All Naturale

Post-Workout Treat for $0.15

2010-12-15T17:52:00.000-08:00

Try this amazing post-workout essential oil bath for sore muscles.

When you arrive home from a vigorous workout, mix 4 drops of lemon, 2 drops of nutmeg, 2 drops of orange and 4 drops of clary-sage. Add five to ten drops to your warm bathwater. Clary-sage has strong antidepressant, anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. Orange and lemon essential oils provide an inviting and relaxing smell, anti-inflammatory, anti-septic and sedative properties. When you return home from work after a rough day, the sedative properties of orange essential oil can ease the senses, relax the muscles and dissipate stress.

Supplies cost $15.20 and will last for over 100 baths!

Polluted air = obesity?

2010-12-05T17:07:00.000-08:00

"Polluted air can make young people fat."

Sounds ridiculous? Not according to this study which found that young animals exposed to the fine-particulate air pollution had larger and more fat cells in their abdominal area and higher blood sugar levels than did animals eating the same diet but breathing clean air. Scientists tested animals that were the equivalent of toddler to adolescent age and the results are shocking...

Read more here.

Aloe Vera: Healing Miracle Plant!

2010-12-05T01:48:00.000-08:00

Plants are man's oldest friend, helping our health, healing and living. The health benefits of aloe vera juice have long been known, and it has been used historically as a soothing balm, applied externally for cuts, scrapes and burns. The health benefits of aloe vera taken internally include: improved circulation, regulation of blood pressure, promotes healing of bones and joints, strengthens the immune system, defends the body against bacteria, heals internal tissue damage, heals ulcers, improves and even eliminates constipation, blood sugar regulation, and reduces itchiness in psoriasis helping it to heal.

The good news is that it doesn't take a lot to reap the benefits! Drinking two to four ounces a day is all that is required to gain the many benefits of aloe vera juice. If you drink it daily, aloe vera can aid your digestion, improve your circulation and detoxify your body and cleanse your colon.

The detoxification properties of aloe vera juice also act to detoxify your blood stream. If you have intestinal or stomach problems it can help your digestive tract to work smoothly.Aloe vera also helps to dilate the capillaries and support cell growth, thereby improving circulation.

One of the most important health benefits of aloe vera juice is its operation as an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent, helping to prevent the onset of disease in the body. Thus, taking aloe vera juice daily helps to maintain good health and provide a sense of wellbeing and energy.

Aloe Vera Juice And Weight Loss
Looking to shed a few pounds? One of the most valuable health benefits for today's society is aloe vera's ability to assist weight loss. Aloe vera works to both reduce and stabilize the body mass index by stimulating the metabolic rate in our liver cells so that we burn more energy. The energy used for this comes from fat and carbohydrate stores in the body. Drinking aloe vera juice every day has been likened to doing multiple workouts throughout the week.

Another reason why aloe vera works well as a weightloss supplement, is because it has a high content of collagen protein. When you drink aloe vera juice every day, the body has to spend additional energy to assimilate its protein into your system. This extra expenditure of energy also supports weight loss and muscle development. Aloe vera reduces the amount of time food stays in your intestine, which means that less energy is absorbed from the food.

Throughout history aloe vera has been associated with achieving healthy body weight and it has been known as "the dietary plant" and "the harmony remedy."

Aloe Vera Juice And Detoxification

Detoxification is another of the health benefits of aloe vera juice. Carrisyn, an extract of aloe vera, has been shown to stimulate the production of infection-fighting blood cells and in so doing strengthen the immune system.

Aloe vera juice contains amino acids, methionine, serine threonine and molybdenum, which work together to detoxify heavy metals and additionally aid in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fat and protein. This action prevents a build up of fat in the liver and the arteries.

These detoxification and laxative qualities of aloe vera juice, improve the efficiency of the colon, which is extremely important for good health. Poor colon health results in the re-absorption of toxins into the human body resulting in low energy and un-wellness.

Aloe vera juice contains nineteen amino acids, twenty minerals and twelve vitamins and as such is an excellent, natural nutritional supplement.

Any Side Effects Of Aloe Vera Juice?
Even aloe vera is not without possible side effects. Reported side effects include allergic reactions, liver dysfunction, nausea, dermatitis and strangely colored urine.

However, these side effects are rare and may well be the result of drinking too much of the juice. It is unwise to drink aloe vera juice as if it were orange juice. If you stay to the recommended dose, you should be fine.

Nevertheless, it is important to pay attention to any side effects and stop drinking the juice if you detect a reaction. Aloe vera juice is not a magic potion or a cure-all. Indications that you should avoid aloe vera are if you are pregnant or breast feeding, have kidney or heart disease, or are allergic to garlic or onions. It is also inadvisable to give aloe vera juice to children as they can experience toxic reactions.

For most people, the health benefits of aloe vera juice outweigh any risks, however it is important to use this supplement wisely and pay careful attention to your body's responses to it.

Yay for this amazing plant! Amazon has a good deal on AV juice at just $4.65 for 16 oz.

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Amazing Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes

2010-11-16T21:49:00.000-08:00

The holiday season is upon us! What better way to give thanks than to share these delicious dishes with friends and family! This vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe database in the New York Times definitely comes in handy for planning a healthy menu. Most of the items are vegan, and for vegetarian dishes, you can easily substitute milk and cheese with almond or rice milk and soy cheese, or check out our niffty list of egg, meat and dairy substitutes here.

Our favorites are:
- Tempeh and Wild Mushroom Fricassee

- Grapefruit and Avocado Salad

- Harvest Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

- Carrot and Parsnip Soup

Enjoy!

Black Beans Are Super Protein!

2010-09-27T05:35:00.000-07:00

Black beans are full of antioxidants. The beans are a calcium blocker providing relief for the arteries and the heart.

The black bean is very low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. It is also a good source of protein, thiamin, magnesium, phosphorus and manganese, and a very good source of dietary fiber and folate.

Dr. Kristie Leong, of Health Mad, states black beans obtain their dark shade from anthocyanins, the identical powerful flavonoids found in such nutritional superstars as red cabbage, blueberries, cranberries, and red beets. Black beans have the highest levels of antioxidants of all of the common beans tested, as much as the antioxidant rich cranberry.

One cup of black beans provides over half of the recommended daily requirement of fiber. They are mostly rich in soluble fiber, the kind that helps to lower LDL cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar levels.

An excellent way of obtaining fiber is through the black bean. What better way to do it than with a steaming bowl of freshly cooked black beans or black bean soup?

Black Beans Before a Work-Out
The complex carbohydrates in the black beans make it an superlative pre-workout breakfast and the addition of spices like cumin, Mexican oregano, epazote and chili powder not only add to the beans already high antioxidant levels, but also make it enormously flavorful.

The black bean, a mere 1 cup (260 g) a serving of the black beans has a 560 mg of potassium, 40% of recommended daily allowance of fiber, 16 grams of protein, 44 grams of complex carbohydrates (30 Net Carbs) and zero cholesterol or fat.

Black beans have one of the highest levels of anthocyanins, a powerful falconoid and antioxidant. Black beans have as much anthocyanin as antioxidant powerhouses similar to red grapes and cranberries. Black beans are the most antioxidant rich

Folate, Found in the Black Bean, can Reduce Heart Attacks
It has been estimated that consumption of 100% of the daily value (DV) of folate would, by itself, reduce the number of heart attacks suffered by Americans each year by 10%.

One Cup of Black Beans provides 64% of the DV for Folate.

Their good supply of magnesium puts yet another plus in the column of the helpful cardiovascular effects. Magnesium is nature's own calcium channel blocker. When enough magnesium is around, veins and arteries breathe a sigh of relief and relax, which lessens struggle and improves the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.

Manganese for Energy Production and Antioxidant Defense
Black beans are a good source of the trace mineral manganese, which is an important cofactor in a number of enzymes important in energy production and antioxidant defenses.

Protein Power ....and Then Some
Want to replace red meat in a menu? Enjoy the rich taste of these beans. These smoky flavored beans are a high-quality source of protein, and when combined with a whole grain such as whole wheat pasta or brown rice, supply protein comparable to that of meat or dairy foods devoid of the high calories or saturated fat found in these foods.

A cup of black beans will give 15.2 grams of protein, which is 30.5% of the daily value for protein and 74.8% of the daily value for fiber.

Select and Store
Whether purchasing them in bulk or in packaged containers, make sure that there is no evidence of moisture or insect damage and that they are whole and not cracked. Canned varieties can be found in most markets. Unlike canned vegetables, which have lost much of their nutritional value, there is little difference in the nutritional value of canned cooked at home.

Black Bean Salad

Rinse and soak packaged black beans according to directions, 1 small bag

Let drain well

In a large bowl add beans

1 medium chopped onion

1 chopped celery stalk

2 chopped hard boiled eggs, omit the yolk for a cholesterol free salad

½ green or red pepper chopped

½ cup of low-fat mayonnaise

Add salt and garlic powder to taste

Serve on a bed of lettuce with tomatoes. This should feed 2-4 people. If serving a larger group, double or triple the ingredients.

Why buy local?

2010-09-26T00:21:00.000-07:00

Why buy local when you can get it cheaper at Walmart? Well we did some digging and unearthed many reasons why, especially in this tough economy, supporting your local businesses is much better for you, your community and the environment.

Top Ten reasons to Think Local. Buy Local. Be Local.

Give back to yourself: Several studies have shown that when you buy from an independent, locally owned business, rather than a nationally owned businesses, significantly more of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers and farms -- continuing to strengthen the economic base of the community.(Click here to see summaries of a variety of economic impact studies; these include case studies showing that locally-owned businesses generate a premium in enhanced economic impact to the community and our tax base.)
Support community groups: Non-profit organizations receive an average 250% more support from smaller business owners than they do from large businesses.
Keep our community unique: Where we shop, where we eat and have fun -- all of it makes our community home. Our one-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character of this place. Our tourism businesses also benefit. “When people go on vacation they generally seek out destinations that offer them the sense of being someplace, not just anyplace.” ~ Richard Moe, President, National Historic Preservation Trust
Reduce environmental impact: Locally owned businesses can make more local purchases requiring less transportation and generally set up shop in town or city centers as opposed to developing on the fringe. This generally means contributing less to sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution.
Create more good jobs: Small local businesses are the largest employer nationally and in our community, provide the most jobs to residents.
Get better service: Local businesses often hire people with a better understanding of the products they are selling and take more time to get to know customers.
Invest in community: Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community, are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community’s future.
Put your taxes to good use: Local businesses in town centers require comparatively little infrastructure investment and make more efficient use of public services as compared to nationally owned stores entering the community.
Buy what you want, not what someone wants you to buy: A marketplace of tens of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term. A multitude of small businesses, each selecting products based not on a national sales plan but on their own interests and the needs of their local customers, guarantees a much broader range of product choices.
Take your family’s food safety into your own hands: Following the recent massive recall of eggs that had been reportedly contaminated by salmonella from chickens raised in filthy conditions on factory farms, it is easy to see that we, the people, need to have better control over our food sources. The only way for people to be certain that their food is safe is to get more involved in food production. Reject massive supermarkets and other corporate bigbox stores. Support family farms that allow consumers to tour the facility to personally witness the conditions in which food is grown. Purchase produce directly from the farm whenever possible. It may cost families a few extra dollars to do this, but it is the only way to truly be safe.

As you can see from the list, buying local is a worthwhile investment in yourself and the community. Here's a great tool to find local stores, farmers markets and grocery stores close to you:

The Local Finder

Source: Sustainable Connections

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62 Amazing Uses of Baking Soda

2010-09-22T02:07:00.000-07:00

Baking Soda has over 60 incredible uses in the home, for beauty, health and food. Cans of baking soda are the best deal in town: You can find them in most stores for less than $3 and it is all natural!

HEALTH

1. Antacid - Use it as an antacid to relieve heartburn, acid indigestion, or sour stomach.

2. Deodorant - Use it as underarm deodorant by applying it with a powder puff.

3. Toothpaste - Mix half a teaspoon with peroxide paste and mix.

4. Body Scrub - Dilute one part baking soda with water and use as a face and body scrub.

5. Skin Softener - Add a cup to bathwater to soften your skin.

6. Anti-itch - Relieve skin itch from insect bites and pain from sunburn.

7. Odor eliminator - Remove strong odors from your hands by rubbing them with baking soda and water.

8. Diaper rash - Put two tablespoons in your baby’s bathwater to help relieve diaper rash.

9. Anti-irritant - Apply it on rashes, insect bites, and poison ivy irritations. Or take a baking soda bath to relieve skin irritations.

10. Congestion - Unblock stuffy nose by adding a teaspoon of baking soda to your vaporizer.

11. Heartburn - Take a teaspoon of baking soda mixed with one-half glass of water.

12. Breath freshener - Freshen your mouth by gargling half a teaspoon of baking soda mixed water.

13. Bee stings - Use it to relieve bee stings.

COOKING

14. Baking - Use it as a substitute for baking powder by mixing with it with cream of tartar or vinegar.

15. Vegetable washer - Wash fruits and vegetables with it.

16. Bean soak - Soak dried beans to a baking soda solution to make them more digestible.

17. Neutralizer - Reduce the acid content of your tomato-based recipes by sprinkling them with a pinch of baking soda.

HOME AND GARDEN

18. Flower-freshener - Keep cut flowers fresh longer by adding a teaspoon to the water in the vase.

19. Fires - Put out small fires on rugs, upholstery, clothing, and wood.

20. Odor absorber - Put an open container of baking soda in the fridge to absorb the odors.

21. Pet deodorant - Sprinkle it on your pet’s comb or brush to deodorize their fur and skin.

22. Shoe-freshener - Sprinkle it on your slippers, boots, shoes, and socks to eliminate foul odor.

23. Pottery clay - Turn baking soda into modeling clay by combining it with one and 1/4 cups of water and one cup of cornstarch.

24. Mouth wipe - After feeding your baby, wipe his shirt with a moist cloth sprinkled with baking soda to remove the odor.

25. Windshield cleaner - Wipe your windshield with it to repel rain.

26. Dishrag washer - Improve the smell of dishrags by soaking them in baking soda and water.

27. Vacuum freshener - Suck it in with your vacuum cleaner to remove the odor.

28. Air freshener - Freshen the air by mixing baking soda with your favorite perfumed bath salts. Put the mixture in small sachet bags.

29. Brush restorer - Restore stiff brushes by boiling them in a solution of 1/2 gallon of water, 1/4 cup of vinegar, and a cup of baking soda.

30. Insect repellent - Put it under sinks and along basement windows to repel cockroaches and ants.

31. Flowerbed protector - Scatter baking soda around flowerbeds to prevent rabbits from eating your veggies.

32. Plant sweetener - Sweeten your tomatoes by sprinkling baking soda on the soil around your tomato plants.

33. Litter box - Sprinkle it onto your cat’s litter box to absorb the bad odor.

CLEANING

34. Garage - Scatter it on your greasy garage floor, scrub the floor, and rinse.

35. Stove - Use it to unclog gas stoves.

36. Pan cleaner - Remove burned-on food from a pan by soaking it in a baking soda solution for 10 minutes before washing.

37. Baby-bottle cleaner - Combine with hot water to clean baby bottles.

38. Kitchen drain - Keep your drains clean by putting four tablespoons of baking soda in them each week. Flush it down with hot water.

39. Curtain cleaner - Clean your shower curtains by soaking them in baking soda and water.

40. Bag cleaner - Put it on a small brush to rub canvas handbags clean.

41. Toaster - Use it to remove melted plastic bread wrapper from a toaster. Sprinkle baking soda on a damp rug, then use the rug to clean the toaster.

42. Steel cleaner - Make a thick paste of baking soda and water, and used it to scrub enameled cast iron and stainless steel.

43. Oven cleaner - Mix four tablespoons of baking soda with a quart of warm water, and use it to clean the inside part of an oven.

44. Toilet cleaner - Add a cup to the toilet, leave it for an hour, and then flush. It will clean the toilet and absorb the odor.

45. Scrubber - Use it to scrub sinks, showers, plastic and porcelain tubs

46. Wall cleaner - Spray it on walls, mirrors, and countertops.

47. Dishwasher - Add a spoonful to your dishwasher to make scrubbing dishes easier.

48. Grease remover - Remove grease from pots and pans.

49. Carpet cleaner - Dry clean carpets and upholstered furniture by sprinkling baking soda over the fabric and gently brushing it. Leave it for an hour or overnight, then vacuum.

50. Laundry - Boost your laundry detergent’s cleaning power by sprinkling a handful on dirty clothes.

51. Polish - Combine it with water to make a paste for polishing stainless steel and chrome.

52. Crayon - Remove scratches and crayon marks from vinyl floors and walls.

53. Shoe cleaner - Clean your shoes with it.

54. Garbage cleaner - Clean garbage cans with it.

55. Diapers - Use it to wash diapers.

56. Fridge cleaner - Clean the fridge with it.

57. Brush cleaner - Soak brushes and combs in a baking soda solution.

58. Container cleaner - Mix it with water to wash food and drink containers.

59. Furniture-cleaner - Put three tablespoons of baking soda to a quart of warm water, then use the mixture to wash marble-topped furniture.

60. Formica-cleaner - Absorb it with a damp sponge, then clean Formica countertops with the sponge.

61. Oder remover - Use it to get rid of stale odors from cooling containers and thermos bottles.

62. Coffee-stain remover - Run your coffee maker with a baking soda solution, then rinse.

Organic Hummus Lunch under $3!

2010-09-17T02:45:00.000-07:00

Here's a quick and easy lunch that is delicious and costs under $3!

Ingredients

Hummus
Lettuce
Whole Wheat Baguette

Take a bunch of organic lettuce ($0.40 at $3-$4 for a head of lettuce), add 1/2 cup of hummus ($1.20 at $3 for a 10 ounces) and a third of a whole wheat baguette ($1.00 at $3 for a baguette).

Sprinkle pepper flakes on top for flavor and enjoy! Total cost? $2.60.

The Coconut Miracle!

2010-09-14T03:52:00.000-07:00

I've been away for a while but wanted to come back with an article about my favorite fruit - the miraculous, delicious coconut! Coconut, or Cocos nucifera, is considered the “tree of life" in South Pacific and Asian cultures.... and not without reason! Several islanders have utilized the coconuts’ anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties to maintain health and to control weight. Medical science has recently begun catching up with this fact that has been known to these populations have known for centuries. Its qualities seem almost magical because of the simplicity of the coconut, and the many easy ways to consume it.

Coconut Increases Metabolism

One of the main reasons coconut helps with metabolism is because of the type of fatty acid it is made from. Coconut oil is primarily made up of medium chain fatty acids also known as medium chain triglycerides (MCT) Animal products such as meat, dairy, and eggs are made up of Long chain fatty acids which overall have damaging effects on the human body. MCT’s prevent inflammation, heart disease, and lower the risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries usually from cholesterol)

Coconut for Weight Loss

Research from McGill University in Canada has shown promise for controlling weight in the long term because of the way MCT’s are processed by the body.

Adding coconut to your diet for a period of time will eventually have your body reacting to the healthy fatty acids. People tend to not stick with the diet long enough for it to be effective; it does take time for the body to get the benefits of the fatty acids of coconut.

Coconut is metabolized as carbohydrates, the bodies preferred energy source, as opposed to a fat so the energy is used right away as opposed to lying stagnate in the body. This is another reason why coconut is healthy for the metabolism, the body processes it faster, which means metabolism is increased.
Coconut in your Diet

Coconut is also delicious and can be used as both a dessert or as part of an entrée; it is versatile and is produced as an oil, juice, milk, yogurt and water besides as a whole fruit. Many Caribbean style recipes use coconut mixed with vegetables or with shrimp. Thai recipes also use coconut milk in their sauces. This gives people the option to drink coconut throughout the day as a water or even as a milk even if they do not care for the texture of the fruit.

Four tablespoons of coconut is recommended to be ingested daily to receive the full benefits of all this magical fruit has to offer.

(Jul 31, 2010 Christina Dagnelli)

Sources:
- Papamandjaris AA, White MD, Raeini-Sarjaz M, Jones PJ. Endogenous fat
- Oxidation during medium chain versus long chain triglyceride feeding in healthy women. Int related metabolism disorders 2000 Sept. 24th (9):1158-66
- US. National Library of Medicine :Medium Vs Fatty Chain Triglycerides for 27 days increases fat oxidation – accessed July 28, 2010

All the Benefits of Yoga

2010-09-06T19:16:00.000-07:00

"The awesome power of yoga". Photo Credit: Adria Richards.

I started doing yoga about 5 years ago and fell in love with the gentle, relaxing and transformative nature of this ancient exercise. Yoga was founded several thousands of years ago (as early as 1000BC) in India. In this short message I wanted to share with you the 5 main types of yoga, 10 benefits of yoga and the only 2 things you need to get started!

5 Types of Yoga

Bikram Yoga - Pioneered by Bikram Choudhury, this style is more generally referred to as Hot Yoga. It is practiced in a 95 to 100 degree room, which allows for a loosening of tight muscles and profuse sweating, which is thought to be cleansing. The Bikram method is a set series of 26 poses, but not all hot classes make use of this series.

Hatha Yoga - Hatha is a very general term that can encompass many of the physical types of yoga. If a class is described as Hatha style, it is probably going to be slow-paced and gentle and provide a good introduction to the basic yoga poses.

Ashtanga (Power) Yoga - Ashtanga, which means "eight limbs" in Sanskrit, is a fast-paced, intense style of yoga. A set series of poses is performed, always in the same order. Ashtanga practice is very physically demanding because of the constant movement from one pose to the next. In yoga terminology, this movement is called flow. Ashtanga is also the inspiration for what is often called Power Yoga. If a class is described as Power Yoga, it will be based on the flowing style of Ashtanga, but not necessarily keep strictly to the set Ashtanga series of poses.

Vinyasa Yoga - Vinyasa, which means breath-synchronized movement, tends to be a more vigorous style based on the performance of a series of poses called Sun Salutations, in which movement is matched to the breath. A Vinyasa class will typically start with a number of Sun Salutations to warm up the body for more intense stretching that's done at the end of class.

Iyengar Yoga - Based on the teachings of the yogi B.K.S Iyengar, this style of practice is most concerned with bodily alignment. In yoga, the word alignment is used to describe the precise way in which your body should be positioned in each pose in order to obtain the maximum benefits and avoid injury. Iyengar practice usually emphasizes holding poses over long periods versus moving quickly from one pose to the next (flow). Also, Iyengar practice encourages the use of props, such as yoga blankets, blocks and straps, in order to bring the body into alignment.

Inga Ivanova/istockphoto

10 Benefits of Yoga

Decrease stress
Help you to relax
Develop better self awareness
Improve your mental performance
Give you a positive mental/emotional state
Improve flexibility
Improve balance
Lose weight
Help to correct your posture
Improve strength

2 Things to Get Started

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7 Food Rules Worth Living By

2010-09-02T12:48:00.000-07:00

After much research into where our food comes from, and how it affects our health, Michael Pollan has come to live by seven simple words: "Eat food, not too much, mostly plants."

Here are the top 7 food rules, adapted from the bestselling book, "Food Rules" by Michael Pollan.

Don't eat anything your great grandmother wouldn't recognize as food. "When you pick up that box of portable yogurt tubes, or eat something with 15 ingredients you can't pronounce, ask yourself, "What are those things doing there?" Pollan says.
Don’t eat anything with more than five ingredients, or ingredients you can't pronounce.
Stay out of the middle of the supermarket; shop on the perimeter of the store. Real food tends to be on the outer edge of the store near the loading docks, where it can be replaced with fresh foods when it goes bad.
Don't eat anything that won't eventually rot. "There are exceptions -- honey -- but as a rule, things like Twinkies that never go bad aren't food," Pollan says.
"Always leave the table a little hungry," Pollan says. It is not just what you eat but how you eat. "Many cultures have rules that you stop eating before you are full. In Japan, they say eat until you are four-fifths full. Islamic culture has a similar rule, and in German culture they say, 'Tie off the sack before it's full.'"
Enjoy meals with the people you love. Families traditionally ate together, around a table and not a TV, at regular meal times. It's a good tradition. Enjoy meals with the people you love. "Remember when eating between meals felt wrong?" Pollan asks.
Don't buy food where you buy your gasoline. In the U.S., 20% of food is eaten in the car.

Following these intuitive 'rules' will help simplify life, and guarantee more energy, vitality and health! Real food is better than fake food!!

Get Michael Pollan's full book here (so worth it!)

The Dirty Truth About the Egg Recall

2010-09-01T00:37:00.000-07:00

The nation-wide egg recall due to salmonella has caused quite a stir, but even more disturbing are the incredibly filthy conditions of the Iowa farms where the eggs were packaged.On Monday, a team of U.S. health investigators discovered swarms of dead flies, rodents in the barns and manure piled so high that it forced doors open at the two farms implicated in the egg recall. Of course, we are left to wonder why the U.S. Food and Drug Administration not press for further punishment, not just fines and sanctions. Why not force the two farms to shut down before so many Americans caught salmonella from their morning breakfast?

And how does salmonella even get there? Mice, it turns out, are one of the main sources of salmonella bacteria on egg farms. Lack of rodent control is a violation of federal regulations. Mice get into hen feed and leave infected feces that the birds then eat. The hens pass the bacteria to each other through their manure and into their eggs, experts say.

The FDA won’t know for sure how widespread the problems are until it begins inspecting other farms next month under the safety regulations that took effect in July. Iowa is the #1 producer of eggs in the USA, but until now, the FDA has not inspected farms except in the cases of outbreaks...

It's scary to think that such conditions could go unchecked for so long. As one spokeswoman exclaimed, "It's truly stomach-churning!" I can't speak for everyone, but I'll stick to oatmeal and almond milk for my breakfast, thank you!

OVERALL RATING:

5 Days Left for August Giveaway!!

2010-08-30T19:59:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to sign up for this month's giveaway. A FREE copy of Living Vegan for Dummies - the ultimate guide to a fun and easy vegan lifestyle!

This is one of my favorite books because it offers amazing advice. Are you thinking about becoming a vegan? Already a practicing vegan? More than 3 million Americans currently live a vegan lifestyle, and that number is growing. Living Vegan For Dummies is one of the best resources (5 star ratings!) for understanding vegan practices, sharing them with your friends and loved ones, and maintaining a vegan way of life.

Some of the highlights include:
- Expert guidance in living a vegan lifestyle and explaining it to friends and family
- Proper dietary guidelines so you can get the nutrition you need
- Several action plans for making the switch to veganism
- Over 40 delicious, quick and easy recipes
- Great information for parents with everything they need to understand and support their children's choices

TO ENTER:

Email us your answer to the question: What organic/all natural product do you wish were more readily available than it is now?

To send an email just click the tab below!

We'll evaluate all responses and the single best response will get a free e-copy of the book delivered instantly. Internationals welcome to apply.

DATE: Open from August 06th - September 06th.

There's no limit to the number of submissions you can make, so feel free to share with family and friends and send us your response!

Modern Eco-Friendly Home

2010-08-28T14:22:00.000-07:00

Here is a fantastic slide-show of a modern eco-friendly home recently built in Wisconsin.Built of glass and steel with bamboo floors and wide open windows, this state-of-the-art "green house" is environmental-friendliness at its best!

Photo Credit: Kevin Miyazaki for The New York Times

Too open and minimalist, or gorgeous and inspiring? Tell us what you think!

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Michelle Obama Goes on Vegan Cleanses

2010-08-27T02:14:00.000-07:00

Michelle Obama does regular vegan cleanses! Who knew? In the September edition of the Ladies' Home Journal Michelle Obama reported that she does the occasional dietary cleanse by increasing her vegetables, and cutting out meats, fats, dairy, caffeine, and sugar during her cleanses.

Cleansing normally involves a very low calorie quasi-fast during which natural laxatives are sometimes ingested. Cleanses follow the principle that as you put less stress on your digestive system by eating light, you are able to excrete toxins from your body. Some more drastic cleanses can lead to "detox", such as the long-popular Master Cleanse, for instance, involves consuming nothing but a concoction of fresh lemon (or lime) juice, real maple syrup, cayenne pepper and water for 10 days or more; followers also take laxatives twice a day.

The best cleanse is gentle and all natural: Eat plenty of fiber, found in fruits, vegetables and whole grains!

Man Goes Vegan and Loses 60lbs!

2010-08-19T18:10:00.000-07:00

Terrence Lavin challenged himself to go 100% vegan for 6 months. The results are astounding. Here are the before and after pictures:

Terrence Before: 300lbs

Terrence After: 240lbs

Name: Terrence Lavin

Age: 42

Start Weight: 302 pounds

Current Weight: 240 pounds

Goal Weight: 225 pounds

Excerpt from the get fit interview:

"My Weight Loss Approach: I have an all-or-nothing approach to eating and drinking, so moderation was a foreign concept to me. After gaining so much weight throughout my 30s and early 40s on a steady diet of steak, scotch and late-night pizza, my efforts to trim back down to my athletic form were constant failures. Healthy efforts never lasted longer than a week or so. Through a girlfriend at the time, I became friends with a vegan activist and entrepreneur named Heather Mills, who asked if I'd go 100 percent vegan as an experiment for six months. I dismissed it as ludicrous.

Being an advertising salesman in New York City, my tools of the trade revolved around dinners at steak houses and late nights at the bar. I could not live in moderation, and I realized that to successfully lose weight I would have to be as extreme in improving my health as I had been in destroying it. My approach was 100 percent veganism and 100 percent abstinence from alcohol for six months. This was a complete disruption of my world, and I had to find a way to accommodate a business life and a social life so dependent on living in New York's finest steak houses, sushi bars and taverns.

Although it was quite painful in the beginning, this extreme approach swiftly eliminated any and all cheating -- I couldn't negotiate with myself or reward myself with decadent food. There was no room for "a little bit of butter to cook the vegetables" or "just a few shavings of cheese for my salad." Extreme faithfulness to this vegan quest was the only way I could turn my life around -- my cholesterol was over 300, and at 227, my LDL (bad) cholesterol was aheart attack waiting to happen.

My extreme approach paid off: My LDL is now at the near optimal 105, and I lost 60 pounds over the six months. I still have 15 pounds to go to meet my goal of weighing the same as my rugby-playing days in college. Even more amazingly, I didn't miss animal products as much as I thought I would. Some of the best meals I've ever had were at NYC's vegan and vegetarian restaurants, and I would pit my special vegetable wrap against any burger in the city for pure taste.

I still entertained clients at steak houses and bars, but instead of a steak dripping in blood and butter and an 18-year-old scotch, I ordered the salad, a side of vegetables and a glass of seltzer. Did I envy my guests stabbing that porterhouse? Certainly! But because I was feeling better every day, I was addicted to this healthy feeling. I found friends and clients would go out with me for the same reason people go to Nascar: to see a wreck. They were just waiting for my resolve to crack, so my competitive nature helped keep me on track, although sometimes I was forced to dig deep within myself to give it just a little more effort every day. The rewards are so worth it!

Staying active was obviously key, and I would go to the gym three times per week. Eating so healthfully gave me the energy and desire to exercise, and seeing the immediate weight loss gave me motivation, so even on days I dreaded going to the gym I would go anyway.

Today, although my personal six-month challenge is over, I find that moderation is now my friend. I loved the vegan lifestyle so much that at least 80 percent of my weekly diet is plant based."

Check out Terrence's awesome blog about being vegan in New York.

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Top 10 Anti-Aging Secrets

2010-08-18T00:33:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: Moummette (Flickr)

Aging is a natural process of life, but there are some ways to keep yourself healthy, glowing and happy way past the average life expectancy. Here are the top ten anti-aging secrets from Dr. Mercola. No creams, surgery or pills - just pure and natural ways to defy age!

1) Learn how to effectively cope with stress – As discussed earlier, stress has a direct impact on inflammation, which in turn underlies many of the chronic diseases that kill people prematurely every day, so developing effective coping mechanisms is a major longevity-promoting factor. Meditation, prayer, physical activity and exercise are all viable options that can help you maintain emotional and mental equilibrium. I also strongly believe in using energy psychology tools such as the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) to address deeper, oftentimes hidden emotional problems.

2) Eat a healthy diet – Following a nutrition plan, based on natural whole foods, is your first step toward increasing your chances of living a longer, healthier life. Try to double the amount of vegetables you eat over time, and enjoy fruit as dessert.

3) Optimize Your Vitamin D Levels. This is another very powerful and inexpensive intervention that can have profound benefits on your health. In the summer you can do this for free by careful and safe sun exposure but even in the winter a therapeutic level of oral vitamin D (typically 5-10,000 units of vitamin D3 for most adults)

4) Animal based omega-3 fats – Correcting the ratio of omega-3 to healthful omega-6 fats is a strong factor in helping people live longer. This typically means increasing your intake of animal based omega-3 fats, such as krill oil, while decreasing your intake of damaged omega-6 fats (think trans fats).

We avoid the new prescription strength fish oil medication, sold under the name Lovaza. Don't be fooled by their "all-natural" PR campaign. This is actually a drug to treat very high triglyceride levels New research strongly suggests that 500 mg of krill oil is more potent and far less expensive.

5) Get your antioxidants from foods –Good sources include blueberries, cranberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, cherries, beans, and artichokes.

6) Use coconut oil – Another excellent anti-aging food is coconut oil, known to reduce your risk of heart disease and lower your cholesterol, among other things. In fact, it's doubly beneficial because it can be both eaten and applied directly to your skin. Coconut oil can be used in place of other oils, margarine, butter, or shortening, and can be used for all your cooking needs.

7) Get your resveratrol naturally – Resveratrol is one of the forerunners in the anti-aging pill race, but more than likely, by the time they've manipulated it into a synthetic pill (like the fish oil discussed above), it won't be healthy for you. Although resveratrol is the antioxidant found in red wine, I can't recommend drinking wine in the hopes of extending your life because alcohol is a neurotoxin that can poison your brain and harm your body's delicate hormonal balance. Instead, get your resveratrol from natural sources, such as whole grape skins and seeds, raspberries, mulberries, and peanuts.

8) Exercise regularly, and correctly-- Studies repeatedly show that regular, moderate-to-vigorous exercise can help prevent or delay your onset of hypertension, obesity, heart disease, osteoporosis, and the falls that lead to hip fracture. Although a lifetime of regular exercise is ideal, it's never too late to start. It's been shown that even individuals in their 70's can substantially increase both strength and endurance with exercise. I'm also excited about the research showing how high-intensity, interval training can increase longevity as this specific style of training promotes human growth hormone production – yet another aspect of the longevity puzzle.

9) Avoid as many chemicals, toxins, and pollutants as possible – This includes tossing out your toxic household cleaners, soaps, personal hygiene products, air fresheners, bug sprays, lawn pesticides, and insecticides, just to name a few, and replacing them with non-toxic alternatives.

10) Avoid pharmaceutical drugs – Pharmaceutical drugs kill thousands of people prematurely every year – as an expected side effect of the action of the drug. And, if you adhere to a healthy lifestyle, you most likely will never need any of them in the first place.

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Insect Repellents: Top 5 Natural Insect Repellents

2010-08-16T18:39:00.000-07:00

DEET is the most common ingredients in insect repellent, but the stuff is toxic! DEET was developed by the United States Army, following its experience of jungle warfare during World War II. It's good for killing insects but is bad for your skin and health. Canada has banned the sale of products containing more than 30% DEET!

So what is the best all natural insect repellent? Here is a list of the top 5 essential oils are excellent for keeping bugs, ants, mosquitoes and ticks away.

1) Citronella - Citronella oil, which is derived from some varieties of the lemongrass family, can be used as a safe, non-toxic insect repellent. Citronella oil can be applied directly to skin in diluted form, or it can be burnt in candles and lamps to repel insects over a greater area.

2) Neem oil - Neem oil has an extensive history of human use in India and surrounding regions for a variety of therapeutic purposes. It repels or kills mosquitoes, their larvae and a plethora of other insects including those in agriculture. It can also be used as an antiseptic.

3) Lemongrass - Good for repelling mosquitoes. With its pleasing aroma and overall effectiveness, lemongrass oil has become one of the most popular of all natural insect repellents. Lemongrass oil, which is closely related to citronella, repels a greater variety of pests than most natural "one-scented" oil mixtures.

4) Lavender oil - repels mosquitoes very well. Apply a few dabs to pressure points like inner elbows, wrists, back of knees and sides of neck.

5) Celery Extract - A Thai study compared 15 mosquito repellents with a topical extract from celery. The researchers found that the extract did not irritate the skin or cause a burning sensation. It was found to be active against a wide range of mosquito species comparable to a 25% DEET formula. Now that's amazing effectiveness!!

These essential oils can be found in most health food stores or online. You can easily make your own repellent by mixing about 10 drops of essential oil with your usual lotion, or a little bit of aloe vera gel.
Be sure to use a 10/90 ratio as a little bit of essential oil goes a long long way!

Here's a great recipe:

Make Your Own Natural Insect Repellent

Combine the following essential oils to make a natural insect repellent:
1/2 ounce citronella oil
1/4 ounce lavender oil
1/8 ounce pennyroyal oil
1/8 ounce tea tree oil
1/8 ounce jojoba oil

Do not use this blend undiluted on your skin. Follow these instructions for diluting:
To make an insect repellent oil that can be used on your body, add 16 ounces of jojoba or almond oil to the base oil mixture and blend thoroughly. For an insect repellent spray, add 16 ounces of vodka to the base oil mixture, pour into a spray bottle, and shake before using.

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Top 10 Best Exercises for Women

2010-08-14T14:09:00.000-07:00

I usually don't do posts about exercises, but this one is too good to pass up. Here is the list of the top 10 best exercises for women, from Adam Campbell's The Women's Health Big Book of Exercises: Four Weeks to a Leaner, Sexier, Healthier YOU! - they're quick, easy and will keep you healthy by targeting every part of your body. Just click on each one below for more info and pics.

1) Abs: Mountain Climber with Hands on Swiss Ball
The benefit: It's one of the simplest, yet most effective ways to tighten your tummy. In fact, you'll barely have to move a muscle.

2) Glutes: Hip Raise
The benefit: It targets the muscles of your rear end, which can help make your belly flatter. The reason: When your glutes are weak—as they are in most women—the top of your pelvis tilts forward. This not only places stress on your lower back, but it causes your tummy to stick out—even if you don't have an ounce of fat. Your fix: the hip raise.

3) Quadriceps: Offset Dumbbell Lunge
The benefit: Holding a weight on just one side of your body increases the demand placed on your core to keep your body stable. The result: Your hips and abs have to work harder, and you'll also improve your balance. And better yet, you'll burn tons of calories.

4) Hamstrings: Single-Leg Dumbbell Straight-Leg Deadlift
The benefit: Besides targeting your hamstrings, this exercise works your glutes and core. It also helps eliminate muscle imbalances between your legs, reducing your risk of injury. And as a bonus, it can improve the flexibility of your hamstrings, because it stretches these muscles every time you lower the weight.

5) Chest: Single-Arm Dumbbell Chest Press
The benefit: This exercise works your glutes and abs as hard as it works your chest and triceps. So you'll tighten your hips and core as you tone your upper body.

6) Shoulders: Scaption and Shrug
The benefit: When you raise the dumbbells to start this exercise, you target the front of your shoulders, as well as your rotator cuff. Then comes the shrug. This part of the move helps better balance the muscles that rotate your shoulder blades. The end result: great-looking shoulders and better posture.

7) Triceps: Swiss Ball Lying Triceps Extension
The benefit: Lying on a Swiss ball forces your core to work harder to keep you stable. So you work your abs as you shape the backs of your arms.

8) Biceps: Split Stance Dumbbell Curl
The benefit: Placing one foot in front of you on a bench forces your hip and core muscles to work harder in order to keep your body stable. That way, you engage more muscles and burn more calories than you would if you did the exercise in a regular standing position.

9) Upper Back: Swiss Ball L Raise
The benefit: This exercise targets your upper back. By working these key muscles, you'll improve your posture, shape the back of your shoulders, and look great in a backless dress.

10) Lower Back: McGill Curlup
The benefit: This exercise works your core while keeping your lower back in its naturally arched position. So it minimizes stress on your spine while increasing the endurance of the muscles, which helps prevent lower-back pain.

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For more exercise workouts, get the book:

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All Natural Face Moisturizers

2010-08-07T14:43:00.000-07:00

Some great all natural face moisturizers from All Natural. No chemicals, no toxins. Just pure goodness!

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Moisturizers are an important part in your everyday skin routine. This is because your skin will suffer if it is low in moisture. You will notice that your skin will sometimes dry out and even flake if you don’t take care of it property. You need not worry that moisturizers will be expensive though because there are homemade remedies that are as effective as over-the-counter products. Below are some of the recommended formulations.

Avocado Facial Moisturizer. This is probably the simplest form of natural facial moisturizer because you only need to mash the avocado and then apply to the face. You will have a glowing moisturized skin after.

Vitamin E Moisturizer. If you are taking vitamin E capsule everyday, chances are, your skin will look smooth and glowing. Why don’t you apply the vitamin E capsule externally as well? You just need to open the capsule and put the liquid throughout your face.

Water Melon Moisturizer. This is another great moisturizer. You only need a slice of watermelon and one tablespoon lemon juice. Squeeze the lemon on the watermelon and refrigerate for around 15 minutes. Afterwards, apply it thoroughly; you will notice that it will lower the body temperate while moisturizing the skin at the same time.

Raw Zucchini Hummus Recipe

2010-08-07T10:39:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: Choosing Raw

Here is a great recipe for zucchini hummus from Choosing Raw. Just using olive oil and zucchini yielded a mix that can be too thin to be hummus, so it has been thickened by adding raw sesame seeds in addition to the tahini, and voila: an amazingly rich, creamy, and tasty blend! Here’s the recipe:

Raw Zucchini Hummus (yields over 3 cups; you can easily cut this recipe in half)

2 zucchini, chopped
½ cup lemon juice
1 tsp salt
1 ½ tsp cumin
1 cup raw tahini (the Artisana brand is nice; substitute regular tahini if you need to)
4 tbsp olive oil
½ cup raw sesame seeds

Blender (Vitamix) instructions:

Put all ingredients in your blender and whip away to a rich perfection!

Food processor instructions:

Same as above. You may have a hard time blending the sesame seeds, so I recommend soaking them for a few hours first, halving the recipe, and stopping frequently to scape the bowl. You can also omit the seeds entirely, but in that case I also recommend omitting the olive oil to keep a thick consistency.

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This is a super delicious raw, vegan hummus that tastes amazing. Enjoy!

Should Vegans Serve Meat at Weddings?

2010-08-06T18:53:00.000-07:00

Of course not, we'd say. But this seems to be an issue that many vegans face in planning a wedding. Chelsea Clinton, a long-time vegan, chose to serve organic beef next to a mostly "vegan" menu. But many vegans feel that any animal products = not vegan.

Now the NY Times has taken up the issue about vegans. How much should vegans, or even vegetarians for that matter, compromise in the food department on their special day?

The pastry chefs Fernanda Capobianco and François Payard will serve meat at their wedding, though she is a vegan. (Photo Credit: Suzanne DeChillo/The New York Times)

The article states:

Traditionally, many vegetarians have served meat at their weddings, out of deference to their guests, an aversion to endless cracks about “rabbit food,” or simply because there weren’t a lot of caterers specializing in vegetarian food who could handle a 200-person affair, particularly outside New York or California. Another interviewee was "cognizant of the dampening effect that self-righteousness can have on a party."

But one foodie argues:

If your family loves you and wants you to have that special day, I think they can go one meal and not eat meat,” said Cecilia Kinzie, a vegan and food consultant in Petaluma, Calif., who served no meat at her 2009 wedding.

So what do you think is better? A compromising approach by having both vegan and meat-dishes, or a fully vegan menu? Check out the NY Times article on Vegan Weddings and weigh in on what you think.

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FREE AUGUST GIVEAWAY: VEGAN FOR DUMMIES

2010-08-06T14:48:00.000-07:00

We have a fantastic give-away for this month. A FREE copy of Living Vegan for Dummies - the ultimate guide to a fun and easy vegan lifestyle!

This is one of my favorite books because it offers amazing advice. Are you thinking about becoming a vegan? Already a practicing vegan? More than 3 million Americans currently live a vegan lifestyle, and that number is growing. Living Vegan For Dummies is one of the best resources (5 star ratings!) for understanding vegan practices, sharing them with your friends and loved ones, and maintaining a vegan way of life.

Some of the highlights include:
- Expert guidance in living a vegan lifestyle and explaining it to friends and family
- Proper dietary guidelines so you can get the nutrition you need
- Several action plans for making the switch to veganism
- Over 40 delicious, quick and easy recipes
- Great information for parents with everything they need to understand and support their children's choices

TO ENTER:

Email us your answer to the question: What organic/all natural product do you wish were more readily available than it is now?

To send an email just click the tab below!

Sample Answer: I really love brownies and can't seem to find ones in the store that are made with healthy and less-fattening ingredients. Everything is made with chemicals, and I wish there was an all-natural, vegan and gluten-free brownie more readily available.

We'll evaluate all responses and the single best response will get a free e-copy of the book delivered instantly. Internationals welcome to apply.

DATE: Open from August 06th - September 06th.

There's no limit to the number of submissions you can make, so feel free to share with family and friends and send us your response!

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Organic Food CAN Feed the World

2010-08-04T13:30:00.000-07:00

The food industry tries to pin us between a rock and hard place by stating, "Either you're for genetically modified foods, or you're for the use of pesticides." They make it seem as though we have to choose between these two farming options in order to have a reasonable global food supply. This, however, is false.

New findings by researchers at the University of Michigan show that organic farming is not only sustainable, but is also enough to feed the global population. In fact, organic farming can yield up to three times as much food as conventional farming on the same amount of land. "We were struck by how much food the organic farmers would produce," one of the researchers said.

This is good news for the all natural community. It confirms that organic farming is less environmentally harmful and can potentially produce more than enough healthy food. Let's continue to vote for organic over pesticides by buying all natural food and supporting local farmers!

Source: University of Michigan (2007, July 13).Organic Farming Can Feed The World, Study Suggests. ScienceDaily.

OVERALL RATING (of the good news):

The Story of Cosmetics: Toxics in, Toxics Out

2010-08-03T14:44:00.001-07:00

Baby shampoos that cause cancer, lipsticks full of lead, detergents that contain oil... these are products that are probably sitting in your bathroom or kitchen right now. This amazing video exposes about the truth of cosmetics. Stay informed so that you can stay healthy and happy. Please share this important link with family and friends.

Some Ingredients to Avoid

Aerosol products may contain propane, formaldehyde (a
carcinogen, neurotoxin and central nervous system depressant),
methylene (a carcinogen, neurotoxin and reproductive toxin), and
nitrousoxide.

(APEs) Alkyl phenol ethoxylates and (NPEs) nonylphenol
ethoxylates are surfactants found in laundry detergents, stain
removers, and all-purpose cleaners. They have been found to
reduce embryo survival in fish and alter tadpole development.

Ammonia is a severe eye and respiratory irritant that can cause
intense burning pain, corrosive damage including chemical burns,
cataracts and corneal damage. It can also cause kidney and liver
damage.

(DEA) Diethaolamine is a skin and respiratory toxicant and a
carcinogen. It is used in a wide range of household cleaning
products.

Glycol ethers are solvents commonly found in glass cleaners and
all-purpose spray cleaners. They have been associated with low birth
weight in exposed mice.

Monoethanolamine may cause liver, kidney and reproductive
damage, as well as depression of the central nervous system.
Inhalation of high concentrations - when cleaning an oven for
example - can cause dizziness or even coma. It is found in many
cleaning products, including oven cleaners, tub and tile cleaners,
laundry pre-soaks, floor strippers and carpet cleaners.

Phthalates are carriers for fragrance in glass cleaners, deodorizers,
laundry detergents and fabric softeners that are
linked to adverse effects on male children,
reduced sperm count in adult men, and
increased allergic symptoms and asthma in
children.

Xylene is a neurotoxin that can lead to memory loss, loss of
consciousness and even death in extreme exposures. It may damage
liver, kidneys, and the developing fetus. It is used in some
spot removers, floor polishes, and ironing aids.

To find out what you can do, visit the Safe Cosmetics Website here here. We will be posting a list of Safe (truly all-natural) cosmetics here at All Naturale.org so sign up to get the latest news.

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