Originally published June 26 2005
Columnist answers questions on nutrition
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
In his latest column for the WCF Courier, Dr. Ed Blonz provides nutritional advice to two readers, explaining whole grain foods to one, and the effect of soda water on the body to the other.
Fiber tends to be in the fibrous outer coating (bran) portion of the grain rather than the inside (flour) portion.
Some grains have more fiber per unit weight than others.
Also, some cereals use more of the nonfiber portion of the grain.
Puffed cereals tend to use more of the flour portion than bran-based cereals.
The key is in checking the entire ingredients statement.
A good resource for information on whole grains and the various types of label terminology can be found on the Whole Grains Council Web site at www.wholegrainscouncil.org, a nonprofit organization formed by the Oldways Preservation and Trust, a food think-tank located in Boston, Mass.
DEAR DR. BLONZ: Do carbonated beverages, such as soda water, interfere with the absorption of calcium or other vitamins and minerals?
DEAR D.F.: Not very likely, but it might help for me to provide a little background.
Carbonated beverages, made by dissolving carbon dioxide gas in water under pressure, are slightly acidic.
Our body, however, is designed to maintain a careful balance between acid and alkaline solutions.
Variations in either direction affect health, as the chemical reactions essential for life will only take place under specific conditions.
The pH in the foods we eat can vary widely, but it all gets adjusted while in the digestive system and then after absorption.
If you are eating a balanced diet there is no need to be concerned about the effect that carbonated water might have on the absorption of vitamins and minerals.
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