Salubrious Life

If Looks could Kill

From July-August issue of Mental_Floss Magazine

BEAUTY IS SKIN DEEP, but poisonous substances go all the way to the blood stream. From face whitener made from white lead to mercury-based lipstick,  pre-20th century cosmetics were not always safe.  But Renaissance-era Aqua Toffana face power takes the (face) cake for lethal beauty treatments.  Created by 17th century entrepreneur Signora Giulia Toffana, the powder was designed especially for women from wealthy Italian families.  Buyers were instructed to never ingest the make-up, but to apply it to their cheeks whenever a hubby was lurking.  Unfortunately for the spouses, Toffana's powder contained arsenic.  Some 600 dead husbands later, Toffana was arrested and executed.

Medication and Hart Disease

Over 75% of consumers stated that they are concerned about reducing heart disease and cholesterol and nearly 90% would prefer foods and a dietary supplement approach to managing cholesterol, versus medication.

Shoppers getting more Savvy

According to NorthCastle Partners 52% of shoppers look at the nutrition facts label when they buy a product for the first time.

Health Fact

34% of consumers have decided against a food purchase because of the nutrition information or a lack thereof.