The greenhouse is one of the simplest and easiest ways to do your part for the environment, not to mention help you out as well. A greenhouse is also relatively simple to get a hold of and maintain. And even if you aren’t the world’s greatest gardener, the knowledge that you are helping the environment and yourself is enough to push you through the most arduous weeding session.

They are, in and of themselves, solar. But they’ve been around for a lot longer than the “green” movement. Watch any gardening program, and you’ll invariably see someone walking in to their greenhouse, and pottering around.

Why Bother With A Greenhouse At All?

The answers are simple and numerous. If for no other reason than growing your own vegetables all year round, a greenhouse is invaluable. Growing your own vegetables not only keeps you honest in what you are eating, but it also reduces the demand on the agricultural industry, lessening their workload and thus lower your burden on the environment.

How to Keep Your Greenhouse Hot

There have been problems though, with keeping a greenhouse hot. You would expect that a greenhouse has no problem staying hot, seeing as that is what it’s all about to be a greenhouse. But what happens when night falls?

This is where you need to add a bit of ingenuity or technology to the situation.

There are two methods to keeping your greenhouse warm at all times; passive and active. An active way to do this is simply to hook it up to an electrical source which will provide the energy to pump heated air back in to your greenhouse when it starts getting dark, and thus cool. This method however is more complicated and more expensive than option number two.

The second, is definitely the better option, as we’re sticking to the all natural, no added benefits scheme. To keep your heat up, you need a heat sink which stores the heat through the day, and as the greenhouse turns in to a coolhouse, it starts letting that heat back out again. What you want then, are things like barrels of water, rocks or concrete walls that trap the heat in them during the day, and let it out at night.

If you’re going with the second option, here are a few tips.

• Use 55-gallon drums filled with water, and painted nice dark and non-reflective colors to enhance the heat absorption
• A pile of rocks in a wire-mesh cage will also work well, if you’re short on dirty great gallon drums
• Ensure that your sinks are well situated to collect the most sunlight
• Furthermore, ensure that they are not touching or even near (if you can help it) the sides of your greenhouse. The cold outside will draw that heat straight out through the walls
• Allow for 2 gallons of water/80 pounds of rocks for each square foot of greenhouse admitting direct sunlight on to the heat sinks
• Ensure that your greenhouse is as airtight as humanly possible, so that there are no extra ways for the heat to get out of there

Really interested in doing this right? Ask your local hardware store or nursery for advice. But I can guarantee you that there will be nothing as good as eating vegetables that you’ve grown yourself; especially with the added benefit that you’re doing the environment a favor.

Soy milk is processed from soy beans through the use of varying manufacturing processes. You can find soy milk with a wide range of fat and protein content, with fat amounts generally ranging from 1-3%. In spite of the tremendous amount of positive press that soy in general seems to receive these days, there is some cause for concern among consumers, particularly when it comes to the consumption of soy milk.

During the past few years, the benefits of soy milk and soy foods have become widely debated. All it takes is a search online to discover some intelligent arguments and clinical studies concerning the potential health dangers that are present in the soy products that American families regularly consume.

While we certainly do not want to label ALL soy products as harmful or dangerous, it is only fair to present you with some essential data representing both sides of this discussion.

The Benefits of Soy Milk

Soy Milk is considered to be a nutritious alternative to cow’s milk for many reasons. First and foremost, soy milk is 100% Lactose-Free, meaning it is a great alternative to those whom suffer from lactose intolerance.

Soy milk may also provide you with beneficial protein, calcium and essential fatty acids, which we all need to live a healthy lifestyle. Soy milk is also low in saturated fat and sodium, but high in dietary fiber.

A recent study from the National Institute of Health & Nutrition in Japan, concludes that soy protein is effective at lowering your cholesterol, which ultimately lowers your overall risk of developing heart-related issues.

Another benefit of soy milk, is the fact that it does not contain a protein called casein, unlike cow’s milk. Casein is commonly used in many different products, ranging from medicine, foods, paints, and adhesives. It is not uncommon for people to develop an allergy to casein. Parents of autistic children need to be aware of products and foods containing casein, as it is widely believed that it can contribute to gastrointestinal disorders.

The Dangers of Soy Milk

Do the benefits of soy milk sound too good to be true? Well, recent research does indicate a few downsides to the consumption of soy foods.

Unfermented soy foods have a high amount of phytic acid, which can lead to the lower absorption of certain vitamins and minerals.

Soy contains a high level of phytoestrogen, which may affect the production of sperm in men, as well as decrease the amount of testoterone in their body. The isoflavones found in soy foods also contribute to the development of thyroid disorders, breast cancer and leukemia.

Another less thought of danger, is whether or not the soy you consume is organic. If possible, you should always avoid all genetically modified foods.

The Soy Isoflavone Controversy

Soy isoflavones, also known as phytoestrogens, are routinely marketed as treatments or prevention of certain types of cancer, including prostate, breast, and edometrium.

Part of the problem with the majority of the information that Americans are receiving is that the facts have been somewhat skewed.

For example, some reports have indicated that Asian diets are heavy in soy products, and that these soy-rich diets have resulted in reduced instances of cancers. This is misleading. Asian diets are actually quite low in soy consumption, with diets incorporating healthy amounts of poultry, eggs, fish, and meats.

The amounts of soy that are being placed in foods that Americans eat are exceeding the amounts that Asians consume in an entire day or week. The danger here is that excessive consumption of soy milk, or any other soy product, can lead to the development of many different diseases. For people who have chosen to focus on eating diets that are rich in soy-based products, this presents a very real problem. Unfortunately, many people are not aware that consuming too much soy can be hazardous to their health.

Soy Research & Product Labels

If you are a person who enjoys soy products, and you have incorporated them into your regular diet, you should understand the importance of reading product labels. It is important that you do this not only for those foods that claim to contain soy, but also on all of the food products that you buy. The reason for this is that there are many foods that contain some form of soy. The only way to be sure about this, however, is to read your labels!

The best advice is to research the types of food you eat so that you can make educated decisions about whether or not they are good for you and your family. Try to stick to organic, unprocessed foods as much as possible, and always be aware of the ingredients you are consuming. Genetically Modified Foods are something that you need to steer clear of when at all possible, and unfortunately soy is a primary component in many of these types of food products.

A healthy, lactose-free alternative to soy milk, is hemp milk.

Colloidal silver has been used for centuries as a type of antibiotic that can be both ingested and used topically. However, with the advance of medical technology, more effective antibiotics were discovered and the use of Colloidal silver for health reasons pretty much came to an end.

In recent years, colloidal silver has started to make a comeback in the United States. These silver products were being marketed as an effective treatment for simple ailments like colds and flus. Some websites took it a step further, and started promoting colloidal silver products as a “cure” for more serious diseases such as cancer, diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, psoriasis, even for relieving constipation.

With so many bogus claims floating around about the supposed benefits of colloidal silver, the FDA issued many warnings on the medical use of colliodal silver products, and started cracking down on websites touting these outlandish claims.

Seperating Silver Fact from Fiction

Silver protein is the second most commonly found type of silver product sold to the public. Silver protein is made up of a protein binder and metallic silver particles. You should watch out for product labeling that mentions protein or mild silver protein because these products are not true colloidal silver.

Most of the colloidal silver products that you are likely to find at your local market are actually made up of ionic silver solutions. Most of the silver that is found in these types of products is dissolved as opposed to being actual particles. It is important to note that ions are not the same thing as particles. The terminology used in advertising for ionic silver solutions can be very confusing for consumers, so it is important that you thoroughly research products and their manufacturers before you decide to try any colloidal silver product.

Argyria Concerns

Clinical studies have shown that it is primarily through the ingestion of large amounts of ionic silver (100 ppm and higher) that a permanent discoloration of the skin occurs. This skin discoloration is known as argyria. In cases of argyria, the skin turns a gray to blue color, and it is a condition that is not reversible.

The majority of silver products only contain 3-20 ppm of ionic silver, an amount that has not proven to be harmful to humans. However, you should be aware that it is possible for smaller amounts of silver to result in the development of argyria in some people. If you have concerns about this, you should take the time to discuss this with your physician so that the two of you can determine your safest course of action.

Check Out this CNN Report about a Man who Developed Argyria:

Making Smart Decisions

When choosing a colloidal silver product for consumption, it is very important that you conduct a fair amount of research so that you will know what to look for on product labels. One of the most important considerations is that of water purity. The type of water used in the manufacturing process of colloidal silver has a direct impact on the quality of the product that is produced. The reason for this is fairly obvious — the use of pure ingredients results in a pure product. If colloidal silver products are made through the use of unpurified water, undesirable contaminants are likely to be present in the final product.

It’s also very important to remember that your health situation is unique to you. So before you take any supplements, not just colloidal silver products, be sure you discuss it with your nutritionist or healthcare practitioner. You want to be sure that your physiology is factored in with the other research you’ve done.

A new study out of the University of California at San Francisco, and published in the American Journal of Epidemiology has shown that in eating a diet that is high in fiber rich foods and whole grains, a person has the chance to lower their risk of pancreatic cancer.

Each year in the United States of America, over 37,000 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and just over 34,000 people die from it. In Europe, that number is even higher, with 60,000 people diagnosed each year. Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumor of the pancreas, an organ in the digestive system.

“There is a possibility that diet can affect one’s risk of pancreatic, as well as other cancers,” researcher June M. Chan said, “and that eating a diet rich in a wide variety of grains is likely to not only help in the prevention of diabetes and heart disease, but also this very deadly cancer.”

University of California researchers examined the grain intake of 2,233 San Franciscans, who were relatively similar in age, body weight and gender distribution. However of the number, 532 had already been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and were also detailed as being more likely to be smokers.

In their research they found that those they surveyed who ate two or more servings of whole grains per day were 40% less likely to suffer from pancreatic cancer, than those who ate less than two servings per day. Likewise, but focusing more on fiber, they found that those who ate 26.5 grams or more fiber daily were 35% less likely of contracting pancreatic cancer.

Whole grains are cereal grains that retain their levels of bran, germ and endosperm, compared to refined grains which only retain the latter. Spend any amount of time in front of a television, and you will no doubt be told that eating a healthy breakfast of bran is good for your digestive track and healthy living.

In fact, you will probably have already encountered health advice along these lines. Eating whole-wheat bread or brown rice, compared to their “white” relatives, is good advice, to say the least.

The researchers believe that there seems to be a fundamental misunderstanding of what is good and bad for you. They found that those who ate two or more servings per week of donuts or cooked breakfast cereals, were more likely to contract pancreatic cancer than those who ate less than one serving per month. They speculate that many are simply unable to distinguish between the above mentioned whole grain and refined grain breakfast cereals. Subsequently, this misunderstanding could be a clue as to why their findings appeared as they did.

“The risk reductions associated with some whole grain foods and fiber provide general support for the hypothesis that whole grains are better than more refined and sweetened grains for pancreatic cancer prevention,” Chan said.

Other Foods High in Fiber

Whole grains are a great source for fiber, but there are many other foods that you can implement into your diet to provide you with beneficial fiber. Fruits and vegetables are a great source of fiber. The skins of apples, and many other fruits, contain a large amount of fiber. Nuts like almonds, pecans and cashews are full of fiber, as well as many essential fatty acids & Omega-3′s.

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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.

The below two videos were produced as a WH-TV News Special. They cover the pro’s and con’s of organic farming and whether or not it can feed a nation on a long-term, large scale. They look to be a few years old, but nonetheless, they are very informative when describing how organic farming really works.

Organic Farming: Can It Feed Us (Part 1)

Organic Farming: Can It Feed Us (Part 2)

While these two videos are pretty long, and look to be a few years old. It’s clear that there are many health benefits to growing your own organic foods and organic farming. Consumers should definitely consider buying more organic foods while shopping at the grocery store. The more consumers buy organic foods, the cheaper organic foods will become over the upcoming years.