Cherry Farmers and FDA Cherry farmers have been denied their God-given and constitutionally secured Right to freedom of speech to simply speak the truth about the health benefits of their produce. The clear implication is, if you are selling a food that has any health benefit, you must not speak that truth in a public forum. It does not matter how much scientific research has been done or that it may be a historically accepted fact, if you dare utter such words, ordinary fruit will miraculously become a "drug".
What happens next is even more unbelievable. The illusionists and other gangsters at the FDA then claim since your cherries are now "drugs", the FDA has regulatory authority over them and therefore you must be licensed to sell these drugs. If you do not obtain a license to sell this "new drug", jack-booted thugs working for this federal corporation agency may then steal your produce and your business in order to protect the public from these dangerous "drugs". The catch 22 is, even if it were an honest and just system, the licensing process for "new drugs" is generally so expensive that few if any small companies or farmers can ever afford to engage this process. The real reason for this insanity is very simple and very clear. What we are witnessing is a corrupt and disingenuous system designed primarily to protect the interests of the pharmaceutical industry; not to protect the health of the "public". Read Featured Articles (Below ________________________
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FDA Threatens To Raid Cherry Orchards By William Faloon As Americans struggle to eat a healthier diet, the FDA has taken draconian steps to suppress information about foods that reduce disease risk.
While various agencies of the federal government encourage us to eat more fruits and vegetables, the FDA has issued an edict that precludes cherry companies from posting scientific data on their websites. This censorship of published peer-reviewed studies denies consumers access to information that could be used to make wiser food choices.
Tobacco products kill 450,000 Americans each year. Few people understand, however, that poor dietary habits are responsible for more deaths than tobacco. Considering the plethora of toxic foods advertised on television, it is easy to understand why so many consumers eat themselves to death. Just imagine if all you ate is what you saw advertised in the mass media.
The government stopped protecting the tobacco companies long ago, but the FDA continues to take actions that steer Americans away from certain fruits and vegetables that have proven disease-preventive effects.
FDA Intimidates Cherry Growers There is not much profit in selling fresh fruits and vegetables. Growers of such foods cannot afford to advertise their produce in a meaningful way. Fortunately, the advent of the Internet has allowed cherry growers to enlighten the public about scientific studies showing that nutrients contained in cherries have significant health benefits.2-15 Until recently, consumers could learn of the health benefits of cherries just by logging on to a cherry company's website. Some individuals might be impressed enough with this data to actually buy cherries at the grocery store instead of trans fat-laden snacks being advertised every second in the mass media.
On October 17, 2005, the FDA banned information about cherries' health benefits from appearing on websites.16,17 The FDA sent warning letters to 29 companies that market cherry products. In these letters, the FDA ordered the companies to stop publicizing scientific data about cherries.18 According to the FDA, when cherry companies disseminate this information, the cherries become unapproved drugs subject to seizure. The FDA warns that if those involved in cherry trafficking continue to inform consumers about these scientific studies, criminal prosecutions will ensue.17
Why Americans Don't Eat More Fruit The processed food industry has earned enormous profits by loading cheap and dangerous foods with sugar, salt, preservatives, trans fats, saturated fats, and other unhealthy byproducts. Processed foods taste good to most people and are quite inexpensive compared to fresh produce. In order to convince the public to switch from toxic foods that damage the arterial wall, mutate DNA, and induce age-related disease, those who sell fresh fruits need to inform the public about the benefits scientists have discovered about plant foods.19-37
Fresh fruit can be expensive and it spoils relatively quickly. Many consumers have developed a taste addiction to processed foods, and find it challenging to switch to a healthier diet that costs more and is not as pleasing to the palate.
By censoring scientific information about cherries, the FDA is in effect shutting down an opportunity for more Americans to learn about the remarkable health benefits that have been discovered about this fruit.
Do Cherries Prevent Cancer? In a warning letter to Friske Orchards of Ellsworth, MI, the FDA recites the following information contained on this orchard's website:38
"Tart cherries may reduce the risk of colon cancer because of the anthocyanins and cyanidin contained in the cherry."
The FDA goes on to say in its warning letter:
"These claims cause your product to be a drug as defined in section 201(g) . . . Because this product is not generally recognized as safe and effective when used as labeled, it is also defined as a new drug in section 201(p) . . . Under section 505 of the Act (21 USC 355), a new drug may not be legally marketed in the United States without an approved New Drug Application . . ."
As you will read in the article titled "Why Is the FDA Picking on Cherries?" we reveal the data that substantiate the cancer-preventive and other health benefits that scientists have discovered about cherries.
Interestingly, the FDA is not denying the veracity of this information. Instead, it insists that a new drug application has to be approved before the public can be informed about the scientific data supporting cherries. The FDA also asserts, without any basis, that cherries "have not been recognized as safe and effective when used as labeled."38 According to the FDA's interpretation of the law, cherry growers are engaged in criminal conduct by relaying findings that have been published in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Whether you or other Americans develop cancer does not appear to be a consideration of an agency whose written mission statement includes the following:
"The FDA is responsible for advancing the public health by helping to speed innovations that make medicines and foods more effective, safer, and more affordable; and helping the public get the accurate, science-based information they need to use medicines and foods to improve their health."39
As Life Extension documented many years ago, the FDA does the opposite of what it pretends to do. Instead of "helping the public get the accurate, science-based information they need to use foods to improve their health," the FDA has gone to extreme lengths to deny American citizens the right to learn about scientific studies substantiating the health benefits discovered about cherries (and other fruits).
A Medical Atrocity! In November 2004, Dr. David Graham, associate director for science at the FDA's Office of Drug Safety, testified before Congress that Vioxx� had caused 88,000 to 139,000 excess cases of heart attack and stroke.40 Dr. Graham severely criticized his own employer (the FDA) for intentionally covering up information about the lethal side effects of Vioxx�.
As you will read in this month's issue, the FDA is greatly concerned that cherry companies are disseminating scientific data showing that cherries are more effective than FDA-approved drugs in alleviating arthritis inflammation and pain.
The FDA is willing to throw cherry growers in jail for suggesting that their fruit may safely alleviate arthritis discomfort, yet the irrefutable facts are that the FDA intentionally concealed the dangers of Vioxx� for years, thereby causing the needless death of tens of thousands of Americans. Who are the real criminals here?
The FDA says it is responsible for "protecting the public health" by assuring the safety of drugs. It does not take much brainpower to see that the FDA's purported mission is nothing more than a hoax to protect the economic interests of the pharmaceutical giants.
It would appear that the FDA is concerned that if too many arthritis sufferers discover that eating cherries could alleviate inflammation and pain, the multibillion-dollar market for anti-inflammatory drugs would be detrimentally affected. Pharmaceutical industry profits have been spared for the moment by the flagrant acts perpetrated against cherry companies by the FDA.
Congress Recognizes Problems with FDA As this nation faces a worsening health care crisis that threatens to bankrupt corporations, aging adults, and the government itself, members of Congress are becoming incensed that the FDA is suppressing proven methods to prevent and treat disease.
On November 10, 2005, a bill was introduced in the United States House of Representatives that would prohibit the FDA from denying consumers access to truthful health information. The name of this bill is the Health Freedom Protection Act (H.R. 4282).41
The original sponsors of this bill introduced it by exposing the FDA's inappropriate censorship of life-saving scientific information. Here is an excerpt from this historic speech:
Because of the FDA's censorship of truthful health claims, millions of Americans may suffer with diseases and other health care problems they may have avoided by using dietary supplements. For example, the FDA prohibited consumers from learning how folic acid reduces the risk of neural tube defects for four years after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended every woman of childbearing age take folic acid supplements to reduce neural tube defects. This FDA action contributed to an estimated 10,000 cases of preventable neural tube defects!
The FDA also continues to prohibit consumers from learning about the scientific evidence that glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are effective in the treatment of osteoarthritis; that omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of sudden death heart attack; and that calcium may reduce the risk of bone fractures.
The Health Freedom Protection Act will force the FDA to at last comply with the commands of Congress, the First Amendment, and the American people by codifying the First Amendment standards adopted by the federal courts. Specifically, the Health Freedom Protection Act stops the FDA from censoring truthful claims about the curative, mitigative, or preventative effects of dietary supplements, and adopts the federal court's suggested use of disclaimers as an alternative to censorship. The Health Freedom Protection Act also stops the FDA from prohibiting the distribution of scientific articles and publications regarding the role of nutrients in protecting against disease.42
Citizens Revolt Against Bureaucratic Corruption When Life Extension stated in 1989 that the law had to be changed to allow scientific information about foods and supplements to be freely disseminated, everyone told us that it was impossible to beat the entrenched FDA on Capitol Hill. As we went on national television and radio shows in the early 1990s to expose the incompetence and fraud perpetrated against the public by the FDA, a growing number of health-conscious individuals began to realize the magnitude of the problem.
In October 1994, by a nearly unanimous margin, Congress enacted the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), which allowed the public to learn about some of the health benefits attributed to certain nutrients.43
Despite significant losses in the federal courts regarding how DSHEA should be interpreted, the FDA is continuing to dedicate substantial resources to suppressing scientific information about how certain foods may prevent and treat disease. The FDA's arrogance is appalling in light of the record number of prescription drugs that have been withdrawn because too many users are dying from side effects. In the case of cherries, many of the scientific studies the FDA is concerned about relate to this fruit's anti-arthritic effect.4-6,44,45
The FDA's flagrant disregard for the First Amendment and DSHEA is one reason why the Health Freedom Protection Act was introduced. Members of Congress and the American public are fed up with the abuse of power perpetrated by an agency whose track record shows a reckless disregard for human life.
What You Can Do to Stamp Out FDA Censorship It is imperative that concerned citizens let their congressional representatives know how important passage of the Health Freedom Protection Act (H.R. 4282) is. PLEASE email your own representatives a new letter in support of the Health Freedom Protection Act.
Colloidal Silver Antibacterial Liquid Sprayed on Hong Kong Subways (NewsTarget)
Subway and train stations in London and other parts of the UK are considering using a powerful, non-toxic colloidal silver disinfectant spray to help fend off the spread of the flu virus this winter after Hong Kong subways recently announced its use of the spray. The MTR company revealed this morning its plan to use nano silver-titanium dioxide coating (NSTDC) spray on most surfaces on the Hong Kong metro rail system. Roughly 2.5 million commuters ride the Hong Kong rail system every day, and can easily spread colds and the flu through common surfaces.
The NSTDC disinfectant spray has been certified as effective at killing wide ranges of bacteria, mold and viruses, including the H1N1 virus. MTR announced it would be sprayed on all escalator handrails, Add Value machines, the buttons on ticket issuing machines and all handrails and buttons in elevators in the company's Hong Kong stations. The colloidal silver spray would also be applied to all grab poles and straps within the trains.
"Germs and diseases are most commonly transmitted through the hands," said MTS safety and quality manager George Lee. "They pick up bacteria from public surfaces, which may then be passed into our bodies if we rub our eyes, nose or mouth before washing our hands."
A spokesman for Transport for London (TfL) said London Underground is in the process of developing anti-flu measures with the UK government and other agencies, including the possibility of using NSTDC spray in tube stations.
"We are in regular contact with other metro networks from cities around the world, including MTS in Hong Kong, and we share the best practices and technological innovations. We would, of course, be interested in any measures which could be shown to be effective," the TfL spokesman said.
____________________________________________________________________________________ Cheap talk? Check out Yahoo! Messenger's low PC-to-Phone call rates. http://voice.yahoo.com Posted by tothepoorhouse (Member # 8595) on :
I guess they can't say an apple a day keeps the doctor away anymore either. Posted by brentb (Member # 6899) on :
whadaya mean? I love the FDA. Like to give them a big bear hug. and squeeze...and squeeze...and squeeze...
Posted by brentb (Member # 6899) on :
A good book imho for more info on the FDA.
"The only person today with a true vested interest in your well being is you." -Byron Richards
Fight for Your Health is a stunning expos� into the secret world of the FDA, Wall Street, and drug companies. At stake is the health and well being of all Americans. Today, the FDA is actively attacking health freedom and seeking to eliminate natural health alternatives through a campaign of censorship, distortions and outright medical lies. Fight For Your Health arms you with invaluable knowledge that helps you take charge of your personal health and navigate the world of pharmaceuticals, doctors, hospitals and health regulators.
In it, you'll learn:
* The truth about the FDA and why it now protects drug companies rather than public health. * How the unbridled power of corporations has corrupted modern medicine and politics. * How Americans are being poisoned right now with toxic chemicals dripped into municipal water supplies. * Why food companies are still treating consumers like guinea pigs through the use of unsafe chemical additives. * The scientific fraud behind the global fluoride scam. * Shocking details that call into question the integrity and ethics of the current head of the FDA. * The truth about osteoporosis drugs that drug companies will never voluntarily admit. * Why statin drugs are extremely dangerous (and what to use instead). * Details on the FDA's sinister plan to outlaw nutritional supplements and leave Americans in a state of lifelong nutritional deficiency that generates business for drug companies. * The end of scientific skepticism and why doctors are now glorified drug dealers. * How we can WIN the war on health freedom and take back our health from the corporations and bureaucrats who are trying to destroy it!
I add 1 1/2 teaspoons of cherry concentrate (from the health food store) to hubby's herb teas. It masks the "tree-bark" flavor and I do think it helps with pain issues as well.
Bea Seibert
Posted by GiGi (Member # 259) on :
We are running into the same problem with all plant adaptogens - garlic, mushrooms, any herbals. Wait until they figure out that eggs are healing, milk & whey products, fabulous cilantro. That's why many studies on these are done in Eastern countries ---
Take care.
Posted by Truthfinder (Member # 8512) on :
Wow, a lot of eye-opening information here.
I wonder what happened to this bill?
On November 10, 2005, a bill was introduced in the United States House of Representatives that would prohibit the FDA from denying consumers access to truthful health information. The name of this bill is the Health Freedom Protection Act (H.R. 4282).41
The original sponsors of this bill introduced it by exposing the FDA's inappropriate censorship of life-saving scientific information.
I used to know how to look up bills in congress and find out the status, but I can't remember anymore. I'm sure the bill is probably hung up in some committee somewhere.
I wonder what it's going to take for this country to wake up and demand action? I think the main problem is our media - they pick and choose what ``scandals'' they want to support based on personal and political motivations. And as we all know, the media can ``make you or break you''.
Rep. Ronald Paul [R-TX] Rep. Roscoe Bartlett [R-MD] Rep. Michael Bilirakis [R-FL] Rep. Rob Bishop [R-UT] Rep. Jeb Bradley [R-NH] Rep. Dan Burton [R-IN] Rep. Christopher Cannon [R-UT] Rep. Jo Ann Davis [R-VA] Rep. Peter DeFazio [D-OR] Rep. John Duncan [R-TN] Rep. Scott Garrett [R-NJ] Rep. Virgil Goode [R-VA] Rep. John Hostettler [R-IN] Rep. Walter Jones [R-NC] Rep. John Kuhl [R-NY] Rep. Cynthia McKinney [D-GA] Rep. Jeff Miller [R-FL] Rep. Marilyn Musgrave [R-CO] Rep. Otter [R-ID] Rep. Dana Rohrabacher [R-CA] Rep. Christopher Shays [R-CT] Rep. Thomas Tancredo [R-CO] Rep. Lynn Woolsey [D-CA]
God bless them all.
Posted by Marnie (Member # 773) on :
When the lawmakers pick on grapes...and this impacts the sale of red wine...which is all over the internet and news re: the benefits of consuming a nice glass of red wine...
They might change their tune.
Will prohibition return?
I hardly think that will fly! They wouldn't be able to serve wine at their fund raising multi $ dinners.
"Let your food be your medicine" said Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, who compiled a list of over four hundred herbs and their uses.
Today...pharm. countries (spelling error is intentional) likely would put Hippocrates in jail.
Omega-3s Improve Mild Alzheimers October 22nd, 2006 Why do essential fatty acids seem to help Alzheimer's patients? Is food as medicine for Alzheimers here?
174 patients with mild, moderate and severe disease completed the year-long study. They took, daily, 1720 mg DHA, 600 mg EPA or placebo (corn oil with 0.6 g linoleic acid) for 6 months; and then all took omega-3s for 6 months more.
Differing capsules of omega-3 differ in DHA/EPA concentration: only fish oil has much of each.
Bad news: no real difference for most patients. Good news: in patients with the mildest disease, episodic memory improved.
This was not a perfect study. And the results are encouraging only for those who may be at risk for Alzheimers. Maybe inflammation is too far along in people who are severely demented. Maybe other environmental and medical changes are more important.
But for those with just-beginning-where-did-I-put-my-keys short term memory problems, fish oil is also now available by prescription. And worth taking."
Since it looks like our oceans might run out of fish by 2043...
Melatonin...NREM sleep...is when we make "memories".
Isn't this interesting:
Nov. 6, 2006 -- Sleep boosts memory. An electric current that tunes the brain during early sleep can improve memory even more, German scientists say.
During sleep, your brain consolidates the things you learned during the day. When you wake, you can remember these things better than you could the night before. How does this happen?
Memory boosting happens early in sleep, during the period of slow-wave sleep that comes before dreaming and rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep. During this time, the electric currents in the brain slowly oscillate up and down.
Some scientists say these oscillations are good vibrations that bring brain networks carrying new information into harmony with the rest of the brain.
Other scientists say these vibrations are just a side effect of the brain trying to synchronize itself.
Lisa Marshall, PhD, Jan Born, PhD, and colleagues at the University of Lubeck thought of a way to test these ideas.
They got 13 brave volunteers -- mostly medical students -- to let them place electrodes on their heads. While the students slept, the researchers turned on a mild electric current. The pulsing current tuned the student's brains to a slow frequency.
For an hour and a half before going to sleep, the students studied a list of paired words. They were tested just before sleeping and just after waking up the next morning. As expected, the students did better the next morning. But they did even better when their brains were electronically tuned.
"This improvement in retention following stimulation is striking considering that most subjects were medical students, who were highly trained in memorizing facts and already performed well in the sham condition," Marshall and colleagues note.
The brain tuning improved memory only when given during early, slow-wave sleep and not during other phases of the sleep cycle.
The researchers conclude that the slow vibrations of early sleep are not the mere humming of the brain while it works on more important things.
Instead, they may be the music of which memories are made.
Marshall and colleagues report the findings in the early online edition of the journal Nature.
SOURCE: Marshall, L. Nature, early online publication, Nov. 6, 2006.
Posted by Truthfinder (Member # 8512) on :
Thanks very much, Brent.
Oh, I see that Ron Paul is a sponsor of this bill. I admire that man so much. I've never seen a congressman so dedicated to protecting the rights of ``the people''. He truly is a patriot.
Interesting info, Marnie, as usual. Maybe I should start taking my melatonin again even though I have not needed it lately. And I'll definitely stick with my salmon oil.
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