Reading List: Spices Cut Cancer Risk, Chefs Adopt A School and Healthy Video Games
In this week’s nutrition news: Overseas food suppliers to receive food safety training, anti-obesity video games and slathering spices on your meat can help reduce cancer risk.
We’ve told you safe ways to decrease cancer risk when grilling, but a new study shows that certain spices also help cut the cancer risk. Scientists at Kansas State University reported that three spices -- rosemary, turmeric and fingerroot -- helped prevent the formation of HCAs (heterocyclic amines) -- the cancer-causing compounds that form when foods are grilled or barbecued. So next time you’re in the mood for a BBQ, don’t forget to add some spice! Next up: The scientists are moving on to marinades.
The White House is calling for chefs to join its new “ Chefs Move to Schools” Program, which gives culinary experts the opportunity to adopt a local school (similar to what Jamie Oliver did on his TV show Food Revolution). Chefs will be paired with local schools and will help teach about food and cooking techniques. The purpose is not only to educate students, but also to deliver the message to food service employees, school administrators and teachers.
Consumer Group Pushes For Calorie Listing on Alcohol
Have you ever tried to figure out how many calories are in your glass of wine or bottle of beer? A coalition of consumer groups is pushing to require all alcohol beverages to carry a nutrition label. Currently, there is no standardized format for labeling alcohol and those calories add up fast! In the meantime, check out our post on choosing better beer, wine and cocktails.
Of the 15 percent of the U.S. food supply that's imported, less than one percent gets inspected at the border. Dangerous microorganisms are crossing the border, but simply trying to inspect more food is too costly. Instead, the FDA is establishing an International Food Safety Training Laboratory to conduct food safety training in the Asia-Pacific region. All I can say is — it’s about time!
Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, is a registered dietitian and consultant who specializes in food safety and culinary nutrition. See Toby's full bio »
