Tag: health

Categories
Food And Recipes

Paleo 101: A Need-to-Know Guide to the Paleo Diet

Scrolling down the list of Amazon best-selling cookbooks & food books I was amazed at the amount of Paleo-related cookbooks and info.

As a foodie, I’ve heard a lot about the Paleo diet but I really didn’t know what defined it- or why its followers are so passionate about it.  At a glance it sounds like Atkins.

And it doesn’t seem to include my favorite foods:  chocolate and coffee.

I decided to investigate and see what the fuss is all about.  If you are experienced in the Paleo diet, no need to read further (you won’t find anything new).  However, as a newbie, I discovered some interesting facts, absorbed some history and got a few ideas how I could be a bit of a Paleo fan- without going all in.

  1.  The Paleo diet is based on food our ancestors really ate.

First, a bit of history:  Unlike many fad diets recently developed by doctors, researchers and marketers, the Paleo diet was brought to light by Dr. Loren Cordain in the 1970’s but was followed thousands of years ago by our ancestors. It’s made a lot of headlines recently as more people seek different eating styles and habits.  The diet is thought to be a close replica of what people ate in the Paleolithic age.  The Paleolithic age ended about 10,000 years ago.

1.  There are multiple names for the Paleo Diet.

The diet is also referred to by the following names:  Stone Age diet, Caveman diet and hunter-gatherer diet.  Personally, I prefer Paleo.  It sounds kinda classy.

2.  What’s In for the Paleo diet:

Foods that the Paleo Diet include:  meat, roots, herbs, vegetables, nuts, eggs and fruit.

3.  What’s OUT of the Paleo plate:

Just about all other foods are out of the Paleo diet including dairy, legumes, pasta, refined sugar, potatoes and any processed foods.

4.  Main Health Benefit:  a diet free from “diseases of affluence.”

Dr. Cordain and the proponents of the Paleo diet state that many human diseases came about when humans started eating grains and processed foods.   Their argument is that before humans began to eat these foods, humans lived healthier lives.  The health benefits of following a Paleo diet include: more energy, a decreased propensity to cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer.

5.  The Cons of the Diet

The biggest cons of the diet are twofold:  it takes a lot of discipline to follow and is rather limited in foods.  (Eggs every morning for breakfast can get a little tiring.)  In today’s time sensitive society, this diet does not lend itself to convenience.  One approach would be to eat a lot of raw fruits, veggies and trail mix.

6.  What does science say?

There are conflicting studies.  Dr. Cordain’s site, www.thepaleodiet.com has studies (mostly his) on the problems of the Western diet and the benefits of the Paleolithic diet.  It’s pretty easy to find the critics of the Paleo diet online.  Google “paleo critics” and a myriad of entries are quickly found.

The Paleo diet is a highly structured diet but appeals to many people who are looking for a lifestyle approach to their health.  Any lifestyle change is easier when implemented with other people.  With the increased attention the Paleo diet is receiving, there are many resources to draw support from, making it easier to make a dramatic change in lifestyle.

To reflect a bit of the popularity of the Paleo Diet:  as of this reading, there are four books in the Kindle Top Twenty category of Food & Cookbooks.  In the Kindle Top Twenty for Health, Fitness & Dieting, there are two titles on Paleonic eating.   That is healthy interest (no pun intended) in a very niche diet.

The Danger with all Trend Diets

The critics of the Paleo diet are concerned with the lack of studies done on the long term effects of the Paleo diet.  Health giving foods such as legumes, low fat dairy and whole grains are eliminated in the diet- and we get many vital nutrients from these foods, like calcium and vitamin D.

The other danger with extreme diets is sustainability.  Typically, when humans deprive themselves of certain foods, it lasts for a while, than the will to stay away gives out.  It’s easy to binge on a massive plate of pasta or eat half a container of ice cream when it’s been months since the last indulgence.

Moderation seems to be the rule many middle-of-the-road dieticians and doctors preach when it comes to diets of any kind.  Few people in the health community argue with the benefit of eliminating processed foods, refine sugar and adding more vegetables and fish to the diet.  The problem lies in the rigidity of the diet.

Most of us view food as more than simply fuel for life.  Food holds a special place, a way to enjoy relationships, bond with other people and celebrate special events.  Food adds specialness to life.  More than completely abandoning food groups, moderation is a better bet to life-long health and weight stability.

Therein lies the challenge.

Melissa AuClair is a freelance writer, author and blogger.  Before she made the decision to pursue a completely location independent lifestyle, she worked for 8 years as a RN in a variety of medical-surgical hospital units. Follow Melissa on Twitter @melissauclair or http://www.launchyourcreativelife.com 

Categories
Health

Sleep or Die?

Trying to do more, be more and achieve more has always been an American trait.

If we can do more with less, we have achieved the accolade of all accolades.  Many people talk of how they don’t sleep enough but “they are getting a lot done.”  Startup businesses talk about sleepless nights.  College students have all night study sessions.

Whatever the cost, we get it done.

That is what counts, right?  Getting stuff done?

In the last five years, one research study after another is revealing a different philosophy.  As Tony Schwartz, author, speaker and founder of The Energy Project says, “Sleep or Die.”

It may sound extreme but Mr. Schwartz might be making a valid point.  For anyone who considers themselves to be a creative – and who isn’t a creative in some aspect in our information and digital age – a lack of sleep dramatically decreases not only one’s ability to get their best work done; they may not even live to enjoy it.

Consider some of the results of sleep deprivation from these studies, all done in the last 5 years:

  • Poor memory (2012 study from UCLA in the journal Child Development)
  • Increased blood pressure (2009 study by Dr. Fujikawa, Clinical & Experimental Hypertension)
  • Increased risk of cardiac disease and heart attack (2011, University of Warwick)
  • Increased risk of diabetes and Alzheimer’s (multiple studies)
  • Lower ability to focus (Schwartz, The Energy Project, various studies)
  • Decreased creativity and ability to learn new things (2011, University College of London, published in Sleep Journal).

What a bummer.

In his book The Way We’re Working isn’t Working, Schwartz emphasizes the importance of sleep to the point that he recently made the infamous statement noted in the opening paragraph, “Sleep or die.”

Studies show more than 95% of the population needs at least 7 hours of sleep to be at their optimal level but most people never get that much sleep.  In a blog post about how sleep deprived we are, Schwarz states, “ We’ve literally lost touch with what it means to be fully awake.”

Sigh.  I feel the need for a nap.

My curiosity is also alerted about what Schwarz means by being “fully awake.”  I wonder how I would live differently, write differently, and think differently if I was sleeping more than 7 hours every night.

But in this activity driven, over-stimulated world can I make the choice to eliminate stuff and activities in order to sleep more and think better?  After all, I’m uber-guilty of reading “just one more blog post,” writing one more chapter, creating one more piece of art, answering one more email all into the late hours of the night.  To get enough sleep, the sleep Schwartz claims (and studies show) would help me write, work and live better, I would have to make significant changes in my life.

At my worst sleeping habits a few years back, I was getting 3-4 hours of sleep a night.   I commuted four hours in addition to working up to a 12 hour day. I was also working on a side writing project.  To say I was tired is an understatement.  Some of you are doing exactly what I did.  I know the pain of trying to make stuff happen, be a good employee and try to stay connected with family and friends.   I was exhausted, but trying to pretend I was fine.  It worked for about 6 months.

Looking back, the decisions I was making were not good.  I was very reactive and there was no sense of vision in my life.  I don’t want to return to that:  either the lifestyle or the mentality.

I’m back in a place where my sleep times are irregular and inconsistent.  It’s not at the extreme deficit I was in, but I know better than to think I’m immune to slipping back to my old ways.

I’m going to try an experiment for the next month.  I’m going to prioritize sleep and work on getting 7 hours of sleep every night.  I’m going to track my progress and my productivity during my waking hours.  The goal would be to experience the feeling of “fully awake.”

How about you?  How important do you think sleep is to your ability to think clearly, create brilliantly and live with more energy?   What changes would you be willing to make in order to get more sleep?

I am curious to hear your thoughts on the power of sleep and its effect on creativity.  Leave a comment.

Melissa is a blogger and artist, pursuing the location independent lifestyle at http://www.launchyourcreativelife.com  Follow Melissa on Twitter @melissauclair.

Categories
exercise Health Politics

Why I Want to Stay Fit

We all want to look our best.

And while a lot of people start going to the gym for swimsuit season, looking good in a swim suit is not my motivation behind setting the alarm clock early and hitting the street for an early run.

For me, staying strong and fit isn’t just about today.  Staying healthy is an integral part of the vision for my life.

I want to stay fit for the person I will be in three decades.  It’s about being in the best shape possible so I can participate in life.

It’s hard to enjoy life to the max when we aren’t feeling our physical best.

That’s why taking the steady route to fitness and good health is better than working out in fits and spurts.  Because health isn’t about getting fit for a season.  Good health is about being fit for life.

It’s about our kids and our families and friends.  It’s making sure we are here for the important events in life like watching sunsets in June and shoveling snow in February.

Staying fit is about being able to throw my nephews up in the air and chasing my youngest sister around the park.

It’s about walking all over Boson and participating in community activities- now and in thirty years.

In the near future, I want to backpack through Italy and coast of La Cinque Terre.  I want to hike all over Bali and Manila.

I want to throw my own kids up in the air one day.  I want to run over (medium sized) mountains and through nature trails.  It’d be nice to beat my brother in arm wrestling (probably just a fantasy).

I won’t be able to do what I want to do, to live the life I want to live, if I’m lugging around a lot of extra pounds or if I don’t keep my bones and muscles strong .

I worked for more than 8 years as a RN in acute care hospitals.  I saw what happened to people who spent years doing all sorts of activities but neglected to care for their own bodies.

Watching a grown man- a big, tough guy- break down crying sitting on the side of the hospital bed was heart wrenching.

He was significantly overweight and was recently diagnosed with diabetes.  To top it all off, the knee operation after an accident was going to require a lot of physical therapy and his pain was intense.  He had a lot going against him in his battle to regain his health.  Now he couldn’t take care of his young family like he wanted to.  They were going to take care of him.

I wish I could tell you he was an isolated story.

Unfortunately, I witness hundreds if not thousands of people whose current physical situations were being exacerbated by lifestyle choices:  overweight, weak muscles, years of smoking and basic inattention to their own health.

Before I make it sound like I’m a marine about working out…I’m not.  I love to bake.  I love to eat.  I love to cook.  I am convinced that what goes on in the kitchen is a lot more than onions and mushrooms sautéing on the stove.  I’m working on a book about the joy of baking and building relationship in the kitchen.  Working in the kitchen has changed my life.

But at the same time I’m careful that what I love doesn’t interfere with my ability to live.

I don’t eat out at fast food.  I watch the salt intake.  I’ve eliminated certain foods from my diet.  I believe in moderation in all things.  I walk every day.

Some days I mess up and have a few too many just-out-of-the-oven warm, chocolate chip cookies.  But I get back on track.

I’ve got a future that compels me to.

I think you do too.

 

 

 

Categories
Beauty

7 Essential Fruits & Vegetables for Beautiful Skin

Ever wondered if you could eat your way to beautiful skin?

I’ve worked in skin care and cosmetics for enough years to see many products go through the market.  Today cosmetic and skin care research is fueled by plant science.  Scientists and researchers pull nutrients from plants, fruits and vegetables, infusing skin products with their essential oils, vitamins and nutrients to create creams and serums to aid people in their quest for beautiful skin.

However, a person will be hard pressed to have beautiful skin simply by schlepping a bunch of cream on.

A lot of people want products to give them beautiful skin but they don’t realize there are other components.  For example, our diet plays a big part in creating beautiful or not so beautiful skin.

What we eat has the potential to show up on our faces.  And beauty isn’t just about the products applied on the face.  Beauty is also about what is kept off.  High levels exposure to harmful UV rays from the sun and buildup of bacteria and dirt in the pores are two things you definitely want away from your skin.

And what you has the potential to heavily impact the condition of your skin.  According to the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology many vegetables and fruits contain specific vitamins that not only protect our skin. They can reverse age as well.

If having beautiful skin is on your priority list for healthy living, make sure to pick up the following produce next time you are at the grocery store or farmers market.

7 Essential Fruits and Vegetables for Beautiful Skin

1.  Asparagus

Asparagus has a high alkaline content that balances the pH levels of the skin. Maintaining a balanced pH level in your skin is critical to clean, clear skin.  If the pH level goes too low or high, conditions such as dryness and acne can occur.

2.  Strawberries

The high amount of vitamin C and antioxidants in strawberries makes them a key contributor to good health.  Additionally, in a 2007 study the Journal of Clinical Nutrition reports strawberries play a part in the synthesis of collagen (the substance in our skin that keeps it firm).

3.  Tomatoes

Tomatoes contain Vitamin C and they also have properties that protect the skin from harmful sun rays.  A study states that people who ate an equivalent of 5 Tablespoons of tomato paste every day had 33% more protection from the sun than people who didn’t.  Spaghetti anyone?

4.  Pink Grapefruit

In 2008, a study in European Journal of Pharmaceutics found that people who ate diets high in lycopene in pink grapefruit had smoother skin than people who did not.  Lycopene’s ability to prevent free radicals from ravaging the skin is the secret behind how lycopene keeps the skin smooth.  Additionally, lycopene is thought to prevent blocked pores and protect the harmful rays of light.  Tomatoes and papayas also have significant levels of lycopene.

5.  Avocado

Fans of avocados credit the green fruit with all sorts of health benefits including keeping the skin soft and supple.  Avocados have high levels of vitamin E and essential oils which help keep skin looking and feeling smooth and healthy.

6.  Corn & Leafy Greens

Both corn and leafy green vegetables have high levels of lutein.  Lutein acts as a barrier against the sun’s most harmful rays.  The CDC reports that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer.  More than 67,000 people in 2009 were diagnosed with skin cancer- a good reason to keep on the SPF and increase our consumption of vegetables that protect us against the UV rays.

7.  Edamame

If you needed a good reason to get sushi tonight, here you are:   Edamame contains two fabulous health benefits for skin.

First, it absorbs the harmful free radicals caused by exposure to the sun.   Second, edamame helps to maintain collagen levels, thus keeping our skin firmer and younger looking for longer.

Final Thought on Eating Our Way to Beauty

An interesting final note:  the fruits and vegetables listed here are a variety of colors and types.  Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables is the key to a diet that will help skin improve and stay beautiful.  Eat lots of them.   Cut back on processed foods that pull fluid and moisture from the skin.  Drink lots of water.

What we eat really does show up on our skin.

Categories
Beauty Health

Oil Therapy

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve developed quite the fixation with different types of oils for cooking, aromatherapy, beauty aides, and alternative medicine.

So, I just wanted to take the time out to highlight some of my favorite oils and how I’ve found them helpful in my daily needs.

Coconut Oil: Organic, Unrefined, Cold-Pressed, Extra Virgin

  • The BEST natural body moisturizer I’ve come across. Slather this anywhere on your body and you’ll be amazed by how soft and supple your skin will be by the next day. Tip: If you have really dry feet, Try This: Rub coconut oil all over your feet, slip on some socks, and get some rest. You’ll thank me in the morning. 🙂
  • Dry hair? No problem. Apply this oil throughout the hair to give it some added moisture.
  • Some people swear that taking 1-2 tablespoons a day of coconut oil helps with weight loss. I can’t attest to those claims, but it is yummy when used to cook up some scrambled eggs. Delish!
  • Believe it or not, I sometimes use this on my face as a moisturizer and it does a great job of getting rid of dry patches and making the face more supple. However, I only recommend doing this for people with dry skin.

Castor Oil: The Palma Christi (Palm of Christ)

  • I have grown to love this oil. It’s great as an overnight spot treatment on pimples/acne. This oil is too thick to place  all over the face, so I don’t recommend it.
  • Great for dry hands and feet.
  • If you’re having trouble in the bathroom area(constipation), this is your go-to oil. It’ll clear that right up!
  • Castor Oil packs have been used for various issues such as inflammation, congestion, constipation, and liver, kidney, and pelvic disorders.
  • I don’t have this one confirmed yet, but it supposedly helps with the appearance of cellulite. I’m going to try this one out and let you know my results.

Olive Oil: Any type

  • This is my go-to oil for most of my cooking needs, unless I’m frying.
  • This is a good oil for body moisturizing, but I prefer coconut oil for my beauty needs over olive oil.
  • Many claim that it’s great in your hair. I tried this once and well, never again! Ok, maybe further experiments are needed, but I was not impressed.

Lavender Oil: 100% Pure Essential Oil

  • Great for healing my acne bumps and scars.
  • The anti-bacterial properties also help with any cuts and scrapes, including cat scratches (cat owners can relate!)
  • A few drops on my pillow case help me to finally doze off to sleep when my insomnia starts kicking in.
  • Always great to use in an oil diffuser as a room deodorizer.
  • Mix this with Eucalyptus oil in warm/hot water for a relaxing bath.

Peppermint Oil: 100% Pure Essential Oil

  • If you’re sick, this oil will surely give your sinuses some temporary relief and make it easier to breathe again. However, putting this oil in a bath will give you an extreme cooling effect in all areas including your nether regions, so be forewarned.
  • Another good choice to scent the room in an oil diffuser. However, the minty smell makes my cat go off-the-wall bonkers!

Clove Oil: 100% Pure Essential Oil

  • Believe it or not, this oil is stronger than lavender oil with its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. This oil can zap away a zit overnight. Warning: It can sting a little, so you may want to mix it with a carrier oil like  olive oil before applying to the skin.
  • I haven’t tried this, but apparently it’s great to use with your toothpaste/mouthwash for dental care.

Eucalyptus Oil: 100% Pure Essential Oil

  • This goes well with lavender oil as a calming and soothing bath oil.
  • This is another good choice for a room deodorizer.

Citrus-Scented Oils (Orange, Lemon, and Lime): 100% Pure Essential Oil

  • I only use these oils to get rid of any unpleasant smells that may pop up within my apartment. I have citrus oils to be great as a room deodorizer.
  • Certain citrus oil brands you can use for baking needs (pies, cakes, etc.) to boost flavor.

I do own and use a lot more oils, but these are my main staples. I’m always looking to experiment and add to my collection, so if you have any other good suggestions/recommendations please forward it my way!

Categories
exercise Healthcare

7 Herbal Teas That Calm Anxiety

According to nonprofit organization Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA), anxiety disorders are the number one mental health problem in America, affecting about 18 percent of the population (40 million adults over 18 years of age).  Adding herbal teas to your daily diet and routine can be both a healthy and convenient way to soothe feelings of anxiety. Stay away from teas that contain caffeine, as caffeine is known to increase anxiety. Below are just 7 of the many natural herbal tea remedies that can help you relax.

1. Kava
Kava is by far the most well-known and well-researched herbal treatment available for controlling anxiety symptoms. Many have likened the effects of kava to a very common anxiety drug called Buspar, and kava itself appears to have all of the qualities of an effective herbal remedy – it’s non-addictive and can be taken as needed, it’s safe, and it is completely natural. However, there are a few things to note about kava tea. First, the kava tea you buy at a grocery store is not strong enough to combat anxiety. You need 300 or so kavalactones a day at some estimates, and basic teas only provide 30 to 50 – not enough to feel any effects. You’ll need to buy a more pure kava herbal tea, like the ones sold in tea shops. You’ll also need to combine it with something that has fat in it, like butter or coconut milk.

2. Passionflower Tea
Passionflower tea is “kava-lite.” It’s not nearly as strong as kava and fewer studies have confirmed its benefits, but many people swear that Passionflower has provided them with the same relaxation effects as kava without the same risk of side effects.
Because passionflower’s “dosing” isn’t quite as well known, it’s unclear whether store-bought teas provide enough of the flavonoids that make passionflower effective. Research has only focused on “drops” of passionflower extract, usually around 30 drops three times a day. In tea, the amount of flavonoids compared to a “drop” is much less clear. It’s best to start small and work your way up, seeing if there is any effect along the way.

3. Valerian Root Tea
Valerian root is unique, in that while it is not designed for anxiety, many people find that the calming nature of valerian is extremely effective for soothing anxiety symptoms. Valerian’s traditional use is as a sleep aid. Many people use valerian root to help them get to sleep when they’re suffering from insomnia.
But those same calming properties may have an effect on anxiety as well. In this case, valerian is dealing with anxiety symptoms directly, not the anxiety itself. Valerian root should be taken carefully until you know how it affects you. The tea should be taken at night at first to see if it helps aid your sleep. If you decide it is providing you with the effects you’d hoped for, try taking it during the day, but make sure that you avoid driving until you know how fatigued it makes you feel.

4. St. John’s Wort
The St. John’s wort plant has yellow flowers and is considered to be a weed throughout most of the United States. It has been used for medical purposes in other parts of the world for thousands of years. Today, St. John’s wort is continually being studied to try to validate its alleged mood-improving benefits.
Many studies have been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of St. John’s wort. Some studies have suggested benefit, but other studies have not. While the true benefits of St. John’s wort are still being explored, if you do choose to use it, be sure to learn all you can and check with your doctor before taking it. St. John’s wort can interact with other medicines or supplements you may be taking and may have side effects.

5. Chamomile 
A study in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology shows that patients who received chamomile treatment experienced a significant change in the severity of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) symptoms. The herb has been used to calm nerves, decrease indigestion and calm the stomach. Steep 1 tablespoon of dried chamomile in a cup of boiling water, three times a day for about two months.
Chamomile has been used as a traditional medicine for thousands of years to calm anxiety and settle stomachs. In the U.S., chamomile is best known as an ingredient in herbal tea. 

6. Peppermint 
Peppermint has several medicinal qualities. In addition to helping to calm anxiety, (mostly associated with other issues like depression), peppermint is also known to help relieve symptoms associated with the common cold, upset stomach, skin irritations, indigestion and headaches. To drink in a tea, combine 1 cup of boiling water and 1 teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves and let it steep for 10 minutes. You can drink peppermint tea about four or five times a day (between meals). However, it’s a good idea to check with a doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

7. Lemon Balm 
Lemon balm has been used to help reduce stress and anxiety, as well as increase appetite, improve sleep, heal wounds, ease pain, treat stings and other insect bites. The herb is commonly combined with other herbs, such as chamomile, to help calm nerves. Steep about a quarter to 1 teaspoon of dried lemon balm in hot water up to four times a day.

Source: CalmClinic & eHow Food 

Categories
Tid Bits

Damn! Just When You Thought It Was Safe To Eat Healthy

“FEEL GOOD about what’s in this bottle. Our Vanilla Chai Tea is a smooth blend of brewed green tea, heart healthy soy portein, chai spices and a hint of vanilla flavor — it’s as nutritious as it is delicious!”
Delicious, but misleading.
Bolthouse Vanilla-Chai Nutrition-Panel

Let’s face it; hundreds of multi-million dollar food corporations will go out of business if even just a quarter of Americans were to suddenly decide to eat more conscientiously in regards to their good health. Eliminating foods and beverages with added sugar, salt or artificial coloring. No flavoring agents, emulsifiers, stabilizers or thickeners. No GMOs, MSG, BHA or BHT, whatever that is!

A health conscious friend of mine brought Bolthouse Farms Vanilla Chai Tea beverage to my attention. Just one taste of the drink and I fell in love. Without reading the label (I trusted that my friend had looked it over and give it his seal of approval–wrong lol!) I began chug-a-lugging the drink in short intervals, intending to have the drink as my lunch while I sat at my desk at work. After the relishing in the euphoria from the rich, creamy, vanilla-y smoothiness, I came crashing down off my high 10 minutes later. Then I got a slight headache and was a little light-headed. Checked the bottle and saw the reason: a serving size of 8 ounces of the drink garnered you 26 grams of sugar. I did the math (not quickly, because my head was still a bit foggy): 1 teaspoon of sugar is about 4 grams…. so 26 grams means 6.5 teaspoons of sugar in a 1 cup serving!

And the list of ingredients didn’t make me feel any better:

“Soymilk from concentrate (water, soymilk concentrate), cane sugar, soy protein isolate, natural flavor, acacia gum, calcium (tricalcium phosphate) carrageenan, salt, vitamin C (ascorbic acid) Magnesium (magnesium oxide), green tea (water, green tea extract, vitamin B6 (pyridozine HCL), zinc (zinc sulfate), iron (ferrous lactate, vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)”…and the green tea (the healthy junk) was actually the 11th list!

I understand that without this toxic mix of chemicals in our foods, by the time our favorite products leave their respective packaging plants and make their way to our neighborhood grocer’s freezer, they’d resemble for the most part, squirming maggots on a corpse.  Did you know that there are approximately 3,000 food additives that are classified into six major categories?:

1. Nutritional supplements

Many foods are fortified with vitamins and minerals. The primary reason for this practice is to replace nutrients lost during processing and to prevent deficiency diseases. Some of the common fortifications are: vitamin D in milk, vitamin A in margarine, iron and B vitamins in breads, and iodine in table salt.

2. Preservatives

The safe-use period of many foods is greatly extended through the addition of preservatives, which retard spoilage, preserve flavor and color and keep oils from turning rancid. Preservatives protect foods, such as cured meats, from developing dangerous toxins, such as botulism, a food poisoning illness.

3. Flavoring agents

These are the most commonly used additives. Some, such as monosodium glutamate (MSG), are used to enhance flavor. Others, like chemical concentrates of a flavor such as strawberry, are used to boost flavor. Flavorings are often used when a natural flavoring is unavailable or too expensive to use in a particular commercial product.

4. Coloring agents

These additives are used strictly to make foods more attractive to the consumer. Even some fruits, like oranges, have color added to their skins to make their color match the expectations of consumers.

5. Emulsifiers, stabilizers, and thickeners

A large variety of products from this category are used to improve the texture and consistency of foods. Emulsifiers are commonly used to keep ingredients from separating in sauces and salad dressings. Lecithin, gelatin and pectin are commonly used natural emulsifiers.

6. Acids and alkalis

These additives are used to neutralize the acidity or alkalinity of certain foods. Citric acid, for instance, might be used to add tartness to certain foods.

The best advise is the obvious one; read, moderate intake and outright abstani! Our good health is our own business it seems. Food companies have their own bottom line and we are no where near it.

Here’s to Your Good Health! (however you attain it.)

h/t  Food additive listing: Publix

 

 

Categories
Politics

18 Amazing Facts About The Human Body


Researched and produced by Advanced Physical Medicine – Chicago Bucktown Physical Therapy..
Categories
Abortion Tid Bits United States

A Few Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Abortions

Just a few things you may not have known about the women who have abortions.

  • Almost 1 out of every 3 women in the United States will have an abortion before age 45
  • Most women having an abortion are in their 20’s
  • 6 out of 10 women having an abortion already have children. And they site the need to care for their children as the primary reason not to have another child.
  • 3 out of 4 women who have abortions describe themselves as religiously affiliated
  • Catholics have abortions at about the same rate of other women overall
  • In 2008, more than 4 in 10 abortion patients had income below the federal poverty line
  • White women account for 1 out of 3 abortions, more than any other group

The video below explains

Categories
Politics United States young

The Young, The Poor, The Blacks And The Stupid

As we near the time for the gathering of soothe sayers, spin doctors and corporate-made shills to throw their hats in the ring for the circus of illusions that the 2012 presidential elections promises to be, I’m reminded of a technique commonly used in marketing. The target consumer’s tendencies, mood and environment are studied and well-known by those merchants whose livelihood depends upon consumers viewing their products favorably. Careful consideration of wording, colors, slogans and exterior design of packaging is taken to ensure that the product is not only noticed, but that the product and its insignia or logo is remembered.

There will be jingles, there will be catchy phrases and celebrities who speak on behalf of a product that may or may not be beneficial to the consumer. If our favorite reality show star is the spokesperson for a brightly packaged processed meat product, it may just slip past us as to how much unhealthy sodium and fat content is inside the beautifully designed package.

And so it is with our political leaders. Not a hair out-of-place. Teeth freshly installed for the occasion. Talking points memorized and ready…or for one poor soul copied onto the palm of her hands. Every couple of years locally and every four years nationally, we are presented with the same warmed over, refurbished campaign rhetoric in a different suit.

Fellow Americans, we have been studied well.

The architects of this illusion we have of participation in the direction of this great nation, know us better than we know ourselves. Figuratively speaking, the political saturated fats and artificial ingredients will be disguised as organically grown, sun-kissed health food, just as sure as the marionettes of the super wealthy disguised as public servants, will be packaged to appear as if they actually have answers. The sincere and well-meaning political leaders who serve faithfully their duties are like a faint background noise in comparison to the cartoonish officials that get media play.

So as the political circus of campaign 2012 begins be careful what you consume, the contents may not be as beautiful as its wrapping.

In the words of  an R.J. Reynolds tobacco company executive “WE DONT SMOKE THAT SHIT, WE JUST SELL IT. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO SMOKE TO THE YOUNG, THE POOR THE BLACK AND STUPID”. You do the math.

Son of Man

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