My Blog is a place where I share information about nutrition, health and wellness, and sometimes just daily life! Hope you enjoy!






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Monday, May 30, 2011

Another dairy warning

Good morning everyone! I am posting some information from a great article that I read about the continued dangers of the hormones in dairy, it's just astonishing that people either don't know or they know and don't care about this stuff!

Highlights from the article:

American dairy commonly contains a genetically modified ingredient -- Monsanto’s genetically engineered bovine growth hormone (rBGH or rBST) -- that has been linked to so many health hazards in humans and animals it’s banned in most other industrialized nations, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the European Union.<----WHY ON EARTH ISN'T BANNED IN AMERICA? Oh right because of money.

This hormone has been linked to increased risks of breast, prostate, colon, lung, and other cancers. According to the Institute for Responsible Technology (IRT), founded by Jeffrey Smith:
“Studies suggest that pre-menopausal women below 50 years old with high levels of IGF-1 are seven times more likely to develop breast cancer. Men are four times more likely to develop prostate cancer. IGF-1 is implicated in lung and colon cancer.”

Milk from cows injected with rBGH is also less nutritious and has more antibiotics and pus (Yummy huh?!)in it than milk from untreated cows. The pus comes from infected udders, as cows given rBGH are more likely to experience a painful udder infection called mastitis. These infections are in turn treated with antibiotics, leading to increased rates of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the milk, the people who drink it and the surrounding environments

Milk and other dairy products that contain rBGH does not have to be labeled as such, which means you have no way of knowing whether or not it’s in your milk. Some manufacturers, noting the increased health risks and the growing consumer opposition to rBGH, have begun adding statements such as “No artificial growth hormones” to their labels to let you know it’s rBGH free.

Monsanto fought back against this labeling, going so far as to sue a dairy in 2003 that labeled their milk cartons with “Our Farmers’ Pledge: No Artificial Growth Hormones.” The suit was settled when the dairy agreed to add a statement to their packages that said, “according to the FDA no significant difference has been shown between milk derived from [rBGH]-treated and non- treated cows.” But this is actually not true!!! The FDA and Monsanto both knew of increased rates of IGF-1, pus and antibiotic residues in milk from treated cows. However, the statement became a requirement for all labels that dared say they were rBGH-free nonetheless.

Further, the misleading statement was written by none other than the FDA’s deputy commissioner of policy, Michael Taylor who, according to IRT, was “previously Monsanto’s outside attorney who, after running policy at the FDA, became vice president of Monsanto.” <----revolving door anyone?! These people go from the government to private companies and then back to the government, all to support their own financial gain at the expense of our health.

Already, 50 of the top 100 dairies have decided not to use rBGH in their milk, and companies like Wal-Mart, Kroger, Starbucks, Yoplait and Dannon have also pledged to go rBGH-free.
Many major food manufacturers have not followed suit, however, so it’s still a buyer beware market. If you want to find rBGH-free dairy, the following resources will help:
Dreyer's, Edy's, Nestle, Haagen-Dazs, Klondike, Good Humor, and Breyer's are STILL using dairy from rBGH-treated cows.

I'm not sure how this doesn't concern people!!



Friday, May 27, 2011

20 super foods!

I took this information from an article and I just wanted to share! Now if only we were all able to get all of these nutrients within the week!

Bone Builder

Dried Plums

Also known as prunes, these dark shrivelers are rich in copper and boron, both of which can help prevent osteoporosis. "They also contain fiber called inulin, which, when broken down by intestinal bacteria, makes for a more acidic environment in the digestive tract," says Bowerman. "That, in turn, facilitates calcium absorption." Enjoy four or five a day to strengthen your bones and boost your energy.

Bone Builder

Bok Choy

This crunchy cruciferous vegetable is more than the filler that goes with shrimp in brown sauce. "Bok choy is rich in bone-building calcium, as well as vitamins A and C, folic acid, iron, beta-carotene, and potassium," says celebrity trainer Teddy Bass. Potassium keeps your muscles and nerves in check while lowering your blood pressure, and research suggests that beta-carotene can reduce the risk of both lung and bladder cancers, as well as macular degeneration. Shoot for a cup a day.

Artichokes

Bone Builder
Lauded for centuries as an aphrodisiac, this fiber-rich plant contains more bone-building magnesium and potassium than any other vegetable. Its leaves are also rich in flavonoids and polyphenols—antioxidants that can cut the risk of stroke—and vitamin C, which helps maintain the immune system. "Eat them as often as you can," says Bowerman. Ripe ones feel heavy for their size and squeak when squeezed.

Kiwiws

Bone Builder
Like bananas, this fuzzy fruit is high in bone-protecting potassium. "They're also rich in vitamin C and lutein, a carotenoid that can help reduce the risk of heart disease," says Bowerman. "I try to eat at least one or two a week after exercising." Freeze them for a refreshing energy kick, but don't peel the skin: It's edible and packed with nutrients.

Tea/Green Tea

Immunity Booster
Studies show that green tea—infused with the antioxidant EGCG—reduces the risk of most types of cancer. "The phytonutrients in tea also support the growth of intestinal bacteria," says Bowerman. "Specifically, they inhibit the growth of bad bacteria—E. coli, Clostridium, Salmonella—and leave the beneficial bacteria untouched." Why is this important? "Because up to 70 percent of your immune system is located in your digestive tract," says Bowerman. "Four cups a day will keep it functioning at its peak."

Ginger

Immunity Booster
Contrary to popular belief, ginger—a piquant addition to so many Asian dishes—isn't a root, it's a stem, which means it contains living compounds that improve your health. Chief among them is gingerol, a cancer suppressor that studies have shown to be particularly effective against that of the colon. Chop ginger or grind it fresh and add it to soy-marinated fish or chicken as often as you can. The more you can handle, the better.

Blueberries

Immunity Booster
"This potent little fruit can help prevent a range of diseases from cancer to heart disease," says Ryan Andrews, the director of research at Precision Nutrition, in Toronto, Canada. One serving (3.5 ounces) contains more antioxidants than any other fruit. Drizzle with lemon juice and mix with strawberries for a disease-fighting supersnack

Tomatoes

Immunity Booster
"I think of tomatoes as the 'fighting herpes helper' for the divorcé crowd," says Petersen. Their lycopene content can also help protect against degenerative diseases. "Cooked tomatoes and tomato paste work best," he says. Shoot for half a tomato, or 12 to 20 ounces of tomato juice, a day

Pomegranates

Immunity Booster
The juice from the biblical fruit of many seeds can reduce your risk of most cancers, thanks to polyphenols called ellagitannins, which give the fruit its color. In fact, a recent study at UCLA found that pomegranate juice slows the growth of prostate cancer cells by a factor of six. "Drink a cup a day," says Bowerman.

Tofu

Muscle Enhancer
Made from soybeans, tofu was once the bastion of vegetarians. But the plant protein in these pressed bean curds—available firm or soft, and delicious when marinated and tossed into salads—provides a full complement of amino acids, as well as isoflavone, which helps muscles recover from exercise. "A serving is four ounces," says Andrews. "Eat one to three servings a week."

Lentils

Muscle Enhancer
These flat beans don't just make delicious soups. "They're packed with protein, not to mention B vitamins and zinc, which are important for good sexual health," says Andrews. Eat half a cup twice a week, cooking them for about 30 minutes (until they start to break apart) to create a satisfying mashed-potato-like texture. "A single serving will help you cover all of your nutritional bases," adds Andrews.

Pineapples
Inflammation Fighter
With its potent mix of vitamins, antioxidants, and enzymes (in particular, bromelain), pineapple is an all-body anti-inflammation cocktail. It also protects against colon cancer, arthritis, and macular degeneration, says Grieger. If only the "colada" part of the equation were as healthy. Have half a cup, two or three times a week.

Turmeric

Inflammation Fighter
Curcumin, the polyphenol that gives the spice its tang and yellow hue, has antitumor, antiarthritis, and anti-inflammatory properties. "Studies show that it also inhibits the growth of plaques associated with Alzheimer's," says Bowerman. Sprinkle half a tablespoon on fish or chicken to add color and flavor

Flaxseed

Inflammation Fighter
Rich in protein and fiber, these seeds taste great on cereal and yogurt. Their oil also comes in pill or liquid form, and is high in alpha linolenic omega-3s, which puts them next to wild fish on the list of heart-healthy fare. "They're a great brain food too," says Andrews. Shoot for a tablespoon of ground flaxseed a day.

Almonds

Inflammation Fighter
These energy-rich snacks lower bad cholesterol, thanks to plant sterols, and benefit diabetics by lowering blood sugar. They're also rich in amino acids, which bolster testosterone levels and muscle growth. "Eat a third of a cup a day with the skins on. The skin is full of antioxidants," says Bowerman.

Attacked by a meat eater

Yesterday I was attacked by a meat eater. Imagine, the large teeth, the claws, the anger in the red eyes of
the monster that got a hold of yours truly.



 




Attacked you say? Yes attacked.


Attacked by saying that we NEED meat to survive, to live, to thrive. You can sense what my reaction to that was. ANGER. So I didn't write back until this morning, until I could breathe calmly and think about how I wanted to respond to such a grossly wrong statement. I'm not saying everyone should be vegan or vegetarian, I'm saying WE DON'T NEED MEAT TO SURVIVE. Thank you very much. But either way writing back made me feel better, calmer and excited to be a healthy, clean living, green happy machine! On that note is how I start my day today and I hope everyone can say the same! I really should publish this blog so it doesn't feel like I'm talking to the air or myself :)












Another great article that a fellow student of IIN found is below, it just highlights the reasons we should stop eating dairy, again I love not eating dairy, maybe you love eating dairy, whatever works! Peace, love and veggies, to copy my favorite lady, Kris Carr.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Sunday.....Dairy Explanation day#1

Hi everyone! Well I've been attacked the last two weeks about, 'how can you cut out dairy? don't you need calcium? don't you need protein?' to which I must explain that I don't need dairy products to get either of these things. This is one of the most frustrating things to discuss, many people understand the reducing of meat but most just can't wrap their brain around the absence of dairy. Not only has dairy been proven to increase your risk of cancer (more on that further down), it actually doesn't have as much calcium as we all think and has actually been thought to leech calcium from your bones and teeth!

Calcium Milligrams (per 100-gram serving)
Butter-20
Whole milk-118
Chickpeas-150
Collard greens-203
Parsley-203
Soybeans-226
Almonds-234
Sesame seeds-1,160
Hikiki sea vegetable-1,400


So just by viewing that chart we see that dairy products really don't contain as much calcium as well all think! Here are a few highlights about dairy and it's possible evils:








Milk is simply not made for your body:
Our bodies are not meant to consume any milk except our mother's and only when we're babies-think about it we drink milk during this time in our lives to initiate growth. Baby cows drink cows milk in order to turn into a 400 pound cow, is that what you're looking to do? When we consume milk as babies we're just being ask to grow, not to run around, think, make a living, anything except grow. Milk is high in protein and fat but low in carbs and devoid of fiber, similar to frozen yogurt which basically is designed to turn you into a fat, slow, docile cow. We are the only animal to consume milk past childhood, most animals instinctively know to stop drinking it, they no long need it. Past childhood most people stop producing the enzyme lactase which is needed to digest lactose (the sugar in milk).

Dairy can cause cancer and other assorted diseases:
The biggest factors in breast cancer are fat, animal protein and excess estrogen. Milking cows are actually pumped full of extra estrogen to make them lactate, constantly (that in and of itself isn't natural or fun!), dairy is the best way to get all three factors in breast cancer. Cows are injected with bovine growth hormone and have a higher level of naturally occurring hormones called IGF-1 (insulin like growth factor-1), which is also connected to tumor growth. Dairy can also cause or irritate further kidney stones, Crohn's disease, allergies, eczema, asthma, arthritis, inflammation and zits.