Aspartame may induce learning and memory difficulties

This post includes a summary of a study published in Pharmacological Research 2006 Jan;53(1):1-5 and a recipe for shrimp and celery.

Books:

Study title and authors:

The effect of aspartame metabolites on human erythrocyte membrane acetylcholinesterase activity.

Tsakiris S, Giannoulia-Karantana A, Simintzi I, Schulpis KH.

Department of Experimental Physiology, Medical School, University of Athens, Greece.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16129618
 
The study found that high concentrations of aspartame remarkably decreased enzyme activity which may lead to neurological symptoms, including learning and memory difficulties.

More information on this subject: Books : Scientific Studies : Other Websites : Videos : Food Mall 

Recipe of the day

Shrimp and Celery

Ingredients:

Food Mall: Deveined Shrimp

◦1 lb peeled, deveined shrimp

◦2 medium sized celery roots
◦1/2 c chicken, beef or veggie stock
◦6 slices bacon
◦1/2 onion
◦2 gloves garlic
◦1 T tomato paste
◦1 T chili garlic sauce
◦1 T minced thyme
◦S&P

Method:
Cut the ends off the celery roots and slice the skin off. Slice the root into 1/3′s, then rotate and slice into thick sticks, then slice into rough squares. Toss the roots into a pot of salted water and boil until softened, about 10 minutes. Get out your blender and place the roots inside, along with the stock and 2 T of bacon fat from the saute pan. Pulse until you reach a smooth consistency. Stir it around and/or add more stock if the mixture isn’t cooperating. S&P to your liking.

Cook your bacon in a saute pan. Once it’s browned, remove the bacon and crumble. Add the onion and garlic to the pan. Saute until softened, about 6 minutes. Add the shrimp, tomato paste, thyme, crumbled bacon and hot sauce. Cook until the shrimp have turned pink.

Place the celery into a bowl, add shrimp, crumbled bacon and many, many spoonfuls of the tomato gravy.