---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  VNV Update (Issue 25, July 2005)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In this issue:

1 Changing your email address?
2 Special Notice - VNV Annual General Meeting
3 Upcoming VNV Social Events
4 VNV Fundraising Trivia Night
5 Vegetarian Restaurant Update
6 The VNV 2005 Vegetarian Restaurant of the Year Award!
7 Great Places to Shop Update
8 New Product Listings
9 Product Update - Kellogg's
10 Other Vegetarian & Vegan Products Update
11 Vitamin & Mineral Supplements Update
12 Special Offer on Quinoa for VNV Update Subscribers
13 New Caterers & Food Vendors Added to Website
14 Veggo-Friendly Doctor Update
15 VNV Business Directory Update
16 Personal Stories About Going & Being Veggo
17 New Quote Added to Website
18 New Links Added to Website
19 Free Vegetarian-Related Classifieds
20 New Online Book Added to VNV Library Page
21 Volunteers Wanted - Knitted With Love
22 Organic Gardening Workshops
23 (AU) Meat pies? Well, sort of...
24 (IN) Chappel Recommends Vegetarian Diet for All
25 (UK) World's Oldest Marathon Runner, 94, Leads Team of Seniors in Scotland
26 (US) Vegan Athletes Flex Their Muscles
27 (US) Vegetarian Women Weigh Less Than Meat Eaters
28 (US) Vegetarian Diet Lowers Blood Pressure According to Scientific Review
29 (UK) Red Meat 'Linked to Cancer Risk'
30 (IT) Time to Turn to the Dark Side
31 (UK) Was Your Meat Smarter Than Your Pet?
32 (US) 'Man The Hunter' Theory is Debunked in New Book
33 (US) China to Assemble Vegetarian Food Body
34 (US) 'Human Flesh Alternative' Sells on the Web
35 (US) Dairy Diet Myth
36 (US) Milk Marketers Told to Moo-ve Out
37 (UK) School Milk Promotional Campaign Gets £50,000 Boost
38 (US) U.S. Poised to Rule on Cloned Livestock
39 (US) Mad-Cow Disease Confirmed for 2nd Time in U.S. Herd
40 (US) FDA Hasn't Acted on Mad Cow Vow
41 (US) Japan, Taiwan Food Safety Officials Worried by New U.S. Mad Cow Case
42 About VNV

If you have received more than one copy of this newsletter, or
would like to be taken off our mailing list, please just reply to this
email and let us know.

Regards,

David Ogilvie
Vegetarian Network Victoria
www.vnv.org.au

(Circulation this issue: 1,587)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

1 CHANGING YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS?

Each time we send VNV Update we get a large number returned
undeliverable because people have changed their email address. These
addresses are ultimately removed from our mailing list.

If you wish to continue receiving VNV Update, please remember to let us
know when you change your email address!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

2 SPECIAL NOTICE - VNV ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

VNV's AGM will be held on Saturday 30 July at 4pm in Box Hill in
Melbourne. Among the agenda items to be discussed is the Incorporation
of VNV.

Anyone can attend our AGM. For an invitation, the location address and
Agenda, or for more information, please contact David Ogilvie at
davido@iprimus.com.au or on 03 9897 4890.

BECOME A FINANCIAL MEMBER OF VNV!

Would you like to become an Official Member of VNV? All it takes is $5
and you receive a delicious pack of Alpha chocolates and a laminated
VNV Food Additives card (vegetarian or vegan, your choice). You also
receive a warm fuzzy knowing that you are helping an active organisation
to make a more vegetarian friendly Victoria!

Simply send cheque or money order along with your name, postal and
email address to: GPO Box 2633, Melbourne VIC 3001

Alternatively, you can join up and pay at the VNV AGM or any of the VNV
social events and receive your chocolates and additives card straight away!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

3 UPCOMING VNV SOCIAL EVENTS

Everyone is welcome to attend our relaxed and informal social events,
whether vegetarian, vegan, or non-vegetarian! We would love to see you!

JULY - MOVIE NIGHT - THE BLUES BROTHERS 
Place:                 Westgarth Theatre
Date:                   Friday, 1 July
Address:              89 High Street, Northcote (03 9482 2001)
Time:                   10.45pm
Meeting place:      Foyer
RSVP:                 No RSVP required, just turn up (there is 1000 seats)
Details:               The Blues Brothers is a simple story of two musician
brothers who need to raise some money for an orphanage, and will do
anything to achieve it.
The show at Westgarth is run by the gang of Blues Brothers fans who
dress in the traditional uniform of a black hat, black sunglasses, white shirt,
black tie, black jacket, black pants, white socks, and black shoes.
Between them they lead the audience on a different view of the movie. The
audience is also encouraged to dress up as a character from the movie.
The audience is encouraged to join in, and most do. Don't forget to bring
shredded paper, water pistols, torches and sliced bread preferably toasted.
For more information, contact Pete at vegan@taeper.com.

JULY - SOCIAL DINNER - RED DOOR DELI 
Place:                   Red Door Deli
Date:                    Saturday, 16 July
Address:               454 Nicholson Street, North Fitzroy (03 9482 4774) 
Time:                    7.30pm
RSVP:                  RSVP to Sandy by Friday, 8 July on 0402 253 979 or
                            vegans@optusnet.com.au
Details:                 This restaurant is located 2 blocks away from Alexandra
Parade in Nicholson Street. It offers home style cooking with almost all
dishes having a vegan option and their doughs, sauces and bases are
dairy and egg free. A chance to try one of their woodfired pizzas! They
also have an art exhibition, and hold charity events or other exhibitions.
In winter, you can keep snug by their fireplace.
All welcome, so come alone or bring a friend. Booking under VNV. 

AUGUST - SOCIAL DINNER - SHAKAHARI 
Place:                   Shakahari Vegetarian Restaurant
Date:                    Saturday, 20 August
Address:               201 Faraday Street, Carlton (03 9347 3848) 
Time:                    7.30pm
RSVP:                  RSVP to Sandy by Friday, 8 July on 0402 253 979 or
                            vegans@optusnet.com.au
Details: Established 1970; refined dining; great for special occasions.
All welcome, so come alone or bring a friend. Booking under VNV. 

For details on other upcoming events please go to
www.vnv.org.au/SocialEvents.htm.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

4 VNV FUNDRAISING TRIVIA NIGHT

                                 SATURDAY, 27 AUGUST
                            7.00pm for a 7:30pm sharp start
                               Cost: $15 ($12 Concession)

Where:  Chambly Hall (Camberwell Community Centre)
              405 Camberwell Road, Camberwell (Melways Ref. 59 K2)
Parking:  Street parking in front on Camberwell Road and behind in
               Crescent Road (disabled access available), otherwise public
               parking in Inglesby Road.
Public Transport:  Tram no. 75 (East Burwood) stop no. 44 directly in front
                             of hall (3 stops after Camberwell Junction)

BYO Food (must be vegetarian) and Drinks including crockery, cutlery,
serviettes etc.

Come one, come all! Everybody is welcome. Bring as many family, friends
and foes as possible to fit on a table of ten in a comfortable and warm
setting. BYO nerd, we have a special round for them! Don't worry if you
want to come alone we'll find a place for you.

Fantastic prizes are there to be won for the winning table on the night as
well as for the raffle. There will also be games in between trivia rounds,
so bring extra change to increase your chances of winning.

Whilst VNV has many fantastic social dinners and activities throughout the
year this trivia night is an important one as it is the only fundraiser we'll be
having in 2005 to raise money so that we can keep providing information
and promoting the benefits of vegetarianism to the greater public. It would
be great to see some of the regional people getting a table together and
coming down for this event. Fun and laughter are guaranteed!

To book your table contact Belinda on the VNV phone line 0500 834 437
(local call charge within Melbourne) or email Mark at markd@bigblue.net.au
and advise us of your name, contact number and how many places you
require. Hurry, as spaces are limited!!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

5 VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT UPDATE

NEW LISTING: ORGANARCHY
C/- Student Union, Building 8 Level 4, RMIT City Campus
360 Swanston Street, Melbourne VIC 3001, Ph: 03 9925 1723
Opening hours: 7 days 10.30am-2.30pm
BYO/Licensed: No
Features: Organarchy strives to be as environmentally, ethically and
socially friendly as possible, serving fair trade, organic and vegetarian food
through a co-operative not-for-profit enterprise. Las Vegan muffins and
calzones feature among many dishes prepared by Organarchy itself. In the
cold months enjoy soup and bread rolls. As well as being a cafe,
Organarchy is a food co-op. If you are a student at RMIT why not become
a member and receive discounts? You can also become a volunteer
member of staff for Organarchy, enjoying further discounts.

NEW LISTING: WHOLEFOODS CAFE
Shop 14 Agora, La Trobe University, Bundoora Campus
Kingsbury Drive, Bundoora VIC 3086, Ph: 03 9479 1525
Opening hours: Mon-Thu 9am-5pm; Fri 10.30am-3pm
BYO/Licensed: No
Features: Wholefoods Cafe is a wonderful oasis of vegetarianism at
Bundoora La Trobe. Spacious and manned by friendly staff. The cafe
serves a wide range of hot vegetarian/vegan pies and pasties. There are
sandwiches and beverages available. Wholefoods Cafe is also a food co-op
so stock up on some bulk foods there. You can also volunteer to work at
the Cafe and receive discounts.

CLOSED DOWN: NATURE'S GATE HEALTHY LIVING CAFE
We have recently been advised that Nature's Gate Healthy Living Cafe, at
Shop 3, 13-15 Thompson Street, Frankston, has closed down.

Our restaurant listings have been updated - refer
www.vnv.org.au/RestByName.htm.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

6 THE VNV 2005 VICTORIAN VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT OF THE
   YEAR AWARD!

Do you have a favourite vegetarian restaurant in Victoria? Like the food,
atmosphere and service at your special vegetarian eatery?

Now is your chance to register your vote for your favourite place!

Voting is open until 15 December 2005 and the restaurant that receives the
most votes will be awarded with a special plaque at the end of the year.
Also once you have registered your vote you too will be in the running for
your own great prize.

So what are you waiting for? Vote now!!!!

For more information go to www.vnv.org.au/RestAwards.htm.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

7 GREAT PLACES TO SHOP UPDATE

We have recently added a 'Regional Victoria' section to our Great Places to
Shop page and have added the following listing:

THE OLIVE HEALTH FOODS
1/61 Ovens Street, Wangaratta VIC 3677, Ph: 03 5722 4945
Wodonga Plaza, Wodonga VIC 3690, Ph: 03 6024 1613
540 Olive Street, Albury NSW 2640, Ph: 02 6021 5626
The Olive Health Foods has two locations in regional Victoria and one in
NSW, just across the border in Albury. These stores stock a range of
organic and bulk natural foods, natural skin care and supplements, and
vegetarian packaged products.
www.olivehealthfoods.com.au

Our Great Places to Shop page is located at -
www.vnv.org.au/Shopping.htm.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

8 NEW PRODUCT LISTINGS

We have recently added the following products to our Great Vegetarian &
Vegan Products pages:

FLAVOURED JUBES/JELLIES (LOLLILAND) (vegan)
Description: Flavoured jubes/jellies
Features: Gelatine free
Varieties: Soft Jubes, Mint Leaves, Wild Berries
Available from KMart stores

FLAVOURED SOFT JELLIES (NATURAL INDULGENCE) (vegan)
Description: Flavoured jellies
Features: Gelatine free; natural flavours; natural colours; preservative free;
fat free; gluten free; dairy free
Flavours: Fruit Salad, Winter Fruits, Citrus, Fruits of the Orchard, Fruits of
the Forest
Available from KMart stores

ORGANIC PIES & SNACKS (VEGETABLE CREATIONS) (some vegan)
Description: Vegetarian pies and other savoury and sweet snacks
Features: Handmade; low fat; made with certified organic ingredients; pies
are made with wholemeal organic sourdough pastry or organic maize flour
(gluten free)
Varieties: Vegetable Pie, Spinach & Potato Roll, Vegie & Tofu Pie (open),
Chilli & Tofu Pie (open), Pumpkin & Tofu Pie, Mushroom & Tofu Pie,
Mexican Chilli Bean Pie, Dahl Pie (open), Apple & Raisin Pie, Riceball,
Curried Potato Ball, Vegie Burger Patty, Lentil Burger Patty, Oriental Tofu
Burger Patty, Vegetable Samosa, Vegetable Pakora. Vegetable Creations
also make Organic Sauces, Marinade, Chutneys and Pickles.
For a list of outlets that stock these products, please call 03 9794 9911 or
email vegetablecreations@yahoo.com.au.
Web address: www.vegetablecreations.com

VEGETARIAN BURGERS TRADITIONAL STYLE (FRY'S) (vegan)
Description: Vegetarian burgers
Features: Non-GM product; no preservatives; no colourants; no cholesterol;
high protein; parev
Available from Safeway supermarkets in freezer section.

VEGETARIAN SAUSAGES TRADITIONAL STYLE (FRY'S) (vegan)
Description: Vegetarian sausages
Features: Non-GM product; no preservatives; no colourants; no cholesterol;
high protein; contains no onion or garlic; parev
Available from Safeway supermarkets in freezer section.

Our Great Vegetarian & Vegan Products listing is located at -
www.vnv.org.au/Products.htm.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

9 PRODUCT UPDATE - KELLOGG'S

We have recently received updated information on all Kellogg's breakfast
cereals and convenience foods and have updated the details on our Other
Vegetarian & Vegan Food Products list:
www.vnv.org.au/ProductsOther.htm.

Note that Nutri-Grain is now completely free of animal products and is
therefore suitable for vegans.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

10 OTHER VEGETARIAN & VEGAN PRODUCTS UPDATE

ORGANIC HOME (Australia) (Ph: 0416 067 600)
Natural chemical free products
Manufacturers of hand made natural candles using soy wax. Soy wax is a
clean burning wax so it emits virtually no soot, it is non toxic,
biodegradable, harvested from commercially grown soy bean crops
reducing our need on fossil fuels, and best of all it's a natural vegan
alternative to beeswax. They are scented with pure essential oils and
natural plant dyes.
www.organichome.com.au

Organic Home has been added to the listing on our Other Vegetarian &
Vegan Products page - www.vnv.org.au/ProductsNonFood.htm.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

11 VITAMIN & MINERAL SUPPLEMENTS UPDATE

We have recently received confirmation that the following product is
suitable for vegans:

ARTHRILEVE (NATRIMED) (vegan)
The glucosamine hydrochloride in Arthrileve is manufactured from a
naturally occurring source through a dextrose-based fermentation. The
dextrose is derived from corn.
- Arthrileve is suitable for vegetarians and those with allergies or sensitivity
  to shellfish products.
- Each caplet contains 602.41mg of glucosamine hydrochloride,
  equivalent to 500mg glucosamine.
- No added sugar, salt, yeast, gluten, starch, wheat, dairy products,
  artificial preservatives, colours, flavours and sweeteners.
- Useful in the long term management of osteoarthritis.

We have added Arthrileve product to our Vitamin & Mineral Supplements
page - www.vnv.org.au/Vit&Min.htm.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

12 SPECIAL OFFER ON QUINOA FOR VNV UPDATE SUBSCRIBERS

Quinoa, the delicious nutritious, low GI 'super grain'.

Quinoa is a good source of easily assimilated and digestible protein. It's
naturally gluten free and high in calcium and iron. It is used like rice or cous
cous and can even be made into porridge or added to soups. It cooks in the
same time as basmati rice.

Used by the Aztecs for thousands of years but until recently this grain has
remained relatively unknown in Australia.

It can be quite hard to come by and usually expensive but one of our
supporters Malvern Natural Health Care is offering VNV Update subscribers
a special offer:

Organically grown quinoa at only $9kg in handy resealable bags or in bulk
at only $78 per 10kg.

(It is usually sold in health food stores for between $15 and $18 per Kg.)

A Free info sheet is supplied with each order.

FREE delivery for any order over $100 or just $6 delivery to Melbourne
metro for any quantity.

(Herbs, vitamins and homoeopathics, and flower essences are also
available.)

MALVERN NATURAL HEALTH CARE
265a Waverley Road, Malvern East
Email: info@mnhc.com.au
Web: www.mnhc.com.au

To place an order Phone 03 9572 3211 or call into the clinic.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

13 NEW CATERERS & FOOD VENDORS ADDED TO WEBSITE

ASYLUM SEEKER RESOURCE CENTRE CATERING SERVICE
Contact Pablo and Sophie
C/- Asylum Seeker Resource Centre
67 Jeffcott Street, West Melbourne VIC 3003, ph: 03 9326 6066
Email: asrecempass@hotmail.com
We offer a diverse range of organic and vegan menu items for any event:
Finger Food Menu
Selection of pannini and wraps, spring rolls, samosas, rice paper rolls,
Middle Eastern pastries, dips, risotto and vegetable balls.
Food Platters
A range of food platters are available, from fruit platters to Mediterranean,
Middle Eastern or Asian platters.
Tailor Made Menu
We have a range of cooks from the far reaches of the globe who can help
us to prepare a menu to suit you. We can provide sit down meals for
weddings, parties, anything. We are also available to run stalls at
community events. The Catering Service employs asylum seekers with the
right to work. Surplus funds are used to support the work of the centre
with those who do not have the right or capacity to work.

HARE KRISHNA FOOD FOR LIFE
Based in Melbourne
Ph: 03 9699 5122
Email: gopalguru@iskcon.org.au
We cater at nearly all the major festivals and events around Victoria (and
Queensland and Western Australia). We provide 'FRESHLY' cooked curries,
rice, vegetable nuggets, chutney and drinks. All of our food is vegetarian
and karma free. The proceeds help us with our free vegetarian food
distribution programs around Australia.
Contact: Gopala Guru dasa

ORGANIC SUNRISE FOODS
Certified Organic Slowfood
39 Horgan Track, Korweinguboora VIC 3461, Ph: 03 5438 6501
My name is Lia Dobson and together with my Husband Richard Dobson we
run Organic Sunrise foods. We live in Korweinguboora near Daylesford and
have a Certified Organic farm and kitchen.
We also have the first Certified Organic food van in Australia. We are very
proud of that. It is all very exciting for us. So of course everything we make
is Organic. In our food van we serve vegetarian food from homemade potato
croquettes, falafel in mountain bread with hommus and salad, wholemeal
pastries, vegetable lasagnes, soups, fruit icy poles etc. We also have fresh
vegetable and fruit juices. My husband is a chef and there is nothing we
can't do; as long as it is available in the organic industry, we can make it.
We also have a range of 8 premixes we make in our kitchen: Spicy Falafel
Mix, Gluten Free Falafel Mix, Gluten Free Biscuit Mix, Gluten Free
Buckwheat Pancake Mix, Buckwheat Pancake Mix, S.A. Muffin Mix,
Dutch Butter Cake Mix, Burnt Butter Biscuits.
All these mixes are sold through health food shops and at markets and
fairs etc. by us.

We have added these Caterers and Food Vendors to our Caterers page at
www.vnv.org.au/Caterers.htm.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

14 VEGGO-FRIENDLY DOCTOR UPDATE

We have recently added the following Naturopath to our Vegetarian-Friendly
Doctors & Naturopaths page:

JASON ELDRIDGE
(Ad Dip Hsci (Naturopathy) Dip (Herbal Medicine) Dip (Nutrition))
6 Westlake Drive, Melton VIC 3337
78a Erskine Street, North Melbourne VIC 3051
Ph: 03 9328 1321 or 0422 731 477
Email: naturopathic_care@dodo.com.au
Web: www.jasoneldridge.com
Jason although currently not a strict vegetarian has spent 9 years himself
as a vegetarian - his partner is vegetarian. He supports the vegetarian and
vegan choice. Jason has a passion for food as medicine and loves to help
vegetarians achieve their health and wellness goals.
He uses a range of natural therapies and traditional medicines including
Naturopathy, Herbal Medicine, Rayid Iridology, Nutrition, Food as Medicine,
Massage (Oriental), Family Tree Therapies, Ear Candling, Dietary and
Lifestyle Advice.
"I aim to bring health and happiness, embracing science and soul to help
you achieve your maximum potential"

Our Veggo Friendly Doctors and Naturopaths page is located at:
www.vnv.org.au/Doctors&Naturopaths.htm.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

15 VNV BUSINESS DIRECTORY UPDATE

Would you prefer to support businesses that are run by vegetarians? And
if you're a vegetarian in business would you like more vegetarian
customers/clients?

If so, why not use VNV's Business Directory? It is online at
www.vnv.org.au/BusinessDirectory.htm and listings are Free!

NEW LISTINGS:

@HM WEBSITE DESIGN & IT SUPPORT SERVICES
Type of Business       Website Design
Services/Products      Personalised, friendly service providing Website
Design, Branding, Site Maintenance and IT Support Services to individuals
and small businesses
Contact                     Andrew Hill-Male
Address/Suburb         Wollstonecraft, NSW, Australia
Phone                       02 9436 0620
Mobile                       0402 306 680
Email                        ahm@hill-male.com
Web                          www.hill-male.com

LITTLE STARS EARLY MUSIC EDUCATION
Type of Business       Music classes for children and their parents
Services/Products     We provide comprehensive music education
classes for parents and children aged between zero and five years of age.
Our curriculum is based on the Suzuki philosophy of education which
believes that all children have the ability to achieve to a high level - not just
musically or academically, but emotionally and intrinsically. We support
parents by providing them with resources for home use and encouraging
them to take an active role in their child's learning and development.
Contact                     Ainslie Jackel and Chelsea Jones
Address/Suburb         C/- 224 Nepean Highway, Seaford VIC 3198
                                 Operating in: Frankston, Baxter and Rosebud
Mobile                       0416 019 163
Email                        littlestars@littlestarsearlymusic.com
Web                          www.littlestarsearlymusic.com

NOBLE PUBLISHING
Type of Business      Professional Writer & Literary Consultancy
Services/Products    Creative Writing, Ghost Writing, Manuscript
Assessment, Tuition, Small runs, Personalised Gift Cards (50% proceeds
to save dolphins activist Ric O'Barry) and more
Contact                    Ayana Noble B.A.
Address/Suburb        Central Queensland
Phone                      04 3971 8994
Email                       ayana@artsconnect.com.au
Web                         www.81x.com/creativewriter/consultant

ORGANIC HOME
Type of Business       Chemical free organic products and candles
Services/Products      Natural handmade soy wax candles scented with
pure essential oils and natural plant dyes. Bulk soy wax and other candle
making supplies also available.
Contact                     Alexandra Clark
Address/Suburb         Perth, Western Australia
Mobile                       0416 067 600
Fax                           08 6278 4288
Email                        organich@organichome.com.au
Web                          www.organichome.com.au

SARAH OLIVER (ParenTeen)
Type of Business      Teen and Parent Coaching
Services/Products    Teen Angst? How to communicate with your teen
Services:
ParenTeen offers 12 week coaching programs to ensure that young people
flourish and parents can delight in their role! The key is to assist families
establish effective communications by showing parents the right skills and
tools. Sarah coaches parents through the challenging times, teaching them
to be Coach for their Kids! One mother said: "I created an understanding
with my son that didn't exist before. we talk about things and I feel much
more in control of my feelings."
Therapies:
Reconnective Healing, using high frequency energy to provide relaxing
healing over 1-3 sessions. Heals body, mind and spirit with highly palpable
energies that continue to work well after your visit has finished.
Contact                    Sarah Oliver
Address/Suburb        Brunswick, Victoria
Mobile                      0403 809 780
Email                       sarah@avivacoach.com
Web                         www.avivacoach.com

taylor.jacob graphics
Type of Business     Graphic Design/Web Design
Services/Products    taylor.jacob graphics is an integrated marketing
and design house, with expertise in designing and producing marketing
focussed publications and web sites, from concept right through to finished
product.
Contact                    Heather Taylor
Address/Suburb        Mt Eliza, servicing all areas of Melbourne and the
Mornington Peninsula.
Phone                      03 9775 3032
Fax                          03 9775 4834
Email                       heather@taylorjacobgraphics.com.au
Web                        www.taylorjacobgraphics.com.au

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

16 PERSONAL STORIES ABOUT GOING & BEING VEGGO

Have you ever wondered how other people became vegetarian or vegan?
Well, we have a page on our website where people can share their personal
experiences: How they find the vegetarian lifestyle, reflections on life from a
vegetarian/vegan perspective, thoughts on the issues involved, and
discoveries of different foods, restaurants and products etc.

Ella, 18 years old, from Geelong, Victoria, has recently emailed us her
story. It is online at www.vnv.org.au/PersonalStories.htm.

If you would like to share your personal story, please email it to
info@vnv.org.au.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

17 NEW QUOTE ADDED TO WEBSITE

"Vegetarianism isn't about fanatical personal purity, it's about having some
perspective. Move at your own pace; no one's keeping score.
Vegetarianism isn't about scarcity, it's about abundance. It's not about
restriction, it's about liberation. Not about what we're against but what we're
for; not for some far-off time but for right now. For me going vegetarian is
less about becoming something and more about being true to ourselves."
- Michael Gregor MD

Our Quotes page is located at www.vnv.org.au/Quotes.htm.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

18 NEW LINKS ADDED TO WEBSITE

VEGBAY.COM (USA)
VEGBAY.COM is a FREE online auction for the Veg/Green/Animal Rights
communities. Sell or buy vegetarian, vegan, hemp, fair trade, yoga, new
age, health & beauty, organic, recycled, and miscellaneous items and
services while supporting fellow veg-friendly individuals, businesses and
not-for-profit organizations.
www.vegbay.com

VEGGIE VISION (UK)
Veggie Vision is a new internet TV station that's suitable for everyone!
We will be bringing you information, education and entertainment for
cruelty-free living and animal-free eating.
Veggie Vision is optimised for use on a PC with a Broadband connection,
using Internet Explorer 5 or above, and RealPlayer or Windows Media
Player.
Stay tuned to Veggie Vision at www.veggievision.com!

Our Links page is located at www.vnv.org.au/Links.htm.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

19 FREE VEGETARIAN-RELATED CLASSIFIEDS

Whatever it is, if it's relevant to vegetarians in Australia why not advertise it
on our Classifieds page? It's free! Simply send the ad via email to
info@vnv.org.au and we will put it online.

New classified ads:
   Accommodation Available:
    - Vego Housemate Wanted in West End 
    - Room available in 2 bedroom art deco apartment in east st. kilda
    - Room Available in Coogee Beach
    - Detached Room (Bungalow) Available in Elsternwick $80 pw
    - Room Available in Elizabeth Bay, Sydney
    - Room Available in Footscray
    - Room in new townhouse in Footscray available 
   Accommodation Wanted:
    - Accommodation Needed in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney
    - Accommodation Needed in Sydney, Eastern Suburbs
    - Urgently Looking for Share House in Brisbane 
    - Accommodation Wanted in Croydon Area 
    - Accommodation Wanted in Melbourne - $90-$120 p/w
    - Room wanted Monash/Mulgrave/Springvale area 
   Employment:
    - Work Available: Vegetarian Cafe - Waiter or Waitress
   Other ads:
    - Assistance Required Learning Auslan (sign language)

Our Classifieds page is located at www.vnv.org.au/Classifieds.htm.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

20 NEW ONLINE BOOK ADDED TO VNV LIBRARY PAGE

HEART FAILURE - DIARY OF A THIRD YEAR MEDICAL STUDENT
To all the students who went to bed crying or woke up screaming. To all
those who needed to leave their hearts at the door.
By Michael Gregor, MD
From the Preface:
'The unusual format of this book is a result of its origins. It started out
as excerpts from my diary, a compilation of notes I scribbled to myself in
the dark - fragmented snippets, flashes of images. Disjointed and chaotic,
it is a reflection of my life and mind at the time.
"The sharing of anecdotes can be emotionally powerful, but often cannot
give a sense of perspective. For example, I witnessed doctors do terrible
things to people. But was it just that doctor, that department - or was it
most doctors, most hospitals? Finding myself so often in hospital libraries,
I started searching out evidence that I was not alone, evidence that others
had seen what I saw, felt what I now feel..."
www.upalumni.org/medschool

We have added the details on this book to the Online Books section of our
Lending Library page - www.vnv.org.au/Library.htm.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

21 VOLUNTEERS WANTED - KNITTED WITH LOVE

Knitted with Love is seeking volunteers to knit squares which will later be
sewn together to make blankets. These blankets will be donated to animal
shelters and rescues throughout Victoria. Our aim is to ensure that these
animals are comfortable whilst waiting for loving people to adopt them.
As people knit at different tensions and may be using different ply acrylic,
we have not specified the number of stiches to cast on or how many rows
to be knitted. For ease of use we ask that all squares be knitted (or
crocheted) to 40x40cm.

Every single square donated will be an enormous help!

We are also desperate for donations of acrylic wool in any colour or quantity.

Due to the cruelty inflicted on Australian sheep bred for their fleece, we ask
that all squares be knitted from acrylic, not wool.

Finished squares and acrylic can be forwarded to Knitted with Love at:
PO Box 140, Myrtleford VIC 3737.

For more information, please call 0401 163 965 or refer to the Knitted with
Love website: www.knittedwithlove.org

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

22 ORGANIC GARDENING WORKSHOPS

My name is Drew and I offer Organic Gardening Workshops at peoples'
homes and teach them how to grow their own organic food gardens.
Basically, I would like to empower people to grow more of their own food in
an environmentally friendly and healthy way. I believe this is very beneficial
on many levels and not only provides clean fruit and vegetables but also
nourishes the spirit, helps children learn about growing from an early age
and can also bring communities closer together through co-op growing
systems. I also offer Permaculture designs and consultations.
As everybody is at different levels when it comes to gardening, I offer a wide
range of topics whereby people can choose what they want to learn. I have
listed a few below:
- seeds and seedling raising
- seed-saving and storing
- soils (soil types, improving soils)
- composting, mulching and nutrient recycling
- worm farming (as a composting method)
- garden bed design (no-dig gardens, raised beds, mandala gardens)
- companion planting (what to plant with what and where)
- natural pest & disease control (chemical free)
- growing edible sprouts
- gardening for kids
- water recycling (rain water tanks, reusing grey-water)
- vegetable, herb, edible flower growing
- fruit and nut trees
- gardening with native and indigenous plant species
- making a pond (to attract frogs, beneficial insects and birds)
- edible food forests
- alternative energy sources (solar hot water, photovoltaic cells for
  electricity generation etc.)
I am based on the Mornington Peninsula, however I run workshops almost
anywhere in Melbourne.
For more information contact Drew Cooper at Urban Organics on
0407 466 523 or via urban.organics@bigpond.com.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

23 (AU) MEAT PIES? WELL, SORT OF...

They're a big part of Aussie life, but do you know what's actually in them?
Choice Magazine found out by testing 18 widely available brands of frozen
meat pie:

What is 'meat'?
Well if you're thinking steak, think again. The definition of meat includes - 
apart from cattle - buffalo, camel, deer, goat, hare, pig, poultry, rabbit or
sheep (as long as they're not slaughtered in the wild). The really surprising
thing is that the only part of an animal that's not included in the definition is
the foetus. Offal is included, but must be shown separately in the
ingredients list.

So, basically, anything goes, including fat, gristle, trimmings and meat
scraps scraped from bones. There's no guarantee of what most of us
probably think of as meat - muscle flesh.

How much meat?
By law, a meat pie must contain at least 25% meat. Even this small
amount can be 'fudged' because there's no chemical method to measure
actual meat content. In testing, what's measured is protein, and the meat
content is calculated from this. But manufacturers usually add protein
boosters like textured vegetable protein or soy protein, which can
contribute to a high result for 'meat' content.

Even so, three of the pies we looked at failed to meet the 25% standard,
while the remaining pies contained between 25% and 31% meat - no great
achievements there. In fact our lab analyst thought we'd thrown in a few
vegetarian pies to fool him!

Nutrition news
The fat content of the regular pies ranged from about 15g to 35g per pie -
very high, and mostly saturated fat. The sodium content of the pies is also
quite high, and you really just can't eat them if you're watching your salt
intake. The pies we looked at would contribute 20-40% of the upper daily
recommended intake of sodium for adults.

Read the full Choice Online Report at:
www.choice.com.au

(Article dated March 2002)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

24 (IN) CHAPPEL RECOMMENDS VEGETARIAN DIET FOR ALL

Former Australian captain and the new coach of the Indian cricket team
Greg Chappell has been recommending vegetarianism for all, from athletes
to businessmen, and credits his vegetarian diet for improving his own health.

In his book 'Health and Fitness', Chappell says that giving up meat and
dairy products in favour of healthier foods like soya and vegetables made
him feel stronger and healthier.

Full story:
www.indiaexpress.com
Related story:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

25 (UK) WORLD'S OLDEST MARATHON RUNNER, 94, LEADS TEAM
      OF SENIORS IN SCOTLAND

Fauja Singh, a 94-year-young grandfather of 13, led a marathon relay team
recently in the Edinburgh Marathon in Scotland, which was billed as the
"oldest ever marathon relay team." The five-man team named itself "Sikhs
in the City" and had a combined age of 397 years.

Singh, the world's oldest marathoner, drew most of the attention in the field
of more than 11,000 runners and was the official starter. There were 5,000
runners in the relay event.
...
A vegetarian, Singh, joined forces in 2004 with People for the Ethical
Treatment of Animals (PETA) to caution Asians and others about the perils
they face if they "clog their arteries with meat."

Full story:
www.seniorjournal.com

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

26 (US) VEGAN ATHLETES FLEX THEIR MUSCLES

In a recent interview Olympic track star Carl Lewis, who was a vegan during
his best years, says he believes that "most athletes have the worst diet in
the world, and they compete in spite of it."

Members of OrganicAthlete's "Vegan Pro-Activist" team are out to prove
that a plant-based diet is the best diet for optimal health and performance,
and that they can succeed at high levels in sports because they are vegan.

Many people are resistant about becoming vegan because of dietary myths
like not getting enough protein, but elite vegan athletes and health
professionals are participating in the 2005 OrganicAthlete Conference to
dispel these myths. Scheduled for 24 September, the goal of the
conference is to share information about the benefits of a plant-based diet.

Full story:
www.prweb.com

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

27 (US) VEGETARIAN WOMEN WEIGH LESS THAN MEAT EATERS

Women who eat little or no meat are less likely to be overweight than their
more carnivorous peers, according to a new study.

The findings, say researchers, suggest that replacing some meat and other
animal products with plant-based fare may help people control their weight.

The study of more than 55,000 Swedish women found that those who
identified themselves as vegetarian or vegan tended to weigh less than
meat-eaters, and were less likely to be overweight or obese.
...
In the study, self-proclaimed vegans were two-thirds less likely than meat-
eaters to be overweight or obese, while the two vegetarian groups were
about half as likely as meat-eaters to be overweight - even with other
factors, such as age, exercise and total calorie intake, taken into account.

While this was not a weight-loss study, the findings do suggest that a
plant-based diet may aid in weight control, according to P. Kirstin Newby,
a researcher at Tufts University in Boston.

Full story:
www.reuters.com

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

28 (US) VEGETARIAN DIET LOWERS BLOOD PRESSURE
      ACCORDING TO SCIENTIFIC REVIEW

A new scientific review shows that high blood pressure can be reduced with
diet changes, especially a vegetarian diet. The new report analyses the
results of published studies and concludes that vegetarian populations have
lower rates of hypertension, "the silent killer." This report, authored by
nutritionist Susan E. Berkow, Ph.D., C.N.S., and Neal D. Barnard, M.D., is
the lead article in the January issue of the peer-reviewed journal Nutrition
Reviews.

Included in the analysis are studies published in top journals such as The
Lancet and The Journal of the American Medical Association. In addition to
the population trends, these studies show that individual patients also
experience the blood pressure-lowering effect of a vegetarian diet.

Vegetarians tend to be slimmer, on average, and that is one reason their
blood pressure is often in the healthy range. Other mechanisms include
vegetarians' higher intake of potassium as well as the tendency of plant-
based foods to modulate blood viscosity. As blood pressure is lowered,
vegetarian populations experience a reduced risk of stroke, heart attack,
and kidney failure

"Many people fear the side effects of blood pressure-lowering drugs, along
with the expense. Our analysis of 80 scientific studies suggests that a
vegetarian diet may be a simple, drug-free treatment for the 'silent killer'",
says Dr. Berkow, lead author of the study. "My advice to people at risk for
hypertension is to substitute a veggie burger for a hamburger tonight and
have pasta marinara without the meatballs tomorrow. After about six weeks
of such simple changes you might see your blood pressure and your body
weight begin to drop." Because high blood pressure is dangerous, the
researchers caution that individuals should see their doctors and assess
whether diet alone is sufficient, or whether drugs are also needed.

Full story:
www.sciencedaily.com

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

29 (UK) RED MEAT 'LINKED TO CANCER RISK'

A major study has found fresh evidence of a link between red and
processed meat and bowel cancer, scientists say.

The European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)
looked at the dietary habits of over 500,000 people across Europe over 10
years.

Bowel cancer risk was a third higher for those who regularly ate over two
80g portions of red or processed meat a day, compared to less than one
a week.

EPIC's study is reported in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Full story:
http://news.bbc.co.uk
Additional story:
http://sf1.novisgroup.com

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

30 (IT) TIME TO TURN TO THE 'DARK SIDE'

It seems dark chocolate decreases blood pressure and improves insulin
sensitivity in healthy people.

Davide Grassi and colleagues from the University of L'Aquila, Italy,
compared the effects of dark or white chocolate on blood pressure, glucose
and insulin responses in healthy people.

The research team believe that polyphenol-rich dark chocolate, high in
flavonols, may be able to improve insulin sensitivity and decrease blood
pressure.

Dark chocolate significantly improved blood pressure, glucose and insulin
responses in healthy people. The research team said that, "our study is the
first one to show that cocoa may have favourable metabolic effects and
thereby further protect against cardiovascular diseases".

Full story:
www.blackmores.com.au

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

31 (UK) WAS YOUR MEAT SMARTER THAN YOUR PET?

Research Suggests Farm Animals Are Surprisingly Intelligent

If you could talk to the animals, would they have anything to say? New
research suggests they might.

Testing the IQ of a sheep may seem laughable. But at the Babraham
Institute in Cambridge, England, they know better. One sheep who got a
reward every time she recognized a human face correctly on a video screen
scored a perfect 50 out of 50.

"If it was a monkey, no one would have any problems, possibly even if it
was a dog," said Keith Kendrick, a neurologist at Babraham. "They would
say, 'Yeah, yeah, that's expected.' But a sheep, no one really believes."

And it's not just sheep.

Hamlet the pig is a computer wiz. He gets a reward every time he uses a
joystick designed for a chimp to move a cursor into a blue area on a
computer monitor. A Jack Russell terrier couldn't achieve such a task after
a year of trying.

"They're very curious, and they'll charge off on their own," said John
Webster, a professor at the University of Bristol in England. "They will
investigate the world with their noses down and batter through like a small
boy."

New research shows that chickens can be taught to run the thermostat of
the chicken coop, and that even the lowly cow has a surprising inner life.

Cows have been known to form lifelong friendships, and one recent study
found that they actually show excitement when they've learned something
new "as if they're saying, 'Eureka, I found out how to solve the problem,' "
said Donald Broom, a professor at the University of Cambridge.

Full story:
http://abcnews.go.com

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

32 (US) 'MAN THE HUNTER' THEORY IS DEBUNKED IN NEW BOOK

You wouldn't know it by current world events, but humans actually evolved
to be peaceful, cooperative and social animals.

In a new book, an anthropologist at Washington University in St. Louis goes
against the prevailing view and argues that primates, including early humans,
evolved not as hunters but as prey of many predators, including wild dogs
and cats, hyenas, eagles and crocodiles.

Despite popular theories posed in research papers and popular literature,
early man was not an aggressive killer, argues Robert W. Sussman, Ph.D.,
professor of anthropology in Arts & Sciences.

Sussman's book, "Man the Hunted: Primates, Predators and Human
Evolution," poses a new theory, based on the fossil record and living
primate species, that primates have been prey for millions of years, a fact
that greatly influenced the evolution of early man.

He co-authored the book with Donna L. Hart, Ph.D., a member of the
faculty of Pierre Laclede Honors College and the Department of
Anthropology at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

Our intelligence, cooperation and many other features we have as modern
humans developed from our attempts to out-smart the predator, says
Sussman.

Since the 1924 discovery of the first early humans, australopithicenes,
which lived from seven million years ago to two million years ago, many
scientists theorized that those early human ancestors were hunters and
possessed a killer instinct.

Through his research and writing, Sussman has worked for years to
debunk that theory. An expert in the ecology and social structure of
primates, Sussman does extensive fieldwork in primate behaviour and
ecology in Costa Rica, Guyana, Madagascar and Mauritius. He is the
author and editor of several books, including "The Origins and Nature of
Sociality," "Primate Ecology and Social Structure," and "The Biological
Basis of Human Behavior: A Critical Review."

The idea of "Man the Hunter" is the generally accepted paradigm of human
evolution, says Sussman. "It developed from a basic Judeo-Christian
ideology of man being inherently evil, aggressive and a natural killer. In fact,
when you really examine the fossil and living non-human primate evidence,
that is just not the case."
...
"Australopithecus afarensis was probably quite strong, like a small ape,"
Sussman says. Adults ranged from around 3 to 5 feet and they weighed
60-100 pounds. They were basically smallish bipedal primates. Their teeth
were relatively small, very much like modern humans, and they were fruit
and nut eaters.

But what Sussman and Hart discovered is that Australopithecus afarensis
was not dentally pre-adapted to eat meat. "It didn't have the sharp shearing
blades necessary to retain and cut such foods," Sussman says. "These
early humans simply couldn't eat meat. If they couldn't eat meat, why
would they hunt?"

It was not possible for early humans to consume a large amount of meat
until fire was controlled and cooking was possible. Sussman points out that
the first tools didn't appear until two million years ago. And there wasn't
good evidence of fire until after 800,000 years ago. "In fact, some
archaeologists and paleontologists don't think we had a modern,
systematic method of hunting until as recently as 60,000 years ago," he
says.

"Furthermore, Australopithecus afarensis was an edge species," adds
Sussman. They could live in the trees and on the ground and could take
advantage of both. "Primates that are edge species, even today, are
basically prey species, not predators," Sussman argues.

The predators living at the same time as Australopithecus afarensis were
huge and there were 10 times as many as today. There were hyenas as big
as bears, as well as saber-toothed cats and many other mega-sized
carnivores, reptiles and raptors. Australopithecus afarensis didn't have tools,
didn't have big teeth and was three feet tall. He was using his brain, his
agility and his social skills to get away from these predators. "He wasn't
hunting them," says Sussman. "He was avoiding them at all costs."

Approximately 6 percent to 10 percent of early humans were preyed upon
according to evidence that includes teeth marks on bones, talon marks on
skulls and holes in a fossil cranium into which sabertooth cat fangs fit, says
Sussman. The predation rate on savannah antelope and certain ground-
living monkeys today is around 6 percent to 10 percent as well.

Sussman and Hart provide evidence that many of our modern human traits,
including those of cooperation and socialization, developed as a result of
being a prey species and the early human's ability to out-smart the
predators. These traits did not result from trying to hunt for prey or kill our
competitors, says Sussman.

"One of the main defenses against predators by animals without physical
defenses is living in groups," says Sussman. "In fact, all diurnal primates
(those active during the day) live in permanent social groups. Most
ecologists agree that predation pressure is one of the major adaptive
reasons for this group-living. In this way there are more eyes and ears to
locate the predators and more individuals to mob them if attacked or to
confuse them by scattering. There are a number of reasons that living in
groups is beneficial for animals that otherwise would be very prone to
being preyed upon."

Full story:
www.infozine.com

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

33 (US) CHINA TO ASSEMBLE VEGETARIAN FOOD BODY

A Vegetarian Food Industry Association will be set up in China this year to
combat the use of animal material in vegetarian products, according to the
China Food Culture Research Organisation.

The Vegetarian Food Industry Association's primary mission will be to push
for compilation of standards to regulate the production of vegetarian food in
what is seen in Asia as a small but growing industry.

At the moment vegetarian food distributed in China is deemed as
substandard in countries and regions that have strict standards on
vegetarian product.

According to Huang Ying, of the vegetarian food cultural commission, there
are presently no state or industry standards designed to regulate
production of vegetarian food or its ingredients in China.

"The lack of standards means that many manufacturers of vegetarian food
use animal material, such as eggs and meat, in their products," said Huang.

Full story:
www.ap-foodtechnology.com

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

34 (US) 'HUMAN FLESH ALTERNATIVE' SELLS ON THE WEB

Who knew there was a market for food that tastes like human flesh?
Apparently, Mark Nuckols - founder of Hufu, a company that sells tofu that
is textured and flavoured like human flesh.

A student at Dartmouth's Tuck Business School, Nuckols said that the
idea for Hufu, dubbed "the healthy human flesh alternative," sprang from his
interest in anthropology and cannibalism in particular.
...
He recently launched the Web site www.eathufu.com, where visitors can
order the product and Hufu merchandise and find Hufu recipes. They can
also read short histories of famous cannibals.

Nuckol's staff calls the tone of the Web site "mock-serious" and said that
he hoped that the food would appeal to both cannibals who are tired of the
logistical and legal obstacles to the practice, as well as people who are
simply curious.
...
Hufu is manufactured by a Dutch tofu processor, and for this reason
the product should appeal to those who already enjoy cooking with
tofu, Nuckols said.
...
Nuckols said his market has been largely vegetarian, but believes that
others would enjoy Hufu as well. So far Nuckols has not asked any
genuine cannibals to test his product.

Full story:
http://daily.stanford.edu

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

35 (US) DAIRY DIET MYTH

"Drink Milk... Lose Weight" say the ads which ran in over 30 newspapers
and magazines in the U.S. October 2003, the dairy industry launched an
entire "Healthy Weight with Milk" campaign to boost sales. Curiously, that
also happened to be the same year a review of that exact subject was
published in the Journal of Nutrition. The review found nine randomised
controlled studies in the medical literature on body weight and dairy. Seven
of the nine studies found no significant change in body weight compared to
controls and the last two found that those who increased their dairy
consumption gained significantly more weight than the nondairy control
groups.[1] Subsequent and even larger studies published in 2004[2] and
2005[3] showed the exact same thing.

So, wait a second. How can the dairy industry's ads claim that "a clinical
study shows it helps you burn more fat and lose more weight than just
cutting calories alone?" Well, because there is actually one tiny study,
published by Michael Zemel of the University of Tennessee, which did find
that the 11 study participants instructed to eat more dairy did seem to lose
more weight. Yes, of course the study was bought and paid for by the dairy
industry, but it goes further than that. This guy Zemel owns a patent on the
claim that dairy foods aid weight loss, which is licensed to dairy food
manufacturers. As the Centre for Science in the Public Interest noted, "In
the world of patents and PR, a little science can go a long way."[4]

Similar manoeuvrings were involved in the increased dairy recommendation
in the new USDA Dietary Guidelines, even though a recent World Health
Organization review found no significant relationship at all between low
dairy consumption and osteoporotic fracture risk.[5] Assigned to write the
dairy guideline was Connie Weaver, head of nutrition at Purdue University
and a funding favourite of the National Dairy Council. Walter Willet, head of
nutrition at Harvard, calls the guideline committee's report "egregious,"
accusing them of ignoring the evidence linking dairy to cancer. "There is no
nutritional requirement for dairy," Dr. Willet told the Wall Street Journal, "at
all."[6]

To hopefully clear up the dairy/weight question once and for all, on June 6,
2005, Harvard researchers published what may be considered the definitive
study on the subject in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine.
A study which followed the milk-drinking habits of not 11 kids, or even 12
kids, but over 12,000 kids! After following these 9- though 14-year-olds for
years, they found that "children who reported higher total milk intake
experienced larger weight gains." The more milk they drank, the heavier
they became. Boys who drank the "recommended" three servings of milk a
day were 35% more likely to become overweight and girls who drank three
servings were 36% more likely to become overweight over time.[7]

"Given the high prevalence of lactose intolerance, the energy content and
saturated fat in milk, and evidence that dairy products may promote both
male (prostate) and female (ovarian) cancers, we should not assume that
high intakes [of dairy] are beneficial," the researchers told reporters.
"Furthermore, these cancers may be linked to consumption during
adolescence."[8]

What most surprised the researchers was that those who drank low-fat milk
(skim and 1%) gained the most weight of all! The weight gain seemed tied
more to the dairy protein intake than the dairy fat intake (extra whey protein
is often added to low-fat milk during processing). Although there are at
least four human studies that show that the dairy protein whey itself may
promote weight gain, the researchers guessed that the blame lay in the
growth hormones in milk, like the steroid estrone found in whey. After all,
milk is designed by mother nature to start an 80-pound calf on her way to
1,400 pounds by her second birthday.

References:
[1] Barr SI. "Increased Dairy Product or Calcium Intake: Is Body Weight or
Composition Affected in Humans?" Journal of Nutrition 133(2003):
245-8S.
[2] Obesity Research 12(2004):A23.
[3] Gunther CW, Legowski PA, Lyle RM, et al. "Dairy Products Do Not
Lead to Alterations in Body Weight or Fat Mass in Young Women In A
1-Y Intervention." Am J Clin Nutr 2005;81:751-6.
[4] "Dairy Does Diets." Nutrition Action Healthletter September 2004:8.
[5] Kanis JA, et al."A Meta-Analysis of Milk Intake and Fracture Risk: Low
Utility For Case Finding." Osteoporosis International 21 October 2004.
[6] Zamiska N. "How Milk Got a Major Boost By Food Panel." Wall Street
Journal 30 August 2004:B1.
[7] Berkey CS, et al. "Milk, Dairy Fat, Dietary Calcium, and Weight Gain."
Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine
[8] Fox M. "Milk may make for heavier kids, study finds." Reuters 6 June
2005.

This article has been taken from Dr Michael Gregor's June-August 2005
newsletter (refer www.DrGreger.org/newsletters.html).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

36 (US) MILK MARKETERS TOLD TO MOO-VE OUT

Several marketers of dairy products in the US are expected to be served
with lawsuits claiming they have engaged in false and misleading weight-
loss marketing.

The suits are likely to be regarded by food marketers as another skirmish
in the long struggle on the obesity issue, in which some plaintiffs' lawyers
want to haul Big Food down the same path as Big Tobacco.

The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) will file two
suits, a class action on behalf of consumers and an individual action on
behalf of a Virginia woman, according to Howard White, a PCRM
spokesman.

While large marketers routinely receive suits claiming they hurt the health
of consumers, the difference here is that the PCRM has a record of
inflicting serious pr damage on its targets. It was PCRM, for instance, which
obtained a copy of the medical examiner's notes on the death of Dr. Robert
C. Atkins, founder of the Atkins diet regime. The notes showed Atkins had
coronary artery disease, PCRM claimed, a condition often brought on by
eating too much meat and fat.

Full story:
www.brandweek.com

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

37 (UK) SCHOOL MILK PROMOTIONAL CAMPAIGN GETS £50,000 BOOST

Dairy UK has got £50,000 worth of funding from the European Union to
promote milk consumption in primary schools this year.

The Rural Payments Agency has confirmed that Dairy UK, which is
working with the Milk Development Council, will be awarded the cash from
the EU Internal Market Promotions budget to help finance the promotion
of liquid milk.

Schools action packs, information on the nutritional benefits of milk and
"Fitness Friday" packs will go to over 10,000 primary schools.

Thousands of copies of a Teacher's Guide to Health and Fitness will also be
sent out.

School Milk Week 2005, to be held during the week commencing Oct 10,
will act as a focal point for promotional activities during the campaign.

Dairy UK has previously co-ordinated two EU-funded school milk
promotions in 2003 and 2004, which have generated over 6,000 new school
milk drinkers, or over 1 million new serving opportunities per annum.

Full story:
www.fwi.co.uk

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

38 (US) U.S. POISED TO RULE ON CLONED LIVESTOCK

Meat and milk from cloned farm animals is about to be declared safe for
human consumption by the US Food and Drug Administration, one of the
world's most powerful regulatory bodies.

A favourable risk assessment from the FDA is expected to start the
commercial exploitation of cloning to improve livestock quality around the
world.

FDA officials told the BIO 2005 biotech industry conference they had
completed a four-year assessment process and concluded that cloned
animals and their progeny would be as safe to eat as conventionally bred
animals. They also found that cloning was acceptable from the viewpoint
of animal welfare.

Scientists said the first pork and beef from cloned animals could reach the
market next year. John Matheson, senior regulatory scientist at the FDA,
said uncertainty in the US government about the ethics of animal cloning
had delayed publication of the assessment.

Full story:
http://news.ft.com

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

39 (US) MAD-COW DISEASE CONFIRMED FOR 2ND TIME IN U.S. HERD

The U.S. confirmed its second case of mad-cow disease after a U.K. lab
found traces of the illness in an animal that was cleared by earlier
government tests. The finding may delay attempts to revive $2.5 billion of
U.S. beef exports and force a review of screening methods.

Full story:
http://quote.bloomberg.com

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

40 (US) FDA HASN'T ACTED ON MAD COW VOW

American cattle are eating chicken litter, cattle blood and restaurant
leftovers that could help transmit mad cow disease - a gap in the U.S.
defence that the Bush administration promised to close nearly 18 months
ago.

"Once the cameras were turned off and the media coverage dissipated,
then it's been business as usual, no real reform, just keep feeding
slaughterhouse waste," said John Stauber, an activist and co-author of Mad
Cow USA: Could the Nightmare Happen Here?

He contended, "The entire U.S. policy is designed to protect the livestock
industry's access to slaughterhouse waste as cheap feed."

Full story:
http://sltrib.com

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

41 (US) JAPAN, TAIWAN FOOD SAFETY OFFICIALS WORRIED BY
    NEW U.S. MAD COW CASE 

A Japanese government food safety panel expressed concern recently
about a second confirmed U.S. mad cow case, raising speculation that
Tokyo may delay a resumption of American beef imports.

Taiwan, meanwhile, reimposed the ban on U.S. beef that it had lifted just
two months ago.

Japan was the United States' largest overseas market for beef before Tokyo
banned all American beef imports 17 months ago following the first
confirmed U.S. mad cow case. Japan imported more than $1.5 billion U.S.
worth of American beef in 2003 before it imposed the ban, the U.S.
Department of Agriculture said.

Washington has recently intensified pressure on Tokyo to resume beef
imports, with some officials threatening sanctions.

Two months ago, Taiwan lifted the ban it had imposed in February 2004.
Chen Lu-hung of the Heath Department's Food Control Section said
recently the renewed ban would take effect immediately.

Full story:
www.canada.com

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

42 ABOUT VNV

Vegetarian Network Victoria (VNV), established in 1998, is a community-
based, not-for-profit organisation in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

It is run by people who care about human health, animal welfare and the
environment. Our aim is to promote the many benefits of vegetarianism,
and provide quality service, support and up-to-date information to
vegetarians, vegans and the general community.

Your support plays a vital role in our work. VNV needs support through
financial donations and voluntary assistance. If you can assist in any
capacity please contact us: info@vnv.org.au.

Vegetarian Network Victoria
Promoting a healthy and compassionate lifestyle
GPO Box 2633, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, AUSTRALIA
Telephone: 0500-VEGIES (0500-834437)
Email: info@vnv.org.au
Web: www.vnv.org.au

To subscribe or unsubscribe to this newsletter, simply send an email to
info@vnv.org.au. Please include "Subscription to VNV Update" in the
subject of your email.

If you are a new subscriber you may be interested in reading past issues
of VNV Update at www.vnv.org.au/EmailNewsletters.htm.

PRIVACY
At all times, VNV respects your privacy. We guarantee that your email address will not be
given, rented or sold to any individual or organisation.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

 Back to Newsletters page | VNV Home