NyQuil (aka Narcotics!)

Ever wondered why/how NyQuil works? What could it be that gets you sleeping like a baby for atleast 8 hrs? You all may know its alcohol, but it’s not just that.

Citric Acid : It has been proven that citric acid is effective against flu-symptoms (well, somewhat altleast) ONLY if it is sprayed into the nose. In this case it is swallowed not snorted. So it is probably in there for a tangy flavor or perhaps a base form of preservative.

Acetaminophen : Here is one of the wonders that can be derived from coal tar. It has been used for many centuries as a pain killer/fever reducer but of course without any knowledge of how it works. Now we have figured out that this drug breaks down in the body and turns into a cannabinoid. What is cannabinoid? the same type of compound that makes marijuana so irresistible! Doctors also once thought acetaminophen made users more talkative and outgoing. Not really fully proven though.

Dextromethorphan HBR ( DXM) : A cough suppressant. Actually, in the body it becomes dextrophan, a cough suppressant and levorphanol, a pain killer five times as powerful as morphine. Like ketamine and PCP, this DXM is also a receptor antagonist. The national institute of drug abuse lists it as a dissociative drug. Twelve times the recommended dose of NyQuil leads to distorted perceptions of sight and sound. More dangerously, it produces feelings of detachment, dissociation from the environment and oneself. For people whose bodies are unusually slow in metabolizing this drug, even low doses of DXM can trigger full blown “Lucy in the sky with diamonds” kinda psychedelic trips.

Doxylamine Succinate: Officially this ingredient is an antithistamine according to the label. But it is equally useful as a sleep aid providing a quick and instant Zzzzzzz.

Alchohol: We all know from whatever culture we are from, alcohol is a folk remedy that has been used for centuries as a cure for common cold, despite the fact that there is no theory that proves this and that it really doesn’t work. But according to P&G, alcohol in NyQuil is solely for the purpose of a solvent, keeping the acetaminophen, DXM and doxylamine succinate in solution.

Polyethylene Glycol and Propylene Glycol : These chemical cousins are used as thickeners. To get the consistency just right, somewhere between water and honey. No particular reason for this, but just because we are all psychologically used to having liquid medicines in syrup form.

Sodium Citrate: This is usually used as an anticoagulant. In this context, it might be used as a buffer to maintain the acid-base balance of all the other ingredients.

Flavoring : P&G doesn’t talk about this at all, but I think there is a repulsive taste of NyQuil on purpose just so that you do not take more than a tablespoon or so which could make you potentially talking with god or sitting next to god.

High Fructose Corn Syrup : I call it the instant artery clogger. Research more about this sweet, great tasting poison on the web and you know why it’s the worst possible thing on the face of this earth. The most common, popular form of sweetener used in everything these days from drugs to soda to juice to yogurt. Beware is the word.

Read more such intriguing articles in Wired Magazine

Cool Whip

A delicious blend of Sugar, Water, Wax and Lube?????? Did you know the mass produced store bought whipped cream is neither actually made from cream nor does it contain much of it? Yeah, I was shocked too, Keep reading…more revelations your way…….

Ingredients:

Water : Its the main ingredient of course coz of the cream that’s whipped. But like any whipped product the other main ingredient is the high percentage of air. They r not gonna mention that as an ingredient ! So at 41 cents an ounce you are essentially buying water and air (mostly) just over twice of what it would cost you to make your own.

Corn Syrup and high fructose corn syrup: Other , more unhealthy forms of sugar(if that’s possible!).  Corn syrup is mostly glucose. High fructose corn syrup is corn syrup treated with amylase and other enzymes, which help convert glucose into fructose. Both of which are literally equal to shooting yourself in the head !!! Really !!!

Polysorbate 60: Polysorbates are made by polymerizing ethylene dioxide( a precursor to antifreeze) with a sugar alcohol derivative. The result can be detergent, emulsifier or in this case of polysorbate 60 a sexual lubricant ! Now you know where they get the 100% perfect viscosity and have you ever wondered how the whipped cream stays so fluffy and viscous all through the 2 months its in your refrigerator? Now you know.

Sodium Caseinate: Also common in powdered non dairy creamer, this is a protein derived from cow milk, helps oil and water mix.

Hydrogenated Coconut and plam kernel oil : Cool whip needs to feel like whipped cream in the mouth without actually being you know, made from cream. One cheap, reliable and mass production friendly way is to replicate the texture by using semi solidified plant seed oils. The best way to semi solidify? Pump high pressure hydrogen through them, ofcourse not completely. Any partially hydrogenated oil is translucent and high in trans fat. Translation? Clogged arteries, with high risk for heart attacks and liver failures.

Sorbitan Monostearate: Chemists call this stuff synthetic wax, also sometimes used as…brace yourselves….hemorrhoid cream. Its one of the magical substances used to keep the cool whip from turning into liquid over your shelf life period.

Xanthan and Guar gums: They both are key thickeners that work together and keep it viscous and also prevent the formation of ice crystals from all the water in it !

Not very appetizing isn’t it? Exactly. So just make your own whipped cream is all I can say. How difficult is it to pour some cream and sugar in a bowl and use a fork to whip it for 5 minutes? It tastes heavenly, better than any brand you ever bought and its a great workout! Try it, its not rocket science.

This blog  is based on an article in the  most recent issue of Wired Magazine.