Are We Biting Off More Than We Can Chew?

Approximately 16.8% of food Americans eat is imported

. That's according to 2012 data from the Department of Agriculture. Twenty years ago it was 11.3%. Twenty-five percent of orange juice and 85% of apple juice are imported. About 50% of fresh fruit comes from other countries. Eighty-six percent of shrimp, salmon, tilapia and other fish and shellfish come from other countries too. Foods that can be easily stored are likeliest to be imported - such as 44% of dry peas and lentils. Cranberries are one of the few foods that are 100% American - and that's reason for "thanks-giving".

The Marine Stewardship Council puts their blue label on seafood that comes from fisheries meeting rigorous standards promoting responsible, sustainable catches. The MSC program works with fisheries, processors, distributors and retailers so customers know where and how the seafood was harvested. The goal is to ensure harvesting doesn't contribute to over-fishing and that seafood is labeled correctly so consumers know what they are buying. As of 2012 about 14% of global fisheries had been MSC certified; and stores like Costco, Target and Wal-Mart are increasing their sustainable seafood selections. The big-box stores are thinking "outside the box".

Eating fruits and vegetables makes us more attractive. A study published in PLoS ONE monitored the fruit and vegetable intake of 35 Caucasian undergrads for 6 weeks and measured their skin color changes. The carotenoids in fruits and vegetables are distributed by the blood stream to the skin, causing it to take on a slight reddish-yellow hue. In a separate experiment the researchers asked 24 undergrads to look at people's photographs. They thought people whose faces had a reddish-yellow hue were healthier and more attractive looking. So, if we don't eat more fruits and vegetables, we may be "eating humble pie".

And then there's vodka. Vodka isn't just for cocktails anymore. When sprayed in shoes, it removes musty smells. When a few drops are mixed with a teaspoon of sugar, it prolongs freshness in cut flowers. When mixed with an equal amount of water, put in a reusable plastic bag and frozen, it soothes sore muscles. Vodka can remove fabric stains caused by ink, grass and many foods. It can remove mould and mildew from tile and caulk when scrubbed after 30 minutes. Soaking in vodka removes rust from screws. That's a good suggestion to end with because mixing vodka with orange juice provides a "screwdriver".

by: Knight Pierce Hirst

POST COMMENT

Common Terms To Learn When Dealing With Air Compressors A Guide To The Alluring Features Of Inset Wood Burning Stoves Are We More Alike Or Unlike? My Child Has Been Diagnosed With Osgood Schlatters. Now What? Whats The Most Effective Cellulite Removal Process? How To Easily Acquire A Section 10 Generic Substitute Ink Cartridges Can Last Lengthier Than Brand Cartridges Laptop Memory - How Much Do You Need? Britain United States Talks On Oil Supply Day Spa Jupiter What Do They Give You Where To Find The Best Interest Rate On A Payday Cash Loan Can Avchd .mts File Be Imported To Final Cut Pro X Studying The Hcg Diet Dallas