Sulphur Dioxide and Grapes

Sulphur dioxide are two words that don't give me a warm fuzzy feeling.  Whether you know exactly what it is or not, usually thoughts of something negative and chemical come to mind.

So imagine my surprise when I found it on our grapes this morning.

I frequently buy organic grapes, but none were available at the store last night.  So I purchased regular grapes and headed home.

This morning as I was washing the grapes for our son's class snack I noticed "product of Chile" on the bag.  I usually see "product of California", so I read on with curiosity to discover the phrase "treated with sulphur dioxide to preserve freshness".  I figured, this couldn't be good.

After a little research I discovered sulphur dioxide is a poisonous gas which is sprayed on fruit, and acts as a preservative, enhancing its color and preventing mold.  Airborne inhalation of this chemical has lead to a rash of breathing problems, premature birth and premature death.

Grapes from Chile need to be picked and shipped with plenty of lead time before they hit the grocery shelves.  Sulphur dioxide, allows the grapes to be picked early and arrive looking fresh and ripe.

Asthmatics seem to be most at risk from ingesting sulphur dioxide.  For them, ingestion can increase chances of an asthmatic attack, skin rashes and upset stomach.

While generally deemed safe for consumption in small quantities in healthy people, why chance it?  I also wonder what the long-term effects of small daily doses.

Turns out California grapes are not in season and organic grapes are only in dreams this time of year.  With my only option being imported grapes,  I'll choose to pass.

Concerned About Double Dipping?

Double Dipping became famous in an episode of Seinfeld when George Costanza famously double-dipped his tortilla chip much to the dismay of a watcher.

Since then, people have been extra aware of double-dipping (triple dipping or more in the case of our kids).   We have family members who seem to be the self-designated double-dip police.

So as we approach Super Bowl weekend when snacks and corresponding dips reign supreme, how concerned should we really be if somebody double-dips?  Does it really matter?

I found a short video from the Wall Street Journal today that humorously answers those questions based on university research.

Take a look and enjoy the game...  but don't double-dip.

Eat Your Chia Pet!

Our kids' Chia dog.

Well, eat the seeds anyway (or the sprouts).

Our kids joined the ranks of millions before them this past Christmas and planted (or pasted) chia seeds on their Chia Pet, but the exact same seeds on their Pet are packed with nutrients and have been consumed for thousands of years in some cultures.

Chia seeds are quickly being recognized as a superfood.

Formally known as salvia hispanica, it is a flowering plant in the mint family.  It's name, Chia, is derived from a word meaning "oily".  In fact, it's the oil that makes it rich in Omega-3 fatty acids.

Chia is an ancient food grown today in Mexico (where it was first cultivated), Bolivia, Argentina, Ecuador, Australia and Guatemala.

It's nutritional qualities are amazing.  According to the USDA, one ounce of chia contains 11 grams of dietary fiber (42% daily value), 18% daily value of calcium, 4 grams of protein or 9% daily value (a complete protein that offers all of the amino acids essential to humans,  and also contains B-vitamins, iron, zinc, phosphorus, manganese, potassium, sodium, fiber antioxidants and the anti-inflammatory flavonoid quercetin.

So how do you use these nearly tasteless seeds?  In liquid, the seeds form a gel-like substance making them ideal for drinks, smoothies or oatmeal.  Ground, they make a great addition to baked goods.  Or eat the sprouts from your Chia Pet or add them to a salad.  The ideas are endless.


We bought a large bag of chia seed at Costco for about $7, but there are plenty of other grocery or health food store providers or look on Amazon.

Grow them, have fun with them, but certainly consider eating them.

Dental Fillings -- You have options!

This is a little detour from my typical posts on food, but it does have to do with the mouth.  Does that count?

An example of amalgam fillings

Our four-year-old son needed to have a cavity filled today.  While we had to work through the emotions of a return trip to the dentist for a little person, my bigger concern was that they fill the cavity with a composite filling rather than amalgam.

Most dentist offices don't discuss filling options and certainly any potential risks associated with those options. Though amalgam fillings are deemed safe by the American Dental Association, some scientific research and anecdotal evidence counters that claim.

Amalgam fillings have been used in the United States since 1833 when two French brothers introduced it to Americans.  From the beginning it has been met with controversy.

Did you know that in your mouth, amalgam fillings are acceptable as a cavity filler, but out of your mouth the substance is considered a hazardous substance?  Denmark, Norway and Sweden currently ban the use of amalgam fillings.

Amalgam fillings are partially made of mercury.  Having a filling in your mouth exposes you to constant mercury -- especially when eating, brushing or chewing gum.

A 2005 review by Freiburg University Institute for Environmental Medicine found that mercury from dental amalgam may lead to autism, Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis to name a few prominent ailments.

Our dentist did not give the choice, however I felt there was adequate concern and research about long-term consequences to amalgam fillings that I chose to speak up and make sure to have a composite filling used for our son.  The dentist never questioned the request and stated that composite fillings are their first choice as well.  (Our kids go to a pediatric only dentist, our family adult dentist charges extra for a composite filling).

This may be something to consider when filling a cavity in your own teeth and certainly those of your children.  It's certainly worth a discussion with your dentist.