Green Your Life!

Benefits of Adding Sea Vegetables & Dulse to Diet

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 05 May 2010 01:40:00 +0000

Author: Omid Jaffari
Cutting-Edge News Room

Do you eat plenty of vegetables? You probably do if you are health conscious, but how about SEA vegetables, do you even know what sea vegetables are? Japanese and Asian cultures revere sea vegetables and dulse as part of their everyday diets, a habit most people would benefit from adopting.

Seaweed and sea vegetables are among the best health foods that exist. While many members of the health community know this, they fail to properly advertise and promote the health benefits of these amazing foods. Let's talk a bit more about sea vegetables and how you can benefit from them.

Different Types of Sea Vegetables & Dulse

There are many different types of sea vegetables including dulse. Dulse is a type of seaweed, one that is popular in many countries including Northern Europe, not just in Asia and Japan. In Ireland, many people use dulse to make sandwiches.

Dulse is red seaweed that has a somewhat spicy and salty flavor. It often comes dehydrated so you need to soak it in a broth or in water. Often people add dulse to soups or to salads. You can also add it to your favorite stir fry. It is packed with many vitamins and nutrients which is one reason for its popularity.

Some people bake dulse into various grains or breads. One reason dulse is so popular is because it is packed full of vitamins and so versatile, meaning you can use it in so many different ways. It contains a ton of protein, so it is an excellent food for raw food fans, because it is a non-animal product. Among it's strong points include its plentiful B6, 12, potassium, fluoride and iron content. Dulse also contains vitamins C, E, A and plenty of fiber and calcium.

This is just a small sampling of the many vitamins Dulse contains.

What are some other popular sea vegetables? Here is a small sampling:

Kanten – Also known as “Agar Agar” this sea vegetable is clear and often tasteless; it looks much like gelatin but contains no animal product, so it is a good choice for a raw food diet. It is often used for pudding to thicken it or for pies. All you have to do is dissolve it in hot water or other liquid.

Arame – This is a sweet sea vegetable, which is nice because many sea vegetables are more salty than sweet. It contains plenty of calcium and potassium as well as fiber. Many people use about a teaspoon and mix it in their stir fry or morning omelet. Other uses may include pastas or salads.

Kombu – This sea vegetable has lots of calcium, iodine, magnesium and even iron. You need only a small square piece of this sea vegetable to add to a pot of beans and rice for flavor. It cooks to about twice its size. If you use a piece about the size of a quarter you will have plenty.

Nori – Nori is often the seaweed you see wrapped delicately around sushi. The amount you see wrapped around sushi is about the right amount to use, times the amount of sushi you plan to eat. You can't really eat too much, although eating too much sushi in one night may give you a bit of diarrhea mostly because of the high fiber intake. Some people find they have a hard time digesting it, although this is not likely to happen if you are a raw foodist, and you will likely only have sushi with avocado and cucumber on top, not any fish.

Wakame – This is a softer form of sea vegetable that contains lots of fiber and like bananas, also contains potassium. This also become quite large, cooking to as much as 7x its original size, so make sure you cook just a small amount and see how large it grows before adding too much to your pot. This particular seaweed often tastes best when cooked along vegetables and stews. It does have a sweet flavor so you can add oranges, cranberries and walnuts to the salad for extra flair and flavor.

Benefits

The benefits of eating sea vegetables as part of a healthy diet should be quite obvious. In case you haven't realized their full potential yet, here is a summary of what these amazing ‘vegetables’ of the sea have to offer:

They are packed full of B vitamins

They contain chlorophyll which helps restore energy and vitality

The offer plenty of fiber

They often contain vitamins C, E and A

Some contain calcium, magnesium and potassium

Some offer adequate protein to supplement the diet

A little often provides a lot of satiety

There are many to try so you never feel bored with them

They often spice up traditional dishes for a new and interesting experience

They are often inexpensive

They won't go stale because they are dried

You can take them anywhere!

Remember, you can try a spicy version or you can try one that is sweet and mild to start with. If you are not sure close your eyes and pick. Undoubtedly you will feel rewarded. Sea vegetables are definitely here to stay, and will certainly add a bit of life to any raw food diet!

Sincerely yours,

Omid

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/wellness-articles/benefits-of-adding-sea-vegetables-dulse-to-diet-710692.html

About the Author
Tried.Tasted.Served Mission Statement

Our mission is clear and straightforward. We want to bring the most accurate, high-quality and well-researched information about Raw and Living Food and Sustainable Living. Achieving good health should be easy and accessible for everyone and we want to make it easier for you to have access to it. The more we know, the more we can take charge of our life and take steps towards a healthier one!

www.triedtastedserved.com

Get Benefits of Bee Pollen

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Author: Corwin Brown

Bee pollen consists of plant pollens collected by worker bees combined with plant nectar and bee saliva. Bee Pollen is gathered from pollen laden bees by a special device placed at the entrance of the hive. The device is designed to brush the material from the bees' legs.

Bee pollen is believed to rejuvenate the body, stimulate organs and glands, enhance vitality, and bring about a longer life span. Bee pollen's purported ability to consistently and noticeably increase energy levels also makes it a popular substance among many world class athletes and those interested in sustaining and enhancing quality performance.

Bee Pollen benefits are improved when taken with other nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Health benefits of bee pollen are linked to the fact that it is high in concentrations of Vitamin B complex and also vitamins A, C, D, and E.

Myricetin helps white blood cells soak up the "bad" LDL cholesterol out of the bloodstream. Quercetin is a natural antihistamine-the right kind of pollen can be beneficial for your allergies! Rutin is best known as the remedy for varicose veins. Rutin protects veins throughout the body and may help prevent cancer as well. Your body uses trans-cinnamic acid to make its own antibiotics, and this potent nutrient also powers the detoxifying processes of the liver.

The bee pollen benefits and medicine are infinite. Every passing year there are more uses and needs for requiring bee pollen medicine. Although there is no scientific proof, bee pollen benefits far outweigh the chemical alternatives to treating disorders and diseases. Some of the bee pollen benefits in medicine are that it is used to treat a wide variety of medical issues.

Propolis is a resinous substance that bees collect from certain trees to produce a cement-like substance. Bees use it to construct and repair the hive, blocking invasions of fungi, bacteria and viruses. It has a similarly beneficial effect in the human body. As a salve or tincture it has germicidal effects and can be used to speed the healing of wounds. When taken internally, it stimulates the immune and circulatory systems.

Bee pollen benefits your body with a number of vital trace elements that it can't manufacture, but needs in order to stay healthy. Those trace elements include iron, zinc, manganese, copper, calcium, magnesium, and potassium - all minerals that have proven health benefits.

Bee pollen may also protect against wind-borne allergens that cause hay fever and even asthma. Ullrich Wahn, M.D., a researcher at Heidelberg University Children’s Clinic in Germany, studied 70 children with hay fever and allergy-related asthma. He fed them a solution of bee pollen and honey daily during the annual hay fever period and three days weekly during the winter. Most of the children presented fewer symptoms after following this regimen.

Bee Pollen contains 27 elements, 18 of which are amino acids and vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, E, RR, D also vitamin K. Elements such as iron, calcium, calculi, phosphorus, folic acid, microelements such a manganese, chromium, zinc, iodine and much more. Bee pollen is also rich in protein which is very similar to proteins found in the blood. It is also important to know that bee pollen cannot be recreated in a laboratory.

Pollen is considered an energy and nutritive tonic in Chinese medicine. Cultures throughout the world use it in a surprising number of applications: for improving endurance and vitality, extending longevity, aiding recovery from chronic illness, adding weight during convalescence, reducing cravings and addictions, regulating the intestines, building new blood, preventing infectious diseases such as the cold and flue.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/get-benefits-of-bee-pollen-388272.html

About the Author:Read about Herbal Remedies, Natural Cure, Natural Supplements, Home Remedy. Also read about Breast Enlargement and Breast Enhancement and Health Questions Answers Discussion Forum

How Are Your Reducing Your Environmental Footprint?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0000

One way to reduce our environmental footprint is to eat less processed foods. This includes boxed crackers, pre-packaged snacks, and junk food.

Did you know many packaged snacks (including crackers!) on the store shelves contain sugar, HFCS (high fructose corn syrup), salt, additives and artificial flavors? For example, look at the ingredients in Nabisco Ritz Crackers and then check out the Dangers of High Fructose Corn Syrup.

This is reason enough to make homemade snacks at home!

Get recipes at my whole food eater blog here.

Central Wisconsin Raw Food Meetup Potluck: Meet Angela Cook

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 23:12:00 +0000

Attending the first Central Wisconsin Raw Food Meetup potluck

February 10, 2010, was a culinary explosion to the palate and a gift to the soul.

I’m the first one to dish up some amazing raw eats. Mmmm…

Check out more photos from the potluck below

and learn why Angela Cook wanted to start this Raw Food Meetup group.

**********************************

Q&A with

Angela Cook,

Organizer of the Central Wisconsin Raw Food Meetup

Celeste: Angela, congratulations on a successful first potluck! What inspired you to start the Central Wisconsin Raw Food Meetup group?

Angela: Thank you Celeste and I’m so glad that you were able to join me! My inspiration came from my own need. I have been interested in Raw Food for about a decade. I began by juicing and eating more fruits and veggies. Then, as I learned more about it, I decided to eat around 90% Raw, as an experiment really. I’d been reading all of these amazing stories of weight loss and healing that people had experienced. I wanted to see it for myself.

For two years I stayed between 75% and 90% Raw. It was amazing. I looked and felt my very best consuming mostly Living Foods.

Then I moved up here to the Northwoods! With limited restaurant choices and cold long winters….I slipped into ‘SAD’ as it’s called (Standard American Diet). I gained weight, suffered from seasonal depression, fatigue, and developed high blood pressure. Initially, I went along with the typical protocol ~ medication, cut out the salt, exercise etc…but it didn’t work. So, I’ve tried to eat whole and organic over the last year, but it’s just not enough for me. I knew in my heart what I needed to do and that is eat mostly LIVING FOOD! I’m inspired by others and I love the camaraderie of like minded people (accountability is good too!) So, I decided to start the Pot Luck!

Celeste: What are the steps to becoming part of your ever expanding raw food group?

Angela: Click here to sign up and RSVP to the upcoming potluck.

Note: Click on “Calendar” (left hand side) on Angela’s profile to see when the next potluck will be (March 19).

Celeste: If I know nothing about raw foods, can I still attend your potlucks and if so, how do I prepare for one?

Angela: Everything you read about health encourages you to up your intake of fruits and veggies. For some this can seem boring…same pieces of fruit….same salads etc. Joining this potluck will help you learn all of the amazing ways you can use living foods to create delicious dishes! If you know nothing about preparing raw dishes, you can google “Raw Recipes” and there are LOTS! If it seems like too much information…just bring a bowl of organic fruit, raw nuts or dates.

Celeste: How can being a part of your raw food group tremendously impact my life?

Angela: Hearing stories of how eating Raw has helped people, being inspired to think out of the box when it comes to eating and preparing foods, experiencing how good you feel after eating there, as opposed to that heavy cooked meal at your last get together! As you eat less processed food and more raw, you will see the weight come off and the brain fog lift ~ what’s not to love about that!

Celeste: Share something about yourself that would surprise us.

Angela: I just registered to become a Certified Zumba Instructor! I’m 42, mother of 6 and a Grandma of 2…what am I doing!!! I’ll tell you ~ I am finally getting off my duff and striving for those things that are in my heart to do!

Celeste: Would you like to add anything else?

Angela: Two things: 1) It’s never too late to be all that God has created you to be! 2) Thank you Celeste, you are an amazing woman and you inspire me!

Don’t miss out on the March potluck.

Be sure to sign up here to attend!

Raw Food Diet: How Many Percent Raw Do We Have to Eat to be Considered a Raw Foodist?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:42:00 +0000

Author: Linda Loo

The word "percent", has been mentioned continuously in the raw food world. We hear it all the time - 100% raw, 90% raw, or 75% raw...

Sometimes its as if 100% is some kind of a destination, and once we get there, its Hooray, but its almost a shame if we ever leave.

In actual fact, raw foodism is NOT a destination. Rather, it is a process of discovery.

Discovery about ourselves, how our body works and ultimately how we affect others around us.

You may already know that eating live foods instead of processed, "dead" foods, frees the body of unnecessary burdens and feeds essential nutrients to your cells.

And so for instance, if we used to eat a breakfast of microwaved pancakes with butter, but we now switch to fresh bananas with nut butter, a number of things are going to happen:

First of all, our digestive organs do not have to deal with the complex carbohydrates, processed sugar and saturated fats from the pancakes.

Hence, the body will not feel the slight comatose (its still slight because the day just began!) which usually comes after eating a starchy/fats/processed sugar combination.

Second, we are not eating microwaved ie. chemically altered foods, anymore. The impact of chemically altered foods are at worst damaging to our cells, and at best unknown!

Yes, Science has not yet uncovered the full spectrum of detriment which DNA altered foods can do to our bodies.

Third, we are flooding our bodies with first-hand natural sugars, nutrients and live enzymes from the bananas/nut butter combo.

These require less effort to assimilate (compared to the pancakes) and nourishment is delivered straight to our cells.

As a result, we feel full, energetic, alive and happy! We are now reaping the benefits of a raw food diet.

The benefits of a raw food diet can be enjoyed by taking in as many raw foods as possible.

It doesn't mean you have to be 100%, or 90%, it doesn't even have to be a percentage. Being 100% raw may not even be an appropriate goal for you in the first place. Just go at your own pace.

A person can be a 100% raw foodist, but totally unhealthy because he is overeating only a specific type of food and thus missing out on other valuable nutrients.

Or she could be overeating nuts and oils, have digestive disorders and thus suffer more from weight issues than ever!

These examples would definitely not see those incredible health benefits often raved about in the raw food world.

And does it mean that if we ever fall off from the 100% mark, we berate ourselves and take off in the opposite direction altogether?

Absolutely not! Raw foods, remember, is an on-going journey. It is an amazing process where you discover about yourself.

And it all begins with discovering how the foods you eat can affect you physiologically, emotionally and spiritually.

As long as we are mindful to eat as much unaltered, raw and fresh organic foods as we can get our hands on, we are on the right track.

So, Raw Foodism re-defined:

A Raw Foodist can be someone who acknowledges that foods he/she eat have an impact on him/her, and strives to give him/herself the best possible nutrients out of every meal.

Relax, enjoy your food and start living your life :)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/nutrition-articles/raw-food-diet-how-many-percent-raw-do-we-have-to-eat-to-be-considered-a-raw-foodist-592573.html

About the Author
Linda has always been passionate about the Science of Nutrition for beauty, weight-loss, energy & longevity. She is also a successful Raw Foodist & Certified Raw Food Chef and is ever so delighted to share this gift of knowledge with fellow health enthusiasts! Visit http://rawfoodlifestyles.com/ for more free juicy information on how you can eat your way to a flawless complexion, a sexy body, AND abundant energy now!

Author Interview: Elizabeth Henderson-Sharing The Harvest, A Citizen's Guide To Community Supported Agriculture

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 13:00:00 +0000

I had the opportunity to do an e-mail interview with Elizabeth Henderson, author of Sharing the Harvest, A Citizen's Guide To Community Service Agriculture. Elizabeth started one of the first CSAs in 1988 and has been an organic farmer for 25 years.

*************************

Celeste: What are the health benefits of eating organic produce?

Elizabeth: There are clear health benefits to eating organically grown foods. Recent studies show that organic foods are much less likely to contain residues of chemical pesticides and are denser in essential vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidents. Interested readers can find the research studies on the Organic Center website – www.organiccenter.org.

The food from local, family-scale organic farms is fresher, richer in nutrients, and grown with greater care than the industrialized organic food shipped from California or elsewhere that appears in supermarkets. Knowing your farmer is the best way to assure the safety of your food.

Celeste: If a consumer can afford a limited number of organic items, what fruits and veggies should they start with?

Elizabeth: The fruits and veggies with the highest level of chemical residues are peaches, strawberries, potatoes, lettuce, and spinach.

Celeste: How is the consumer helping the environment when buying organic?

Elizabeth: One’s own health is very important, but many people also want to contribute to reducing the likelihood of severe climate change. Eating organic:

Uses less energy.
Is good for the health of the planet.
Organic farms use 30 to 60% less energy than conventional farms.
By using cover crops and composting, organic farmers stock carbon in the soil, which helps to reduce the greenhouse gases in our atmosphere.
Buying from local farms cuts out the huge energy expenses for transporting food from distant places.
And when you buy directly from farms at farmers' markets, farm stands or through community supported agriculture, you cut out the middlemen and spend less money on your food.

Celeste: Do organic farmers use botanical pestides? Chemical residues on soil and crops? How about sodium nitrate?

Elizabeth: Organic farmers sometimes use botanical pesticides, but these break down very quickly and have not been found to leave residues on the food. Organic food is not guaranteed to be free of all chemical residues since these are so pervasive in our environment that even mothers’ milk has residues. But organic farmers do not make things worse by using synthetic, toxic materials in growing food. Sodium nitrate is allowed in limited amounts in organic production. Personally, I have never used any in 27 years of organic farming.

Celeste: What are some important things a person needs to consider when choosing a CSA?

Elizabeth: Every CSA is different! You should select the CSA that offers what you are looking for. Some CSAs give you the opportunity to participate in growing the food or helping with distribution. Others simply deliver the food to a convenient place near where you live. Every CSA provides information about how your food is grown, shares recipes and gives you the chance to connect with a special piece of the earth and to share the risks and benefits with farmers whom you get to know.

Five Reasons To Eat Raw Foods

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:38:00 +0000

Author: Diana Walker

The raw food diet is a diet based on unprocessed and uncooked plant foods, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, sprouts, seeds, nuts, grains, beans, dried fruit, and seaweed. The eating of meat or fish raw is not something that the majority of raw foodies advocate.

It is a scientific fact that heating food above 116 degrees Fahrenheit is believed to destroy enzymes in food that can assist in the digestion and absorption of food. Once the enzymes are dead then your organs have to work harder and they become overworked and for many they no longer function as they should. Cooking is also thought to diminish the nutritional value and life of food, often rendering the food toxic to your body. I don't advocate a complete raw food diet, but I do recommend incorporating 50% or more raw foods into your lifestyle.

There is no denying that there are many reasons why one should incorporate more raw foods in their diet. Here are 5 possible benefits when eating a raw food diet, or at least incorporating more raw foods in your diet.

1. Lowers Free Radicals and formation of Disease

The reversal or elimination of many chronic diseases, including heart disease and cancer can be accomplished through a raw food diet. When food is cooked it creates free radicals; a major cause of cancer. When you lower the number of free radicals in your cells, you lower your risk of cancer. A diet that is mostly raw eliminates the need for over cooking foods which in turns lowers the creation of free radicals in the body.

2. Saves Money

When you eat raw foods you save money. This is because when you eat raw your body is getting more of the necessary nutrients than it needs so there is no need for all the supplements and vitamins that those who eat more cooked food tend to consume. Also with raw food you eliminate many of the pots, pans, and appliances needed for cooking because you prepare it as opposed to cooking it. Another way you save money is because a diet that is high in raw foods eliminates many of the illnesses that are caused by over cooked foods so you are not bothered with many medical expenses.

3. Saves Time

Raw foods take very little preparation so you spend less time in the kitchen. Most raw food meals that even your children can help in the preparation and some can do the preparation alone.

4. Normalizes Body Weight

Consuming raw foods will help you achieve your ideal body weight. With raw foods you won't feel fat and if you are too thin, you will actually start to look healthier. And a huge plus is that you won't have to worry about counting calories.

5. More Energy

An excellent benefit of raw food is that most people feel more energy. With raw foods your metabolic rate is higher and you feel like actually doing something. Cooked foods load your body down making it feel tired and you are not as active as you would like to be.

Overall raw food consumption is a great way to create a body that is healthy and looks great inside and out. If you are thinking of adopting a raw food idea make it an aim to have a diet that is 50% to 75% raw.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/nutrition-articles/five-reasons-to-eat-raw-foods-809709.html

About the Author:Are cravings for sugar, salt, junk food, sodas, and coffee running your life? Are you tired and foggy-brained? Need more energy, more mental clarity, less cravings for sugar? Diana Walker, Sunrider Leader, Cravings Coach and CEO of Diana’s Healthy Lifestyleshttp://www.diana2.com provides natural, safe options for creating vibrant health. Free education at http://www.thecravingscoach.com

Are You GMO Savvy? You Need To Be

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 21:51:00 +0000

Author: Susan J. Wojcik

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO's) are as usual a hot topic in the natural food and natural medicine world. But what are GMO's and why should the general population be concerned about them?

GMO is most commonly used to refer to crop plants created for human or animal consumption using the latest molecular biology techniques. These plants have been modified in the laboratory to enhance desired traits such as increased resistance to herbicides, drought tolerance, pest resistance, ect. For this reason, GMO's have gained popularity in the farming community. The down side is the effects that GMO's have on the human population and other organisms.

The dangers associated with eating GM foods are increased allergenicity, increased toxins, carcinogens, the formation of new diseases, antibiotic-resistant diseases and nutritional problems. Food allergies are on the rise, soy allergies in particular have sky rocketed by 50% in the UK after GM soy was introduced there.

Milk from rBGH-treated cows contains an increased amount of the hormone IGF-1, which is one of the highest risk factors associated with breast and prostate cancer.

One would believe that before GM foods were FDA approved, several research studies would have proven GM foods to be safe. Unfortunately, the only feeding study done with humans showed that GMOs survived inside the stomach of the people eating GMO food. No follow-up studies were done.

Various feeding studies in animals have resulted in potentially pre-cancerous cell growth, damaged immune systems, smaller brains, livers, and testicles, partial atrophy or increased density of the liver, odd shaped cell nuclei and other unexplained anomalies, false pregnancies and higher death rates.

Soy, cotton, canola, Hawaiian papaya, alfalfa, zucchini and yellow squash are currently commercialized GM crops in the US. Other GM products include: dairy from cows injected with rbGH, food additives, enzymes, flavorings, and processing agents, including the sweetener aspartame (NutraSweet®), meat, eggs, and dairy products from animals that have eaten GM feed.

I urge all of you to really take a look at what you are eating. 60-70% of the food in the US contains GM ingredients and the FDA currently does not require it to be labled as GMO (although President Obama did make a campaign promise that he would change this). Print out the "Non-GMO Shopping Guide" and do what to can avoid these genetically modified foods.

References: http://www.responsibletechnology.org/GMFree/Home/index.cfm

Lakeshore Wellness Center: Naturopathic Holistic Medicine and Acupuncture in Chicago.
http://www.lakeshorewellnesscenter.com

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/nutrition-articles/are-you-gmo-savvy-you-need-to-be-894447.html

About the Author:
Susan J. Wojcik is a Naturopathic physician and board certified acupuncturist in private practice at Lakeshore Wellness Center in Chicago, Illinois.

She has been practicing Naturopathic and Integrative medicine at Foothills Neurology in Phoenix, Arizona since 2002 and has only recently settled down in Chicago to begin her own private practice. She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin—Madison, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and the Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture. She is also affiliated with such organizations as the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP), the Illinois Association of Naturopathic Physicians (ILANP), the Naturopathic Academy of Therapeutic Injections (NATI), the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and the Homéopathe International (HI).

The modalities employed in her Naturopathic practice include: clinical nutrition, homeopathy, functional medicine, botanical medicine and traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture.

Meet Your Meat. Video By PETA, narrated by Alec Baldwin

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 04:15:00 +0000

Hemp Seeds, One of the Ways to Rebalance and Detox Your Body

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 12:31:00 +0000

Author: Willie Jones

Unless you live in a pesticide and chemical free environment and eat only 100% organic, there is an excellent chance that your body is overburdened, nutrient deficient and headed toward obesity and long term problems. North America in particular has been lulled by the food industry to eat supposedly safe, processed, packaged and canned foods. Well you've been fooled long enough!

Almost every time you open a package to cook something, not only are you eating inferior food, you are also for the most part eating MSG. (Even some organic foods). I cover this in an earlier article and I recommend you educate your self on this subject as well.

In the last 50+ years man has changed the way we eat so much that the health our great grandparents enjoyed are difficult to obtain today. Not impossible but very difficult. Our big problem today is toxicity! Our bodies are toxic and over acidic and we need to take steps to ward off future problems. Hemp seeds can help in a big way!

No other seed or nut that I know of can match the quality and balance of nutrients that the hemp seeds contain. Flax seeds come close but the hemp seed contains the correct balance of Omega 3 and omega 6 essential oils as well as linoleic acid, vitamin E and trace minerals and is an impressive 33% protein.

Hemp seeds are an excellent solution for vegetarians.

Our diets today are often without the correct balance of nutrients, for example, if you take a calcium supplement, you may not be absorbing it into the body because calcium needs magnesium and something acidic with it like a bit of vinegar or lemon juice in water to be absorbed into the body. So it is with omega 3 and omega 6. You need both to provide the cells in the body what it needs otherwise imbalances occur.

You can take fish oils for omega 3 and 6 but if you don't like the after taste or have concerns about our polluted lakes, rivers and oceans, then eating hemp seeds or using cold pressed hemp oil in salad dressings can be a great alternative. They have a mild nutty taste and can be added to just about any meal. It is best to start your morning with hemp seeds in your breakfast, (add it to cereals, yogurt or smoothies or grind them to make a nut butter.) If you want to replace dairy you can make hemp milk a home. Here is a recipe;

2 cups of hulled hemp seeds

Very hot water

Blender

Colander

Hemp cloth or cheese cloth

Put the hemp seeds in the blender. Add hot water to about ¾ of the way. Place the lid on the blender and hold tight with your hands. Start the blender on the lowest setting so that the content doesn't explode out of the blender. (Hot liquids can do that). Once your blender is working smoothly you can increase slowly up to high and blend for a couple of minutes. Place the colander into a large bowl, then place the cheesecloth into the colander. Slowly pour the milk into the colander. When all of the liquid is in the bowl, grab all four corners and squeeze out the remaining liquid. Pour the milk into glass container with a lid and refrigerate. Use it any where you would regular milk.

The body needs healthy fats and hemp seeds have all the essential fatty acids your body wants. When your body starts getting the nutrition and the healthy fats it needs, it will start to detox and rebalance the body to the proper acid/alkaline state and this is what you want because disease only thrives in an overly acid body. Eating hemp seeds daily may restore luster to your hair, improve skin conditions and more importantly may improve cardio vascular health and who wouldn't want that!

You may want to consider the benefits of eating organic fruits and vegetables in addition to hemp seeds to improve overall health

Enjoy!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/hemp-seeds-one-of-the-ways-to-rebalance-and-detox-your-body-463284.html

About the Author:
Willie is a researcher and freelance writer whose own health problems prompted her to gain information on health and wellness and share that knowledge with others. She is co-owner of http://www.cleanbodydetox.com a site that focuses on detox through foot baths and foot massager

Green Your Life With Eco-Friendly Resolutions For 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 17:42:00 +0000

As 2010 quickly arrives,
here is a link to help inspire
you to make a list of green resolutions!

10 Eco-Friendly New Year Resolutions

Raw Milk Health Benefits and Facts

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:31:00 +0000

Author: Raven Miller
Raw milk straight from the cow or goat is chock full of the benefits of wonderfully healthy bacteria, vitamins, and enzymes that you simply will not get from store-bought milk.

Milk you find on your supermarket shelf is flawed for many reasons. One reason is the big commercial dairies do not feed their cows grass and hay which is what they are supposed to eat, but rather their cows exist in small feedlots being fed large amounts of grain which is actually not something a cow was meant to eat.

As a result, these cows must be fed antibiotics which in turn are going into your milk. Bleach is also often added to make sure your carton of milk is as white as can be. Scary, isn't it?

But even if this were not the case, commercially available milk is pasteurized (heated) and homogenized (process that breaks down butterfat), and you can be sure that all those beneficial enzymes and healthy bacteria are long gone by the time it reaches the grocery shelf. What you have left is simply dead liquid which can possibly cause more harm than good due to the growth hormones and antibiotics (among other things) given to the unhealthy commercial-dairy cow.

Many people will argue that drinking milk straight from the cow is not healthy, and that pasteurization is necessary to kill off things like E coli. The fact is that milk collected hygienically from a healthy grass-fed cow on a small family-owned farm is very healthy, and the benefits far outweigh the risks. You'd be statistically much more likely to contract E coli from your local produce department than from that farmer's cow.

The source of the majority of our commercial milk is the modern Holstein dairy cow which has been bred specifically for quantity in order to produce large amounts of milk far beyond what a cow was ever meant to produce. Since she is fed so much grain (remember this is unhealthy for a cow), she requires antibiotics to keep her healthy. Growth hormones also end up in that milk you're pouring over your breakfast cereal every morning.

The most healthy and best-tasting raw milk will come from the "old" breeds of dairy cows such as the Jersey, Guernsey, Ayrshire, or Brown Swiss, or the older lines of Holstein which were not bred to produce obscene amounts of milk. The average butterfat of these old breeds of cows back at the turn of the century was 4%. Today's butterfat normally comprises less than 3%. There is also the misleading notion that skim and low-fat milk is good for you. Full-fat milk is awesomely healthy as the butterfat contains the vitamins A and D which are needed for the absorption of calcium, and is also rich in the short- and medium-chain fatty acids that protect us against disease. You get no health benefit at all from drinking low-fat or no-fat milk, and you might as well just have a glass of water instead. That would actually be far more healthy.

Many are jumping on the raw milk bandwagon, and many more will climb on board in the coming years as people educate themselves about what is actually going into our food through the commercial processes.

If you have a small dairy farm near you, drop by and sample some real milk and see what you have been missing.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/nutrition-articles/raw-milk-health-benefits-and-facts-479327.html

About the Author:
Raw milk benefits are stupendous, and more and more people are jumping on the bandwagon. Find out more information and learn about all of the amazing health benefits of raw milk plus lots more information and facts at http://www.rawmilktruth.com

Homemade Cleaning Solutions: No More Toxic Chemicals!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 19:00:00 +0000

Many cleaning solutions you buy on the store shelves contain toxins that are harmful to your health and our environment. Reduce your chemical (and your kids', your pets and your household) exposure by making your own natural cleaning solutions. They are simple, all natural and cost effective!

DUSTING FURNITURE:
HOMEMADE SOLUTION>> 1/4 cup lemon juice mixed with tbs. of olive oil.
NOTE: If you have leftover solution, store it in the fridge.

FLOOR CLEANER:
HOMEMADE SOLUTION->>one gallon hot water mixed with 1 cup vinegar.

WINDOW CLEANER:
HOMEMADE SOLUTION->>Mix 1 quart warm water with 1/4 cup white vinegar.
Store in a spray bottle.

TOILET BOWL:
HOMEMADE SOLUTION>>baking soda. Simply scrub with baking soda. OR for stain removal, use 1/4 cup borax and let sit for 30 minutes- then scrub and flush.

More uses for baking soda & vinegar

Four Steps to a Large Serving of Gratitude This Thanksgiving

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:14:00 +0000

Author: Nina Amir

When you sit down to your Thanksgiving dinner and look at your plate heaped high with turkey, potatoes and gravy, before you pick up your fork make sure you haven't forgotten to give yourself a hefty serving of gratitude. After all, what is a Thanksgiving feast without gratitude? Isn't that what the holiday is all about?

It is, yet many of us forget that fact. Too often, we don't remember to be grateful for what we have or receive on Thanksgiving or on any other day. We become so involved in the negative dramas of our lives that we see only the stress-filled job, the uncaring spouse, the stack of bills we can't pay, the doctor's prognosis, the misbehaved children, the lack of time. If we take another look at our lives, we can always find something for which to be grateful the sun in the sky, a friend, the weekend, a warm place to sleep, the five dollars in our pocket, the dog who licks our hand in passing. It matters not how much we have or how little. We still can be grateful for what we do have.

Thanksgiving offers a wonderful opportunity to remember the things for which we are grateful and to practice having what some have called "an attitude of gratitude." Some say a prayer of gratitude represents the strongest prayer of all, and I agree. I was taught to include gratitude in my prayers and thoughts every day gratitude for what I have as well as for what I will receive. And what better time to start such a practice or to deepen an existing one than on a holiday created solely for giving thanks.

This Thanksgiving, I suggest taking the following four steps to help get into the spirit of Thanksgiving. First, before the meal even begins, go around the table and give each person a chance to offer gratitude for at least one thing. Begin simply by saying, "Something I'm grateful for is...." and fill in the blank. Let people share as many specific things for which they are grateful as they can think of. They can continue after their first sharing by saying, "And something else I'm grateful for is..." If someone's turn has passed and they suddenly think of something else they want to add, let them do so between other people's turns or at the end. This practice will set the whole tone of your meal. And don't let anyone off the hook. Everyone must share at least one thing for which they feel grateful.

The second step to creating a gratitude-filled Thanksgiving involves prayer. Joining hands and offering a blessing on the food and the company at the table, along with thanksgiving of some sort, always sheds a warm, spiritual light on any meal. And it puts God into the picture, reminds us that the Divine might have something to do with our good fortune. Religious context doesn't matter for this prayer. In fact, offer a heartfelt prayer that doesn't associate itself with any one religion. If you prefer to stick with religiously oriented prayers and the company at your table has different religious beliefs, let each person from a different religion offer a prayer of gratitude from their own tradition.

Third, ask people to bring to the table their favorite quotes or stories about being grateful or about Thanksgiving itself. During the meal, take turns reading these aloud. It's nice to hear the words of others or to share touching memories about a holiday. It gives depth to the holiday and a positive overall feeling to the celebration. In addition, such stories remind us of other things for which we can be grateful.

Fourth, before everyone gets up from the table maybe over coffee and pie, focus some attention on the things you expect to receive over the next year. Vocalizing our intentions to manifest things in the future provides a wonderful vehicle for actually having them manifest in our lives. And the best way to allow these wonderful gifts into our experiences lies in affirming that they already are coming to us. In fact, it's a most powerful exercise to offer gratitude for them as if you were experiencing them right in the moment, right at the Thanksgiving table. For example, you might say, "I am so grateful for the five percent raise I received at work," "I am so grateful for the wonderful health I am now experiencing," or "I am so enjoying my sleek, trim, body which weighs just 150 pounds." The more specific you get about these goals and desires, the better. Not only do these invocations make you feel better, because they affirm that what you need or want is coming your way, but they have a way of actually attracting these things into your life.

With just a little effort, you'll find you can fill your Thanksgiving experience with a heaping portion of gratitude. By so doing, the food on your plate will taste that much sweeter this year.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/religion-articles/four-steps-to-a-large-serving-of-gratitude-this-thanksgiving-257476.html

About the Author:Nina Amir, the author of From Empty Practice to Meaning-Full & Spirit-Full Prayers & Rituals...in 7 Simple Steps, is currently writing Setting a Place for God, A Woman's Guide to Creating Sacred Space & Inviting the Divine to Dwell Within It. Enroll in her FREE teleseminar, "How to Transform Empty Holiday Celebrations into Meaning-Full and Spirit-Full Observances," on 11/13 at 5:30pm (PST) by visiting http://www.purespiritcreations.com .

Are Body Creams Healthy?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Body Creams Healthy?Author: Joan Gosselin

What if I told you that your body creams might be harmful to your health? The chemical additives contained in most of the popular body lotion and creams might not cause you any problems directly, but they are not the only chemicals that you’re exposed to every day. It’s the way that these components interact which may present the greatest health risk.

Body creams and other cosmetic products should not contain possibly harmful ingredients, but they do. It should be mandatory by law that the cosmetics companies stop using chemicals in the products that we put on our bodies. These chemicals enter our bodies through our skin, and can then cause a myriad of problems.

The same chemicals found in body lotion and creams have been found in breast milk, and in the children who ingested the milk. Some of these chemicals have been linked to birth defects, and even cancer. If nothing else, there should be some kind of moral obligation on the part of the manufacturers to not include ingredients that could be harmful to their loyal customer’s health.

The Environmental Protection Agency and the state of California list Phthalates, Formaldehyde, Ethylene Oxide, and Acrylamide as both known carcinogens and as reproductive toxins. These problems are sharply on the rise in the human population. These poisons have been seen to have an effect on animal and aquatic life as well.

All of these ingredients can be found in most of the body creams found on the cosmetics shelves today. You can also find Mercury in mascara, and Lead in lipstick. There are also Dioxins, which are chlorinated chemical derivatives known to increase the likelihood of cancer.

Since the use of chemicals is such a prevalent part of our daily lives, it would be next to impossible not to receive at least a measure of exposure. You shouldn’t have to expect that contact to come from your body lotion and creams though.

One way to be sure of the purity of the ingredients found in your body creams is to find a cosmetics company that has signed the “Compact for Safe Cosmetics”. This is an agreement brought about by the European Union as a way to guarantee the quality of cosmetic products. Europe’s regulations on chemical use in body creams are far stricter than those in the United States.

Some other ingredients that are not advisable for body lotion and creams are liquid Petrolatum (Mineral oil) and alcohol. Petrolatum will make your skin feel moister initially, but it is not absorbable by the skin and will result in clogged pores. You should avoid products containing alcohol simply because of the drying effect.

Instead, you should look for body lotion and creams containing organic ingredients such as jojoba wax, olive oil, and grape seed oil. These ingredients all are high in antioxidant properties, and contain vitamins like B5. These qualities will offer you protection from free radical damage, and will help to protect your skin from the damaging rays of the sun.

If you look hard enough for your body creams, you can find the health and purity that you deserve.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/skin-care-articles/are-body-creams-healthy-515674.html

About the Author:
Joan is a natural health enthusiast and researcher with a keen interest in skin care. She is a regular contributor to www.good-healthy-skin-site.com, a site dedicated to natural anti-aging skin care treatments.

Honoring our veterans--Past, Present & Future

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:54:00 +0000

Thank you to all our veterans who have served in the past,
who are serving now,
and who will be serving in the future.

Toxins in Make-up You Tube Interview With Stacy Malkan

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:17:00 +0000

Celeste interviews Stacy Malkan here

Check the safety rating of YOUR beauty & personal care products here.

Soap Nuts: the Green Clean Detergent

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:48:00 +0000

Author: James J Clarkson

The North American consumer is moving towards becoming an informed buyer. An average American is now aware of facts that previously went unnoticed such as the presence of Triclosan in anti-bacterial soaps, bisphenol-A in plastics and that air fresheners are abuzz with phthalates. In simple words, the above describes the various harmful chemicals that are present in items that a person uses on a daily basis. People are now coming to realize that such chemicals are not just harmful to human health but also deplete the environment. The shift towards plant based and natural products is evident.

Why not regular laundry detergents?

Cleaning and washing laundry are a regular household task. There are various options in the market in the form of cleaning aids and commercial laundry detergents. These detergents contain a blend of many toxic chemicals that are present in the form of residue on clothes after they are washed. The skin may absorb these chemicals into the blood stream or they may evaporate and be taken in by children causing potential health effects.

Regular laundry detergents contain ammonia and phosphates which is why many people experience itching, rashes and allergic reactions ,such as eczema, to these detergents. A better, safer, ethical and environmental friendly option would be to use Soap nuts as a detergent and cleaning aid.

Soap nuts as detergents and cleaning aids

Soap nuts are a type of berry native to India, Nepal and other South Asian countries. The larger variety of soap nuts (Sapindus Mukorrosi) is widely used as a natural detergent and cleaning aid all over the world. The saponins in soap nuts make them an excellent detergent and cleaning aid.

Saponins are nature’s cleansing agents that act like soap when they come in contact with water. The saponins dissolves in the water and function as detergents. The soap nuts allow water to penetrate well into the fabric thereby washing and cleaning them. The dirt is attached to the surfactant which is then drained along with the water.

How to use soap nuts for laundry?

In order to use soap nuts for laundry purposes, 4-6 soap nut shells will be required. The soap nut shells should be taken and tied together in small muslin bag (supplied with most soap nuts orders), and tossed into the washing machine. Now you can add your clothes and do your normal laundry cycle. This set of soap nuts can be used for 4 to 5 loads of laundry. The soap nuts should be changed when they become grayish or mushy. It is advisable to allow the soap nuts to dry between successive loads of laundry. The soap nut bag should be removed before running the clothes in the dryer.

To make a liquid solution, 100 grams of soap nuts, (or approximately30-35 whole soap nuts) should be boiled in approximately 3L of water for about 20 to 30 minutes. A liquid will be obtained which is a chemical free, concentrated soap nut solution; a natural aid to all your laundry detergent needs. The shells that are left over may be added to your compost. Then 45 ml of this solution (approximately 3 tablespoons) can be used for a load of laundry. The solution made with 100 grams of soap nuts can be used for washing approximately 40 loads of laundry and will cost you less than $10!

Benefits of using soap nuts as laundry detergents

Soap nuts help maintain the bright colors of the fabric and prevent fading with each wash. Soap nuts can be used to wash the most delicate fabrics such as silks and woolen garments without causing any harm to them.

Clothes washed with soap nuts come out feeling very soft eliminating the need to use additional fabric softeners.

The use of soap nuts does not cause any allergic reactions as it is completely natural and chemical free. They are ideal for people with allergies, eczema, dermatitis and sensitive skin.

For more articles on soap nuts visit http://www.HotterThanHealth.com/Newsletter.html

For pricing & to purchase soap nuts visit http://Stores.HotterThanHealth.com/StoreFront.bok

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/environment-articles/soap-nuts-the-green-clean-detergent-376954.html

About the Author:

http://Stores.HotterThanHealth.com/StoreFront.bok

Ten Terrific Superfoods That Will Enhance Your Wellbeing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 01:17:00 +0000

Author: Roger Wakefield

Athough many people think of the term 'superfood' as a modern phenomena, records show that the term has been in use since at least 1945, and possibly early if we allow the hyphenated version, 'super-food'.

So what are they, and are they really all that 'super'?

In modern times, the term is generally used to indicate that a food has nutritional properties that are above and beyond those needed just to sustain life - usually that they contain vitamins and nutrients that have been proven to reduce the risk of disease and promote good health.

The claim is that 'Superfoods' are jam packed with nutrients and have great healthgiving properties. They are also supposed to boost our energy levels, prevent illness, boost brain power and repair cell damage.

If you want to test this theory out for yourself, look for ways to get the following superfoods into your diet.

1. Brazil nuts – These contain selenium which helps to protect the body against certain cancers, Alzheimer's disease and depression. Nuts help to reduce our risk of heart disease and can help to control our appetites. Look for free recipes online which make use of this wonderful nut.

2. Olive oil – Olive oil is a mono-unsaturated fat which helps to lower cholesterol. It is a source of antioxidants which help to fight the signs of ageing and protect us from damage caused by free radicals like smoking and pollution. Olive oil is a main ingredient in the healthy Mediterranean diet so look for Mediterranean diet free recipes online.

3. Apples – The humble apple is high in Vitamin C, which is an antioxidant, and high in pectin, a soluble fibre which keeps the digestive system in good working order and helps to lower cholesterol.

4. Seeded Wholegrain Bread – The fibre in the bread keeps the digestive system healthy, the seeds are a source of essential fatty acids and phytoestrogens in linseeds and soya can help relieve symptoms of the menopause. These high fibre breads also help to control appetite.

5. Baked beans – Baked beans are brilliant. The tomato sauce is rich in lycopene, an antioxidant which protects the body from prostate cancer and heart disease. Insoluble fibre in the beans helps to keep the digestive system healthy. Beans are also rich in calcium, iron and protein. Serve baked beans on seeded bread toast for a great superfood meal!

6. Tea – Both black tea and green tea are rich in antioxidants. An antioxidant in tea, catechin, helps to keep our arteries healthy and stops blood clots forming.

7. Bananas – Bananas are high in potassium which is essential for healthy hair and skin and also helps to lower blood pressure. Bananas are also high in antioxidants and are a great source of energy. Bananas can be used in low fat recipes to replace half the fat content in cake recipes.

8. Yogurt – Yogurt is a great source of calcium which is essential for healthy teeth and bones. Bio yogurts also help the digestive system by topping up the amount of friendly bacteria present in the intestines. Make your own yogurt – find free recipes online.

9. Salmon – Salmon is an oily fish and oily fish are often known as “Brain food” because eating oily fish regularly helps to prevent dementia and depression. Eating oily fish also reduces the risk of heart disease, build up of plaque on the walls of the artery and lowers triglyceride levels.

10. Broccoli – This vegetable is high in folic acid which is thought to lower the risk of heart disease and phytochemicals which help to prevent cancer. Broccoli also contains the antioxidants Vitamin C and lutein which is thought to delay the onset and progression of AMD, age related macular degeneration.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/nutrition-articles/ten-terrific-superfoods-that-will-enhance-your-wellbeing-480372.html

About the Author:

Roger Wakefield works for for the Recipe File site, (http://www.recipe-file.co.uk), one of the best established recipe sites online. The Recipe File website contains more than 40k recipes which cover recipes as diverse as appetizer recipes to stew recipes. Home cooking can be simple and fun if you have some great recipes to start with. The Recipe File makes sure you will never have trouble finding a scrumptious recipe whenever you want.

Top 10 Reasons to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Your Health

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Author: Hope Pope

Copyright (c) 2008 Hope Pope

Here are top 10 reasons to use Raw Apple Cider Vinegar for your health. (However, don't use anything but "Raw apple cider vinegar. Braggs is a great brand.)

1. Energy. Take 1 tablespoon, 2 times a day in 8 ounces to 16 ounces of water. This is especially helpful if you have a baby or little children... and you need the energy to keep up with them.

2. Bug bites. To take away the itching and the bites quickly, dab the bites with straight ACV or mix it with half water, half vinegar.

3. Slows down bleeding during menstrual cycle. To lessen the bleeding each period, take 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar in a glass of water... 2 times a day.

4. Cuts. Hippocrates used raw apple cider vinegar to treat cuts. It was helpful years ago and it is helpful now. It stops the bleeding rather quickly and heals cuts as well. Put a compress of straight ACV or mix it with half vinegar and half water. Does it sting? Yes, it typically does... just like any other treatment would. But it will only typically sting for a few seconds.

5. Shiny hair. Use apple cider vinegar after shampooing for a beautiful shine. Mix one half of a cup of ACV with one half of a cup of water... and then rinse the hair with this. Then rinse again to get it all out of the hair.

6. Fever. Put 1 cup of APPLE CIDER VINEGAR in the tub and soak in it for 10 to 20 minutes. If the fever is extra high, it is recommended to do this two times a day. This is the only thing that worked to bring my child's fever down... on more than a few occasions.

7. Cysts. Dab ACV on the cyst for a few minutes (if the cyst is really big, a longer time is suggested... such as 10 minutes). Putting ACV on a bandaid ... and applying a bandaid on the cyst all night ... is often helpful.

8. Earache. Using ACV in the ear has shown to help an earache. Make a mixture of ½ tsp ACV and ½ tsp distilled water... and put a few drops in the ear.

9. Toothache. Swish the Vinegar in the mouth... especially the area where it is affected. Keep it in the mouth as long as possible. ACV has a very strong smell ... so some people might not be able to do this... but if it is possible, it can be very helpful.

10. It's cheap! It costs less than $6 (in most health stores) and it cures so many things.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/top-10-reasons-to-use-apple-cider-vinegar-for-your-health-643666.html

About the Author:

Hope Pope is the Owner of www.provennaturalcures.com ... a web site that includes natural cures for warts, yeast infections and more. To read another article on the benefits of apple cider vinegar, click here... ezinearticles.com/

What Steps Has Your Family Taken To Go More Green? Linked In Members Respond!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 11:22:00 +0000

What steps has your family taken to go more green?

Dave Maskin wrote:
"If we all do a little bit, it will add up BIG TIME!"
http://www.WireNames.com

The one big thing we've done is to change out our regular light bulbs for compact fluorescent ones.
Also, completely unplugging cable boxes and TVs when not in use, as well as computers and modems.

Hans Chung wrote:
"I think that helping more people go green by focusing
on greening business has the most impact."
http://www.mokugift.com/

I went green by starting my own company to help other people and companies go green while saving money or driving revenue.

We let you plant a tree for $1. Consumers can send them to each other or companies can use them as rewards.

Taylor Ellwood wrote:
"It comes down to making little choices, but those
little choices can have a big effect on how you live your life."
http://www.imagineyourreality.com

We've changed our lights to flourescent bulbs
Started composting
Even making sure not to throw out a paper bag we use to collect paper for recycling...

Susan Shwartz PhD wrote:
http://www.sff.net/people/susanshwartz/

I buy mostly fresh foods with as little packaging as I can manage.
I turn off all lights that I am not using.
My apartment is cooler.
I watch water consumption.
Although I use plastic bags, I recycle them.
I repair, rather than throw out, and buy most clothes on e-Bay.
I do not own a car.

Shane Wyatt McCartney wrote:
http://swmccartney.blogspot.com/

Recycle
Changed out lights to LEDS
Down to one car and plan our shopping drives better
Composting
Green roof and siding ( Started not complete )
Turned off room lights when not in use

Beate Bouwman wrote:

In a family with five young kids we don't use a tumble dryer or dishwasher,
Buy either very good clothes or second hand
In business, I promote low energy houses (wood - frame-construction with use of loam products (very high insolation), regenerating energy from sun and water etc.).
My husband is also into MPC.

Aurora Bramble wrote:
"If everyone lived simply maybe everyone could live a decent life. I don't want to be one of the small % of people to use the great % of resources."

I now buy all my personal and cleaning products green
I look for organic cotton and bamboo fabrics in clothes bedding towels
I got the electric company to come out and put in free insulation for the top floor of my apartment building
I sat in on my city's green committee came up with a plan for green incentives for businesses in my city and gave it to the chairman
I got the city to include the end of my block a triangular shape included into the city's beautification project. They made a beautiful little park lush and full of flowers and some picnic tables
I ride my bike pretty much everywhere
I consume as little as possible i am big time into simplicity
I buy all my produce from a farmer's market and i am a vegan the rest I buy at whole foods organic
X-mas lights this year LED
Cards recycled paper
I rarely use lights in my apartment because it is bright here so i get up when it's light and wide down when it gets dark and i use candles for atmosphere made.
If everyone lived simply maybe everyone could live a decent life. I don't want to be one of the small % of people to use the great % of resources. I live in an apartment so it is tricky to grow vegetables and herbs but I'm trying.

Get $5 off your iherb.com order when you use Code CEL445.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 21:17:00 +0000

Some of my fave iherb products:

New Chapter Woman's One Daily
Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar
Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
100% Natural Vanilla Oil
Spry Gum
XyliWhite Toothpaste
Giovanni Shampoo
Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap
Krystal Salt
Hemp Seeds

Just use CEL445 at iherb.com to get $5 off your first order!

Author Interview: Stacy Malkan: Not Just A Pretty Face: The Ugly Side of The Beauty Industry

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Stacy Malkan

Author of
Not Just a Pretty Face: The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry

CELESTE: What is the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics?

STACY: A national coalition of health and environmental groups working to shift the beauty industry away from toxic chemicals and toward safer ingredients.

CELESTE: How can consumers find out if their favorite beauty item contains harmful chemicals?

STACY: Check out the Skin Deep database at www.CosmeticDatabase.org. You can look up your favorite products, find out how toxic they are, and identify the safest alternatives in every product category.

New Book Reveals Ugly Side of Big Beauty

Lead in lipstick? 1,4 dioxane in baby shampoo? How is this possible? Simple. The $50 billion cosmetics industry is so powerful they’ve kept themselves unregulated for decades. Stacy Malkan’s new book, Not Just a Pretty Face: The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry (New Society Publishers, 2007), follows a group of health and environmental activists as they knock on the doors of the world’s largest cosmetics companies to ask some tough questions:

Why do companies market themselves as pink ribbon leaders in the fight against breast cancer, yet use chemicals that may contribute to that very disease?

Why do products used daily by men and women of childbearing age contain chemicals linked to reproductive harm and infertility?

As doors slammed in their faces, the beauty myth peeled away and the industry’s toxic secrets began to emerge. The good news is that while multinational corporations fight for their right to use hazardous chemicals, scientists are developing non-toxic technologies and entrepreneurs are building businesses based on the values of health, justice and personal empowerment.

CELESTE: Are cosmetics regulated as to what can or cannot go into making them?

STACY: Most people are surprised to find out that companies can put nearly any chemical into personal care products with no required safety testing. Cosmetics are the least regulated product at FDA. It’s up to the companies to decide what’s safe, and companies are making decisions all over the board – some are making products safe enough to eat, while other companies regularly put carcinogens, reproductive toxicants and other hazardous chemicals into products.

CELESTE: Tell me about phthalates.

Phthalates are a set of industrial chemicals that are toxic to the reproductive system. We all have phthalates in our bodies. For 30 years, scientists have known that certain phthalates cause birth defects of the penis, infertility and testicular tumors in animal studies. These same health effects have been increasing in humans in recent decades and many scientists suspect phthalates. Unfortunately, many personal care products contain phthalates, but the chemicals are not listed on labels because they are part of the fragrance.

CELESTE: What steps should consumers take before they purchase health and beauty products to make sure what they are buying is safe and environmentally friendly?

STACY: A good rule of thumb is, simpler is better. Choose products with fewer synthetic chemicals, shorter ingredient lists, and try to avoid synthetic fragrance. Also check out the Skin Deep database to research your products and find the safest brands.

CELESTE: Do you think women are aware that what they spend their dollars on in the health and beauty department does have a HUGE effect on their health and the health of our environment? Please explain.

STACY: We’ve all been trained through millions of advertisements to put our blind trust in companies; but unfortunately, we’ve seen over the past few years that the world’s largest beauty companies can’t be trusted. All the major conventional brands have been unwilling to discuss legitimate concerns about toxic chemicals, and they continue to make excuses that “a little bit of poison is OK.”

The fact is, the beauty industry buys huge amounts of carcinogens and other toxic chemicals from the chemical industry, and they put these chemicals into products and into the environment. The poisons are adding up. The $50 billion beauty industry should be at the front of the line offering to reduce their contribution to the toxic load; unfortunately, many of these companies are at the back of the line. They continue to use and defend old polluting technologies and toxic chemicals even though safer alternatives are available.

CELESTE: Let's talk about 'eco-friendly' perfumes. In this case, how do I know the product is truly environmentally friendly?

STACY: Look for “natural fragrance” or essential oils, or choose products that have no added fragrance. Synthetic fragrances often contain toxic chemicals and there is no way to know for sure what’s in them because the companies don’t have to tell us.

CELESTE: What are some harmful substances that consumers should stay away from in:

STACY--

SHAMPOO: Sodium laurel sulfate (toxic to the skin); sodium laureth sulfate, PEG compounds (often contaminated with 1,4 dioxane); synthetic fragrance

LIPSTICK: See the report, A Poison Kiss for list of lead containing lipsticks, http://www.safecosmetics.org/your_health/poisonkiss.cfm

LOTIONS:Parabens, fragrance

MASCARA: Petroleum distillates, thimerisol/mercury

DEODERANT: aluminum, parabens, fragrance

CELESTE: Stacy, would you like to add anything?

STACY: This topic can be overwhelming, but I see a lot of reasons for hope. Change is happening fast.

Consumers are demanding safer, greener alternatives in all product categories.
Scientists are discovering new information about the toxicity of chemicals on an almost daily basis.
Many beauty companies in the natural sector are reformulating out toxic chemicals and creating safer alternatives.

The big companies will be forced to change too, it’s only a matter of time. We are working toward the day when all products on the shelf are as safe as they can possibly be.

What’s in your products? www.SafeCosmetics.org
Read the Toxic Beauty Blog: www.NotJustaPrettyFace.org

About the Author

Stacy Malkan is co-founder of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, a national coalition of health and environmental groups working to eliminate hazardous chemicals from personal care products. Stacy is a former journalist and newspaper publisher, who now works as a leading media strategist for national and international environmental health campaigns.

Be A Green Giant today! Q&A with Brad Doan from Steelcase,Inc.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 16:51:00 +0000

www.BeAGreenGiant.com

Q&A with Brad Doan
Manager,North American Brand Communications & Advertising
Organization: Steelcase, Inc. (www.steelcase.com)

CELESTE: Tell me about www.BeAGreenGiant.com.

BRAD: In February 2008 we decided to kick off a U.S. campaign that we called, “GreenGiants”. It consisted of a series of events and initiatives that culminated in a website: www.BeAGreenGiant.com. This campaign (one of the largest in recent Steelcase history) intentionally put our own marketing messages on the back burner. From the onset, this campaign wasn’t going to be centered around us. Our approach to advertising sustainability, had to mirror our approach to sustainability.

We wanted to elevate the conversation beyond simply being “green”.
The campaign says, “Sustainable environments begin with sustainable communities” – that’s been our company’s approach to sustainability since the beginning – a holistic approach that considers people and the planet.
We believe that the social component (helping people) is critical when talking about and doing sustainable initiatives. We believe that social component is the difference between just being “green” and being a “GreenGiant”.

So GreenGiants don’t really need to be “giants” at all… it’s anyone that believes in or is practicing a broader approach to sustainability – one that considers people and the planet. And we believe that’s a message that resonated with people – as far away as India and other guests to the site from 116 countries.

CELESTE: What were the goals of the campaign?

BRAD: The campaign had three goals:

1) To educate others by providing comprehensive resources and information on sustainability,

2) Inspire others through stories of great works of sustainability and

3) Provide a platform for others to celebrate sustainable acts that have inspired them (friends, themselves, organizations, companies, projects, etc.) – elevating their visibility and giving them a global stage from which to share.

GreenGiants has been a rally cry within the corporation and has taken on deeper cultural significance than we could have imagined. Employees have committed to being GreenGiants and are looking for ways (big and small) that they can personally make a difference.

CELESTE: What does Steelcase specialize in?

BRAD: Steelcase, the global leader in the office furniture industry, helps people have a better work experience by providing products, services and insights into the ways people work. The company designs and manufactures architecture, furniture and technology products. Founded in 1912 and headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Steelcase (NYSE:SCS) serves customers through a network of over 600 independent dealers and approximately 13,500 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2008 revenue was $3.4 billion.

Background:

You can’t pick up a magazine or a newspaper these days and not see a company touting how “green” they are or celebrating their environmental achievements. And that’s a good thing, because it’s a sign that companies are starting to recognize the importance of being more environmentally conscious. The bad thing, is that a lot of companies don’t take the time or make the investment to do the things that really matter – choosing, instead, to celebrate small achievements for self-promotion.

At Steelcase, you could say sustainability is in our DNA, dating all the way back to our founding family members. We’ve been helping the environment and the people that live in that environment for many, many years. We’ve done that and continue to do it, because it was important to us… it’s one of our company’s core values.

www.BeAGreenGiant.com

Eating Unprocessed in a Processed World.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:21:00 +0000

Follow me on my whole foods journey!
Visit me in the kitchen to see what I'm eating, baking, and cooking here.

Oprah isn’t the only one loving S teel Cut Oats for breakfast!

ABOUT OATS: Unlike quick rolled oats, steel cut oats haven't been steamed, rolled, or toasted. Nor have they been pre-cooked, dried, or sweetened, like instant oatmeal. Steel cut oats are whole grain goodness->the innermost part of the oat kernel. The most natural, least processed, making them the healthiest oat choice.

Can I just say that when this is baking, your whole house will smell devine.

How I made it:

I preheated the oven to 400 degrees F. Put *2 cups of Bob’s Red Mill Steel Cut Oats in a large baking dish. Added 7-8 cups of water. Sprinkled some sea salt, nutmeg and cinnamon. Stirred. Covered with foil and baked for 35 minutes. I then checked and stirred it and put it back in the oven for additional 10 minutes, or until done.

*SERVINGS:

I like to make enough oats to have a muffin size portion every day for a week. This works with 2 cups of oats. If you prefer fewer servings, use 1 cup of oats and 4 cups of water.

WHAT TO ADD TO STEEL CUT OATS once it's cooked? When you are ready to prepare your individual serving, anything goes! Fruit, spices, peanut butter, nuts, seeds, natural sweeteners. Experiment and find your fave mix.

WHAT DO I LIKE IN MY OATS? When I pop the muffin size serving out of the freezer (see HOW TO FREEZE below), I throw on a dollop of organic peanut butter and heat it in the microwave. Once it's ready to eat, I'm heavy on the spices (I stir in some pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg), add some nuts (walnuts, pecans or almond slices) and seeds (hemp or ground flax) and sliced banana.

HOW TO FREEZE: Put the cooked oats in a muffin tin to freeze. Once frozen, pop them out and transfer to small freezer bags. That way you can take one out at a time to enjoy for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

COUNTING CALORIES: If you are counting calories, a 1/4 cup of dried Bob’s Red Mill Steel Cut Oats is one serving and is 140 calories.