Vibrant Glow

Fight Flu With Black Elderberry

2009-10-23T08:00:00.004-04:00

When my husband recently returned from a business trip overseas he called me before coming home from the airport to warn me that he had became very ill while flying. It sounded like he was bringing a dreadful form of the flu home to me and our two little ones. Well prepared for such a situation, I immediately reached for vitamin C and D, my favorite herbal immune tonic, and for a bottle of Sambucus--a syrup containing black elderberryextract.

For those who choose not to be vaccinated against the flu of any strain, the black elderberryis really the best natural weapon to fight influenza. A double blind study conducted during a flu outbreak in Panama found that the standardized elderberryextract stopped the replication of at least 10 different human influenza A/B viruses. More than 90% of the patients treated with elderberrymade a significant improvement in two days and 90% were completely cured in three days.

Black elderberryis safe for children and since it has a sweet berry flavor, mine didn't mind drinking it. They didn't catch whatever bug my husband brought home from his trip and neither did I. And just like the patients in the Panama study, my husband also made a rapid recovery within a couple of days.

Exercise Through Pregnancy to Boost Baby's IQ

2009-09-24T13:38:00.001-04:00

Like most moms, I think my children are pretty smart, but now research has proven that the exercise I did while pregnant may have boosted their intelligence.

"Children whose mother exercised 30 minutes a day score around eight points higher on standard IQ tests than children whose mothers were more sedentary," says psychologist Richard E. Nisbett, author of Intelligence and How to Get It.

Nisbett specifically credits exercising large muscle groups with increasing the growth of neurons and adding to the brain's blood supply.

While research has already proven that breastfeeding boost IQ levels, Nisbett says that if a mother exercises throughout her pregnancy and then breastfeeds for at least nine months, she can help raise her child's IQ by about 14 points.

Publish Post

The author told the Timesonline.co.uk that mothers--not fathers--have the biggest influence on a child's intellectual development. "But the mother is the most important IQ agent here. In families dominated by a father, there are higher mathematical skills but that’s all we contribute, I’m afraid."

Antioxidant-rich Popcorn? Yep!

2009-08-24T08:09:00.001-04:00

Who knew that popcorn was more than tasty snack food? A new study has placed it among the likes of blueberries, tea, red wine and chocolate. That's because popcorn along with whole grain cereals aren't just full of fiber, but now it turns out that they are also filled with antioxidants called polyphenols.

Early researchers originally gave fiber in whole grains the credit for reducing the risk of cancer and coronary heart disease, but now polyphenols are emerging as the more important factor, claims the study's lead researcher, Joe Vinson, a chemist at the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania.

"We found that, in fact, whole grain products have comparable antioxidants per gram to fruits and vegetables," said Vinson, who was quoted in ScienceDaily.com.

Antioxidants are important for removing free radicals from the body, which can damage the body's cells and tissues.

According to Vinson, wheat has the most antioxidants of all grains followed by corn, oats and rice.

While snack lovers may be rejoicing at this news, a daily habit of butter- and salt-loaded popcorn and sugar-laden cereal may not be a better choice than a cup full of fresh blueberries. But it sure is nice to know that a nice bowl of popcorn on Saturday night along with a good movie may do the body more good than previously thought.

Delicious, Fat-Burning Salad Dressing Recipe

2009-07-24T08:00:00.001-04:00

Last month I reported on a new study that found vinegar to be a natural fat fighter (at least in mice). Well, in case you are tired of dousing your salads with vinegar and oil, I thought I'd share a recipe for a delicious and healthy version of sweet sesame dressing.

During my college days, I was a waitress at Hudson's (which became Marshall Field's and is now Macy's) and snapped up a copy of their sesame dressing--which made their chicken mandarin salad oh so good. Anyway, I tweaked it a bit to make it even more fat burning by pairing it with virgin coconut oil, which turns on the body's thermogenic furnace.

Additionally, I used low-glycemic palm sugar-- a natural sweetener produced from the nectar of the tropical coconut palm blossoms found in south-east Asia. You can now find it at Whole Foods and other health food stores as well as Asian markets.

I love to make this dressing in the summer when coconut oil naturally liquefies with the warmer temperatures and when I can drizzle it on fresh, local greens topped with strawberries, almonds and some chopped grilled chicken.

Sweet Sesame Dressing

3/4 cup palm sugar
1 tsp dry mustard
1 tsp salt
1 tsp soy sauce (tamari)
1/3 cup vinegar
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 cup virgin coconut oil
1-1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Directions: In a blender mix palm sugar, dry mustard, salt, soy sauce, vinegar and chopped onions. Once the onions are pureed, add coconut oil and mix. Add sesame seeds. Serve immediately or refrigerate.

Note: The dressing will solidify in refrigerator so let it sit on counter for at least 15 minutes to liquefy. In colder temperatures, it may need to be warmed. Best served at room temperature.

Beauty Tip: De-Frizz Hair With Coconut Oil

2009-07-23T16:06:00.008-04:00

My two pregnancies have taken their toll on my long locks. It wasn't long ago that I had really healthy, shiny, straight hair. Now I have dry, frizzy, wavy hair. I really don't have time to bother with my hair these days while chasing around wee ones. Instead, my new signature hairdo is a simple pony tail. Sadly, it looks like a frizz ball.

Anyway, I've been reading about easy, homemade hair treatments like virgin coconut oil. In desperation I pulled out the coconut oil I store in my bathroom to remove eye makeup (of course, I also have some in the kitchen for cooking, too) and ran some over my hair (both when wet and dry), especially at the ends. Then, I run the hair dryer over it for about a minute. I have too much hair to spend the time drying it completely.

Amazingly, the virgin coconut oil treatment took about 75% of the frizz away and cranked up the shine by at least 10 fold. It doesn't make my hair look greasy either. It's pretty amazing! Definitely a keeper in my beauty arsenal.

Could Vinegar Be The Next Big Fat Fighter?

2009-06-24T10:31:00.005-04:00

I love dousing my salads with high-quality extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. We all know the amazing benefits of olive oil in our diet by now, but vinegar may also play an important role in maintaining a slimmer figure.

A brand new animal study has found that the acetic acid in vinegar may actually suppress body fat accumulation. The research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry compared mice who ate a high-fat diet. The ones given acetic acid developed 10 percent less body fat compared to the mice who did not.

Researchers concluded that vinegar works at the genetic level, increasing fatty oxidation and thermogenesis in the liver.

Vinegar was also linked to weight control in a 2005 study when it was found to help dieters eat less and reduce their cravings.

This unassuming yet flavorful condiment may do more than dress up your salad, it may also be a key to shedding some unwanted pounds.

Related Article:
Choose Olive Oil Like a Fine Wine to Reap Health Benefits

Stressed Out? Spend Time With Girlfriends to Calm Down

2009-05-23T16:14:00.001-04:00

Before marriage and kids, going out with my girlfriends was a regular part of my social calendar. We also used to talk on the phone all the time. But as life got busier and more stressful, our outings and chats have become much less frequent. It turns out that life would be less stressful for us if we made more time for each other, according to a landmark study.

Researchers at the University of California found that friendships among women produce a calming effect from the "feel good" hormone oxytocin.

While estrogen seems to enhance the effect for women, men on the other hand, produce testosterone when they are under stress, which reduces the oxytocin effect.

One of the authors of the study reported that oxytocin seems to buffer the "fight or flight" response while encouraging women to tend children and gather with other women.

No wonder a girls night out always makes everything better!

Pure & Natural Antioxidants Extracts

2009-05-12T12:44:00.000-04:00

My daily antioxidant-filled smoothie just got turbo charged when a box full of Pure Inventions extracts arrived at my door.

I was asked by Pure Inventions to try their products and write a review. Honestly, I don't bother with many requests to review products because many that come my way are what I'd call "faux" healthy--have the appearance of healthy, but aren't. However, natural antioxidants from green tea, fruit and cocoa are definitely in the pro-health category so when Pure Inventions said that they'd like to send me a couple of their tasty, calorie and caffeine -free, natural extracts to sample, I thought sure. Bring it on.

While the company says that their extracts can be added to water for a pure shot of antioxidants, I prefer to add them to my already pro- health and beauty smoothie (click here for recipe). I figure all those antioxidants combined may give me an added synergistic effect and knock off an additional 10 years of aging (I can dream). Anyway, Pure Inventions sent me their Green Tea Extract, which comes in several flavors. One serving is equivalent to 100 mg of green tea--known for promoting younger skin, improving cardiovascular health, and increasing metabolism. I also tried their Cranberry + Elderberry Extract, which I was very glad to have on hand when the swine flu was making headlines, because elderberry is a known immunity booster and has been clinically proven to fight regular influenza.

My husband even likes the extracts and commented on how pretty the bottles looked. Yes, they have a spa-like quality about them. Maybe because some top spas do serve them up.

Each bottle of extracts contains 60 servings and the Green Tea Extract usually cost $30.75, which is 55 cents per shot. However, they are taking 20% off of that price until May 31. The fruit and cocoa extracts run a bit more. Until the end of May you can also get free shipping if you enter P22FREESHIP at checkout. This code is specifically for blog readers.

If you are looking for an easy way to get extra antioxidants in your diet, then I would highly recommend giving Pure Inventions extracts a try.

Conquer Cravings With A 15-Minute Walk

2009-04-23T14:38:00.008-04:00

I love chocolate! Always have, but especially since my son was born last August, I can't seem to get enough. Of course, I only buy the really, really dark stuff so I can feel better about all the antioxidants I'm consuming. But when I started buying the big 3-1/2 pound bags of Ghirardelli chocolate chips (60% cocoa, of course) from Costco every other week, I knew I had to kick this habit--or the girlish figure I've worked so hard to get back since my pregnancy may disappear again.

Anyway, I have some good news to share with addicts like me with cravings like mine. It turns out that just taking a brisk walk when food cravings strike can help you resist the temptation to binge. Additionally, a brisk walk can also help manage nicotine and alcohol dependencies.

Several recent studies have confirmed that instead of giving in to your desire, hitting the pavement for just 15 minutes can curtail your urge both while exercising and 15 to 20 minutes after.

One explanation for the findings is that exercise stimulates the brain to release the neurotransmitter dopamine, which boosts feelings of pleasure.

While I won't be giving up chocolate completely, I have a feeling I'll be taking a lot more walks!

Budget- and Kid-Friendly Top Antioxidant-Rich Juice

2009-03-24T16:09:00.008-04:00

Trying to get more antioxidant bang for your buck? Looking for a way to give your family something nutritious that they will actually like? Then you can't go wrong with good 'ol Concord grape juice. Yes, that sweet juice you loved as a kid.

This unexotic, superjuice is chock full of free-radical fighting power. It turns out it's one of the top three antioxidant-rich beverages, according to a recent study from the University of California, Los Angeles.

To get the most nutrition in your juice, look for 100% juice and fruit skin sediment on the bottom of the jar. And while it's loaded with health benefits, it also has a fair amount of calories and sugar so be sure to drink in moderation.

Interested in Eating Whole, Natural, Nutrient-Dense Food?

2009-02-26T04:08:00.000-05:00

If eating raw, living, fermented foods is your idea of good eating, and if nutrition, health and green living appeal to you, then you will definitely want to check out RealFoodMedia.com.

The other day I mentioned that I came across a wonderful new food blog called TheNourshingGourmet.com. Well, after writing that post, it came to my attention that that particular blog was part of a healthy food blog network at RealFoodMedia.com. It's like a one-stop shop for getting the best information on turning your typical kitchen into a place where whole, natural, nutrient-dense foods are a staple.

After reading some of the articles on the site, you will actually think that making your own sourdough bread or kombucha tea from scratch isn't so scary. In fact, after reading Food Renegade--one of six health bloggers on RealFoodMedia.com-- describe step by step how to make kombucha and its SCOBY (Symbiotic Colony Of Bacteria and Yeast), I am now convinced that I can do this. For those who never heard of kombucha, it's fermented sweet tea that some natural health advocates claim can boost the immunity and fight many of the effects of aging.

Anyway, after reading what these health food bloggers have to say, I feel inspired to take my cooking and eating to a whole new level. I hope it does the same for you!

Eat Cherries, Melt Away Waistline

2009-02-24T11:05:00.001-05:00

Every day a new super fruit makes headlines, and now cherries are getting their day in the spotlight. It seems this red, tasty fruit is packed with major antioxidant power that helps with weight loss--specifically shedding the fat around the stomach--according to research from the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center.

The lead scientist of the study believes the antioxidant anthocyanins in tart cherries is responsible for turning on a fat-burning enzyme.

The animal study also found that tart cherries lower the risk factors for heart disease as well as reduce cholesterol and inflammation.

Additionally, a 2007 study conducted at the University of Granada in Spain found that melatonin--another antioxidant found in cherries--plays a role in delaying the effects of aging because it neutralizes the oxidative and inflammation process.

To help whittle your waistline, you can eat just a cup of this super fruit a day to shed belly fat. Best of all, you can find dried, frozen or juiced tart cherries year round.

New Food Finds: Palm Sugar & Nourishing Food Blog

2009-02-19T08:56:00.013-05:00

A couple of great finds I want to pass along.

First, since I gave up processed sugar more than six years ago, I am constantly on the prowl for the latest and greatest natural alternatives. Recently, at Whole Foods I came across Sweet Tree's evaporated palm sugar. It has the lowest glycemic index (GI) of any natural sweetener, which is 35 (agave nectar has a GI of 42). So far I've used it to replace cane sugar in a couple of dessert recipes, including brownies and apple crisp. It has a slight caramel-like flavor, which is not over powering so it blends in well.

It's produced from the nectar of the tropical coconut palm blossoms found in south-east Asia (but it does not have a coconut flavor). You can even find palm sugar sold in round cakes in Asian food stores.

Sweet Tree's evaporated version only recently hit the market. While you can find it at Whole Foods, it should be popping up in other health stores because last month United Natural Foods began distributing it nationally.

Since we are on the topic of healthy foods, I also want to share with you a great site I just came across for health-conscience foodies--especially those who want to eat gluten-free and dairy-free. The Nourishing Gourmet is a fantastic blog, which offers both healthy recipes and inspiration to eat better. Kimberly Harris is the author, who really has a passion for preparing the kinds of foods our bodies were created to eat. I think anyone on the quest for better health will benefit from checking out her blog.

Getting My Body Back After Baby

2009-01-24T16:06:00.003-05:00

It's been more than five and a half months since my son Jack was born, and while I still have a few pounds left to lose, I am slimming down much faster than after my first pregnancy. This surprised me since I knew I had the deck stacked against me.

Even though I am nursing Jack, like I did my daughter Ava, my body doesn't switch into a fat burning machine. Instead, breastfeeding has the opposite effect on my body. It seems to scream, "Hold on to those fat cells, there could be a famine in the land, and we'll need to be able to feed this child." Really.

The first six weeks postpartum, when I wasn't exercising, I lost absolutely nothing after the initial drop. In fact, I actually gained a couple of pounds from eating too much chocolate. I guess I needed the caffeine fix and happy feelings it produces to help get me through those first few weeks.

Additionally, I do not produce good little sleepers, which doesn't bode well for my weight loss either. One recent study found that people who are sleep deprived eat more. I barely got much sleep the first 11 months of Ava's life, and I'm just now getting more than two hour increments of sleep at a time.

Also, with two little ones who has time to exercise? Another study found that in order to lose weight you have to work out for an hour every day. That's impossible around here with a 3-year-old toddler to chase after and a wee one demanding constant attention.

Regardless of the obstacles, I do make exercise a priority, just like I did after my first pregnancy. Both times I gained the same amount of weight--about 27 pounds. The first time at almost 6-months postpartum I had more than 10 pounds to lose, but this time I am in the home stretch with only three pounds to go. The one big difference I made is changing my exercise routine from a longer, low-intensity workout to one that is shorter with bursts of high-intensity intervals. Studies have found that high-intensity interval training burns fat much faster than longer, but steady aerobic activity.

I'm a believer now. I lose about two to three pounds a month in 30 minutes or less a day. That's a workout that works for me!

Now if I could just get more sleep!!

(For those interested, I work out with a DVD by Turbo Jam called Fat Blaster. It's fun and fast. It incorporates kicks, punches and some stand-up ab crunches. I'm on the lookout for more interval training DVDs so if anyone knows of any great ones, feel free to send me any recommendations as long as they are only 30 minutes or less.)

Moms Interested in Fitness, Check This Out

2009-01-06T15:57:00.004-05:00

Ok, it's been awhile since I've written anything here at Vibrantglow.com. My son is now five months old, and he still has me up four or more times a night so my mind isn't what it should be. Fortunately, he has a priceless smile that makes up for it.

Anyway, I am a regular contributor for Bookieboo.com--an online fitness hangout for moms--and yes, I am slacking with that as well. But I did want to let any mom out there--who is trying to get fit or get her groove back--know about some chats Bookieboo.com will be hosting this month lead by health/fitness experts. For those interested in joining, here is the schedule and links to register:

January 7th at 3pm PST—Post Baby body and sex (or lack of) after baby
RSVP here, http://www.bookieboo.com/events/chat-with-me-about-your

January 13th at 2:30pm PST—Fit Pregnancy
RSVP here, http://www.bookieboo.com/events/fit-pregnancy-chat

January 14th at 7pm PST—Becoming a Fit Mom in 2009!
RSVP here, http://www.bookieboo.com/events/lisa-druxman

January 15th at 1pm PST—Fitness, family live and nutrition
RSVP here, http://www.bookieboo.com/events/live-chat

If you are a mom in need of inspiration to get fit, you should definitely check out BookieBoo.com. The other women are very friendly, helpful and inspiring.

I am itching to write again very soon and report back on my postpartum weight loss strategy. Until then, happy New Year!

Had a Baby. On a Break. Will Return Soon.

2008-09-18T18:17:00.004-04:00

Lately, it's been extremely difficult to write about the latest in natural health and beauty because my hands are currently filled holding my darling newborn baby boy--who wishes to live his first months in his mommy's arms. As soon as he lets me put him down, I'll be back. Until then, you may want to check out one of my favorite sites for the latest in health news at sciencedaily.com.

A New, Healthy, Yummy Find in the Dairy Section

2008-09-05T16:21:00.002-04:00

While grocery shopping at Whole Foods the other day, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the kefir section just got a little bigger with Nancy's (known for great, natural yogurt) getting into the competition.

For those unfamiliar with kefir, it's basically cultured milk, but so much more. Kefir.net defines it as "cultured, enzyme-rich food filled with friendly micro-organisms that help balance your 'inner ecosystem.' More nutritious and therapeutic than yogurt, it supplies complete protein, essential minerals, and valuable B vitamins."

Nancy's version of kefir is amazing. It's made with milk from grass-fed cows on small-family farms. The non-plain varieties are sweetened with real organic fruit and agave nectar. I love the raspberry flavor! So creamy and delicious! (Here's my favorite kefir beauty smoothie recipe).

I've had kefir from other brands, which are also very good, but Nancy's is simply so much better. That said, it does cost a little bit more too, but it's worth it.

Boost Your Mood with Frankincense

2008-08-26T13:04:00.003-04:00

Feeling a little blue or anxious? Try burning frankincense to give yourself a lift.

A team of researchers from Johns Hopkins University and the Hebrew University in Jerusalem have found that a compound in frankincense resin, called incensole acetate, activates the production of a protein--specifically, TRPV3--that affects the brain and works to lower anxiety and alleviate depression.

While inhaling the smoke offers the most immediate effect, you can also try putting a few drops of frankincense essential oil in almond oil or another carrier oil and dabbing it on your wrist.

The recent study appears online in The FASEB Journal.

Exercising an Hour a Day is Key to Weight Loss

2008-08-19T15:00:00.002-04:00

If you want to lose 10 percent of your body weight and keep it off, then you need to exercise almost an hour a day, five days a week, claims a University of Pittsburgh study.

Confirming that exercise is essential for weight loss, the research published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that a 55-minute workout was the minimum required to maintain a 10 percent drop in weight.

Researchers observed 200 overweight and obese women over a four-year period and told them to eat between 1,200 and 1,500 calories a day. They were randomly assigned one of four different exercise programs, which varied in intensity and physical activity.

After six months, all of the study participants lost up to 10% of their body weight--however, only those who exercised about 275 minutes a week were able to successfully keep it off. The rest couldn't maintain the weight reduction.

Photo Credit: Mike Baird (Wikimedia Commons)

Strengthen Brittle Nails with Biotin

2008-08-12T13:17:00.001-04:00

If strong, long nails seem like an impossible dream because yours peel and split before they have a chance to really sprout, increasing your biotin intake may be your ticket to beautiful hands.

This B vitamin helps with the production of a strong protein called keratin, which is a major component of nails.

While the recommended daily allowance for biotin is only 30 mcg a day, Natural Solutions reported this month that most studies linking biotin to increased nail strength used considerably more. The magazine cited two studies where one found that participants taking 2,500 mcg of biotin a day had a 25 percent increase in thickness. The other study found that 63 percent of people taking the same dose of biotin showed improvement after six months.

The magazine reported that biotin has not been found to be toxic at high doses because the body eliminates any it doesn't use.

Of course, simply adding biotin-rich foods to your diet may also do the trick. The best sources are egg yolks, soy, avocado and peanuts.

Final word: Have patience. It may take six months to see a difference.

Whole-Wheat Bread Not Really a Healthier Option

2008-08-05T15:12:00.000-04:00

So you thought that eating whole-wheat bread was a healthier option than white, right? Well, a new study totally blows away the belief that the "browner" the bread, the better it is for you.

Researchers at Canada's University of Guelph compared how people responded to eating certain breads for breakfast. Specifically, they looked at: white, whole wheat, whole wheat with barley and sourdough white breads.

"One of the surprising things in our work is that whole-wheat products turned out to have the least healthy responses of all, and this is not what we expected," said Prof. Terry Graham in an article reported by The Canadian Press.

Graham and his research team specifically looked at the effects of the bread on study participants' blood sugar levels. They tested subjects after eating bread for breakfast and again after eating a regular lunch.

Sourdough had the most favorable impact on blood sugar levels, keeping them lower and not spiking insulin levels.

Most surprisingly, the whole wheat fared worse on blood sugar levels than regular white bread--even the whole wheat with barley wasn't better.

Graham credits sourdough's benefits to the fermentation process it goes through, which changes the nature of the starches in the bread.

The study did not include whole-grain bread, which is a healthy option. It can be confusing trying to select a loaf of whole-grain bread over whole wheat so make sure your bread label reads "100% whole grain" or pick up a loaf to make sure it's heavy and dense. Whole-wheat bread, like white bread, tends to be light and fluffy.

Diet Rich in Vitamin C Reduces Diabetes Risk

2008-07-29T16:30:00.004-04:00

Eating a diet rich in vitamin C may significantly reduce your risk of developing type-2 diabetes by as much as 62 percent.

The findings are based on a new Cambridge study, which also found that an increased consumption of fruits and vegetables helped lower the risk of diabetes by 22 percent.

The research, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, followed 21,831 men and women for 12 years.

Chemical-Free, Nano-Free Sunscreen Recommendations

2008-07-23T15:23:00.006-04:00

If you prefer to use a natural sunscreen this summer, but hate the chalky white coating many of the mineral-based ones leave on your skin, you'll be relieved to know that Natural Solutions did the research and came up with a list of safe, effective, non-Casperish (as in Casper the ghost) sunscreens.

Additionally, the seven chemical-free sunscreens that made the list do not contain questionable nanoparticles, according to their manufacturers. Currently, there are no regulations concerning nanoparticles, which are becoming increasingly prevalent in sunscreens and other skincare products. At the same time, there is growing concern about whether nanoized ingredients can penetrate the skin and cause damage.

So if you are heading to the beach, below are your best options for healthy sunscreen. They are listed from most absorbable to least.

UV Natural Sunscreen (5.29 oz, $33.50; uvnaturalusa.com). It has a 30+ SPF and it's active ingredient is zinc oxide. It was found to be highly absorbable, but a bit oily.

Lavera Family Sun Spray (6.6 oz., $26.50; lavera.com). This one was the editor's pick. It has an SPF of 15 and it also received the highest absorbability rating. It's active ingredient is titanium dioxide.

Lotus Moon Sage Sun Protective Creme (2 oz, $32; lotusmoon.biz). Made with both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. It has an SPF of 25 and is easy to apply. It is pretty absorbable, but not as much as the two listed above.

Erbaviva Sunscreen (4 oz., $28; erbaviva.com). Has an SPF of 15 and is made with titanium dioxide. It is noted to have a fresh herbal scent. Ranked in the middle for absorbability.

Alba Botanica Fragrance Free Mineral Sunscreen(4 oz., $9.95; albabotanica.com). This one has an 18 SPF and is made with titanium dioxide. It's also middle of the road for absorbability.

Nature's Gate Mineral Sunblock (4 oz, $9.49; natures-gate.com). With an SPF of 20 this titanium dioxide and zinc oxide sunscreen is one of the least absorbable on the least.

Jason SunBrellas Mineral Based Physical Sunblock (4 oz, $14; jason-natural.com). It has a higher SPF of 30 and contains both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Like Nature's Gate Mineral Sunblock, this one also has a poorer absorbability rating.

New Seals on Natural & Organic Bodycare Products

2008-07-16T15:32:00.008-04:00

Ever wonder how pure, natural or organic your soap, shampoo and deodorant are? Sure their labels might proclaim in big, bold lettering natural, but then you read the ingredient lists and you can't pronounce half of what you read or have a clue if those chemicals are really safe.

Well, starting this summer, things are going to get a little easier for those in search of healthier personal care products.

If you shop at Whole Foods Market, you've already seen their Premium Body Care seal on 1,200 items sold in their stores. To qualify for the label, a product must contain "ingredients as close to nature and as minimally processed as possible" as well as have minor environmental impact. See wholefoodsmarket.com/wholebody.pbc for more information.

If you've been confused about what products are truly organic, the OASIS label is debuting this August to give some clarity on the claim. OASIS--which stands for Organic and Sustainable Industry Standards--is the first organic standard for the U.S. beauty and personal care market. It has the support of 30 founding members, including: Perfect Organics, Hain Celestial, Aveda, Juice Beauty, Buddha Nose, Origins, L'Oreal, Head Organics, Trillium Organics and Suki.

In order to qualify for the OASIS seal, a product must contain 85 percent certified organic ingredients (not including water and salt). For more information, visit: oasisseal.org

The Natural Products Association also has rolled out a seal, which covers products containing at least 95 percent natural ingredients. Additionally, in order to bear this seal, a product cannot contain any synthetic ingredients linked with any suspected health risks.

Companies participating in this certification, include: Burt's Bees, Aubry Organics, Badger, California Baby, Farmaesthetics, Trilogy and Weleda. Visit thenaturalseal.com for more information.

Drink White or Green Tea for Bone Health

2008-07-09T16:04:00.005-04:00

More good news for tea drinkers. A recent study has found that drinking tea--especially white or green--is good for the bones.

The research, which was published in the Journal of American College of Nutrition, found that regular tea drinkers had higher bone density in their hips than non-tea drinkers.

Additionally, tea drinkers lost less bone-mineral density than nondrinkers.

Researchers believe that the potent antioxidants, called catechin polyphenols, found in tea are responsible for the bone-boosting benefits.

White tea has the highest catechin concentration, followed by green tea. Black tea has the least amount.

Photo Credit: David Wilmot (Wikipedia.org)