WE DO NOT USE THE FOLLOWING INGREDIENTS IN ANY OF OUR PRODUCTS:
- Genetically Engineered and Isolated Fibers/Proteins
- Medicinal Fibrous Plant Herbs Used For Laxative Purposes
- Dangerous Natural Food Additives
- Naturally Occurring Or Genetically Engineered Preservatives
GENETICALLY ENGINEERED AND ISOLATED FIBERS/PROTEIN
Supermarket shelves have become inundated with genetically engineered and “isolated high fiber,” high protein, so called “healthy food products.” The majority of these products obtain their fiber and protein through the use of genetically engineered synthetic food sources derived from corn glucose and starch, wheat, wheat starch, oats and sucrose.
They appear on food labels as inulin, polydextrose, maltodextrin, wheat fiber, modified wheat starch, oat fiber, soy fiber, sugarcane fiber, etc.
The Food Nutritional labels count these “isolated fibers” when communicating how much fiber is in a serving of any given food.
However, Buyer Beware, because these fibers DO ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to lower blood cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease and colorectal cancer.
The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) declared, “foods containing dietary fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans, reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.”
The above statement does not apply to inulin, maltodextrin, polydextrose, wheat fiber, oat fiber and other isolated fibers, which are not whole grain.
Food manufacturers add these “isolated” fibers as a self-serving marketing ploy. It allows them to make misleading health claims regarding their products.
In order for a fiber to provide heart health benefits and protect against diabetes and colorectal cancer, it must be an “intact” (whole grain) fiber. While it is true that oat and wheat “isolated” fibers will aid in digestion, all “isolated fibers” can lead to gas and other gastrointestinal issues.
References:
http://www.drpullen.com/dont-fool-yourself-isolated-fiber
http://www.northernsunprint.com/page/content.detail/id/501525.html?nav=50000
Dec. 2011 Issue Nutrition Action Health Letter Center For Science In The Public Interest/Article – Dodging Colon Cancer www.cspinet.org.
MEDICINAL FIBROUS PLANT HERBS USED FOR LAXATION
Another practice manufacturers use for gaining high fiber content in processed foods, is the addition of medicinal fibrous plant herbs known for their laxative properties. Some of these laxative fibers are psyllium husk powder, chicory root extract, and “stealth fibers” such as Inulin, (a white, starchy refined fiber which is obtained by soaking chicory roots in hot water.)
Psyllium is used to control constipation and treat gout. It comes with a warning; Do not give to children or pregnant and nursing women. It can cause gallstones, esophageal obstruction and must be taken with plenty of fluid. It is only to be taken upon medical consultation.
Many high fiber products use psyllium husk powder and inulin as their sole source of fiber, yet heed no warning to children or pregnant women.
A nationally branded brownie product, touting itself for high fiber, exploits the use of chicory root extract to gain all its fiber content. In fact, their entire line of fiber based energy and granola bars use chicory root extract as their sole source of fiber. A heeded precautionary warning is noted on the bottom of their box with regards to their fiber source stating:
“Gradually increase fiber over time to help minimize potential gastrointestinal discomfort.”
According to a study by Reuters Health, Inulin, a derivative of chicory root, is fast becoming a food manufacturer’s nirvana. Manufacturers have discovered they can chemically manipulate the chemical structure of inulin to mimic tastes and textures consumers want in foods.
The caveat or drawback to inulin is that it is a short-chain “sweet” carbohydrate. It passes intact through the colon without first being absorbed and broken down in the small intestine. This circumvented process causes frequent occurrences of gas, flatulence, belching, bloating, cramping, diarrhea, nausea, and stomach rumbling.
Inulin is found in high fiber breakfast bars, fiber enhanced yogurts, ice creams and beverages, amongst other processed foods. The label may list inulin, chicory root extract, oligosaccharide or oligofructose.
References: reuters.com/article/2010/07/08/us-popular-food-additive-can-cause-stoma-idUSTRE6675QC20100708
DANGEROUS NATURAL FOOD ADDITIVES
The use of Genetically Engineered Soy Protein is a common additive in many Nationally Branded processed food products. Genetically Engineered Soy is recognized as one of the 10 most Dangerous Food Additives To Avoid.
While it is true that the Fermented Soy, commonly consumed in Asian cultures does offer health benefits, the soy found in processed foods is a far cry from tofu.
SOY’S DIRTY LITTLE SECRET
The soybeans in this country are often genetically modified, covered in pesticides and altered in ways that negate any beneficial effects.
According to the Cornucopia Institute, a non-profit agricultural organization, ANY NON-ORGANIC FOOD THAT CONTAINS SOY PROTEIN CONCENTRATE, SOY PROTEIN ISOLATE, TEXTURED SOY OR TEXTURED VEGETABLE PROTEIN, AND HYDROLYZED SOY PROTEIN WILL LIKELY CONTAIN SMALL AMOUNTS OF HEXANE.
HEXANE IS A NEUROTOXIC CHEMICAL SOLVENT. IT IS A BY-PRODUCT OF PETROLEUM USED IN THE REFINEMENT PROCESS FOR GASOLINE.
When Soy is manufactured, Hexane is used to separate the Proteins and Oils. Whole Soybeans are IMMERSED in a bath of this TOXIC CHEMICAL SOLVENT.
The EPA lists Hexane on their Hazardous Air Pollutant List. FACTORIES PRODUCING SOY PRODUCTS ARE LISTED AMONG THE BIGGEST POLLUTERS IN THIS COUNTRY.
Many ubiquitous, health conscience websites note the dangers of these common natural food additives; soy protein concentrate, soy protein isolate, textured soy or textured vegetable protein and hydrolyzed soy protein. For additional information contact the following sites:
NATURALLY OCCURRING AND GENETICALLY ENGINEERED PRESEVATIVES
Too obtain a long shelf-life, the majority of packaged foods are replete with synthetic chemical preservatives and so-called naturally occurring food preservatives. These preservatives all harbor high levels of sodium, sugars and acids.
ALL PRODUCTS PREPARED AT THE KITCHEN OF BETHENY’S BEST ARE PRESERVATIVE FREE. ALL FIBER, PROTEIN AND OIL CONTENT ARE DERIVED FROM ORGANIC, NATURAL, WHOLE FOOD PLANT STEROL SOURCES. EVEN OUR SWEETENING AGENTS ARE UNREFINED FROM WHOLE PLANT SOURCES.