PASADENA, CALIFORNIA–(Marketwire – Jan. 5, 2011) – According to recent statements by the Wellness Truth Network (WTN) in Pasadena, CA., the FTC and FDA, who have a long history of censorship of natural remedies, are attempting to classify natural substances which are proven to help in the prevention of heart disease as drugs.

As the US population ages, big Pharma stands to make billions of dollars from patentable drugs for heart disease and other ailments related to aging. According to Bob Held, CEO of WTN, the actions of the FTC in suppressing and over-regulating natural remedies acts to protect the profits of the corporations to the detriment of the American population.

Held is embroiled in his own fight with the FTC over the promotion of natural remedies for Diabetes, which he is challenging in court. 

“If it can’t be patented by a pharmaceutical company, the chances are good that any health solution found in nature is being attacked by the FTC and FDA. A fifth grader could figure out who they are protecting, and it’s not the American people.”

As an example, Held points out, Diamond Foods, makers of Diamond Culinary Nuts, has cited clinical studies and other scientifically validated data on their web site, showing that the Omega 3 fatty acids found in walnuts “can help lower cholesterol; protect against heart disease, stroke and some cancers; ease arthritis and other inflammatory diseases; and even fight depression and other mental illnesses.”

Earlier this year the company received a warning letter from the FTC stating that “Because of these intended uses, your walnut products are drugs within the meaning of section 201 (g)(1)(B) of the Act [21 U.S.C. § 321(g)(B)]. Your walnut products are also new drugs under section 201(p) of the Act [21 U.S.C. § 321(p)] [and] may not be legally marketed with the above claims in the United States without an approved new drug application.”

The absurdity of classifying a nut as a drug is not lost on Held. “According to this thinking, we’re not allowed to say that heart healthy foods provided by nature can be an option to the expensive and questionable pharmaceutical ‘solutions’.

“The tyranny of FTC censorship, and the threat they hold of financial ruin for anyone who dares say that healthy foods can help your body, has to end.”

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