Peel-and-stick solar panels can be integrated into everyday objects | Springwise

Scientists at Stanford University have developed peel-and-stick solar panels, which can be attached to any surface.

25th February 2013 in Eco & Sustainability.

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Capturing solar energy efficiently and inconspicuously is something that the Solaroad cycle path has attempted in the Netherlands. Now scientists at Stanford University have developed peel-and-stick solar panels, which can be attached to any surface.

Currently, many solar panels take the form of large rigid structures and are placed out of clear sight. Researchers at the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the university – along with help from scientists in Colorado and Seoul – have now created thin, flexible substrates that can convert solar energy. A new process also allows the cells to be transferred from one surface to another without damaging them, meaning that they could be attached to almost anything – from mobile phones and business cards to windows and clothing. According to lead researcher Xiaolin Zheng, the new solar panel breakthrough offers “flexibility and attachment potential we’ve never seen before, and also reduces their general cost and weight”.

With this lightweight and portable innovation in solar power-gathering could this be the future of small-scale energy production?

Website: www.stanford.edu
Contact: xlzheng@stanford.edu

Spotted by: Katherine Noyes

Peel-and-stick solar panels can be integrated into everyday objects | Springwise.

Tests reveal potentially toxic titanium dioxide in sunscreen and cosmetics

Posted Mar. 5, 2013 / Posted by: Lisa Matthes

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Friends of the Earth U.S. and Australia revealed new testing results from the Australian Government’s National Measurement Institute, which found that many popular sunscreen and cosmetic products are using a potentially hazardous form of a common ingredient — anatase titanium dioxide. Six of the eight products tested, including well-known brands such as Nivea (Beiersdorf AG (BEIG.DE)), L’Oreal SA (OREP.PA), and CoverGirl (Procter & Gamble Co (NYSE:PG)), were found to contain this ingredient.

“The product we are most concerned about is Nivea Kid’s Swim and Play Sunscreen. This product was found to contain nanoparticles of anatase titanium dioxide, which are potentially more hazardous than the non-nano form of this common sunscreen ingredient. Protecting our skin from the sun is no joke, and sunscreens are an important part of staying safe from harmful UV rays. On the other hand, some sunscreens may not be as effective and safe as we think,” said Ian Illuminato, health and environment campaigner at Friends of the Earth U.S.

Some skin cancers are linked to UV-induced free radical damage to the skin, which is why wearing sunscreens with strong broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection is recommended by medical authorities. However, recent studies have shown that the anatase form of titanium dioxide (and in particular nano-scale anatase titanium dioxide) can increase the formation of free radicals when exposed to sunlight and water and a number of scientists have questioned the safety of their use in sunscreens and other skin products. Anatase is an aggressive free radical producer compared to rutile, another less reactive form of titanium dioxide used in sunscreens, cosmetics and other products.

In 2008, a peer reviewed study found that nano anatase titanium dioxide in sunscreen was reacting with sunlight and breaking down the coating on steel roofing in a matter of weeks. This study was prompted by reports that coatings on roofs were breaking down in places where workers had inadvertently transferred sunscreen to roofs via skin contact. Researchers from the 2008 study found that this sunscreen ingredient increased the normal rate of sun damage to the roofs by 100 times.(note 1) The study raised serious concerns about the impact these ingredients may be having on our skin. In 2010, Italian scientists warned that anatase titanium dioxide is “capable of destroying virtually any organic matter.” (note 2)

While the products tested by NMI are sold in Australia, several of these brands are also sold in the United States and other global markets and therefore may use similar ingredients in their formulations. The sunscreen and cosmetic products that were found to include anatase titanium dioxide include Nivea Kid’s Swim and Play Sunscreen, Coco Island White Zinc Sunscreen, Key Sun White Zinke Sunscreen, L’Oreal Infallible Advanced Never Fail Make-up, CoverGirl Natureluxe Liquid Silk Foundation and Australis Powder Cream Make-up. KeySun Zinke and Coco Island Sunscreens were also found to contain nanoparticles, although the NMI was unable to confirm whether these nanoparticles were anatase titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.

Friends of the Earth is calling for an immediate ban on the use of anatase titanium dioxide in sunscreen and cosmetics and for safety testing and labeling of nano-ingredients in sunscreen and other body care products. Europe will require the safety testing and labeling of nano-ingredients in sunscreens starting in July 2013. (note 3) However, the U.S. government continues to reject calls for adequate safety testing and labeling.

“We know that companies in the United States are incorporating nano-scale titanium dioxide in sunscreens and cosmetics, the question is, are they using it in anatase form?” said Janet Nudelman, co-founder of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. “We encourage the FDA to give this serious public health issue the attention it deserves. Moreover, all nano-scale ingredients need to be adequately tested for safety before being used. Congress urgently needs to enact legislation that would more strictly regulate the cosmetics industry to ensure that nano-scale ingredients are labeled and to guarantee the personal care products we use every day are free from harmful chemicals in the first place. In the meantime, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has been specifically calling on Procter & Gamble, L’Oreal, and other major brands to remove carcinogens and other harmful chemicals from their personal care products; the laboratory findings on sunscreens reaffirm that immediate action by these companies to ensure product safety is critical.”

 

Additional resources:

Summary of findings and frequently asked questions.

Full test results from NMI: Sunscreens that contain anatase.

Full test results from NMI: Sunscreens that contain nano-ingredients.

Read more about the risks of nanosunscreens in the report Nano-ingredients in Sunscreen: The need for regulation.

Additional resources and information on nanotechnology and nanomaterials in sunscreens and other products.

Notes:

1. Other research articles demonstrating that anatase titanium dioxide is an aggressive free radical producer compared to rutile titanium dioxide:

a. Barker P. & Branch A. (2008). The interaction of modern sunscreen formulations with surface coatings. Prog Org Coatings 62: 313–320. (study done on Colorbond roofs mentioned in press release)

b. Rampaul A., Parkin I. P. & Cramer L. P. (2007). Damaging and protective properties of inorganic components of sunscreens applied to cultured human skin cells. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A: Chemistry 191: 138-148.

2. 2010 study by Italian scientists: Tiano L., Armeni T., Venditti E., Barucca G., Laura Mincarelli L. & Damiani E. (2010). Modified TiO2 particles differentially affect human skin fibroblasts exposed to UVA light. Free Radical Biology & Medicine 49:408–415.

3. Europe will require the safety testing and labeling of nano-ingredients in sunscreens starting in July 2013, see European Commission – Public health guidance (05-07-2012). Available at: http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/health_consumer/dyna/enews/enews.cfm?al_id=1276

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Friends of the Earth U.S. fights to defend the environment and create a more healthy and just world. Our current campaigns focus on promoting clean energy and solutions to climate change, keeping toxic and risky technologies out of the food we eat and products we use, and protecting marine ecosystems and the people who live and work near them.

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics is a coalition of public health, educational, religious, labor, women’s, environmental and consumer groups. Our goal is to protect the health of consumers and workers by requiring the health and beauty industry to phase out the use of chemicals that are known or suspected carcinogens, mutagens and reproductive toxins.

Archives: news releases and updates.

In the Netherlands, ‘garbage bag’ encourages reuse of contents | Springwise

The Goedzak is a transparent bag for unwanted goods that allows passersby to see inside and decide if they could make use of them.

23rd January 2013 in Eco & Sustainability.

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The Swap-o-Matic vending machine has already provided one way to pass on unused items to others, rather than sending them to landfill. Another solution from the Netherlands comes in the form of the Goedzak – a transparent ‘garbage bag’ for unwanted goods that allows passersby to see inside and decide if they could make use of them.

Created by Waarmakers, the thinking behind the bags – which are see-through aside from the Goedzak logo — is that they are placed on the sidewalk along with other black bags containing trash. The contents are visible to those passing by, yet stay dry and clean. The Goedzak logo indicates to walkers that the goods inside are available to pick up. If no-one takes advantage of the freebies, the sack is collected by garbage trucks along with the rest of the trash.

The Goedzaks help homeowners act more sustainably when throwing out perfectly usable property with minimum effort. Could this kind of scheme work in your neighborhood?

Website: www.degoedzak.nl
Contact: simon@waarmakers.nl

In the Netherlands, ‘garbage bag’ encourages reuse of contents | Springwise.

Environmental Working Group’s Healthy Living Tips: Cosmetics – YouTube

Published on 23 Jan 2013

 

Ever looked at the labels on your shampoos, moisturizers and cosmetics? Do you really know what chemicals you’re putting on your body?

EWG scientist Nneka Leiba explains some helpful tips on what to watch out for before you buy.

Most Americans use about 10 personal care products a day. And they think that the government is making sure these products are safe — but the scary truth is, it’s not.

That’s why Environmental Working Group scientists have put together easy-to-use tips on how to read labels on personal care products.

For more tips, get EWG’s Healthy Living Tips Booklet: http://www.ewg.org/HHTBooklet

For more information on cosmetics and other health products: http://www.ewg.org/skindeep

via Environmental Working Group’s Healthy Living Tips: Cosmetics – YouTube.

Open source distiller uses solar energy to make salt water drinkable | Springwise

Eliodomestico is an eco-distiller that uses solar power to make salt water drinkable.

15th January 2013 in Eco & Sustainability.

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We’ve seen numerous efforts over the years to purify water and make it safe for drinking, but it wasn’t until just recently that we came across one invention designed specifically with desalinization in mind. Sure enough, Eliodomestico is an eco-distiller that uses solar power to make salt water drinkable.

Created by Italian designer Gabriele Diamanti, Eliodomestico is an open source project designed to provide safe drinking water for people in developing countries. Essentially, the device works like an upside-down coffee maker to produce five liters of fresh water every day. Users begin by adding sea water in the morning. Over the course of the day, the heat of the sun causes steam to rise into a water-tight boiler. The steam is then forced down through an expansion nozzle and condenses against the lid of a collection basin. At the end of the day, users can remove the basin, which is full of fresh water and designed for transport on the head. In the video below, Diamanti explains the premise in more detail:

Eliodomestico is made from widely available materials and requires no electricity or filters; maintenance is simple, Diamanti says. So far, it has already won a Core77 Design Award and was a finalist at the Prix Émile Hermès 2011 competition. Social entrepreneurs: one to get involved in?

Website: www.gabrielediamanti.com/projects/eliodomestico
Contact: info@gabrielediamanti.com

Spotted by: Smith Alan

Open source distiller uses solar energy to make salt water drinkable | Springwise.

Top 5 Reasons to Drink Lemon Water via myVega.com

Smoothies can be packed with protein; pre-workout energizers, hydrators, and post-workout recovery accelerators can deliver performance-enhancing nutrients; herbal teas can soothe or energize — all of these beverages have a functional purpose to meet specific wellness needs. And then there’s a less obvious, simple, blender-free drink that serves a mighty wellness-enhancing purpose. Providing more than just hydration, fresh lemon juice and water can deliver surprising benefits.

Starting every morning with a glass of warm lemon water is actually a ritual in Ayurveda or Yogic traditions, used to stimulate digestion for the day and clear the body of any toxins that may have settled in the digestive tract overnight. While it is tricky to apply the strict burden of evidence expected by Western science to traditional practices (often called “folk medicine”) that originated long before modern medical science standards were developed, research on the nutritional elements found in lemons suggests the numerous health benefits traditionally associated with drinking fresh lemon water daily may have merit.

We tend to reach for those warm beverages in the morning like coffee and tea, but try starting your day with some warm lemon water first to kick-start digestion. The water doesn’t always have to be warm, but it should be purified. Simply use half a fresh lemon per large glass of water or to taste and sip throughout the day. On a simple level, fresh lemons take plain old water up a notch. Here are 5 health benefits of drinking lemon water that elevate drinking it for reasons beyond just taste:

1. Support immune function: Lemons are high in antioxidant vitamin C, known for its supportive role in healthy immune function^1,2 which may reduce the risk of respiratory infection³. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) found in lemons demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects, and is used as complementary support for asthma and other respiratory symptoms^4,5. Lemons also contain saponins⁶, which show antimicrobial properties that may help keep cold and flu at bay. Last but not least, ascorbic acid enhances iron absorption in the body; iron plays an important role in immune function⁷.
2. Alkalize the body: Although the tartness of a lemon may make them seem acidic, lemons are actually one of the most alkalizing foods for the body. Lemons contain both citric and ascorbic acid, weak acids easily metabolized from the body allowing the mineral content of lemons to help alkalize the blood.
3. Aid digestion: Citrus flavonols⁸ are believed responsible for lemon’s traditional use as a digestive tonic. Believed to stimulate and purify the liver, lemon juice is traditionally understood to support digestive hydrochloric acid in the stomach further aiding digestion. Vitamin C status has been associated with reduced risk of peptic ulcers caused by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori⁹.
4. Clear skin: Vitamin C and other antioxidants in lemons combat free radical damage. Free radical damage — especially as caused by UV exposure and environmental toxins — is responsible for many symptoms of aging. Antioxidant intake can help offset this damage, minimizing wrinkles. Further, lemon juice can be applied topically to scars and age spots to help reduce their appearance. Traditionally used as a liver stimulant, lemon water is also believed to help purge toxins from the blood, helping to keep skin clear of blemishes.
5. Promote healing: Ascorbic acid (vitamin C), found in abundance in lemons, promotes wound healing, and is an essential nutrient in the maintenance of healthy bones, connective tissue, and cartilage¹⁰. As noted previously, vitamin C also displays anti-inflammatory properties. Combined, vitamin C is an essential nutrient in the maintenance of good health and recovery from stress and injury.

Top 5 Reasons to Drink Lemon Water.

What’s Really in Halloween Candy | Greatist

by Laura Schwecherl

These days, there’s more to a candy bar than simply chocolate. With a laundry list of ingredients, it’s hard to know which ingredients aren’t the best to ingest, and why they’re there even in our candy bars in the first place. So we’ve peeled back the wrapper to uncover which ingredients are harmless, and which should go straight from the trick-or-treat bag to the trash.

What Is This In My Candy Bar?! — The Need-to-Know

From the weirdly named additives to surprising ingredients and ominous oils, here are some ingredients in candy that will freak us out even when Halloween is over:

Safe

• Tertiary butyl hydroquinone. This impossible-to-pronounce preservative prevents candy from going rancid and enhances storage life. Better yet, both the FDA and European Food Safety Authority say TBHQ is safe for humans. (And thank goodness, since it’s in America’s favorite Reece’s Peanut Butter Cup.)
• Polyglycerol polyricinoleate. PGPR is a chemical that blends the ingredients in candy bars to make chocolate super smooth. It’s safe for humans to consume and is found in Kit Kat Bars and Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars^[1].
• Soy lecithin. This additive is a substance extracted from soybeans that emulsifies the cocoa and cocoa butter in candy, keeping the ingredients from separating. Although soy can be a dangerfood when eaten in large quantities, (messing with hormone balance and testosterone levels) studies show small amounts of soy lecithin in our candy (like Almond Joy’s and M&M’s!) are a-okay^[2][3].

Caution

• Artificial flavors. Adding some flava flav to food can make them taste more appetizing (Butterfingers, anyone?). The studies of artificial flavors (not to be confused with artificial coloring!)are few and far between, but the Center For Science in the Public Interest says artificial flavoring is probably safe.
• Milk fat. We’re talkin’ more than just whole milk, here. Milk fat is the main component of cream, and is composed of triglycerides, a type of fat that may thicken the artery walls and increase cardiovascular risk^[4]. The bad news is milk fat is found in most chocolate candies, including Snickers and Milky Way bars, so look for bars lower in saturated fat.
• Salt. Yep, it’s not just in the savory stuff. Salt is often added to candy bars to offset all the sugar and corn syrup. And we definitely don’t need any more of the salty stuff: Most Americans consume more sodium than recommended (2,300 mg) which can raise blood pressure and contribute to heart disease.

Avoid

• Artificial coloring. Sorry M&M’s and candy corn, it looks like you’re doing more harm than good. Although artificial coloring may make candy more appealing, it has been linked to behavioral problems, asthma, and even cancer when consumed in large quanities^[5][6][7]. Another (not so fun) fact? After Halloween in 1950, food dye Orange #1 was banned from candy (for good!) after many kids got sick.
• High fructose corn syrup. Sugar and spice may not be so nice. The consumption of HFCS, a sweetener derived from (you guessed it!) corn, may sometimes lead to kidney damage and liver disease in high doses^[8][9]. Hold off on those king-size Twix and Milky Ways (and most other candy bars, in fact)!
• Hydrogenated palm kernel oil. If you thought milk fat was bad, check out this oil creeping in our candy. More than 80 percent of palm kernel oil’s fat is the saturated kind (which can up LDL cholesterol) but is often used in foods because it’s cheaper than alternatives^[10].

Have a Healthier Halloween — Your Action Plan

Don’t fret! These sneaky ingredients don’t have to take all the fun (and flavor) from Halloween. Check out these tips for a healthier Halloween, no creepy ingredients included.

• Choose better. Okay, there’s no denying a least a few pieces of candy on Halloween. So while we’re at it, let’s pick some better options, like dark chocolate Raisinetes, mini Hershey Special Dark bars, or a Twizzler or two. Or try low fat popcorn and pretzels for some crunch!
• Make your own. Ditch the wrapper and make candy from scratch. Try some classics like Snickers, Reece’s Peanut Butter Cups, or these vegan Kit Kats. That way, you’ll have control over everything that goes into the mix!
• Sharing is caring. Stuck with a whole bag of Halloween treats? Make sure to spread the love! Bring the bag into the office or share with friends, while allowing yourself a bite-sized treat when that sweet tooth kicks in.
• Get creative. The stomach can be satisfied on Halloween without going down the candy aisle. Sip on some spiced cider, munch on a caramel apple, or dip some sliced fruit in a creamy pumpkin dip. Just remember to eat regularly and not skip meals!
• Give it away. Donate the extra goods to people around the world. Organizations like Operation Shoe Box and Operation Gratitude are great places to start.
• Celebrate outside. Halloween isn’t just about the sweets. Focus the fun on other traditions, like hayrides, apple picking, or walking through a haunted house (eek!). We promise you won’t miss those Almond Joy’s.

This article has been read and approved by Greatist Experts Catherine Ulbricht and Lindsey Joe.

How carefully do you examine ingredient lists? Share your thoughts in the comments below or tweet the author at @lschwech.

Works Cited

1. Overview of the preparation, use and biological studies on polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR). Wilson, R., Van Schie, B.J., Howes, D. Environmental Safety Laboratory, Unilever Research, Sharnbrook, Bedford, UK. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 1998 Sep-Oct;36(9-10):711-8. [↩]
2. Soy, phyto-oestrogens and male reproductive function: a review. Cederroth, CR, Auger, J., Zimmermann, C., et al. Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical School, Switzerland. International Journal of Andrology, 2010 Apr;33(2):304-16 [↩]
3. Soybean-Derived Phosphatidylserine Improves Memory Function of the Elderly Japanese Subjects with Memory Complaints. Kato-Kataoka, A., Sakai, M., Ebina, R., et al. Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition, 2010 November; 47(3): 246–255. [↩]
4. Triglycerides and HDL Cholesterol. Bitzur R., Cohen, H., Kamari, Y., et al. Diabetes Care, 2009 November; 32(Supplement_2): S373–S377. [↩]
5. DIET AND NUTRITION: The Artificial Food Dye Blues. Potera, C. Environmental Health Perspectives, 2010 October; 118(10): A428. [↩]
6. Assessment of food chemical intolerance in adult asthmatic subjects. Hodge, L., Yan, K.Y., Loblay, R.L. Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Thorax, 1996 Aug;51(8):805-9. [↩]
7. Do artificial food colors promote hyperactivity in children with hyperactive syndromes? A meta-analysis of double-blind placebo-controlled trials. Schab, D.W., Trinh, N.H. Columbia University, Department of Psychiatry & The New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York. Journal of Developmental and Behavior Pediatrics, 2004 Dec;25(6):423-34. [↩]
8. Sugary soda consumption and albuminuria: results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999-2004. Shoham, D.A., Durazo-Arvizu, R., Kramer, H., et al. Department of Preventive Medicine and Epidemiology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois. PLoS One, 2008;3(10):e3431. Epub 2008 Oct 17. [↩]
9. Fructose consumption as a risk factor for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Ouyang, X., Cirillo, P., Sautin, Y., et al. Division of Nephrology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. Journal of Hepatology, 2008 Jun;48(6):993-9. Epub 2008 Mar 10. [↩]
10. Saturated fat-rich diet enhances selective uptake of LDL cholesteryl esters in the arterial wall. Seo, T., Qi, K., Chang, C., et al. Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Human Nutrition, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York. Journal of Clinical Investigation, 2005 Aug;115(8):2214-22. Epub 2005 Jul 21. [↩]

What’s Really in Halloween Candy | Greatist.

Making Sense of Food Labels | TIME.com

By Marcy Franklin | Greatist.com Oct. 29 2012

What’s in a label? A guide to understanding what natural, organic, free-range, hormone-free…really mean.

From meat to dairy, produce to pasta, food labels tout all sorts of claims that probably shouldn’t be taken at face value. Here are some of the most common statements and how to know what you’re really getting in that package.

Organic:
A USDA organic seal is the highest stamp of organic approval. Technically speaking, this label ensures that the product is produced without synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, irradiation, and genetic engineering. Any product with an “organic,” “100 percent organic,” or “made with organic [ingredient here]” label is certified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). For those products made from less than 70 percent organic ingredients, the manufacturer must identify which specific ingredients are organic — but those products don’t get to boast the official seal of approval. The USDA organic standards also prohibit antibiotics and growth hormones in organic meats and poultry, and require 100 percent organic feed for livestock.

Cage-Free or Free-Range:
 Products stamped with “cage-free” or “free-range” means that the animals are given more freedom to move around. “Cage-free” is used mostly for eggs, while “free-range” can include anything from cows and chickens to pigs. There is a hitch, however. There is no governmental certification to guarantee that the meat labeled this way is indeed from humanely-treated, free-roaming animals — which means some companies can cash in on the higher prices these products command by making false “free-range” claims. Plus, some studies find that there’s not much difference in nutrition between these specialty eggs and conventional ones — research suggests eggs from caged and cage-free animals contain similar amounts of bacteria.

Grass-Fed:
While there’s no USDA stamp of approval for products labeled ”grass-fed,” the best definition of a grass-fed animal is one that has eaten nothing but its mother’s milk, fresh grass, and hay. Look for products with an American Grassfed Association or Animal Welfare Approved stamp, which guarantee the animal was raised on a family-owned pasture or range. However, the jury is out on the health benefits of such naturally raised animals: some studies show there’s no real health advantage of grass-fed beef, while others have found grass-fed beef to contain higher levels of healthy fatty acids and antioxidants.

Pesticide-Free:
If a food product has the USDA Organic certification, it’s usually pesticide-free, too. Unfortunately, that’s not always a guarantee: studies have found that even some organic produce can contain pesticide residue. For truly pesticide-free food, look for a pesticide residue-free label.

Hormone-Free and Antibiotic-Free:
There is a long list of health concerns tied to hormone-filled meat, from prenatal developmental problems to early puberty and infertility. Though the evidence isn’t always reliable, some studies have shown growth hormones from certain foods can disrupt human hormones and can even contribute to breast and prostate cancer. Again, a USDA Organic seal assures no hormones or antibiotics were used in the organic meat. But much like “free-range,” there’s no restriction about the term “hormone-free” or “antibiotic-free.” The best bet for finding hormone-free meat is to look for the USDA Organic seal.

Natural or All-Natural:
The term “natural” may be the most dubious of all — there’s no government regulation from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or USDA for using the world on labels. “Natural” is a loose term for foods without synthetic preservatives, artificial sweeteners, and other additives. The word “natural” is only regulated when it comes to meat, since regulations require meat to have no preservatives and minimal processing. Again, food companies bank on the buzzword to bring in business— but they often over-exaggerate the claims. (Other industries aren’t immune either: cereal makers have recently been criticized for misleading the public with “all-natural” claims that don’t add up.)

Multigrain and Whole Grain:
We’ve all been told whole-wheat is healthier than the plain ol’ white, but what about all those breads and crackers toting grainy goodness? Multigrain products are made with more than one type of grain, however, these grains are typically the refined kind, meaning they’ve been stripped of the healthiest parts of the grain (the bran and germ), and are not any healthier than white bread. In fact, dyes are often added to multigrain products to make them look healthier (or like whole-grain products). Whole-grain items, on the other hand, are made from whole grains. This means they contain all the natural nutrients in grains and have not been refined. The takeaway? Opt for whole-grain over multigrain for the healthiest choice!

Gluten-Free:
Unfortunately for those who have to maintain a strict gluten-free diet due to celiac disease or gluten intolerance, all products labeled “gluten-free” aren’t always entirely free of gluten, the protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Because the FDA hasn’t yet set regulations for products labeled gluten-free, individual companies are coming up with their own definitions. Even groups offering gluten-free seals of approval (like the Gluten Free Certification Organization) choose to define the term in different ways: some products simply contain no gluten ingredients but are processed on the same equipment or in the same facility as gluten-filled products; some are tested to contain less than 20 ppm (parts per million) of gluten; and others (the most strict) are tested to assure a gluten content of less than 5 ppm. The bottom line? Proceed with caution if staying away from gluten is important to you. The good news? The FDA plans to finish writing rules for gluten-free labeling before the end of the year.

Any other food labels that leave you scratching that noggin? Share those terms with us in the comments below or tweet @greatist and we’ll see what we can do about decoding them!
Greatist is the fastest-growing fitness, health and happiness start-up. Check out more tips, expert opinion and fun times at Greatist.com.

Read more: http://healthland.time.com/2012/10/29/making-sense-of-food-labels/#ixzz2Ani99MJv

Making Sense of Food Labels | TIME.com.