Much as you would suspect, a new study has found that people who read food labels consume a healthier diet. Published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, two studies found label reading creates "nutritional awareness". Natural News reports:
Based on a sampling of American adults in the 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), researchers observed a significant difference in mean intake of calories, fat, cholesterol, sodium, fiber and sugars, between those who pay attention to nutrition labels and those who do not.
"If the food label is to have a greater public health impact, rates of use will likely need to be increased among U.S. adults," explained Professor Ollberding, one of the study authors. "Low rates of label use also suggest that national campaigns or modification of the food label may be needed to reduce the proportion of the population not using this information."
I imagine cookbook readers also have healthier diets too!
Non-Toxic, Biodegradable, NOT Natural CyberClean for Electronics
Cleaning your computer keyboard can be challenging, and Cyber Clean thinks they have the solution. Made from Swiss materials in China, this gooey compound forms around the keys and other crevices in electronics (and cars) to pick up loose dirt.
This amazing Swiss formula is a cleaning compound designed to get deep into all the cracks and crevices on any item or device. Cyber Clean is effective at removing 99.99% of harmful particles that live on everyday surfaces and it is fun and easy to use. Cyber Clean is a viscous, elastic compound designed to mold itself to fit the nooks and crevices that harbor harmful dirt. Cyber Clean will not migrate to other surfaces.
It is biodegradable and non-toxic, which is why I think the PR company sent me a sample to review; however, nothing resembles anything natural about this product. I did not find this product amazing, and I really thought I should be wearing gloves when using it. I did not pick up some spots on my keyboard, but then again, it only promises to pick up the loose dirt. It does not remove "oils and smudges off of screens", which is where my electronics always seem to be the dirtiest.
The Cyber Clean Automotive version is handy for cleaning out vents, but then again, so is a toothbrush or cotton swab.
Disclosure: I was sent free samples of these products to review. No prior assurances were given as to whether the review be positive or negative.
Threatened Elkhorn Coral Colony Discovered for 1st Time in 100 Years
Scientists have not discovered a new colony of the endangered Pacific elkhorn coral in over 100 years! Considered one of the "world's rarest coral", the threatened species resembles antlers. The new colony was found near the Marshall Islands in the Arno Atoll. Live Science reports:
The Pacific elkhorn coral colony was a rare find, but it may not be an entirely new species. Corals fitting the description of the Pacific elkhorn were first described in 1898 near Fiji in the South Pacific, but scientists don't have enough genetic information from this earlier find to say if the corals are a match, Richards said.
The Atlantic relative, A. palmata is regarded by most marine researchers as the outstanding symbol of the plight of Caribbean corals. It is rated as critically endangered after vanishing from most of its Caribbean reef habitat in recent decades.
"When Zoe showed me pictures of the Pacific elkhorn, I was shocked," said coral geneticist David Miller of CoECRS and James Cook University, also in Queensland. "The colonies look just like the critically endangered Caribbean species A. palmata, one of the most distinctive of all corals. The fact that these colonies might represent a species that has not been seen for over a hundred years (A. rotumana) says something about how much we know about the remote reefs of the North Pacific," Miller said.
There has been debate as to whether the Pacific elkhorn should be listed as threatened or endangered. In 2006, it was listed as threatened.
Natural Silk Travel Sheet/ Sleeping Bag Liner Adds 10 Degrees of Warmth
After many years of wanting one, I finally bought a 100% Premium Silk Sleeping Bag Liner. This sleeping bag liner can also be used as a travel sheet too. Made from luxurious silk, this liner is a comforting bonus when camping!
The Sea To Summit 100% Premium Silk Sleeping Bag Liner not only feels luxurious, it provides a layer of protection between you and sketchy hostel or budget hotel mattresses. Thanks to its high quality, machine-washable, ripstop silk, this sleeping bag liner packs down into its own tiny stuff sack and weighs less than a can of soda, so you can easily take it traveling or backpacking. On cold, clear nights under the stars, layer it in your sleeping bag to add up to 10 degrees of warmth to your bag's temperature rating
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This silk liner comes with a lifetime warranty! It also eliminates the need to own a warmer zero degree sleeping bag.
Pros and Cons of San Pellegrino All Natural Sparkling Lemon Beverage
I've gotten into the habit of drinking San Pellegrino Limonata Sparking Beverage. I first tried this refreshing beverage at an upscale restaurant, and then discovered our local CostCo carried cases of it. I feel good about drinking this all natural beverage, but I do have some reservations. Pros:
All natural
No high fructose corn syrup
Great in cocktails
Cons:
Product of Italy (heavy carbon footprint shipping to USA)
Owned by Nestle (responsible for much bottled water degradation)
Study: Tongue Piercings Major Cause of Unnecessary Orthodontic Issues
According to a new British study, tongue piercings lead to a gap between the front teeth when people play with them. Medical News Today reports:
The report claimed that those with tongue piercings were likely to push the metal stud up against their teeth and consequently cause gaps and other problems to arise.
Dr Carter said: "It's certainly something to think about before going out to get a tongue piercing. The temptation of playing with the stud in the mouth would be very high and in time this could lead to hundreds of pounds worth of corrective treatment.
Of course, braces can correct the problem, but the gap will return if the patient continues to play with their tongue stud.
Jer's products, which have won six International Taste Awards to date, combine crunchy rice crisps, salty pretzels, buttery toffee, or gooey homemade caramel with all-natural, premium, dark, milk and white chocolates and all-natural peanut butter (made from locally-grown Valencia peanuts, the most nutritious, peanut-sweet and protein-rich available).
We tried out several varieties of Jer's handmade chocolates:
California may become the first state to ban plastic bags. Earlier this summer, the state assembly passed a bill banning single-use plastic bags. Now it is up to the senate and the governor to make it law. Treehugger reports:
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who in May eliminated offshore drilling in California, supports the bag ban, meaning that if the Senate passes the bill, it would almost definitely be signed into law. That would put California, which currently uses 19 billion plastic bags per year, well ahead of the rest of the country in the effort to go green.
Hint Premium Essence Water: 0 Calorie, 0 Preservatives, 0 Sweeteners
Sometimes water is just not enough to quench your thirst, or you would like a little flavor without all that sugar or high fructose corn syrup common to beverages. Hint Premium Essence Water offers a healthy alternative.
The idea behind Hint is simple: pure water, nature's original refreshment, accented with a hint of natural flavor. No sugar, no artificial sweeteners no preservatives! Hint is a refreshing alternative to sodas, juice and other sweetened drinks and it tastes great.
I like the subtle flavor of Hint, but if you are used to sugary liquids, it may take some adjustment of your tastebuds. Since I am a mostly water drinker, Hint tasted full of flavor. Their motto is "drink water, not sugar".
Hint does come in plastic containers (#1), and the label reads "Coming soon 15% less plastic".
Hint Water is also good in cocktails!
Disclosure: I was sent free samples of these products to review. No prior assurances were given as to whether the review be positive or negative.