Fwd: Vital Choices Newsletter: Skin-Cancer Ads Assailed; Organic Crops Found Tops; Vitamin D vs. Diabetes; Cedar Plank Salmon; Fish Marinade

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VITAL CHOICES NEWSLETTER

--------------------------------

Monday, July 23, 2007

Issue 165

VOLUME 4 ISSUE 165

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IN THIS ISSUE

--------------------------------

 

1. CANCER SOCIETY'S ANTI-SUN ADS DECRIED AS DECEPTIVE

2. ORGANIC CROPS' NUTRITION ADVANTAGE

3. VITAMIN D DETERS DIABETES AND MORE: NORTHERN TEENS DEFICIENT

4. CEDAR PLANK SALMON; JOHN'S FISH MARINADE

5. SHOPONLINEBANNER

 

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Cancer Society's Anti-Sun Ads Decried as Deceptive

Studies point to omega-6 / omega-3 imbalance as a greater factor

in skin cancer deaths; Excessive sun avoidance may raise overall

cancer risk

by Craig Weatherby

--------------------------------

 

We've reported on the increasing body of evidence indicating

that overall, cancer risks are curbed by more sun exposure, not

less.

 

There is no longer significant doubt that moderate sun exposure

- short of suffering frequent, substantial sunburns - actually

reduces cancer risk overall.

 

In fact, the reverse seems to be the case, as we report in

elsewhere in this issue. New research affirms prior indications

that many Americans - especially darker skinned people - lack

sufficient vitamin D-generating (hence cancer-curbing) sun

exposure.

 

The hypothesis that moderate sun exposure curbs cancer risks

rests on abundant evidence that vitamin D probably ranks among

the most powerful anti-cancer factors in the human body. (For

more on that, see " Vitamin D versus cancer [ #Vitamin D versus

cancer ] " , below.)

 

 

Ads paid by sunscreen maker distort reality

Key Points

- Experts call Cancer Society's pro-sunscreen ads unscientific

and unrealistic.

- Excessive sun avoidance could raise overall cancer death

rates, due to resulting drop in vitamin D production in people's

skin.

- Americans' common omega-3/omega-6 intake imbalance may be a

much greater risk factor in skin cancer.

Sadly, a summer-season ad campaign from the American Cancer

Society defies the growing consensus concerning the causes of

fatal skin cancers.

 

Sunscreen is certainly useful for preventing sunburn, which may

be responsible for a small percentage of the relatively small

number of fatal skin cancers that occur annually in the US.

 

 

Only fair-skinned people seem to run a substantial risk of

developing skin cancer in response to the kind of daylong sun

exposure hunting, gathering, and farming humans experienced

throughout millennia of evolution, until very recently.

 

But it is not clear that sun exposure is a huge risk even for

them, and there's much less that sun is a major risk factor

among non-fair folks.

 

The latest outrage against reason comes in the form of an

advertising campaign from the American Cancer Society (ACS)

that's sponsored ... silently ... by Neutrogena: a major sunscreen

maker.

 

This regrettable venture - whose anti-sun, pro-sunscreen message

is intended, ostensibly, to reduce the risk of fatal skin

cancers - could actually increase its largely female targets'

overall cancer risk.

 

Fortunately, medical reporters at many major media outlets

interviewed leading skin cancer researchers, who disputed the

misleading message being foisted on millions of women by the

Cancer Society's ads.

 

Cancer researchers excoriate anti-sun cancer ad

Under a headline that reads " " My sister accidentally killed

herself. She died of skin cancer " , the American Cancer Society's

new public service ad shows a young woman holding up a

photograph of a smiling blonde.

 

Appearing this summer in more than a dozen women's magazines,

the ad says that " left unchecked, skin cancer can be fatal, " and

urges its female targets to " use sunscreen, cover up and watch

for skin changes. "

 

But as The New York Times said about the ad, " The woman in the

picture is a model, not a skin cancer victim. And the

advertisement's implicit message - that those who die of skin

cancer have themselves to blame - has provoked a sharp response

from some public-health doctors, who say the evidence simply

does not support it. "

 

The two key points made by experts interviewed by The New York

Times, ABC News, and others were these:

 

- While most cases of skin cancer (carcinomas) may be caused by

sun overexposure, almost all of these cancers are innocuous and

not life-threatening.

- Even obsessive use of sunscreen may not prevent the most

dangerous kind of skin cancers, called melanomas.

In truth, by reducing blood levels of vitamin D, constant use of

sunscreen outdoors could raise the risk of many common,

dangerous malignancies, including ovarian, breast, kidney, and

colon cancers.

 

These are the basic facts, gleaned from the American Cancer

Society, the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the National

Institutes of Health (NIH), the World Health Organization (WHO),

and leading academic researchers:

 

- Skin cancer is responsible for less than two percent of all

cancer deaths, accounting for about 11,000 of the 565,000

American cancer deaths recorded in 2006.

- Nearly all skin cancer deaths stem from relatively rare

malignant melanomas, which constitute only six percent of all

skin-cancer cases.

- Sunscreen does not appear to prevent melanomas - the rarest

but most lethal skin cancers by far - in which genetic and

nutritional factors appear to play greater roles than sun

exposure. Evidence for a cause-and-effect link between excessive

sun exposure and deadly melanomas is weak.

- Among melanoma cancer patients, those who reported more sun

exposure prior to their diagnosis enjoy higher survival rates,

compared with patients who reported less prior sun exposure.

(Schwartz GG, Skinner HG 2007)

- Only one in five melanomas is estimated to be related to sun

exposure. This estimate comes from Howard L. Kaufman, M.D.,

co-director of the Melanoma Center at Columbia University. In

contrast, the WHO estimates that between 50 and 90 percent of

cases stem from sun exposure. However, clinical and lab studies

don't support the epidemiological data behind the WHO's

estimate.

As the authors of a recent review noted, " ... recent studies have

demonstrated the lack of effectiveness of sunscreen [in

preventing melanoma]... " . (Garbe C, Eigentler TK 2006): These

collective results make no sense if sun exposure is a major

cause of melanoma.

How can we explain the glaring discrepancies in experts'

estimates of the sun's proportionate role in causing melanomas,

which range from 20 percent up to 50 or 90 percent? One

possibility is that even if UV sunrays do not generally cause

melanomas, heavier sun exposure among people with fair skin and

those living in sunny climes could promote growth of melanomas

initiated by other causes, thereby raising melanoma death rates

in these groups.

We should stress that most deaths caused by generally non-fatal

carcinoma-type tumors (only 20 percent of all skin cancer

fatalities) appear linked to excessive sun exposure.

 

This is why research indicates that sunscreen can reduce the

risk of this least-dangerous category of skin cancers.

 

But one must weigh the best sunscreens' ability to reduce the

already minuscule risk of death from skin carcinomas against

three countervailing factors:

 

- The potential for increasing one's risk of non-skin cancers,

due to reduced vitamin D production.

- The unknown risks of the insufficiently safety-tested

additives in sunscreens

- The substantial expense and hassle of doing what most

dermatologists advise, which is to apply hefty amounts of

sunscreen whenever one spends more than 20 minutes in the sun.

 

Dermatologists' advice regarding sunscreen use and sun avoidance

makes the most sense for fair-skinned folks, who lack

UV-blocking pigment (melanin) in their skin, who can make extra

efforts to get ample dietary vitamin D.

 

(Note: the most useful form of vitamin D is the D3 form found in

animal foods like fish, not the D2 form found in most vitamin D

and multivitamin supplements.)

 

Even though an expert quoted by The New York Times noted that

skin screenings are not proven to reduce skin cancer death

rates, it seems wise to take reasonable early detection

measures:

- Get regular physical checkups that include skin exams.

- See a dermatologist about mysterious skin lesions or changes

in moles and blemishes.

Vitamin D versus cancer

To appreciate the excitement over vitamin D's powerful

anti-cancer potential - and concern over Americans' general lack

of the " sunshine and seafood " vitamin - read some of our prior

stories on this subject, which explain why the Cancer Society's

summer-season ad campaign could prove counterproductive:

 

- Vitamin D vs. Cancer [

http://www.imakenews.com/eletra/go.cfm?z=vitalchoiceseafood%2C198724%2Cb1pVC1Rf%\

2C640219%2Cb9Wm4WL

]

- Vitamin D and Cancer: A Sunny Follow-Up Story [

http://www.imakenews.com/eletra/go.cfm?z=vitalchoiceseafood%2C198724%2Cb1pVC1Rf%\

2C966757%2Cb9Wm4WL

]

- Vitamin D May Lower Risk of Ovarian, Breast, Kidney, and Colon

Cancers [

http://newsletter.vitalchoice.com/e_article000760052.cfm?x=b11,0,w

 

- Vitamin D's Anti-Cancer Potential Affirmed [

http://newsletter.vitalchoice.com/e_article000836873.cfm?x=b6t6JKL,b1kJpvRw,w

]

Unfortunately, given Americans' increasingly indoor-oriented,

sun-deprived lives, most don't consume enough vitamin D from

foods or supplements. This is why most vitamin D researchers

want to raise the US recommended daily allowance (RDA) from 400

IU to 1,000 or 2,000 IU, and urge people to eat fatty fish (the

best food source) and take higher supplemental doses. (See

" Review Supports Much Higher Vitamin D Intake [

http://newsletter.vitalchoice.com/e_article000730477.cfm?x=b11,0,w

] " .)

 

Wild Salmon top all whole food sources of vitamin D by far. And

wild Sockeye Salmon are the richest source of all, providing

more vitamin D in one 3.5 oz serving (687 IU) than you'd get

from six glasses (588 IU) of milk: the fortified food that

constitutes most people's main dietary source. (See " Wild Salmon

Affirmed as Top Vitamin D Source [

http://newsletter.vitalchoice.com/e_article000760049.cfm?x=b11,0,w

] " .)

 

Omega-6 / omega-3 intake imbalance seen as key risk factor

Last summer, we examined some compelling evidence concerning the

role of America's all-too-common omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid

intake imbalance in creating increased risk of skin cancers (see

" Fish Fats Called Credible Foes of Skin Aging and Skin Cancer [

http://newsletter.vitalchoice.com/e_article000640081.cfm?x=b7TDVrT,b1kJpvRw

] " ).

 

We've just come across two more studies that support this

idea.

 

Back in 2000, researchers at the American Health Foundation

(AHF) in Valhalla, New York reported the results of a study

using human skin cancer cells.

 

The AHF scientists introduced their findings by noting the

growing consensus that prompted their revealing test tube

research: " Epidemiological, experimental, and mechanistic data

implicate omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) as

stimulators and long-chain omega-3 PUFAs as inhibitors of ... a

range of human cancers, including melanoma. " (Albino AP et al

200)

 

They set out to test this hypothesis by exposing human melanoma

cancer cells to omega-3 DHA from fish oil. While DHA had little

braking effect on growth of some melanoma cell types, it curbed

the growth of more types of melanoma.

 

As the AHF wrote, " After treatment with increasing

concentrations of DHA, cell growth in a majority of melanoma

cell lines (7 of 12) was inhibited, whereas in 5 of 12 cell

lines, cell growth was minimally affected. " (Albino AP et al

200)

 

One year later, researchers at the Hormel Institute - funded by

the folks who make cocktail franks, among other meat products -

reported similar results from a mouse study.

 

Their introductory overview echoed the AHF team's assessment of

the evidence as it stood then: " Omega-3 fatty acids, including

DHA and EPA, can effectively reduce the risk of skin cancer

whereas omega-6 fatty acids such as arachidonic acid (AA)

reportedly promote risk. " (Liu G et al 2001)

 

The Hormel results affirmed the AHF group's findings. And they

discovered that while one omega-3 in particular - DHA - had the

greatest skin-cancer-inhibiting effect, omega-6 fatty acids

blunt the ability of DHA to discourage growth of melanoma

cells.

 

As they wrote, " The results of this study demonstrate that the

inhibitory effects of omega-3 fatty acids on tumorigenesis

[tumor development] are more significant for DHA than for EPA

.... Similarly, because [omega-6] AA abrogates the beneficial

effects of DHA, the dietary ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty

acids may be a significant factor in mediating tumor

development. " (Liu G et al 2001)

 

Why should America's chronic fatty acid intake imbalance matter

in terms of cancer risk?

 

The two kinds of long-chain fatty acids in human diets and cell

membranes - omega-3 and omega-6 - influence cellular switches

called transcription factors, in ways that either promote or

discourage inflammation and cancer growth.

 

As it happens, dietary omega-6 fatty acids exert cellular

influences that tend to promote inflammation and cancer growth

while omega-3s tend to discourage both.

 

This is why nutrition-savvy doctors like Andrew Weil, Nicholas

Perricone, and many others now stress the importance reducing

intake of omega-6 fatty acids.

 

Omega-6 fatty acids predominate in America's most common

vegetable oils (corn, soy, canola, safflower, sunflower,

cottonseed) - hence in most packaged and prepared foods - and in

standard, grain fed meats and poultry.

 

Long-chain omega-3s - the most beneficial kind - are abundant

only in fish and fish oils, while the valuable but less

beneficial short-chain kind is abundant only in leafy green

vegetables and flaxseed or flaxseed oil.

 

 

Sources

.. Aschwanden C. Doctors Balk at Cancer Ad, Citing Lack of

Evidence. The New York Times, July 10 2007. Accessed online July

20, 2007 at

http://www.imakenews.com/eletra/go.cfm?z=vitalchoiceseafood%2C198724%2Cb1pVC1Rf%\

2C1619830%2Cb9Wm4WL.

.. Menghrahani K. Scared Sun Safe: Melanoma Ad Under Fire. ABC

News Internet Ventures, July 12, 2007. Accessed online July 20,

2007 at

..

http://www.imakenews.com/eletra/go.cfm?z=vitalchoiceseafood%2C198724%2Cb1pVC1Rf%\

2C1619831%2Cb9Wm4WL

 

.. Meyskens FL Jr, Farmer PJ, Yang S, Anton-Culver H. New

perspectives on melanoma pathogenesis and chemoprevention.

Recent Results Cancer Res. 2007;174:191-5. Review.

.. Schwartz GG, Skinner HG. Vitamin D status and cancer: new

insights. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2007 Jan;10(1):6-11.

Review.

.. Albino AP, Juan G, Traganos F, Reinhart L, Connolly J, Rose

DP, Darzynkiewicz Z. Cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of melanoma

cells by docosahexaenoic acid: association with decreased pRb

phosphorylation. Cancer Res. 2000 Aug 1;60(15):4139-45.

.. Garbe C, Eigentler TK. Diagnosis and treatment of cutaneous

melanoma: state of the art 2006. Melanoma Res. 2007

Apr;17(2):117-27. Review.

.. Liu G, Bibus DM, Bode AM, Ma WY, Holman RT, Dong Z. Omega 3

but not omega 6 fatty acids inhibit AP-1 activity and cell

transformation in JB6 cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2001 Jun

19;98(13):7510-5.

.. Daily News Central. Major Health Milestone: Number of US

Cancer Deaths Drops. February 6, 2006. Accessed online July 20,

2007 at

http://www.imakenews.com/eletra/go.cfm?z=vitalchoiceseafood%2C198724%2Cb1pVC1Rf%\

2C1619832%2Cb9Wm4WL.

.. WHO. Global disease burden from solar ultraviolet radiation.

Accessed online July 20, 2007 at

http://www.imakenews.com/eletra/go.cfm?z=vitalchoiceseafood%2C198724%2Cb1pVC1Rf%\

2C1619833%2Cb9Wm4WL.

--------------------------------

Organic Crops' Nutrition Advantage

Finding in tomatoes supports generally indications; Organics'

nutrition advantages appear minor and should not be consumers'

main motivation

by Craig Weatherby

--------------------------------

 

Affirming prior reports, a study published in the respected

Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry shows that

organically grown tomatoes contain higher levels of beneficial

flavonoids.

 

Flavonoids are polyphenol-type antioxidants. They occur in

virtually all plant foods and are associated with a range of

preventive health benefits.

 

A team of researchers from the University of California-Davis

and the University of Minnesota analyzed the levels of two

beneficial flavonoid-type antioxidants - quercetin and

kaempferol - in dried tomatoes (Mitchell AE et al 2007).

 

They found that tomatoes grown by certified-organic methods

contained 79 and 97 percent more quercetin and kaempferol

respectively, compared with tomatoes grown by conventional

methods.

 

What does this say about the nutritional advantage of organic

foods? To find out, let's take a closer look at the new study,

and the evidentiary context in which it appears.

 

Plants produce antioxidant compounds in response to stress

The authors hypothesized that " over-fertilization " of the

conventionally grown plants resulted in lower levels of

flavonoids, which are produced in response to stresses,

including nutrient deficiencies that can make plants more

vulnerable to infections and pests.

 

Levels of the flavonoids in the organically grown plants

increased over time as soil levels of nitrogen compounds

decreased.

 

As the researchers put it, " This increase [in flavonoid content]

corresponds ... with reduced manure application rates once soils

in the organic systems had reached equilibrium levels of organic

matter. " (Mitchell AE et al 2007)

 

Similarly, researchers at Kansas State University reported in

2005 that organic farming produced higher levels of flavonoid

antioxidants as a result of the crops' increased vulnerability

to insect attack.

 

As the Kansas team wrote, " ... although organic production method

alone did not enhance biosynthesis of phytochemicals

[flavonoids] in lettuce and collards, the organic system

provided an increased opportunity for insect attack, resulting

in a higher level of total phenolic agents [flavonoids] ... "

(Young JE et al; 2005)

 

Small nutrition advantage not the primary reason for organics

Prior studies comparing the levels of vitamins, minerals, and

antioxidant flavonoids in organic and conventional produce have

produced mixed results, although they've generally found higher

levels of all three in organic produce.

 

 

As the authors of recent literature review reported last year,

" Organic crops contain a significantly higher amount of certain

antioxidants (vitamin C, polyphenols and flavonoids) and

minerals ... Moreover, there is a lower level of pesticide

residues, nitrate and some heavy metal contaminations in organic

crops compared to conventional ones. " (Gyorene KG et al 2006)

 

Studies have also found that organic produce contains

higher-quality protein compared with conventional crops, albeit

in slightly smaller amounts (Magkos F et al 2003; Worthington V

2001).

 

To be fair, some of the nutrient-density advantage possessed by

organic produce stems from the fact that it typically contains

less water per ounce, hence higher levels of dry matter,

including nutrients, per ounce. (Worthington V 1998; Gyorene KG

et al 2006)

 

 

(The new study compared nutrient levels in dried tomatoes. so

that was not the case in this instance.)

 

The nutritional advantages of meats and dairy products from

grass-fed (not grain-fed) animals over their conventional,

grain-fed counterparts are actually clearer than the advantages

of products from animals fed organic grains.

 

Meats and dairy products from grass-fed animals - whether

organic or conventionally raised - typically offer a better

balance of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids, and somewhat less

saturated fat.

 

What is biodynamic farming?

Biodynamic farming is a kind of organic farming that began in

Switzerland in the mid-1920's with a series of lectures by

spiritual philosopher Rudolf Steiner.

 

Biodynamic farming employs symbolic and homeopathic field and

compost preparations and the use of an astrological calendar to

determine times of planting and harvesting.

 

The biodynamic farming took root in the US in the 1930's and

inspired the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) movement.

 

Research published in the journal Science in 1993 compared soil

quality and financial performance of biodynamic and conventional

farms in New Zealand: " The Biodynamic farms proved in most

enterprises to have soils of higher biological and physical

quality: significantly greater in organic matter, content and

microbial activity, more earthworms, better soil structure,

lower bulk density, easier penetrability, and thicker topsoil. "

And the biodynamic farms were just as financially viable on a

per hectare basis.

 

Studies comparing standard organic farms with biodynamic farms

have not found significant differences in soil conditions or

success.

Organic motivations: purity and eco-protection predominate

When demand for organic foods began to rise dramatically in the

late 1980's, their alleged nutritional advantages were not among

the main reasons why consumers wanted them ... nor was enhanced

nutrition a main motivation for farmers who adopted organic

methods.

 

Instead, demand for organic agriculture grew fast for four key

reasons:

 

- Cut use of synthetic pesticides

- Protect groundwater and wildlife

- Raise soil fertility and reduce erosion

- Reduce fossil fuel inputs (petroleum-based fertilizers and

pesticides)

Even though crop yields tend to be lower on organic farms, they

tend to be as or more financially successful as conventional

farms because their overhead, in the form of synthetic

pesticides and fertilizers, is far lower.

 

For example, Swiss researchers compared the effects, over 21

years, of three different agricultural techniques - organic,

bio-dynamic, and conventional - on the soils and crops from

three fields with similar soil compositions, subjected to

identical crop rotation schedules. (Mader P et al 2002)

 

And this is what they found in the organic and bio-dynamic

systems, compared with the conventional plots:

- Crop yields were 20% lower

- Pesticide use was reduced by 97%.

- Input of fertilizer and energy was reduced by 34 to 53%

As the Swiss authors wrote, " Enhanced soil fertility and higher

biodiversity found in organic plots may render these systems

less dependent on external inputs. " (Mader P et al 2002)

 

 

Sources

.. Caris-Veyrat C, Amiot MJ, Tyssandier V, Grasselly D, Buret M,

Mikolajczak M, Guilland JC, Bouteloup-Demange C, Borel P.

Influence of organic versus conventional agricultural practice

on the antioxidant microconstituent content of tomatoes and

derived purees; consequences on antioxidant plasma status in

humans. J Agric Food Chem. 2004 Oct 20;52(21):6503-9.

.. Chassy AW, Bui L, Renaud EN, Van Horn M, Mitchell AE.

Three-year comparison of the content of antioxidant

microconstituents and several quality characteristics in organic

and conventionally managed tomatoes and bell peppers. J Agric

Food Chem. 2006 Oct 18;54(21):8244-52.

.. Gyorene KG, Varga A, Lugasi A. [A comparison of chemical

composition and nutritional value of organically and

conventionally grown plant derived foods] Orv Hetil. 2006 Oct

29;147(43):2081-90. Review. Hungarian.

.. Mader P, Fliessbach A, Dubois D, Gunst L, Fried P, Niggli U.

Soil fertility and biodiversity in organic farming. Science.

2002 May 31;296(5573):1694-7.

.. Magkos F, Arvaniti F, Zampelas A. Organic food: nutritious

food or food for thought? A review of the evidence. Int J Food

Sci Nutr. 2003 Sep;54(5):357-71. Review.

.. Mitchell AE, Hong YJ, Koh E, Barrett DM, Bryant DE, Denison

RF, Kaffka S. Ten-year comparison of the influence of organic

and conventional crop management practices on the content of

flavonoids in tomatoes. J Agric Food Chem. 2007 Jul

25;55(15):6154-9. Epub 2007 Jun 23.

.. Worthington V. Effect of agricultural methods on nutritional

quality: a comparison of organic with conventional crops. Altern

Ther Health Med. 1998 Jan;4(1):58-69. Review.

.. Worthington V. Nutritional quality of organic versus

conventional fruits, vegetables, and grains. J Altern Complement

Med. 2001 Apr;7(2):161-73.

.. Young JE, Zhao X, Carey EE, Welti R, Yang SS, Wang W.

Phytochemical phenolics in organically grown vegetables. Mol

Nutr Food Res. 2005 Dec;49(12):1136-42.

--------------------------------

Vitamin D Deters Diabetes and More: Northern Teens Deficient

Twin studies boost " sunshine-and-seafood " vitamin's

preventive-health profile; Adolescents in the northeast lack D

and darker skin worsens situation

by Craig Weatherby

--------------------------------

 

Recent days brought a minor deluge of vitamin D research over

our transom. Here are three highlights, in brief:

 

Vitamin D-calcium combo may prevent and alleviate diabetes

More than 20 million Americans - nearly one in 10 adults - have

diabetes. It cost the nation some $132 billion in 2002,

according to the American Diabetes Association.

 

A new review of the evidence suggest that any of three dietary

components - vitamin D, calcium, and dairy products - may reduce

the risk of developing diabetes or decrease the severity of the

disease.

 

Researchers from the Tufts-New England Medical Center in Boston

examined evidence from epidemiological studies and from clinical

trials in which participants took vitamin D and/or calcium

supplements, with these results (Pittas AG et al 2007):

 

Evidence from clinical trials suggests that combined vitamin D

and calcium supplementation may be especially helpful in

preventing type-2 diabetes among people with glucose

intolerance: an increasingly metabolic condition that usually

precedes and probably helps cause diabetes.

 

Evidence from epidemiological studies showed a pretty consistent

link between higher intakes of calcium or vitamin D or dairy

foods (made from D-fortified milk) and lower risk of type-2

diabetes.

 

People with the highest intakes of any of these dietary factors

had a 64 percent reduced risk of the disease.

 

Excluding people of African descent, those with the highest

intakes of calcium or vitamin D or dairy foods had a 29 percent

lower risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS or syndrome x): a cluster

of signs, including glucose intolerance, that often precedes

heart disease and diabetes.

 

Metabolic syndrome is defined as having three or more of a

half-dozen metabolic risk factors:

 

- Abdominal obesity (excessive fat tissue in and around the

abdomen).

- High blood triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol and high LDL

cholesterol: a state that fosters plaque buildups in artery

walls.

- Elevated blood pressure.

- Insulin resistance or glucose intolerance (the body can't

properly use insulin or blood sugar).

- Pro-thrombotic state that promotes dangerous clots (e.g., high

fibrinogen or plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 in the blood).

 

- Pro-inflammatory state (e.g., elevated C-reactive protein in

the blood).

For more on this common problem, see " Omega-3s Fight Metabolic

Syndrome [

http://newsletter.vitalchoice.com/e_article000700408.cfm?x=b76GVyV,b1kJpvRw,w

] " and " Tart Cherries Seen Suppressing Metabolic Syndrome [

http://newsletter.vitalchoice.com/e_article000816573.cfm?x=b7t81tk,b1kJpvRw,w

] " .

 

Low vitamin D levels may raise metabolic syndrome risk

Results of a study from Madrid, Spain indicate that obese people

with low blood levels of vitamin D run a greater risk of

developing metabolic syndrome (MetS).

 

According to the American Heart Association, more than 50

million Americans - nearly one in four adults - have MetS, which

raises the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, stroke,

and type 2 diabetes.

 

The research adds to a fast-building body of data linking

vitamin D deficiency to increased risk of type-2 diabetes,

osteoporosis, and certain cancers.

 

As the Spaniards wrote, " ... patients with and without vitamin D

deficiency had similar BMI and waist circumference, so the

differences in metabolic syndrome prevalence and lipid levels

may indeed reflect a true association between vitamin D status

and the metabolic syndrome ... " . (Botella-Carretero JI et al

2007)

 

More than 60 percent of those with MetS were vitamin D

deficient, compared to only 33 per cent of those without the

syndrome.

 

In addition, the vitamin D-deficient participants had

undesirable blood profiles, with lower blood levels of

HDL-cholesterol and higher levels of triglycerides, compared to

those with adequate vitamin D levels.

 

The term " vitamin D " encompasses two forms. Vitamin D3, which is

the most effective form, is found primarily in fish and a few

other animal foods, and is produced in skin exposed to UV

sunrays,. Vitamin D2 is the weaker form, derived from plants and

used in most vitamin supplements.

 

Kids in northern climes at risk of low vit D levels

It's been known for decades that vitamin D levels correlate

pretty closely with latitude, sine the vitamin is produced by

exposure to UV sunrays. For example, a 2006 study from Britain -

a cloudy, northern nation - found that over 70 percent of

teenage girls were vitamin D deficient.

 

People with dark skin - which blocks some of UV sunrays and

thereby reduces production of vitamin D - are even worse off.

 

Now, doctors at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia report

finding that about 55 percent of adolescents in the northeastern

US - and most likely kids in other northerly states - are

vitamin D deficient: a status that puts them at increased risk

of osteoporosis, heart disease, cancer, and possibly other

health problems in adulthood. (Weng FL et al 2007)

 

Worse, more than one in 10 African-American adolescents were

found deficient in vitamin D.

 

The deficiencies were also worse in the winter and among older

teens and those with low vitamin D intakes from food and

supplements.

 

The authors noted that the recommended intake levels for dietary

vitamin D (400 IU per day) are probably too low to maintain

healthy levels among kids in relatively un-sunny northern

latitudes, and especially darker skinned teens.

 

They suggest fortifying foods other than milk, since many

children do not enough to meet their calcium or vitamin D needs.

And drinking ten glasses of milk a day - the amount required to

meet current intake advice from experts in the field (1000 IU

per day) - would be a nutritionally knuckle-headed approach

anyway.

 

Supplements and fatty fish are both much higher in vitamin D

than milk, and fish such as wild Sockeye Salmon (687 IU per 3.5

oz serving) offer the benefits of very high protein and omega-3

content as well.

 

 

Sources

- Pittas AG, Lau J, Hu FB, Dawson-Hughes B. The role of vitamin

D and calcium in type 2 diabetes. A systematic review and

meta-analysis. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2007 Jun;92(6):2017-29.

Epub 2007 Mar 27. Review.

- Botella-Carretero JI, Alvarez-Blasco F, Villafruela JJ, Balsa

JA, Vazquez C, Escobar-Morreale HF. Vitamin D deficiency is

associated with the metabolic syndrome in morbid obesity. Clin

Nutr. 2007 Jul 9; [Epub ahead of print] Weng FL, Shults J,

Leonard MB, Stallings VA, Zemel BS. Risk factors for low serum

25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in otherwise healthy children

and adolescents. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Jul;86(1):150-8.

--------------------------------

Cedar Plank Salmon; John's Fish Marinade

--------------------------------

 

We have two recipes this week, including " John's Salmon

Marinade " : a simple, tasty grilled fish tip submitted by

customer John Habel, which we like very much and thought we

ought to share with our readers.

 

Here's what John had to say about his recipe: " I always enjoy

your products and in the last few years I have built a small

cooking file on sockeye and halibut recipes. I was recently

reading a cooking article on the mechanics of making good

marinades for chicken, fish, etc. This is one I tried for

grilled salmon using orange and basil. "

 

Thanks, John ... we appreciate your taking the time to test this

creation, and your impulse to share it with your fellow

grilled-fish aficionados!

 

 

 

Grilled Salmon on a Cedar Plank

Adapted from a recipe by Betty Rosbottom (Tribune Media

Services).

Serves 4

 

2 Vital Choice Cedar Grilling Planks [

http://www.imakenews.com/eletra/go.cfm?z=vitalchoiceseafood%2C198724%2Cb1pVC1Rf%\

2C611535%2Cb9Wm4WL ]

4 (6 oz each) wild Alaska Salmon fillets [

http://www.imakenews.com/eletra/go.cfm?z=vitalchoiceseafood%2C198724%2Cb1pVC1Rf%\

2C1433385%2Cb9Wm4WL ]

1/3 cup light tamari soy sauce

1/4 cup real grade B maple syrup

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh ginger

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

1 teaspoon minced garlic

2 tablespoons chopped cilantro for garnish

2 tablespoon chopped green onions, white and green parts only,

for garnish

4 lime wedges for garnish

 

- Soak the cedar planks in water for at least 40 minutes;

leaving them in the water until ready to grill.

- Place salmon (skin-side down if using our Silver Salmon), in a

shallow, non-reactive dish. Combine the soy sauce, maple syrup,

ginger, lime juice and garlic in a small, non-reactive bowl and

whisk to blend. Pour half of this mixture over the salmon, cover

tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Marinate at least 1

hour or up to 2 hours. Cover and refrigerate remaining marinade;

bring to room temperature 30 minutes before using.

- Prepare a grill for high heat (about 350 degrees F). Remove

the planks from the water and place two salmon, flesh side up,

on each plank. Place planks with fish on the grate. Cover grill

and cook until fish flakes easily and is opaque, 10-15 minutes.

(Test fish often after 8 minutes, to avoid overcooking.)

- Remove planks from grill and bring to the table (place hot

planks on trivets or oven mitts to protect table). Transfer

fillets to plates, and spoon some of the reserved marinade over

each one. Mix the cilantro and green onions, as a garnish for

each fillet. Serve each fillet with a lime wedge.

 

 

John's Salmon Marinade

 

Marinade ingredients

2 Tbsp organic extra virgin olive oil [

http://www.imakenews.com/eletra/go.cfm?z=vitalchoiceseafood%2C198724%2Cb1pVC1Rf%\

2C495445%2Cb9Wm4WL ]

2 Tbsp fresh-squeezed orange juice

11/2 Tbsp orange zest

1-2 Tbsp fresh chopped basil

1/4 tsp sea salt [

http://www.imakenews.com/eletra/go.cfm?z=vitalchoiceseafood%2C198724%2Cb1pVC1Rf%\

2C359527%2Cb9Wm4WL ]

1/4 tsp organic black pepper [

http://www.imakenews.com/eletra/go.cfm?z=vitalchoiceseafood%2C198724%2Cb1pVC1Rf%\

2C359527%2Cb9Wm4WL ]

 

2 - 4 Sockeye fillets [

http://www.imakenews.com/eletra/go.cfm?z=vitalchoiceseafood%2C198724%2Cb1pVC1Rf%\

2C1433385%2Cb9Wm4WL ]

 

Mix marinade ingredients in a bowl. Pour marinade in a bowl or

gallon zip-lock bag. Add 2 - 4 Sockeye fillets.

Marinate Salmon for 30 minutes in refrigerator.

Place on grill and cook 2-4 minutes per side, or less if

desired.

Enjoy!

--------------------------------

ShopOnline

--------------------------------

 

[

http://www.imakenews.com/eletra/go.cfm?z=vitalchoiceseafood%2C198724%2Cb1pVC1Rf%\

2C58130%2Cb9Wm4WL ]Visit our Main Store

Page [

http://www.imakenews.com/eletra/go.cfm?z=vitalchoiceseafood%2C198724%2Cb1pVC1Rf%\

2C58130%2Cb9Wm4WL ], click direct to a

Product (see below), or call us, toll-free, at 1-800-608-4825.

 

Wild Seafood

Alaska Salmon (Sockeye, King, Silver) [

http://www.imakenews.com/eletra/go.cfm?z=vitalchoiceseafood%2C198724%2Cb1pVC1Rf%\

2C69419%2Cb9Wm4WL ]

Smoked Alaska Salmon [

http://www.imakenews.com/eletra/go.cfm?z=vitalchoiceseafood%2C198724%2Cb1pVC1Rf%\

2C237680%2Cb9Wm4WL ]

Albacore Tuna [

http://www.imakenews.com/eletra/go.cfm?z=vitalchoiceseafood%2C198724%2Cb1pVC1Rf%\

2C297892%2Cb9Wm4WL ]

(low-mercury, troll-caught)

Alaska Halibut [

http://www.imakenews.com/eletra/go.cfm?z=vitalchoiceseafood%2C198724%2Cb1pVC1Rf%\

2C297891%2Cb9Wm4WL ]

Alaska Scallops [

http://www.imakenews.com/eletra/go.cfm?z=vitalchoiceseafood%2C198724%2Cb1pVC1Rf%\

2C817202%2Cb9Wm4WL ]

Alaska Sablefish (Black Cod) [

http://www.imakenews.com/eletra/go.cfm?z=vitalchoiceseafood%2C198724%2Cb1pVC1Rf%\

2C241214%2Cb9Wm4WL ]

Alaska Red King Crab [

http://www.imakenews.com/eletra/go.cfm?z=vitalchoiceseafood%2C198724%2Cb1pVC1Rf%\

2C1236576%2Cb9Wm4WL ]

Pacific Spot Prawns [

http://www.imakenews.com/eletra/go.cfm?z=vitalchoiceseafood%2C198724%2Cb1pVC1Rf%\

2C69419%2Cb9Wm4WL ]

Salmon Sausage [

http://www.imakenews.com/eletra/go.cfm?z=vitalchoiceseafood%2C198724%2Cb1pVC1Rf%\

2C857173%2Cb9Wm4WL ]

Yukon King Salmon " Candy "

[

http://www.imakenews.com/eletra/go.cfm?z=vitalchoiceseafood%2C198724%2Cb1pVC1Rf%\

2C600731%2Cb9Wm4WL

]Salmon Caviar (Ikura) [

http://www.imakenews.com/eletra/go.cfm?z=vitalchoiceseafood%2C198724%2Cb1pVC1Rf%\

2C344221%2Cb9Wm4WL ]

Canned Salmon, Tuna, & Sardines [

http://www.imakenews.com/eletra/go.cfm?z=vitalchoiceseafood%2C198724%2Cb1pVC1Rf%\

2C69418%2Cb9Wm4WL ]

Salmon Dog Treats [

http://www.imakenews.com/eletra/go.cfm?z=vitalchoiceseafood%2C198724%2Cb1pVC1Rf%\

2C344226%2Cb9Wm4WL ]

 

Sockeye Salmon Oil

Capsules or Liquid [

http://www.imakenews.com/eletra/go.cfm?z=vitalchoiceseafood%2C198724%2Cb1pVC1Rf%\

2C153178%2Cb9Wm4WL ]

 

Organic Foods

Organic Nuts [

http://www.imakenews.com/eletra/go.cfm?z=vitalchoiceseafood%2C198724%2Cb1pVC1Rf%\

2C1007569%2Cb9Wm4WL ]

Organic Berries [

http://www.imakenews.com/eletra/go.cfm?z=vitalchoiceseafood%2C198724%2Cb1pVC1Rf%\

2C126755%2Cb9Wm4WL ]

Organic Chocolate [

http://www.imakenews.com/eletra/go.cfm?z=vitalchoiceseafood%2C198724%2Cb1pVC1Rf%\

2C618468%2Cb9Wm4WL ]

Organic Tea [

http://www.imakenews.com/eletra/go.cfm?z=vitalchoiceseafood%2C198724%2Cb1pVC1Rf%\

2C640221%2Cb9Wm4WL ]

Organic Herbs & Spices [

http://www.imakenews.com/eletra/go.cfm?z=vitalchoiceseafood%2C198724%2Cb1pVC1Rf%\

2C359527%2Cb9Wm4WL ]

Organic EV Olive and Macadamia Oils [

http://www.imakenews.com/eletra/go.cfm?z=vitalchoiceseafood%2C198724%2Cb1pVC1Rf%\

2C495445%2Cb9Wm4WL ]

 

Gifts

Gift Certificates [

http://www.imakenews.com/eletra/go.cfm?z=vitalchoiceseafood%2C198724%2Cb1pVC1Rf%\

2C112968%2Cb9Wm4WL ]

Gift Packs [

http://www.imakenews.com/eletra/go.cfm?z=vitalchoiceseafood%2C198724%2Cb1pVC1Rf%\

2C244550%2Cb9Wm4WL ]

 

Sampler Packs, Specials, Extras

Dr. Perricone Pack [

http://www.imakenews.com/eletra/go.cfm?z=vitalchoiceseafood%2C198724%2Cb1pVC1Rf%\

2C244605%2Cb9Wm4WL ]

Dr. Northrup Mom-Baby Pack [

http://www.imakenews.com/eletra/go.cfm?z=vitalchoiceseafood%2C198724%2Cb1pVC1Rf%\

2C237290%2Cb9Wm4WL ]

Sampler Packs [

http://www.imakenews.com/eletra/go.cfm?z=vitalchoiceseafood%2C198724%2Cb1pVC1Rf%\

2C967827%2Cb9Wm4WL ]

Special & Grill Packs [

http://www.imakenews.com/eletra/go.cfm?z=vitalchoiceseafood%2C198724%2Cb1pVC1Rf%\

2C58145%2Cb9Wm4WL ]

Cedar BBQ Planks [

http://www.imakenews.com/eletra/go.cfm?z=vitalchoiceseafood%2C198724%2Cb1pVC1Rf%\

2C611535%2Cb9Wm4WL ]

Cookbooks [

http://www.imakenews.com/eletra/go.cfm?z=vitalchoiceseafood%2C198724%2Cb1pVC1Rf%\

2C618470%2Cb9Wm4WL ]

 

To get a free catalog, click here [

http://www.imakenews.com/eletra/go.cfm?z=vitalchoiceseafood%2C198724%2Cb1pVC1Rf%\

2C344223%2Cb9Wm4WL ], or call us toll-free at 1-800-608-4825.

 

--------------------------------

Table of Contents

--------------------------------

 

 

_______________

Published by Vital Choice Seafood (randy)

Copyright © 2007 Vital Choice Seafood, Inc.. All rights reserved.

Information in this newsletter is not meant to substitute for

the advice provided by medical professionals, nor is it intended

to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

Copyright is held by Vital Choice Seafood, to which all rights

are reserved. Other than personal, non-commercial use or

forwarding, no material in this newsletter may be copied,

distributed, or published without the express permission of

Vital Choice Seafood.

 

 

-|________________

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From Vital Choice Seafood, 605 30th Street, Anacortes, WA 98221 USA

 

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