Briefs

The Upper Hand on Secondhand Smoke
A study published Aug. 5 in Nutrition and Cancer found that vitamin C can reduce the levels of oxidative stress caused by cigarette smoke, which contains large amounts of reactive free radicals. According to Marion Dietrich, a University of California, Berkeley, researcher in nutritional epidemiology and lead author of the study, the fact that vitamin C quenches reactive free radicals from cigarette smoke has been established in in vitro studies, but "There are few studies that have looked at the effects of vitamin C on oxidative stress in secondhand smokers the way we have." This small, 67-person study could point the way for free-radical relief for those wanting to diminish the effects of secondhand smoke.

Looking for a Few Good (Real) Folks
Jumping on a trend that's grabbing companies as diverse as Burt's Bees and Wal-Mart, Jason Natural Cosmetics is looking for some regular folks to serve as models. If you are an employee of a natural products retailer or distributor, you are eligible to compete in Jason's 2004 model search. One person will be selected for each category: skin, hair, body and oral care, as well as a sports category. The winners will receive a $2,500 U.S. savings bond and roundtrip airfare to, and accommodations at, Natural Products Expo West, where the photo shoot will occur. Contestants must send a 100- to 150-word essay on what they like about Jason products and a color photo. Jeffrey Light, founder and owner of Jason Natural Cosmetics, says, "Jason body care products are inspired by the people who live and breathe the natural foods lifestyle. We want Jason advertising to reflect this same inspiration." Contest rules and more information can be found at www.jason-natural.com.

Stuff Your Head, Not Your Stomach
Avery has published a paperback edition of Natural Stomach Care just in time for the holidays. The book by Anil Minocha, M.D., and David Carroll is a guide to digestive health that combines traditional Eastern healing techniques with Western medicine. With a range of techniques from Indian ayurvedic medicine to probiotics, and remedies for conditions from lactose intolerance to leaky gut syndrome, Natural Stomach Care could be the place to read up before filling up on holiday treats.

Natural Foods Merchandiser volume XXIV/number 10/p. 32