Details: Category: Region 9; Published: 09 June 2022

Potassium Bensoate Nowadays, processed foods are widely available though we are not promoting these type of foods as they can lead to health risks in the later stages of life. But have you ever wondered why these foods lasted for years? To find out the answer, read this article.

Potassium benzoate is a white, odorless powder that’s obtained by combining benzoic acid and potassium salt beneath heat. Benzoic acid could be a compound actually found in plants, animals, and fermented products. Initially determined from the benzoin resin of certain tree species, it’s presently for the most part industrially produced. Potassium salts are typically extracted from salt beds or certain minerals. Potassium benzoate is utilized as an additive, because it avoids the development of microbes, yeast, and especially forms. As such, it’s regularly included in nourishment, excellence, and skin care items to expand their shelf life.

Potassium benzoate can be found in a variety of bundled in foods, including: beverages (pop, flavored drinks, and certain fruit and vegetable juices); sweets (candy, chocolate, and pastries); condiments (processed sauces and salad dressings, furthermore pickles and olives); spreads (certain margarines, jams, and jellies); processed meats and fish (salted or dried fish and seafood, as well as certain cold cuts). This additive is additionally included in some vitamin and mineral supplements. Also, it’s utilized as a sodium benzoate alternative in foods that require lower sodium content. You can tell whether nourishments contain potassium benzoate by looking at the ingredient list. It may moreover be called E212, which is its European nourishment added substance number. The maximum levels allowed of potassium benzoate vary based on the type of processed food. For example, flavored drinks may contain up to 36 mg per container (240 mL), whereas natural product jams may only harbor up to 7.5 mg per tablespoon (15 grams). For reference, a 155-pound (70-kg) grown-up would have to be drinking around 10 cups (2.4 liters) of pop to outperform the ADI. Keep in mind that drinking this much pop is never recommended. Though there's a small hazard of grown-ups surpassing the ADI, the most perfect way to maintain a strategic distance from high levels of this added substance is to restrain your intake of processed foods. Limitations are especially vital for newborn children, little children, and children, as they may surpass the ADI in the event that taking after an exceedingly processed diet.

When a nourishment or refreshment containing both potassium benzoate and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is exposed to heat, it may form the chemical benzene. Benzene-containing nourishments may cause hives or extreme allergic reactions, particularly in individuals prone to skin inflammation, itchy skin, or a chronically stuffy or runny nose. Environmental introduction to benzene from components like engine vehicles, contamination, or cigarette smoke is additionally associated to an increase chance of cancer. Be that as it may, more research is required to decide whether ingesting little amount carries the same health dangers.

NO II Joanna Marie E. Baltazar, RND

References:

Potassium Benzoate

http://foodconstrued.com/2012/08/potassium-benzoate/

What Is Potassium Benzoate? Uses, Foods, and Side Effects

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/potassium-benzoate

What to know about potassium benzoate

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/potassium-benzoate

Details: Category: Region 9; Published: 09 June 2022

Cassava Toxicity Boiled cassava, cassava cake, cassava chips are tasty foods and great snacks to dig in. These are significant sources of energy and nutrients, mainly in the tropics. Cassava is related to taro and yams, and people can use it in similar methods to a potato. It is likely used as tapioca starch to make gluten-free baked foods. As long as individuals take precautions when cooking cassava, it can be a helpful addition to the diet. But ist there any truth to the claim thatcassava is toxic?

The precaution in consuming cassava people should not eat it as raw has been proven to be true for the reason that it comprises naturally occurring forms of cyanide, which are toxic to ingest. However, cooking and soaking cassava make this compound harmless. Incorrectly prepared or eating raw cassava can lead to severe side effects. Even in areas where cassava is a well-known part, information has identified several hazards of consuming it and taking in too much active cyanide, including:

low levels of iodine
increased risk of goiter
paralyzed legs in children
Tropical ataxic neuropathy, a disorder that is more known in older adults and causes a loss of poor vision, feeling in the hands, weakness, walking problems, and the feeling of something presence on the feet.
intoxication and even death

In counts to comprising naturally occurring cyanide, cassava can also absorb contaminants from the area in which it produces, which can be close to factories and roads. The impurities that cassava plants may take up and pass along to humans include trace metal elements, herbicides and pesticides.

How to cook cassava to remove cassava’s cyanide content? People should make sure the cassava comes from a reliable trader. They should also take the steps in preparation:

Skin off the cassava root.
Cut it into tiny pieces.
Soak them in water.
Boil them until tender and very well cooked.
Remove any cooking water.

Boiling, baking, or frying, may be appropriate. Though, individuals should follow the techniques on the packaging. Bitter varieties of cassava need more extensive cooking, such as pounding, grating and soaking in water, prior to boiling. Processed cassava foods, such as cassava flour and tapioca pearls are nontoxic to use without any precooking.

Researchers are currently plotting the genetic structure of cassava. They hope to be able to use this data to breed superior cassava plants that will have advanced in nutritional content, be more resistant to ailment, and make it to market more easily.

PNFP- Karla P. Calapardo, RND

References:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323756

Details: Category: Region 9; Published: 07 June 2022

Some people naturally have darker circles under their eyes. Dark circles are common among some ethnic groups such as Arabs, Turks, Andean and Indians, as they have greater natural deposit of pigments. However, some people would blame their dark circles to lack of sleep. Although this is one cause, a number of factors can contribute to the formation or worsening of dark eye circles. Depending on skin color, dark circles under the eyes can range from purple to blue to dark brown or black. Dark circles under the eyes may indicate the need for lifestyle changes, such as better sleeping habits or a healthier diet.

The area under the eyes can appear darker due to several reasons. Causes may include constricted blood vessels causing hyperpigmentation, or from lack of sleep or poor sleeping habits, allergies, including hay fever, hyperpigmentation, reduced levels of fatty tissue around the eyes, thinning of the skin around the eyes, anemia from iron deficiency, overexposure to sunlight, frequent rubbing of the eyes, aging, smoking, inherited genes, thyroid conditions, dehydration, and dermatitis.

To prevent or reduce the appearance of dark eye circles, you may follow these tips:

Get enough quality sleep and reduce stress
Protect your eyes from the sun by wearing a UV protection sunglasses.
Stop smoking and reduce alcohol consumption.
Applying cucumber slices to the eyes may soothe tired eyes and reduce swelling.
Applying a cold compress to the eyes.
Applying cold tea bags to your eyes. Tea bags may help lessen dark circles and puffiness under the eyes. Caffeine has antioxidant properties and stimulates blood circulation around the eyes.
Putting face creams and under-the-eye products that contain antioxidants (with Vitamin E and C) may help to reduce the appearance of dark circles.

If home remedies do not get rid of your dark circles under the eyes, you may see your doctor or dermatologist for advice on treatment options and to check for any underlying health conditions. Medical treatments may include applying bleaching creams (hydroquinone, trtinoin) that can help to reduce hyperpigmentation, using kojic acid, azelaic acid, topical vitamin C, and chemical peels such as glycolic acid, undergoing laser therapy, and surgery.

-PNFP Rowence F. Zorilla, RND

References:

1. What causes dark circles under the eyes?

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325989#home-remedies

2. Here are 5 Reasons Why Your Dark Circles May Have Gotten Worse During Quarantine

https://www.lofficielsingapore.com/beauty/5-reasons-why-your-dark-circles-appeared-or-got-worse-in-the-quarantine

Details: Category: Region 9; Published: 08 June 2022

During the summer you can get some fantastic fruits and vegetables produce in the local stores and markets. Vegetables and Fruit are a great source of vitamins and minerals, including potassium, folate, and vitamin C. They are an excellent source of dietary fibre, which can support to preserve a healthy gut and prevent constipation and other digestion issues. A diet high in fibre can also lessen your risk of bowel cancer. The selections are boundless. So Purchased abundantly, but what can you do with that leftover food crops?

Here are some tips to make the Most out of Your Leftover Produce

Salads

Have leftover roasted vegetables from dinner? Let's start off with the basics. Carrots, onions, Lettuce, tomatoes and cucumber are pretty common salad veggies. But why stop there? Toss on some fruits for a sugary taste strawberries, oranges, apples, grapes, peaches, and pears all can be mix with veggies. Add a salty taste with some croutons or nuts, or even some cheese as well.

Smoothies and Juice

There are no rules when it comes to juicing/ blending and making a smoothie. Some left overs combos of fruits and vegetables are good than others, but you won't know until you try. Then when you find a combination you like, make some servings and freeze them for easy grabbing.

Omelets, Frittatas, or Egg Muffins

Whisk up some eggs, Chop them up a little pepper and salt, you have a quick, delicious and, healthy meal. You can make it into an omelet or scramble. Put your omelet or scramble mixed with vegetables and bake them with or without a crust into a frittata for a quick breakfast, also make egg muffins in advance and then just heat them up in the microwave.

Pizzas and Quesadillas

You can't go wrong by adding a pizza crust or tortilla and cheese to your favourite crops, Vegetables. And some fruits such as pears and apples also hold up well to baking and may be a great choice for some leftover fruit.

Making sure we consume all of the food we prepare is a significant way to reduce waste, conserve resources, and save money. Start showing your leftovers some love today.

PNFP- Karla P. Calapardo, RND

References:

4 Ways to Make the Most Out of Your Leftover Produce

https://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/4-ways-to-make-the-most-out-of-your-leftover-produce.html

Details: Category: Region 9; Published: 07 June 2022

TK IFR As Filipinos, we love to eat rice as our main source of carbohydrates and energy. The National Nutrition Council's Tutok Kainan: Dietary Supplementation Program implementation is strictly implementing the consumption of the Iron Fortified Rice to help solve iron deficiency disorder. Iron deficiency has been known to affect individuals most especially young children and women of reproductive age living in developing countries. In young children, it can lead to disability in cognitive performance and development as well as expanded chance of disease and perinatal mortality.

The fortification of wheat and maize flour is commonly practiced in numerous nations as a cost-effective procedure to control and prevent iron deficiency. Rice, in spite of the fact that it is a very vital nourishment staple, is more complex to fortify. This innovation has been utilized in the Philippines to fortify rice with micronized ferric pyrophosphate (MFP). MFP may be a white, ineffectively water-soluble iron compound detailed to cause few sensory issues that's especially valuable in fortifying white foods. It is less costly than numerous other iron compounds.

Iron makes a difference to protect numerous crucial functions in the body, including general energy and focus, gastrointestinal forms, the immune system, and the control of body temperature. The benefits of iron frequently go unnoticed until an individual isn't getting sufficient. Iron deficiency anemia can cause weariness, heart palpitations, pale skin, and breathlessness. So, iron daily recommendations are very important to meet most especially during pregnancy. Blood volume and red blood cell generation increase significantly amid pregnancy to supply the developing embryo with oxygen and supplements. This results in an increased demand for iron. Whereas the body regularly maximizes iron retention amid pregnancy, deficiently iron intake or other components influencing the way iron is ingested can lead to iron deficiency.

Fortification has been proven to be beneficial to individuals who hardly get enough certain nutrient. Iron-fortified Rice is no exemption as this has been very promising to address iron deficiency anemia. Let us support this program of the government by cosuming this enriched commodity and surely, with other nutrients, we can win the battle against malnutrition.

NO II Joanna Marie E. Baltazar, RND

References:

Iron-Fortified Rice Is As Efficacious As Supplemental Iron Drops in Infants and Young Children

https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/140/1/49/4600429

NOW SERVING: IRON-FORTIFIED RICE

https://region11.dost.gov.ph/148-now-serving-iron-fortified-rice#:~:text=In%202000%2C%20the%20government%20signed,NFA)%20fortified%20rice%20with%20iron.

Iron rice: Increasing diversity in diet is a better solution to anaemia than chemical fortification

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/food/iron-rice-increasing-diversity-in-diet-is-a-better-solution-to-anaemia-than-chemical-fortification-78202

Everything you need to know about iron

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/287228#benefits

Details: Category: Region 9; Published: 07 June 2022

Water Water is essential for health. Drinking enough water each day is crucial for regulating our body temperature, preventing infections, cellular nutrient distribution, joint lubrication, and even keeping our organs functioning. We all know how important water intake is, but some people are confused about the best type of water to drink. People are wondering about the difference between purified, distilled, and mineral water.

Purified water undergoes a filtration or purification process to remove impurities including bacteria, algae, fungi, and parasites, metals like copper and lead, and chemical pollutants. It is usually produced using groundwater or tap water. While tap water is safe to drink in many areas, it may still contain trace contaminants. Heavy metals such as lead and copper can leach into drinking water and can cause harm to your health. By using water purification systems, these heavy metals, chemicals, and other contaminants can be removed depending on the type of purification system used. Purifying water can also improve its quality and taste.

Distilled water, on the other hand, is a type of purified water. Distilled water has gone through the process of distillation to remove impurities. Distillation involves boiling water and collecting the steam, which returns to water upon cooling. This process is very effective at removing contaminants like bacteria, viruses, protozoa like giardia, and chemicals like lead and sulfate. Although the distillation process is very effective at removing potentially harmful contaminants, it can also remove the natural minerals like calcium and magnesium and electrolytes found in water.

Moreover, mineral water is better than purified and distilled waters in the taste category because it already comes with flavor-enhancing minerals. Mineral water usually comes from natural springs and has plenty of dissolved gases and minerals such as calcium carbonate, potassium, and sodium sulfate. One can also prepare it artificially by adding salts to distilled water or through aeration (bringing together air and water to take away undesirable substances). Some of the minerals and their biological functions found in mineral water include calcium for bone development and muscle regulation, chlorine for hydrochloric acid formation, phosphorus for protein synthesis, magnesium for bone formation, and potassium for muscle and myocardial activities.

If you are concerned about the safety of your water, you may purchase a filtration system instead of buying outside. You may have your own preference on what to drink. What is important is for you to drink enough water (8-10 glasses or more) to keep your bodily functions normal. Drink water adequately!

PNFP Rowence F. Zorilla, RND

References: