The dangers of processed foods and diets
Why is that the business of food processing is not strictly regulated by law so as to prevent health problems generated by an inadequate diet? Unhealthy products encourage an unhealthy diet.They appeal to the consumer by their availability and invasive advertising. If food producers are controlled by health officials, then regulations must be too lax in as far as marketed foods are concerned.
It is well-known that hydrogenated oils and partially hydrogenated oils, for instance, are extremely unhealthy. Vast volumes of research papers, studies and informative material have been published. Yet a proportion of the population still falls into the trap of believing that margarine is a "healthier alternative to butter, full of vitamins". In fact, the trans-fatty acids it contains surpass the "healthy benefits" it offers. In this particular case, all foods containing hydrogentated oils should have a health hazard warning. Indeed, the law should prevent production of these foods. The health warning should resemble those on the cigarette packs, stating "This product contains trans-fatty acids that increase the risk of heart disease". In this way, people would be constantly reminded of the negative effects of such products on health.
Generally, when it comes to foods and dieting, people should be advised of the potential inconvenience that might occur due to some ingredients or the way food is prepared.
Take for instance the case of so many diets that are undocumented, not officially controlled or approved. They promise great things but are less explicit about the great problems they generate. The very popular Atkins, for instance, a real danger to health, is a case in point.
Why are these anti-health practices not forbidden? The answer is glaringly obvious. Commercial and industrial interests have overtaken interest in people's health.
Recent notable lawsuits
Well-informed consumers play a decisive role in their own health. And if people are not fully convinced by so many scientific studies, by so much information available, then they surely will when they find out about the multitude of lawsuits against food producers or promoters of diets. These include Kraft Foods Inc., producers of Oreo cookies, the McDonald fast food chain and the Atkins diet.
Attorney Stephen Joseph sued Kraft Foods Inc in 2003. Joseph based his accusations on a provision of the civil code of California which states that manufacturers are liable for products if the consumer is not advised of the products' lack of safety. He rightfully claimed that the public was not aware of the high content of trans-fats in Oreos. He declared that he sued out of concern for public health. No money was requested in the lawsuit, which he finally withdrew, explaining that the publicity on this case had made people aware of the health risks of the product. If the lawsuit was intended as bad publicity for Oreos, the goal was not attained. Kraft Foods Inc will continue to produce Oreos in a trans-fat free version.
Another famous case of litigation is the 2002 suit against McDonald's. The lawsuit was filed by the lawyer Samuel Hirsch on behalf of some obese children. The lawyer sustained that the fast food producer misled consumers into believing that the products were healthy and safe. He claimed that eating McDonald's products made children develop health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity. The court dismissed the suit on the grounds that no one is forced to eat at McDonald's and that the law cannot moderate individuals' excesses.
In a recent "diet trial" in Florida, 53-year-old Jody Gorran filed a suit against Atkins Nutritionals on May 26, 2004. The plaintiff claimed that after going on Atkins diet his cholesterol level increased so much that he needed angioplasty in order to unblock an artery. In addition to financial damages, he also requests that the company warns the public of the potential dangers of a diet favoring meat, cheese and other high-fat proteins by labeling their products. The outcome is not known at the time of writing.
Even if some of these lawsuits were begun for financial gain rather than humanitarian causes, they have a positive result. The publicity around such cases makes people ask questions, gives them the idea of doubt, the "assumption of guilt".
Laura Ciocan writes for http://www.dietsindex.com/ where you can find more information about http://www.dietsindex.com/
Please feel free to use this article in your Newsletter or on your website. If you use this article, please include the resource box and send a brief message to let me know where it appeared.
Contact:http://www.dietsindex.com/
Ionized minerals, colloidal minerals, chelated minerals . . . What... Read More
The field of nutrition is awash with charts, tables, diagrams,... Read More
For a natural and tasty way to improve your health... Read More
Whether you're concerned about cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or simply... Read More
Instead of Butter: Use top quality, cold pressed, extra virgin... Read More
Today we're shifting our focus from wealth to health. First... Read More
Female and male athletes respond to training in a fairly... Read More
Your Non-Conscious Mind is 98% of your full power. Over... Read More
How is it that we can't seem to think that... Read More
How To Have A Healthy ThanksgivingEnd of the year holidays... Read More
You can spot a juicer a mile off at the... Read More
Oats (botanical name Avena sativa)An oat is a grass that... Read More
Protein is one of the basic building blocks of the... Read More
THE RISKWhen you consume food that's high in acid or... Read More
Since the beginning of time, everyday fruits have been known... Read More
Some of the things you think you know that just... Read More
Following a diet program of any sort can sometimes be... Read More
For the executive, maintaining the much-needed balance between career, family,... Read More
When you take your food next time, take care of... Read More
I'm 40-something years old, and for 40-something years breakfast has... Read More
If you are like most people, you don't enjoy the... Read More
Magnesium is an important mineral that serves numerous essential functions... Read More
I read a lot about the topics of health and... Read More
Whatever diet you choose to live by, the food you... Read More
The ingredients list found on the back or side panel... Read More
green cleaning service Deerfield ..Glowing skin comes free of charge to you. Our simple... Read More
Information on potassiumWhen you read about potassium and senate document... Read More
The importance of protein in a healthy diet is well... Read More
(ARA) - By now you probably think you've heard all... Read More
Organic farming is the production of food using all natural... Read More
I'm going to be a bit radical here, but know... Read More
Did you know the average American gains 5-7 pounds every... Read More
What is the Atkins diet and how can it help... Read More
The Immune System is probably the most important system in... Read More
There are so many topics to discuss which affect our... Read More
Water is the single most important element for human existence,... Read More
We come from a society where growing organic and just... Read More
America's focus on nutritious eating began to receive national attention... Read More
America's major dietary deficiency - EFA a panacea for good... Read More
Since the beginning of time, everyday fruits have been known... Read More
Since the 1930's the western diet has dramatically changed. This... Read More
Millions of people around the UK consume dairy products on... Read More
Having spent most of my life living off of junk... Read More
What are Glyconutritionals?The Greek word "Glyco" means "Sugar". Most people... Read More
These are questions we have to ask ourselves? because after... Read More
Many people use sugar as medicine. Sugar tends to change... Read More
One of the biggest mistakes many new bodybuilders make is... Read More
I turned into my parents' driveway in Maryland and parked... Read More
Unfortunately, it has been proved beyond doubt that a large... Read More
The ingredients list found on the back or side panel... Read More
Nutrition |