I thought for Friday I’d have a little fun and review some of the top health news stories. I’ll give the overview, then my take on, just for fun! I’d love to hear your thoughts as well…
Maqui Berry: The Newest Superfruit : read it here
overview: They found the newest “super-berry” in southern Chile. It grows wild and isn’t cultivated yet because there is so much of it growing freely. It’s deep purple (which we all know is a great sign of nutrition!). It’s very high in antioxidants, and delphinidins (a word I don’t know). Delphinidins are also found in other foods, like concord grapes, but they are found in very high amounts in the maqui berry. They are known to have an ANTI-INFLAMMATORY effect, which is a big buzz in the health world right now.
my take: What does it taste like? 😉 I’m all about a new berry, as long as it’s proven to be safe. I imagine it won’t be long until it trumps acai as the new “it” berry. Overall, I don’t change my eating to accommodate each new super food. Instead, I always try and keep a wide variety of all fruits and veggies in my rotation.
Mom Sues Nutella : read it here
overview : A California mom filed a class action law suit against Nutella for their health claims (that it’s part of a healthy breakfast), once she discovered it was basically a “candy bar” with a high amount of saturated fat.
my take : Who buys food based on a commercial alone? Ok, I guess a lot of people do, but allow me to step on my soapbox real quick….
TAKE SOME PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY PEOPLE.
It’s not like Nutella contains arsenic. Looking at just the basics on the label, you are able to see there are about 200 calories for 2 Tbsp, half from fat. That right there tells you to use in moderation. And in moderation, maybe Nutella is a-ok. If a thin schmear on whole wheat toast gets your child to eat the toast (when otherwise he would have had a giant bowl of Fruity Pebbles), then I think it’s just fine.
I imagine there are many different view points on this topic, so please, voice them. I’m just so sick of Americans being so sue happy and lacking any personal responsibility. We’re so whiny!
Beer : Great for Heart Health : read it here
overview : Although red wine usually gets all the attention for heart healthy benefits, beer is increasingly showing to be good for your health, too. Moderate consumption has shown to increase HDL (good) cholesterol and lower LDL (bad) cholesterol. There is also some evidence that it decreases risk of kidney stones, and beer drinkers seem to have a more protective effect towards greater bone mineral density due to the high content of silicone in beer.
my take : Well I know Hubbs is celebrating this news article! I wouldn’t be surprised if it is printed out and framed in the brewery in the near future ;). I think it’s great that they are exploring the health benefits of all alcohols, because most studies find that alcohol is beneficial in moderation (1 drink for the ladies, 2 for the men). Again, it goes along with my love of everything… in moderation.
So, enjoy happy hour with an ice cold brewski and cheers to your health! Have a fabulous weekend, and please, feel free to offer your insight into these news headlines 🙂
Katie says
I’ve seen several studies on beer that say that, and I am taking advantage. 🙂 One beer a few nights a week is good for me!
I agree about the Nutella mom. I am so sick at people suing for every little thing!
J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
People will sue over anything! Mainly their own stupidity. Ughhhhhh! Nutella is amazing regardless of it being creamy candy. 🙂
Holly @ couchpotatoathlete says
I have not heard about that Nutella/mom lawsuit. Good grief. Whats next, someone sues General Mills for claiming that Lucky Charms is made of whole grains? It is true, but it doesn’t make it a super healthy choice, it is loaded with sugar!
Nutella, PB, all of that. It is healthy in moderation, just like so many foods! I don’t get it. Same with the lady who got burned with hot coffee at McD — did you think the coffee was cold?
christina says
people suing just to see. read the freaking label. it’s there for a reason!
Carly says
Fun facts! I’ll have to check out that new super fruit!
Maria @ Oh Healthy Day says
Argh. I hate sue-happy people with their expensive lawyers. I totally agree with personal responsibility. Unless you live under a rock or cannot read, you have the means to find out what is and isn’t healthy for you.
Christina @ Food.Fun.Fabulous. says
I haven’t heard of that new berry! I must be living under a rock 🙂 Beer was on the cover of the latest issue of the ADA Times though hehe
Katie @ Healthy Heddleston says
I agree that people need to take personal responsibility but what comes as regular knowledge for us (regarding a lot of things nutrition) other people honestly have no idea. So I do sympathize with the mother.
Jess @atasteofconfidence says
yay for beer! haha. haven’t heard about the lawsuit either. geesh!
Alyssa @ Life of bLyss says
gosh, I love this post. 😉
although.. I think I’ll always be a WINE-O through and through!
Rachel (Olalliberry) says
I knew there was a good reason to be a beer drinker 🙂
And I agree that the nutella thing is ridiculous. It is silly to have a lawsuit about it, but I also feel that we could do a lot better to improve nutrition education in schools to help people make sense of all of the marketing nonsense.
Melissa says
I wish I could find a beer that I like. I try all different kinds and end up taking a few sips of one bottle in the pack and hand the rest over to the husband.
As for sue-happy lady, maybe too many nuts are making her nuts.;) The stats are about the same as other nut butters. Is she going to sue them also? Duh, eat in moderation as part of a healthy meal or snack with its healthy fats, protein, and satiating properties.
Caree @ Fit-Mama says
Have you heard of the M berry tablet?? I did a review on my blog…pretty neat.
Oh my hubby will be celebrating with some beer…this weekend probably!!
And crazy that lady sued Nutella…just read the freakin label lady!! we are definintely sue happy, its crazy!
Ashley @ Cupcakes & Combat Boots says
I completely agree with you on the Nutella lawsuit! I too hate that we have become so lazy and self-important that we can’t even be bothered to read a nutrition label and figure things out for ourselves. It’s ridiculous and this is exactly why other countries hate us!
I loved this blog post! 🙂
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen says
Dude. Nutella is delicious. And you are SO right about taking personal responsibility. I’ll get up on a soapbox with you if you want…
Corey @ the runner's cookie says
It’s so hard to get any accurate health info from the news – they never tell you the details of the study they pull their info from, and they just focus on the ones that they think will get attention. As far as the nutella lady, it’s like the people who sue mcdonald’s for making them gain weight…I find it ridiculous! Everyone has the power to make choices, no one is FORCING you to eat anything!
John J. says
Being from Wisconsin, I have found that beer, brats. and cheese (in moderation of course) lead to healthy and very happy life. Ask my mother, she’s 90! Of course, rooting for the Packers uses those extra calories and leads to longevity!
Roz says
My husband was jumping for joy when he read the beer article. And “here here” to the sue happy comment. We ALL need to take some responsiblity for our choices. Have a great weekend.
Kelli says
The Nutella sue happy woman makes me sick. I completely agree with you. People need to read the labels to know exactly what their putting in their bodies.
Yay for beer. 🙂