Here’s How to Identify Rice That Contains Plastic!

The largest producer of rice in the world is China, with more than 200 tons of rice annually, but the rice is extremely harmful due to the plastic content, as reported by Korean Times.
This report indicates that the Chinese rice companies sell fake rice made out of plastic and potato starch, steamed with rice aroma. This rice is then mixed with the organic one to mislead the customers.
This triggered a further investigation with the goal to discover whether these claims are true, and unfortunately, the findings were shocking!
The Chinese rice contained as much plastic as a little plastic bag. Yet, there are some differences between the two types which can help you spot the artificial one, such as:
Test 1: Water
Pour a tablespoon of the rice in a glass full of water. If the rice falls to the bottom, it is organic.
Test 2: Fire
Light a few rice kernels, and if they do not burn, they are organic. While the opposite case will indicate that the rice is fake.
Test 3: Mortar and pestle
Crush several rice grains, and if organic, the rice will become a white powder, and if you notice yellow stains, it is artificial.
Test 4: Mold
Cook some rice in water and transfer it to a plastic container. Leave it in a sunny spot for a few days, and if you notice mold afterward, it is organic.
These tests are simple and easy but will help you protect your health and detect the origin of the rice you intend to consume.

Source: www.healthylifevision.com


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Redskins Cheerleader Crippled From Flu Shot. Dystonia ( Disease)

Experts claim serious side effects of flu shots amount to about one in a million. This is that one... A girl got a swine flu shot and ended up with a disease that crippled her and is unable to walk forward nor is she able to talk.





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Low Vitamin D Linked to Frequent Headaches!

Credit: Man with a headache photo via Shutterstock

Men who have low levels of vitamin D may be at increased risk for frequent headaches, a new study from Finland suggests.

The study analyzed information from about 2,600 Finnish men ages 42 to 60 who gave blood samples and answered questions about the frequency of their headaches. The men were originally part of a study on risk factors for heart disease, and were assessed in the years 1984 to 1989.
Nearly 70 percent of the men in the study had blood vitamin D levels below 20 nanograms per milliliter (50 nanomoles per liter), which is generally considered the threshold for vitamin D deficiency. Low vitamin D levels are a particular concern in Finland and other Nordic countries, because these countries are farther north and have less exposure to sunlight, which the body needs to make vitamin D, the researchers said. [9 Good Sources of Disease-Fighter Vitamin D]

On average, men with frequent headaches — occurring at least once a week — had vitamin D levels of 15.3 ng/ml (38.3 nmol/L), compared to 17.6 ng/ml (43.9 nmol/L) among those men without frequent headaches. (In the United States, vitamin D levels are usually reported in ng/ml, while in other parts of the world, they are reported in nmol/L.)
Men with the lowest vitamin D levels (below 11.6 ng/ml or 28.9 nmol/L) were about twice as likely to have frequent headaches, compared to men with the highest vitamin D levels (above 22 ng/ml or 55 nmol/L.)
The study adds to a growing body of evidence linking low vitamin D levels to an increased risk of certain diseases and conditions, including headaches. The new study is one of the largest to look at the link between vitamin D and headaches, the researchers said.
However, the study was conducted at a single point in time, so the researchers cannot tell which came first, the low vitamin D levels or headaches, the scientists said. It's possible that people with frequent headaches may be less likely to spend time outside, and so they have less exposure to sunlight, the researchers said. However, this explanation may be less likely in Finland, where people overall have less exposure to sunlight, the researchers said.

In addition, because the study involved only men, it's not clear if the findings also apply to women, the scientists said.
Future studies are needed to see if vitamin D supplements may prevent or treat frequent headaches, the researchers said. The study was published online yesterday (Jan. 3) in the journal Scientific Reports.

Original article on Live Science.


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Poor Quality Olive Oil Companies Revealed – The Brands To Avoid!

 

Olive oil is one the most widely used oils around the world, and said to be one of the healthiest. It is also, unfortunately, one of the most susceptible to fraud.
An investigation into the quality of olive oil revealed that seven of the major olive oil brands in the U.S. have been diluting their oil with cheaper alternatives like sunflower or canola to increase profits — at the cost of our health.

These lower quality vegetable oils can cause a number of adverse health effects and can often be genetically modified or pesticide laden.
Olive oil is a wonderful, healthy food and can be used effectively as a natural beauty product for skin and hair.  It contains healthy fats, tastes great, and works in a variety of recipes. But, it is also big business. A few cases have shed light on the sophisticated international ring of criminality that currently plagues the industry.

Corrupted Industry 

For example, in 2008 over 400 Italian police officers participated in a major sting referred to as  “Operation Golden Oil.” They seized 85 oil farms that were adding chlorophyll to sunflower and canola oil and selling it as ‘extra virgin olive oil.’ The oil was mixed, perfumed, coloured, and then flavoured before being sold to the producer as extra virgin.
After this case, Australia took a much closer took into its olive oil producers and found that none of their products were pure. They did not issue any certificates that year. This and other olive oil scams prompted the University of California to carry out studies on 124 imported brands of extra virgin olive oil. Sadly, they found that over 70% of the samples failed the test. Some of these brands I have no doubt you will recognize.

Get Real Olive Oil

One way to protect yourself from buying ‘fake’ olive oil is to avoid ‘light’ olive oil. Californian, Australian, and Spanish oils seem to be less tampered with than Italian oils, but if you find one with the International Olive Oil Council certification, it’s probably a safe bet. Do your own research as well. Find a reputable company or source and buy small bottles from them.
Fortunately, there is an easy way to test the purity of your olive oil at home. Simply put your bottle in the fridge for about 30 minutes and then check if the oil is starting to solidify. If it does, that’s a good sign that the oil you purchased contains exactly what it should, which is monounsaturated fat. Should the oil remain liquid, you can be reasonably sure it has been cut with cheaper oils. This test isn’t perfect, but it’s a good place to start if you are unsure about the quality of your oil.

Sneaky, Sneaky…

As someone who uses olive oil regularly and knows what a staple it is in many people’s kitchens, this news horrifies me. I really hope that raising awareness of this corruption will force food manufacturers into more honest and ethical business practices.
We deserve to know what we’re buying and to trust that labels are presenting an honest picture. Not only are they taking our dollars under false pretences, they are also putting our health at risk. Who knows what chemicals are being used to make cheap oils look like olive oil, or how those chemicals will impact us?

 Brands That Failed the Test:

• Pompeian
• Bertolli
• Colavita
• Star
• Sasso
• Antica Badia
• Primadonna
• Carapelli
• Mazola
• Felippo Berio
• Safeway
• Whole Foods
• Carapelli
• Coricelli
• Mezzetta

 Brands That Passed the Test:

• Corto Olive
• Ottavio
• Omaggio
• Bariani Olive Oil
• Lucini
• Kirkland Organic
• Lucero
• Olea Estates
• McEvoy Ranch Organic
• Cobram Estate
• California Olive Ranch

Alternatives Approaches

To begin with, you could start by cutting back on your use of oils in general. But even then, you’ll want to avoid the oils listed above. There are also certain types of cookware you can buy that require no oil, and often you can just use water to sauté vegetables. But there will still be times when you need to use oil, and in those instances, try some of these healthier alternatives.
Coconut oil is great to cook with. It has a high smoke point and does not turn rancid while cooking like many other popular cooking oils. If you fear that all of your food will taste like coconut, you can always get expeller-pressed coconut oil, which has no taste or smell. Coconut oil is solid at room temperature so can be a great spread for toast, muffins, or other savoury items as well.
It’s also important to note, olive oil is somewhat controversial when it comes to cooking. Many claim it should only be eaten raw in cold-pressed form, but there are even more people, particularly from the Mediterranean, who have been cooking with it for centuries. What’s the reason for the doubt?
Evidence has shown that olive oil has a very low smoke point, which means the oil does go rancid when heated past a certain point. This is said to be bad for health, although not everyone agrees on this fact. Definitely something to research for yourself to see what resonates with you.
So remember, if you aren’t careful to check the labels in store, you could end up with a bottle of canola oil that has a splash of olive oil in it. To be safe, consume this oil as salad dressing and as a drizzle after your food has cooked.

http://www.collective-evolution.com/2017/01/05/poor-quality-olive-oil-companies-revealed-the-brands-to-avoid/

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This is What Happens to Your Body 10 Hours After Putting on Nail Polish!

Nail polish can seriously affect our heath, and a recent study has shown that many of the most popular American nail polish brands are actually the extremely harmful.
The study involved 24 women and experts evaluated the effects of the chemical toxins in their bodies. The source of these chemicals was nail polish.
All of the participants were found to have signs of triphenyl phosphate in the body only 10 hours after applying nail polish.
The same researchers, in a follow-up study, evaluated 10 different nail polishes for triphenyl phosphate and found it in 8 of them.
What’s more, two of these 8 did not even list the presence of the chemical on the label. Therefore, 20% of nail polishes we purchase have a harmful chemical that is not listed on the label.
Triphenyl phosphate (or TPHP) is a dangerous chemical that disrupts the humans’ endocrine system, which controls all our hormones. According to the lead researcher of the study, Dr. Heather Stapleton, “There is growing evidence suggesting that TPHP may affect hormone regulation, metabolism, reproduction, and development.”
Hence, his is extremely alarming for young girls who use nail polish on a daily basis and the healthy hormonal development is vital for their growth. TPHP  is a known:

• Neurotoxin (causes developmental effects)
• Reproductive Toxin
• Skin irritant and allergen
• Endocrine Toxin

Nail polish contains other harmful ingredients as well, such as:
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a popular carcinogen which dissolves in water and air. It leads to asthma, scratchy throat, and difficulty breathing. Individuals suffering from some chronic diseases are especially prone to poisoning from formaldehyde.
Dibutyl Phthalate
This chemical poses the similar risks as TPHP, as it disrupts the hormonal balance and contains reproductive system toxins.
Toluene
Toluene impedes the development in children and irritates skin.
Yet, there are some natural nail polish alternatives you can use in order to prevent these effects and help you avoid allergies, cancer, and hormone disruption.
These are the best of them:
-Acquarella offers more than 50 polish colors, which are all water-based, meaning that you can remove them effortlessly with standard rubbing alcohol, and don’t contain any of these harmful ingredients like formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate, mercury, or wheat products.
-Peacekeeper Cause-Metics offers bright nail polishes, which do not contain toxins and are infused with argan oil, which moisturizes your nails.
-SpaRitual is a completely vegan brand that produces toxin-free nail polishes.
-Honeybee Gardens offers nail polishes in various colors, which are water-based, and are free of carcinogens and harmful chemicals.
Make sure you always choose health-conscious nail polishes in order to protect your wellbeing and avoid the side-effects of regular nail polish brands.

Sources:
dailyhealthpost.com
www.healthy-holistic-living.com


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Coconut Oil Pulling (All You Need to Know)!

Oil pulling is one of those natural remedies that gets mixed reviews by some health professionals. The fear is that people will try to replace regular tooth brushing with oil pulling. Or that they will do oil pulling wrong and not remove the bacteria from the mouth.
When done properly and part of a healthy oral hygiene routine, oil pulling can be highly advantageous. This is especially the case when it comes to coconut oil pulling. Yes, pulling with coconut oil is much better than pulling with any other type of oil.
Just how do you gain from this and what exactly does it involve? When I first heard about it I was a little unsure, but I’ve found it beneficially and easy to do. It takes time but it’s worth it for a healthier mouth that’s cavity free.
Here’s all you need to know about coconut oil pulling to see if it’s beneficial for you and something to add to your oral hygiene routine.

What Exactly Is Oil Pulling for a Start?

I know the biggest question you likely have is what oil pulling is. It’s not the most self-explanatory names in the world.
It involves pulling the coconut oil around your mouth. You swish it around your mouth like mouthwash, but much slower. The aim is to get the oil right into the crevices of your mouth and between your teeth, in ways that mouthwash usually doesn’t work.
This works with your regular tooth brushing habits. You do it after the actual cleansing to help remove the remaining bacteria and plaque from your mouth.
But isn’t this disgusting? I know the idea of swishing oil around your mouth will sound quiet disgusting at first. I was a little unsure about it. Coconut oil is beneficial because of the slightly coconut taste. There’s something about it that can help you forget about the idea of putting oil in your mouth. You’ll also gain other health benefits using coconut oil specifically.

How Does Coconut Oil Pulling Help Your Oral Health?

Let’s start with the benefit of oil pulling on the oral health. The oil attracts bacteria to it, so when you spit the oil out (yes, you get rid of it), you will get rid of the bacteria in the mouth at the same time.
Oil pulling slowly means that you also force plaque, food particles, and acid out of the mouth. They all end up in the sink, so your teeth and gums aren’t affected by them.
Bacteria and acid can hide in crevices in the mouth. Some of the most common places include the tongue and cheeks, but the oil will pull it all out. The liquid can get right into the crevices in the way that a toothbrush can’t.
Coconut oil has the added advantage of being antibacterial. Not only is the bacteria pulled out of the mouth, but it is killed at the same time. Even if you don’t manage to get every single bit of bacteria out, it will be killed off so it can’t grow at a later stage. Chances are you won’t have bacteria left over though anyway, especially if you oil pull properly.
There are also antifungal properties to coconut oil. Mouth thrush is more common than we like to admit. It’s especially a problem in those who take antibiotics and other medication on a regular basis. The coconut oil will help to fight against the fungal growth, getting rid of any type of infection in the mouth.

Of course, you can get the coconut oil to the back of the throat. This is another place for a lot of bacteria to grow and be left untouched. After all, we don’t always want to use mouthwash, and some dentists have started recommending against mouthwash for the health of the overall mouth. Bacteria left to grow doesn’t just cause infections and tooth problems. It leads to bad breath, especially in a dry mouth. The oil pulling helps to prevent the bacteria growing, so bad breath is no longer an issue.
And then there are the financial benefits. Coconut oil is an affordable option. In most cases, it will cost the same price as a bottle of regular oil for an amount that will last a month at the very least. This is so much cheaper than mouthwash, whether regular or with added antibacterial properties. You’ll save money in the long term.
Let’s also remember that bacteria have grown resistant to many antibiotics. Bacteria haven’t grown resistant to the natural antibacterial properties of coconut oil. So, while your mouthwash is likely doing nothing, your coconut oil will continue to work.

Making It Easier to Absorb Nutrients

Coconut oil is full of many other nutrients. You’ll get vitamins and minerals that you’ll find hard to get in your food, especially if you don’t have the healthiest of diets yet.

But what about absorbing those nutrients? Well, coconut oil makes that easier too. The first is that you’re absorbing them in liquid form in your mouth. Your tongue and cheeks make it extremely easy to get things into the bloodstream. This can work to your advantage when it comes to nutrient absorption since the nutrients will get straight through your cheeks and tongue into your body.
At the same time, you’re removing plenty of toxins from the body. No, bacteria aren’t the only problem within the mouth. Toxins appear from various foods and drinks, including junk food and alcohol. Toxins prevent the body from being able to absorb a number of nutrients it really needs from the food and drink that you have. When you remove the toxins, your body has a better benefit. You’re instantly creating a more welcoming space through the coconut oil pulling.
It’s also worth pointing out that coconut oil has anti-inflammatory benefits. Why is this so important? Well, inflammation makes it easier for bacteria to grow and hide and stops the body from absorbing nutrients. Inflammation can also cause extreme pain for seemingly no reason since the nerves have extra pressure on them than you can’t see.
With coconut oil, you will reduce your chances of mouth and tooth pain since you reduce the inflammation. You’re also helping other processes take place and improving blood flow in your mouth to create a healthier space.

Getting Started with Coconut Oil Pulling

Now that you know all the health benefits and what oil is pulling means, it’s time to find out how to do it. This will be one of the easiest things you add to your life. The downside is that it will take time.
Most professionals and herbal remedy fans recommend oil pulling for 20 minutes. This can seem like a long time, and it’s not the easiest for a beginner to start doing. When you are starting out, it’s best to do it for around 5 minutes until you get used to the taste and the sensation. You’ve got a spare 5 minutes in your day, right?
You can do this right after tooth brushing. Try not to do it in place of tooth brushing. The oil won’t replace all the benefits of your toothpaste and toothbrush. It’s a complimentary addition to your oral hygiene routine and is more for replacing your mouthwash with.
If you can’t do it right after your tooth brushing routine, then find another 5 minutes in your day to do it. You could opt for taking a small amount to work to do on a break or opt for it on a night before you go to bed. You only need to do it once a day at first and can build up to two or three times a day if you really want.
When you get used to the taste and texture of coconut oil in the mouth, you can then build your time up in 5-minute intervals. You don’t need to do it for longer than 20 minutes. Try cooking breakfast or making your filtered coffee while you’re swishing the coconut oil around your mouth. You can also get dressed to help avoid running out of time in your day.
The morning is the best time to do your oil pulling. Dentists say that this is when the most harmful bacteria are in your mouth. During the night, the body doesn’t produce as much saliva, which naturally gets rid of bacteria and acid from the mouth. You are more likely to have bad breath, and the process of decay can start to happen. By oil pulling in the morning, you stop the bacteria growth before it has a chance to get too bad.

How Much Coconut Oil Should You Use?

You don’t need a large amount of coconut oil to gain all the benefits. Start with just a tablespoon of the oil at first and then work your way up to two tablespoons. Yes, two tablespoons are the maximum you will need daily! Does that really sound that hard?
If you find you can only manage one tablespoon at a time, that’s not a problem. The benefit is getting some coconut oil in your mouth daily. You can always do it twice a day, so you end up with two tablespoons throughout the day.
You’ll want to keep the swishing slow. This helps to keep all the coconut in the mouth and makes sure that the bacteria are pulled out from every little crevice in the mouth. It will be very easy to miss out on sections.

Does Oil Pulling Help with Weight Loss?

There are many debates over this benefit of coconut oil pulling. Coconut oil is one of those healthy fats that you will want to get into your diet daily. But you’re not quite swallowing the oil to be able to gain all the weight loss benefits.
One of the biggest benefits is that you are less likely to eat junk food during the day. You know that coconut oil is helping to protect your teeth and mouth. You’re removing toxins from your mouth and improving the ability to absorb nutrients in the body. These can help with weight loss, but it’s more the fact that you won’t really want to work against the benefits. You’re less likely to choose to add bad food to your diet.
All your organs will work better throughout the day. This can help with weight loss.
It is worth noting that there are no proven studies to show that coconut oil pulling is beneficial for weight loss, which is why it wasn’t included in all the other benefits.

Can You Get the Benefits from Other Oils?

For those who can’t have coconut oil for any reason—including allergies and hatred for the taste—there are other oils available. Olive oil, almond oil, seed oil, and sunflower oil have also been promoted as beneficial for oil pulling.
Yes, they can be used, but they are not as good as coconut oil. They don’t all have the same nutritious and anti-infection benefits. That doesn’t mean you lose out on everything. The oils will still work to remove the bacteria and help improve some nutrient absorption. If you can use coconut oil, it’s worth getting used to the taste of it just for the extra health benefits.

Will You Start Coconut Oil Pulling Today?

Coconut oil pulling is one of the most beneficial things you can do daily. I know how iffy it can initially seem, but there are so many ways that your health will improve. Tooth decay and gum disease have been linked to so many other health problems, so it’s so important that you stop them as much as you can.
When you start coconut, oil pulling, make sure you make it easy for yourself. Start off small and even just do it once every other day. You’ll find that you will get used to the taste and feel in your mouth. The benefits will start from the very beginning.
It only needs to be done daily to get the full benefits. 20 minutes is best, but building your way up from 5 minutes in small increments is better than nothing. You will soon wonder what you worried about in the first place when it becomes just part of your normal routine.
Yes, morning is better, but that doesn’t mean you must do it them. Try it on a night before you go to bed to help take care of the bacteria before it has a chance to grow overnight. You won’t regret it.

https://www.positivehealthwellness.com/

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New Year's Detox All Year Round!

Get Your High Quality Moringa from: http://www.ankhrah.com/shop/

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What To Do Instead of a Detox: A Gentler Way to Start The Year!

We’re just a few days into January, and already you are being assailed by messages of diet this and detox that.
And certainly, you will feel the pull. Who wouldn’t? It’s everywhere, and you feel a little food-ed out from the holiday celebrations. But. There is more than one way to handle this feeling, and I’d like to offer an alternative to self-punishment.
Instead of diving head first into group guilt, self-loathing, shame, restrictive eating, imaginative cleanses, and the inevitable backlash they breed, consider directing these vast (VAST!) amounts of time and energy and brain juice toward making peace with food and with your body.
It’s revolutionary.
I don’t believe anyone passionate enough about food to read cooking blogs — or, um, write one — has a perfectly carefree relationship to food and body image. In fact, I’ve long surmised that many of us food bloggers start their blog in part to make sense of that relationship; I know I did.
And it’s no wonder, friends. We live in profoundly body-obsessed societies that hold up impossible standards for us to beat ourselves up over. And French women, with their worldwide reputation of slim figure and effortless elegance, are in no way immune to this. I don’t remember a time, past the age of nine or ten, when I was a-okay with the way my body looked. Do you?
The obsession and its implications come in different flavors depending on the culture, but it is so profound, so internalized that few even question it.
Over the past couple of years, I have become more keenly aware of this: in the way I inhabit my own body, and in my environment, both online and offline. Body positivity and unconditional self-love* are radical ideas, and I am fully on board.
Only recently, I watched my friend Elena Rossini’s new documentary The Illusionists about the global marketing of unattainable beauty. It carries such an important, enlightening, liberating message that I wanted to share it with you, and I have five copies of it to give away (details at the bottom of this post).

The Illusionists: A documentary about the marketing of unattainable beauty around the world.

Instead of a detox, how about this

And in the spirit of being the change I want to see in the world, I offer my thoughts on detoxing, and how to brace yourself against the overwhelming message you will be receiving today, throughout the month, and year-round, that you need to fix yourself. Instead, I say:
YES to acknowledging that the holidays are (also) about the food, and that depending on your social circle and personal history, it’s likely you ate more than you needed or wanted.
YES to being okay with the imperfect choices you made.
YES to listening to your body’s cues after this period of more bountiful meals than you’re used to. YES to eating mindfully (most of the time), honoring your hunger (most of the time) and recognizing your signals of satiety (most of the time).
YES to seeking out the foods that make your tastebuds sing and make you feel full of energy (rather than virtuous or “clean”). For many and for myself, this is typically fresh, colorful, whole foods, cooked simply — i.e. 99% of the recipes around here — but do what feels right for you.
NO to measuring your self-worth by how much kale you’re eating and how many fries you’re not.
YES to finding a practice of self-knowledge that helps you process your emotions. It could be meditation, inspirational podcasts, your faith, good old therapy… the idea is to gain clarity on whatever difficulties you’re experiencing in your life. Food is never the core issue; it’s what it means for you.

OKAY to “cleanses” and “nutritional resets” ONLY IF you’re trying to untangle emotional ties to certain foods, identify food sensitivities, or troubleshoot digestive issues. Even then, proceed with caution.
NO if the cleanse or reset is just a covert, socially acceptable(ish) way to restrict your food intake or pay penance for the “bad” choices you made. Only you will know the difference, deep down.
OKAY to searching for “detox” or “clean eating” recipes online to find the kind of produce-centric and wholesome foods that make our mouths water (I’m assuming you’re with me on this, if you read this blog to begin with). NO to clicking on the ones that use images of photoshopped women in fitness wear, or promise you will lose twenty pounds and ten years from drinking that ginger water.
YES to doing a social media detox — unfollowing, unfriending, muting anyone whose highlight reel makes you feel less than, or inadequate in any way. While you’re at it, allow your subscription to lapse for any magazine that celebrates a single body type. Instead, expose yourself to images of normal people in various shapes and colors, and consider supporting such magazines as Bust or Causette.
YES to opting out of diet talk, and withholding judgment on what others eat and look like. (Like magic, you’ll stop judging yourself on what you eat and look like.) You can even form the habit of (privately) noticing something you like in anyone you come across: a scarf, a smile, a stance, a stride. It makes the day so much lovelier.
YES to moving your body in whatever way feels good and joyful (not punishing).
YES to showing up as yourself, unapologetically, unashamedly, because you are enough.
None of this is easy. Being absolutely okay with yourself is so counter-cultural! It takes time and deliberate daily efforts to undo decades of conditioning, especially when more and more of it is hammered into you every day. But it’s completely doable, and then it’s like a switch you can’t unflick. Not that you would want to: the light in here is beautiful! And we breathe so much easier!

Win a free digital copy of the documentary The Illusionists

My friend the film director Elena Rossini has shared 5 digital copies of her illuminating documentary The Illusionists for me to give away to readers of Chocolate & Zucchini, and I know you’re going to love it. For a chance to win, please enter your contact information into this form before Wednesday, January 11, midnight Paris time.
I will draw 5 names randomly and announce the winners here. There are no geographical restrictions for entering. Good luck!

Sharing, reading, listening

If this resonates with you, please share this post with a friend who you think would benefit.
And if you’d like more resources, I recommend:

• The Intuitive Eating book,
• Isabel Foxen Duke‘s blog,
• Summer Innanen and her podcast,
• Meret Boxler’s Life. Unrestricted. podcast,
• Jes Baker’s book Things No One Will Tell Fat Girls — a thought-provoking read on body positivity and weight discrimination,
• Brooke Castillo’s Life Coach School Podcast — not just on body image but on emotional adulthood (life-changing).

* If you understand the term “self-love” as romantic love, as in “Oh, I’m so passionately in love with my body”, that may feel weird, narcissistic, or unattainable. That’s not it, though. The love we’re talking about here is more like the love you have for your child, a dear friend, a sibling: profound, tender, and more important, unconditional.


http://chocolateandzucchini.com/essays/what-to-do-instead-of-a-detox/

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Gut Decision: Scientists Identify New Organ in Humans!

Dr. J. Calvin Coffey, a professor of surgery at the University of Limerick in Ireland, has concluded that the mesentery, which is a membrane found in the gut, is its own organ.

Credit: Alan Place

A mighty membrane that twists and turns through the gut is starting the new year with a new classification: the structure, called the mesentery, has been upgraded to an organ.
Scientists have known about the structure, which connects a person's small and large intestines to the abdominal wall and anchors them in place, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, until now, it was thought of as a number of distinct membranes by most scientists. Interestingly, in one of its earliest descriptions, none other than Leonardo da Vinci identified the membranes as a single structure, according to a recent review.
In the review, lead author Dr. Calvin Coffey, a professor of surgery at the University of Limerick's Graduate Entry Medical School in Ireland, and colleagues looked at past studies and literature on the mesentery. Coffey noted that throughout the 20th century, anatomy books have described the mesentery as a series of fragmented membranes; in other words, different mesenteries were associated with different parts of the intestines. [6 Strange Things the Government Knows About Your Body]
More recent studies looking at the mesentery in patients undergoing colorectal surgery and in cadavers led Coffey's team to conclude that the membrane is its own, continuous organ, according to the review, which was published in November in the journal The Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology.

What's in a name?

The reclassification of the mesentery as an organ "is relevant universally as it affects all of us," Coffey said in a statement.
By recognizing the anatomy and the structure of the mesentery, scientists can now focus on learning more about how the organ functions, Coffey said. In addition, they can also learn about diseases associated with the mesentery, he added.
"If you understand the function, you can identify abnormal function, and then you have disease," Coffey said.
The continuous nature of the mesentery, for example, may serve as a means for disease to spread from one part of the abdomen to another, according to the review.
In addition to studying disease, researchers may also look to the mesentery for new approaches to surgery, the authors said in the review.

More questions need answers

The authors noted in the review that many anatomical and other features of the mesentery still need to be described.
For instance, what body system should the mesentery be classified in? "Whether the mesentery should be viewed as part of the intestinal, vascular, endocrine, cardiovascular or immunological systems is so far unclear, as it has important roles in all of them," the authors wrote.
While many organs have distinct functions in the body, the mesentery's distinct function is still unknown, according to the review.

Originally published on Live Science.



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Self-Relaxation Technique To Reduce Stress!

Here Is How To Practice This Old Japanese Self-Relaxation Technique To Reduce Stress And Start Enjoying Your Life!




Studies have discovered a strong link between chronic stress and numerous emotional and physical disorders, like nausea, vomiting, anxiety, high blood pressure, depression, stroke, heart attack, weak immune system, as well as the development of various serious diseases.
Unfortunately, stress is common in today’s lifestyles, which raises the risk of various ailments. Therefore, if you do not find a way to manage stress and avoid further complications.
You can successfully lower stress with the help of various methods, like meditation, yoga, exercise, music, and massage. We will suggest an ancient Japanese self-relaxation technique, which provides amazing effects. You can practice it anywhere and it will take only 5 minutes of your time.
It is believed that each finger is linked to a different feeling or emotion, as follows:

• The Thumb can help you treat worry and anxiety.
• The Index finger will aid in overcoming fears.
• The Middle finger regulates feelings of bitterness and rage.
• The Ring finger treats depression and melancholy.
• The Little finger manages stress, supports optimism, and boosts self-esteem.

This is what to Do:
The goal of this technique is to create a balance of all the opposing energy forces in the body. You should grasp one finger at a time, and wrap the next finger around it. You should hold every finger for one to two fingers until you feel the pulse.
If you gently press the center of the palm with the thumb of the other hand and hold for a minute, you can bring yourself into a deeper state of relaxation.

This technique will help you relax, balance your spirit, and manage stress. The following video will provide additional information that will help you practice this technique right:

Source: www.davidwolfe.com
Reference: dailyhealthkeeper.com  



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Oregano Oil is Far More Superior Than Prescription Antibiotics, Without The Side Effects!

Unfortunately, it comes a time when our health is at great risk and we might experience horrifying consequences. Antibiotics are becoming more and more useless, and this might bring us back to the middle ages when people died from a minor infection.

The main reason for this is the overuse of antibiotics, to ourselves and the companies which produce beef, poultry, and porcine.
Numerous people are grown with the belief that antibiotics should be the ultimate solution to the illness, and that the infection or ailment can disappear on its own.
Yet, this is a mistake. On the other hand, the use of antibiotics in the case of minor infections cause 2 serious consequences, and the weakened immune system will feel the strain as antibiotics entirely indiscriminate when it comes to eliminating bacteria.

Antibiotics will kill the “good” bacteria in the gut which strengthen the immune system and boost the body’s efficiency at removing toxic metals.
Therefore, antibiotics should be used only when a doctor claims it is necessary.
In the other hand, the beef industry uses even 70% of all antibiotic use in the United States. These companies are one of the largest risks of the healthcare system.

These companies maintain that they are doing these ethically questionable and dangerous business practices for our sake. Yet, the truth is that they are only concerned to get more money.
Hence, we suggest that you decide for your own money, so make sure you replace antibiotics with natural alternatives and choose to buy only certified organic and natural meat products.

Apparently, essential oils can be of great help here. They can be used as a healthy alternative to
highly toxic cosmetics, added to most natural cleaners, and can act as natural pest controls.

According to a 2011 study, the combinations of oregano, cinnamon, and chili peppers essential oils can make most poultry resistant to infections, and much healthier than the poultry receiving the regular toxic batch. Thyme oil is extremely effective in preventing bacteria.
These oils should be a part of your home’s natural first aid kit, as they can help you prevent various infections and still not compromise the health care system.

Sources:
www.healthy-holistic-living.com
losingweightdone.com
naturalnews.com

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Top 12 Fitness Game Changers!

It’s been said that the best kind of exercise is the one you’ll stick with. So whatever you’re into, we won’t judge you (unless it’s prancercise). Rather, we want to help you do it to the best of your ability. We looked at the most popular methods guys use to get in shape, from weight training to pickup basketball, and drew up a plan to help you excel at them.

Sports

GET HOPS

If your main source of exercise is regular pickup games with your buddies, we’re going to guess that basketball is the one you play most often, given its year-round accessibility. While the tips that follow are geared primarily for increased performance on the court, boosting speed and explosiveness will change any athlete’s game for the better. These skills begin with your vertical jump.
“Do box jumps once a week,” says Jason Ferruggia, a strength coach in Los Angeles who’s worked with more than 500 athletes. Find a stable box or platform that’s challenging to jump up onto and perform three to five sets of one to three reps. Rest up to two minutes between sets. Swing your arms back to begin each rep, dip your hips, and then reverse the motions quickly and use the momentum to help propel you onto the box. Land softly (try to make your landing quiet). If you already weight train, place the box jumps at the beginning of your lower-body workout. However, “if you’re playing basketball four times per week or more, don’t bother with them,” says Ferruggia—you’re getting plenty of practice jumping as it is, and may risk injury by doing more.

PLAY YOUR HEART OUT

To build court-specific speed, sprint from baseline to half-court and then rest two minutes. Repeat for 10 to 12 total sprints. “As far as conditioning goes,” says Ferruggia, “I’ve always been a believer in playing yourself into shape.” Competing in your sport two to three times per week for at least 30 minutes should be enough to build your endurance.

GO LOW

High-top sneakers that provide extra ankle support were popular in the ’80s and ’90s but are giving way to low-tops or midrange sneakers now. “When you essentially put a cast around your ankle, the stress of running and turning gets transferred elsewhere,” says Ferruggia. Namely, your knees, hips, and lower back. Less-supportive sneakers like a Converse Chuck Taylor allow your ankles to work at stabilizing themselves.
Tip: If you already play basketball three times a week, don’t bother doing separate cardio workouts.

Running

REMEMBER THE CUES

When people stop running, it’s usually because of injury. The pounding of your joints along with repeated foot strikes will always pose risks, but maintaining good running form can keep you in the game a lot longer. “Think ‘high knees,’ ” says Lee Boyce, a trainer and track coach in Toronto. “You don’t want to shuffle along the ground. Run tall and ensure that your knees are always directing you.”
You must also avoid twisting your torso during a run. This will keep your core engaged and reduce the risk of injury to the hips and lower back. “And pay attention to your foot strike,” Boyce says. “Focus on landing on your midfoot. There should be very little friction,” as opposed to if you landed on your heel first. Finally, learn to relax. “Tension held in the face, arms, and neck is the enemy. Breathe deeply to avoid cramping.”

ATTACK YOUR WEAKNESSES

Running causes muscle tightness throughout the lower body, so you need to work on it regularly with a foam roller. Key areas to hit are the quads, hip flexors (the muscles at the top of your pelvis), and IT bands (along the sides of your thighs). Roll these parts with the foam and hold any particularly tender areas until you feel them begin to release—do this before and/or after runs.
You can also take preventive measures to protect your knees. The vastus medialis, the muscle on the inner side of your quads, acts as the main stabilizer for the knee joint. You can strengthen it with the Peterson stepup. Set up a small box or step that’s about eight inches off the floor and stand to the left of it. Bend your right knee and place the ball of your right foot on the step (heel raised). It’s OK for your knee to be in front of your toes. Extend your knee to step up onto the box as you lower your heel to the surface, but let your left foot dangle. Perform three sets of eight to 10 reps on each leg and work to raise the height of the step over time.
Lastly, run outside instead of on a treadmill whenever possible. Running on a moving belt pulls your legs behind you, doing the work that your posterior chain muscles should be taking on, and that leads to muscle imbalances, Boyce says. “Let the glutes and hams play their role.”

CHANGE TEMPO

Running is progressed by reaching a total weekly mileage. This should include runs done at different tempos, or paces. Day 1 can be a slower-paced jog for a longer distance—around five miles. The next day can be faster, where you look to complete your distance—say 2½ miles—in a shorter time. This combo wins races.
Tip: Keep your knees high, body relaxed, and focus forward when running.

Weights

GET YOUR FORM DOWN

Strength gains are mainly sabotaged by poor lifting form, according to Ben Bruno, a strength coach in North Andover, MA. The simplest way to get feedback on your form if you don’t have a qualified coach or workout partner is to film it.
Use your phone or get a video camera. You can set it up on a bench to record yourself during a set or have an onlooker hold it. “While you may think you’re doing an exercise correctly,” says Bruno, “the camera will always provide objective feedback. It’s how I originally taught myself to lift.” If you still aren’t sure if you’re doing it right, show the video to a trainer.

TAKE A BREATHER

With the increasing popularity of high-intensity workouts, like CrossFit and P90X, some have come to think of rest between sets as laziness. Nothing could be further from the truth. Rest is necessary for the body to recover ATP, the fuel source for muscle cells, and for the nervous system to recruit all the muscle fibers needed to perform the next set. Forgoing it to push yourself harder will ultimately limit your muscle gains and hurt your performance.
According to the Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning, the main text of the National Strength and Conditioning Association, rest intervals between two and five minutes are necessary for maximal gains in strength. To build muscle size, 30- to 90-second rests are better. Demanding lifts like the squat and bench press should be done with longer rests between sets, whereas accessory work, such as lateral raises, curls, and other isolation movements, require shorter breaks.

CHALK UP

Most commercial gyms offer slick barbells with poor knurling (the rough patches on the bar that you grip), making them hard to hold on to when using heavy weights. Gyms also tend to frown on using chalk—which keeps your hands dry—compounding the problem. “A chalk sock can help you get a better grip without creating a mess,” Bruno says.
Found in outdoor adventure stores that cater to rock climbers, a chalk sock is a permeable pouch you fill with magnesium carbonate and squeeze in your hand to apply chalk.
Tip: Strength gains are mainly sabotaged by poor lifting form.

Crossfit

MASTER THE SQUAT

All of CrossFit’s cornerstone exercises are built on the basic body-weight squat—or “air squat.” “Too often, people jump into CrossFit and want to snatch their faces off,” says Jason Schroeder, co-owner of Brazen Athletics, a CrossFit gym in Passaic, NJ. “But if they focus on perfecting the air squat, it translates to success in every move.”
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, toes turned slightly out. Sit back until the crease of your hips is below your knees, which should be aligned with your toes and your lower back in its natural arch. Schroeder recommends practicing these facing a wall so that you learn to sit back properly. (If you don’t, your knees will bump the wall before you’re in the bottom position.) Do 10 sets of five reps like this.

LIFT LIKE AN OLYMPIAN

Schroeder prefers to use the Olympic lifts to build coordination, agility, and power in his clients. “Snatching and jerking your body weight will teach you to maneuver your feet.”
Proper form will help you progress, so when you’re not doing them in your CrossFit WODs, practice the exercises at home with a five-foot PVC pipe. The pipe—or any light bar—simulates a barbell, so you can ingrain good technique.
The snatch drop begins in a standing position with your feet about hip-width apart and the bar held behind your head, as in a squat, although with a wide snatch grip. Immediately jump your feet out to your squat stance and drop into a full squat while pressing the bar up explosively. You’ll finish in the bottom of a full snatch. The snatch balance works the same way but you’ll get momentum from the knees first. Dip your knees and explosively extend them to power the bar up.

SCHROEDER’S SNATCH AND JERK WOD: 

Exercise	Sets	Rest
Snatch Drop	10	1 min
Snatch Balance	10	1 min
Split Jerk	10	1 min

CONDITION YOURSELF

Athletes with backgrounds in aerobic exercise generally have trouble acclimating to the conditioning demands of WODs. That’s because the endurance component in CrossFit is more anaerobic in nature.

SCHROEDER’S STAMINA-BUILDING CIRCUIT: 

Exercise	Sets	Rest
400-meter Sprint	4	1 min
40-meter Sprint	10	10 sec
250-meter Row	4	1 min
30 Jump-rope Double Unders	10	30 sec

http://www.muscleandfitness.com/workouts/workout-tips/top-12-fitness-game-changers

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Wrap Your Leg With Cabbage For 1 Hour And This Will Happen To Your Joint Pain!

An old Irish blessing reads, “May the leaves of your cabbage always be free from worms.”
Cabbage is a low calorie and high nutrition vegetable, which is a rich source of vitamin C, potassium and vitamin K. It has potent cancer-fighting and anti-inflammatory properties.
It has been traditionally used to treat swollen and bruised skin for centuries.
It’s rich in vitamins, phytonutrients, anthocyanins, and glutamine that provide anti-inflammatory properties that make it extremely beneficial in the case of joint pain and cancer prevention. The addition of cabbage leaves to the treatment of arthritic patients provides great relief.

They use it in the form of a compress, and this is how to prepare it:

Cabbage Compress

You will need:

• Organic cabbage (preferably red)
• Aluminium foil
• Rolling pin/wine bottle/meat hammer
• Gauze or Bandage
• Oven

Instructions:
Peel away an outer cabbage leaf away and wash it well. Dry it and cut out the hard stem. Place it on a counter, and use a rolling pin to bruise the leaf to release its juice.
Wrap the cabbage in foil and place in the oven for several minutes to warm. Next, place the cabbage onto the painful area, cover with gauze or bandage and elevate the area.
Leave the cabbage compress to act for an hour, three times daily, each time with a new leaf. The improvements are felt the next day! If you want to apply a cold compress, refrigerate the cabbage before you begin the procedure.
Red cabbage is rich in anthocyanins (which are chemicals that alleviate joint pain and inflammation. Both, green and red cabbage types are extremely beneficial in the case of ulcers.
Yet, note that cabbage allergies, even though they are rare, can cause swelling or itching, so if experience any of these symptoms, remove the compress, and visit a doctor if the irritation is aggravated.

Sources:
www.healthybodyandtips.org
www.healthy-holistic-living.com



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The Toxic Truth About Baby Carrots & Why You Should Stop Eating Them!

Baby carrots have become a staple in children’s lunch boxes all over North America. Although, they don’t really resemble the carrots in our gardens, with their bright orange colour, smooth physique, and perfectly rounded edges. You may have heard the following rumours about these tiny snacks: “baby carrots are soaked in chlorine;” “the white foam around them is the chlorine seeping out;” and “baby carrots aren’t real carrots.” This begs the questions: is there any truth behind these rumours? What exactly are “baby carrots” and how are they made?

The Truth Behind “Baby Carrots” and Their Origin

According to National Geographic, approximately 46% of fruits and vegetables never make it from farm to fork, which is largely due to consumer expectations. Consumers don’t want ugly fruits and vegetables, so anything that doesn’t look like it’s in perfect condition is typically thrown out. Although some farmers will donate a portion of their “ugly produce” and some supermarkets have started to sell them at a discounted price, it’s still a significant contributing factor to food waste.
When it comes to carrots, conventional supermarkets started only selling “pretty carrots” in the 1980s. Consumers expected carrots to be a certain size, shape and colour, so anything that didn’t have those characteristics were tossed, juiced, or fed to animals. To combat this, some farmers started to make use out of their “ugly carrots” by peeling them, cutting them into bite-size pieces, and selling them in bags. These are considered “baby-cut carrots,” though we often mistake them as “baby carrots.”
Real baby carrots are those that are only grown until the “baby stage,” so the carrot is pulled out of the ground before it grows into its full size. Some people actually prefer the taste of baby carrots over regular carrots. You can often find them packaged in the produce section of a grocery store. They’re typically sold with some of the greenery still on them, perhaps to prove they’re real carrots despite their smaller size.
As soon as baby-cut carrots hit the market, the entire industry was transformed. Baby carrot products have been the fastest growing segment within the carrot industry since the early 90s and are among the most popular produce items at grocery stores, even more so than potatoes and celery. They’ve also adapted, as carrots are often bred to have ideal characteristics such as a sweeter taste and brighter colour (source).
Baby-cut carrots seemingly made the industry more environmentally-friendly by reducing food waste. However, there’s one particular part of this process that’s harmful to both the environment and human health…

Yes, Baby Carrots Are Soaked In Chlorine

This may not come as a surprise to you; after all, how can baby-cut carrots look so perfect and stay fresh for so long? You may find yourself eating baby-cut carrots long after the recommended “due date” because they still look like they’re in perfect condition. Well, there’s a reason for that.
Before being packaged, the baby-cut carrots are soaked in a chlorine-water solution. The chlorine is used to limit the risk of food-borne illnesses such as E.coli. Grimmway Farms, a producer of baby-cut carrots, explained that the chlorine solution is within the limits set by the EPA and is comparable to the amount of chlorine found in tap water.
However, as many of you may know, the chlorine found in tap water can be extremely harmful to human health. Even the U.S. Council Of Environmental Quality states, “cancer risk among people drinking chlorinated water is 93% higher than among those whose water does not contain chlorine.” If we can’t trust the EPA to set proper limits for the chlorine in our water (which should be none), why should we trust them to set proper standards for our food?
If you’re unfamiliar with the details of this chemical, chlorine belongs to the same chemical group as fluoride called pathogens. Chlorine in its natural form is a common element on Earth and is very toxic. According to the EPA, Americans are consuming 300-600 times the amount of chlorine that is considered “safe to ingest.”
Chlorine is known as a persistent chemical, which means that unlike other sanitation chemicals it does not break down (read more about this here). So, even if the amount used to produce baby-cut carrots is within the EPA guidelines, since you’re bound to be exposed to chlorine through other means, you should be avoiding it wherever possible.

Debunking Other Myths Surrounding “Baby Carrots”

So, we’ve established that one rumour is true, baby-cut carrots are soaked in chlorine, and that one rumour is not, baby-cut carrots are, in fact, real carrots. Lastly, that white foam that often forms outside baby-cut carrots is not associated with chlorine.
The white residue isn’t the result of a chemical, but rather is an indicator that the carrot is beginning to dry out. You can actually restore the carrots’ original colour by adding more water to it. You don’t see the same thing form on larger carrots as often because baby-cut carrots dry out quicker since their skin was peeled off. If you peel a regular sized carrot, the same thing would occur.
I’ve also noticed some confusion surrounding the nutritional content of baby-cut carrots and how that compares to regular sized carrots. Dr. Aruna Weerasooriya, Researcher and Professor of Agricultural Sciences at Prairie View A&M University, explains that the manipulation of certain vegetables degrades their nutritional value, including carrots.
Dr. Weerasooriya explains, “when you look at wild carrots, they have high levels of Thymol, a phyto-chemical that is essential for the body to control bacteria and ward off viral infections… Now, when you look at some of these new carrot breeds, this type of phytochemical just isn’t there.”
Weerasooriya noted that corporations seem to be more interested in extending baby-cut carrots’ shelf life than in human health. That isn’t very surprising, as numerous multinational corporations are guilty of caring more about their profits than people. He explains, “research should focus on how to retain some of these nutrients, but instead companies are probably more concerned about a longer shelf life.”

Final Thoughts

If the chlorine concerns you (which I think it should), purchase organic baby-cut carrots instead! Organic baby-cut carrots are soaked in a non-toxic, citrus solution called Citrox. Citrox is an all-natural alternative to chlorine and is often used to decontaminate organic produce and other food and beverage products. You could also simply purchase larger carrots and then chop them into smaller pieces.
Unfortunately, lots of other pre-cut vegetables are soaked in chlorine too. To avoid chemicals, I recommend always purchasing organic! The hidden costs associated with non-organic produce including health risks and environmental issues are far higher than the premium price for organic products.


http://www.collective-evolution.com/2016/12/31/the-toxic-truth-about-baby-carrots-why-you-should-stop-eating-them/

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This is The Best Medicine Against Cholesterol and High Blood Pressure!

High cholesterol and high pressure levels can cause serious health issues. The following traditional Amish remedy strengthens the immune system, and prevent numerous diseases, and regulates and high cholesterol.

This is how to prepare this homemade remedy:
Ingredients:

• 1 garlic clove (grated)
• 1 piece of ginger (grated)
• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon of organic honey
• 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar

Method of preparation:
You should mix the ingredients listed above and refrigerate the remedy for 5 days.
Use:
After 5 days, you should consume the remedy before your breakfast and lunch, but no more than 3 times daily.
After only a week, the cholesterol and blood pressure levels will be normalized! Impressive!

Source: naturalremediesforlonglife.com


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