Facts About Fluoride

What you may want to know about fluoride, but hadn't heard before!

1. 97% of western Europe has chosen fluoride-free water



2. Fluoride is the only chemical added to drinking water for the purpose of medication (to prevent tooth decay



3. Contrary to previous belief, fluoride has minimal benefit when swallowed



4. Fluoridated water is no longer recommended for babies



5. There are better ways of delivering fluoride than adding it to water



6. Ingestion of fluoride has little benefit, but many risks



7. The industrial chemicals used to fluoridate water may present unique health risks not found with naturally-occurring fluoride complexes



8. Water fluoridation’s benefits to teeth have been exaggerated



9. Fluoridation poses added burden and risk to low-income communities



10. Due to other sources, many people are being over-exposed to fluoride

For more information about each of these items listed see Facts About Fluoride article.

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What Color Is Your Diet?

COLOR GUIDE FOR YOUR FOOD BENEFITS

Dr. David Heber, of the UCLA Center for Human Nutrition recommends a diet with fruits and vegetables across the spectrum of color. Heber, author of "What Color is Your Diet?" says Americans do not receive enough fruits and vegetables in their diets. He believes a category system he created would make it easier to consume the proper amount and types of vitamins needed in diets.

RED GROUP: (tomatoes, can of V8 juice, pink grapefruit, watermelon) These contain the carotenoid lycopene, which helps rid the body of free radicals that damage genes. Lycopene seems to protect against prostate cancer as well as heart and lung disease. Processed juices contain a lot of the beneficial ingredients. One glass of tomato juice gives you 50 percent of the recommended lycopene.

Yellow/Green Group (spinach greens, collard greens, mustard greens, turnip greens, yellow corn, green peas, avocado, honeydew melon) These are sources of the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin. These are believed to reduce the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Lutein is a yellow-green substance that concentrates in the back of your eye. It may also reduce atherosclerosis.

Orange Group (carrots, mangos, apricots, cantaloupes, pumpkin, acorn squash, winter squash, sweet potatoes) These contain alpha carotene, which protects against cancer. They also contain beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A.

It protects the skin against free-radical damage and helps repair damaged DNA. Beta-carotene is also good for night vision. It's important to note that these beneficial nutrients can be received from other foods, too. For instance vitamin is found in dairy products and meat. But it's not as beneficial because you get high calories and fat along with it.

Orange/Yellow Group (pineapple, orange juice, oranges, tangerines, peaches, papayas, nectarines) These contain beta cryptothanxin, which helps cells in the body communicate and may help prevent heart disease. Also, an orange contains 170 percent of the recommended daily vitamin C. It's interesting to note that the skin of an orange is high in a protective fat that has been found to kill cancer cells in humans and animals, which highlights the fact that two-thirds of all drugs come from the plant world.

Red/Purple Group (beets, eggplant, purple grapes, red wine, grape juice, prunes, cranberries, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, red apples) These are loaded with powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins believed to protect against heart disease by preventing blood clots. They may also delay the aging of cells in the body. There is some evidence they may help delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease.

Green Group (broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, Chinese cabbage or bok choi, kale)
These contain the chemicals sulforaphane and isocyanate and they also contain indoles, all of which help ward off cancer by inhibiting carcinogens. It's a fact that ten percent of the population - doesn't like broccoli. But it is important in diets because of the beneficial chemicals it contains.

White/Green Group (leeks, scallions, garlic, onions, celery, pears, white wine, endive, chives) The onion family contains allicin, which has antitumor properties. Other foods in this group contain antioxidant flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol.

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Aspartame Resources

ALL YOU WANTED TO KNOW AND PROBABLY MORE:

Here is a short and sweet resource list on the topic of Aspartame.

• Sweet Misery Video Link
  Time: 1 Hour, 30 Minutes
  Here is a great video on this topic, which details much of the history of this infamous sweetner and the damage it is causing. It is quit long, but if you have not viewed it, make sure you find the time to do so. It could help you avoid some major health challenges down the line.
  


• Dr. Janet Starr Hull
  Her website has a lot of information and it a great resource on this topic. In 1991, Dr. Hull had an unexpected change in career after she was diagnosed with “incurable” Grave’s Disease. Through diligent research and her thorough understanding of toxicity, she later discovered her “Grave’s Disease” was actually aspartame poisoning. She has since worked to inform consumers about the health dangers of artificial sweeteners.
  


• Mission Possible/DORway
  Mission Possible is an Atlanta, Georgia-based organization founded and run by Mrs. Betty Martini. Since 1993 Martini has worked ceaselessly to spread the word that aspartame is a toxic poison unfit for human consumption … a slow neurotoxin that is especially bad for diabetics. Many of the letters, news releases, and messages she has initiated and assembled can be found here at DORway, to be downloaded and disseminated as you see fit.
  
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Three Numbers You Need to Know for Your Health

WHAT IS YOUR FRUIT TELLING YOU?

I have posted this information before in a longer post that may easily get overlooked. I feel this is so important, I'm am putting it in again, but just this one piece.

It is simple. It is basic. It is empowering. Yet it is not advertised. It is not placed in areas of prominence. Very few people I know are aware of this. Even alternative health practitioner's who I would think have come across this information.

Here are the THREE IMPORTANT NUMBERS you should know when going to the grocery store:

FRUIT LABELS:
The numbers on a fruit label actually have a meaning, and one that you want to know about.

If the first number is a 4 then it is an conventionally grown product
EX: Banana 4011
Note: All combinations of the four-digit code beginning with the numeral "4" have been used up, so new labels beginning with the numeral "3" will also be used to designate conventionally raised produce

If the first number is an 8, then it is genetically engineered
EX: Banana 84011
Produce described a "Genetically Modified" or "Genetically Engineered" means that scientists have manipulated Mother Nature’s original design of that food item. For example: scientists moved DNA from a tomato plant that doesn’t bruise easily into another tomato plant species that produces fruit that is juicy and ripens quickly. The result is a tomato species that produces juicy fruit quickly and ships well.

If the first number is an 9, then it is an organic product
EX: Banana 94011

So next time you go grocery shopping, take a good look at the PCU lables on the fruits and veggies, you will have a better idea about what you are purchasing.


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Ten Steps to Simplify Your Day

DON'T LET YOUR STRINGS GET PULLED...
PREPARE FOR YOUR DAY!

1. Be prepared, arrive to your destination on time
2. Limit your mult-tasking to 3 things, so you don't get too scattered
3. Put space into your day to exercise your Emotional Side..tackling to many things at once will frustrate you and those around you
4. Be "present" to those you speak with, look them in the eye when talkng
5. Know what your are having for dinner, what you need, and when you will get started
6. Time slot your day, working to accomplish what you want to get done, but know that not everything on your list will get completed, and that is just fine!
7. Be realist about today's expectations based on yesterday's accomplishments
8. Start things that need to be started...procrastion can create alot more headaches
9. Set aside some time every day just for you
10. Keep working on a problem until your come to a solution, knowing frustrations in your day are not a permanent visitor.

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How to Make No Melt Suet

The birds could use a bit of help right now in finding some food. Suet is always a good choice. Here is an easy recipe for suet. Although it is a no-melt recipe, good for summer time use, it is still applicable now. It is easy, fun and it is a good activity to do with the kids.


HERE'S HOW:

1. In a large pan, melt 1 cup suet or lard and 1 cup crunchy peanut butter.


2. Take it off the stove.


3. Stir in: 2 cups "quick cook" oats, 2 cups cornmeal, and 1 cup white flour.


4. If it seems runny, add more flour.


5. Fill small plastic margarine containers about 1/2 full, cover, then freeze.


6. Remove from the suet from the containers; wrap, keep in freezer until needed.


7. Place in a suet basket or on a platform feeder and watch your birds eat it up!

TIPS:

• Buy the most inexpensive peanut butter available.


• You can add raisins, craisins, nuts, and defrosted frozen vegetables also to the batter.
  
  
  
  
  
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Preparing for Spring: Plant a Tree

HOW TO CHOOSE, PLANT AND CARE FOR TREES

Well it won't be too long before we will be crawling out of hibernation from the winter months and be bursting with the energy of spring. Ahh! the sights and smells just bring me to a happy place!.

Plan Ahead..Plant a Tree

Choose a Tree That is Right for Your Needs! Do you want more shade? Are you trying to create a barrier between you and another property or street? Are you looking for a decorative punch to add to the landscape? Do you want a fruit bearing tree? Ask your local nursery for advice on what grows best in your area.

Give Your Tree Plenty of Room! We have all seen those trees planted to closely together, making it look like you are living in a jungle. Remember your tree needs plenty of room to grow and send out its roots.

Dig the Right Size Hole! The hole you dig for your tree should be at least twice the size of the root ball. Lossen the soil an additional six to eight inches in the bottom of the hole to give the roots a better surface to dig into.

Remove Wrapping Around the Roots! Also spread those roots out as well. Place the tree in the hole, and spread the roots out again. Set the tree in the ground one or two inches deeper than it was planted in the nursery. Fill the hole with crumbed dirt mixed with good compost if you have it. Tamp the dirt firmly around the roots.

Place a Two-Inch Layer of Compost! Or peat moss on top of the planting. Water throughly.Do not fertilize the first year.

Each year as I stand in my gardens around the end of May or beginning of June, I say to myself, "Next Year, I am starting my planning early, in February, so come March, I have an idea about what I am doing." Finally, I think I am managing to follow this train of thought. Instead of flying by the seat of my pants, I am doing some garden planning this year.

What do you do? Do you have a garden? Are you into landscaping your property? Do you have any suggestions of things you have done well that work great?
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Green Living Tips

• Buy local to support the local economy and reduce transportation impacts.


• Buy goods with less packaging and/or recycled packaging.


• Buy in bulk to save money and energy.


• Buy used clothing, books and other products.


• Exchange and share tools, clothing and toys.


• Use canvas bags for all your shopping.


• Buy fair-trade products, which support local economies.


• Use non-toxic cleaning materials and organic linens.


• Go carbon neutral - investigate and buy green tags.


• Buy less. .

These suggestions provide a way for us to Vote with our Dollars. As a consumer, I sometimes forget the power I have in the decision making process. When enough of us say through our pocketbooks,(okay, for you men out there, wallets, too) "We don't want it any more", corporate America sits up quickly, with ears perked, pens poised for action, and changes start to roll. Look at the shift from conventional food to organics that has resulted because of consumer demand.

For Me Personally, I have made a conscious effort to purchase as much as I can locally, especially in the area of food. Our family has joined the local CSA to insure we have good quality, fresh produce as well as to be able to support these great young farmers.

Also I hate things that are over packaged...besides wasting resources, they are just a plain pain to open and dispose of all the wrappings. We actually do quite a bit of things on this list, but are by no means the poster family for Green Living, we still have a lot more we can do before aspiring for that position. But we do feel good about the start we have made and actively work towards doing more all the time.

What are some of the things you do to Live Green?

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10 Reasons to Throw Out Your Microwave

From the conclusions of the Swiss, Russian and German scientific clinical studies, we can no longer ignore the microwave oven sitting in our kitchens. Based on this research, we will conclude this article with the following:

1) Continually eating food processed from a microwave oven causes long term-permanent - brain damage by "shorting out" electrical impulses in the brain [de-polarizing or de-magnetizing the brain tissue].

2) The human body cannot metabolize [break down] the unknown by-products created in microwaved food.

3) Male and female hormone production is shut down and/or altered by continually eating microwaved foods.

4) The effects of microwaved food by-products are residual [long term,permanent] within the human body.

5). Minerals, vitamins, and nutrients of all microwaved food is reduced or altered so that the human body gets little or no benefit, or the human body absorbs altered compounds that cannot be broken down.

6) The minerals in vegetables are altered into cancerous free radicals when cooked in microwave ovens.

7) Microwaved foods cause stomach and intestinal cancerous growths[tumors]. This may explain the rapidly increased rate of colon cancer in America.

8) The prolonged eating of microwaved foods causes cancerous cells to increase in human blood.

9) Continual ingestion of microwaved food causes immune system deficiencies through lymph gland and blood serum alterations.

10). Eating microwaved food causes loss of memory, concentration, emotional instability, and a decrease of intelligence.

On a Personal Note: I have to confess, I have not thrown my microwave out. It is a built in one, which would leave a gapping hole that would sit uncorrected for more years than I would care to look at it.


But on the other hand, my husband and I do not use it and we try to encourage our teenage daughters not to use it. This is a challenge. They want instant results, part of the culture. But I have noticed they are beginning to follow our example. Instead of cooking something in the microwave, at times I will see them pulling out a pot and doing it the old fashion way---on top of the stove. It is a work in progress!

Source: The Hidden Hazards of Microwave Cooking

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Sea Veggies from Neptune's Garden

SEAWEED AND ITS BENEFITS:
When I think of getting my veggies in, I think about my garden, our trips to the CSA, and the store to make my selections. I never really think about the vegetables from the sea---SEAWEED, but I should.

Someday I am going to really enjoy these little creatures, but for right now I am content to use seaweed in my baths and detox programs, until I work my way up to eating them. But for those of you that are interested, check out the list of seaweed and its health benefits.

BENEFITS OF A DIET CONTAINING SEAWEED
Fat free
Low in calories
Rich source of minerals (calcium and phosphorous and are extremely high in magnesium iron, iodine and sodium
Contains vitamins A, B1, C and E, as well as protein and carbohydrates
Can remove radioactive strontium and other heavy metals from our bodies

TYPES OF SEAWEED
Brown Seaweed:
"Chemists in Japan have found that brown seaweed, a flavor component used in many Asian soups and salads, contains a compound that appears in animal studies to promote weight loss by reducing the accumulation of fat. Called fucoxanthin, the compound achieved a 5 percent to 10 percent weight reduction in test animals and could be developed into a natural extract or drug to help fight obesity, the researchers say." Science Daily, 9/06

Arame - A Japanese sea vegetable, with a mild flavor, arame is dried and cut into thin strands, it can be added to soups or served as a vegetable side dish.

Hijiki - Found primarily in the Far East, contains the most calcium of any of the sea vegetables, 1400mg/100gr dry weight (compared to milk with 100mg/100gr.) In its natural state it is very tough; after harvesting it is dried, steamed and dried some more. When cooked, it rehydrates and expands about five times its dry volume.

Kelp - This sea vegetable grows mainly in the north along the Pacific and Atlantic coastlines. The name kelp is European in origin and originally referred to the ash derived from burning brown algae, which was used to produce soap and glass. Most often dried and sold whole, granulated or powdered. It can be sprinkled on foods as a condiment, or whole kelp adds a nice touch to salads or it can be used as a wrap for a variety of fillings.

Kombu - Kombu can be used for soup stock or added to the bottom of a pot of rice or vegetables to help them keep from sticking; added to a pot of beans, kombu helps them cook faster and renders them more digestible due to the high mineral content.

Wakame & Alaria - These seaweeds are similar in characteristics but differ in their habitats. Wakame is collected in the cold waters off the island of Hokaido, Japan and alaria is harvested in North America. Wakame is a good source of protein, iron, calcium, sodium & other minerals and vitamins. Alaria is high in vitamin K and the B-vitamins as well as the minerals iodine and bromine.

Red Seaweed:
Agar-Agar - This is a versatile, tasty gel that will set at room temperature. Its been used for centuries in the home as a mild laxative and as a basic ingredient in a Japanese dessert, kanten. Agar-agar is rich in iodine and trace elements.

Irish Moss - Irish Moss is most often used dried in relishes, breads, soups or fritters. Many people snack on this dried dulse straight out of the bag.

Nori - Unlike other sea vegetables that are collected wild, Japanese nori is cultivated. In Ireland, it is known as sloke and in Scotland and Wales as laver. Gaelic people have long made flat breads from flour and nori, known as laver bread. Its most prominent use is as the wrapping for sushi, although it can be cut into strips, lightly toasted and used as a garnish as well. It is exceptionally high in vitamin A and protein.

Personally, I don't like sushi because of the seaweed wraps. I will use Dulse granules to sprinkle over my food. I have tried Kombu --couldn't get it down. But on the other hand, I buy alot of seaweed, grind it into flakes or a powdery state, then blend it with epsom salts, baking soda, sea salts, and a variety of herbs. I then place this mixture into these very cool, large teabags I found online. You fill the bag, then seal it with an iron. The contents stay contained within the teabag, not creating a mess. Toss one of these into a hot tub to soak or a foot bath, and you reap wonderful benefits of detoxing. For me, that is my first step into the world of sea veggies, as I'm not sure I will ever be able to really like or even tolerate the taste in food.

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