Healthy food access boosts outcomes in two studies
In Stockton, California, almost 60% of the city’s 320,000 residents are prediabetic or living with diabetes. Shane Bailey, a 72-year-old longtime resident and US Coast Guard veteran, is one of them. And because she lives in a neighborhood that is considered a food desert because it lacks nearby grocery stores, it can be a huge challenge to access healthy, affordable food.
“I live in the Central Valley with a lot of produce being grown. But in Stockton, it’s often either very expensive, or low quality, or both,” said Bailey.
However, thanks to Abbott and the Public Health Institute’s Healthy Food Rx program, she’s had a boost in making lifestyle changes that help her manage her condition. The program was a pilot study in which 374 patients with diabetes received biweekly healthy meal kits including fresh produce from Emergency Food Bank Stockton/San Joaquin for a year.
“It was fun to learn how to cook these healthy meals. It kept me busy and improved my mental health,” said Bailey. Each box comes with a recipe, and participants can join a virtual cooking class to learn how to make each meal. Her favorite meal was a green veggie stir-fry with chicken —
Inorganic arsenic in food – health concerns confirmed
The European Commission asked EFSA to update its assessment of inorganic arsenic to consider new studies on its toxic effects. EFSA consulted external stakeholders on its draft opinion and considered the numerous comments that were received before it was finalized.
What foods contain inorganic arsenic
Arsenic is a widely-occurring contaminant Any substance occurring in foodstuffs that was not added intentionally. Contaminants can arise from packaging, food processing and transportation, farming practices or the use of animal medicines. The term does not include contamination from insects or rodents. which is present both naturally and as a result of human activity. Arsenic appears in various forms, depending on its chemical structure. EFSA’s present opinion focuses on inorganic arsenic.
Food is the main source of exposure to inorganic arsenic for the general population Community of humans, animals or plants of the same species. in Europe. The main contributors to dietary exposure For the purposes of risk assessment, measurement of the amount of a substance consumed by a person or animal in their diet that is intentionally added or unintentionally present (eg a nutrient, additive or pesticide). are rice, rice-based products, and grains and grain-based products. Drinking water also contributes to exposure, although levels