the widened ban would therefore include the “White Rabbit Creamy Candy” and flour-based confections like biscuits.

“The ministry will also seize such products in the local market,” she said.

Noraini said Malaysia already had an existing ban on any milk or milk powder from China, adding that although the country had imported dairy products from China, the milk was sourced from Australia and New Zealand.

“As a preventive measure, the ministry also imposed a Level 6 or automatic rejection on all imported baby milk powder, milk and dairy products via the Food Safety Information System.”

Noraini advised consumers to be aware of the types of items that have been banned and to dispose of any existing items that they may already have.

“Retailers are also advised to report to their nearest state health departments or offices if such products are in their premises,” she said, adding that importers and agents have to stop distributing such products and immediately contact her department.

Noraini said the ministry would also take samples from food all over the country to analyse it for the presence of melamine, adding that if it was detected, those involved in the distribution chain could be fined up to RM100,000 or jailed a maximum 10 years or both.

Consumers can contact the ministry at 03-8883-3503 for more information.

SOURCE:   http://thestar.com.my

Food, Disease, and You

by Sandy Powers

The scenario for fighting diseases and building healthier immune systems with certain foods exists in all cultures. This is not to say we cast aside the marvelous strides in medicines that have been made over the last fifty years, but your best first defense against disease is nutrition. Healthy nutrition is quite simply back to basics. Wise food choices help fight those beginning cancer cells and prevent that build up of cholesterol in the arteries while making you feel a whole lot healthier. To begin that path to health, start with Vitamin C.

Vitamin C

Scurvy was the first disease recognized as being caused by a dietary deficiency. Scurvy, caused by a Vitamin C deficiency, with symptoms of bleeding gums, bruising, weakness, aches and pains that often lead to death, was common among sailors during the 15th and 16th centuries. It was not unusual on long sea voyages for a ship to loose half of its crew to scurvy. In 1747, scurvy-ridden sailors were being treated with lemons and limes through the efforts of the Scottish naval surgeon James Lind. By 1795, the British Navy added lime juice to the rations of sailors, which was successful in preventing scurvy. Born was the nickname "Limeys" for British sailors.

While today scurvy is not a familiar disease because of the efforts of fortified food, Vitamin C deficiency is still rather common. In the United States, one third of all adults receive less Vitamin C in their diets than is recommended by the National Academy of Sciences. One out of every six adults get less than one half of the recommended amount. Frequent colds and infections, bleeding gums, poor healing, and lung related problems are all symptoms of Vitamin C deficiency.

Vitamin C is the most important antioxidant of all the antioxidants because it defends the interior part of our cells against free radicals that provoke diseases like cancer and heart while fighting stress in our bodies. The human body cannot manufacture Vitamin C, nor can it store it. Vitamin C should be taken through food sources daily, not through a multiple vitamin supplement. Oranges, bell peppers, broccoli, and parsley are excellent sources of Vitamin C.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency that is associated with weak bones now has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a study recently published in the Journal of the American Heart Association. "The higher risk associated with Vitamin D deficiency was particularly evident among individuals with high blood pressure," researchers concluded. The study continued, "Low levels of Vitamin D are highly prevalent in the United States.....Twenty to 30 percent of the population...has moderate to severe Vitamin D deficiency." The research further provided evidence that people who tested low in Vitamin D are 45 percent more likely to have high triglycerides.

Since few foods are rich in Vitamin D, we must depend upon sunlight as our best source. Sunlight creates Vitamin D on the skin where it is absorbed into the body. The overuse of sunscreens is the main reason for Vitamin D deficiency. To get your needed dose of Vitamin D, go out daily into sunlight for about 15 minutes without sunscreen. Don't cover your arms. Your skin will convert the sunlight into Vitamin D where it will be stored in your liver for use. The daily 15 minutes in the sun without sunscreen will not increase your risk of skin cancer.

Cholesterol

Who isn't trying to lower the numbers? According to the Mayo Clinic, there are 4 great foods to help you do just that.

1. Fiber---The fiber in oatmeal, apples, pears, and kidney beans are excellent choices for lowing cholesterol. 2. Walnuts---When 20 percent of your calories come from walnuts, your "bad" cholesterol can be reduced by as much as 12 percent. Eat a handful of walnuts everyday. 3. Omega-3---Helps the heart by reducing blood pressure and the risk of blood clots. If you already had a heart attack, a good level of omega-3 in your body significantly reduces the risk of sudden death. Eat two servings of fish weekly. Good sources of omega-3 are lake trout, salmon, herring, sardines, and anchovies. Be alert for mercury contamination. Try to buy fish from the wild. 4. Olive Oil---Not canola oil, not flaxseed oil but Extra-Virgin Olive Oil. Buy Extra-Virgin Olive Oil's first cold press to receive more heart healthy antioxidants. Olive Oil is the only cooking oil that can be used as is: freshly pressed from the olive. Studies corroborate Olive Oil's protection against heart disease by its ability to control "bad" cholesterol while raising "good" cholesterol. Two tablespoons of Olive Oil are recommended daily. Use Olive Oil to sauté vegetables or mix with vinegar for a salad dressing.

Back to basics. Back to nutrition. Back to health. You're on you way.

SOURCE: http://www.goarticles.com

Easy Ways To A Healthy Heart

by Robert Orr

Easy Ways To A Healthy Heart

Smoking if you do give it up if you don`t then don`t start. If you want to have a healthy heart then no amount of smoking is safe. So called low tar or mild cigarettes also are dangerous, as is breathing in other peoples smoke.

Cigarette smoke contains thousands of different chemicals. Many of these can damage your heart and blood vessels, making you more likely to have hardening or narrowing of the arteries. Narrowing of the arteries can ultimately lead to a heart attack. Also nicotine in cigarette smoke puts stress on your heart forcing it to work harder by constricting blood vessels and pushing up your heart rate and raising your blood pressure.

Carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke is very toxic and replaces some of the oxygen in your blood. This pushes up your blood pressure by forcing your heart to work harder to supply enough oxygen. Even occasional smoking while at a bar or restaurant with friends is dangerous and increases the risk of heart disease.

Women who smoke and take the pill are at greater risk of having a heart attack or stroke than are those who don't. Worse, this risk increases with age, especially for those over 35.Also worth noting pregnant women who smoke are taking serious risks with the health of their unborn child. The good news, though, is that when you quit smoking, your risk of heart disease drops significantly within just one year.

And no matter how long or how much you smoked, you'll feeling better and be recovering as soon as you quit There are many groups and programmes to help you quit smoking you could ask your doctor for details of health service programmes. Regular exercise and reasonably energetic physical activity can reduce your risk of heart disease by almost a quarter. And when you combine physical activity with a healthy lifestyle, such as looking after your weight,and keeping to a healthy and balanced diet.

Regular physical activity helps prevent heart disease by increasing blood flow to your heart and strengthening your heart and lungs so that your heart pumps more blood with less effort. Physical activity also helps you maintain your weight and can reduce your chances of developing other conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. It also reduces stress, which may also be a factor in heart disease.

So make the effort a thirty minute brisk walk every day can have very beneficial effect on your heart and blood pressure,remember even small changes can reap big benefits. A healthy balanced diet is essential in maintaining a healthy heart, fruits vegetables and wholegrains are amongst the elements that should be consumed regularly.

Omega-3 fatty acids, a type of polyunsaturated fat, may lower your risk of heart attack, and lower blood pressure. Some fish are a good natural source of omega-3s. Omega-3s are present in smaller amounts in flaxseed oil, walnut oil, soybean oil , and they can also be taken in supplements. Keeping a healthy lifestyle also means drinking alcohol only in moderation no more than two drinks a day for men, one a day for women.

At that moderate level, alcohol can have a protective effect on your heart. Above that, it becomes a health hazard. Remember before making any major lifestyle or dietary changes make an appointment and discuss your changes with your doctor.

SOURCE: http://www.goarticles.com/