Author: Natural News

Republished with permission from Natural News.

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Looking For Safe Cookware? Try Cast Iron

(NaturalNews – Jonathan Benson) With so many different types of cookware on the market today, making the best and safest choices for our families can be a challenge. But tried-and-true cast iron is still among the most durable and non-toxic types of cookware available — and if you know how to use it properly, it can be just as easy to use and clean as the much more convenient but chemical-laden varieties branded as “non-stick.”

Cast iron is about as classic as it gets when it comes to durable cookware. And if properly cared for, it can last a lifetime and be passed down from generation to generation. But a common complaint is that food tends to stick to pure cast iron since it hasn’t been layered with Teflon or other non-stick surfaces, which often contain perfluorinated chemicals, or PFCs, that release noxious fumes into the air and leach toxic substances into food.

Stainless steel cookware is one safer option, but if scratched it, too, can leach nickel and other undesired substances into food. For pots and pans, stainless steel is still an excellent choice, as is copper, but when it comes to frying pans and griddles, cast iron is probably your best bet, and here’s why.

Cast iron gets better over time

On his blog, permaculture aficionado Paul Wheaton explains how to select quality cast iron cookware, how to properly care for it, and how to make it not only last but thrive. Unlike most other types of cookware, cast iron actually gets better over time when it is regularly scraped and seasoned. Individuals with anemia or iron deficiencies can also benefit from the iron found in cast iron.

According to Wheaton, the best types of cast iron are older pieces found at garage sales and online trading sites like Craigslist and eBay. Many older cast iron pieces were machine surfaced to be smooth, as opposed to the rough surfaces found on newer cast iron cookware. Older skillets have also typically been seasoned over many years of use, meaning they have already been “broken in.”

“Many of the experienced cast iron folk [recommend] buying a heavily used skillet,” he wrote. But if a new skillet is your only option, he recommends using a stainless steel spatula with a flat edge to “take the ‘peaks’ off as the ‘valleys’ fill with ‘seasoning.'”

More on this is available here:
RichSoil.com.

Bacon grease, palm oil excellent for seasoning cast iron cookware

Properly “seasoning” a cast iron skillet involves allowing natural cooking oils to permeate the cooking surface without washing them off after each use. This process is unique to cast iron, and it allows a smooth polymerized fat surface to form, making the cooking surface slick and easier to clean.

In Wheaton’s experience, saturated fats like bacon grease and “organic shortening” (palm oil) that remain solid at room temperature tend to work best at creating the ideal cast iron cooking surface (though we don’t recommend pal oil for anything). Hydrogenated oils are toxic and should thus be avoided, and mono- and polyunsaturated fats tend to leave the cooking surface sticky.

Seasoning cast iron with saturated fats also helps protect the surface against rust, which can form when pans aren’t properly dried after use. Wheaton recommends heating cast iron pans on the stovetop to remove excess water, as towel drying typically won’t get it dry enough. If rust, pitting, or caked-on gunk is already present, Wheaton advises using the self-cleaning option on your oven to literally bake off the crud.

You can learn more about that here:
RichSoil.com.

Sources:
http://www.ewg.org
http://www.richsoil.com
http://www.thekitchn.com

How to Prevent Flu Season Viruses From Infecting You

(NaturalNews – Jonathan Benson) With Ebola on everybody’s minds these days, the topic of disease prevention, and particularly how to avoid viral infections — incidentally, the annual rite of “flu season” is also upon us — is surely on every survivalist’s radar. But learning how best to prepare for, well, the worst poses its own set of unique challenges because, quite frankly, real solutions for disease eradication aren’t exactly popular media’s thing.

Most mainstream news outlets simply tell people to constantly wash their hands and avoid human contact, but this is hardly foolproof, nor is it practical or even necessary. Strengthening one’s immune system should be the first line of defense, and learning how to effectively prevent infection the second. The latter approach is two-pronged, meaning there are safe and effective ways to kill viruses on surfaces as well as inside your body, and knowing both is critical for long-term survival.

Ultraviolet C light disinfects water, sterilizes surfaces

Measuring in wavelengths between 100 and 280 nanometers (nm), as defined by the World Health Organization, ultraviolet C, or UVC (short wave), light is one effective way to rid exposed surfaces of harmful pathogens. A growing number of hospitals, which are notorious for harboring antibiotic-resistant “superbug” pathogens, have chosen this non-toxic method as a first-line defense against pathogens, and you can, too.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recognizes UV light as effective in the purification of water, as it destroys harmful microbes including yeast, bacteria, algae, molds, viruses and oocysts. Many water treatment facilities use UV light to control microorganisms, as it penetrates the cell walls and cytoplasmic membranes of organisms and rearranges their DNA, effectively blocking them from reproducing.

UV robots at hospitals are already proving to be more effective than bleach at cleansing equipment and sterilizing rooms. Up to 25,000 times more powerful than natural sunlight, UV robots can be programmed to shine light on all exposed or potentially compromised surfaces, including under beds and between curtain folds. After about 10 minutes, anything living on surfaces will be rendered completely sterile.

“We can clean and disinfect a room (by hand) to an 85% level, but when we use the ultraviolet light we can clean that room to 99.9%,” stated Dr. Ray Casciari, a pulmonary disease specialist at St. Joseph Hospital, to CNN. “This is the future of hospitals because 85% is not enough.”

Silver, copper solutions prove effective against harmful pathogens

The metals silver and copper are effective disease killers as well. The colloids of both metals exert an “oligodynamic effect” on microorganisms, effectively killing fungi, viruses, molds and various living cells, even at very low concentrations. Put simply, silver and copper colloids bind to the proteins of pathogens and basically deactivate them, resulting in their death.

Researchers from the National College of Kathmandu in Nepal described this process in a 2002 study they published, which looked at how metal ions interact with microorganisms. They wrote:

“The exact mechanism of this action is still unknown but some data suggest that the metal ions denature protein of the target cells by binding to reactive groups resulting in their precipitation and inactivation. The high affinity of cellular proteins for the metallic ions results in the death of the cells due to cumulative effects of the ion within the cells.”

Boost your immune system with antiviral herbs

Having to constantly worry about the pathogenicity of the surfaces you touch is really only necessary, though, when your immune system is not up to par. If your immune system is strong and well-supported with proper nutrition, your chances of succumbing to illness are greatly reduced, which is why it’s so important to eat right for your survival.

Purposely supplementing your diet with antiviral foods and herbs is critical if you want to avoid viral infections. Here’s some helpful ones you may want to incorporate into your diet:

1. Apple cider vinegar. For regular maintenance, take one or two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with a splash of fresh lemon, every morning in water or juice. Raw apple cider vinegar with the “mother” is rich in nutrients such as potassium, phosphorus, sodium (the healthy kind!), magnesium, sulfur, iron, copper, fluorine (not the synthetic type of fluoride added to water), silicon and pectin, as well as dozens of trace minerals and essential amino acids.

All of these are highly effective at alkalizing and detoxifying the body, making conditions unfriendly to pathogenic bacteria and viruses.

2. Oil of oregano. Hailed for its amazing antiviral, antibacterial and antioxidant potency, oil of oregano belongs in every survivalist’s health repertoire. Studies have shown that the carvacrol component of the oil is particularly beneficial in targeting and eliminating viruses. And unlike pharmaceutical drugs, oil of oregano won’t kill off your healthy intestinal flora, nor will it cause antibiotic resistance.

3. Elderberry. Sometimes referred to simply as elder, elderberry has long been used as a treatment for respiratory ailments stemming from cold and flu. The University of Maryland Medical Center recognizes elderberry as having proven anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant and anticancer properties, and laboratory evidence has shown that the “superfruit” is powerfully effective at boosting immunity.

4. Vitamin C. Perhaps most well known for treating colds, vitamin C is arguably the most effective remedy for preventing and treating viruses of all kinds. The late Dr. Linus Pauling studied the nutrient extensively and found that, in order for the immune system to maintain its defenses against viral infections, vitamin C is essential. Injections of high-dose vitamin C are also effective at eradicating disease once it has taken hold.

5. Vitamin D. One of the easiest ways to maintain a vibrant immune system is to spend more time in the sun. When your skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, your body produces vitamin D, which in turn reduces your risk of developing influenza and other viral conditions. People with optimal vitamin D levels also tend to avoid getting sick in general.

Sources:
[1] http://glmris.anl.gov[PDF]
[2] http://www.cnn.com
[3] http://www.tested.com
[4] http://bragg.com
[5] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
[6] http://jonbarron.org
[7] http://umm.edu
[8] http://online.wsj.com
[9] http://orthomolecular.org
[10] https://www.vitamindcouncil.org
http://truthwiki.org/Garlic
http://truthwiki.org/Vitamin_D
http://truthwiki.org/Oregano

Celery Can Fight Cancer, Improve Blood Health and Aid Weight Loss

(NaturalNews – Michael Ravensthorpe) Celery has long been associated with good health. The stalks of this aromatic plant, which is believed to have originated from the Mediterranean basin, has been used worldwide to treat countless medical issues ranging from mild constipation to serious inflammatory diseases. Today, over 1 billion pounds of celery are produced annually in the United States alone, with Michigan, Florida and California accounting for 80 percent of all celery production.(1)

Despite its popularity, many people assume that celery isn’t especially nutritious due to its lightweight, watery nature. While it is true that celery does contain few essential vitamins and minerals compared to heavier foods, it is rich in certain phytonutrients that provide some truly special health benefits.

Cancer-fighting properties

Celery contains two flavones, apigenin and luteolin, that are proven to help treat various types of cancer. For example, a study published in Tumour Biology in August 2014 found that apigenin can induce apoptosis in human gastric carcinoma cells in a dose-dependent manner.(2) Another study, published two months later in Experimental and Molecular Pathology, discovered that “low-dose apigenin has the potential to slow or prevent breast cancer progression.”(3)

Luteolin, on the other hand, seems to specialize in treating colon cancer. A review published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention in 2014, for instance, concluded that luteolin could reduce oxidative stress during colon cancer genesis, and could be “considered as a potential drug to treat [colorectal cancer].”(4)

Improves blood health

One of the chemical constituents of celery oil is 3-n-butylphthalide (BuPh), which, aside from being responsible for celery’s unique taste and aroma, is shown to help treat high blood pressure. For example, research published in Phytotherapy Research in December 1998 showed that BuPh has a vasorelaxant effect on hypertensive rats (i.e., it reduced tension in their blood vessel walls), thus lowering their blood pressure.(5)

One cup of chopped celery also supplies our bodies with 37 percent of our daily value of vitamin K, a group of fat-soluble compounds that helps our blood clot properly. In fact, the “K” actually stands for koagulation, the German word for “clotting.” Deficiencies in vitamin K can increase the risk of uncontrolled bleeding, easy bruising and — due to vitamin K’s additional role in bone building — a weakening of the bones.(6)

Weight loss aid

There are many good reasons why eating celery can help us lose weight. Firstly, it is fat-free and only contains around 16 calories per cup (celery is actually a “negative calorie” food, since our bodies require more calories to digest it than the plant itself contains). Secondly, it is comprised of approximately 95 percent water, which helps remove waste from our cells and reduce fatigue. Lastly, celery is rich in soluble fiber, which helps balance blood sugar levels and lower LDL cholesterol.(7)

Selecting and consuming celery

When possible, favor organic celery that snaps easily when pulled apart. The leaves should be a healthy pale to bright green color and free from yellow or brown patches.

Celery is best consumed raw and in whole form. While celery juice does have its benefits, juicing damages the plant’s fiber profile, which in turn, decreases its efficacy as a constipation and weight loss aid.

Sources:
(1) http://www.whfoods.com
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
(5) http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com
(6) http://www.fao.org
(7) https://www.completenutrition.com
(8) http://science.naturalnews.com

Lead Toxicity Causes a Host of Surprisingly Unpleasant Health Conditions

(NaturalNews – Carolanne Wright) “As auto sales boomed after World War II, and drivers in powerful new cars increasingly asked service station attendants to “fill ‘er up with ethyl,” they were unwittingly creating a crime wave two decades later,” reports Mother Jones in “America’s Real Criminal Element: Lead.” As it turns out, contact with lead can give rise to aggressive and delinquent behavior, not to mention learning disabilities and lower IQ scores. When leaded gasoline was phased out in the 1970s, an interesting phenomena occurred: the crime rate substantially and consistently dropped. All the same, exposure to the heavy metal hasn’t disappeared completely as it still hides in the most ordinary of places – and, predictably, continues to bring about a spectrum of health and behavioral disorders.

The link between lead and criminality

Kim N. Dietrich, director of epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, believes that lead can “miswire” developing brains in children, affecting areas of judgement, impulse control and anticipation of consequences – which ultimately can provoke aggressive behavior. In the late 1970s, Dietrich and a team of other investigators began to study some 300 pregnant women who lived in Cincinnati neighborhoods (usually the inner city) that were known for high numbers of lead poisoning cases. According to Chemical and Engineering News:

“From the time they were born until they were six-and-a-half years old, the young participants had their blood-lead levels measured 23 times. The average childhood concentration for the whole group was 13 µg/dL. Now adults in their 30s, the subjects are having their brains scanned and behaviors analyzed. And the results are eerie. As of 2008, 250 members of the lead study had been arrested a total of 800 times. The participants’ average blood-lead levels during childhood also correlated with their arrest rate.”

A modern health threat

Today we may not give much thought to lead exposure, thanks to the protective measures set in place over the years by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Unfortunately, despite these efforts, the heavy metal is still present within our daily lives, silently obstructing the mental and physical health of children and adults alike.

“… getting a dangerous dose is more common today than you realize – thanks to sources you’d never expect, such as ceramic dishes, art supplies, and even vegetables grown in city gardens. And although average blood lead levels are way down, new research shows that even low amounts can be harmful,” states Johns Hopkins University professor Ellen Silbergeld, PhD, in “Lead dangers still lurk in unexpected places.”

Even small amounts of lead (4 ug/dl) in the blood can double the risk of a fatal heart attack or stroke. The same level can also encourage memory loss. Since lead is stored in the bones, when we have periods of high bone turnover (after a fracture, at menopause or during pregnancy), the metal is released into the blood, resulting in high blood pressure and kidney problems.

Hunting and fishing, home renovations, cosmetics, and even faucet fixtures are often sources of exposure. To learn how to protect yourself, have a look at these recommendations.

Sources for this article include:
http://www.motherjones.com
http://cen.acs.org/articles/92/i5/Crimes-Lead.html
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/lead/
http://www.nbcnews.com
http://science.naturalnews.com

Alternative Methods of Relieving Hot Flashes

(NaturalNews – Raw Michelle) Seven out of ten menopausal women have experienced hot flashes and night sweats, with one in ten cases showing symptoms that persist for many years. It is believed that the condition is caused by fluctuations in hormone levels and changes in the body’s temperature regulation mechanisms. A new study coming from Sweden shows that through the right relaxation techniques, women can significantly reduce the incidence and intensity of hot flashes. Moreover, specific foods can bolster these effects, and help women achieve sustainable mental clarity and inner balance.

Applied relaxation is one of the most successful treatments for hot flashes

The technique of applied relaxation was invented by psychologist Lars-Goran Ost and has already demonstrated impressive results in the treatment of anxiety and panic disorder. It consists of gradually relaxing different muscle groups in the body, starting with the hands, face and shoulders, and finishing with the chest, stomach, hips and feet. Swedish researchers studied the effects of applied relaxation, on a group of menopausal women, over the course of five years.

“The participants were given exercises to practice daily at home. The goal was for them to learn to use the method on their own and to be able to manage their own symptoms”, said study lead Elizabeth Nedstrand. The women kept track of their progress, but also provided additional information on subtle changes to their quality of life. After the applied relaxation therapy ended, the women reported a 50 percent decrease in hot flashes, as well as significant improvements in “quality of life,” including better mental focus and better sleep.

Relaxing foods that work against hot flashes

Black Cohosh, an herb historically used by Native Americans to cure a range of ailments, from sore throats to depression, can also help relieve premenstrual syndrome and symptoms associated with menopause. Herbal teas, like mint and camomile, will boost this effect, and help relax both the body and the mind.

Stress and anxiety can sometimes be caused by specific nutritional deficiencies. Nuts and shiitake mushrooms are rich in selenium, a mineral that when lacking, has been linked to elevated stress levels. Cacao, spirulina and sesame seeds contain high amounts of tryptophan, an essential amino acid that possesses significant anti-depressive properties. Tryptophan is also needed to build serotonin, which has been dubbed the “happiness hormone,” due to its importance in shaping our moods.

Leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, watercress) are rich in minerals, particularly magnesium and potassium, but also immunity strengthening carotenoids. Low levels of magnesium and potassium are medically linked to major depression and an increased risk of stroke. Kiwifruit, bell peppers and oranges are rich in vitamin C, an indispensable nutrient with a range of biological effects, including important roles in supporting brain health.

Sources for this article include:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121122112835.htm
http://theconsciouslife.com
http://www.cb1.com/~john/misc/relax.html