When you go to the grocery store, you may notice that virtually every product, from produce to meat, all have a “healthier” alternative, and usually, these alternatives have the word “Organic” printed somewhere on the product. But what does this mean? How does organic foods benefit you and your family?

So, Why are Organic Food’s Beneficial to our Health?

The below set of videos were produced by Nutrition By Natalie. She explains quite well, why we should ALL make the switch to Organic Foods.

While everybody’s opinion and perspective on organic foods may be slightly different, the above video’s make some pretty good points about “Why” & “How” organic foods are healthier. You may be reluctant to make the switch to organic foods, but it could make a long-term difference to the health of you and your family.

Here’s a really good article about The Dangers of Genetically Modified Foods.

Put Yourself in My Shoes

You’ve worked really hard to prepare this meal. You shopped a week in advance, at least. You pressed the last of the napkins hot out of the dryer. You’re really pleased with your menu. Broiled fish, roasted chicken breasts with garlic cloves, bell pepper and onions and steamed broccoli, steamed asparagus, and corn you took off the cob just this afternoon. And by request, your special macaroni and cheese is also on the menu.

It’s time to get everything heated, so you’ve got the oven set to 200 up and the warming pots on the stove. The vegetables are steaming and all that’s left is the macaroni and cheese and the corn. Planned down to the minute, your family will be arriving in twenty minutes; the macaroni will be put into the microwave, straight from the fridge in your microwave-safe plastic ware. Your corn will go in right after that for three minutes.

Everyone is on time. You’re placing the last two items on the table as the guests are seated—it went like clockwork.

What Could Possibly be Wrong with This Picture?

The only problem is the microwave. You know how you learn something but it doesn’t stick because it’s so out of line with the rest of life? That was my problem with the truth and fallacy of microwave cooking.

Many, many years ago, when the microwave was banned in Germany, I can recall hearing about it. I was a child and I remember thinking, What an odd thing to ban. Those poor people are so oppressed. Little did I know.

The Problems with Microwaving Foods

Microwaving changes food on the molecular level, denaturing its nutrients and therein making foods empty, useless substances.

What are you left with?

• Carcinogens in your proteins in cereal and milk
• Radiolytics - stuff unknown in nature
• Destroyed meat proteins

As a result of eating this food, studies have recorded the following:

• Reduces blood hemoglobin count (indicator of anemic condition)
• Increases cholesterol and white blood count

In 1991, microwaving blood denatured it enough to kill a transfusion recipient who received that warmed blood.

Most nutritionists will warn parents away from warming baby milk and formula in microwaves for two reasons:

• It destroys the nutrients in the formula
• The formula is generally much hotter than the bottle indicates when removed from the microwave

It’s even been demonstrated to be unsafe for people to stand in front of microwaves. It’s actually causing cell destruction.

Why People Still Use Microwaves

I am going to guess that many people are a lot like me. I extend to the government a benefit of the doubt that they wouldn’t deliberately make me sick. (I don’t know why I extend the government this because obviously that very thing is the case. It makes me sick.)

I am all about the convenience of heating food quickly. I remember our first microwave. It meant and end to oven and stove reheating. No more steam burns—almost no more—hello, 4-minutes-to-a-complete-meal. Speed can’t mean a sacrifice of health. Who would allow that? Actually it was the same people who prosecuted a United States researcher, William Kopp, who went and collected the Russians’ and Germans’ research results.

So, What Does All This Mean to Me?

Instead of saying thank you to my family and friends for the excellent care they took of me after my surgery, I was giving them damaging garbage to eat with the rest of their meals.

The statistics on weight loss nutrition are grim. Research shows that almost 95% of repeat dieters fail in their efforts, and ultimately regain any weight that they initially lost. What about that successful 5%? What is their secret to weight loss nutrition?

Basically, people who have successfully lost weight and kept it off for years have made a few simple changes to their eating and exercise habits that have enabled them to live a healthier and lighter lifestyle. When asked to describe their eating habits, the top responses among this group usually involved weight loss nutrition that was low in fat and low in red meat. Here are some more secrets for success from those who have lost weight and kept it off for good.

Take Stock in Healthy Foods

Stock your kitchen with healthy organic foods so that you will always have the right things around to choose from. Weight loss nutrition includes fruits and vegetables, whole grains, dried beans, nonfat dairy and fish or lean poultry. Also, try to plan meals in advance in order to avoid making unhealthy selections just because you are hungry and rushed. And make a shopping list so that you’re more likely to choose healthy foods at the grocery store.

Eat Your Organic Fruits and Veggies

Dieters with long-term weight loss success also typically eat more fruits and vegetables than dieters who have failed in their efforts. For example, one recent Harvard study looked at the diets of 75,000 women over a ten-year period. Their results found that the more fruits and vegetables the women ate, the less likely they were to become obese.

Cut Calories

It’s a good idea to know how many calories you eat in a typical day. So if you don’t already know, make an effort to keep a food journal for a few weeks. Then you will be able to find the areas where your diet is weakest. You will also be able to identify the “hidden” calories such as high calories sodas or snacks that sabotage your weight loss efforts.

Once you know how many calories you typically eat, you can make a weight loss nutrition plan that gradually reduces your caloric intake. Make sure you still eat enough food to keep your energy levels high and your metabolism charged. But simply making an effort to limit your portion size will help you cut calories dramatically.

Get Support

Find some kind of support system to aid you in your weight loss efforts. Whether you join a weight loss group, work with a dietitian or simply enlist your family and friends, it is helpful to have someone with whom you can share your experiences. A support group can also be a source of new ideas and strategies for losing weight effectively.

Go Slow

Slow weight loss is critical to long-term weight loss nutrition. Aim to lose no more than one to two pounds a week. Quick weight loss is more apt to lead to the yo-yo dieting that has a negative impact on your long-term health.

It’s also a good idea to go slow while you are eating. Health experts say it takes about twenty minutes for your brain to realize it’s full. That means the amount of calories you take in before you feel full will vary depending on how quickly you eat. Go slow, savor your food, and enjoy every bite of your meal.

Stay Hydrated

Aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of purified water each day. When the body isn’t adequately hydrated, the kidneys may compensate by conserving or “retaining” water. Drinking a lot of fluids also helps to stimulate the digestive system and makes the stomach feel fuller, so you don’t feel as hungry.

Get Physical

Physical activity is very important for losing weight, but you don’t have to workout to the point of exhaustion in order to see results. Try incorporating exercise into your normal activities. Walk to work, or take a stroll in the evenings with the kids.

What is the liver’s job?

The liver has several functions that play a major roll in maintaining health. It breaks down red blood cells, stores fat and glucose, filters toxins from the body and produces amino acids and bile. Its jobs provide energy and facilitate the digestion process.

The liver is the largest gland in the body, located at the beginning of the small intestine. An adult liver produces between 400 and 800 ml of bile each day which is stored in the gallbladder until needed.

The Liver Can Be Damaged

The liver is one of few internal human organs that can regenerate. It can do this with as little as 25% of its mass in tact.

Still, liver function can be impaired, which in turn can afflict other parts of the body. Two common liver diseases are hepatitis and cirrhosis. The liver like the gallbladder can develop stones. Alcohol and other pharmaceutical grade chemicals such as, acetaminophen, and isoniazid can affect the liver adversely.

You May Get Warnings that there’s Trouble Looming

Sometimes your liver functions can be sluggish. Some ailments that have been reported that point to this condition are: headaches, depression, constipation, chronic fatigue, chemical sensitivities and digestive difficulties.

Actions You Can Take

Be proactive when it comes to having good health. Let pharmaceutical drugs be your last resort. They can damage the liver and they put a heavy burden on your liver to filter them from your blood stream. Limit or eliminate alcohol consumption. Your body only needs purified water to live. Choose organically grown items whenever possible. Genetically modified foods add many unnecessary toxins to your diet. Eating a proper diet is a good plan of action.

Eating Habits You Want to Have

Remember the dietary stuff you learned in school? If you decided to ignore it in favor of fast food and steaks at your favorite steakhouse restaurant, consider returning to the healthy choices.

Good eating and drinking habits will save your liver the extra wear and tear of purging your system of all the toxins you regularly ingest. The following healthy dietary practices will nourish you, not overburden your liver, and should improve your energy overall.

• Make sure as much as 40% of your diet consist of live red, purple, orange and yellow fruit and vegetables, including dark green leafy organic vegetables
• Avocados and oily fish such as salmon, tuna, and sardines promote liver health
• Many varieties of raw seeds such as flaxseed, sunflower, and alfalfa seeds are beneficial
• Eat balanced meals, not until you’re stuffed or overstuffed
• Avoid empty calories of fatty foods, and excessive carbohydrates
• Limit your vitamin A intake. Instead opt for emulsified vitamin A, the liquid form of the vitamin, which does not contain cholesterol or fat.
• Keep your sodium intake low
• Find out what your optimal protein intake is and don’t overdo it
• Certain oils (primrose, black currant seed, and cold-pressed olive oil to name a few) assist the liver as well.
• Always wash your food before eating and preparing it.

There are several healthful organic herbs that promote healthy liver functions. Some of these beneficial herbs are:

• Turmeric
• Greater Celandine
• Peppermint Leaf
• Dandelion Leaf
• Dandelion Root
• Chicory Root
• Yellow Dock Root
• Milk Thistle Seed
• Wildcrafted Chanca Piedra

More information about these herbs is provided in The Liver and Liver Stones and their related articles. There are many more healthy living practices you can incorporate into your routines including minimizing your environmental toxins, and exercising regularly.

Make it easy for your liver and other organs to do their parts. Eat healthy for an energized life.

Did you know that in valleys of Tibet and Mongolia there grows special berry that the locals cherish to the extent that they honor it in a special two-week long celebration each year? It’s also well documented that many people in these regions live free of common disease, and for well over a hundred years.

Goji berries are rich in antioxidants, particularly carotenoids such as beta-carotene and zeaxanthin. One of zeaxanthin’s key roles is to protect the retina of the eye by absorbing blue light and acting as an antioxidant. In fact, increased intake of foods containing zeathanthin may decrease the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in people over the age of 65.

Facts about Tibetan Goji Berries

• There are many varieties of Lycium. One in particular is called “goji.” And goji is considered to be the Mother of all Lyciums!
• Goji grows in very remote unpolluted hills and valleys of Tibet and Mongolia. The soil that it grows in is so rich in nutrients that the berries are practically exploding with nourishing vitality.
• Local wildcrafters are careful to distinguish the goji berry from its distantly related offspring, the Chinese Wolfberry (Lycium barbarum). Whilst the later evolved (over centuries) from the goji berry, its genetic makeup differs considerably.
• The nutrient dense energy of the Tibetan Goji berry has been recognized to have the highest in nutritional value of all the 80 plus varieties of Lycium berries on Earth!

Healing Powers of Tibetan Goji Berries

• Relieves flatulence and works as a mild laxative
• Aids in reducing fever
• Antibacterial
• Used in treating ulcers
• Thought to have cancer treating properties when ingested.
• The fruit is a very rich source of vitamins and minerals. It’s especially rich in vitamins A, C and E, flavoniods, essential fatty acids, and other bioactive compounds

How to use Tibetan Goji Berries

• Eat the whole berry (fresh or dried)
• Add to hot or cold cereals
• Add to teas, fruit juices, smoothies etc
• Can be cooked with in any meal (the sky is the limit with this ultimate berry!)

For more information on Goji berries please visit www.ghchealth.com

Digestive problems, including constipation, have occurred for centuries. The Native Americans relied on herbs and plants to cure their bathroom woes. Because their diets were limited to the foods they could readily find in the woods and on the prairies, they did not always consume enough fiber. While hunting, they might fore go eating for a day or two. What the Native Americans ate depended solely on what was available for hunting and foraging.

As you might suspect, this type of lifestyle led to troublesome constipation now and then. Native Americans learned quickly which plants acted as laxatives to safely ease their constipation and return their digestive systems to a state of normalcy.

Throughout history, people have relied on natural laxatives to ease their constipation. In fact, it is still common practice in Chinese medicine to ingest a mixture of rhubarb root, ginger root, and licorice root instead of over-the-counter medications. The most common Indian (Ayurvedic) natural laxative formula is a mixture of psyllium, flax, and chia seeds steeped in black cherry juice.

Here are some of the most common constipation cures throughout history:

Aloe Vera
For centuries, the beverage form of Aloe Vera has been used as a natural laxative for even the worst cases of constipation. The juice should be made from the powder of the ground up leaves.

Basil Leaves
Many people use basil in everyday cooking. Throughout history, basil leaves brewed as tea have been proven to help reduce gas, reduce stomach cramps, and relieve constipation.

Bottle Gentian
To prevent constipation, many Indian tribes relied on natural laxative plants to support proper digestion. Logically, if the body can digest food effectively, constipation can be avoided. Bottle Gentian was used as a juice to aid digestion and even suppress the appetite.
Buckthorn

Around 2 A.D., a Greek physician touted the use of Buckthorn for a number of ailments. One method of preparation involved using the bark to make a tea, and this natural laxative is still in use today. Also, the tea helps ease related symptoms of constipation as well.

Chamomile
While Chamomile cannot cure constipation or even relieve its symptoms, Chamomile can help reduce gas to aid in easy digestion. If your system is digesting food more effectively, constipation can be avoided before it starts. For best results, steep the chamomile flowers in hot water for at least three minutes.

Culver’s Root
When the Native Americans found themselves battling malaria, they would use Culver’s Root as a natural laxative for the bedridden. Culver’s Root can be toxic, so it’s definitely not a choice for the novice!

Dandelion
Dandelion leaves taste bitter, but many people enjoy adding them to salads or steeping them for tea. Dandelion contains properties acting as a mild natural laxative. While dandelion leaves may not suit everyone’s tastes, they are extremely nutritious and good for the body.

Flowering Spurge
The Mesquakies Indians discovered Flowering Spurge worked as a laxative when ingested as a tea. The root was infused with hot water and drank in the morning to help keep the tribes’ digestive systems regular.

New Jersey Tea
New Jersey Tea was made from the roots of Ceanothus Americanus and turned into a tea. Because tea was hard to come by during the Revolutionary War, New Jersey Tea became a common substitute. During the process, it was discovered this beverage worked as a mild natural laxative.

Peppermint
If your constipation is tied to Irritable Bowel Syndrome, studies show peppermint leaves steeped in tea can help relieve pain and discomfort. This can help the intestines and bowel to relax, which helps the eliminatory process in turn.

Tamarind
The ancient Egyptians believed massive amounts of garlic and Tamarind were best for curing constipation. They also relied on mint to aid with digestion as well as prevent constipation.

Wild Indigo
Native Americans used a mixture of buffalo lard and Wild Indigo to help diminish intestinal troubles. With a reduction of gas and intestinal pain, people were more likely to effectively eliminate waste.

What about over the counter laxatives?

Contrary to popular belief, using laxatives on a routine basis to obtain regular bowel movements can ultimately lead to laxative abuse or addiction. Once laxative abuse starts, many complications can occur and it can be difficult to get the digestive system back on track.

You may experience complications from prolonged or acute laxative abuse, including problems not directly related to the digestive system.

Potential complications include:

• Abdominal bloating, pain, or a sense of constant “fullness”
• Abnormalities in electrolytes
• Bleeding (which can lead to anemia)
• Dehydration
• Edema
• Esophagitis
• Gastric Bleeding
• Gastric Ulceration
• Gastritis
• Hemorrhoid irritation
• Inability to absorb nutrients properly (can lead to hypoproteinemia, calcium deficiency, or hypoalbuminemia)
• Inability to absorb medications
• Injury to the intestine
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Liver problems
• Melanosis Coli
• Metabolic disturbances
• Pancreatitis
• Perforations and lacerations of the esophagus (Mallory-Weiss Syndrome)
• Permanent impairment of bowel function
• Ulcerations in the bowels
• Weight loss

Is there an alternative to OTC laxatives?

The good news is YES! There is only one product that is both safe and highly effective against constipation…it is Oxy-Powder.

Oxy-Powder is actually an all natural colon cleanse product that uses oxygen to melt away compaction in your colon. Oxy-Powder has 3 natural ingredients: ozonated magnesium oxides, natural citric acid, and organic germanium-132. This product is by far the most safest alternative to laxatives your money can buy.

To learn more about Oxy-Powder go to:
http://www.oxypowder.com

According to a study by the University of Michigan Health Systems, one specific compound found in Green Tea can be the key to preventing & treating Rheumatoid Arthritis.

The Green Tea compound that has researchers excited is called Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG).

EGCG shows promise because scientists believe that it could restrict the amount of inflammatory molecules associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers also believe that EGCG can also decrease the joint damage associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

“Our research is a very promising step in the search for therapies for the joint destruction experienced by people who have rheumatoid arthritis,” said Salah-uddin Ahmed, Ph.D., the head researcher for this study.

While researchers are very optimistic about the long-term benefits of EGCG, it is still unknown how it will truly effect humans, as only animal tests have been done. However, the results of the primary tests look very promising for eventual human benefits.

Dieting can be such a struggle. Many people think that in order to lose weight, they need to stop eating. And while it is important to cut back on sweets and other high calorie foods, it’s just as important to eat more of the foods that promote weight loss. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

1. Organic Citrus Fruits:

Citrus fruits, like oranges, lemons, grapefruit, tangerines, and limes are foods that promote weight loss as they contain high concentrations of vitamin C, or ascorbic acid. This vitamin is an excellent fat burner. Vitamin C reduces the effectiveness of fat by reducing it content and liquefying or diluting fat. Vitamin C also helps to reduce the levels of harmful cholesterol in the blood. Boost the vitamin C in your diet by adding one or two citrus fruits to your diet every day. This will not only help you break down fat, it will also help reduce your cholesterol level.

2. Whole Grains:

Whole grains are high in fiber have a low glycemic index. This means that they raise blood sugar levels relatively slowly after eating. Foods with a low glycemic index can help curb the appetite and help you to feel full for longer. Whole grain foods that promote weight loss include whole wheat bread, fortified whole grain cereal, and brown rice.

3. Organic Non-GMO Soybeans:

Soybeans contain a chemical called lecithin that can shield your cells from accumulating fat. Lecithin prevents fat from forming on your cells and breaks down fat before it can accumulate in your body. Try adding soybeans to your diet once or twice a week. You can find soybeans at most health food stores or even in the frozen foods section of your local market.

4. Organic Apples & Berries:

Apples and many berries promote weight loss because they contain large amounts of pectin. This chemical is found in the cell walls of these fruits. When it enters the body, it helps to limit the amount of fat that the cells can absorb. Pectin is a soluble fiber that provides bulk and digests slowly, helping you to feel full.

Pectin also has a water binding property that allows it to absorb watery substances and carry them directly to the cells. These watery substances then bombard the cells and cause them to release fat deposits. You can get more pectin in your diet by eating loads of fresh apples and berries as well as applesauce. You can also try starting your day with a homemade smoothie that includes apples and berries to get your day started right.

5. Organic Garlic:

Garlic oil helps to protect the cells from the accumulation of fatty deposits. Garlic is also has a potent antibiotic that can be used to strengthen the immune system. You can add garlic as a flavor enhancer to a wide variety of foods that you normally eat.

6. Organic Black Beans:

Like most legumes, black beans are low in fat and packed with fiber. Black beans actually contain 15 grams of fiber per cup. This fiber fills you up and takes longer to digest so you feel fuller longer, which means you are less likely to snack.

7. Spicy Foods:

Many spicy foods, such as peppers, contain a chemical called capsaicin. Capsaicin has been shown to increase your body’s ability to burn fat and curb your appetite.

There are many foods that promote weight loss by filling you up so you feel satisfied, regulating your blood sugar levels, and stimulating your metabolism to help you burn fat. Boost your intake of these foods and you’ll have a better chance of losing the weight you need to lose.

Along with a healthy weight loss plan rich in foods that will help your body to shed excess fat more quickly, you may want to consider a weight loss supplement to give yourself an extra edge.

Slowly but surely, the world is coming to realize the harmful effects of pesticides and fertilizers. As a result, organic products are increasing in popularity – and for good reasons. Grown without the intervention of dangerous chemicals, consumers can enjoy improved health and a clear conscious when using organic products, which aren’t only better for their health but are also better for the planet. Plus, products such as organic tea provide a richer flavor that isn’t hindered by trace amounts of chemical flavors.

How Organic Tea is Grown

Organic tea is made from plants grown without chemical pesticides or fertilizers. Instead, only natural fertilizers, such as compost, are used. Other well-established organic agricultural practices, such as crop rotation, are also followed. Crop rotation, naturally replenishes nutrients in the soil, which means farmers don’t have to depend on chemical amendments to produce bountiful crops.

Why Organic Tea is Good for You

Tea, in general, has long been known for its healing properties and for its ability to calm and soothe nerves. Drinking non-organic tea, however, includes also ingesting the harmful chemicals used to grow the plants. As a result, the benefits of the tea are wasted. Why ruin such an amazing natural product by throwing harmful chemicals into the mix?

Why Organic Tea is Good for the Planet

Organic tea is beneficial to the planet for a number of reasons. First of all, the practices utilized with organic farming ensure the soil remains fertile for years to come. Non-organic farming practices have a tendency to strip away the nutrients, making it necessary to either move to a new plot of land (which may involve cutting down more trees) or using artificial measures to improve the soil.

Organic farming is also beneficial to the planet because it doesn’t involve chemicals. Just as ingesting these chemicals is harmful to your body; the soil, water, and air pollution that they cause is harmful to the planet.

The Cost Factor

Because organic farming is more time consuming and because the crop yields are typically less than when using non-organic farming techniques, the cost of organic tea is generally higher than non-organic tea. But with the improved flavor and potency of the organic tea, not to mention the health benefits, many consider the extra cost to be well worth it. In addition, the extra cost goes toward compensating the farmers rather than paying a corporation to create more harmful pesticides and fertilizers.

Studies on Organic Tea

A report published in Japan stated that drinking ten cups of this organic tea per day has been shown to provide men with three more cancer-free years than those who drank less than three cups. Another Japanese study indicated that drinking five or more cups of green tea per day reduces the chances of developing breast cancer and also helps slow down the spread of the disease.

Yet another study conducted by Western Reserve University in Cleveland showed that drinking four or more cups of the tea every day helps prevent the development of rheumatoid arthritis. It also helps reduce the symptoms of the disorder in those who are already suffering from it.

Preparation

Regardless of the type of organic tea you decide to brew, there are a few steps you should take to ensure it maintains the greatest flavor when brewed. First, take care to never over brew the tea, as it will destroy the taste and many of its benefits.

To prepare your organic tea, you will need to fill a kettle with cold water. Place it on the stove and heat it until it boils. Then, remove the kettle from the heat and allow the water to stand for about three minutes. Next, place your organic tea bag, (or 2-4 grams of loose tea), into your cup and pour the heated water on top. Allow the organic tea to sit in the water another three minutes and then remove it. Finally, allow the brewed organic tea to cool for a few minutes, and enjoy!