(NaturalNews) After writing a series of articles on fasting, titled “The Miracle of Fasting”, the author remembered that Paul C. Bragg (1895 , 1976) published a book by the same title. While he’d like to say he never heard of the book, the truth is the author read the book in 1998 and in fact Bragg was one of the key influences in his conversion to naturopathy. A pioneer in the health foods movement, Paul Bragg was part of the natural health movement since way back in the early 20th century. He claimed people could live to be over 100, and although he died at age 81 it was said to be related to a surfing accident. Patricia Bragg, Paul’s former daughter-in-law now runs the Bragg health empire. This article will review their main products.
Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar - Malus Domestica (Rosaceae)
Bragg Raw Unfiltered Cider Vinegaris a tried and true brand of vinegar used by the author over the last decade (currently in the one gallon size). One of the highest quality versions available, Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar has the Mother. It is aged in wood and has all of the keys for cider vinegar:
a)Raw (heat pasteurization destroys nutrients and flavor — taste it to be sure it is sweet).
b)Unfiltered (Contains the mother).
c)Made from organic apples (this avoids concentrated pesticide residue).
Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar contains the Mother, an enzyme chain long regarded as a cure-all and taken by Hippocrates himself. Apple cider vinegar helps relieve gout, acid reflux and arthritis symptoms. Consuming apple cider vinegar helps reduce cholesterol, calcium deposits, acne, allergies, and blood sugar while reducing allergies, food poisoning and muscle fatigue. Cider vinegar soothes a sore throat, strengthens the immune system and improves stamina and metabolism.
Summary: Highly Recommended (5/5)
Bragg Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil - Olea Europaea (Oleaceae)
One of their newer products, Bragg Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil has all of the important keys for olive oil:
a)Made with 100% organic olives.
b)Cold pressed.
c)Extra virgin (the first cold pressing, not processed with hexane).
Olive Oil (from the first cold pressing) contains Oleic acid, a healthy (monounsaturated omega-0) fatty acid. Olive oil, found in the Mediterranean diet, helps reduce blood pressure, asthma and arthritis inflammation. Consuming olive oil helps prevent and treat diabetes while increasing metabolism. Olive oil helps fight cancer of the breast and ovaries.
Summary:Highly Recommended (5/5)
Bragg Liquid Aminos
Bragg Liquid Aminos is similar in look and taste to soy sauce, with only trace amounts of sodium. A form of soy based vegetable protein used since 1912, Bragg Liquid Aminos has the umami flavor without added MSG. A great flavor for basmati rice, Bragg Liquid Aminos is unfermented, gluten free, has no preservatives, no alcohol and is certified non GMO. It contains Alanine, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Glutamic Acid, Glycine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Lysine, Leucine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Serine, Threonine, Tyrosine, and Valine.
Note: There has been some controversy regarding Liquid Amino’s:
a)Does Bragg Liquid Aminos contain MSG? While some people react to any form of free glutamic acid, Liquid Aminos (like Miso soup and soy sauce) does not contain added/synthetic MSG. However the FDA ruled that it was misleading to label Bragg Liquid Aminos “No MSG” or “No Added MSG”.
b)Is Bragg Liquid Aminos processed with Hydrochloric acid? Yes, but this is the same acid our stomachs produce to digest food. While some baking soda (base) is likely used to purge the acid, it is not likely a major health concern.
c)If there are no preservatives, does Bragg Liquid Aminos go rancid? Yes, Liquid Aminos spoil slowly at room temperature, similar to Soy Sauce, Bragg recommends refrigeration after opening.
d) Is Bragg Liquid Aminos heat pasteurized? Yes, Bragg Liquid Aminos is heat pasteurized and thus is not a raw, living food containing enzymes.
While the author never had any headaches or reactions to Bragg in ten years of use, this product is not recommended for those sensitive to MSG. Also, while new studies indicate that unfermented soy products may be causing men to exhibit female characteristics, the author thankfully has not experienced any desire to watch Sex and the City after consuming Liquid Aminos.
Summary:Questionable (2/5)
Bragg Books
Along with “The Miracle of Fasting”, Bragg has another book “Water the Shocking Truth” that recommends Distilled Water. While informative, these books were filled with strange ads and the contents were redundant. It was like a bunch of magazine articles all pasted together with ads from 1950’s comic books. The message is clear in the books however: avoid toxins, consume fresh food and clean water, and fast periodically. A good editor might reformat the books and they would be much improved (maybe a combination book since they would be much smaller). Bragg was one of the pioneering organic companies, thus his books are worth reading before they go down the memory hole.
Summary: Worthwhile (3/5)
Summary:
Overall, Bragg scored 15 out of a possible 20, a combined score of 75% (Recommended).
For more information see their web site at: http://www.bragg.com/
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Scoring System:
5/5 Highly Recommended
4/5 Recommended
3/5 Worthwhile
2/5 Questionable
1/5 Not Recommended
0/5 Hazardous
Disclaimer: As with all Natural News product reviews, the author and publisher do not receive any compensation from the company being reviewed. The views expressed in this article are the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Bragg (Live Foods) or Natural News.
References:
Bragg Live Foods
www.bragg.com
Homemade Superfood II: Guacamole and the Science of Salsa
(http://www.naturalnews.com/023210.html)
About the author
Neil McLaughlin is a computer scientist specializing in 3d graphics and simulation. He can be reached at naturalnews461 (at) yahoo (dot) com.
