Page 25 - Winter2009

Caustic Commentary

continue beyond the meal itself and have the ability to alter to interference with antioxidant enzymes (American Journal
natural metabolic responses to diet” (healthyfutureforkids. Clinical Nutrition 2008 Jan;87(1)142-149). The athletes were
com, January 21, 2009). taking 1000 mg vitamin C per day. These results do not square
with others showing a benefit for synthetic vitamin C, but do
FROM THE FAKE FOOD DEPARTMENT indicate a need to exercise caution. Best to get your vitamin
The boundless chutzpah of the food engineers never ceases C from fresh or lacto-fermented fruits and vegetables, raw
to amaze us. One pioneering group of scientists is working milk and low-dose natural vitamin C supplements.
on a project to grow “real” animal protein in a laboratory,
which they claim would be better for the environment and INTEGRITY IN SCIENCE
for our health. “We could precisely control the amount of fat Although he has never spoken at the Wise Traditions confer-
in meat,” said Jason Matheny of a research group called New ence, Dr. Fred Kummerow is more deserving of the award
Harvest. “We could make ground beef with an ideal fatty than almost any other person. At age 94, the University of
acid ratio, a hamburger that prevents heart attacks instead of Illinois veterinary biosciences professor emeritus is still car-
causing them” (cnn.com, August 7, 2009). In Europe, Uni- rying out the research on trans fatty acids that he began in
lever is seeking approval for a lowfat ice cream made using 1957. To Dr. Kummerow we owe many of the findings on the
genetically modified yeast. The yeast produces ISPs, naturally devasting effects of trans fats. Last month, the indefatigable
occurring proteins and peptides found in living organisms Dr. Kummerow filed a three-thousand word petition with the
such as fish, which manufacturers use to control the size of FDA outlining why trans fats are extremely bad for the human
ice crystals in ice cream (dairyreporter.com, April 10, 2007). body and why the FDA is doing a rotten job of warning the
Finally, Cargill has launched a “unique breakthrough in- public about which foods contain these substances. His mis-
novation” that enables the cost-effective production of a 100 sion is nothing less than to eradicate trans fats from human
percent non-dairy cheese analogue called Lygomme ACH consumption. “Everybody should read my petition because
TM
Optimum for pizza and other prepared foods. Aside from it will scare the hell out of them,” said Kummerow. You can
the fact that the fake product might kill you, Lygomme has access the document—and read and weep—and offer your
reduced calories, less fat, no saturated fats, reduced phosphate comments at www.regulations.gov. (Under “Enter Keyword or
content and no lactose. It allows Cargill to “make analogue ID,” type the petition docket number (2009-P-0382) and click
cheese without allergen labeling” and avoid the instability on “search.” Once you get the results, scroll down the right-
of cheese prices “at an outstanding cost advantage for the hand column and click on “Submit a Comment.”)
manufacturer” (cargilltexturizing.com, September 17, 2009).
Look for these products at a school, hospital, nursing home,
prison or supermarket near you.
FOR SCIENTISTS AND LAY READERS
FRENETIC SYNTHETIC
A new study adds weight to the argument that synthetic vita- Please note that the mission of the Weston A. Price
min C (ascorbic acid) may not be such a good idea. An earlier Foundation is to provide important information about diet
study indicates that synthetic vitamin C may contribute to and health to both scientists and the lay public. For this
the formation of genotoxins that can lead to cancer (Science reason, some of the articles in Wise Traditions are neces-
sarily technical. It is very important for us to describe the
2001 Jun 15;292(5524:2083-6), and other research results, science that supports the legitimacy of our dietary prin-
presented to the American Heart Association but never pub- ciples. In articles aimed at scientists and practitioners, we
lished found that those taking 500 mg vitamin C per day had provide a summary of the main points and also put the
a greater tendency to thickening of the arteries (Los Angeles most technical information in sidebars. These articles are
Times, March 3, 2000). Now new research links vitamin C balanced by others that provide practical advice to our
supplements with reduced endurance capacity in athletes, due lay readers.

WINTER 2009 Wise Traditions 23