Healthy Body

Vitamins A, D, and E are important to our health and, as such, have been recommended as part of a dietary regimen or via supplements. Cod liver oil consists of omega-3 fatty acids and is a rich source of these vitamins. However, there are reasons to be cautious with cod liver oil.

A diet consisting of fish is a good thing; however, recent reports have asserted that there are possibly high levels of mercury present in fish. Although this was not generally considered a health risk, the FDA issued an advisory that pregnant women, women who were nursing, and young children should opt to refrain from consuming fish in their diets.

Conversely, the National Institute of Health ascertained that fish oil is a better source of omega-3 fatty acids and recommended this as an alternative dietary regimen. Yet, the American Heart Association also advised that individuals should consume a fish product every day which would offer a gram of fish oil. Whose advice do you follow?

We know that cod liver oil contains high amounts of Vitamins A and D as well as omega-3 fatty acids, and we also know that there are many sources of these vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids in the foods we eat, so it would not be presumptuous to assume that the consumption of cod liver oil and foods containing these sources can increase the levels of vitamins and fatty acids in the body.

This is where one has to be cautious. Why? Vitamin A, if taken in high doses, can be toxic because it is composed of fat that can accumulate over a period of time. It can also increase the risk of osteoporosis, according to some experts. With vitamin D, there is also a possibility that high levels can accumulate over time as well. Remember, vitamin D is naturally produced from exposure to the sun and if you add food sources that contain this vitamin along with the consumption of cod liver oil, the results may also be harmful.

There are those who have asserted that cod liver oil contains toxins which can be harmful if taken in high doses. However, others assert that if taken appropriately it can help alleviate certain conditions.

The bottom line is that before you begin any course of dietary supplementation, take a cautious approach by consulting with your doctor to determine not only if your system will tolerate cod liver oil, but also to ensure that it will not yield harmful results. There are certain pre-existing conditions which may prevent you from ingesting this oil, as well as medications that can interact with the oil.

If you are looking for a healthier alternative to pasteurized milk, here are five reasons to have raw milk instead:

1. Raw milk is rich in proteins, enzymes, and vitamins. Included in raw milk is bacteria that is not only beneficial, but which acts as an anti-viral agent as well. In addition, the high level of calcium in raw milk allows for the strengthening of bones as well as increased growth levels.

A recent study produced these findings: “Raw milk contains two and a half times more IgG enzyme that pasteurized milk.” Why is this important? It can prevent diarrhea in infants.

2. Raw milk’s counterpart, pasteurized milk, is said to contain lower amounts of all of the essential amino acids, nutrients, and vitamins that are necessary in maintaining overall health. Moreover, the “good” bacteria in raw milk is destroyed by the pasteurization and leaves the body more defenseless against other bacteria that can be harmful. This is why pasteurized milk deteriorates while raw milk simply turns sour.

Research also indicates that there is approximately 33% more natural vitamin C in raw milk than in pasteurized milk. Vitamins A, B, and C in combination with enzymes are all destroyed in the pasteurization process and thereby leave the gates open for pathogens.

3. While regular milk only contains 16% casein protein, raw milk contains 80% casein. Casein allows for slow digestion of proteins that contribute to muscle growth.

Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin found in raw milk. Unless children consume a great deal of meat and eggs (or raw meat, which is not at all healthy), vitamin B12 can be missing from their diets.

4. Research asserts that raw milk can prevent serious illnesses such as tuberculosis, asthma, flu, diphtheria, and related illnesses. It can also lower cholesterol. Pasteurized milk, on the other hand, has been attributed to the development of these diseases and can also promote dental decay.

In a clinical trial where approximately seventy children were given raw milk and pasteurized milk, one child who drank pasteurized milk developed TB.

5. Raw milk has additional health benefits as well. It can prevent osteoporosis, allergies, slow growth development in children, anemia, skin infections, and other illnesses. Conversely, studies clearly indicate that pasteurize milk has been the source of illnesses such as tuberculosis, E. coli, and salmonella.

While these are just five reasons why raw milk is arguably better for you, consumers are slowly re-defining raw milk and its health benefits. There are opponents who will never entertain the idea that raw milk is as beneficial as proponents claim, and this debate is sure to continue.

However, it should be noted that 1% of the population drinks raw milk and that in itself says something about where this argument may be headed.

Do you remember the TV show “The Little Rascals?” There was one episode in which one of the kids was given a spoonful of cod liver oil. It was a very funny episode, similar to Lucille Ball’s “Vita-meta-vegimen” episode – it had the same effect when swallowed. Nonetheless, this oil did have its uses way back then. Let’s take a look at some cod liver oil health benefits as asserted by doctors today.

Firstly, cod liver oil has three vitamins essential to your health: Vitamins A, D, and E. The three vitamins play an important role in lowering cholesterol and preventing dry skin, and have been touted for reducing the inflammation which causes arthritis.

Studies have shown that cod liver oil not only improves memory, but also improves conditions such as asthma and other related diseases. In addition, this oil is widely known to help prevent rickets in children (which is associated with lack of vitamin D), as well as contribute to general bone health. Studies have indicated that individuals with osteoporosis have shown significant progress when taking cod liver oil.

Many people suffer from joint pain, and cod liver oil can help reduce not only the pain, but also the damage incurred in arthritis patients.

Secondly, in addition to the natural vitamins in cod liver oil, there are omega-3 fatty acids which have significant benefits. Combined, they improve energy levels in individuals who are sometimes fatigued; they help keep the thyroid at a healthy level, help maintain vision, keep the immune system healthy, and are noted to offer cardiovascular benefits as well.

Thirdly, cod liver oil has also been used to treat diabetes, and clinical trials have shown that the glucose response greatly improves after taking cod liver oil. Moreover, diabetes can affect the eyes, and cod liver oil has a healing effect on the retina.

If you have high blood pressure, studies have indicated that the use of cod liver oil has a significant effect due to the fact that vitamin D absorbs calcium and magnesium, and the end result is a lower blood pressure.

For Colitis sufferers, individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and those who have Crohn’s Disease, studies have shown that these conditions can respond more favorably to cod liver oil than to other prescribed medication.

Cod liver oil has many health benefits and while some people may prefer adding fish to their diet, it will not necessarily yield the same results that cod liver oil offers. This is due to the fact that the potency is not as high in fish products. In fact, one study showed that you would have to consume approximately a half-pound of fatty fish in order to obtain the same amount of vitamin D as is contained in one spoonful of cod liver oil.

Vegetarianism has been practiced for many centuries. Some are vegetarian for religious reasons, others for ethical reasons, and others simply believe that it is a healthier way to live. As long as one includes all of the necessary vitamins and minerals in one’s vegetarian diet, vegetarianism does not cause any health problems.

Some people believe that the words “vegetarian” and “vegan” mean the same thing, but they do not. Vegetarian is a broader term that encompasses several different diets, while vegans eat a specific type of diet and often try to avoid any animal products in their lives.

Vegans

Vegans do not eat any type of animal flesh, nor do they consume animal products such as eggs and milk. Most vegans do not even eat honey, and some do not eat yeast products. Lifestyle characteristics include not wearing any type of animal product, including silk or wool, and not using lotions or other products that have ingredients that originate from animals.

These requirements are set forth by vegan societies. Individual vegans may or may not follow them to the letter. But the principle is to avoid consuming or using anything that could harm any type of animal. Those who adhere to a strict vegan diet but are not concerned with non-food uses of animal products are called dietary vegans.

Lacto Vegetarians and Ovo-Lacto Vegetarians

Lacto vegetarians have the same dietary principles as vegans, except they do consume milk products. Ovo-Lacto vegetarians are the same as lacto vegetarians, but they also consume eggs and egg products. Both groups may or may not avoid use of non-food animal products.

Other Types of Vegetarians

There are a few other groups that associate themselves with vegetarianism. Pesectarians, for example, consume something similar to a vegetarian diet, but they eat fish as well. Fruitarians eat a vegan diet, but they also exclude foods that kill the plant when harvested.

Which Type of Vegetarian Diet is Best?

The best type of vegetarian diet depends on a person’s individual motives for being a vegetarian. Those who are vegetarians because they want to combat animal cruelty usually opt for a vegan diet. People who simply want to avoid supporting factory farming techniques often become pesectarians. And those who want to avoid the health risks of consuming meat may become lacto or ovo-lacto vegetarians.

Some argue that a raw vegan diet, in which vegan foods are not cooked above 115 degrees Fahrenheit, is the healthiest diet for humans. There is some debate around the subject, but in any case it is possible to eat a raw vegan diet and still get the nutrients we need to survive.

Veganism is simply a subcategory of vegetarianism. Due to the strict requirements of their diets, they are also sometimes called strict vegetarians. The difference between vegans and vegetarians is that vegetarians may or may not eat foods that are forbidden by the vegan diet.

There are many reasons why someone might choose to become a vegetarian. Some do so for religious reasons, while others have ethical concerns. Health is another consideration that many vegetarians have. Here are ten reasons why someone might want to be a vegetarian:

1. Religious Beliefs – A number of religions are associated with vegetarianism. Many Buddhists, Hindus, Jains and Sikhs are vegetarians. Judaism does not prescribe a vegetarian diet, but it does place restrictions on the eating of meat.

2. Nutritional Concerns – Many believe that a vegetarian diet is healthier than one that includes meat, and many studies have confirmed the benefits of vegetarianism. Vegetarians usually get more beneficial vitamins and nutrients from their regular diet, and less harmful substances such as saturated fat and cholesterol. These factors are thought to reduce the risk of many diseases and ailments.

3. Food Safety – Many food safety scares have been publicized over the past few decades, and the majority of these have involved meat. The bacteria E. coli is one of the most dreaded food contamination issues, and it is found primarily in meat. Although there have been cases of other foods being contaminated with E. coli, it is acquired through contact with contaminated meat.

4. Animal Rights Concerns – Animal rights is a primary concern of many vegetarians. The production and slaughtering of animals to be used as food is often performed under questionable conditions and with little regard for the animals’ quality of life. This has led many former meat-eaters to turn to vegetarianism.

5. Unwanted Food Additives – Factory farms often dose their poultry and livestock with antibiotics and hormones. These remain in their meat and end up on the tables of those who eat it, often without their knowledge. Those who are concerned about the effects of these additives often become vegans, as the antibiotics and hormones are also present in milk and eggs from the animals.

6. Environmental Concerns – The production of meat and animal products often has adverse effects on the environment. Factory farms are particularly notorious for their disregard of issues such as pollution and sustainability. This is one reason that vegetarianism and environmentalism often go hand in hand.

7. Concern for Laborers – Labor conditions in the meat industry often meet with scrutiny. Human rights are often disregarded, and worker safety often falls by the wayside. Not eating meat is one way to reduce the incidence of these labor violations.

8. Economic Concerns – Some believe that supporting the meat industry promotes world hunger, and there is sound logic behind this argument. The amount of land required to raise one heard of cattle, for example, could produce enough grain or vegetables to feed many times the number of people that the animal would feed over its lifetime.

9. Medical Conditions – People with certain medical conditions may benefit from a vegetarian diet. Prescription of such a diet is particularly common from doctors of alternative medicine.

10. Disease Scares – The Avian flu, hoof and mouth disease, and mad cow disease are examples of some of the disease scares that have been associated with the consumption of meat. These are serious and sometimes life-threatening aliments, and some consumers choose to avoid meat altogether to prevent exposure.

Children often have an intense dislike for vegetables. Sometimes they give in after being presented with a certain vegetable several times, but it’s often a tough fight. So one might imagine that it would be difficult to raise a child on a vegan diet.

Starting Young

If you start young, raising a vegan child is less difficult. Breastfeeding is in accordance with vegan principles, and if you can’t breastfeed there are soy-based formulas available that have no animal products in them. So the first few months are easy when it comes to raising a vegan.

Once the infant is ready for something more than liquids, rice cereal is a good first step. Many non-vegan moms include it in their babies’ diets because it is easily digestible and is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. Its bland taste also makes it palatable to infants who are just beginning to venture into the world of solid foods.

When your child is eating the rice cereal well, you can begin to introduce other vegan-friendly baby foods. You can buy jars of fruits and vegetables from the grocery store, or you can puree foods at home. Raw, mashed fruits are good to start with, followed by soft-cooked vegetables like sweet potatoes. Legumes and soy products may be introduced at around eight months of age.

When Teething Begins

Children who have begun to sprout teeth can begin to eat raw fruits and vegetables. It is important, however, to serve foods in a way that minimizes the risk of choking. Carrot sticks and peeled apple slices are good to start with.

When your child enters toddlerhood, you can begin to introduce more vegetarian food options. Kids often become picky at this stage, so persistence is crucial. Many traditional favorites of children are available in vegetarian versions, such as the following:

* Spaghetti – This or any other kind of pasta can be prepared with meatless sauce.
* French fries – You can use plant oils or bake instead of fry them.
* Grilled cheese sandwiches – Soy cheese can be substituted for regular cheese.
* Pizza – Use soy cheese and top with vegetables.
* Chicken nuggets – Nuggets made out of soy protein are a good substitute for this favorite of many children.

Most kids on traditional diets eat some foods that are vegan-approved. Here are some foods that vegan and non-vegan children can both enjoy:

* Popcorn
* Mixed fruit
* Trail mix
* Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
* Pancakes
* Fruit juice

Raising vegan children is pretty easy if you start when they are young. Kids enjoy many fruits and vegetables, and those who have not been exposed to meat and other animal products are more likely to conform to a vegan diet.

Do you have headaches, dizziness or mood swings? Have you experienced nausea, diarrhea or abdominal pain? Did you know that all of these symptoms and more have been associated with the consumption of aspartame?

The History of Aspartame

Aspartame is a popular artificial sweetener that is sold under the names NutraSweet and Equal. Discovered by accident in 1965, the sweetener was not approved until 1981 due to concerns about studies linking it to cancer. Restrictions remained in place until 1996, when the FDA approved aspartame for use in all food products.

The approval of aspartame was surrounded with controversy. Studies have linked it to brain tumors, brain lesions, and lymphoma, as well as a long list of side effects. There has also been debate about the possibility of conflicts of interest during the approval process.

Aspartame Side Effects

The FDA has received reports of at least ninety-two side effects associated with aspartame. These include the following:

* Headaches
* Dizziness
* Mood swings
* Vomiting or nausea
* Abdominal cramps
* Vision problems
* Diarrhoea
* Memory loss
* Fatigue
* Rash or hives
* Sleep disturbances
* Change in heart rate
* Seizures and convulsions
* Difficulty breathing
What Happens to Aspartame Once It Enters the Body?

Aspartame is broken down by the body into three substances. These are methanol, phenylalanine and aspartic acid. Each of these substances can have alarming effects on the body.

Methanol is converted to formaldehyde by the body. Known for its use as an embalming fluid, formaldehyde is not something that many people willingly put into their bodies. Whether the amount of formaldehyde that is produced by the breaking down of aspartame is cause for concern has been the source of some debate by scientists, but it has been proven that low levels of methanol and formaldehyde are toxic.

Phenyalanine is an amino acid. It is generally considered safe for everyone except for sufferers of phenylketonuria (PKU), a somewhat rare genetic disease. But it has been argued that high levels of the substance could cause neurological damage, especially in fetuses. Pregnant women are therefore advised not to consume aspartame.

Aspartic acid is known to be an excitotoxin. A type of neurotoxin, excitotoxins have been known to damage brain and nerve cells. This can potentially cause a number of chronic diseases.

Conversion to DKP

Studies have shown that aspartame converts to aspartylphenylalanine diketopiperazine, a form of DKP, over time. Scientists believe that the DKP may undergo a process in the stomach that produces a chemical linked to the formation of brain tumors. There have been few human studies regarding the matter.

Studies and first-hand accounts have linked aspartame to numerous ailments. Those who have experienced symptoms linked to aspartame may see relief when they quit using the sweetener or products containing it. If you have any of these symptoms and traditional medicine has failed to get rid of them, it may be worth a try.
Sources:

http://www.ehponline.org/members/2005/8711/8711.pdf
http://aspartametruth.com/arizona.html
“Increasing Brain Tumor Rates: Is There a Link to Aspartame?” Journal of Neuropathology and Experimental Neurology
“Does Aspartame Cause Human Brain Cancer,” Journal of Advancement in Medicine
http://www.dorway.com/monte84.html
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=7854587
“Determination of aspartame and its breakdown products in soft drinks by reverse-phase chromatography with UV detection,”
Wing Sum Tsang, Margaret A. Clarke, and Frederick W. Parrish

Proper pH levels are essential to good health. If our blood is too acidic or too alkaline, it can trigger defense mechanisms that may compensate for the problem at hand, but could potentially cause other problems. We can protect ourselves, and possibly turn these problems around, by eating foods with the proper pH.

Acidosis occurs when our blood pH is too low. It is associated with fatigue, and it is also found in sufferers of many chronic diseases, including cancer. Here are some foods that can help raise your pH level and restore good health.
Slightly Alkaline Foods

These foods are only slightly alkaline, and can be used when your pH is only slightly low:

* Peas
* Watermelons
* Apples
* Blueberries
* Pears
* Grapes
* Onions
* Bananas
* Raspberries
* Peaches
* Tomatoes
* Oranges
* Lemons
* Apricots
* Grapefruits
* Potatoes (sweet or white)
* Strawberries
* Tangerines
Foods With Medium Alkalinity

* Cherries
* Limes
* Green Beans
* Dried Dates
* Raisins
* Avocado
* Pineapple
* Cauliflower
* Mushrooms
* Rutabagas
* Radishes
* Cucumbers
* Green Soy Beans
* Brussels Sprouts
* Beets
High Alkaline Foods

These foods have the highest alkalinity you can find in natural food sources. They can be helpful if your pH level is extremely low. If it’s not very low, consider trying some of the lower alkaline foods first.

* Broccoli
* Cabbage
* Rhubarb
* Lima Beans
* Lettuce
* Sauerkraut
* Watercress
* Chard
* Dried Beans
* Carrots
* Dried Figs
* Celery
* Molasses
* Beet Greens
* Raw Spinach
Eating foods that help raise pH levels can be beneficial to those with low energy levels. They can also help patients with a variety of diseases, including cancer, diabetes, gall stones and more. These and most other diseases are dependent on an acidic, low oxygen environment for survival.

If you are suffering from alkalosis, the foods in the above lists are best avoided until your pH is restored to normal levels. There are plenty of other healthy foods you can eat that will help lower your pH.

For initial pH level testing, it’s best to consult your doctor. He (or she) may give you a blood test called an electrolyte panel, which will tell him, among other things, the pH level of your blood. Once he has determined where your pH levels stand, you can use litmus paper to test your pH levels at home. The reason that it’s important to get an official test first is because home pH tests are not as accurate. But if used properly, they can give you a general idea of which direction your levels are moving in.

Soy has long been used as a healthy substitute for many food ingredients. The bean has been touted for decades as a source of numerous nutrients, including protein, amino acids, calcium and fiber. And more recently, it has been discovered that soy also contains phytochemicals that boost its benefits to our health.

Soy for the Heart

Scientists have been studying soy’s benefits to the heart since 1909. Soy has been found to lower LDL (bad cholesterol) levels, while preserving HDL (good cholesterol) levels. Soy also contains lecithin and Vitamin E, two natural antioxidants that are good for the heart.

Another heart benefit of soy is the fact that it contains the isoflavone genistein, which is thought to reduce blood clotting. This could help prevent both heart attacks and strokes. Genistein is also believed to help prevent the formation of artery plaque.

Soy Protects Against Cancer

Many types of cancer have been linked to elevated hormone levels. Excess estrogen, for example, has been associated with numerous types of cancer in women and prostate cancer in men. The isoflavones found in soy, genistein and daidzein, are being studied in relation to the prevention and treatment of these and other hormone-related cancers.

These components of soy are believed to prevent and sabotage the growth of cancer in a number of ways. They can prevent estrogen from entering cells, and they may block genes and processes that are necessary for cancer to take hold, grow and spread. Studies have also shown genistein to activate helpful genes that promote the self-destruction of cancer cells.

Soy for Healthy Bones

Calcium is one of the most important nutrients we can consume for healthy bones. Using soy as a replacement for animal foods allows us to keep calcium in our diet, as a number of soy foods are high in calcium. In addition to calcium, soy contains magnesium and boron, two nutrients that enhance the effects of calcium.

Soy Fights Hot Flashes

Hot flashes and night sweats are two of the most bothersome symptoms of the menopause. Research has shown that menopausal women who consume soy flour each day have a large reduction in symptoms such as hot flashes.

How Can I Add Soy to My Diet?

There are many foods available that contain soy. Soy milk can be used as a substitute for cow’s milk, and soy flour is a healthy substitute for wheat flour. Tofu is a popular soy-based food that can be eaten alone or used in recipes. And fresh green soybeans, known as Edamame, can be cooked and eaten alone or used in recipes.

Soy has numerous health benefits. It provides us with several essential nutrients, and studies have proven it helpful in the prevention and treatment of many ailments. Adding soy to your diet is very worthwhile, whether you are battling health problems or just want to improve your overall health.

If you go to the spice section in the grocery store, you will see many types of herbs. How many of those do you use in your cooking? Did you know that you can grow many of them in your own garden?

Herb gardens are great for cooking purposes, but they can also be home to medicinal and fragrant plants. And if all of those benefits aren’t enough, they are quite beautiful as well.

Cooking Herbs

There are many cooking herbs that you can grow in your garden. Basil, bay, dill and chives are just a few of the many delicious spices that come from easy-to-grow herbs. Most plants grow large enough to provide a bountiful harvest that you can share with friends and family.

Fresh herbs are much tastier than the store-bought ones because they haven’t sat around long enough to lose flavor. So a little bit goes a long way. Some cooking herbs are perennials, so they will come back for you to enjoy year after year.

Medicinal Herbs

Many herbs are known for their medicinal qualities. Yarrow, St. John’s wort, and hyssop are some of the most used medicinal herbs. Herbal remedies can be found for almost any common ailment, and they are less expensive and often have fewer side effects than traditional medicines.

Fragrant Herbs

Many herbs have a pleasant fragrance in addition to culinary uses and medicinal qualities. So some people grow herbs simply for their beauty and scent. Some fragrant herbs mingle well with regular flowers to add beauty and fragrance to a traditional garden.

Making Money with Herbs

Growing an herb garden can turn into a profitable business. Many herbalists dry and grind culinary herbs to sell, and some even make their own signature blends. Others grow medicinal herbs and sell them to companies that make herbal medicines, or directly to customers.

Herbs Make Great Gifts

Culinary, medicinal and fragrant herbs make thoughtful and useful gifts. You could give entire plants or cuttings so that recipients can grow their own. Or you could dry and grind culinary herbs that they can use in cooking. For a friend or family member who is sick, you could prepare an infusion or tincture and deliver it to him or her.

Another great way to present culinary or medicinal herbs is with recipes. You could print the recipe on some pretty stationery or a note card, package the other ingredients with it, and present it to someone who loves gourmet food or enjoys using home remedies.

There are many benefits of growing an herb garden. It puts the things you need for cooking and herbal remedies right at your fingertips. It allows you to use the ingredients fresh instead of buying them from the store, where it’s hard to tell how long they’ve been sitting on the shelf. And it allows you to make money from the herbs or give them as gifts. The many uses for herbs make herb gardening well worth the time spent.