Brain Boosters for kids? Kellogg's thinks so, FTC scientists disagree.

Parents who want to boost their kids’ brainpower take note: The Federal Trade Commission has just announced a settlement with breakfast cereal giant Kellogg’s over claims that just eating a bowl of Frosted Mini-Wheats cereal could boost a child’s attentiveness by almost 20 percent. Faulting both the science of Kellogg’s study and its interpretation of the results, the FTC charged that Kellogg’s claim are false and in violation of the FTC Act. Chairman Jon Leibowitz adds, “We tell consumers that they should deal with trusted national brands. So it’s especially important that America’s leading companies are more ‘attentive’ to the truthfulness of their ads and don’t exaggerate the results of tests or research. In the future, the Commission will certainly be more attentive to national advertisers.”  This is good news for consumers but perhaps bad news for parents who were (or are) eager to find something ‘easy’ to help their children pay attention, learn and develop intellectually.   Fortunately, there are some great products and nutritional factors that can help kids learn and concentrate better, but don’t count on Kellogg’s to clue you in. Get an overview in today’s AllStarHealth blog.

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Lighten up your love life!

People have used the power of foods and herbs to enhance their love lives since time immemorial.  Some of these foods have more of a scientific basis for being effective (note the zinc content of oysters) than others (powdered rhino horn).  But besides oysters and heart-shaped pizza, there are other foods and herbs that can enhance your love life, too. (more…)

Don't let that sweet tooth bite off chunks of your health!

Q: My Dad’s health is taking another step down… His weight is starting to go up, because his heart is keeping him from getting his usual exercise… And his monthly physical yesterday came back, and they told him “You are borderline Diabetic… You need to get your diet under control…”
I know that he’s going to go looking for cheats and treats… Especially when it comes to his sweet tooth (Which I also inherited.) Figured I’d see if you guys had some ideas of stuff that’s on the GI friendly side, that will still make a sweet tooth happy late on a Tuesday night.

For instance I was thinking about making him a tub of Blueberry Frozen Yogurt… Half Sweetend up with splenda…Thanks for any help.

Walter “Wally” Pike,

Mountain Iron, MN

A:  Thanks for writing, Wally. We certainly do have a few options for you and your Dad to consider. (more…)