Foods are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). They regulate the process of determining which foods are safe. Here, we’ve given a list of foods that are generally considered illegal in the United States. Some of them are only banned in certain states of the country.

1. Horse meat

Any type of meat must be inspected for human consumption under the Federal Meat Inspection Act. The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is a service of the USDA. Since 2006, it is not allowed to fund the inspection of the slaughter of horses for human consumption. Since the inspection can’t happen, the slaughter can’t take place either. 

The ban on horse slaughter for meat has thus become an annual debate in the Congress. Many are supporting a permanent ban on the slaughter, including the Humane Society of the United States. Some like the American Veterinary Medical Association don’t support the ban.

2. Gooseberries

The ban on gooseberries applies to the people living in the north-eastern section of the United States. New Hampshire, Delaware, Maine, and a few other states have maintained the ban. These states have banned gooseberry and black currant as some species abet a tree-killing disease. 

It is known as ‘white pine blister rust’. The north-eastern part of the country is fond of its white pines. It is due to this reason the residents want the ban to remain in force.

3. Mechanically separated (MS) beef

There’s no place in the United States where you can find mechanically separated beef. It can contain Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, which is better known as ‘mad cow disease’. MS beef is a meat product that’s in the form of a paste. It is made when meat is forced through a sieve under tremendous pressure. This separates meat tissue from the bone, but the FSIS deemed this process as unsafe.

4. Sassafras

The name sounds funny, but it’s dangerous as food. Sassafras has oils that have now been described as carcinogens. These oils were once used for flavoring all sorts of delicacies and beverages. They were even used for treating eye inflammation. It was due to its connection with cancer that sassafras was prohibited for human consumption. This was enforced by the FDA in 1960 and the ban continues even to this day.

5. Unpasteurised milk

Pasteurization is a process, in which, milk is heated to kill illness-causing bacteria. They are a cause for tuberculosis, typhoid fever, listeriosis, and several other diseases. Despite the presence of this process, many people prefer to drink milk in its raw form. This has forced many states to make it illegal to sell milk and other dairy products without pasteurization. Other states allow the selling of raw milk only on farms.

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The food that comes from animals include dairy products, eggs, poultry, fish, meat, and several others. The practice of veganism is not restricted to diet. It also prohibits the consumption of materialistic products that are made out of animals. Eating meat is not only harmful to the animals but also to the environment in general. Many people adopt a vegan lifestyle because of their love for animals. 

The popularity of vegan diet has also increased ever since the practice of dieting began. In their attempts to get healthy and stay fit, many are trying to find the most appropriate diet. Vegan diet can be quite helpful in weight reduction. It only includes the consumption of plant-based foods and food products. However, there are some major disadvantages of being a vegan as well:

1. Leaky gut

Since a vegan cannot consume any kind of animal protein, their major sources of protein are legumes. Proteins present in these plant-based sources also contain some anti-nutrients. Such anti-nutrients inhibit the absorption of important vitamins, minerals, and macro-nutrients. Lectins and phytates are the anti-nutrients present in legumes. 

They come in the way of any form of healthy absorption. As a result, intestinal permeability is increased and this leads to leaky gut. Animal proteins do not have any such anti-nutrients. The protein sources from animals absorb more of the nutrients in your body owing to this reason. 

Leaky gut is a condition which damages the lining of the small intestine through the accumulation of anti-nutrients. As a result, bacteria, toxic waste products, and undigested food particles leak through the intestine and reach the bloodstream.

2. Hormone disruption

Vegans don’t have a stable source of protein. Due to this fact, they have to find protein-rich food products. One such plant-based food is soya bean. It is rich in protein and also has several other macro-nutrients. Processed soy is mostly used by vegans as a substitute for meat. Soy is used for making soy milk or tofu. The unprocessed soya bean products are not that healthy and are not preferred by some individuals. 

Soya beans also have phytoestrogens, which increase the levels of estrogen in the human body. Women are given phytoestrogen as a supplement during their menopause. There can be a certain degree of imbalance in the body owing to an increase in estrogen levels. This creates problems in the body with regards to hormone production.

3. Lack of haemoglobin

Red meat has always been a major source of haemoglobin. Unfortunately, there are far less sources of haemoglobin available for the vegans. Most of the plant-based foods consumed by vegans have iron that lack haemoglobin. This type of iron is not absorbed by the body that readily. The vegetarian as well as vegan diets can lead to the condition of anaemia. It can lead to weakness and fatigue. 

For this reason, doctors often tell vegans to have iron supplements in their daily diet. By using these supplements, the iron deficiency in the body can be reversed. Some vegans resist the consumption of these supplements owing to their side effects. Women who are at their child-bearing age are advised by doctors to turn non-vegetarian to prevent anaemia.

4. Reduction in Omega3 fatty acid

Fish and fish oils contain omega3 fatty acid in good quantities. An increased amount of omega3 fatty acid can be unhealthy for a human body. On the other hand if the amount of the same is decreased significantly, it can have adverse effects. Decreased levels of omega3 fatty acid can lead to depression. Vegan meals don’t even contain fish oil. 

It, therefore, becomes important for them to consume omega3 fatty acid supplements. Omega3 fatty acid reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. It also reduces the risk of blood clots and maintains normal consistency in blood. There’s no vegan food substitute that can compensate fully for the absence of fish in their diet.

5. Deficiency of Vitamin B12

Animal foods are the only source of vitamin B12. Vegans are at a higher risk, therefore, of the deficiency in this vitamin. This can lead to some irreversible effects on the body. They are, therefore, advised by the doctors to consume vitamin B12 supplements to prevent certain health conditions. 

They include fatigue, anemia, constipation, weakness, and loss of appetite. Those suffering from a genetic condition called methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency are at a greater risk. This condition affects the absorption process of vitamin B. It also doesn’t allow the absorption of vitamin B12 into the body. 

It becomes difficult, therefore, for the body to fill that deficiency even by using supplements. Deficiency of vitamin B12 can lead to some serious health conditions. It affects the neurological system of the body, which eventually leads to dementia.

6. Inhibition of zinc absorption

It is also hard for vegans to obtain zinc for the body just like vitamin B12. The vegan food that contain zinc are legumes, seeds, and nuts. Plant-based food products also contain phytic acid, which inhibits zinc absorption. Phytic acid is one of those anti-nutrients that damage the small intestine’s lining.

7. Too much carbohydrate

Vegan meals not only contain anti-nutrient properties but also lack the required quantities of protein. It has been reported that people who are vegans need to increase their intake of carbohydrates. According to the suggestions, the diets of vegans don’t have many options in this regard. 

Thus they need to include carbohydrates in their diet to reach a certain level of satiety. Carbohydrates are present in certain vegan foods, such as legumes. So, the vegans end up consuming carbohydrates in more quantities, which creates imbalance in body’s metabolism. 

This can lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver and deregulation of blood sugar. It is, therefore, extremely important to have a balanced diet with ever macro-nutrient in the right amount. Unfortunately, the vegan diets fail to make this happen.

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All the misinformation spread in this manner create a lot of confusion among the public. It is the need of the hour to put such faulty information and antiquated beliefs to rest. Here are three of the biggest myths associated with nutrition:

1. Weight loss is all about ‘calories in, calories out’

There’s no denying that burning more energy than you take in creates a calorie deficit. This is an important factor in weight loss. However, it’s not the only thing that’s important. Calorie intake alone doesn’t lead to a large number of variables that might prevent weight loss. This is also true in case of a low-calorie diet. 

There are certain hormonal imbalances that lead to health conditions, such as hypothyroidism. Such conditions make weight loss a much harder process for some individuals even when they’re on a strict diet. There are other factors that come in the way of weight loss. 

Among them are genetics and certain type of medications. The ones following the ‘calories in, calories out’ concentrate only on the calories in foods. They don’t focus on the nutrient value. This makes them choose low calorie foods that are also low in nutrients. Such foods are not the best for their overall health.

2. Foods high in fat are unhealthy

This is an extremely antiquated and incorrect theory. It has been popularized to such an extent that many people still fear high fat foods. They follow the diets low in fat with a hope that they’ll cut their fat intake and make them healthier. Such individuals forget a simple fact that dietary fat is essential for a healthy body. Low-fat diets carry a greater risk of creating some health issues, such as metabolic syndrome. 

They may lead to an increase in triglyceride levels and insulin resistance, which raises the chances of heart diseases. Moreover, the diets that are high in fat are effective in encouraging weight loss. In some cases, they are more effective than the low-fat diets. All it takes is a good diet plan.

3. The most significant meal of the day is breakfast

It was once an accepted fact that breakfast was the most important meal of the day. Today, research has shown that this might not be true in case of most adults. In fact, some of the researchers have noted that forgoing breakfast can reduce calorie intake. Many individuals go for intermittent fasting, which involves skipping breakfast or having it later in the day. 

This has proven to be of great benefit for them with regards to blood sugar control and reduced inflammatory markers. One can also practice intermittent fasting by having breakfast on time as usual. Then the next meal must be the last one, but earlier in the evening. This would leave the individual with a fasting window of fourteen to sixteen hours. 

One important thing to remember is that intermittent fasting must not be done by growing children. Pregnant women and those with increased nutrient needs must avoid it as well. Intermittent fasting also doesn’t apply to those with certain health conditions.

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The production of foie gras involves force-feeding birds, which enlarges their livers. Their livers are enlarged up to 10 times their normal size. This has prompted many animal rights activists to term this process as ‘cruel’ and even ‘torturous’. The decision makers in the government had been listening to their protests. As a result, it is now banned in several places in the United States, India, and Australia.

Why is foie gras a delicacy?

Foie gras is the liver of a duck or goose, which is fattened through a labor-intensive process. It involves force-feeding the birds. This process is known as gavage. It dates back to the ancient times when domesticated geese were force-fed by the Egyptians. This practice began when they noticed that waterfowl had large, fatty livers. 

Later, they discovered that it was due to the birds eating large amounts to prepare for migration. The practice of gavage spread across the Mediterranean from Egypt. It came to France in the late 16th century. Jean-Joseph Clause, a French chef, is credited for creating the first pate de foie gras. He created it in the year 1779 and patented it four years later. 

Jean-Joseph Clause received 20 pistols for his achievement from the food-loving King Louis XVI. This food is now a staple in the French gastronomical heritage. It has a rich taste and a smooth texture. It is served most commonly as a pate with brandy, truffles, and seasonings. The dish is pureed and spread on top of a toast. It is then seared whole or cooked in a terrine. 

It is enormously priced owing to the labor involved in force-feeding the birds. A massive amount of feed is also required to create the end product. In certain cases, the geese and ducks eat 1.8 kilograms of corn feed a day.

Controversy with regards to foie gras

The controversy over foie gras has originated from the practice of gavage. In this process, the ducks and geese are force-fed by the farmers. They are forcibly given fatty corn-based feed through a tube, which is inserted into their throats. As a result, their livers grow up to 10 times the normal size. The name ‘foie gras’ means ‘fatty liver’ in the French language. 

This has become a cause of concern for the animal rights activists. When the ban came into force in New York City, the animal activists had a grand celebration. According to an animal rights activist, New York sent a clear message to foie gras producers through the ban. 

The activist mentioned that it was cruel to shove a pipe down a duck’s throat to force-feed it. The large amounts of grain diseased and enlarged the liver. Mayor Bill de Blasio was surrounded by the animal rights activists when he made foie gras ban a law.

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The healthcare providers assess the height, weight, and BMI of children and can provide some useful insights. They can tell you whether your child needs to lose or gain weight. They can also suggest dietary changes if they’re needed. Among the most important aspects of eating healthy are cutting down the amount of fat and sugar. 

Controlling the quantity of food intake is also of great importance. If the children are given low-fat or non-fat dairy products, the daily fat intake can be controlled. Foods prepared using poultry can also be beneficial. The key is to remove skin, include lean cuts of meats, and consume cereals or whole-grain breads. Children must be given fruit and veggies as snacks. 

A registered dietitian can give you the appropriate directions on how to choose and prepare foods for your family. You must make sure that you are not placing your overweight child on a restrictive diet. Here are a few other ways to develop healthy eating habits in children:

1. Instead of dictating foods, guide the choices of your family

Make a wider range of healthy foods available at home. This would help your kids learn how to make healthier choices in food. All the unhealthy choices such as soda and chips must be left at the grocery store. Another good thing to remember is that water must be served with the meals.

2. Encourage slow eating

When the children eat slowly, they can detect hunger and fullness in a better way. You must ask your child to wait a minimum of 15 minutes to see if they are still hungry. This must be done before offering a second serving of the meal. The brain would have sufficient time to register fullness if it is given time. 

It must be kept in mind that the second serving must be smaller than the first one. You can load the second serving with more veggies, if possible. 

3. Eat your meals together as a family as often as possible

You can make your mealtimes pleasant with sharing and conversations. Mealtimes are not for arguments and scolding. If the atmosphere during a meal is unpleasant, children try to eat faster to leave as soon as possible. As a result, they begin associating eating with stress. 

4. Involve your child in buying of food and preparation of meals

By involving children in buying food, you can teach them about nutrition. You can provide your children with a feeling of accomplishment by involving them in the process of preparing meals. Such activities would give you an idea about the food preferences of your children. Besides, they would be more willing to try the foods they have prepared.

5. Plan for snacks

Constant snacking results in overeating, but snacks can be planned at specific times of the day. This would make snacks a part of your child’s nutritious diet without spoiling his or her appetite during mealtimes. Snacks must be made as nutritious as possible. Your child must not be deprived of some occasional cookies or chips, especially during parties and other social events.

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It is a known fact that these foods have a negative impact on our health and can be addictive. By eating such foods regularly, kids can develop long-term health problems later in life. They include obesity and chronic illnesses. A single meal of fast food can add somewhere between 160 and 310 extra kilocalories. This is a lot more than the daily caloric intake for young children and teenagers. 

In such situations, there are greater chances of developing osteoporosis and diseases related to vitamin deficiencies. The food coloring agents and unhealthy trans fats present in many fast foods adds to the health hazards. Besides, issues related to safety while preparing such foods must also be considered. 

If fast foods are eaten more than three times a week, they increase the odds of atopic disorders. Some of the examples of such disorders are eczema and asthma. Eating junk food between 4-6 times a week would result in lower skills of math and reading in children. 

Now, let’s go through some of the health hazards that children might develop after eating fast foods:

1. Constipation

The desires of food in a child are changed by an overdose of calories, sugars, fats, and other carbohydrates. Such overdoses in repeated meals make it less likely that children would consume fruits, fibers, vegetables, and meat. This might increase the chances of developing constipation.

2. Addiction

Excessive consumption of fast food during childhood makes it hard for children to eat healthy later in life. By the time these children reach adulthood, their medical problems would already be evident. The reason is that food habits formed during childhood are solidified by adulthood. 

The taste of fast foods are very addictive. It is, therefore, unlikely that the palate will be satisfied with less spicy and complicated flavors of homemade food.

3. Poor academics

Regular consumption of fast food can seriously impact academic performance of children. This is owing to the high sugar levels impairing their concentration levels. It would become difficult for these children to complete certain tasks that require focused attention for a longer period. Fluctuations in blood sugar can also lead to mood swings, lack of alertness, and lower participation in the classroom.

4. Less energy

Regular intake of fast foods can inhibit the participation of these children in extracurricular activities. This is because fast foods don’t provide the necessary nutrients for physical activities. Lack of physical activities would keep children away from their peers. This might also impair their physical and mental health later on.

5. Depression

Obesity can lead to lower self-esteem in children and they might even go into depression. Depression can affect their growth and development leading to weakened social relationships and academic performance. It also increases the risk of developing suicidal tendencies.

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