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August 7, 2018

Glutamate flavoring is the term used for flavor-enhancing compounds like glutamic acid and its various salts or glutamates. The taste they impart is called “umami,” or having a savory characteristic typical to that of broths and meat-based dishes. Glutamates are used in many food products including fermented foods, soy sauce, cheese, and even yeast extract. [1] However the most popular and controversial glutamate is synthetic monosodium glutamate (MSG). Glutamic acid is an amino acid that is...

There’s Ferrocyanide in Our Food. What Should We Do About It?

August 6, 2018

The answer is simple: we should learn more about the compound before we freak out over another clickbait title like this one. Good thing you're here. What is Ferrocyanide and why is in our food? Ferrocyanide is a salt ion and comes mainly in three forms as a food additive: Sodium ferrocyanide, potassium ferrocyanide, and calcium ferrocyanide, with the first form being the most common. Although many salts of cyanide are highly toxic, food-grade forms of ferrocyanide are far less toxic because...

Calcium Acid Pyrophosphate (CAPP)

August 6, 2018

Calcium Acid Pyrophosphate (CAPP) is an anhydrous phosphate salt. It appears as a fine, white powder and is produced from two main raw materials: Calcium Hydroxide and Phosphoric Acid. Some are produced with Calcium Carbonate and Calcium Oxide. [1] CAPP is used mainly as a raising agent in the baking industry, particularly in quick breads and sweet bakery products. It is also utilized as a complementary nutrient source for calcium which can potentially improve the nutritional content of the...

Use of Sub-Therapeutic Antibiotics in Animal Feed

August 4, 2018

Antibiotics are used for clinical management of infections in humans, animals, and even plants. However, the antibiotics produced are not exclusively used in non-therapeutic doses though. In the United States alone, over 24.6 million pounds of antibiotics are used in farms mostly to act as growth promoters. According to a 2013 study, of the 13 million kg of antibiotics given to animals in 2010, the vast majority was meant for promoting the growth of the livestock. [1, 2] The main purpose...

Arsenic in Animal Feed: The Good News and the Bad News

August 4, 2018

Arsenic is a naturally occurring substance in the environment and is considered a contaminant in soil, water, air, and even food. While the compound is not for consumption, it's less toxic organic form was commonly used in popular poultry and swine feeds to promote weight gain and prevent parasitic infections in poultry and swine. Popular poultry and swine feed additives that contain arsenic include roxarsone, arsanilic acid, and carbarsone. Why Arsenic Was Used in Poultry and Swine Feed While...

Gluten Sensitivity Vs Allergy: What’s the Difference?

August 3, 2018

A type of protein found in grains such as wheat, rye, and barley, gluten has been known to adverse reactions when consumed by people whose bodies are not well-equipped to process it. The effects of gluten on individuals whose bodies react negatively to it can be so severe that many opt for diets that involve the total elimination of wheat and other gluten sources from their daily food intake, such as the popular Paleolithic (or Paleo) diet. While Celiac Disease and gluten intolerance are often...

5 Benefits of a Grain Free Diet

August 1, 2018

A Grain Free Diet is similar to other gluten restrictive diets. However, a Grain Free diet eliminates all foods containing grains and pseudo grains, not just gluten. These further restrictions offer benefits that are not imparted by a diet that only restricts gluten. Here some of the most incredible, top benefits of a Grain Free Diet that are often reported. Benefits of a Grain Free Diet 1. A Grain Free Diet May Benefit Those With Autoimmune Conditions. Research suggests that people living...

5 Common Symptoms of Gluten Intolerance

July 31, 2018

As the name implies, gluten intolerance is described as an adverse reaction to a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley called gluten. Gluten Intolerance is an umbrella term that integrates three major types of gluten-related disorders: Celiac Disease, Wheat allergy, and Non-celiac gluten sensitivity. To date, there have been more than 55 modern diseases linked to gluten, and it is now recognized as far more common than previously understood. Statistics also suggest that as many as 48...

What is Gluten?

July 27, 2018

In short, gluten is not a single protein. Gluten is a long, molecular structure or "mesh" formed by two seed storage proteins, gliadin, and glutenin that are connected by disulfide bridges, created by mechanical stress in an aqueous environment. However, to explain what gluten is in a meaningful way, you will first need to have a cursory understanding of the anatomy of grains and their seed storage proteins. This information helps you understand both the structure of gluten and the practical...

Top 5 Gluten Free and Grain Free Flour Alternatives

July 26, 2018

When an individual discovers that they are gluten sensitive or diagnosed with an autoimmune disease and must avoid gluten or grains, they often fear that they won't be able to have their favorite bread, baked goods, or desserts anymore. Luckily things have changed, and there are several wonderful gluten free and grain free flour alternatives available. All it will take is a bit of trial and error, and you can replicate your favorite bread and desserts in no time!   Almond Flour Almond...