Kraft takes a step in the right direction

The News and Observer is reporting that uber-giant Kraft Foods just might be growing a conscience. Rather than tout the wonderful taste of their sugar-ladden products to kids, they're shifting their focus which are "reduced", "low", or "free" of calories, fat, sodium and sugar.

As part of the new marketing program, Kraft said it would quit advertising products that don't qualify for the nutrition label on cartoon shows and other broadcast and print media that are viewed primarily by children aged 6 to 11.

It said those products include regular Kool-Aid beverages, Oreo and Chips Ahoy cookies, several Post children's cereals and some varieties of its Lunchables lunch combinations.

This will certainly change the face of children's programming and networks. I, however, remain skeptical. Let us not forget that Kraft is a division of Phillip Morris, not the most health conscious company on the planet.

Curry better than drugs

Call me crazy, but I was quite interested to read this story published on the Hindustan Times website:

Curcumin, the yellow pigment in curry spice may be a potential agent to fight against Alzheimer's, according to researchers at the University of California at Irvine.

The new UCLA-Veterans Affairs study involving genetically altered mice suggests that curcumin, the yellow pigment in curry spice, inhibits the accumulation of destructive beta amyloids in the brains of Alzheimer's patients and also breaks up existing plaques.