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Monday, July 18, 2011
Study: Many sunscreens increase skin cancer risk, FDA has known for a decade but done nothing Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/032996_sunscreen_cancer_risk.html#ixzz1STgl1pS4
Data indicates that the sun's rays combine with certain sunscreen ingredients in the skin and damage skin cells, which can lead to lesions and tumors -- and worst of all, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has allegedly been aware of this critical information for the past ten years, but has done absolutely nothing to warn people about it.
According to a report by AOL News, about half of the sunscreens tested contained vitamin A ingredients and derivatives like retinol and retinyl palmitate, which FDA's own studies have shown are photocarcinogenic, meaning they become toxic when exposed to sunlight. In fact, an older FDA report explains that sunscreens containing vitamin A ingredients cause tumors and lesions to develop and spread 21 percent faster than sunscreens that do not contain vitamin A ingredients.
Not to be confused with the vitamin A found infoodand supplements that is absolutely essential for goodhealth, vitamin A additives insunscreenare different -- their interactions with ultravioletsunrays actually produce carcinogens in theskin.
And yet the FDA continues to remain silent about the dangers of vitamin A in sunscreen, including in its recent updated sunscreen guidelines that make no mention of them (http://www.naturalnews.com/032819_s...).
"There was enough evidence ten years ago for FDA to caution consumers against the use of vitamin A in sunscreens," said Jane Houlihan, EWG's senior vice president forresearch, to AOL News. "FDA launched this one-year study, completed their research and now ten years later, they say nothing about it, just silence."
When questioned by AOL News about the matter, an FDA spokeswoman responded by claiming the agency "thoroughly checked" its records and could not find any evidence of such a study. Apparently the agency did not look hard enough, though, because a report issued in 2000 by the US National Toxicology Program (NTP) cites the same FDA research which found that vitamin A derivatives are both phototoxic and photocarcinogenic.
Vitamin A derivatives, of course, are not the only toxic ingredients in sunscreens either. According to the EWG report, hormone-disrupting chemicals like oxybenzone are prominent in many popular sunscreen brands. These same sunscreens also contain a slew of other mystery chemicals, many of which have never been proven safe or effective for use, and are likely carcinogenic as well.
In total, a mere 7.8 percent of the sunscreens tested by EWG as part of its annual analysis turned out to be "safe and effective" according to the group's safety standards. The other 92.2 percent, which represent hundreds of sunscreens on the market today, contain one or more ingredients known to be harmful to health, a shocking figure when considering their widespread use.
As far as safe sunscreens go, EWG also recently released its fifth annual "Sunscreen Guide," a database of more than 1,700 sun products from 292 brands that the group recognizes as having safe, non-toxic ingredients. You can access that database here:http://breakingnews.ewg.org/2011sun...
For ideal health, however, regular exposure to sunlight without the use of sunscreen is vital for obtaining and maintaining healthy levels of vitamin D. Most sunscreens block the ultraviolet B (UVB) sun rays responsible for producing the vitamin D hormone in the skin -- and without unfettered exposure to these beneficial rays, it is virtually impossible to maintain optimal vitamin D levels apart from supplementation.
By gradually exposing your skin to the sun on a regular, limited basis, you will eventually develop tolerance to it, even if you are prone to burning. And by supplementing with the antioxidant astaxanthin, which functions as a type of natural "sunscreen" that protects your skin from the oxidative damage caused by too much sun exposure, you will increase your sun tolerance even further, to the point that you may even stop burning under moderate exposure conditions (http://www.naturalnews.com/023177.html).
The Vitamin D Council, a non-profit group dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of vitamin D for health, recommends that all individuals use the sun as their primary source of gaining vitamin D. Depending on your skin type, you will need anywhere from 15 minutes to over an hour of daily sunlight exposure in order to achieve and maintain optimal levels (http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/abou...).
If natural sunlight exposure is not feasible on a daily basis, which is common for most people during the wintertime when the sun's decreased angle prevents an adequate amount of UVB rays from reaching the skin, daily supplementation with vitamin D3 is the next best option. The Council suggests taking anywhere between 1,000 and 6,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D3 a day, depending on your age (http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/abou...).
To learn more about vitamin D, including which other vitamins and nutrients are its necessary cofactors, and which diseases and conditions can be treated and prevented simply by maintaining optimal levels, visit:http://www.vitamindcouncil.org
Sources for this story include:
http://www.aolnews.com/2010/05/24/s...
Learn more:http://www.naturalnews.com/032996_sunscreen_cancer_risk.html#ixzz1STgOiWp3
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Benefits of Avocados
Benefits of Avocados Avocados are the perfect snack and provide everything you need including protein, fiber, omega oils, chlorophyll, vitamins & minerals. They are considered natures’ most perfect food. The benefits of avocados are enormous. They are full of good fat that won’t make you fat-they actually help with weight control! I eat up to 3 a day and I easily maintain my natural body weight. We need fat in our diet but we need healthy fat that is beneficial for our body to burn for energy and brain power. Avocados supply a perfectly balanced proportion of omegas that are easily assimilated. Also certain nutrients can be absorbed better when eaten with avocados. Check it out below, they are a powerhouse of nutrition assisting in minimizing your risk of disease!
NUTRITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS OF AVOCADOS From Elements for Health | ||
| Avocado, raw (edible parts) | Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz) | |
| Energy | 670 kJ (160 kcal) | |
| Carbohydrates | 8.53 g | |
| Dietary fiber | 6.7 g | |
| Fat | 14.66 g | |
| Protein | 2 g | |
| Thiamine (Vit. B1) | 0.067 mg | |
| Riboflavin (Vit. B2) | 0.130 mg | |
| Niacin (Vit. B3) | 1.738 mg | |
| Pantothenic acid (B5) | 1.389 mg | |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.257 mg | |
| Folate (Vit. B9) | 81 ?g | |
| Vitamin C | 10 mg | |
| Calcium | 12 mg | |
| Iron | 0.55 mg | |
| Magnesium | 29 mg | |
| Phosphorus | 52 mg | |
| Potassium | 485 mg | |
| Zinc | 0.64 mg | |
Brief History of Avocados
Avocados originated in Mexico, or Central and South America, and were cultivated there by pre-Incan races of Peru, and the Mayas of Yucatan and Guatemala. The Aztecs called it aoacatl before the Spaniards changed it to ahuacate and aguacate, and it eventually became avocado in English.
Avocados originated in Mexico, or Central and South America, and were cultivated there by pre-Incan races of Peru, and the Mayas of Yucatan and Guatemala. The Aztecs called it aoacatl before the Spaniards changed it to ahuacate and aguacate, and it eventually became avocado in English.
Nutrients in Avocados
Avocados are an excellent source of monounsaturated fatty acids, potassium, vitamin E, B vitamins, and fiber.Avocados also contain glutathione, an antioxidant involved in cell protection from the noxious effect of excess oxidant stress. Avocados are also rich in the antioxdants lutein and zeaxanthin.
Avocados are an excellent source of monounsaturated fatty acids, potassium, vitamin E, B vitamins, and fiber.Avocados also contain glutathione, an antioxidant involved in cell protection from the noxious effect of excess oxidant stress. Avocados are also rich in the antioxdants lutein and zeaxanthin.
| Zinc | 0.64 mg |
A comprehensive breakdown of nutrients can be found in the Nutrition Database where this food can also be added to a meal planner. | |
Avocados for Cholesterol Reduction
A week long study involving 45 volunteers who ate avocados every day reported an average 17% drop in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and an 11% increase in HDL cholesterol levels.
Avocado is rich in natural betasitosterol, and the American Journal of Medicine has reported that researchers found that betasitosterol was able to lower LDL cholesterol in 16 human studies.
Avocados for Blood Pressure
Three factors in avocado help prevent high blood pressure and stroke: folate, glutathione and potassium. These factors help to lower homocysteine levels, cholesterol levels, atherosclerosis, and high blood pressure.
Avocados for Cancer Prevention
According to a report in. J Nutr. Biochem, 2005, the carotenoids and tocopherols (chemical compounds which may have vitamin E activity) in avocado were shown to inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cell lines in vitro.
Studies have shown that phytochemicals extracted from the avocado fruit inhibit and kill cancer cells, suggesting that the phytochemicals from avocado included in the diet may offer protection against cancer.
Avocados contain glutathione, which functions as an antioxidant to scavenge free radicals. Avocado is also an excellent source of vitamin E with antioxidant and health benefits. Dr. David Heber, director of the UCLA Center for Human Nutrition has stated that evidence suggests that glutathione may help prevent certain types of cancers and heart disease in humans.
Avocados for Weight Loss
According to American institute of Cancer Research in Washington replacing butter, cheese or cream on sandwich with mashed avocado not only helps to reduce calories but also increase the healthy MUFA (monounsaturated fatty acids) intake.
In a study of 61 men and women, 200 g of avocado was substituted for 30 g of other mixed dietary fats such as margarine or oil. The results demonstrated that avocado within an energy-restricted diet does not compromise weight loss.
Avocados for Skin Health
Of 8 plant oils tested (almond, sesame, apricot kernel, safflower, peanut, jojoba, coconut, olive) avocado oil was found to be the most effective sunscreen.
Avocado oil strengthens the skin by stimulating collagen, thereby reducing wrinkles and improving skin texture. Avocados are also rich in vitamin E, a free radical scavenger that will assist in slowing the aging process.
Avocado oil has better skin penetration than almond, olive, or soy oil, and will be able to transport nutrients through the outer layer of skin to the deeper layers.
Avocados for Eye Health
Avocados are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, which help to prevent age related macular degeneration and cataracts.
Glycemic Index of Avocados
In studies to determine the estimated GI of various foods, it has been concluded that avocados have a low GI of 15.
Adverse Reactions from Avocados
Avocados contain enzymes which can cause allergic reactions in latex sensitive individuals.
References:
1. The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods by Michael Murray, Joseph Pizzorno, and Lara Pizzorno.2. Benders’ Dictionary of Nutrition and Food Technology. 3. USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference. 4. Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, Vol.7 5. Department of Physiology, Potchefstroom University, South Africa6. VALETTE G, SOBRIN E. [PERCUTANEOUS ABSORPTION OF VARIOUS ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE OILS.] Pharm Acta Helv. 1963 Oct;38:710-6. PMID: 14097835. 7. Ding H, Chin YW, Kinghorn AD, D’Ambrosio SM. Chemopreventive characteristics of avocado fruit. Semin Cancer Biol. 2007 Oct;17(5):386-94. Epub 2007 May 17. PMID: 17582784. 8. Duester KC. Avocado fruit is a rich source of beta-sitosterol. J Am Diet Assoc. 2001 Apr;101(4):404-5. PMID: 11320941.
1. The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods by Michael Murray, Joseph Pizzorno, and Lara Pizzorno.2. Benders’ Dictionary of Nutrition and Food Technology. 3. USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference. 4. Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, Vol.7 5. Department of Physiology, Potchefstroom University, South Africa6. VALETTE G, SOBRIN E. [PERCUTANEOUS ABSORPTION OF VARIOUS ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE OILS.] Pharm Acta Helv. 1963 Oct;38:710-6. PMID: 14097835. 7. Ding H, Chin YW, Kinghorn AD, D’Ambrosio SM. Chemopreventive characteristics of avocado fruit. Semin Cancer Biol. 2007 Oct;17(5):386-94. Epub 2007 May 17. PMID: 17582784. 8. Duester KC. Avocado fruit is a rich source of beta-sitosterol. J Am Diet Assoc. 2001 Apr;101(4):404-5. PMID: 11320941.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
The cocktail of up to 20 chemicals in a glass of milk
It's not all white: The cocktail of up to 20 chemicals in a glass of milk
By DAVID DERBYSHIRE
Last updated at 9:53 AM on 7th July 2011
Healthy drink: Quantities of compounds found in milk were minuscule
A glass of milk can contain a cocktail of up to 20 painkillers, antibiotics and growth hormones, scientists have shown.
Using a highly sensitive test, they found a host of chemicals used to treat illnesses in animals and people in samples of cow, goat and human breast milk.
The doses of drugs were far too small to have an effect on anyone drinking them, but the results highlight how man-made chemicals are now found throughout the food chain.
the highest quantities of medicines were found in cow’s milk.
Researchers believe some of the drugs and growth promoters were given to the cattle, or got into milk through cattle feed or contamination on the farm.
The Spanish-Moroccan team analysed 20 samples of cow’s milk bought in Spain and Morocco, along with samples of goat and breast milk.
Their breakdown, published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, revealed that cow’s milk contained traces of anti-inflammatory drugs niflumic acid, mefenamic acid and ketoprofen – commonly used as painkillers in animals and people.
It also contained the hormone 17-beta-estradiol, a form of the sex hormone oestrogen. The hormone was detected at three millionths of a gram in every kilogram of milk, while the highest dose of niflumic acid was less than one millionth of a gram per kilogram of milk.
However, the scientists, led by Dr Evaristo Ballesteros, from the University of Jaen in Spain, say their technique could be used to check the safety of other types of food.
Dr Ballesteros said: ‘We believe the new methodology will help to provide a more effective way of determining the presence of these kinds of contaminants in milk or other products.
‘Food quality control laboratories could use this new tool to detect these drugs before they enter the food chain. This would raise consumers’ awareness and give them the knowledge that food is… harmless, pure, genuine, beneficial to health and free of toxic residues,’ he added.
Net result: Compounds manufactured and used by humans are showing up in all parts of the food chain
The tests also found niflumic acid in goat’s milk, while breast milk contained traces of painkillers ibuprofen and naproxen, along with the antibiotic triclosan and some hormones.
The researchers say their new 30-minute test is the most sensitive of its kind. If the findings are true for Spanish and Moroccan milk, they could equally be true for milk produced in Britain and northern Europe.
Last year Portsmouth University scientists found that fish were being contaminated with the anti-depressant Prozac.
The drug enters rivers from the sewer system and tinkers with the brain chemistry of fish, the researchers claimed.
Previous studies have shown that caffeine is released into our waterways after surviving the sewage treatment process.
The hormones from the contraceptive pill and HRT have been blamed for feminising fish, leading to male fish producing eggs.
The effects of antibiotics, blood pressure drugs and cholesterol-lowering drugs on wildlife are also being studied around the world.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2012050/The-cocktail-20-chemicals-glass-milk.html#ixzz1RRTbAhyn
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Recipe - Wood Ears with Oregano - version 2
After the recipe from yesterday, had a lot left decided to make a second version. This time a dish rich in antioxidants and many other nutraceutical properties.
I had some sprouted quinoa and added 2 tablespoons, cut an iceberg lettuce thinly, also joined another tablespoon of coconut milk into cream and garnish with tomato, saffron and 1 tablespoon of oregano.
Oregano
A powerful anti-bacterial agent and anti-fungal, oregano also has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-parasitic properties.
Oregano contains rosmarinic acid, thymol and works on the body to minimize the destructive effects of free radicals. Besides the ability to destroy free free radicals can help repair damage to the body at the cellular level and combat cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, macular degeneration and help slow the geriatric muscle deterioration.
Anti-fungal properties of oregano
Historically used as a food preservative, oregano has some impressive capabilities as anti-fungal. Fungal infections can be very unpleasant and even fatal in some circumstances. The oregano has been used as both an internal and external preparation in the treatment of fungal infections and has been successfully tested in inhibiting the growth of yeasts such as Candida albicans.
Antibiotic properties of oregano
A phenol existent in the oregano, carvacrol is generating interest for its powerful ability to kill bacteria. Preliminary tests conducted at Georgetown University suggest that the antibacterial muscle of oregano may rival penicillin and streptomycin.
Other medicinal uses of oregano
If you plan on keeping oregano in your medicine cabinet, there are some other uses for this herb you should know. Oregano can be used as a digestive aid because it encourages salivation. He can relieve and treat bee stings and spider poisonous and snake bites. Oregano is also an effective analgesic.
Care when using oregano
Although herbs and spices may seem benign because they are used in cooking, concentrated doses can lead to problems. The oregano has many medical applications that can help you stay well, but consult your doctor before making any changes or additions to the medication you are taking. The oregano may cause skin irritations in some people, and should be avoided if pregnant or nursing.
Quick Facts about the Oregano
- Oregano contains iron, vitamin E, vitamin C, copper, magnesium, calcium, vitamin B6, niacin, thiamin and riboflavin.
- Native to the Mediterranean, the Oregano is a perennial plant of the mint family. It is widely used as seasoning in Italian dishes, including pizza sauce.
- Place two tablespoons of fresh Oregano in 25cl of water for five minutes to create a refreshing antioxidant tea.
- Oregano is sometimes taken as a supplement to help prevent colds and flu.
- Oregano can be used to treat lice.
- Oregano is a welcome addition to a long list of antioxidant-rich herbs such as garlic, thyme, peppermint and sage.
To get the maximum benefit of these supplements, use them in the first six months of purchase or less. Store in a cool, dark place, and keep them away from moisture.
Coconut milk
Some say it can replace the nutritional properties of human milk.
Rich in protein, carbohydrates (carbs), lipids, vitamins (A, B1, B2, B5, C and E) and minerals like potassium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, magnesium, sulfur and even silicon, selenium and folic acid .
No cholesterol, while saturated fat. It has iron that prevents anemia and vitamin E is yet another powerful anti-oxidant. It's a great energy and mineralizing source and anti-aging action of cells.
It is used in ayurvedic for over 4000 years for abscesses, respiratory problems, angina, asthma, arthritis, bronchitis, cystitis, high cholesterol, abdominal cramps, malnutrition, diarrhea, joint pains, poor appetite, fever, jaundice, inflammation of the canal the urethra, gastrointestinal irritation, dry and damaged skin, cough, gastric ulcers and several other medicinal uses.
It also has lauric acid, a substance that gives the coconut milk properties against fungi, viruses and bacteria. It's great to fight infections.
Against asthma attacks, it is recommended to take two or three tablespoons of coconut milk morning and night. Experiments in the U.S. showed that coconuts contain the same properties of breast milk.
Coconut, as we all know, contains sufficient elements to sustain human life.Is a very good addition for those who want to gain weight. Thanks to its content of potassium and sodium salts, coconut is an adequate food in atherosclerosis, and is excellent for promoting the development of the thorax as well as for nerves, brain and lungs. It is also a very good food for diabetics.
To expel intestinal worms, take it every morning, a spoonful of shredded coconut, fresh. The shredded coconut, dried, is also useful for healing purposes.
The coconut, very reputed for its therapeutic applications of stomach ulcer, sickness of sea, with its glycero - phosphates and lecithins, is also anti - arthritic. People who suffer from inflammatory bowel disease should eat the gelatinous mass of green coconut.
A very good syrup to combat more rebellious coughs, is prepared as follows: Make a hole in a coconut,introduce honey or molasses, cover up, put it on a slow fire, until the pulp dissolves. Take a spoonful every three hours.
The coconut pulp acts as an astringent in piles, and the oil which is extracted from the coconut is very good for relieving hemorrhoidal pain. The flowers of the coconut tree, enjoy pectoral properties. They are used, with honey, in the upper respiratory tract.
References on oregano and coconut milk:
http://herbs.lovetoknow.com/Medicinal_Uses_of_Oregano
http://www.ednatureza.com.br/coco.htm
http://www.plantasmedicinaisefitoterapia.com/plantas-medicinais-coco.html
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Homegrown Revolution (Award winning short-film 2009)- The Urban Homestead
Growing your food is dangerous...danger of become free!!!
Wood Ears with Coconut Sauce, Ginger and Gojis
Today one out of those dishes that for some may seem very strange.
Already presented dishes with Wood Ears (oriental mushrooms) in some of the workshops I've done about algae. But this time I decided to vary a little and had no algae so I used other ingredients.
Ingredients
Approx. a cup of dried Wood Ears s (soak about 20 minutes - will grow three or 4 times)
1 / 2 onion cuted very thin
1 tablespoon minced ginger
3 tablespoons red pepper, chopped
3 tbsp goji berries (pre-soaked 20 minutes)
1 tbsp parsley
2 tbsp good tablespoon olive oil
1 tbsp of coconut milk (previously left in the cold to become a cream) - you can also buy it canned, cold pressed, organic.
Salt and pepper to taste
Some sesame seeds for decor
Some sesame seeds for decor
Preparation
Cut everything, put in a large bowl, stir, garnish with parsley. See the photos ... is very simple.
Suggestions
Serve with green salad (lettuce, etc.) or as a starter to other dishes. Can also be served with Raw Bread .
Wood Ears
These wonderful mushrooms (Nam Meo in Vietnamese) grow on tree trunks in a natural way, they excellent nutritional qualities and according to the codex "Pen-ts to the Kan-mu" are good as a tonic and to clean the blood, has anticoagulant properties and help to prevent blood in the stool, bleeding and excessive menstrual flow. They are good for the heart, vital energy, calm nerves, nourish and balance the yin and yang and anti-aging.
Remind algae. After you have soaked it the consistency is a bit like rubber, like squid or octopus.
It is a popular ingredient in Chinese cuisine and Vietnamese. Although it is sometimes referred to as a mushroom is a fungus that grows on trees.
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