Archive for the 'Nutrition' Category

A Brief History of Lollipops

Monday, April 16th, 2007

It’s unclear exactly which company, or even which country invented the first lollipops, but it’s certain that different variations of this popular treat existed in many places. Evidence has proved that even as early as ancient Egypt, people crystallized nuts and fruits in honey and placed them on sticks for easy access. In Europe during the Middle Ages, sugar was imported and therefore an expensive luxury item that few could afford, so candy was made into a hard block and given only to the nobility on ornate handles. It became a more prevalent item that many can afford at around the 17th century during the time of Charles Dickens, and that’s where many concluded the name derived from. The Racine Confectionary Machine Company invented the first automated lollipop production machine in 1908, and the idea hit off immediately.One of the most popular lollipops around are the Dum Dum Lollipops. It was named by a man named I.C. Bahr and part of the famous Spangler Candy Company. The lollipops are famous for its 9 or 10 regular flavors and 1 or 2 “special” flavors that are cycled in and out. Kids also love to pick out a “mystery flavor” which are mixed in with other labeled ones in a bag and test their luck. These lollipops can be found everywhere among people of all ages, but they are especially popular among small children and often given as encouragements at school or home.

Another popular brand of lollipops are the Jolly Rancher Lollipops. The Jolly Rancher Company was created by Bill and Dorothy Harmsen in Colorado in 1949, and the company originally concentrated on making hard candy. However, their candy was so loved by everyone that they decided to combine that and the idea of lollipops together. Therefore, the Jolly Rancher Lollipops were created and introduced 50 years later in 1999, and they have been a successful part of the business ever since. The shape of these are square shaped, unlike most other round or oval shaped lollipops, and they come in flavors of Apple, Grape, Cherry, and Watermelon. These lollipops seem to be more popular among older high school crowds because of its intense fruit flavors.

It certainly looks like everyone loves a good lollipop, especially with all the brands and flavors out in the market. The idea is such a hit because of the cheap prices and fun way people created to eat them. However, if you’re one of the few that doesn’t love to unwrap one in your free time, definitely get your hands on Hershey’s Factory Favorites - Bite Size Assortment. With the huge selection that the Hershey’s Company puts out, you’re bound to get attached to one of them.

Ingredients of Alive Vitamins

Friday, February 16th, 2007

If you ever wondered why someone doesn’t just go and make a food supplement that has everything you could ever need for good health and proper nutrition all in one tablet, you need to learn a bit about Alive Vitamins from Nature’s Way. It appears that this is exactly what Nature’s Way has done here. There is a little bit of just about everything packed into this product. The dose is three tablets a day and here is a look at some of what this provides.You are going to get vitamins, amino acids, fruits, vegetables, green foods, myco nutrients, antioxidants, and other specialty nutrients. The vitamins alone are impressive. You receive 100% of the daily recommended amount of vitamins D and K. Vitamins C and E are from six times to ten times the daily recommended amount. Thiamin and Riboflavin are also high about the recommended amount. It is possible to get this type of vitamin supply from many discount vitamins, but the vitamin totals is just the tip of the surface in Alive Vitamin tablets.

Minerals are another important and necessary nutrient, and Alive Vitamins offers 100% of the bodies need for iodine, zinc, selenium, copper, magnesium, chromium, and molybdenum. The green foods mix includes alfalfa, barley grass, dandelion, and wheat grass. The vegetable blends are made from juice powder. The juices that are present in powered form come from parsley, kale, spinach, brussel sprouts, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, beets, carrots, and cabbage. The orchard fruit blend is also made from juice powder. It contains plum, cranberry, blueberry, strawberry, blackberry, bilberry, cherry, apricot, papaya, orange, grape, and pineapple juices.

There is also a Digestive Enzyme Blend, an Omega Fatty Acid Blend, and several amino acids. The citrus bioflavonoid complex includes lemon, lime, and grapefruit juices. Another grouping of nutrients is the Myco Defense Mushroom blends.

Alive vitamins come in two basic types. One contains iron, and the other does not. Outside of the iron, there is only a little difference between them. The tablets containing iron are a risk for small children, and must be kept from them. The only other warning that relates to the ingredients is a caution for pregnant women to avoid doses over the recommended limits. This is due to a large amount of vitamin A from retinol. Such excessive does have been known to cause birth defects. The suggested dosage is three tablets per day. It is hard to imagine a more complete nutrient mixture than Alive Vitamins.