Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Let’s Listen to Bill Clinton’s Advice on Modern Biotechnology


Since he left office, former U.S. President, Bill Clinton, has dedicated almost all his life championing the cause of the poor, here in America and abroad.


From winning concessions for cheaper drugs from multinational pharmaceutical companies to manage HIV/AIDS - the No. 1 killer disease in poor countries - to fundraising in aid of victims of Hurricane Katrina and Tsunami earthquake, President Clinton has joined the league of men and women who always nurse the dream of a world without hunger and diseases.

Last week, President Clinton continued his efforts when he advised delegates at the BIO 2006 Convention in Chicago to fight the culture of fear that seems to dominate the debate about modern biotechnology.

“We should be driven by science, evidence and argument, not by assertion and fear.”

President Clinton, a staunch supporter of genetic engineering during his presidency (and even now), reminded the delegates that “…everything we do to build a world that will be fit for our children and grand children will depend upon continued advances in biotechnology.”

Modern biotechnology, as President Clinton puts it, is a technology that can’t just be wished away by misrepresenting facts, a practice those opposed to this technology have perfected to an art.

Opponents of modern biotechnology and especially genetically engineered foods have taken it upon themselves to mislead and misrepresent. Such behavior only derails the drive to guarantee every man and woman in this world food.

Perhaps, nobody better understands the plight of the world’s poor than President Clinton. He’s a relentless globe trotter and has an eye-witness account of the sufferings of millions of hungry and malnourished children in Africa and Asia. All, then, should heed his advice that modern biotechnology holds the key to sustainable development .

President Clinton’s endorsement of modern biotechnology as a tool to enhance global food security must be taken very seriously.

The world must learn to take the facts as it finds them and keep trying to move humanity forward.



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Monday, March 14, 2011

What You Need To Know About Vegetarianism


Living healthy requires maintaining a healthy diet. No diet may be healthier than meals dominated by fresh, all-natural vegetables and fruits.

Lately, more and more people have shifted to vegetarian meals because scientific research demonstrated the adverse effects of animal meat.

Nutritionists explain that the high amount of animal fat present in meat, dairy, and other animal products may be probable factors leading to the onset of diabetes mellitus, obesity, colorectal cancer, high blood pressure, and coronary artery disease.

To avoid these diseases, nutritionists have long expounded on the health benefits of high intake of fruits and vegetables.

However, people generally have many misconceptions about vegetarianism or the practice of eating foods from the plant kingdom.

This article attempts to clear these misconceptions and bring to light what the said lifestyle is about.

Vegetarians may be classified into four groups. Vegans eat no animal foods, while semi-vegetarians generally avoid meat but consume poultry and selected animal foods.

Meanwhile, lacto-ovo-vegetarians avoid meat, poultry and fish, but take in milk and eggs. Finally, lacto-vegetarians consume milk products but not other animal foods. Some vegetarians also go as far as avoiding clothing made from animal products like fleece, fur, and leather.

More so, others avoid processed foods, alcoholic beverages, and foods bred with pesticides.

Historically, vegetarianism can be traced from philosophical beliefs, specifically religious traditions and teachings of Buddhism and Hinduism.

The said religions shun away from animal flesh due to their doctrine upholding self-denial, reincarnation, and the blessedness of all forms of life.

However, during the 19th century, the practice has transcended religious boundaries when the Vegetarian Society, a British non-religious organization, became famous in 1847.

Modern vegetarians uphold the rejection of meat in their campaign for animal welfare, labeling the killing of animals for consumption as a violation of their rights. The practice has already gained worldwide acceptance.

Some people contend that the vegetarian diet is insufficient in meeting the daily nutritional requirements. However, dieticians have explained that plant-based meals are low in cholesterol, saturated fat, and salt.

Likewise, plant-based meals may be planned in order to obtain the essential nutrients normally obtained from meat, fish, and poultry.

Vegetarians may consume diets dominated by fruits, vegetables, cereals and grains. In place of meat products, lacto-ovo-vegetarians may use nuts, lentils, eggs, nuts, peanut butter, dry beans, and peas. Vegetarians avoiding milk may find other sources of calcium and Vitamin D-enriched foods.

Also, vegans may have to take vitamin and mineral supplements to ensure adequate intakes of nutrients that may only be obtained from animal-based meals.

Consciousness on healthy living involves awareness on the different options and forms of vegetarianism. Here’s to a healthy lifestyle and well-being to all of us!



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Tuesday, March 1, 2011

DMAE - Good For Your Brawn and Brain


DMAE (2-dimethylaminoethanol) is a chemical produced in the brain. This naturally occuring amino alcohol is produced in minuscule amounts by the brain, with higher concentrations being typically found in anchovies and sardines. Known primarily as a precursor to choline and acetylcholine (chemicals in the brain responsible for nerve transmissions and cognitive function), DMAE has been used most predominantly to improve memory and focus while stimulating neural activity. Many researchers believe that it may serve an anti-aging function by increasing the body’s capacity to produce acetylcholine – a deficiency commonly associated with memory loss.

DMAE is a memory booster substance common to a number of drugs that are known to stabilize cell membranes. Cell membrane degradation has been proposed as one of the prime mechanisms of aging. DMAE is increasingly favored by medical practitioners for its role in boosting brain power. DMAE has shown positive results in the treatment of a variety of cognitive and disruptive disorders, including attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and memory lapses. DMAE is even being used in skin care products designed to treat sagging skin and age spots.

DMAE may enhance water retention in connective skin tissue, causing the surface of the skin to tighten. The second, and more likely, explanation involves DMAE’s cholinergic feature, which enhances the skin’s ability to transmit acetylcholine. The neurotransmitter’s function in sending signals from nerves to muscles may promote a form of muscle tightening in the skin. It is important to note that although DMAE cannot fully reverse existing facial sagging, it may reduce its further progression. Some people report a cumulative effect with continued use of the compound.

Benefits
• improves memory and focus
• assists with ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder)
• treats sun spots and sagging skin



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