Prohibit Genetically Engineered Alfalfa

Resulting contamination of non-GE and organic alfalfa hay and seed would devastate livelihoods and organic industry

The National Organic Coalition (NOC) today announced that more than 200,000 people submitted comments to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) critiquing the substance and conclusions of its Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) on Genetically Engineered (GE) Alfalfa. Groups, including NOC, Center for Food Safety (CFS), Organic Consumers Association, Food & Water Watch, CREDO Action and Food Democracy Now, mobilized their communities to help generate the unprecedented number of comments.

In addition, more than 300 public interest organizations, farmers, dairies, retailers and organic food producers from the U.S. and Canada delivered a strongly worded letter to USDA, calling upon it to deny approval of Monsanto’s genetically engineered, Roundup Ready alfalfa (GE alfalfa). The letter cites the inevitable contamination of organic and non-GE alfalfa hay and seeds and threats to the viability of organic dairies, livestock, and meat and dairy producers as reasons for urging the denial. NOC, Organic Valley, Whole Foods, National Cooperative Grocers Association, CFS and others agree that it would be irresponsible government policy to approve GE alfalfa in the absence of legal requirements holding companies accountable for GE contamination, as is currently the case.

READ MORE: More Than 200,000 NGOs, Farmers, Consumers, and Organic Producers Call for USDA to Prohibit Genetically Engineered Alfalfa

More Soy

Wow, it seems that the soy debate is a raging and more and more information and studies are coming out.

Its kinda like when you get a new car and all of a sudden you start see that same car everywhere you look. Ya know what I mean?

I found this article to present some great information on both sides of the debate.

Some stand out pieces are:

BREAST CANCER

There is a debate about whether soy prevents or causes breast cancer. Some women have estrogen-positive breast cancer, meaning their tumors have estrogen receptors and are thought to grow from contact with estrogen. Soy contains isoflavones which are weak estrogens. It is not known if this is good or bad. The isoflavones could stimulate estrogen positive breast tumors, or they could dull the effect of real estrogen on the tumor. There has been little research performed on humans.

In April of 2009, a paper was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, written by Mark Messina and Anna Wu.6 Here are highlights from this paper:

-Daily per capita isoflavone intake in the United States and in Europe is about 3 mg per day.

-Daily per capita isoflavone intake among older adults in Japan and in Chinese cities such as Shanghai is about 25-50 mg per day.

They noted that the study by Trock et al (mentioned above) found no statistially significant protective effect of higher intake on breast cancer rates in Asian countries.

Reduced risks were found for both pre- and postmenopausal breast cancer.

When you pick apart these various studies, there appears to be evidence that eating soy early in life is important for gaining a protection against breast cancer.

Four studies have taken breast tissue biopsies before and after exposure to isoflavones and none found any increased breast cell proliferation.

Two epidemiologic studies looking at survival after breast cancer diagnosis found no reduced survival among women eating more soy.

The authors conclude, "The concern that products containing isoflavone might be contraindicated for patients with breast cancer and women at increased risk of breast cancer is based almost exclusively on results from rodent studies. In contrast, however, the clinical and epidemiologic data suggest that isoflavones pose no risk to such women. This suggestion is consistent with the relatively unimpressive data showing that postmenopausal therapy with oral estrogen increases breast cancer risk.

Nevertheless, it must be acknowledged that, because there is an imprecise understanding of the effect of soy and isoflavones on breast tissue, women at high risk of developing breast cancer and patients with breast cancer should first discuss any dietary changes with their primary health care provider."

Also in April of 2009, a prospective study on soy intake and breast cancer risk in the Shanghai Women's Health Study was published. They found that among premenopausal women, higher soy intake was protective, but not among postmenopausal women.

DEMENTIA

A 2008 study from Indonesia found that among people aged 52 to 98, increased tofu consumption was linked to slightly worse memory scores (-0.18, p = .05).9 Tempeh, on the other hand, was linked to slightly better memory scores.
The authors state that:

"According to the Departments of Public Health at the Universities of Jakarta and Yogyakarta, formaldehyde is often added to tofu (but not tempeh) to preserve its freshness. Formaldehyde can induce oxidative damage to the frontal cortex and hippocampal tissue...."

As of September 2008, the government was trying to end the practice (Formaldehyde-laced tofu still selling despite raids, The Jakarta Post, 09/11/2008). In light of the formaldehyde problem and how slight the differences were in memory scores, there is probably little to worry about.

The authors surmised that tempeh might be good for memory because the bacteria used in the tempeh starter, Rhizopus oligosporus produce folate, which is thought to protect memory.

OVERALL

There is evidence that soy intake may be protective against heart disease, prostate cancer, osteoporosis4, 10, and menopausal symptoms. Tempeh is also a good source of absorbable zinc.

Of course, some people are allergic to soy and should avoid it. Other people say they feel better when not eating soy. And other people feel better when they do eat soy. But the research indicates it’s “not unsafe” for most people at 2 to 3 servings a day

This is another good read if you are interested:

Is It Safe to Eat Soy? by Virginia Messina, MPH, RD & Mark Messina, PhD

Oh and before I forget:

Soy milk and infants:

A study published last year in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that the highly concentrated phytoestrogens in soy formula might weaken the immune systems of babies. The formulas have more of these compounds than soy foods do. But researchers emphasized that this risk is largely theoretical. There's no evidence that soy formula is unsafe, or that infants drinking it have been harmed. Breast milk is still the first choice, however, followed by milk-based formulas. Only infants allergic to milk should drink soy formula.

Source: http://www.wellnessletter.com/html/wl/2002/wlFeatured1102.html

During pregnancy, isoflavones from the mother's diet appear to be passed on to the fetus. High levels of isoflavones were found in healthy Japanese infants whose mothers also had high blood levels of isoflavones, probably due to high intakes of soy.18 These levels of isoflavones have not been associated with any health problems in infants. One report has found that a birth defect of the penis called hypospadias occurred more frequently in infants whose mothers followed a vegetarian diet during pregnancy.19 Although some have attributed these results to use of soy, there was no significant association between use of soymilk and other soy products and development of hypospadias.19 Isoflavones from the mother's diet also appear in breast milk, although the daily isoflavone intake of breastfed infants remains negligible,20 even when breast milk levels are increased as much as tenfold by the mother's use of soy foods.21 At this point there is no scientific evidence of a need to avoid soy foods in pregnancy or during breastfeeding; 2-3 servings a day is a reasonable amount.

Ideally, all infants would be breast-fed. There are circumstances, however, where soy formula is the next-best alternative. Researchers have concluded that use of soy formula appears to have no effect on fertility, miscarriage rate, birth defects in offspring, or maturation.22 Based on the results of this study, and calculating isoflavone intake on a body weight basis, and assuming that older children absorb and metabolize soy isoflavones similarly to infants, a daily soy intake of 2-3 servings per day appears reasonable for children.

Children can use soy products as a part of a healthy diet. Sometimes, perhaps because of convenience, or perhaps because they look like what other children are eating, vegetarian children become over-dependent on soy products like veggie burgers, veggie dogs, and veggie deli slices. Using seitan or bean burgers, peanut butter sandwiches, or other foods can encourage some dietary variety rather than focusing strictly on soy.

Source: http://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2003issue3/vj2003issue3hotline.htm

Moroccan Chickpea Stew

I grabbed this recipe from last weeks Metro and man, what a good call that was. It is delicious and amazingly filling.

I chose to use crushed tomatoes instead of diced and am very happy with the results. It’s a thicker, more substantial stew and really sticks to your ribs.

Served over rice it makes a good 6-8 servings and freezes very well.

شارك و استمتع:

MOROCCAN CHICKPEA STEW

1 tbsp olive oil
2 small onions, chopped
½ tsp ground ginger
½ tsp each salt and pepper
¼ each turmeric, cinnamon and chilli powder
1 can crushed tomatoes
2 cups vegetable broth
2 yams, peeled and chopped
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 zucchinis, chopped

In a Dutch Oven or large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat.

Add onions, ginger, salt, pepper, turmeric, cinnamon and chilli powder. Cook until onions are soft, about 7-10 minutes.

Add broth and tomatoes and yams, scraping bottom of pan to loosen up any bits on the bottom of the pan.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cover.

Let simmer covered for 10 minutes.

Add zucchini and chickpeas and cook another 7-10 minutes or until zucchini is tender.

Enjoy!

The Soy Debate

I get so much flack for soy.

People (who are mostly uneducated on the subject) are constantly telling me that soy is bad for me, that if I include it in my diet I will harm myself, develop cancer and all sorts of other crap.

Watch out!!! Its killer tofu.

Ugh.

Where these people get their info I don’t know, but it is beyond irritating to have to keep hearing this garbage.

So when I read articles like this: Settling The Soy Controversy, it take an incredible amount of willpower not to email it off to each and every one of those people with a giant I TOLD YOU SO tacked to the end!

I’m sorry, what was that?:

Studies show that “women who include soy products in their routines are less likely to develop breast cancer, compared with other women”

Or was it that the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2009 stated that women diagnosed with breast cancer can reduce the risk of recurrence by adding soy products to their diet.

Or was it that “soy products may reduce the risk of fibroids, knots of muscle tissue that form within the thin muscle layer that lies beneath the uterine lining”
Maybe it was “Clinical studies show that soy products do not cause hypothyroidism”

Ok, deep breathes ….

I understand that as I vegan I challenge people (intentionally or not) to look at and evaluate their own personal lifestyle choices.

I understand that the most common and immediate reaction to veganism is one of defence and argument, mainly out of ignorance and fear.

But I don’t go around standing on a soapbox, preaching and ramming my vegan ideals down people throats. If I am asked for information or to comment on something then I will, however until then I keep my comments and feelings in check (while inside I may scream), presenting a calm and composed front.

I’m not out to lead any sort of vegan war. Sure, it would be lovely to go on a rampage, telling everyone that I encounter about the dangers and disgusting facts about meat and dairy, about animal cruelty and the environmental impacts of the aforementioned.

I would be lying it I didn’t admit that I would love it if every single person chose to adopt the vegan lifestyle.

But let’s get real. I have no delusions of this happening anytime soon.

Maybe, in my lifetime I will see more people convert to a plant-based, cruelty free lifestyle, but that’s a maybe.

So in closing, let me just say this one more time

IF I WANT YOUR OPINION I WILL ASK FOR IT

That is all.

Run, Run, Run .... and Detox

This week has seen the start of a few new developments in the land of Moi.

One of them was planned; the other has been more surprising.

The planned event was the start of my first ever detox/cleanse. Oh what a sterotypical Vancouverite I have become.

So far it’s been pretty chill. Nothing more exciting than 45 drops of Chelidonium Plex which is: a “combination of specific homeopathics synergistically formulated to promote hepatic, renal, lymphatic and intestinal detoxification and drainage. Liver function can be impaired by stress, environmental pollutants, narcotic and alcohol abuse, and chemotherapy treatment, leading to hormonal imbalances, headaches and immune suppression. Clinical studies show detoxification to be effective in helping individuals who suffer from allergies, arthritis, headaches, fatigue as well as environmental and chemical sensitivities. Chelidonium Plex is indicated for all conditions that associated with liver dysfunction, including fatty degeneration, high cholesterol, and constipation; for heavy metal toxicity and skin disorders; and for all conditions that require detoxification and lymphatic drainage such as from the overindulgence of food and alcohol” in 1.5 litres of water each day for 14 days to ‘open the doors of my detoxification organs: liver, digestive track, skin and kidneys” in prep for my bigger, more involved cleansing - that party starts on the 18th.

I am going about this cleanse with the help and direction of my naturopath after inquiring about doing the Wild Rose Detox that a few of my friends are doing right now. His suggestion was to avoid the health store cleanse kits, and rather start off a little gentler since this would be my first cleanse, working my way up to the big guns.

But nothing to note happening yet, just peeing a lot.

The second development has been the more suprising one. And it has been that of a new relationship. Well, more like the return of an old relationship, one that I actually broke off a few years ago and thought that I would never return to.

But something happened over the last few weeks and it seems that I've had a change of heart.

But may not be what you think.

I have rekindled my relationship with running.

Over the last month or so I have had a very strong desire to run. I can't really pin point why, but its been almost overwhelming.

Could it be that in 2 months I will again be participating the annual Vancouver Sun Run?

Oh right, that!

Yup, again I will be running 10 km though the beautiful Van City with a gazillion strangers, all just for fun. Ok, not a gazillion, but a good 60,000 people take part in the run.

So here I find myself, back in the saddle and LOVING it. I forgot how Zen running can be, how calming and relaxing it really is.

And I am shocked with how fit I actually am. When I first did the run a few years back, it was painful. I could barely run 10 minutes without feeling gross amounts of pain and total exhaustion. I was so out of shape. This time however in my first run in years I was able to bang out 30 minute no problem, at a good and steady pace without any pain or fatigue, just a good sweat and a solid heart rate.

This bodes well for my 2010 goal. The goal this time is to finish the run in less than 60 minutes. That will be 10 minutes faster than my previous time.

I am confident I can do it.

Wish me luck!