Thursday, March 29, 2012

Aldehyde

Any of a class of reactive organic chemical compounds obtained by oxidation of primary alcohols, characterized by the common group CHO, and used in the manufacture of resins, dyes, and organic acids.

CHO: One with a carbonyl group (CdbondO) located at one end of the carbon chain.

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Acetyl-CoA

A compound, C25H38N7O17P3S, that functions as a coenzyme in many biological acetylation reactions and is formed as an intermediate in the oxidation of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

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Hydroxyl Group



Oxidation

The combination of a substance with oxygen.  A reaction in which the atoms in an element lose electrons and the valence of the element is correspondingly increased.

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HMPHP

4-Hydroxy-3-Methoxyphenyl-B-Hydroxyprpionyl CoA 

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Wednesday, March 28, 2012

β-oxidation

The oxidative degradation of saturated fatty acids in which two-carbon units are sequentially removed from the molecule with each turn of the cycle.
 

4-Hydroxy-3-Methoxyphenyl-β-Hydroxyprpionyl CoA

First to define this, CoA = Coenzyme A which is A nonproteinaceous organic substance that usually contains a vitamin or mineral and combines with a specific protein, the apoenzyme, to form an active enzyme system. 
An organic nonprotein molecule, frequently a phosphorylated derivative of a water-soluble vitamin, that binds with the protein molecule (apoenzyme) to form the active enzyme (holoenzyme).

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Feruloyl CoA

A feruloyl-CoA that results from the formal condensation of the thiol group of coenzyme A with the carboxy group of trans-feruloic acid.

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Acetyl-CoA

A compound, that functions as a coenzyme in many biological acetylation reactions and is formed as an intermediate in the oxidation of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

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Thioester

An ester formed by uniting a carboxyl group of one compound (as acetic acid) with a sulfhydryl group of another (as coenzyme A).

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Glucose

Glucose is a simple sugar that provides the body with its primary source of energy. This type of sugar comes from digesting carbohydrates into a chemical that the body can easily convert to energy. When glucose levels in the bloodstream aren't properly regulated, a person can develop a serious condition, such as diabetes.

People get most of their glucose from digesting the sugar and starch in carbohydrates. Foods such as rice, pasta, grain, potatoes and processed sweets contain carbohydrates that can be converted into glucose. The body's digestive system, using bile and enzymes, breaks down the starch and sugar in these foods into glucose. This functional form of energy then gets absorbed through the small intestine into the bloodstream. It is then carried throughout the body, providing energy for the person to perform all types of activities, such as simple movements, demanding physical exercises or even thinking.

Foods can be rated according to the glycemic index, which indicates how quickly the carbohydrates are broken down by the body and the glucose is released into the bloodstream. White bread and most breakfast cereals have a high glycemic index, which means that the carbohydrates are broken down and the body's blood-sugar levels raised more quickly. Most fruits, vegetables and nuts have low glycemic indexes. Whole-wheat products and some types of potatoes have glycemic indexes in the middle.

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Ferulic Acid

A white crystalline acid that is structurally related to vanillin and is obtained especially from plant sources (as aspen bark). 

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Coumaric Acid

Coumaric acid is a hydroxycinnamic acid, an organic compound that is a hydroxy derivative of cinnamic acid. There are three isomers, o-coumaric acid, m-coumaric acid, and p-coumaric acid, that differ by the position of the hydroxy substitution of the phenyl group. p-Coumaric acid is the most abundant isomer of the three in nature.
Together with sinapyl alcohol and coniferyl alcohols, p-coumaric acid is a major component of lignocellulose. It is biosynthesized from cinnamic acid by the action of the P450-dependent enzyme 4-cinnamic acid hydroxylase.

p-Coumaric acid can be found in a wide variety of edible plants such as peanuts, tomatoes, carrots, and garlic. It is a crystalline solid that is slightly soluble in water, but well soluble in ethanol and diethy ether.  It is also found in wine and vinegar.

p-Coumaric acid is the precursor of 4-ethylphenol produced by the yeast Brettanomyces in wine. The yeast converts this to 4-vinylphenol via the enzyme cinnemate decarboxylace. 4-Vinylphenol is further reduced to 4-ethylphenol by the enzyme vinyl phenol reductase. Coumaric acid is sometimes added to microbiological media, enabling the positive identification of Brettanomyces by smell.

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Vanillin

Vanillin is the largest flavor component of the vanilla bean. It can also be synthesized . The synthetic is identical to the natural vanillin, but much less expensive. Vanilla extract contains vanilla and many other flavor components, which make the flavor more interesting.

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Natural Vanillin is processed by:  First, the seed pods are blanched in hot water, to arrest the processes of the living plant tissues. Then, for 1–2 weeks, the pods are alternately sunned and sweated: during the day, they are laid out in the sun, and each night, wrapped in cloth and packed in airtight boxes to sweat. During this process, the pods become a dark brown, and enzymes in the pod release vanillin as the free molecule. Finally, the pods are dried and further aged for several months, during which time their flavors further develop. Several methods have been described for curing vanilla in days rather than months, although they have not been widely developed in the natural vanilla industry, with its focus on producing a premium product by established methods, rather than on innovations that might alter the product's flavor profile.

In natural extraction, since vanillin is basically the heart of the vanilla bean, is a very potent antioxident showing benefits in even possitive progress towards necrosis (or death of), cervical cancer cells.
Can also be chemically synthesized by: The biosynthesis, (the production of a chemical compound by a living organism),  of vanillin is achieved by the conversion of tyrosine into 4-coumaric acid then into ferulic acid and finally into vanillin. Vanillin is then converted into its corresponding glucose ester

The conversion of ferulic acid into vanillin is achieved by conversion of the carboxylic acid into a thioester with acetyl-CoA. The feruloyl CoA is then hydrated into 4-hydroy-3-methoxypheyl-B-hydroxyprpionyl CoA. At this point, two different pathways have been purposed for the conversion of HMPHP CoA into vanillin. One pathway is similar to the B-oxidation of fatty acid, beginning with the oxidation of the hydroxyl group, cleavage, (division), to release acetyl-CoA to form a shortened thioester and then cleavage, (division), of the thioester into an aldehyde. The other pathway contains one enzyme that would simultaneously oxidize the hydroxyl group along with the release of acetyl-CoA.

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Since synthetic vanillin is derived from wood (and some are aged in oak barrels) those with severe allergies to trees can suffer from an allergy to the flavoring.
But, how can you tell which is which? Especially in pre-made food? Check the ingredients. If the package says it contains “vanillin” or “artificial flavors,” stay away. These most likely contain the synthetic version of vanilla. Keep with packages that state the food was prepare with only natural ingredients.


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The following is the chemical strand for Vanillin, OMG!!! No wonder I'm finding this close to impossible to define. :

A vanillin:NAD+ oxidoreductase comprising the amino acid sequence
MetLeuAspValProLeuLeuIleGlyGlyGlnSerCysProAlaArgAspGlyArgThr
PheGluArgArgAsnProValThrGlyGluLeuValSerArgValAlaAlaAlaThrLeu
GluAspAlaAspAlaAlaValAlaAlaAlaGlnGlnAlaPheProAlaTrpAlaAlaLeu
AlaProAsnGluArgArgSerArgLeuLeuLysAlaAlaGluGlnLeuGlnAlaArgSer
GlyGluPheIleGluAlaAlaGlyGluThrGlyAlaMetAlaAsnTrpTyrGlyPheAsn
ValArgLeuAlaAlaAsnMetLeuArgGluAlaAlaSerMetThrThrGlnValAsnGly
GluValIleProSerAspValProGlySerPheAlaMetAlaLeuArgGlnProCysGly
ValValLeuGlyIleAlaProTrpAsnAlaProValIleLeuAlaThrArgAlaIleAla
MetProLeuAlaCysGlyAsnThrValValLeuLysAlaSerGluLeuSerProAlaVal
HisArgLeuIleGlyGlnValLeuGlnAspAlaGlyLeuGlyAspGlyValValAsnVal
IleSerAsnAlaProAlaAspAlaAlaGlnIleValGluArgLeuIleAlaAsnProAla
ValArgArgValAsnPheThrGlySerThrHisValGlyArgIleValGlyGluLeuSer
AlaArgHisLeuLysProAlaLeuLeuGluLeuGlyGlyLysAlaProLeuLeuValLeu
AspAspAlaAspLeuGluAlaAlaValGlnAlaAlaAlaPheGlyAlaTyrPheAsnGln
GlyGlnIleCysMetSerThrGluArgLeuIleValAspAlaLysValAlaAspAlaPhe
ValAlaGlnLeuAlaAlaLysValGlyThrLeuArgAlaGlyAspProAlaAspProGly
SerValLeuGlySerLeuValAspAlaSerAlaGlyThrArgIleLysAlaLeyIleAsp
AspAlaValAlaLysGlyAlaArgLeuValIleGlyGlyGlnLeuGluGlySerIleLeu
GlnProThrLeuLeuAspGlyValAspAlaSerMetArgLeuTyrArgGluGluSerPhe
GlyProValAlaValValLeuArgGlyGlyGlyGluGluAlaLeuLeuGlnLeuAlaAsn
AspSerGluPheGlyLeuSerAlaAlaIlePheSerArgAspThrGlyArgAlaLeuAla
LeuAlaGlnArgValGluSerGlyIleCysHisIleAsnGlyProThrValHisAspGlu
AlaGlnMetProPheGlyGlyValLysSerSerGlyTyrGlySerPheGlyGlyLysAla
SerIleGluHisPheThrGlnLeuArgTrpValThrLeuGlnAsnGlyProArgHisTyr
ProIle
(SEQ ID No 4) or a fragment or variant thereof.

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A lot of things are saying that this starts off as an organic compound, but the process is seriously intense, to where this is nothing more than and EXTREMELY complicated chemical.

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Smucker's Microwavable Hot Caramel Topping


Ingredients:  Sugar, Corn Syrup, Nonfat Milk, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Soybean Oil, contains 2% or less of: Fully Hydrogenated Cottonseed Oil, Molasses, Corn Starch-Modified, Natural Flavors (From Milk and Soybean, (Soybeans being one of the most Genetically Modified plants in the world)), Caramel Color, Monoglycerides, Potassium Sorbate (Preservative), Sodium Phosphate, Sodium Citrate, Salt, Xanthan Gum, Vanillin (Artificial Flavor), Yellow 6, TBHQ (Antioxidant), Red 40.

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Opinion on Smucker's Magic Shell S'mores Flavored Ice Cream Topping

Well, right off the bat, if it says it has high fructose corn syrup in it, there is no way in hades I will eat it.  First off, it just gives me a headache, and then the people that make it, first say that it's natural cause it's made from corn, and then says to the people worried that it comes from genetically modified corn, that it doesn't have enough corn DNA in it, to worry about it.  Ha ha ha, how's THAT for a contradiction? 

And again, I hate it when they add in Artificial Flavor.... Scary to think that Taurine (Cow puke), is considered a safe ingredient in food. And people look at artificial flavor as if, since the FDA says it's ok, then it must be so.  REALLY? 

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Smucker's Magic Shell S'mores Flavored Ice Cream Topping

Ingredients: Sugar, Sunflower Oil, Coconut Oil, (Sunflower and Coconut oil are some of the healthier oils), Cocoa, Bleached Wheat Flour, Chocolate, Graham Flour, contains 2% or less of: Partially hydrogenated Soybean Oil, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Dried Molasses, Salt, Soy Lecithin, Artificial Flavor, Cocoa processed with Alkali, Vanilla, Malted Barley Flour, Baking Soda, Cinnamon, Milk.


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Opinion

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Opinion on Smucker's Magic Shell Orange Creme Flavored Ice Cream Topping

Again, I gotta give them kudos for using the Coconut and Sunflower oils.  However, again, I don't find that that bit of healthy, makes up for the Yellow 6. Which I believe is a dangerous coloring, also, I always hate it when I see the generic "Natural and Artificially flavored".  I've said it before, and I'll say it again, with 14,000 additives that companies can put in foods, and people are just waking up to what these additives can do, EVEN ON THEIR OWN. And studies haven't even started on what combinations, and mixtures of these additives are doing to us.  I won't put this stuff in my mouth either.

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Smucker's Magic Shell Orange Creme Flavored Ice Cream Topping


Ingredients:  Sugar, Coconut Oil, Sunflower Oil, (Sunflower and Coconut oil are some of the healthier oils), Nonfat Dry Milk Solids, (Dry Milk), Whole Milk Solids, (Dry Milk), Reduced Mineral Whey Powder (From Milk), contains 2% or less of: Natural and Artificial Flavors, Yellow 6 lake, Soy Lecithin, Salt.

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Opinion

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Opinion on Smucker's Magic Shell Cupcake Flavor Ice Cream Topping

One thing I just can't understand, if chemicals, (and to me chemicals = pharmaceuticals), are so expensive, how are they so cheap, that they are added to foods instead of natural colors or additives?  This is no where near on a list of things I would eat. With 4 of the most dangerous food colorings added. I just don't understand.

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Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Gum Arabic

Hardened sap of the acacia tree. It is used as a stabiliser in food.

The gum is harvested commercially from wild trees throughout the Sahel from Senegal and Sudan to Somalia, although it has been historically cultivated in Arabia and West Asia. It is collected from naturally occurring extrusions on the bark.

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Though many believe that gum is primarily used for chewing, it has many other viable uses. Gum arabic is a type of gum that is used in everything from a food stabilizer to inks and textiles. It comes from the hardened sap of the Acacia Senegal and the Acacia Seyal trees.

This natural gum is usually free of color, odor, and taste. When the sap seeps from the tree and hits the air, it often hardens to form an oval the size of a pigeon's egg. It can almost be fully dissolved in its own volume of water. When sold alone, it can be in the form of syrup, powder, oil, chunks, or pellets.

Sap is grown for commercial use in Sudan, Somalia, Senegal, Arabia, Egypt, West Asia, and other countries. The sub-Saharan region has been given the moniker "the gum belt" for its high volume of gum arabic harvested. Sap trappers stimulate its flow by carefully stripping pieces of the bark once a year without injuring the tree. They are then able to extract the sap for approximately five weeks per year, ten years per tree.

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Reduced Mineral Whey Powder

Reduced Minerals Whey is obtained by the removal of a portion of the minerals from pasteurized whey. The dry product may not exceed 7% ash. Reduced minerals whey is produced by physical separation techniques such as precipitation, filtration or dialysis. The acidity of reduced minerals whey may be adjusted by the addition of safe and suitable pH-adjusting ingredients.

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Smucker's Magic Shell Cupcake Flavored Ice Cream Topping


Ingredients:  Sugar, Coconut oil, Sunflower oil, (Sunflower and Coconut oil are some of the healthier oils), Nonfat Dry Milk Solids, (Dry milk), Whole Milk Solids, (Dry milk), Reduced Mineral Whey Powder (From Milk), contains 2% or less of: Salt, Soy Lecithin, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Gum Arabic, Blue 1, Yellow 5, Red 40, Red 3.

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Opinion
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Smucker's Magic Shell Chocolate Fudge Ice Cream Topping

Ingredients: Sugar, Sunflower oil, Coconut oil, (Sunflower and Coconut oil are some of the healthier ils), Chocolate, Whole Milk Solids, (Dried milk), Cocoa  processed with Alkali, contains 2% or less of: Soy Lecithin, Salt, Vanilla.

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Opinion

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Opinion on Smucker's Magic Shell Chocolate

Although there is less processed ingredients in this version of their ice cream topping, I'm still a little leary to put it in my mouth.  When they state that they use "Chocolate" as an ingredient.  Chocolate is made many different ways, and with many different processing.  The more the processing, the less it is good for you.  So, stating just Chocolate, doesn't really tell me much.  And if they're not forthright in telling me what's in it, I'm not gonna trust 'em. 

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Cocoa

There are basically two different ways to get cocoa powder out of the beans. One, called "the Broma process," produces so-called "natural" cocoa. This is reddish-brown and very bitterly flavored. In my experience, most of the cocoa powder on the market is "natural."

The other process is called "the Dutch process," because it was invented by a Dutch chocolatier in the 19th century. It involves using an alkali to extract the chocolate. An alkali (also called a base) is the opposite of an acid -- it has a high pH instead of a low one. A very strong alkali with which you may be familiar is lye. A weaker alkali, that you use all of the time, is baking soda.

Cocoa produced with the Dutch process is called "Dutch-processed cocoa," or "cocoa processed with alkali." It is a darker brown in color, less reddish. Its taste is smoother and less bitter.

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Cocoa beans processed with alkali loses the flavonoids and antioxidants found in raw cocoa nibs or very dark chocolate (think 85% cocoa).

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Smucker's Magic Shell Chocolate Ice Cream Topping


Ingredients:  Sugar, Sunflower oil, Coconut oil, (Sunflower and Coconut oil are some of the healthiest oils), Cocoa, Chocolate, contains 2% or less of: Cocoa processed with Alkali, Soy lecithin, Salt, Vanilla, Milk.

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Opinion
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Monday, March 26, 2012

Opinion on Smucker's Magic Shell Caramel Flavored Topping

I do like that they used 2 of the healthiest oils in this product.  However, I don't think that takes away from the usage of 3 of the scariest colorings out there.  And with over 14,000 additives that can go into food these days, without any warning "Natural and Artificial flavors" is just too general a term for me.  What flavors were used?  What's in them?  And if colors like Blue 2 lake is KNOWN to have bad effects... what are the effects of these other "flavors" they're adding?  And do their effects, counter with the effects of the Blue 2 lake?  Or others?  Just too much in the air with this for me...  Nothing I would want to put in my mouth.

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Smucker's Magic Shell Caramel Naturally & Artificially Flavored Topping


Ingredients:  Sugar, Sunflower oil, Coconut oil, (Sunflower and Coconut oil are some of the healthiest oils), Whole Milk solids, (dry milk), contains 2% or less of:  Cocoa, Soy lecithin, Salt, Natural and Artificial flavor, Yellow 5 lake, Yellow 6 lake, and Blue 2 lake.


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Opinion
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Saturday, March 24, 2012

Opinion on Janey Lou's Peanut Butter Bar

Ok, I would be lying if I said I've never eaten this before.  I have.  And quite honestly, was hooked on them a few years back.  Very yummy. 

After looking at the ingredients, I will probably stop.  And never eat another one.  The reason? Well, because personally, although it does seem to have quite a few good ingredients in it, I love that it has real oats, and peanuts.  I think it's awesome when a company decides to stay away from the chemicals... I don't think this one has... Although it adds Beta Carotene for color, which I think is infinitely better than ANY artificial color that is out there. And I gotta give them kudos for that.  And I love that they add vitamins, however, I don't think it outweighs the anti-freeze additive.  Personally, I find that poisoning.  And the thing I dislike the most about processed foods.  These chemicals that they add, I believe, are poison.  Just my opinion.

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Beta Carotene

Beta-carotene is a substance from plants that the body converts into vitamin A. It also acts as an antioxidant and an immune system booster. 

It helps prevent night blindness and other eye problems, skin disorders, enhance immunity, protects against toxins and cancer formations, colds, flu, and infections. It is an antioxidant and protector of the cells while slowing the aging process.

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Friday, March 23, 2012

Vitamin D3

Vitamin D3 is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in very few foods.  It is also produced endogenously, (through the skin), when ultraviolet rays from sunlight strike the skin and trigger vitamin D synthisis.  It is essential for promoting calcium absorption in the gut. Without sufficient Vitamin D3, bones can become thin, brittle or misshapen. 

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Palmitate

An antioxidant and a vitamin A compound that is added to low-fat and fat-free milk to replace the vitamin content lost through the removal of milk fat. Palmitate (more formally known as retinyl palmitate) contains palmitic acid, a 16-carbon saturated fatty acid, which is the major fatty acid found in palm oil.

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It is a synthetic vitamin A.  Can cause nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite and stomach pains.  You may see significant hair loss, dry lips, itchy lips or skin that is cracking, flaking, peeling, significantly dry or itchy.

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Propylene glycol

Is a colourless, viscous hygroscopic liquid used in anti-freeze solutions, brakes and hydrolic fluid, de-icer, paints and coatings, floor wax, laundry detergents, pet foods, tobacco, cosmetics, toothpaste, shampoos, deoderants, lotions, and processed foods.

It helps retain moisture content, and prevents things from drying out.

By JUST TOUCHING IT, it can cause, dermatitis, kidney damage, and liver abnormalities. Can also inhibit skin cell growth, and damage cell membranes causing rashes, dry skin, and surface damage.

May be harmful by inhalation, digestion, or skin absorption. Exposure can cause Gastro-Intestinal disturbance, nausea, headache and vomiting, and central nervous system depression. 

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Hygroscopic: Readily absorbing moisture, as from the atmosphere.

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Invert Sugar

Invert sugar is created by combining a sugar syrup with a small amount of acid (such as cream of tartar or lemon juice) and heating. This inverts, or breaks down, the sucrose  into its two components, glucose and fructose, thereby reducing the size of the sugar crystals. Because of its fine crystal structure, invert sugar produces a smoother product and is used in making candies such as fondant, and some syrups.

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This is as dangerous as sugar, as long as the acid is not chemical.

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Reduced Iron

Iron is a mineral found in every cell of the body. Iron is considered an essential mineral because it is needed to make part of blood cells.  Iron also makes up part of many proteins in the body.  For some reason it's very hard to gain information on the reduced part.  But from what I'm understanding, it's because the amount of iron in the iron that they add, is smaller than .03%.

Source is me.

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Janey Lou's Peanut Butter Bar





Ingredients:  Wheat flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Sugar, Invert sugar, Cane molasses, (which is the normal Blackstrap Molasses you would find in a grocery store), Peanuts, Dextrose, Liquid/Partially and fully Hydrogenated vegetable oil (rape seed, (See Canola oil), Cottonseed and Soybean), Oats, Eggs, Water, Salt, Milk, Sodium Bicarbonate, (Baking soda), 2% or less- Cocoa, Propylene glycol, Artificial flavor, Caramel color, Palmitate, Vitamin D3, Sodium Phosphate, Citric acid (to preserve color), Niacin, Corn syrup, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Enzyme, (energized protein molecules), (improves yeast baking), Folic Acid, Vegetable Mono and Diglycerides, Sodium benzoate (A preservative), Beta Carotene (color), Vitamin A Palmitate added.

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My daughter recently told me that I she read some of my entries, and they seemed a bit confusing, she didn't know whether I liked the product or disliked it.  I let her know that I was trying to keep unbiased on purpose.  She however, says I should add an opinion on what I think of the product.  I will add those opinions as an option to click on.  I know some people probably wouldn't appreciate them, because they would think of them as judgemental, I'm not judging what anyone is eating.  Just saying what I'd rather, or rather not eat.  Up to you if you wanna hear the opinion...  So, from here on out, there will be a link called, Opinion, in honor of my kiddo.


Opinion

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Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Hungry Jack Easy Mash'd Cheesy Supreme Mashed Potatoes


Ingredients: Potato (dry), Salt, Maltodextrin, Cheese flavor [Cheddar cheese (Pasturized milk, Cheese culture, Salt, Enzymes), Whey, Buttermilk solids, Salt, Sodium phosphate, contains less than 2%: Lactic acid, Yellow 5, Yellow 6]. Contains 2% or less of:  Shortening powder (Palm oil, Corn syrup solids, Sodium caseinate, Dipotassium phosphate, (see Phosphoric acid), Monoglycerides), Sour cream [(Cream, Nonfat milk, Cultures), Cultured nonfat milk, Citric acid and Tocopherols and Ascorbyl Palmitate (Preservative)], Partially hydrogenated vegetable oil (Soybean, Cottonseed), Cheese flavor [Blue and Cheddar cheese (Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes,) Whey, Sodium phosphate, Salt, Lactic acid], Enzyme modified milk, Natural flavors, Vegetable Mono and Diglycerides, Garlic, Spice and Coloring, Sugar, Artificial color, Onion, Lactic acid, Canola oil (Preserved with Citric acid acid and BHT, Xanthan gum, Sodium acid pyrophosphate, Citric acid.  Freshness preserved with Sodium Bisulfite, BHA, BHT.


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Hungry Jack Easy Mash'd Roasted Garlic 'n Skins Mashed Potatoes


Ingredients: Potato (dry), Salt, Vegetable shortening powder (Partially hydrogenated soybean oil, Lactose, Sodium caseinate, Dipotassium phosphate (see Phosphoric acid)), Maltodextrin, Enzyme modified milk, contains 2% or less of: Sugar, Garlic, Partially hydrogenated vegetable oil (Soybean, Cottonseed), Artificial flavor, Vegetable Mono and Diglycerides, Artificial color, Onion, Canola oil, (Preserved with Citric acid and BHT), Parsley flakes, Spice and Coloring, Sodium acid pyrophosphate, Garlic, Bleached wheat flour, Malted barley flour, Citric acid.  Freshness preserved with Sodium bisulfite, BHA and BHT.

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Hungry Jack Easy Mash'd Premium Homestyle Mashed Potatoes


Ingredients: Potato (dry), Vegetable shortening powder (Partially hydrogenated soybean oil, Lactose, Sodium caseinate, Dipotassium phosphate (see Phosphoric acid), Salt, Maltodextrin, Enzyme modified milk, contains 2% or less of: Partially hydrogenated vegetable oil (Soybean, Cottonseed), Natural and Artificial flavor, Vegetable Mono and Diglycerides, Artificial colors, Canola oil (preserved with Citric acid, BHT), Sodium acid pyrophosphate, Citric acid, Spice and Coloring, Bleached wheat flour, Malted barley flour. Freshness preserved with Sodium bisulfite, BHA and BHT.


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Hungry Jack Easy Mash'd Creamy Butter Mashed Potatoes


Ingredients: Potato (dry), Salt, Vegetable shortening powder (Partially hydrogenated soybean oil, Lactose, Sodium caseinate, Dipotassium phosphate, (see Phosphoric acid)), Maltodextrin, contains 2% or less of Enzyme modified milk, Sugar, Partially hydrogenated vegetable oil (Soybean, Cottonseed), Artificial color, Natural and Artificial flavor, vegetable Mono and Diglycerides, Canola oil (preserved with Citric Acid and BHT, Onion, Sodium acid pyrophosphate, Bleached wheat flour, Malted barley flour, Citric acid.  Freshess preserved with Sodium bisulfite, BHA, BHT.


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Palm Oil

Edible plant oils derived from the fruits of palm trees. Palm oil is extracted from the pulp of the fruit of the oil palm Elaeis guineensis; palm kernel oil is derived from the kernel (seed) of the oil palm.

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Commendably, many food processors are seeking alternatives to partially hydrogenated oil so they can eliminate the trans fat from their products.  Palm oil is highly attractive both because of its taste and cooking properties and because it's about one-third cheaper than soybean oil (partly because oil palm plants yield 10 time more pounds of oil per acre than soybeans.


That finding indicates that, in terms of blood cholesterol, palm oil is somewhat more harmful than the average U.S. dietary fat and far more harmful than such liquid oils as olive, soy, and canola. It is worth noting, though, that some of the same and other researchers recognize that under certain experimental conditions palm oil does not appear to have untoward effects on cholesterol.


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Ascorbyl Palmitate

Ascorbyl Palmitate is a highly bioavailable, fat-soluble derivative of ascorbic acid. It possesses all the benefits of vitamin C but unlike the water-soluble form, is able to be stored in the fat cells until the body is ready to put it to use. It is derived from corn dextrose fermentation and palm oil.


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Tocopherol

A fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for normal reproduction; an important antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals in the body.

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Natural mixed tocopherols (forms of vitamin E), can help maintain the freshness and shelf life of products. They are a natural alternative to synthetic antioxidants, such as BHT, BHA and TBHQ. One benefit is that consumer-friendly label claims and ingredient legends declaring “Natural vitamin E added to preserve freshness” or “Natural vitamin E added to protect flavor” can be used.

Mixed tocopherols are resistant to high temperature food processing steps, and have low volatility and good solubility in fats and oils. They have been tested in many applications including baked goods, cereals, dehydrated potatoes, nuts and fried noodles (ramen) and in foods such as meat and egg products and tuna fillets.

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According to my sources, it seems that there are many different forms of this, tocopherols are the more natural forms of vitamin E, as opposed to Tocotreinols. Natural sources of Vitamin E are helpful in skin, hair and nail health.


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Cultured Dairy Products

Bacteria are living organisms that need food,water, and warm temperature to grow. When bacteria are in this type of environment and they grow, it is called a culture. Certain bacteria, when cultured in milk, feed on the sugar there and produce an acid called lactic acid. This process, known as fermentation, changes the flavor and texture of the milk. Different bacteria are chosen for each type of cultured milk product according to the flavor and texture desired.





B-Phenylethylamine HCI

B-Phenylethylamine HCL is a chemical which is related to the well known family of amphetamines and is thought to raise blood pressure and blood glucose levels. Since the two primary actions of Beta Phenylethylamine HCL is to raise sugar levels and the blood pressure, on taking Beta Phenylethylamine HCL one experiences a sense of well being and contentment as well as being more alert. Beta Phenylethylamine HCL also helps to focus the mood and concentration.

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Found in chocolate.  Giving twice the stimulant effect of caffeine. Works as an amphetamine.

Phenylethylamine HCL acts to increase dopamine levels within the brain as well as block the action of dopamine transmitters. This dual action effect causes a large build up of dopamine within the brain if exposure beyond the blood brain barrier is not terminated or otherwise controlled. Those with attention deficit disorder have been found to have lowered dopamine levels while patients with schizophrenia have been shown to have elevated dopamine levels. This fact reaffirms the severe effect of phenylethylamine HCL beyond the blood brain barrier on human biochemistry.  A five- to 15-minute half life is all that is usually observed within human beings as phenylethylamine HCL is very quickly metabolized in the body.

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The basic form of phenylethylamine HCL can be derived naturally from dietary sources such as chocolate, however food sources such as this are metabolized too quickly to significantly affect the chemistry of the body. As a dietary supplement, Phenylethylamine is a monoamine alkaloid that works in the human brain either as a neuromodulator [a substance other than a neurotransmitter, conveying information that is released from a neuron at a synapse over a region of neurons] or a neurotransmitter [the brains chemicals that amplify, relay, and modulate electrical signals between a neuron and another cell].

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Monoamine Alkaloid:  An alkaloid that contains one amino group connected to an aromatic ring by a two-carbon chain. All monoamines are derived from aromatic amino acids.

Side effects include:  Nausea, dehydration, constipation, sleep complications, and cardiovascular issues. 

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Vanadium Chelate

Vanadium is a compound found in tiny amounts in plants and animals. Moreover vanadium is a trace mineral that is present in many foods and may be essential, in small amounts, in the body.

Vanadium supplementation has shown positive effect in for the treatment of diabetes, cancer and heart disease.


A metallic element used in the manufacture of vanadium steel. Prolonged exposure can lead to chronic intoxication caused by absorption usually via the lungs. 


Helpful for promoting healthy carbohydrate metabolism. IN TRACE AMOUNTS.



Green Tea Extract

Green tea is made from unfermented leaves and reportedly contains the highest concentration of powerful antioxidants called polyphenols.  Antioxidants such as polyphenols in green tea can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause. 

Results from one animal study suggest that polyphenols in green tea may block cholesterol from being absorbed in the intestine and also help the body get rid of cholesterol. In another small study of male smokers, researchers found that green tea significantly reduced blood levels of harmful LDL cholesterol.

Early clinical studies suggest that the polyphenols in tea, especially green tea, may play an important role in the prevention of cancer. Researchers also believe that polyphenols help kill cancerous cells and stop them from growing.

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Geranax

Finding a ton of information on how to get it, but not much on what it really is.  So far, I'm finding that it's an extract from geraniums. Also finding that it helps to get rid of boils.

It’s also a mild stimulant and appetite suppressant, and has a safety profile similar to that of caffeine.

This ingredient may cause a positive result on a drug test for amphetamines. It may raise blood pressure and heart rate. There have been cases of stroke.

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Ok, this one seems to be a scary one.

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Dark Chocolate

Chocolate is made from plants, which means it contains many of the health benefits of dark vegetables. These benefits are from flavonoids, which act as antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the body from aging caused by free radicals, which can cause damage that leads to heart disease. Dark chocolate contains a large number of antioxidants (nearly 8 times the number found in strawberries). Flavonoids also help relax blood pressure and balance certain hormones in the body.

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Also showing that dark UNPROCESSED chocolate, helps your heart.  It shows that the flavenoids are diminished, the more chocolate is processed.

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Lo Han Extract

Luo han guo is a very sweet fruit found in China.  Extracts of luo han guo (also spelled Luo han kuo or lo han kuo) are now being maketed as a sweetner.  Lo han kuo is the fruit of Momordica grosvenori, a plant cultivated in the mountains of southern China.  It offers a pleasant, sweet taste without elevating blood sugar.

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Stevia Extract

Extracts of the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni plant are used to sweeten food and beverages in South America, Japan and China with no known side effects.  In the small dosages normally ingested by the average consumer, stevia is not likely to have much of an effect, positive or negative, on health.

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Some users of Stevia have reported dizzy spells, although this doesn’t appear to be a long-term hazard. Bloating, nausea, and mild gas–more common and not very fun side effects. Other users have reported mild muscle pains.

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Grape Skin Extract

After the grape juice itself has been squeezed from the grape skin of the red or purple grape, a process of aqueous extraction, or extraction by water to put it more simply, is then performed upon the grape skin itself, giving us what is known as grape skin extract.  Grape skin extract contains the same components as grape juice itself but in different quantities. The appearance of grape skin extract is as a purplish red liquid.

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The primary clinical indications are the treatment of vascular disorders.  Moderately high amounts of grape seed extract may blunt salt-sensitive hypertension, and may be helpful as an antioxidant in smokers.  Chemicals found in grape seeds may help ward off skin cancer due to regular exposure to the sun.

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Beet Root Extract

Beetroot juice is taken for many purposes, from aphrodisiac use to boosting exercise capacity to supporting liver and eye health. The supplement is rich in vitamin C, magnesium, manganese, potassium, bioflavonoids and beta-carotene. A concentrated beetroot extract, called betaine, is taken to maximize liver detoxification, to boost natural production of hormones in the body that promote the feelings of well-being and relaxation.

Excessive consumption of beetroot should be avoided due to the potential for copper and iron accumulation.

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It is also stating that extended use can discolor urine and blood.  Being that it's beets, and those can stain the heck out of just about anything, it makes sense.  It also states that these discolorations aren't anything to be alarmed by.

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Chromium

Chromium is a mineral that humans require in trace amounts.  Chromium is known to enhance the action of insulin, a hormone critical to the metabolism and storage of carbohydrate, fat, and protein in the body. Chromium also appears to be directly involved in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism.

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There is some evidence that chromium supplements may help people with diabetes lower blood sugar levels.  Studies have been mixed, with some finding that chromium may help people lose weight and build muscle, and others finding that it had no effect.  Animal studies suggest that chromium may help lower blood pressure. 

Clinical studies about whether chromium can lower cholesterol have been mixed. Some suggest that chromium may lower LDL or bad cholesterol, including one study that combined chromium with grape seed extract. In another study, people who were taking beta-blockers found that taking chromium raised their HDL or good cholesterol levels.

One small study found that chromium picolinate improved symptoms of depression in people with atypical depression. But a larger study found that chromium didn' t help. More research is needed.

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Oxypregnane Steroidal Glycoside

Known to be responsible for the appetite suppressing activity of hoodia gordonii, a dietary supplement used for weight loss.

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Hoodia gordonii is a low-growing succulent South American plant easily recognized by its projecting spines and the aroma of its flowers, which smell like spoiled meat. For centuries, this plant has been used locally as an appetite suppressant. According to the South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, the active ingredient in the plant is an oxypregnane steroidal glycoside dubbed P57AS3, or simply P57.

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Thus far, there have not been any reports in the medical literature regarding significant hoodia side effect but high dosages could lead to an increase in blood pressure and heart rate.  

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Alpha Lipoic Acid

Alpha lipoic acid is manufactured by the body and is found in small amounts in several foods. These include spinach, broccoli, peas, Brewer's yeast, Brussels sprouts, rice bran, potatoes and organ meats (kidney, heart and liver).

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Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant that is made by the body and is found in every cell, where it helps turn glucose into energy. In several studies, alpha-lipoic acid appears to help lower blood sugar levels. Its ability to kill free radicals may help people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, who have pain, burning, itching, tingling, and numbness in arms and legs from nerve damage.  Because alpha-lipoic acid can pass easily into the brain, it may help protect the brain and nerve tissue. Researchers are investigating it as a potential treatment for stroke and other brain problems involving free radical damage, such as dementia.

Alpha-lipoic acid hasn' t been studied in pregnant or breastfeeding women, so researchers don' t know if it' s safe.  Side effects are generally rare and may include skin rash.  Alpha-lipoic acid can lower blood sugar levels. Animal studies suggest that people who don' t get enough thiamine (vitamin B1) should not take alpha-lipoic acid.

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Garcinia Cambogia

Garcinia cambogia is a small fruit that resembles a miniature pumpkin. It is indigenous to India and parts of Asia, and an extract from its fruit and rind is popular in many natural weight loss products. The extract is hydroxycitric acid (HCA), claimed to suppress appetite and enhance fat-burning. Animal research supports these claims, but subsequent human trials have been equivocal.

The theory behind garcinia cambogia is that HCA inhibits an enzyme called citrate lyase that helps turns excess carbohydrates into fat. By inhibiting this enzyme, it is believed the body instead boosts carbohydrate oxidation, or simply put, burns the extra carbs. In extensive animal studies, garcinia cambogia was found to reduce food intake by suppressing appetite, as well as to decrease body fat. Human trials have been less clear. While some double-blind studies using garcinia cambogia and a placebo showed the HCA group as doubling or tripling weight loss over a 12-week period as compared to the control group, other studies showed a less promising result.

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Some over-enthusiastic patients who took it in excess found some side effects like diarrhea or some laxative effect, vomiting and abdominal pain.  It has not been studied in pregnant ladies for its safety. So better to avoid it.  Same with breastfeeding mothers.  Testicular atrophy, (when the Ni Ners shrink), is a kind of toxicity that is present only at higher dosage that falls under toxic dosage and not under the therapeutic dose range.  

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Clorogenic Acid

Chlorogenic acid is a common dietary polyphenol found in many plants including certain fruits, green tea and green coffee bean. Chlorogenic acids are major secondary metabolites found in coffee seeds.  Because green coffee is a major source of chlorogenic acids, it has been used for production of nutraceuticals. Our study shows that the major chlorogenic acids compounds present in green coffee are highly absorbed and metabolized in humans. 

In a second, comparative, randomized, double-blind, 12-week study we investigated the effect on the body mass of 30 overweight people, compared with normal instant coffee. The average losses in mass in the chlorogenic acid enriched and normal instant coffee groups were 5.4 and 1.7 kg, respectively. We conclude that chlorogenic acid enriched instant coffee appears to have a significant effect on the absorption and utilization of glucose from the diet. This effect, if the coffee is used for an extended time, may result in reduced body mass and body fat when compared with the use of normal instant coffee.

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Works in two ways as a powerful anti-oxidant reducing free oxygen radicals.  Helps to regulate the body's metabolism by inhibiting glucose 6 phosphate.  Increases Stamina by stimulating the production of cortisone and adrenalin.  Can increase the effectiveness of pain killers, especially for migraine medications.  Can help to reduce the risk of diabetes, studies report 30% in women and over 50% in men.  Helps the body burn a higher proportion of lipids to carbohydrates, which can help avoid muscle fatigue.

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The only downsides I'm finding for this, is there is sometimes a laxative effect.  And it says it gets the heart rate going.  But it also says that it helps the heart as it's doing this. 

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Plexus Slim



I'm doing this one for a friend of mine.  When she sent me the trial, I was honestly ready to shoot down all the bad stuff in it, but instead, I'm pretty impressed.  This one's for you, Miss Sonda. You can contact her here. Although, I didn't check in closely on the accelerator, there are some things in there, that I find questionable.

Ingredients:  Plexus Slim:  Clorogenic acid (plant extract), Citrin K (Garcinia Cambogia), Alpha lipoic acid, Oxypregane steroidal glycoside (plant extract), Chromium (Amino nicotinate GTF), Low glycemic index Maltodextrin, Citric acid, Natural flavors, Beet root and Grape skin extract, Stevia extract, Lo han extract.

Ingredients: Accelerator: Dark Chocolate, Geranax, Natural caffeine, Green tea extract, Vanadium chelate, B-phenylethylamine hci.

My source is the packaging on a 3-day trial pack.

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Sunday, March 18, 2012

Hungry Jack Easy Mash'd Hearty Baked Mashed Potatoes


Ingredients:  Potato (dry), Salt, Maltodextrin, Vegetable shortening powder (Partially hydrogenated soybean oil, Lactose, Sodium caseinate, Dipotassium phosphate (see Phosphoric acid)), contains 2% or less of: Sour cream powder [Sour cream (Cream, Nonfat milk, cultures), Cultured Nonfat milk, Citric acid, and Tocopherols and Ascorbyl Palmitate (to help protect flavor)], Enzyme modified milk, Imitation bacon (Textured vegetable protein (Soy flour, Caramel color, Red 3), Soybean oil, Water, Salt, Artificial flavoring (Hydrolyzed (decomposition of a chemical compound by reaction with water), Corn- Soy- Wheat protein, Autolyzed yeast extract, Partially hydrogenated soybean/cottonseed oils, Thiamin hydrochloride, Dextrose, Disodium inosinate, Disodium guanylate, Artificial flavor), Sugar, Natural smoke flavors, [Caramel color, Corn syrup, Maple syrup, (from trees)], Sugar Partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, (Soybean, Cottonseed), Artificial flavor, Vegetable Mono and Diglycerides, Artificial color, Spice and Coloring, Onion, Bacon type flavor, Whey, Cheddar cheese and Blue cheese powder, (Cultured milk, Salt, Enzymes), Reduced lactose whey, Maltodextrin, Canola oil, Salt, Disodium phosphate (see Phosphoric acid), Nonfat milk, Citric acid, Artificial color, (yellow 5, and Yellow 6), Chives, Canola oil, (preserved with Citric acid and BHT), Lactic acid, Sodium acid pyrophosphate, Citric acid. Freshness preserved with Sodium bisulfite, BHA, BHT.

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Canola Oil

Canola was originally a trademark, but is now a generic term for edible varieties of rapeseed oil.  The word “rape” in rapeseed comes from the Latin word “rapum,” meaning turnip.  Canola oil is made at a processing facility by slightly heating and then crushing the seed. Almost all commercial grade canola oil is then refined using hexane.

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Hexane: Hexanes are significant constituents of gasoline.

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Modified Milk


Modified milk ingredients is an umbrella term for a variety of milk ingredients such as casein or whey.  Since milk may undergo changes during the processing of foods, with some of it's components concentrated or removed, it cannot be called milk on the label.



Light to medium tan liquid, paste, or powder with strong fatty acid odor and flavor.





Pasturize

To expose (a food, as milk, cheese, yogurt, beer, or wine) to an elevated temperature for a period of time sufficient to destroy certain microorganisms, as those that can produce disease or cause spoilage or undesirable fermentation of food, without radically altering taste or quality.

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