A practical guide to sugar and sweeteners

Derek Henry | Natural News

Image: http://www.naturalsugars.co.nz/

Sugar has definitely become the poster child of all things wrong with our health. Our overconsumption of the sweet white stuff has shouldered the blame for a rise in diabetes, obesity, attention problems, arthritis, cancer and several other diseases. So is ALL sugar bad, and what ‘sweet’ alternatives are our best choices?

Sweeteners guide

The following is a list of common sugars and sweeteners, their glycemic index (GI) and other factors to consider when choosing them:

• Maltodextrin (150) – With an extremely high glycemic index rating, this sugar is near poison for diabetics. Found in many packaged products.
• Glucose (Dextrose) (100) - Very high on the glycemic index and equivalent to white bread.
• Corn syrup (75) – Largely GMO, with little nutrition. HFCS (87) is worse.
• Refined table sugar (65) - Largely GMO and stripped of any beneficial nutrients, this sugar has a very acidic effect on the body and causes mineral depletion.
• Honey (50-75) - The kind of honey makes a big difference, with raw (unpasteurized) honey being lower on the glycemic scale and containing more nutrients. Processed honey is often no better than table sugar.
• Evaporated cane juice (55) – Better than white sugar, but still refined.
• Blackstrap molasses (55) - Although higher on the glycemic index, this sugar provides many minerals, including iron, calcium, copper, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium and zinc, and as a result is more alkalizing to the body.
• Maple syrup (54) – Collected from the sap of maple trees, it is refined and therefore processed. It is more nutritious than refined table sugar, corn syrups and cane juice but still should be used sparingly.
• Coconut palm sugar (35) - Acquired from flowers growing on coconut trees, this is a nutrient-rich, low-glycemic sweetener that substitutes well for refined sugar. It is very popular among health enthusiasts and can easily be used in baking.
• Agave nectar (30) - There has been much controversy around agave, and the jury still seems to be out on its use as a healthy alternative. Use in limited quantities.
• Xylitol (7) – A sugar alcohol, xylitol is very low on the glycemic index but should be used sparingly due to it being largely GMO, as well as its history of causing intestinal issues.
• Stevia (0) - 200-300 times sweeter than table sugar, stevia comes from the leaves of the stevia plant. Since its glycemic index is less than 1, it does not feed candida or cause any of the other problems related to sugar consumption. This makes it ideal for diabetics, those with gastrointestinal problems and anyone interested in reducing their caloric intake. It goes well in tea, smoothies and tart juices like lemon, lime and cranberry.
• Artificial Sweeteners (0) (Aspartame, Sucralose) - All artificial sweeteners are toxic, and ironically, the consumption of these sweeteners has shown significant increases in body weight, even when food intake remained the same.

When choosing sweeteners, look to stevia and coconut sugar first for their low GI rating and generous mineral content. In contrast, avoid artificial sweeteners, corn sugars, refined white sugar, maltodextrin and dextrose like the plague, as they are toxic, spike blood sugar and contain little to no nutrients.

Finally, use molasses, maple syrup, agave nectar, cane sugar and honey in moderation. Although they do contain beneficial nutrients, they are mostly refined (save raw honey) and are higher on the glycemic index.

Of course, these are just general recommendations, as the state of a person’s intestinal health will largely dictate their acceptable sugar intake. Watch your body’s reaction and adjust accordingly.

Sources:

http://www.naturalnews.com/

http://www.organiclifestylemagazine.com

http://science.naturalnews.com

How to Detox Your Body From GMOs and Pesticides

Detoxing can be hard on your body and cause a wide variety of alarming side effects. After all, the substances being removed are usually pretty horrible, consisting of toxic chemicals from pesticide residues, by-products of GMO foods, pharmaceutical drugs, chemotherapy residue, free-radicals, heavy metals, aluminum, radiation.

Image: consciouslifenews.com

There are numerous detoxing agents and methods available — some more costly than others — and some producing very intense experiences with potentially dangerous side effects. We advise choosing a more natural method.

However, there are several ways to remove these noxious substances gently, with kindness to your system. These techniques may take a bit longer to achieve completion that some the harsher detox programs; however, if you take your time one or more of these natural methods should work for you.

Pectin

Fruit pectin is probably the most gentle method of detoxing contaminants. Pectin comes from the fibrous portion of the fruit and is most commonly found in the pith of limes, lemons and other citrus fruit as well as in apples. Other sources of pectin are bananas, grapes, carrots, and cabbage. Pectin helps to release heavy metals, chemicals and other substances into the blood stream, where it binds to them and flushes them from the body. Simply eating fruit high in pectin will help to cleanse your system, or you can add a pectin product to a glass of water, organic grape juice or fresh veggie juice to speed the detox process. Beware of pectin sold in grocery stores, as some brands may contain MSG. Check health food stores for the best products.

Cilantro

The delicious culinary herb cilantro, happens to be one of the most effective and gentle detoxifiers of mercury, heavy metals and other toxic contaminants. You can buy cilantro juice at health food stores or simply include the fresh herb in your diet as pesto or seasoning to control the amount consumed and limit unwanted side effects. It’s inexpensive and works without the addition of man-made chemicals. Cilantro also possesses antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, quickly reducing infection and inflammation as it works to clear your system.
Detoxing can be hard on your body and cause a wide variety of alarming side effects. After all, the substances being removed are usually pretty horrible, consisting of toxic chemicals from pesticide residues, by-products of GMO foods, pharmaceutical drugs, chemotherapy residue, free-radicals, heavy metals, aluminum, radiation.

There are numerous detoxing agents and methods available — some more costly than others — and some producing very intense experiences with potentially dangerous side effects. We advise choosing a more natural method.

However, there are several ways to remove these noxious substances gently, with kindness to your system. These techniques may take a bit longer to achieve completion that some the harsher detox programs; however, if you take your time one or more of these natural methods should work for you.

Pectin

Fruit pectin is probably the most gentle method of detoxing contaminants. Pectin comes from the fibrous portion of the fruit and is most commonly found in the pith of limes, lemons and other citrus fruit as well as in apples. Other sources of pectin are bananas, grapes, carrots, and cabbage. Pectin helps to release heavy metals, chemicals and other substances into the blood stream, where it binds to them and flushes them from the body. Simply eating fruit high in pectin will help to cleanse your system, or you can add a pectin product to a glass of water, organic grape juice or fresh veggie juice to speed the detox process. Beware of pectin sold in grocery stores, as some brands may contain MSG. Check health food stores for the best products.

Cilantro

The delicious culinary herb cilantro, happens to be one of the most effective and gentle detoxifiers of mercury, heavy metals and other toxic contaminants. You can buy cilantro juice at health food stores or simply include the fresh herb in your diet as pesto or seasoning to control the amount consumed and limit unwanted side effects. It’s inexpensive and works without the addition of man-made chemicals. Cilantro also possesses antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, quickly reducing infection and inflammation as it works to clear your system.

Chlorella

Chlorella is a single cell algae sea vegetable that grows in fresh water. Some of the best cholrella reserves have come from Japan; however, use caution when buying Japanese chlorella due to possible exposure to radiation from Fukushima. Chlorella is an easy-to-digest superfood best known for being able to remove mercury and other heavy metals from the cells. Too much chlorella can produce side effects — mostly in the digestive tract — where it works best to bind to mercury, eliminating it. Start with the lowest quantity and work up slowly for a gentle detox.

Wheatgrass

Juicing fresh produce and grasses such as wheat or barley grass provides an excellent way to remove toxins from the system. Wheatgrass is high in nutritional content, and provides vitamins, minerals and all nine essential amino acids. Wheatgrass can be a powerful detox, so start slowly with only a small amount of juice to keep it gentle — 1/2 ounce a day — and work up to avoid symptoms.

Using gentle detoxing products requires that you repeat treatments over a period of time until all symptoms have cleared. Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, muscle aches and pains, dizziness and fatigue. Additionally, detoxing can cause a flare-up in your condition temporarily. It’s just the toxins leaving your system and should pass shortly. If side effects are severe, reduce the quantity of whatever you’re using to detox. If the symptoms continue, stop and consult your natural health practitioner for further instructions.

Source: Natural News

Oregon Farmers May Go to Prison Over Raw Milk Ads

Joshua Cook | benswann.com

Image: DeesIllustrations.com

There is no free speech when it comes to advertising raw milk products in Oregon. In fact, those who violate this law may face possible jail time.

Most states in the country have significant restrictions on the sale of raw milk, and at first glance, Oregon’s seem like some of the less extreme ones.  Sales are outright illegal in 20 states, and though Oregon does not allow the retail sale of raw milk, it does allow small organic dairies – with three cows or fewer, only two of which can be lactating at any given time – to sell their product directly to consumers.  The catch, however, is that these dairies are prohibited from advertising their product.

Christine Anderson filed a lawsuit on Tuesday in the hopes of changing that.  She owns and runs Cast Iron Farm, a two cow dairy and has taken great pains to ensure the process creates the highest quality, safest milk possible, combining modern and traditional methods.  The government’s concern is that raw milk may carry harmful bacteria like salmonella and E. coli, but such hazards are usually a product of human milk processing, not the cow, itself. Anderson’s process minimizes these risks.

Last year, the Oregon Department of Agriculture told Anderson she must remove the milk prices from her website, and as part of this, she has been unable to advertise sales when she has a surplus of milk and is forced to waste much of it, feeding it to her pigs.  She also felt compelled to remove information about her milking, bottling and testing methods from her website, because they could also be construed as advertising. The irony of this, as her attorney has noted, is that this actually keeps consumers from accessing information which could help them make safer raw milk choices.

There are a growing number of Americans who consider raw milk to be much healthier than that which is pasteurized.

The pasteurization process destroys proteins, enzymes and probiotics which many consider integral to digestive health.  Digestive health has been increasingly linked to overall health, with allergies, infections and even autoimmune disease being connected to digestive issues.

Another issue facing smaller farms is that big corporations like Monsanto and the milk lobby have millions of dollars to advertise their products. They control the public narrative and have the power of the mass media to essentially eliminate smaller competitors.

However, the public is waking up and are concerned about pasteurized milk products that may contain growth hormones. Many countries have already outlawed the artificial hormone rBGH used to inject milk cows in order to maximize production. Starbucks, Chipotle, and Ben and Jerry’s state that their dairy products are rBGH-free. Concerns over chemicals, hormones, and drugs in pasteurized milk has helped raw milk sales. The trend to buy local and natural foods continues to be a popular trend in the U.S.

Those in rural communities are fighting draconian laws and regulations imposed by politicians who are influenced by special interests and lobbyists. Farmers like Anderson are filing lawsuits while others are using jury nullification to stand up for their Constitutional rights.

According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, “a Hennepin County jury found Alvin Schlangen not guilty of three misdemeanor counts of selling unpasteurized milk, operating without a food license and handling adulterated or misbranded food.” Each count carried a maximum sentence of three months’ imprisonment.

Source: benswann.com

How to Get Totally Free 100% Organic Compost

With a little bit of observation and some know how, you too can have 100% free organic compost. I also teach how to retrieve humus and the benefits of it. Humus contains humic acid which is VERY beneficial for plants. Humus also retains water better than any other substance and it also provides excelent nutrients!

 Source: MIgardener

Thumbnail: hotdogjam.wordpress.com

Why Organic Food Is Better For You Than Conventional

Martina Schlaucher | holistichealthandme.com

Many consumers have started to become curious of the differences between Organic Food and Conventional Food products, and for good reason.  There seems to be a lot of talk going on these days about which are better and WHY… So, let’s explore, shall we?…



When comparing the food labels of similar products where one is labeled “organic” and the other is conventional, there doesn’t seem to be much of a difference.  This of course, raises the question of what allows companies to sell organic products as “better” and also sell them at a higher price.

Image: annewatson photography

First, it should be explained, what “organic” really stands for and what it means to the consumer…

The USDA National Organic Program Consumer Brochure reads:

“Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations.
Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. 

Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation.
Before a product can be labeled ‘organic,’ a Government-approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards. 

Companies that handle or process organic food before it gets to your local supermarket or restaurant must be certified, too.”

Even though the ingredient list of conventional products may appear to be the similar to organic products, the biggest difference shows in the way the ingredients are grown, harvested and processed.

In a 2002 Data Collection of Pesticide Residues in Conventional and Organic Food, the following statistics were concluded:

• Conventionally grown samples had multiple residues in 46%, 12% and 62% of USDA, DPR and CU samples, respectively.
• Organic samples had multiple residues in only 7%, 1.3% and 6% percent of the samples in those three data sets.

According to this research alone, there seems to be quite a difference in pesticide residue between conventional and organic products! This can be enough reason to favor organic over conventional, right?
What educated consumers can do, is to study the list of the “dirty dozen” and buy conventional foods with the least amount of pesticide residue.  When deciding to buy Organic and locally grown products, consumers will automatically help promote sustainability and local farming.  Urban Farming is powerful and productive choice this day and age!  What is your family eating, Organic or Conventional Food?

Source: holistichealthandme.com