Archive for the ‘Health’ Category

 

 

The Gluten Free Society is now offering a Medical Certification course to health care providers. The course will improve a provider’s knowledge of gluten sensitivity, related issues and how to diagnosis then treat related illnesses. The Society offers two different types of certification, with the first one starting at 200 dollars. More information can be obtained here: http://www.glutenfreesociety.org/find-gluten-free-doctors/gluten-free-society-tier-1-certification-course/

 

According to CeliacCentral.org, “It is estimated that 85% of Americans who have celiac disease are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed with other conditions.” As a result, millions of Americans go years without the proper treatment. This reason alone is why the Gluten Free Society has been advocating for better education of gluten related issues. “We offer two types of certification because it is needed. It is that simple. People are having their quality of life injured because there is a lot of misinformation and misunderstandings surrounding gluten intolerance,” said Dr. Peter Osborne.

 

The Gluten Free Society’s Tier 1 certificate includes each health care provider being listed as an expert in the Society’s healthcare provider and physician database. The Gluten Free Society is an online resource for doctors and patients seeking help in the area of gluten related diseases. The site has more than 60,000 visitors monthly. There is a second level certification specific to experts in the field of gluten related diseases. This fee is 300 dollars and also allows the expert to be listed on the Society’s website.

 

The Gluten Free Society lends its support to research endeavors revolving around grains, gluten, lectins, and other compounds within grain that may harm human health. The organization provides an ongoing analysis and commentary of research performed in the field of food sensitivity/intolerance. Members of the media can contact Helene Vece of JumpStart Ink and Media Manager for the Gluten Free Society to request an interview with Dr. Peter Osborne.

 

 

By Laurel Vukovic

 

Sylvia Chatroux, a medical doctor in Ashland, Oregon, recently treated a patient complaining of a high fever, chills, nausea and diarrhea. Most conventional doctors would have prescribed pharmaceutical drugs to lower the fever and stop the diarrhea and nausea. But Chatroux gave her patient homeopathic arsenicum, a specially prepared and highly diluted form of arsenic. The patient quickly recovered.

 

In its pure form, arsenic is a poison that, in healthy individuals, causes symptoms similar to the distress Chatroux’s patient was experiencing. “This is the basic principle of homeopathy — to try to match up the complaints of the person with the characteristics of the remedy,” Chatroux explains. “The goal is to stimulate the innate healing abilities of the body.”

 

How Homeopathy Works

Unlike allopathic medicine, which focuses on controlling the symptoms of a disease, homeopathy views symptoms as the body’s attempt to restore balance. Homeopaths believe allopathic drugs may actually drive disease deeper into the body because such drugs suppress symptoms instead of treating the underlying cause of the illness.

 

“Homeopathic medicines work with, rather than against, a person’s natural defenses,” says Dana Ullman, author of The Consumer’s Guide to Homeopathy (Tarcher/Putnam, 1996). “Symptoms are the way that the body is trying to heal itself. So we look for catalysts that will enhance the body’s efforts.” In homeopathy, these catalysts take the form of plants such as arnica, monkshood and onion; minerals such as arsenic, sodium chloride and copper; and seemingly bizarre substances such as cuttlefish ink, bushmaster snake venom and roasted sponge.

 

The Rationale Behind Homeopathy

Homeopathy was founded in the early 19th century by Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician disillusioned with the standard medical practices of his time, which included bloodletting and the administration of toxic drugs such as mercury. In his search to find a more humane approach to treating illness, Hahnemann observed that a substance producing certain symptoms when given to a healthy person could cure the same symptoms in someone who was sick. He first noticed this phenomenon while experimenting with cinchona, a Peruvian bark that was used as a treatment for malaria. Hahnemann took cinchona twice daily and soon began suffering the intermittent fevers characteristic of malaria. When he stopped taking the cinchona, his fevers stopped. Hahnemann went on to experiment with hundreds of substances and developed homeopathy from his findings.

 

This basic principle of homeopathy, the Law of Similars, refers to his observation that “like cures like.” This theory was proposed as early as the fourth century b.c., when Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, wrote, “Through the like, disease is produced, and through the application of the like it is cured.” Although homeopathy has little in common with conventional medicine, the Law of Similars is the basis for the approach conventional medicine uses for immunizations and allergy treatments: Vaccines are made up of weak formulations of a specific virus to bolster the body’s immunity to the illness; allergies are treated by injecting minute amounts of the allergen into the body to strengthen the body’s ability to cope.

 

Another important principle of homeopathy is called the Law of the Infinitesimal Dose. Simply put, lower doses of homeopathic remedies are considered to have a stronger action than higher doses. Homeopathic remedies are prepared by diluting them with water or alcohol, then vigorously shaking them (a process called succussing). The remedies are often so diluted that they contain no measurable amount of the original substance.

 

“Homeopathic medicines are actually energy medicines,” Ullman says. “We may not understand exactly how they work, but there is clear evidence that homeopathic medicines are active and can stimulate healing.”

 

Skeptics frequently dismiss the positive results attributed to homeopathy as a placebo response. But studies appear to show otherwise. In 1997, the British medical journal Lancet evaluated 89 homeopathic clinical studies conducted between 1966 and 1995 to determine whether the positive outcomes were actually placebo effects. The health conditions studied included allergies, gynecological problems, respiratory ailments and many other disorders. The researchers found that patients who were taking homeopathic medicines were almost 2.5 times as likely to experience a positive therapeutic effect as those taking placebos.

 

The Appropriate Use of Homeopathy

Homeopathy is used to treat both chronic and acute conditions. If you suffer from a chronic condition such as asthma, ulcerative colitis, eczema, depression or anxiety, it’s best to consult a trained homeopathic practitioner.

 

“One has to study homeopathic medicine for many years to learn how to prescribe the correct medicine for people with chronic conditions,” Ullman says. A homeopathic evaluation is detailed and comprehensive and involves not only an assessment of physical symptoms, but also of mental and emotional states. Personality quirks, food preferences, moods and dreams are all taken into account to help determine the specific remedy or combination of remedies best suited to the individual.

 

“Simple acute conditions and injuries are generally appropriate for self-treatment,” Chatroux says. Remedies for first aid are particularly straightforward, because the treatment for injuries does not need to be tailored to the individual, so self-treatment is likely to be appropriate and effective. Acute conditions include colds and flus, earaches, stomachaches and traumas such as strains, sprains, cuts and burns.

 

“People with injuries tend to experience similar symptoms and usually need a similar metabolic stimulus to heal their complaint,” Ullman explains. “Homeopathic medicines for first aid and sports injuries are usually very effective in reducing pain and speeding the healing process.”

 

Use Homeopathy Sensibly

Mild, short-term symptoms, such as indigestion, heartburn or headache, can be safely self-treated at home. Serious or persistent ailments require professional care.

Consult your physician if:
• you can’t stop vomiting
• your vomit or stools appear bloody or black
• you have severe stomach or abdominal pain
• you recently injured your head
• you have chest pains
• your skin or eyes turn yellow
• your urine is dark
• you’re dehydrated (eyes are sunken, skin and eyes feel dry)
• you’re diabetic
• you’re pregnant

 

How to Buy and Use Homeopathic Remedies

Homeopathic remedies are widely available in health-food stores, some pharmacies and by mail order. They come in several forms: as tiny tablets and liquid tinctures for internal use, and as gels and ointments for the topical treatment of bruises, stings, cuts and sore muscles.

 

The potencies of tablets and tinctures are designated by the letters “x” or “c.” Normally, one part of a substance is added to nine parts of water or ethyl alcohol and shaken. This is known as a 1x (or a 1 part in 10) dilution. If a remedy is labeled “c,” the active ingredient is diluted in a ratio of one part in 100, yielding 1c, 2c and so on. The number before the letter represents how many times the remedy has been diluted. The higher the number, the stronger the remedy. Ullman suggests using either 6th or 30th potencies (labeled on the bottle as 6x or 6c, or 30x or 30c), which are readily available and are appropriate for self-treatment. Unlike traditional herbalism, Ullman says homeopathic doses are generally the same for children and adults.

 

In the early, or acute, stages of a condition, such as a sprain, it may be necessary to take the homeopathic remedy every hour or two, or even every 15 to 30 minutes until your symptoms subside.

 

“The basic principle of determining dosage is that the more severe the condition, the more often the remedy needs to be taken,” Ullman says. Gradually decrease the dosage to every other hour or every four hours, depending on the severity of the pain. Symptoms should abate within a couple of days. “A medicine should only be taken as long as the person is experiencing pain,” Ullman says. “Don’t continue taking it unless there are still symptoms. The idea is to take as little of the medicine as possible, yet to take enough to lessen pain and stimulate the body’s healing powers.”

 

Most homeopaths recommend specific guidelines for using homeopathic medicines. Avoid eating or drinking anything — except water — for at least 15 minutes before and after taking the remedy. To aid absorption, place the remedy under your tongue and allow it to dissolve slowly. Do not chew or swallow the tablets.

 

Because certain substances can neutralize or contaminate homeopathic remedies, it’s best to keep the remedies away from strong-smelling substances such as camphor, menthol and perfumes, and to avoid the use of camphorated substances such as lip balm and pain-relieving muscle creams while you’re taking the remedies. Many homeopaths suggest abstaining from coffee during homeopathic treatment and not drinking mint-flavored teas or using mint-flavored toothpaste within 30 minutes of taking remedies. To maintain their potency, store homeopathic medicines in their original containers and keep them away from heat, sunlight and moisture.

 

Homeopathic Medicines for Common Ailments

Homeopathic remedies are powerful medicines that work in minute doses. Single-dose remedies are targeted and individualized for specific patterns of symptoms. Combination remedies are groups of remedies that produce a broader effect; they should be taken only for several days at a time and are primarily for acute conditions, not for serious, life-threatening conditions. Low to medium potencies (30c and below) can be safely used by people who are self-prescribing and can be used for most physical ailments in adults and children. People in a weakened or overly sensitive state should consult their health-care provider for advice.

 

Allium cepa (onion): For relief of conditions associated with a thin, watery discharge from the nose and eyes, such as the common cold or hay fever.

 

Arnica (mountain daisy): For relief of the shock and pain of injuries; prevents soreness and encourages healing. Take internally for any type of injury; apply externally to bruises and sore muscles.

 

Belladonna (deadly nightshade): For relief of the sudden onset of inflammation, heat and throbbing pain, such as with fever, sore throat, headache or earache. The symptoms are often worse with motion or touch and the person may be angry or delirious.

 

Calendula officinalis (marigold): For healing cuts, wounds and burns. Stimulates the formation of healthy scar tissue. Take internally, and apply externally in the form of an ointment or gel.

 

Chamomilla (chamomile): For relief of irritability, especially in children. Eases teething pain, colic, emotional upset and insomnia. Symptoms are generally worse at night and the child wants to be carried and comforted.

 

Gelsemium (yellow jasmine): For relief of colds and flu, especially those with chills, headache and achiness. Characterized by feelings of heaviness and exhaustion. Worse with physical exertion.

 

Hypericum (St. John’s wort): For relief of nerve injury with extreme pain, such as from slamming a finger in a door. The pain is shooting and severe. Especially helpful for injuries of the toes, fingers and back.

 

Ledum (marsh tea): For relief of puncture wounds, including bites from insects and animals. Also for treating black eyes.

 

Magnesia phosphorica (phosphate of magnesia): For relief of cramps and shooting pains; useful for headaches, toothaches and menstrual cramps. Sometimes referred to as “homeopathic aspirin.” Pain is generally relieved by heat and is worse with cold.

 

Nux vomica (poison nut): For relief of symptoms from overindulgence in rich foods or drinking too much alcohol. Symptoms are often worse in the morning and are better with rest, warmth and hot drinks.

 

Rhus toxicodendron (poison ivy): For relief of sprains and strains; also stiffness and sore, achy joints, including low back and neck pain. Symptoms are worse on initial movement and in damp, cold weather.

 

Arnica

If you ever bang your head
And get what’s called an egg
Bruised with black and blues
Or you should sprain your leg
If you’re feeling kind of sore
From bonks or a rusty limb
You’ve overdone the marathon
Or took too long a swim
Or perhaps there was a trauma
You claimed that you were well
You sent the doctor far away
And the rest of us to hell
You never did recover
You’ve never been the same
The bed feels way too hard
Healing’s not your game
In brief, you’re bruised and cranky
And you feel all beaten up
Arnica will come in handy
Put it in your cup.

 

From Materia Poetica, Homeopathy in Verse by Sylvia Seroussi Chatroux, M.D. (Poetica Press, 1998).

 

The “Memory-of- Waters” Theory

When homeopathic remedies are made, a tiny portion of an animal, plant or mineral substance (or a combination of substances) is placed in water or ethyl alcohol and vigorously shaken. The blend may be diluted and shaken many times, and may be so watered down that none of the original substance remains.

 

So how can something work if it’s no longer present? Homeopathy’s defenders sometimes point to the “memory-of-waters” theory, which generally states that the structure of the alcohol or water solution is changed when the plant, animal or mineral substance is added to it. The solution “remembers” the substance’s structure enough to spark the body’s ability to heal.

 

Non-herbal Homeopathic Ingredients

The following mineral and animal sources are commonly found in homeopathic remedies.

 

• Apis (Apis mellifica): Honeybee. The whole bee, honey, propolis, royal jelly and pollen are used to treat inflammation accompanied by stinging pain.
• Cantharis (Lytta vesicatoria): Spanish fly. Used to treat burns and stings.
• Ferrum phos (Ferrum phosphoricum): Iron phosphate. Used to treat early stages of inflammation, fever and infection, as well as coughs and colds.
• Ipecac (Cephaelis ipecacuanha): Used to treat constant nausea and breathing difficulty.
• Kali phos (Kali phosphoricum): Potassium phosphate. Used to treat exhaustion, both physical and mental.
• Wolf spider (Lycosa spp.): Used to treat extreme restlessness and heart disorders.

 

 

 

Source: motherearthliving.com

Laurel Vukovic writes and teaches about herbs and natural healing from her home in southern Oregon. She is the author of 14-Day Herbal Cleansing (Prentice Hall, 1998) and Herbal Healing Secrets for Women (Prentice Hall, 2000).

 

Helpful Homeopathy Information

 

Organizations
Homeopathic Educational Services
2124 B Kittredge St.
Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 649-0294
www.homeopathic.com

National Center for Homeopathy
801 N. Fairfax St. Ste. 306
Alexandria, VA 22314
(877) 624-0613
www.homeopathic.org

 

Books
The Complete Homeopathy Handbook by Miranda Castro. New York: St. Martin’s, 1991.
The Consumer’s Guide to Homeopathy by Dana Ullman. New York: Tarcher/Putnam, 1995.
Everybody’s Guide to Homeopathic Medicines by Stephen Cummings and Dana Ullman. New York: Tarcher/Putnam, 1997.
The Family Guide to Homeopathy by Andrew Lockie. New York: Fireside, 1993.
Healing with Homeopathy: The Complete Guide by Wayne B. Jonas and Jennifer Jacobs. New York: Warner, 1996.

 

Resources

Bioforce
1869 Rte. 9H Ste. 1
Hudson, NY 12534
(800) 641-7555
www.bioforceusa.com
Provides homeopathic combination formulas such as Allergy Relief and PMS Relief

The Vitamin Shoppe
4700 Westside Ave.
North Bergen, NJ 07047
(800) 223-1216
www.vitaminshoppe.com
Offers a wide selection of homeopathic products from several brands, including Boiron and Boericke & Tafel

Washington Homeopathic Products
33 Fairfax St.
Berkeley Springs, WV 25411
(800) 336-1695
www.homeopathyworks.com
Sells several brands of internal and external homeopathic products

 

Prep time: 8 minutes / Total time: 30 minutes / Oven temp: 375° / Servings: 6

 

 

Ingredients:

1 8-ounce package Freekeh Foods Original freekeh (1 cup)

2 1/2 cups vegetable broth

1 sweet potato or yam, scrubbed, diced and roasted (leave the skins on)

1 large red pepper, diced

1/2 purple onion, diced

4 garlic cloves, diced

2 tablespoons olive oil, or grape seed oil

3 to 5 tablespoons mild curry powder

1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins

1 cup apricots, chopped

1 cup peas, frozen and thawed

1 cup sliced almonds or pepita seeds

Salt and pepper to taste

 

Directions:

• Pour 2 1/2 cups of water and the freekeh in a saucepan and bring to a boil for 1 minute.
• Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 25 minutes until the freekeh is tender.
• Once the freekeh is cooked, place in a separate dish to cool in the refrigerator.
• Scrub the sweet potatoes and cut into 1-inch cubes.
• Place sweet potatoes on a foil-lined baking sheet and drizzle a little olive oil on them.
• Bake in 375° oven for about 25 minutes or until tender.
• Remove from oven and set aside.
• In a large skillet, heat up oil over medium heat and toss in red peppers, onions and garlic.
• Cook for 3-5 minutes then toss in curry powder, salt and pepper.
• Cook further until the onions are translucent.
• Set aside to cool.
• Toss freekeh in bowl with vegetable mixture, add dried fruits, nuts, peas and sweet potatoes.
• Season to taste and serve.

 

Option: Try adding slightly steamed diced broccoli, sauted cauliflower, chickpeas or lentils to this recipe. Simply rinse and drain, then toss on in!

 

 

 

The temperatures are changing; fall is coming and bringing the cooler weather along for the ride! Our beautiful summer flowers are brown and quite stalky. Actually I am over them and sick of watering every night. Every time we walk by them it’s hard to believe they were once so gorgeous! But wait, off in the distance, in the backyard I see bunches of red, big beautiful red balls like Christmas tree ornaments.

The tomato plants are flourishing!! What the heck are we going to do with all of them?? Joy mentioned canning them, UGH….not me. If she wants to do that she can do it alone. However, I will think of making several batches of sauce for Sunday sauce and freeze in dinner size portions for those nights when I come home late. I just love them in any salad combination, a simple spicy bruchetta and my mom’s favorite butter and tomato sandwiches on fresh white bread…more

 

Get this amazing recipe by clicking here.

 

BODYARMOR SuperDrink™ announces today that Rob Gronkowski, pro football Superstar, has joined BODYARMOR SuperDrink™ as partner in a multi-dimensional agreement.  The partnership will focus on promoting the breakthrough science and performance innovation of BODYARMOR SuperDrink™.

 

BODYARMOR SuperDrink™, creator of the SuperDrink™ beverage category, is packed with a proprietary blend of nutrients that provides consumers an unparalleled combination of Superior Nutrition, Superior Hydration, and Superior Taste.  BODYARMOR SuperDrink™ is leading the next generation of active lifestyle functional beverages.

 

In Gronkowski’s second season, the New England tight end set new league marks for dominance at his position in touchdowns (18) and yards (1,327).  “I’m constantly focused on fitness and working out, so I’m obsessed with getting the best nutrition and hydration into my system,” said Gronkowski. “I’m blown away by the benefits that BODYARMOR packs into each bottle while having great taste.   There is nothing else out there like this.”

 

“BODYARMOR SuperDrink is redefining performance lifestyle beverages and changing the game –its nutrition and hydration far surpass any other beverage on the market,” said Lance Collins, Founder and CEO, BODYARMOR SuperDrink. “Rob Gronkowski is the perfect partner for BODYARMOR SuperDrink because he too defies boundaries with his record breaking abilities on the field, his charitable youth programs off the field and his larger than life personality.  We are super excited to have him on our team.”

 

BODYARMOR SuperDrink™ comes in six delicious flavors: Acai Blueberry Pomegranate, Raspberry Blueberry Goji, Strawberry Banana Guava, Cherry Citrus, Orange Mango, and Tropical Citrus.

 

 

 

 

Summer is here and the 2012 Olympics are quickly approaching.  Beginning July 27th the world will be glued to their television screens watching every sport from basketball to gymnastics.

Packaged in a re-sealable plastic pouch, SLAP FROZEN Energy can be enjoyed throughout the day and provides that needed spark to watch any Olympic event at any time!

It’s time to step away from that same ol’ energy drink, especially with the imminent summer heat. Newly launched SLAP FROZEN Energy is the only frozen energy drink available. Simply freeze for a couple of hours, give it a few minutes to soften, then twist open, squeeze and enjoy!

Watching the Olympic events is entertaining and exciting, but don’t forget to go outside and get some exercise! SLAP FROZEN Energy provides 25% more energy than the leading brands and comes in three exciting flavors—Strawberrry-Frost, Crisp Apple, and Lemonade. SLAP FROZEN Energy will give you the energy to jumpstart your workout while keeping you cool and refreshed under the sun. Liven up your day with SLAP FROZEN Energy!

For more information on SLAP FROZEN Energy Drinks, log onto: www.slapfrozen.com.

 

Cold, light and refreshing beverages are the ultimate must-have on a hot summer day. With so many options on the market, how does one choose? Try reaching for something new! Omega3Water® combines refreshment and health optimization by introducing the country’s first flavored water infused with omega-3 nutrients. It has been chosen as one of the Top 12 Best New Products in the exclusive Bevnet LIVE New Beverage Showdown.

Omega-3 is one of the core nutrients to a healthy lifestyle. As more people become health conscious, we start to see supplements with omega-3 (like fish oil), flying off shelves. We needed a way to incorporate more omega-3s into our daily routine, said Dr. Ed Beja, creator of Omega3Water. The solution was an innovative new way for people to get omega-3s from drinking water.
Current research demonstrates that adding omega-3 nutrients to your diet can help reduce the risk of heart disease, slow down the aging process, ease stress and depression, improve memory function, and lower cholesterol and high blood pressure. Studies have also indicated that omega-3s may help in the prevention, risk and treatment of certain forms of cancer. For a complete list of the powers of this little nutrient, check out www.o3w.org.

Omega3Water goes one step further in enhancing health. Jam-packed with vitamins and nutrients, it earns its title of Natural Health Defender.

Omega3Water is available two great-tasting, vegetarian-friendly, kosher-certified flavors: Bold Berry and Orange Kiwi. The omega-3 nutrients in Omega3Water are sourced from flax seed, assuring that no fish taste is EVER included!

Fore more information, references as well as where to purchase Omega3Water, log onto www.o3w.org.

Note from Omega3Water: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Ponce De Leon Enterprises is not responsible for the misinformation or inaccuracy of the above-mentioned references.

 

GREAT GLUTEN-FREE VEGAN EATS
Cut Out the Gluten and Enjoy an Even Healthier Vegan Diet with Recipes for Fabulous, Allergy-Free Fare

by Allyson Kramer

                          

Following a plant-based, gluten-free diet is one of the healthiest lifestyle choices around, yet it can be a challenge to create meals that not only match your needs, but taste delicious too. However, the days of challenge have come to an end!

 

GREAT GLUTEN-FREE VEGAN EATS by Allyson Kramer shows readers exactly how to create compassionate and wheat-free recipes that are impressive enough for even the most seasoned foodie. Full of fresh and all-natural ingredients, the 101 fully-photographed, scrumptious recipes you’ll find inside prove that eating vegan and gluten-free doesn’t have to be a sacrifice, but instead a delight!

 

From tempting appetizers, to hearty mains, to luscious desserts, you’ll find dishes to suit your every need and craving, including:

• Cherry Vanilla Bean Pancakes
• Mediterranean Croquettes
• Coconut Asparagus Soup
• Roasted Red Pepper & Fava Salad
• Walnut Ravioli with Vodka Sauce
• Rosemary, Leek & Potato Pie
• Chocolate Hazelnut Brownie Cheesecake
• Banana Berry Cobbler

 

Being gluten-free and vegan doesn’t mean people stop craving the gluten-rich, animal product-laden foods from before but this book addresses those cravings and shows readers how to make similar foods with different, often overlooked products. Live a healthy and sustainable life, while still enjoying the foods you love, with GREAT GLUTEN-FREE VEGAN EATS!

 

“A Giant Step for the Olive Oil Industry and a Guarantee of Quality for Consumers”- Pompeian CEO

Pompeian, Inc., with headquarters in Baltimore, MD., is the first olive oil manufacturer to attain the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service Quality Monitoring Product logo for its extra virgin and extra virgin organic olive oils.

The Quality Monitoring Program verifies the purity and quality of olive oil through rigorous USDA product testing and review of production processes. Participating companies must meet meticulous program criteria in order to fully enter the program.  Upon entering the Quality Monitoring Program for olive oil, companies agree to allow the USDA to conduct unannounced visits to review and inspect quality assurance records, test product samples and verify labels on an ongoing basis.

“We are proud be a leader in this area and honored to be the first manufacturer to participate in USDA’s Quality Monitoring Program for olive oil,” said Pompeian, Inc. Chief Executive Officer, David Bensadoun. “Having an objective third party like USDA verify the authenticity and quality of our products will provide consumers with the additional level of assurance that when they purchase Pompeian olive oil they know what they are getting. This is a giant step forward for the olive oil industry.”

USDA’s product verification for olive oil includes chemical testing and flavor analysis. USDA also reviews the performance of Pompeian’s production processes, quality assurance measures and recordkeeping system.  Under the program, USDA will continue to monitor the company, conducting unannounced plant visits to verify quality assurance measures and test the olive oils.

“USDA’s mission is to facilitate the trade and marketing of quality and wholesome agricultural products,” said Charles Parrott, Acting Deputy Administrator for USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Program. “Consumers want assurance that the products they are buying are genuine. Products bearing the logo have passed our rigorous Quality Monitoring Program for olive oil criteria.”

“This measure is an important development for the olive oil industry.  We hope other domestic and international olive oil producers join this effort.  Our collective focus needs to be on the end customer, assuring them that they are getting the purest and highest quality olive oil. The USDA verification process under the Quality Monitoring Program for olive oil can help manufacturers inform consumers about the quality of their products.” said Bensadoun.

USDA utilizes a nationwide network of trained personnel to perform thorough, objective third party assessments as part of its verification services.

Bottles of Pompeian Extra Virgin and Extra Virgin Organic Olive Oils produced under the Quality Monitoring Program will begin carrying the logo this month.  Privately owned Pompeian is the fastest growing brand of extra virgin olive oil in the U.S.  And with its affiliates, Pompeian is the number one importer of olive oil, importing over 40,000 metric tons of olive oil annually from the Mediterranean region and South America.  Pompeian has facilities in Baltimore, Maryland, as well as Southern California with over 100 employees.

Pompeian was started in Lucca, Italy, in the late 1800s as a producer and exporter of olive oil. In 1906 a young entrepreneur named Nathan Musher purchased Pompeian and continued to produce and export it globally building a warehouse in Baltimore. In the late 1920s the Musher family decided to consolidate all of its production in Baltimore where the company continues to bottle the oils it imports. Pompeian products are sold throughout the U.S.  www.pompeian.com

The new Truvia® ’Behind the Bar’ product creates great-tasting, zero-calorie simple syrups to help operators meet the growing demand for reduced-calorie cocktails.

The Truvia® brand announced the nationwide launch of the Truvia® ’Behind the Bar’ product, specially designed for use at bars, restaurants and other foodservice establishments.  Now available through local foodservice distributors, the latest Truvia® brand innovation provides a solution to creating natural, great-tasting, zero-calorie simple syrups for cocktails.

As consumers pay greater attention to the sugar content of beverages, bars and restaurants are looking to provide lighter alternatives to the classic, sugar-based cocktail while maintaining great taste.  Research shows that “skinny” menu item claims have grown significantly over the past year. The Truvia® Behind the Bar product will help the food and beverage service industry meet this growing trend naturally and create great-tasting, reduced-calorie cocktails, teas, and lemonades.

 

Truvia® Simple Syrup is created by adding one package of Truvia® Behind the Bar product to ½ gallon of water and mixing until it dissolves.  This Truvia® Simple Syrup contains zero calories, compared to an equivalent amount of sugar-sweetened simple syrup with about 6400 calories.

 

“As the #1 natural sugar substitute in the United States, Truvia® natural sweetener has become a pantry staple for U.S. households,” said Mark Brooks, Truvia® global consumer products director.  “With its ability to deliver new revenue to the food and beverage industry, the Truvia® Behind the Bar product is a foodservice essential, as consumers expect a greater variety of reduced-calorie beverage options.”

 

Truvia® natural sweetener is a great-tasting, natural, zero-calorie sweetener born from the leaves of the stevia plant.  When used in cocktails, Truvia® natural sweetener enhances the intensity of fruit flavors such as citrus and berry, and smoothes out the overall taste while maintaining its flavor.

 

“This new product is a perfect tool for bars and restaurants to expand their menu offerings and give customers more of what they want – natural, great-tasting drinks at a fraction of the calories,” said Anthony Caporale, mixologist, host and producer of Art of the Drink.  “The Truvia® Behind the Bar product is the first natural, high-quality product with nationwide availability that is tailor-made for the food and beverage industry to deliver reduced-calorie cocktails.”

 

 

Discover reduced-calorie cocktails using Truvia® Simple Syrups and related product tips at www.truviacocktails.com.