Bird food any one?
Bird food any one?
A fervent curious that I am, leads me to continuously search the internet and through word of mouth for herbs, nuts, seeds which are not well known or understood. Constantly I´m drawn to other continents, to learn about locally consumed fruits, veggies and such which just by looking at them reminds of out of space movies, and walking through the markets depicted there. However I discuss this with Darin on several occasions, and imagine how puzzled these people from other regions would look at our local varieties of natural foods. Much more so at the actual foods the average westerner eats, they would question all together if we where natives of earth as a whole for eating dyed plastic as most of today´s food would seem.
Never the less, a simple common apple would seem just as exotic to an Amazonian as their local fruits would seem to us. So, I fly off in my mind to distant lands just wondering of the vast untapped natural gifts available, and wonder at the diversity that this magnificent planet we live in provide us with. That I sometimes forget to plant my feet on the earth and take advantage of what we already have, here and now. Through discussing a potential mixture with Dr. Neugebauer, he brought to my attention Alpiste, I re called this name vaguely from my early years in Mexico. Then as I typed the name on line, it came back with all this bird feed logos, and bird know how´s, then I realized the English name is canary seed Phalaris canariensis and it all made sense. Just the sheer idea of eating bird food, would seem out right preposterous maybe in an extreme circumstance, but I would not believe it would be on your shopping list any time soon.
I did remember, they would sell it toasted as a street snack in Mexico, and that in certain regions they would make atole a rich thick beverage dating back to pre-Hispanic times usually made from corn. As well as being used as confection for sweets, and to make other foods, so the idea was not as unfounded and coming from Dr. Neugebauer, it definitely was a serious proposal. So I did my research and came up with some extremely interesting information, which I would like to share.
Canary seed is a grass native to the Mediterranean regions of Europe. Where in ancient and not too ancient times, flour was milled and made in to bread. Presently I have discovered that still in some parts of North Africa, Italy and the Canary Islands it is still a very much part of their diets as sunflower seeds might be to ours. What we need to consider here before I proceed any further is that in the relation of the information being shared, we need to consider many factors before we run to our local bird store and purchase this seed.
Primarily I have started using the seed my self for over a month, no side effects have occurred so I can testify that is not harmful. There is a secondary issue and that is the quality and origin of the seed in of the words making sure it´s organic. Then comes the facts, since like with any other product out there, some one or some people take advantage of the hype and over exaggerate with not even the slightest trace of validity behind their claims. Once I went through a hand full of web sites, mainly out of Spain, glorifying canary seed as the next reincarnation of some deity. I came upon a good website in Spanish which actually broke down the pseudo-science, and it started making more sense.
First: Canary seed is believed to help in reducing weight, cholesterol, hypertension, triglycerides, balance blood sugar and help detoxify liver, kidneys and gall bladder. Sounds good right? Well let´s take it a step at a time, first let´s look at the nutritional profile
It has been analyzed to contain 61.0% starch, 18.7% protein compared to 15.0% in wheat, and the proportions of prolamin and glutelin in the protein averaged 77.7%, exceeding that in the control wheat protein of 73.5%. Canary seed proteins were more deficient in lysine and threonine than wheat proteins but were very rich in cystine, tryptophan, and phenylalanine. For a cereal, canary seed groats were very high in crude fat, 8.7%, and purified total lipid, 11.0%, containing 55% linoleic, 29% oleic, 11% palmitic, and 2.5% linolenic acid, fibers ranged in the 8-12%. The composition of small granule starch and gluten-like proteins, rich in tryptophan, suggests unique functional and nutritional properties for canary seed. With high amounts of Iron 68mg/kg, phosphorus .55%, copper 7mg/kg and sodium 185mg/kg, Zinc 48mg/kg
Nutritionally is no powerhouse, we can admit that, never the less, I would like to rescue the little if any importance we have given to Canary seed. To find a larger range of foods we can consume if we choose to increase the digestive enzyme functions, given that eating a small diversity of foods tends to wear the enzymes required to digest and process these foods. Take in to account the digestive system contains a range of any where from a couple hundred to probably a couple thousands enzymes. So the greater the diversity, the best chance at being less nutritionally depleted given the millions of people consuming Canary seed in a wide diversity of forms, we can safely assume you won´t get ill from trying it.
Contrary to the many claims and promises of lowering your weight, blood pressure etc. I NEVER, recommend diving in to anything with our first understanding what it is you are trying to do and understanding the component you are attempting to add to your diet (supplementation). Second if your situation is chronic and you are taking medication consult with a competent nutritionist or MD. Also never depend on solely one product no matter how outrageous the claims, also incorporate in to your LIFE STYLE routine of which diet is but one component.
Now, if you are some what curious of what this whole Canary seed is all about, I recommend the following. First of all the ways the seed is consumed is always semi to completely process. The most common forms of consuming and reaping the nutritional benefits of the seed is to Soak and sprout it, you can soak the seed 12-24 hours in the fridge other wise it starts fermenting a good thing but not what we are looking fore here. Drain the water at least 1 time, then you have what looks like a wheat berry like seeds ready to eat they become soft but watch out for the seed hull which tends to get stuck in your teeth. I tend to soak then mix it with cinnamon, honey, sunflower seeds, and cashew nuts and then eat it like a muesli type. Other forms to consume it is to sprout it and eat in a salad, the most famous form is to obtain an ¨enzyme milk¨ as is called in Spain, simply made out of the soaked seed and then blended with water or another liquid of choice and strained. You can sweeten with Yacon syrup, Agave, Honey or what ever suits you better, don´t like soy milk, almond milk too expensive? Try canary seed milk…..Now the mayor claims surround the idea that, the benefits of Canary seeds are found in the extremely rich enzyme diversity found in the seed. This is believed to regenerate the pancreas, primarily due to assisting in taking part of the work load of it´s ¨shoulders¨, also this enzyme diversity are said to detoxify liver, gall bladder and kidneys and the list goes on.
As much, as I would love to believe all this information there is just so little actual validation and even less scientific information to back up all these claims. When it sounds too good to be true, it usually….. Rather I present the seed to my belief to be very similar to flax seed (though much lower in the omega-3 factor), eventually found to provide many benefits when used in a conscious form. I do believe we can harness the nutritional benefits, from which the body in it´s wisdom will put to good use in creating and supporting health. In a time when there is no lack of ¨food¨ we see mal-nutrition type symptoms, when food industries attempt to control our food supply, reducing the diversity to the minimum most profitable crops for them. And where exotic diversity driven foods, tend to get expensive, it makes sense to me to complement your diet with a bit of bird food. Maybe well grow wings, and that would not be a bad thing.
I close this article with a quote from Dr. Bernd Neugebauer
¨We tend to complicate our diets, and we forget to observe the diets of the worlds humblest populations, simple, diverse, non-processed, nutritious. It´s the best¨
References
http://www.cropweek.com/presentations/2009/2009-jan12-canaryseed-patterson.pdf
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf970100x
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/anim3752?opendocument
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We have been collecting research around the web. I’ve posted that on my facebook page: alpiste.info
Alpiste.com (Multigrain International) is our company.
My advice is to be careful about buying bird food. ALL of the alpiste out there is bird food quality. This quality contains micro hairs that are 98% silica. Silica has a similar structure to ASBESTOS.
We are using certified “hairless” canary seed, and will be further polishing the seeds for human consumption.
George
pureza@alpiste.com
This message is George Jibilian owner of Alpiste.com…
I have screencapped and documented the dozens of articles and comments you have spread throughout the internet claiming that “certified hairless” or “silica hair free” canary seed is the only seed you should be buying because those silica hairs have a “similar structure to ABESTOS”.
This unique polished variety is (of course) conveniently available through your website.
I’d like to invite you to please post your irrefutable third party evidence of these unsafe seeds with the “hairs made of 98% silica” on this message board within (5) business days.
I’ll be honest, I suspect you are employing a fraudulent marketing scare tactic that is 100% illegal under federal FTC laws for nutritional supplements. I urge you to read the FTC’s advertising guidelines:
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/policystmt/ad-food.shtm
http://www.keytlaw.com/FTC/Rules/ftcadfaq0610.htm
It would be fair if you were marketing 100% organic, pesticide free, human grade alpiste or canary seed (Phalaris canariensis). But scaring people with information that I personally have not been able to substantiate after several days of research, is just plain evil, and like I mentioned, a federal crime.
I would be happy if you can prove your claim, and then demonstrate with verifiable proof, why your seeds are superior.
I would appreciate it if you would not slander us.
For the record…
Silica Spicules in Canary Grass
R. H. NEWMAN and A. L. MACKAY
Imperial Cancer Research Fund, Lincoln’s Inn Fields London WC2A 3PX
Department of Crystallography, Birkbeck College Malet Street, London WCIE 7HX
Accepted: 20 July 1983
The hairs occurring on the surface and the persistent bracts of the fruits of canary grass (Phalaris canariensis) consist of opaline silica spicules emerging from the abaxial epidermal cells. They are approx. 500 µm long and taper from a diameter of 15 um at the base to a tip radius of 0.3 µm. These spicules are found in the diet of people living in areas in which very high incidences of oesophageal cancer occur. The microstructure of cleaned spicules is complex and differes from that of mineral opal and also from tabashir, a plant opal occurring in bamboo, which is a relatively unstructured emulsion of silica particles.
Phalaris canariensis, silica deposits, silicification, hairs, electron microscopy, lectron-probe, microanalysis
I suggest you do some additional research
George
Great article, I’m actually considering trying it, my dad and one of my uncles are diabetic, so they heard about this “Alpiste” and they sugar levels went down considerable and and both of them feel better, now i would like to say that it is a good thing to try and add it to your diet, of course you are not going to stop eating healthy, it is found that you can have this “milk” along with your normal food as well as one in the morning when before brakefast and 2hrs before going to bed, and that will help with in your endeavours of loosing body fat. Once more thanks for the article it really helped me researching more about Alpiste, thanks.
The alpiste diet is a very effective way to supplement your protein and iron needs. This is great for vegetarians looking for a great source of nutrition! Many people eat bird food quality Alpiste and are unaware that it contains naturally occurring silica fibers that have been linked to cancer.
Silica fibers in the traditional bird food quality phalaris canariensis are microscopic needle-like ‘hairs’ on the outside of traditional bird food quality canaryseed. These fibers have a shape and size similar to asbestos fibers and have been directly linked to esophageal cancer in various studies.
For your safety stay away from bird food quality!
For more details on the preparation and health benefits of “Silica Fiber Free” alpiste go to:
http://www.alpiste.com/faq
Thank you Ignacio, it is always our pleasure to assist in the best way possible. Take into consideration there are many factors to ¨good¨ health and they are not all same size fits all. Your opinion is well received and appreciated, please feel free to come back soon and let us know more on your experiences with Alpiste or any other health positive effects you or loved ones are having in general. Darins Naturals is a place where we hope to exchange ideas, recipes, comments, opinions even criticism. Thank you once again
To Alpiste.com:The research (published in the 80′s)you posted says that “The hairs occurring on the surface and the persistent bracts of the fruits of canary grass (Phalaris canariensis) consist of opaline silica…”
On the surface of what? it does not say on the surface of seeds.Are they just on the surface of fruit? if so then why worry if we eat the seeds? Can you clarify?Thanks.
I found the answer myself:Abstract ofArticle
A fine fibrous silica contaminant of flour in the high oesophageal cancer area of North-East Iran
C. H. O’Neill 1, G. M. Hodges 1, P. N. Riddle 1, P. W. Jordan 1, R. H. Newman 1, R. J. Flood 2, E. C. Toulson 3
1Imperial Cancer Research Fund, Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3PX, England
2Official Seed Testing Station, Cambridge CB3 OLE, England
3Jeol (U.K.) Ltd., London NW9 OJN, England
We report here the discovery and characterization of a fibrous mineral contaminant of the diet in that area of north-east Iran where oesophageal cancer has a very high incidence. This contaminant has a smoothly tapering shape and is between 50 and 150 m long. The greatest diameter is between I and 10 and this decreases to a sharply pointed tip with a radius of curvature of between 0.25 and 0.60 m. Electron microscope X-ray analysis shows that this fibre consists almost entirely of silica. It is free from alkali metals, aluminium and iron, and therefore differs from other known natural or manmade mineral fibres. Examination of the seeds of more than sixty different species of weed known to contaminate the wheat in this area of the Middle East shows that the fibre originates from the seeds of the common Mediterranean grass Phalaris minor. This seed bears fibres of the same dimensions, composition and birefringence, borne upon the inflorescence bracts which envelop the pericarp of the seeds of this and other members of the Phalaris genus. They are broken off from the seed when the wheat is milled but persist in the flour, where up to 3,000 are found in each gram. Similar fibres can be isolated in quantity from the seeds of related species which are grown commercially, and they have a similar size and composition. When cells of the 3T3 mouse fibroblast line are exposed to these fibres in semi-solid suspension culture, their proliferation is stimulated more than 100-fold. We present an hypothesis for the involvement of these plant mineral fibres in the aetiology of oesophageal cancer in Iran and in other areas of high incidence.
read in: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/112712498/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0
Hi Patricia! Great research on your end. For the record, http://www.alpiste.com carries (hairless) canary seed and is the only company certified to carry the “Silica Fiber Free” seal.
Let me know if you have any other questions
George
pureza@alpiste.com
Source: http://www.alpiste.com/faq
Antioxidant activity.
One 2004 study found canaryseed has antioxidant activity close to that of vitamin C. Plant sterols and certain esters of caffeic acid (which is unrelated to caffeine) may contribute to canaryseed’s antioxidant activity.
Protein and amino acids.
Canaryseed has 9 grams of protein per 5 tablespoon serving (measured dry). This is 18% of the US Recommended Daily Allowance. Analysis of canaryseed protein found proportionately high levels of arginine, tryptophan and phenylalanine. Canaryseed appears to have considerably more arginine than most grains-falling closer to quinoa, amaranth and some legumes-and a low ratio of lysine to arginine.
Iron.
Canaryseed is a good source of iron, providing 3 mg per 5 tablespoon serving (measured dry). This is 18% of the US Recommended Daily Allowance.
Digestion and nutrient absorption.
Many people, notably the Raw Foodists, believe that eating enzyme-rich foods promotes digestion and health. Cooking plant foods destroys many if not most of these enzymes. Since canaryseed grain is soaked and consumed raw, it has these active enzymes in it.
Source: http://www.alpiste.com/faq
Hi, does this mean that alpiste.com is right? is the bird food quality dangerous?
Dear Maries, this is an open blog for people to share their ideas, research and studies freely it does not mean it is all right or wrong. It has been my personal experience in traveling that people consume alpiste not sure if it’s bird or human grade, I simply see them pull it out toast it and consume it. What alpiste.com is proposing has it’s share of validity though I would take it with tweezers and be very subjective about the facts nothing is set in stone and nothing can really guarantee you, you are getting the best or cleanest product. Do your own research and come to your own conclusions thank you and please share your thoughts
A few days ago a friend talk about alpiste milk and it many good properties for health, specialy for diabetics.
I began looking in the web and in some spanish pages I found many replies talking about some adverse efects like vomiting, diarrhea, sickness, swelling and spots in the skin and a woman comment about that birseeds content salicilic acid like aspirin and after takiig the milk became with bruises in the skin too.
I think that we need more scientific papers about the safety of eating birdseed to continue recommending.
THE VENDORS WHO SELL SILICA FIBER FREE ALPISTE HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO PROOF THAT THEIR BRAND OF SEEDS DO NOT CAUSE CANCER, THEY ARE SCARING ALL CONSUMERS INTO ONLY BUYING FROM THEM AT SUCH A HIGH PRICE!!! THIS WONDERFUL SEED IS MEANT TO BE SHARED WITH THE WHOLE WORLD TO HELP PEOPLE WHO SUFFER FROM DIABETES AND HIGH CHOLESTEROL REGAIN CONTROL OF THEY HEALTH,
SILICA FIBERS DO NOT CAUSE CANCER!!!!!!
HERE IS AN ACTUAL DOCUMENT THAT RECORDED A TEST RUN ON ACTUAL HUMANS AND NOT ON RATS
THE COMPANY THAT USES LINKS TO SITES USES THE SAME ARTICLE THAT WAS DATED MORE THAN 20 YEARS AGO DONE ON RATS….
THIS IS THE LASTEST ARTICLE THAT WAS DONE IN 1994 ON FARMERS WHO WORK IN AN ENVIRONMENT THAT HAD LEVELS OF SILICA FIBERS AT MORE THAN 0.71%
LINK: http://www.jstor.org/pss/3702484
There are some scientific abstracts on the web (also see Wikipedia links) that clearly link SILICA fibers in bird food quality canaryseed / alpiste to esophageal cancer.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canary_grass
This will be a excellent blog, will you be involved in doing an interview about how you developed it? If so e-mail me!
of course like your web site but you need to check the spelling on several of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling issues and I find it very bothersome to tell the truth nevertheless I will definitely come back again.
Thanks for the comment….yes, Miguel is a great idea writer but sometimes, more times than not has a problem with English and spell checking as it is not his native tongue. I have hired a writer, from no on go through all new posts so this is more professional.
Wonder how much we should worry about the silica hairs. It must depend on how much one consumes. Also, the way we use the seeds. I assume, sprouted seed id probably safer.
Wow this is a must visit, bookmarking your blog now. Please continue to write, your style is very outside the box.
It is true that silica can cuse cancer, do you have any NEW proof about the product. thanks
Aunque comparto su ideologia, es mi deber tambien decir que sus fundamentos y defensa de lo que cita es muy cuestionable; sin embargo, las personas que difieren de su punto de vista si aportan buenas referencias y al leerlas, me surgen muchas dudas de que estas fibras sean del todo dañinas, mas aun si son tan pequeñas, pues al ingerirse pasan al estomago, o ¿acaso hacen una parada tecnica en el esofago? deseo que usted refuerze su dicho con un sustento mas confiable y ademas comprobable facilmente via la web, o podemos pensar que solo es un triste truco publicitario para vender muy caro lo que es muy barato….
While I share his ideology, I must also say that the foundations and defense of what he cites is very questionable, but people differ in their views if they provide good references and read them, I come little doubt that these fibers are quite harmful, but even if they are so small, they pass into the stomach when ingested, or would maybe make a technical stop in the esophagus? Strengthen your desire that you support this with a more reliable and also easily verifiable via the web, or we think that’s just a sad publicity stunt to sell very expensive so it is very cheap ….
Agradezco haya publicado mi comentario.
He seguido investigando y he encontrado cosas relevantes, entre ellas me hacen pensar que hay muchas mentiras involucradas o verdades a medias.
Lo menos que me lleva a pensar es que que me esta ofreciendo una semilla geneticamente modificada al hablar de una nueva variedad o especie ¿es asi?
Silica fibers and cancer (aqui se afirma —sin comprobar—)
Studies (de quien o que universidad) of the increased rates of esophageal cancer in Southern Africa, Northeastern Iran, and Northern China have indicated consumption of flour contaminated with canaryseed (que especie?) may be (puede ser) a contributor. The types of canaryseed contaminating these flours ¿como identificar a partir de tan pequeñas particulas una semilla en especial? have protective hairs (spicules) on the outside of the hull made of 98% silica. The needle-like shape and tiny size of these spicules, similar to asbestos fibers, may contribute to cell damage in the throat that may lead to cancer (muy temeraria la afirmacion si no es hecha por una Universidad, y de prestigio o una instancia gubernamental, ademas lo que se descubrio es que daña la mucosa de la molleja, no del esofago).
El fin justifica los medios?
—————————————————————-
I thank my comment been published.
I continued researching and found relevant things, including make me think that there are many lies and half truths involved.
The least that makes me think is that it is offering me a seed genetically modified to talk about a new variety or species is it so?
Silica Fibers and cancer (—stated here without checking —)
Studies (from who or university?) Increased rates of the of esophageal cancer in Southern Africa, Northeastern Iran, and Northern China Have Indicated Consumption of Contaminated with canaryseed flour (which kind?) May be (may be) a contributor. The types of contaminating These flours canaryseed how can identify from a seed as small particles in particular? Have protective hairs (spicules) on the outside of the hull made of 98% silica. The needle-like shape and size of These tiny spicules, similar to asbestos Fibers, may Contribute to cell damage in the throat may lead to cancer That (very reckless if the assertion is made by a university, and prestige or a government body , besides what is discovered is that it damages the lining of the gizzard, not the esophagus).
The end justifies the means?
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