Knowledge is Power: Do You or Your Kids Drink Kool-Aid or Consume Other Artificially Colored Foods? Then read this…

Did you know that a Kool-Aid can be used as a fabric or yarn dye? I’m not kidding… Here is a quote from “Nice Tips” category in Stitch ‘N Bitch 2007 calendar:

“… you can dye your own animal fibers with Kool-Aid. Mix one packet of unsweetened Kool-Aid mix with 1 cup (8 oz.) of lukewarm water. Wind your yarn into hanks and soak in room temperature water for 20 minutes. Remove the hanks and place them in a microwave-safe casserole dish and pour the Kool-Aid over them, making sure the yarn gets coated evenly. Microwave on high for 2 to 3 minutes. Rinse in a sink full of lukewarm water and hang to dry overnight.”

If that’s not enough to turn you off consuming products with artificial coloring, consider this information published at http://www.sixwise.com/newsletters/06/04/05/12_dangerous_food_additives_the_dirty_dozen_food_additives_you_really_need_to_be_aware_of.htm:

· Blue 2, found in pet food, candy and beverages, has been linked to brain tumors in mice.

· Blue 1, used to color candy, beverages and baked goods, may cause cancer.

· Red 3 coloring, used in fruit cocktails cherries, baked goods and candy, has been found to cause thyroid tumors in rats, and may cause them in humans as well.

· Yellow 6, found in many products including backed goods, candy, gelatin and sausages, has been found to cause adrenal gland and kidney tumors, and contains small amounts of many carcinogens.

Not convinced? Visit this site to get informed about adverse effects of "inactive" ingredients http://www.feingold.org/effects.html.