Minty Rumors

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NUTRITION NEWS FOCUS

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Today's Topic: Minty Rumors

 

The " curiously strong " mints called Altoids are the subject of a

variety of rumors. They are made in Great Britain from sugar, gum

arabic, peppermint oil, gelatin and glucose syrup. Gum arabic is a

form of soluble dietary fiber used to hold the mint together. One

rumor we were asked about is if you can get mad cow disease from

eating Altoids. Presumably this is because the gelatin is derived

from cows. There is a theoretical possibility that gelatin could

harbor the agent that causes the human version of mad cow, but all

suspect cows and their products were destroyed years ago.

 

Another web-based rumor is that these mints derive their flavor from

natural peppermint oil, but the strength is achieved using the same

aluminum powder that's found in stick antiperspirant, which closes the

pores on the tongue and creates that sharp stinging sensation.

 

HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: It appears the rumor

about mad cow disease can be traced to a vegetarian web site. Not

content with convincing people they should not eat meat for moral

reasons, this particular web site seems satisfied with scaring people

away from foods that contain any animal products. The other rumor is

so laughable it doesn't deserve a comment.

 

 

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