|
- Food
Additives - O
-
Oleic acid/oil - may be plant or
animal fat, usually derived from tallow (inedible animal fat). Used
as an inhalant in aerosol drugs including nasal sprays and Ventolin
and Beconase inhalers; in cosmetics and hair dyes; and in soaps. Oleic
acid was found to worsen the asthma of 20% of people in a 70 person
study group when it was used as an excipient in a bronchiodilator
medication. 14, 47
Olestra - Is the generic name for
hexa-, hepta- and octa-esters of sucrose - trade name Olean (Procter
& Gamble). It is intended as a fat substitute in foods and in
processing since it is not digested or absorbed and passes through
the body unchanged. Obtained from edible fats and oils (soybean, maize,
coconut and cottonseed)After 25 years research involving 100 studies
on animals and 98 on human beings approval was given by the US Food
and Drug Administration in Jan 1996. The total cost of the development
work on olestra has been estimated at $200M. In trials with the original
product there was some leakage of liquid olestra due to separation
in the intestine which allowed loss through the anal sphincter. anal
leakage could occur with some individuals, especially at high intakes,
when there may also be increased flatulence, urgency and stool softening
(attributed to the lubricating effect). There is no guarantee that
consumers would not gorge themselves on such foods or perhaps compensate
for the reduction in energy intake by eating more of other foods.
Eating habits are not easily changed and
processed foods with reduced fat content are often less palatable
than the original formulations hence the development of fat substitutes
over the years. These include Simplesse (microcapsules of milk proteins
or egg white), Splendid (derived from pectin), N-oil (derived from
tapioca) and many others. IFST
Oleyl alcohol/oil (and oleyl compounds)
fish oil derivative, used in detergents, fabric softeners and medicines.
14
Olive oil - produced rom the pressing
of olives. Used frequently in foods. Olive oil is sometimes used as
a solvent in hair and skin products, cleansing products and suntan
preparations. It is also used rarely as a medium for injectable drugs
such as estrogen and progesterone, a use which can result in growths.
Contact dermatiitis and eczema may result from excessive use on the
skin. 47
Organic farming often using traditional
methods, organic farming strives to maintain the natural ecosystem
and improve the soil without modern agrochemicals.
- Methods include mixed cropping which reduces
crop loss by disease or insect plagues; non chemical pest control (natural
predators); green fertilisers (ploughed in crops of red clover, buckwheat
rye, alfalfa and others), other natural fertilisers such as seaweed,
mineral salts and manure. Such methods are proven to build up the soil
with humus, which improves drainage and increases moisture retention
dry weather. Nitrogen fixing green manure crops make more nutrients
available to subsequent vegetable crops. Organic farming does not contribute
to damaging surrounding natural ecosystems and habitats of wildlife.
A study published by the US National Academy of Sciences found that
"Well managed alternative farms use less synthetic chemicals...without
necessarily decreasing and, in some cases, increasing, per-acre crop
yields and the productivity of livestock systems (which could) result
in ever greater economic benefits to farmers and environmental gains
for the nation" 12, 63 Studies have shown no appreciable difference
in the nutritional value of organic produce, however lower levels of
residues could contribute a health benefit.
- See also: Canberra Organic Growers Society
Organo-chlorines - organic compounds
containing chlorine. Commonly used as pesticides, eg. DDT, Chlordane
and Aldrin. See Pesticides.
Organo-phosphates - pesticides,
see Roundup.
Orotic acid - pyramide carboxylic
acid
Overpopulation - see People.
Ozone depletion - Thinning of the
ozone layer allows more UV rays to penetrate the Earth's atmosphere.
Increased exposure to UV is harmful to plants and animals alike and
has been linked to increased levels of skin cancers in Australia.
Could lead to global warming The notorious 'hole' located over Antarctica
gets larger each year. Concern for the state of the ozone layer is
becoming an important force in the choices made by consumers. This
is the result of findings that indicate CFCs and halons, (and some
other chlorine-based chemicals) all commonly used in refrigeration
and propellants, are the primary cause of the thinning of the ozone
layer. Depletion, combined with continuing use of HFCs, fossil fuels,
carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide emitting industries, and methane
leaks from gas pipelines are contributing to a world-wide increase
in temperatures: the Greenhouse Effect. We cannot stop ozone depletion
(although it can replenish itself given time), but we can reduce the
amount of ozone depleting chemicals we emit into the atmosphere. Alternatives
to the chlorine based chemicals responsible and proper disposal of
those currently in use is vital. see also, Energy consumption
| | |
|
|
