This is a bitter pill to swallow. Many cocoa products in the US contain concerning levels of toxic heavy metals, a new study from George Washington University warns. Many cocoa products in the US contain worrisome levels of lead and cadmium, a new study from George Washington University warns. Picture Partners – stock.adobe.com Researchers analyzed 72 cocoa-based foods — including dark chocolate, often praised as a heart-healthy treat — over eight years. They found that 43% of the products contained an amount of lead that tops recommendations, while 35% exceeded cadmium limits. Surprisingly, organic-labeled products had higher levels of lead and cadmium than non-organic products, the researchers said. Contamination can come from soil or occur during manufacturing. A single serving of these cocoa items may not pose significant health risks, but several servings might. Leigh Frame, director of integrative medicine at GW, led the testing of 72 cocoa-based products. The George Washingto...
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New menstrual pad is less messy, more eco-friendly: study
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Researchers at Virginia Tech say they have developed an eco-friendly menstrual product that won’t cramp your style.
It’s a pad with a special formula that allows blood to turn to gel. The pads absorb more blood and leak less than traditional ones, according to findings published Wednesday in the Cell Press journal.
“A pad with the powder formula absorbs the blood, and if you squeeze it, it doesn’t come back out. But in a normal menstrual pad, if you do the same experiment, it comes right back out,” said Bryan Hsu, an assistant professor of biological sciences. “Leakage occurs 1.2 times per cycle.”
The alginate-glycerol powder formulation is derived from natural sources: seaweed and sugar alcohol. Courtesy of Bryan Hsu
The alginate-glycerol powder formulation is derived from natural sources: seaweed and sugar alcohol.
“It’s found everywhere in foods and it’s approved by the Food and Drug Administration, so it’s considered safe,” Hsu explained. “It is in the boba tea or the cheap sushi you get in restaurants.”
The powder formula can be added to a cotton coil and inserted into a menstrual cup or disc, where the collected blood turns to gel. This reduces the chance of a mess when removing or changing the product. Courtesy of Bryan Hsu
The formula includes a substance that has been shown to inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus. Some strains of the bacteria produce toxins that can cause toxic shock syndrome, a life-threatening illness linked to the use of tampons or menstrual cups.
Hsu’s team notes that menstrual products have not evolved much in the last century.
The disposable menstrual pad was developed in 1888, the tampon in 1933, and the menstrual cup, which is inserted into the vagina below the cervix, in 1937.
The powder formula can be added to a cotton coil and inserted into a menstrual cup or disc, where the collected blood turns to gel. This reduces the chance of a mess when removing or changing the product.
“Leakage is a fear for all users of menstrual hygiene products. All of us have experienced it, leading to embarrassment and missed school days and workdays,” said Dr. Carrie Champine, a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist who collaborated with the team.
“Users of menstrual products are always looking for products that are comfortable and tailored to their body and flow patterns, with minimal risk of leakage or menstrual product failure,” she added.
Hsu told The Post it will likely take years for their product to become available to the public because they need to scale up and meet regulatory requirements. In the meantime, the Virginia Tech researchers plan to further explore how biomaterials can ease the process of menstruation.
Their work follows recently published research from the University of California at Berkeley that detected toxic metals such as lead and arsenic in a variety of tampons.
In our fast-paced modern world, having the ability to calm the mind is invaluable. By learning to control the breath and withdraw the senses with the practice of Tummo breathing you can tap into an inner stillness. Those who regularly practice Tummo often report feeling more centered, present, and in tune with themselves. Also known as “Inner Fire” meditation, Tummo helps ignite inner “heat,” burning away mental fog while energizing both body and mind. Our contributor Bayu Prihandito, Life Coach, and RYT 200 Yoga Teacher, says, “What we call the “inner fire” Tummo meditation, is known to increase mental clarity, focus, and reduce stress. With practice and patience, you can experience a heightened sense of peace from the ability to manage your emotions more effectively.” With roots tracing back centuries in Tibetan Buddhism, Tummo uses focused breathing and visualization to unlock deep states of relaxation and mental clarity. This Tibetan meditation technique is...
This is a bitter pill to swallow. Many cocoa products in the US contain concerning levels of toxic heavy metals, a new study from George Washington University warns. Many cocoa products in the US contain worrisome levels of lead and cadmium, a new study from George Washington University warns. Picture Partners – stock.adobe.com Researchers analyzed 72 cocoa-based foods — including dark chocolate, often praised as a heart-healthy treat — over eight years. They found that 43% of the products contained an amount of lead that tops recommendations, while 35% exceeded cadmium limits. Surprisingly, organic-labeled products had higher levels of lead and cadmium than non-organic products, the researchers said. Contamination can come from soil or occur during manufacturing. A single serving of these cocoa items may not pose significant health risks, but several servings might. Leigh Frame, director of integrative medicine at GW, led the testing of 72 cocoa-based products. The George Washingto...
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