Pizza is a vegetable.  Yes, many of my patients have heard me say this.  Why?  Because the USDA declared it a vegetable after lobbying by a number of food companies.  So why is it a vegetable -- because it has some tomato paste on it and may have the occasional vegetable thrown on the top of the pizza.  Actually, getting it declared a vegetable allowed food companies to get it into the school lunch programs in the U.S. So thanks to the same government department that gave us the Food Pyramid, so too pizza as a vegetable.

We often like to think in Canada that things are different - but are they?  I would suggest not.  Most of the Government of Canada's Food Guide is almost exactly the same as the USDA Food Pyramid.  Sure the graphics are different and how it is presented differs as well, but the information is almost identical. 

For the last 60 years, since the introduction of a very high carbohydrate diet (pushed by grain companies who had a surplus), we have seen a steady increase in obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.  We have been told fat is bad and actually makes us fat.  However, the research has not borne this out and it is carbohydrates which make us fat (converted in the liver).

If you are tired of being tired (pun intended) - come and learn about a new way to eat at our clinic.  Many of my patients come in with digestive (and skin - they are linked) issues and find that through diet their condition resolves. 

If you are fed up and want to learn more about our food.  Contact our clinic - we have free movie passes to the airing of the the documentary - FED UP which looks at food in North America. 

And yes, the top of the movie pass mentions that 'Congress says pizza is a vegetable.'

For your free movie pass to the May 14th screening (sponsored by the Edmonton Journal, 630 CHED and iNews 880) - call:


780.628.2991

There has been much debate about the usefulness of fish oil over the last couple of years.  Some research shows benefit and other research does not.  Unfortunately, when one looks closely at the studies often the very fish oil is to blame.  To often poor quality fish oil is used and in amounts that are of no real benefit.  I remember discussing with a pharmacist about the fish oil they were selling.  Her face dropped when I suggested that my patients would have to take 20 capsules a day to get enough DHA and EPA. 

In regards to the benefit of fish oil and mental function, there is an interesting research study done by Tuft's University.  In the study they found that grouping people on the basis of EPA and DHA consumption those with the lowest intake (lowest 25 % of participants) had the greatest cognitive decline over a two year period. 

One of my biggest concerns is the quality of the oil as well.  Almost all fish oil is tested for heavy metals, but not necessarily PCB's.  Also, the cheaper the product the poorer the quality of the oil.  If it is not converted back into a triglyceride when it is refined there is no real benefit in taking the product no matter what the DHA and EPA levels are.

References:

• http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/04/140427121051.htm?utm_content=buffer594a0&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer