The Tick That Causes A Meat Allergy Is Spreading
Image Source: Jason Ondreicka/Alamy Stock Photo
Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is an allergic reaction that can arise after being bitten by a lone star tick. Skin rashes may be accompanied by aversions to beef and pork. The meat allergy can range from mild tingling and mouth soreness to full-on anaphylactic shock. Named for the white dot on the back of adult females, lone star ticks were historically located in the southern US but are now being found in the northeast and midwest. Headed outdoors? Apply insect repellant.
FDA Investigates Lucky Charms After Multiple Reports Of Illness
Image Source: AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar
The US Food and Drug Administration is investigating Lucky Charms cereal after dozens of customers complained of illness after eating it. The FDA has received more than 100 complaints related to Lucky Charms so far this year, and several hundred people have posted about the issue on food safety websites.
More Health News
Humans Instinctively Seek Micronutrients, Not Simply Calories, Study Says
Researchers Find That Healthy Plant-Based Diets May Lower Diabetes Risk
Time-Restricted Eating No More Effective Than Caloric Reduction, Study Says
How Adding Iodine To Salt Boosted The IQ Of Americans
More Health News
Dietitians List 13 Best Immunity Boosting Foods
Anti-Diet Movement Gains Steam
Metabolism Myths And How You Can Change Yours
NIH To Spend $170 Million On Precision Nutrition Research
Image Source: Forbes/Getty
Dietary guidelines for Americans often take a one-size-fits-all approach. Precision nutrition takes a more personalized angle, incorporating an individual's genetics, metabolism, gut microbes, lifestyle, and various biological, environmental, and social factors. Over the next 5 years, the National Institutes of Health will devote $170 million to develop this promising new field of research. Up to 10,000 Americans will participate in studies that aim to customize recommendations on what to eat for optimal health.
Popular Herbs And Spices Are High In Heavy Metals, Tests Show
Image Source: fcafotodigital / Getty Images
A Consumer Reports analysis found that one-third of 126 common herbs and spices contained high enough levels of arsenic, cadmium, and lead to raise health concerns. Major brands like McCormick and Whole Foods were included. Levels varied among brands, but thyme and oregano were consistently high in heavy metals, which can effect brain development and central nervous system functioning if overconsumed. Tests also revealed the herbs and spices lowest in heavy metals: black pepper, white pepper, coriander, curry powder, garlic powder, saffron, and sesame seeds.
Congress Proposes New Food Labels To Identify Healthy And Unhealthy Foods
Image Source: Alamy
To crack down on misleading health claims, US lawmakers have introduced the Food Labeling Modernization Act of 2021. The proposed legislation would require standardized front-of-package labeling that tells consumers if a product is healthy or not. The new label may feature star ratings or a system of red, green, and yellow traffic icons. The legislation would also require packages labeled "whole grain" to list the actual percentage of whole grain in the food. The well-intentioned legislation faces an uphill battle before it becomes law.
