Striving4Zen

We all know sitting at a desk all day doesn't burn up the calories. There are simple ways to exercise at work, like disappearing into a restroom stall to do some squats, but what about getting some cardio? To work out while on the job, you might have contemplated a treadmill desk, but the size of both the price tag and the desk itself prevents you from asking your boss to spring for one.

Here's another, much cheaper option — an under your desk, wheel-less, mini exercise bike. You can stow this model, made by by Stamina ($49), under your desk and pedal with your feet without your co-workers knowing. Or you can place it on top of your desk to conspicuously work your upper body. You can adjust the tension to make it easier or more difficult, and it also comes with an electronic monitor to time your workouts. There are even protectors on the legs to prevent it from slipping on the floor. What a great way to burn some calories while working or watching TV.

Thanks Fitsugar!

Labels: exercise, great idea, healthy living, innovative, Stamina

America's super-sized obsession with Big Macs, fries and stuffed-crust pizzas is beginning to affect more than just waistlines - it has doubled the rate of diabetes over the last decade.

The Centers for Disease Control warned that our buffet-bloated populace badly needs an intervention - New York state included.

"Interventions that promote weight loss and increased physical activity among persons at high risk for diabetes are needed to reduce diabetes incidence," says the report, which was released yesterday.

"Also needed are public health interventions, including environmental and policy changes (e.g., creating or enhancing parks, walking trails and access to healthier foods) that encourage healthy lifestyles."

The number of people across the country suffering from the blood-sugar disease has skyrocketed in the past 10 years. New York is among states with a higher-than-average rate.

A detailed phone survey showed that just 4.8 out of every 1,000 Americans had diabetes between 1995 and 1997.

But between of 2005 to 2007, that number rose to 9.1 per 1,000.

The worst rates are in the nation's deep-fried Southern pork-barbecue belt.

The study, put up on the center's Web site yesterday, is the first to look at the rise in diabetes rates from a state-by-state perspective.

"These findings affirm previous projections that diabetes will continue to be a major public health problem," the CDC said.

Source

Labels: diabetes, Obesity, study, unhealthy

Answer:

No, dried berries are not nutritionally similar to fresh berries-or at least, from our perspective, not similar enough to be considered as comparable foods. So much of a berry's uniqueness is derived from its phytonutrients. Flavonoids like peonidin, petunidin, malvidin, and many others found in berries are susceptible to damage from heat, light, oxygen, and time-since-harvest. While some drying processes are harsher than others, no drying process can leave the phytonutrient content of these berries significantly unchanged.

Since berries lose water (and therefore volume) during the drying process, their nutrient, calorie and sugar content becomes concentrated once they are dried. When you eat a handful of dried berries, such as blueberries, you are consuming more calories than you would if you ate that same amount of fresh blueberries. In contrast to fresh fruits, which we would place in the moderate sugar category, we would classify dried fruits as high-sugar foods.

The other thing to be aware of with dried fruit is the addition of other ingredients, notably sweeteners. These are usually always added to dried cranberries since cranberries are very tart. In this example, we'd suggest looking for dried cranberries sweetened with a natural sweetener such as apple juice concentrate rather than refined sugar or corn syrup.

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Labels: berries, dried fruit, flavonoids, healthy diet, nutrition

First conceived by mother-daughter duo Judy Zimmer and Jocelyn Murray in 1996 and franchised in 2000, now has 70 locations, with more scheduled to open within a year, and plans to expand to Northern Europe. recently opened in Dillard's.

A mix between an upscale Manhattan loft and the production line of a factory, stores are the "drop-in spa." We sell small indulgences and self-pampering, and are bringing back the seemingly lost art of customer service.

Each product from 's wide selection—including phosphate-free bubble bath, mineral-oil free moisturizers, talc-free liquid powder, exfoliating salt scrub, spa tub-safe bath crystals, alcohol-free body mist, SLS-free shower gel, head-to-toe body wash and conditioners, anti-bacterial handwashes, and a full line of pet products—are custom-blended right in the store to customers' specifications.

With 200 fragrances to choose from, customers can create their own dream blend (gardenia and watermelon? We won't judge) or for the easily overwhelmed, fragrance menus of favorite blends are available. Customers can also select their products' tints, allowing them to simply choose a favorite color or create the perfect match for their bathroom's color scheme.

Think of it like a soda fountain for bath products: scented and tinted to your specifications, and mixed up in-store before your very eyes's. products safe for even the most sensitive skin. Most are paraben and SLS-free. We don't test on animals, either— only ourselves. And we only use the best.

On a mission to take over the world with smelly goodness, has recently stepped out of the tub and launched their Domania home line. Domania introduces the world's first custom-scented, multi-surface, anti-bacterial household cleanser, Clean Freak; a custom-scented odor neutralizer, Domain Spray; custom-scented Fine Linen Wash and Fabric Softener; and SLS-free Clean Freak Dish Soap.

Bath Junkie

Labels: Bath Junkie, cool new place, Cool Store, customization, innovative, NYC

Oil	Fat Lineup	Properties
Olive	77% mono, 9% poly, 14% saturated	Rich olive taste, low smoke point. Best in dressings, marinades, sauces, sautés, pastas, casseroles, stir-fries, soups, and meat dishes.
Hazelnut	76% mono, 14% poly, 10% saturated	Brown colored with hazelnut flavor, high smoke point. Best used to bring out flavor in baked desserts, dressings, and meats.
Avocado	70% mono, 10% poly, 20% saturated	Light avocado flavor, high smoke point. Best in salad dressings and marinades, sautés, casseroles, pastas, and meats.
Canola	62% mono, 32% poly, 6% saturated	Light color and flavor, moderately high smoke point. Best for baking or in dishes that require a mild flavor.
Peanut	49% mono, 33% poly, 18% saturated	Peanut flavor and aroma, high smoke point. Best in foods that benefit from peanut flavor, such as Asian stir-fries, noodles, rice, and salads.
Sesame	40% mono, 46% poly, 14% saturated	Light and mild sesame flavor, moderately high smoke point. Best in Asian stir-fries, noodles, rice, and salads.
Palm	38% mono, 10% poly, 52% saturated	Red-orange color and unique flavor, high smoke point. May bring out the flavor in Caribbean and South American dishes but is moderately high in saturated fat.
Corn	25% mono, 62% poly, 13% saturated	Light and mild flavor, high smoke point. Best used in baking or deep-frying but is high in linoleic acid.
Soybean	24% mono, 61% poly, 15% saturated	Slightly heavy flavor, high smoke point. Best used in baking or deep-frying but is high in linoleic acid.
Sunflower	20% mono, 69% poly, 11% saturated	Light and flavorless, high smoke point. Best used in baking but is high in linoleic acid.
Walnut	19% mono, 67% poly, 14% saturated	Rich walnut flavor, moderately high smoke point. Best used to bring out flavor in baked desserts, dressings, and meats. High in alpha-linolenic acid.
Grape Seed	17% mono, 71% poly, 12% saturated	Mild flavor, high smoke point. Best in sautéing or frying but is high in linoleic acid.
Safflower	13% mono, 77% poly, 10% saturated	Light color and flavor, high smoke point. Best for searing meats, baking desserts, and deep-frying foods but is high in linoleic acid.
Coconut	6% mono, 2% poly, 92% saturated	Solid at room temperature, buttery texture, low smoke point. Popular in southeast Asian dishes but is high in saturated fats.

Labels: monounsaturated fat, oils, polyunsaturated fat, saturated fat

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Labels: DIY, egg whites, facial, living holistically, mask, passion fruit, skin care

The Pentagon is seeking new ways to treat troops suffering from combat stress or brain damage by researching such alternative methods as acupuncture, meditation, yoga and the use of animals as therapy, military officials said.

"This new theme is a big departure for our cautious culture," Dr. S. Ward Casscells, the Pentagon's assistant secretary for health affairs, told USA TODAY.

So far this year, the Pentagon is spending $5 million to study the therapies. In the previous two years, the Pentagon had not spent any money on similar research, records show.

Some military hospitals and installations already use alternative therapies, such as acupuncture as stress relievers for patients. The research will see whether the alternatives work so the Pentagon can use them more, said Army Brig. Gen. Loree Sutton, head of the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury. Many of the treatments have been used for centuries, Sutton said, "so it just makes sense to bring all potential therapies to bear."

Her office issued a request for research proposals this year on therapies ranging from art and dance, to the ancient Chinese healing art of qigong or a therapy of hands-on touching known as Reiki.

Friedl said research will include how meditation can improve emotional resilience; how holding and petting an animal can treat PTSD and how acupuncture pain relief can relieve headaches created by mild brain damage from blasts.

Some soldiers who suffer from PTSD are reluctant to share their experiences in traditional psychiatric therapy, said Col. Charles Engel, an Army psychiatric epidemiologist. He said those soldiers may be more willing to use acupuncture and other alternatives if they are effective.

Initial research this summer with combat veterans showed that acupuncture relieved PTSD symptoms and eased pain and depression, Engel said. "Improvements were relatively rapid and clinically significant," he said.

About one third of sailors and Marines use some types of alternative therapies, mostly herbal remedies, according to a survey conducted last year. A recent Army study shows that one in four soldiers with combat-caused PTSD turned to herbs, chiropractors, acupuncture or megavitamins for relief.

Full article...

Labels: acupuncture, alternative treatments, benefits of yoga, Pentagon, PTSD, Reiki, stress, study

A sour, sharp-tasting liquid containing acetic acid. Produced from the fermentation of the juice of various fruits, berries, honey, molasses, or even cereal grains as in malt vinegars. Cosmetic vinegars have been used as a complexion aid for centuries. Vinegar closes pores and preserves or restores the skin's natural acidity (pH balance). Vinegar keeps both oily and dry complexions soft and fresh and can combat the ravages of alkaline soaps and make up.

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Labels: apple cider vinegar, DIY, living holistically, skin care

Prebiotics and Probiotics:

Prebiotics and probiotics can restore the balance of bacteria in your digestive tract. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can be found in various foods. When you eat probiotics, you will add these healthy bacteria to your intestinal tract. Common strains include Lactobacillis and Bifidobacterium families of bacteria.

Prebiotics are non-digestible foods that make their way through our digestive system and help good bacteria grow and flourish. Prebiotics keep beneficial bacteria healthy.

Prebiotics in the Diet:

Prebiotics that feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut mostly come from carbohydrate fibers called oligosaccharides. You don't digest them, so the oligosaccharides remain in the digestive tract and stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria. Sources of oligosaccharides include fruits, legumes, and whole grains. Fructo-oligosaccharides may be taken as a supplement or added to foods. Yogurt made with bifidobacteria contain oligosaccharides.

Probiotics in the Diet:

Probiotic bacteria like lactobacilli are naturally found in fermented foods like sauerkraut and yogurt. Some foods will have added probiotics as healthy nutritional ingredients, which will be evident on the label.

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Labels: bacteria, fermented, greek yoghurt, healthy diet, prebiotics, Probiotics

If you're like most people, you get a new toothbrush every six months, but you really should be changing your toothbrush more often, like every three to four months. When the bristles get worn and lose their rigidity, they don't remove plaque as well. But you should also do some maintenance within that three months, when your toothbrush is just sitting out in the open. After all, think about all the germs and bacteria floating around that would love to attach themselves to your moist toothbrush.

So to prevent colds, flu, and other sicknesses, once or twice a week run your toothbrush through the microwave on high for 10 seconds immediately before brushing your teeth. If someone in your home is sick, you may want to sterilize it in the microwave each time you brush. If you're the one who's sick, after the illness passes, ditch your old toothbrush and replace it with a new one.

Great tip FitSugar!

Thanks!

Labels: germs, microwave, tips, toothbrush

Question:
Which aperture of the body reflects the internal organs related to excretion and assimilation?
Anus, urinary tract, ears, nose, or mouth?

Answer: Mouth.

See the Picture at Right to find the corresponding body parts.

A- the tip area reflects the rectum and the descending colon.

B- the peripheral area reflects the large intestine.

C- the middle region corresponds to the small intestine.

D- the back edge region relates to the liver, gallbladder, duodenum, and pancreas.

E- the near back region corresponds to the stomach.

F- the back region ('the root of the tongue') reflects the esophagus.

G- the underside of the tongue reflects the quality of blood and lymph circulation in each corresponding area.

Your tongue accurately reflects the state of your digestive system- from rectum to esophagus, including the stomach, small intestines, colon (large intestine), pancreas, spleen, liver and gall bladder.

Imagine, you don't need a battery of tests to find out what part of your digestive tract is in stress. You can diagnosis the whole GI tract and corresponding organ integrity all in one easy view- just stick your tongue out.

As a whole the tongue reflects the condition of the digestive system and the organs associated with blood, nutrient assimilation, and excretion. You can also see how 'hot' or how 'cold' your internal organs are. Therefore it has a high value as a diagnostic tool.

Specific sections of the tongue mirror the condition of particular parts of the digestive system and the digestion related internal organs.

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Labels: ayurveda, Holistic Health, living holistically, tongue, tongue diagnosis, Traditional Chinese Medicine

Earlier this year we covered customizable energy bars from LA-based YouBar, and recently a similar contender out of the Midwest crossed our proverbial path.

Chicago-based Element Bars aims to give users a simple, step-by-step process for designing their own energy bars from scratch. Customers begin by selecting a chewy, oaty, crispy or datey "core" that defines the bar's texture and base. They can then add nuts, fruits and sweets as well as protein, fiber, Omega-3 and vitamin boosts. The site warns users if they have selected incompatible ingredients, and it will even recommend a mix for users who answer a few lifestyle-oriented questions. Meanwhile, a Nutrition Facts box is updated each step of the way to reflect the user’s current selections.

There's nothing we love more than seeing a good idea spread, and that includes virtually anything in the realm of customization.

Read more...

Labels: customization, Element Bars, energy bars, health trend, innovative, new product, Springwise

Good things really do come in small packages, as fans of the winning 100-calorie snack package will agree. Now a new UK company aims to upgrade the small-portion snack with natural and nutritious edibles delivered by mail in just the right sizes.

Graze encourages consumers to do just that by offering a wide variety of natural foods in snack sizes for regular delivery by Royal Mail. Consumers can select from three types of standard snack collections: the grazemini, which combines fresh fruit with dried fruits, nuts or seeds; the grazeclassic, which adds vegetable, savoury and bakery options to that mix; and the grazeluxury, which includes deli and sweet indulgences. Focused nutritional selections are also available, chosen by Graze's team of nutritionists for energy, well-being or workout enhancement. Whichever box style they select, consumers then tell Graze how they feel about the various food options in that mix—whether they like, love, or would like to try them.

Read more....

Labels: health trend, healthy snacks, innovative, new product, Springwise

Searching for a way to look young for your age?

Hit the produce aisle, suggests new research in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Analyzing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey I (NHANES I)—a survey that asks people to quantify how often they eat various foods—researchers from Unilever linked consuming plenty of vitamin C-rich foods (such as oranges, tomatoes and strawberries) with youthful skin.
"Our findings suggest that a higher intake of vitamin C from foods is associated with a lower risk of having wrinkled skin and age-related skin dryness in [middle-aged] women," says Maeve Cosgrove, Ph.D., who led the research.

Vitamin C’s youthful effects on skin may be due to its antioxidant properties, which help protect against ultraviolet rays, and its role in keeping skin firm via collagen synthesis, say the researchers.

Bottom line: Eating more vitamin-C rich foods, such as oranges, tomatoes, strawberries and broccoli, may be a secret to smoother skin.

Source

Labels: anti-aging, citrus fruits, eating for good skin, fruits and veggies, Oranges, skin care, Vitamin C

Labels: living holistically, natural products, organic skin care, salves, skin care, skincare

You probably don't open the refrigerator in search of beauty aids, but you might want to start. Turns out, some common kitchen staples are chock full of oils and potent phytochemicals (including antioxidants) that give your skin and hair a healthy boost.

Here, we've put together a list of body-pampering pantry basics, along with expert tips on how to apply them.

AVOCADO
Rich and buttery, avocados are perfect for hydrating dry skin and hair, says Janice Cox, author of Natural Beauty at Home (Owl, 2002). Avocados contain skin-nourishing vitamin E and phytosterols, which, similar to the skin's own lipids, provide a barrier to environmental elements and lock in moisture.

• Make it: Donna Maria Coles Johnson, who wrote Making Aromatherapy Creams and Lotions (Storey, 2000), likes to mix a couple of tablespoons of avocado with a tablespoon or so of banana and egg yolk for a moisturizing face mask. For a hair pack, Cox suggests mashing avocado into a smooth paste and spreading it on clean, damp hair for 20 minutes.

COCOA
The antioxidant powers of this distinctive bean promote healthy skin. Preliminary research shows that topically applied cocoa reduces skin irritation and combats cellular damage, and eating chocolate—contrary to popular belief— may even improve the skin's appearance (Journal of Nutrition, 2006, vol. 136, no. 5).

• Make it: For a soothing mask, mix cocoa powder with a little water or buttermilk—an excellent source of lactic acid that stimulates the cocoa's antioxidant function and softens the skin, says Audrey Kunin, MD, author of The DERMAdoctor Skinstruction Manual (Simon & Schuster, 2005).

GREEN TEA
Green tea's plentiful antioxidants help fight free radical damage. And its active ingredient, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), is a powerful anti-inflammatory, according to Kunin. When applied topically, the tea reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles and can even help prevent skin cancer and signs of aging resulting from sun damage (Current Drug Targets, 2003, vol. 3, no. 3).

• Make it: Apply a compress soaked in chilled green tea to irritated skin or puffy eyes. Caffeine and EGCG help reduce swelling and calm skin, Kunin says. Cox likes to use green tea as a toner: Brew strong tea (one or two tea bags per 1 cup water) and apply to face after cleansing.

HONEY
Honey can be used head to toe, Cox says. Its strong antimicrobial properties help clean and clear away bacteria, making it ideal for oily or acne-prone skin, she says. According to Kunin, honey is also a humectant, meaning it draws moisture to the skin.

• Make it: To help clear up blemishes, Cox suggests dabbing honey on pimples. Kunin likes honey for a hydrating and exfoliating mask: Apply a thin layer of honey over face and neck for 10 minutes. If the honey is hard to spread, gently warm it first and/or dilute it with a small amount of water.

OLIVE OIL
For centuries, olive oil, rich in vitamin E and antioxidants, has been the beauty ingredient of choice for dry skin and hair.

• Make it: Apply olive oil to damp skin before bed, put on your pajamas, and wake up to smoother, hydrated skin, Coles Johnson says. For a fresh, uplifting scent, she suggests adding a few drops of citrus essential oil to the olive oil.

SUGAR AND SALT
When used as natural exfoliating particles, sugar and salt help loosen lifeless epidermal cells that need to be physically removed, Kunin says. But they can also cause irritation, so use a gentle touch, especially with salt.

• Make it: Simply mix a tablespoon or two of salt (sea salt contains skin-nourishing minerals) with any light vegetable oil for an easy body scrub, suggests Cox. For a gentle facial scrub, mix a teaspoon of sugar with your favorite cleanser and apply in small, circular motions, she says.

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Labels: DIY, food for the face, living holistically, skin care

Basil can protect against the harmful effects of aging, according to research presented at the British Pharmaceutical Conference (BPC) in Manchester.

Holy basil, (Latin name Ocimum sanctum), is a close relative of the herb commonly used in Western cooking. Native to India, its extract has long been used in the ancient system of Ayurvedic medicine practiced in India and other parts of Asia as a rejuvenation drug, to promote a youthful state of physical and mental health.

In the first formal study of the herb, pharmacy researchers found that holy basil extract was effective at actively searching for and eliminating harmful molecules and protecting against damage caused by some free radicals in key organs such as the heart, liver and brain.

The researchers, led by Dr Vaibhav Shinde from Poona College of Pharmacy, Maharashtra, India, studied the herb for anti-oxidant and anti-aging properties.

Dr Shinde said: "The study validates the traditional use of herb as a youth-promoting substance in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. It also helps describe how the herb acts at a cellular level."

Source

Labels: anti-aging, ayurveda, basil, free radicals, herbs, Holistic Health, holy basil. tulsi

A light, refreshing, [safe] yet very effective deodorant spray.

Ingredients:

3 oz. witch hazel
1 oz. high proof vodka
1 tsp tea tree oil
1 tsp rosemary oil
1 tsp grapefruit seed extract
1 tsp lime oil

Instructions:

Mix all ingredients together and pour in a fine-mist spray bottle. For a stronger deodorant, substitute 1 oz. of the witch hazel with lime juice.

[Note: perform a skin test if you have a sensitivity to citric acid.]

Source

Labels: deodorant, DIY, herbal deodorant, living holistically

Diets heavy in fried foods, salty snacks and meat account for about 35% of heart attacks globally, researchers reported on Monday.

Their study of 52 countries showed that people who ate a "Western" diet based on meat, eggs and junk food were more likely to have heart attacks, while those who ate more fruits and vegetables had a lower risk.

The study supports previous findings that show junk food and animal fats can cause heart disease, and especially heart attacks.

Dr. Salim Yusuf at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada, and colleagues questioned more than 16,000 patients, 5,700 of whom had just suffered a first heart attack.

They took blood samples and had each patient fill out a detailed form on their eating habits between February 1999 and March 2003.

They divided the volunteers into three groups.

"The first factor was labeled 'Oriental' because of its high loading on tofu and soy and other sauces," they wrote in their report, published in the journal Circulation.

"The second factor was labeled 'Western' because of its high loading on fried food, salty snacks, and meat intake. The third dietary factor was labeled 'prudent' because of its high loadings on fruit and vegetable intake."

People who ate more fruits and vegetables had a 30% lower risk of heart attack compared to people who ate little or none of these foods, they found.

People eating a Western diet had a 35% greater risk of heart attack compared to people who consumed little or no fried foods and meat. Those eating the "Oriental" diet had an average risk of heart attack compared to the others.

The finding is important because it has not been clear if it is food per se or something else driving heart attack risk. Rich diets may be associated with a richer lifestyle that includes little or no exercise, for instance.

But the researchers note that heart disease is no longer an affliction only of the rich.

"Approximately 80% of the global cardiovascular disease burden occurs in low- and middle-income countries," they wrote.

The tofu-rich diet could be neutral rather than protective because it is high in sodium, they said. High sodium intake can raise blood pressure and the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Source

Labels: Eastern diet, fruits and veggies, healthy diet, heart attack, Oriental, study, Western diet

An adaptogenic herb long used by Russians and Scandinavians to alleviate stress, rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) — or golden root — might be the new longevity wunderkind.

Adaptogens help the body cope with the effects of stress, and recent research at the University of California at Irvine found that fruit flies fed rhodiola lived 10% longer than those not fed the herb.

“Although this study does not present clinical evidence that rhodiola can extend human life, the finding that it does extend the lifespan of a model organism, combined with its known health benefits in humans, make this herb a promising candidate for further antiaging research,” says study author, Mahtab Jafari, PharmD. A typical dose is 100-200 mg a day.

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Labels: adaptogens, anti-aging, Golden Root, herbs, rhodiola, stress

Often called ginger root, this spicy Asian flavor enhancer is actually a rhizome — an underground, horizontal-growing plant stem. Much more than just a zesty accent to baked goods and sushi, ginger contains potent compounds that help quell inflammation, ease nausea, and potentially lower blood pressure.

Eat it

To soothe osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, mince about ¼-inch slice of fresh ginger and add to food every day. Or mitigate hypertension and relieve motion sickness by taking ginger in capsule or tincture form. Talk with your health care practitioner about an appropriate dose.

Drink it

Combat a queasy stomach or morning sickness with simple ginger tea. Place one or two ½-inch slices of fresh ginger in a mug of hot water. Let steep for a few minutes, and drink.

To eliminate gas, sip nonalcoholic ginger beer — as opposed to conventional ginger ales, which often don't include any fresh ginger.

Rub it on

When massaged into skin, ginger creates a warming sensation that helps increase circulation, soothe sore joints, and relax muscles. Plus, antioxidants in ginger boost skin's ability to fight free radicals. Mix a couple of drops of ginger essential oil into a carrier oil and knead into problem areas.

Source

Labels: arthritis, ginger, healing with food, Holistic Health, living holistically, rhizome

I received a sample of Organicare's Clarity Control and have been using it daily for the past week. Since I do not break out and my skin is always clear (don't hate me! ;0), it's hard to say if it would work on clearing blemishes. However, I can say, my skin feels very soft and smooth afterward.

Oh and it cleans my skin better than witch hazel! I've been using it after cleansing and toning, and is it me? or is there nothing more gratifying than seeing the cotton ball grab even more shmutz off your face? This stuff cleans to the nth degree!

All in all, I am very happy with this product - though, I cannot say if it will truly clear up blemish-prone skin. I'd love to hear your feedback....

The line itself is FABULOUS - it's a comprehensive, USDA-approved, organic skincare line.

Labels: Clarity Control, organic skin care, Organicare, skin care

Beloved crunchy beauty brand Dr. Bronner's has gotten the green light to proceed with its lawsuit against other brands that claim to be organic, including Stella McCartney CARE, Jason Natural, Avalon Organics and Nature's Gate Organics.

I have to admit, when the news first broke about this I wondered what E.H. Bronner, who would have been 100 this year, would have thought. Beauty nerd that I am, I'm well aware of the founder's complicated past (his parents were killed in the Holocaust, he escaped from a mental institution, and he read a lot of Kipling). But, Bronner was very concerned about morality and it will be interesting to see how his company's claim about "organic noise" in the natural product market will continue to unfold. This Summer the company settled with former defendant Juice Beauty who agreed to reformulate problem products and be petrochemical-free by February 2010.

To read the full press release from the Organic Consumers Association, click here.

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Labels: Dr. Bronner's, lawsuit, organic make-up, organics

QUESTION: Should I be concerned about drinking coffee?

ANSWER:

Our one word answer to this coffee question would be: yes. We think you should be concerned about drinking coffee - but perhaps for some different reasons that you might expect. Few research studies have found direct links between coffee and disease - based on this type of research, coffee appears to be in a different category than saturated fat, or alcohol. But virtually all research studies show definite impacts of coffee on metabolism, and on overall body function. In many sports events, for example, caffeine-containing beverages - including coffee - are disallowed 24 hours prior to certain events. Why? Because the caffeine in coffee is chemically classified as a methylxanthine, and methylxanthines are chemical substances that can act as phosphodiesterase inhibitors (substances that shut down the activity of the phosphodiesterase enzyme), and when they do, they shift the body away from sugar as a source of fuel and toward fat as a fuel source instead.

For certain athletic events, this shift from sugar to fat would give the athlete an unfair advantage, and so coffee and caffeine are disallowed. Does this set of events mean coffee is bad for the average non-athlete? No, but it does mean that the caffeine in coffee affects your metabolism at a fundamental level. Coffee - again, largely thanks to its caffeine - is also a diuretic, and unless accompanied by increased water intake, can be dehydrating. Is this bad? Yes. Keeping optimal water balance in the body is essential for health.

One of the most problematic aspects of coffee, however, is its ability to make a person feel awake, alert, and ready to go - even when that person's body is exhausted, drowsy, and in need of rest and sleep. The caffeine in coffee provides a false feeling of vitality - the exact opposite of the world's healthiest foods. These foods provide real vitality - complete with conventional nutrients, phytonutrients, and the wisdom of the earth that produced them.

Finally, what about decaf? Organically grown, water-decaffeinated coffee is the best choice here, since other methods of decaffeination typically add small amounts of toxic substances to the beverage. But unless it is simply the taste and aroma of coffee that are desired, why not experiment with other hot beverages from the cornucopia of herbal teas that most cultures include in their traditional cuisines and that provide the nutrients and phytonutrients that are characteristic of the world's healthiest foods?

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Labels: atheletes, caffeine, coffee, herbal teas, world's healthiest foods

Apples are in the peak of their season!

Did you know that, compared to other fruits and vegetables, apples have been found to be most consistently associated with a reduced risk of cancer, heart disease, asthma and type 2 diabetes?

Apples, which contain significant amounts of phenols and other flavonoids that act as powerful antioxidants and help protect against cell-damaging free radicals, were also associated with increased lung function and weight loss. These findings are from a recent review of 85 different studies.

The total antioxidant activity of 100 grams of whole apple (with peel) was found to be equivalent to the antioxidant effect of about 1,500 mg of vitamin C! Most of apples' antioxidant protection, however, does not come not from vitamin C (100 g of apples contains only about 5.7 mg of vitamin C), but from their rich supply of phytonutrients.

Labels: apples, flavonoids, fruits, healthy diet, healthy snacks, phenols

A research team from the Peninsula Medical School, the University of Exeter, the University of Plymouth and the University of Iowa, have found evidence linking Bisphenol A (BPA) to diabetes and heart disease in adults.

Their research paper was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association and it is the first time that evidence has emerged of the association between higher BPA levels and disease in adults.

BPA is a controversial chemical commonly used in food and drink containers. It has previously caused concerns over health risks to babies, as it is present in some baby's bottles.

BPA is used in polycarbonate plastic products such as refillable drinks containers, compact disks, some plastic eating utensils and many other products in everyday use. It is one of the world's highest production volume chemicals, with over 2.2 million tonnes (6.4 billion pounds) produced in 2003, with an annual growth in demand of between 6 -10% each year.

Many previous studies in laboratory animals have suggested that BPA is safe, but some laboratory studies have raised doubts. Experiments in which mice and rats were exposed to BPA have shown that higher doses of the chemical can lead to liver damage, insulin resistance, diabetes and obesity. The laboratory animal evidence is complicated and controversial. Some scientists believe that BPA can disrupt the work done by hormones, especially oestrogen, but the full biological effects of BPA in humans is far from clear.

The research team analysed information from the US government's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003-2004, the only large-scale data available on BPA concentrations excreted in urine. The research team analysed the results for the 1455 adults aged between 18 and 74 years old for whom measures were available. This study group is representative of the general population of the USA.

The analysis found that the 25% of the population with the highest BPA levels were more than twice as likely to have heart disease and/or diabetes, compared to the 25% with the lowest BPA levels. Higher BPA levels were also associated with clinically abnormal liver enzyme concentrations.

While this study has identified a statistical association between BPA and adult diseases for the first time, much more research is needed. Future work needs to exclude the small possibility that the association is due to some other unstudied factor, or that people with these diseases somehow become more exposed to BPA. It is also unclear whether the liver enzyme changes are linked to liver damage.

Professor David Melzer, Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health at the Peninsula Medical School (Exeter, UK), who led the team commented: "Our study has revealed, for the first time, an association between raised BPA loads and two common diseases in adults. At the moment we can't be absolutely sure that BPA is the direct cause of the extra cases of heart disease and diabetes: if it is, some cases of these serious conditions could be prevented by reducing BPA exposure. This is therefore an exciting finding, but it is also just the first step in understanding the role of BPA."

He emphasised that this new possible link does not detract from the existing health advice to people on how to prevent heart disease and diabetes. Professor Melzer also praised the NHANES study and the US Division of Environmental Health Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who released these data for analysis by researchers.

Tamara Galloway, Professor of eco-toxicology from the School of Biosciences, the University of Exeter, added: "Our results illustrate how important human bio-monitoring programmes such as NHANES are in providing high quality information on the extent of human exposure to common chemicals such as BPA, allowing us to explore the relationship between exposure and health outcomes more fully."

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Labels: baby bottles, bisphenol A, BPA, diabetes, risk, study, toxic, toxins, water bottle

Summer sun and seaside fun can be damaging to our skin, but even indoor skin can use a little help feeling and looking fresh.

This easy-to-make formula will help to dissolve the “glue” that binds dead skin cells together, allowing them to fall away like autumn leaves, revealing the smooth, soft skin underneath. The secret is fresh alpha-hydroxy fruit acid–in this case from tomatoes, still in season–and sugar.

Get the skin-freshening exfoliating formula here:

INGREDIENTS

1/4 cup granulated sugar
Chopped fresh tomato
2 tablespoons yogurt or sour cream

1. Place the sugar in a small bowl. Add enough fresh chopped tomato to moisten, then add yogurt. Combine and apply to a clean, damp face, using fingertips to gently massage the formula into skin.

2. Allow formula to remain on skin for 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water and pat dry.

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Labels: Alpha-Hydroxy Acids, DIY, scrubs, skin care, tomatoes

Leading brands of bottled water in the United States contain many of the same contaminants as tap water, according to a study released Wednesday by the Washington-based Environmental Working Group.

The 10 brands of bottled water included in the two-year study were found to contain 38 impurities, including bacteria, fertilizer, solvents, plastic-making chemicals, the radioactive element strontium and the pain reliever acetaminophen, the Associated Press reported.

"In some cases, it appears bottled water is no less polluted than tap water and, at 1,900 times the cost, consumers should expect better," said study co-author and environmental engineer Jane Houlihan.

While all the bottled water brands met federal health standards for drinking water, two of them violated a California state standard for chlorine. Those two brands were Sam's Choice sold by Wal-Mart and Acadia of Giant Food supermarkets.

These "alarmist" findings are based on the faulty premise that a contaminant is a health concern "even if it does not exceed the established regulatory limit or no standard has been set," Joe Doss, president of the International Bottled Water Association, told the AP.

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Labels: bottled or tap, bottled water, chlorine, study, tap water

GustOrganics:

Beginning as a thought in one foodie’s mind nearly 10 years ago, GustOrganics finally came to fruition in 2008.

Argentinean-born businessman, Alberto Gonzalez had a passion for food, but found he was less than thrilled when he frequently traveled to New York on business. He was surprised that one of the most sophisticated cities in the world lacked an abundance of fresh, high-quality foods.

Hoping to fill this void, he hit the streets in order to speak to New Yorkers. After a year of polling people on what they envisioned for an organic restaurant, Gonzalez compiled these various ideas into one organically green vision.

Today, GustOrganics is the first USDA certified organic restaurant in New York, and the nation’s first restaurant to use 100% USDA certified organic ingredients. GustOrganics is also certified as a Green Restaurant by the Green Restaurant Association, and stands by the motto “Good, Clean, Fair.” Gonzalez’s commitment to a green vision is apparent in every detail of the place, from its corn straws to its low-energy appliances.

Let's Eat!

Labels: cool new place, Gusto Organics, NYC, restaurants

Bromelain is an enzyme that is extracted from the stems of pineapples. Taken orally, bromelain can aid with removing dead proteins in skin cells, but the effects are very gradual. As a supplement, it can help with the pain and inflammation of varicose veins. Used topically, bromelain speeds healing and dissolves cross-linked (read: dead) collagen cells, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and any uneven pigmentation. Bromelain also has been shown to reduce inflammation, which is believed to be a factor in the aging of skin.

Bromelain is found in a number of beauty products, including Z.Bigatti Impact Fruit Enzyme Mask, Murad Exfoliating Fruit Enzyme Mask, and Alba Organics Hawaiian Pineapple Enzyme Facial Cleanser.

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Labels: bromelain, bruises, eating healthy, healing with food, living holistically, pineapple, supplements

Labels: cleaning, living holistically, natural products

Both green and black teas contain a concentrated dose of catechins, substances that help blood vessels relax and protect your heart.

In a study of more than 40,500 Japanese men and women, those who drank 5 or more cups of green tea every day had the lowest risk of dying from heart disease and stroke. Other studies involving black tea showed similar results.

You really need only 1 or 2 cups of tea daily to start doing your heart some good—just make sure it’s a fresh brew. Ready-to-drink teas (the kind you find in the supermarket beverage section) don’t offer the same health benefits.

"Once water is added to tea leaves, their catechins degrade within a few days," says Jeffrey Blumberg, PhD, a professor of nutrition science and policy at Tufts University. Also, some studies show that adding milk may eliminate tea’s protective effects on the cardiovascular system, so stick to just lemon or honey.

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Labels: beverages, catechins, green tea, healthy living, hot tea, tea

What do you get when you cross an interior decorator with a cow?

1. Bovine design.
2. Trading Pastures.
3. SafePaint.

If you guessed No. 3, we’ve got no beef with you.

Made in small batches in Massachusetts and sold in twenty colors, the all-natural, milk-based paints come as a bag of colored powder (no, you can’t get high off it). All you have to do is add water and you’re ready to transform your decor.

Organic and biodegradable, they contain only environmentally friendly ingredients (milk protein, lime, clay, and earth pigments such as ocher, umber, iron oxide, and lampblack) and mix easily with a drill paint paddle or a portable kitchen mixer.

Created specifically as wall paints, they’re also safe for children’s furniture and toys.

In a word: moovalous.

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Labels: innovative, living holistically, milk-based paint, non-toxic, safe paint