Can you pick artificial flavours? We know Strawberry Quick and Fanta are not the real fruit!! And we know they contribute to hyperactivity reactions in ADHD kids and other symptoms. But has the flavour industry improved the flavours so much that they can make flavours that mimic wine so well that even experienced wine tasters cannot pick the difference. A start-up US company is making “replica flavours” that do just that. This shows how sophisticated the flavour industry has become. The new … [Read more...]
The case against fragrance – book review
If you are sensitive to food chemicals you have probably noticed that you react to some smells as well as to food. If perfumes bother you, whether they are good quality, or the ones you try to avoid in the cleaning aisle in the supermarket, there is a useful book that will add greatly to your understanding. Or if you are sensitive to the many chemicals in your environment you will also be very interested in the detail about the chemicals she investigates. The book is “The case against … [Read more...]
Would the smell of old leather make you sell your Rolls Royce?
In an article “Stinking rich” in a recent Australian newspaper James May of Top Gear TV fame describes feeling queasy and itchy, with even his clothes smelling of the leather, after driving his Rolls-Royce. He notes that other old leather things – jackets, antique suit cases, have a similar effect. So he is selling his car. I sent the following to the Letters to the Editor section, published under the title "Gets up the nose". James May may be pleased to know he is among a special group … [Read more...]
Yummy Commercial Foods to try
Are you looking for some yummy new commercial foods for the low chemical diet? Have you found the Danone Ultimate yoghurt? It is plain nicely sweetened yoghurt with no added flavour. What about the Menz Caramel Honeycomb? It is like the old Violet Crumble but has no chocolate covering! It does have a little natural colour and flavour and 322, but I am suggesting no more than one each day. Store in the fridge for extra chilled delight. What about the Mini Meringue drops from WW Select? They have … [Read more...]
Is the caffeine all that is important in coffee?
Would you get relief from coffee withdrawal by given decaf coffee? A study published in this month’s journal of Psychopharmacology says that if you do, you are being hoodwinked. However there is another possible reason why some people were said to be responding to a placebo effect. Some subjects in the study said they had relief form caffeine withdrawal when they were given a drink that had decaf coffee. If we think about it those who give up coffee with caffeine are not giving up just caffeine. … [Read more...]
Flavour matters in wine, why not in carrots?
If we are wine buffs we just know that the flavour matters. If we are not wine buffs we may think the wine lovers rather overemphasize the whole idea! Does flavour matter as much where other foods are concerned? We are all familiar with carrots that have a strong flavour. We may taste them during preparation and notice the strong flavour and hope it goes away with cooking. It doesn’t. Even if you add a little sugar it does not mask that strong flavour. Gourmet chefs on TV programs are bringing … [Read more...]
What’s smell got to do with it?
Transcript from Ockham's Razor, 16 May 2004. Presented by Robyn Williams. If bitterness is a warning via taste, is flavour a warning via smell? Brisbane dietitian Joan Breakey investigated the role of flavour as a warning via smell and discovered that strong flavoured foods remained high risk for some, but others were able to tolerate the stronger flavours, providing the foods were fresh. Program Transcript Robyn Williams: Do you remember the Feingold diet? You’d have to be … [Read more...]