CHILI/CAPSAICIN/MUTAGENICITY
Chili and capsaicin demonstrated the ability to produce changes in heredity material which may play a role in the development of cancer. Chilies and capsaicin are known to cause liver cirrhosis, gastric ulcer, and damage to the duodenal mucosal, changes which may lead to stomach cancer. (Environmental Mutagenesis 7(6)881-888, 1985) Copyright Phylis Austin

PORK/CIGARETTES/PANCREATIC CANCER
Cigarette smoking and the use of pork appear to be risk factors for pancreatic cancer. (American Journal of Epidemiology 124(3)502, September 1986) Copyright Phylis Austin

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS/PORK
A Canadian study reveals a significant relationship between multiple sclerosis and fat and meat (particularly pork) intake. The researchers point out that multiple sclerosis is rare in countries whose religious customs forbid the use of pork. (Medical Hypothesis 20:283-285, 1986) Copyright Phylis Austin

FISH CONSUMPTION/METHYL MERCURY
A recent study of the levels of methyl mercury in fish cautions us that the effects of methyl mercury poisoning are irreversible and methyl mercury levels should be monitored on an ongoing basis. Methyl mercury passes readily into the placenta and through the blood-brain barrier. Some researchers have suggested that even low doses of these toxins may be responsible for subtle neurological changes. Acceptable levels have been established by the FDA, but the authors admit that we do not really know what levels are acceptable (Environmental Health Perspectives 68:203-208, 1986) Copyright Phylis Austin

CHICKEN/SALMONELLA
A study of 15 poultry processing plants in the United States indicated that up to 77.5 percent of the chickens ready to be sent to market were contaminated with salmonella. (MMWR: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 36(5)74-45, February 13, 1987) Fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps are symptoms of salmonellosis. A report heard on the news media recently indicated that health authorities could find no practical method to eliminate salmonella contamination in poultry. Copyright Phylis Austin

PORK USE/HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS
International studies have shown a relationship between the intake of pork and cervical cancer. A case report suggests that human papillomavirus, which has been associated with cervical cancer, may be associated with the use of pork and pork fat. (Nutrition and Cancer 13:209-211, 1990) Copyright Phylis Austin

PROSTATE CANCER/CHICKENS
De Lamar Gibbons, M.D., of Kellogg, Idaho, points out that prostate cancer is rare in the Navahos of San Juan County, Utah. Between 1950 and 1985 there was one reported case, and that case was in the only man known to raise chickens and eat eggs.
Dr. Gibbons points out that raw or lightly cooked eggs may contain viruses which cause cancer. (Internal Medicine News 25(4), February 15, 1992) Copyright Phylis Austin

ANIMAL FAT/DISEASE
T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D. of Cornell University reports that the currently recommended levels of dietary fat may not be adequate to reduce disease in Americans. He points out that Americans take in 70 percent of their protein in the form of animal products, while the Chinese use only 7 percent of animal based protein. (Medical Tribune 32(23) November 14, 1991) Copyright Phylis Austin

FISH CONSUMPTION DURING PREGNANCY/FETAL LUNG DEVELOPMENT
Fish in many areas of the United States are known to be contaminated with mercury. Mercury is a known toxin which is capable of crossing the placental barrier. A study from Canada revealed that infants whose mothers consume mercury-containing fish during pregnancy are at risk of delayed lung development. (Pediatric Pulmonology 17:11-21, 1994) Copyright Phylis Austin

ANIMAL FAT/NON-HODGKIN'S LYMPHOMA
A diet high in red meat and animal fat increases the risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in elderly women. Iowa researchers observed that women who had high intakes of animal protein from red meat, and particularly hamburger, were more likely to suffer this disease. High fruit intake decreased the risk. (Journal of the American Medical Association 275:1315-1321, May 1, 1996 Copyright Phylis Austin