Adorable Stack of Surfer Dudes

Ok, we scooped another Sophie version that is even more fun! Take a look at this stack of cute surfer dudes! Sophie the Giraffe and 3 brightly colored sea animals to stack up on the surfboard. These fun animals also float, providing plenty of bath time fun and encouraging imaginative play. Their rounded shape makes them easy to grasp, handle and slide onto the pole. The surfboard-shaped base has two suction pads to stick it to the bathtub.

Available in several retail stores. Price varies considerably!

Sophie in the Bath

Sophie the Giraffe is well known in "parents hood". Now there is a bath version. It is a floating, squirting toy for baby to play with in the bath. She squirts water when squeezed.
Made from phthalate-free Vinyl .

You can find it in several retail locations, priced around US$15.

Eco-Giveaway Reminder: Enter to Participate Now!

You will be able to choose between a Jane Jeans for a girl or a Jack Jeans for a boy. Baby Star Organic Denin is made of soft pre-washed certified organic cotton with a unique green stitching. Available in sizes 6 months to 6 T. Beautiful, comfy and machine washable!

Become Fan of Eco.Logical.Mom on Facebook by February 13, 2010, and be entered to win this fantastic prize!

The winner will be announced on February 14, 2010.


Good Luck!

Organic Denin provided by Baby Star

Everlasting Button Bouquets

Button bouquets are so beautiful and classy! Intended to last a lifetime, these heirloom-quality blooms will remain beautiful for years after their soil-grown counterparts have shriveled and faded. Princess Lasertron assembles these floral delights by hand, from 100% wool felt, embellished with vintage buttons, jewelry and ribbons gathered from around the globe.

From Princess Lasertron

Children's Books Recall

More than 200,000 "Big Rex and Friends" Cloth Books, made in China for St. Martin's Press, have been recalled due to high levels of lead in the red plastic dot sewn into the book .

The recall, announced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission Jan. 8, involves cloth books with black and white striped borders with red dinosaurs on the covers. The words "Big Rex and Friends" are printed on the cover. ISBN 031249260X or 9780312492601 is printed on the back of the book. They were sold at Barnes & Noble, Toys "R" Us, Amazon, Borders and other bookstores and retailers nationwide from May 2004 through October 2009 for about $9.

Parents can get a full refund by contactin St. Martin’s Press at (800) 347-9411 or priddybooks.com/recall.

Sources: Macmillan and Daily Green

Mighty Blueberries

Blueberries are delicious, and have loads of powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Very versatile, they can be combined with cereal or yogurt for a great breakfast or snack. Blueberries can also play a lead role in desserts, such as tarts and berry salads or parfaits. Natural or frozen, make sure they are part of your family's diet!

Within the next couple of days we'll bring ideas to use blueberries in different meals along the day.
Here are a couple of recipes to enjoy for breakfast.

Blueberry Blast Smoothie

Servings: 1 (2 cups)

- 1/2 cup nonfat or 1 percent lowfat milk
- 1/2 cup non fat plain yogurt
- 1 cup frozen blueberries (unsweetened)
- 1 teaspoon honey

Put all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.

Blueberry Almond French Toast

Servings: 8

- 1 whole-wheat baguette (about 18 inches long, 8 ounces), cut into 1-inch cubes
- Cooking spray
- 8 large eggs
- 8 large egg whites
- 2 cups of 1% lowfat milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 cups fresh blueberry
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar

Spray a 9 by 13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Arrange the bread in a single layer in the baking pan. Whisk together the eggs, egg whites, milk, vanilla, cinnamon and maple syrup. Pour the egg mixture over the bread in the pan, spreading it around so the liquid saturates the bread. Scatter the blueberries evenly on top and sprinkle with the almonds and brown sugar. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Uncover the baking pan and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. Serve warm, cold or at room temperature.

Per Serving: Calories 270

Excellent source of Protein, Riboflavin, Iodine, Manganese, Selenium. Good source of Fiber, Vitamin K, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Zinc

Source: 2005, Ellie Krieger, All rights reserved

Eco-Friendly Lil' Shoes

So cute! These shoes are constructed from eco-friendly premium leather remnants, free of lead, antimony, arsenic, barium, cadmium, mercury, selenium and harmful amines. Their flat rubber soles provide durability and traction indoors and out.
Simple Velcro closures keep shoes securely on feet. They are comfortable, flexible and very breathable.

From Pedoodles

Movie Ticket to Calorie Explosion

According to lab analyses from the Center for Science in the Public Interest, a medium popcorn and soda combo sold at movie theaters is equivalent to 1,610 calories and three days’ worth—60 grams—of saturated fat. The problem is not exactly the corn, but the coconut oil used to pop it, and the overwhelming amount of butter to flavor it, not to mention the excessive sodium.

CSPI also took a look at the sodas and candies sold at the movies. A small non-diet soda ranges from 150 calories at Cinemark to 300 calories at Regal.

A 5-ounce bag of Twizzlers has 460 calories and 15 teaspoons of sugar. Chocolate candies like Butterfinger Minis, Raisinets, Sno-Caps, or M&M's have between 400 and 500 calories and at least a half day’s worth of saturated fat. An 8-ounce bag of Reese's Pieces provides 1,160 calories and 35 grams of saturated fat. It's like eating a 16-ounce T-bone steak plus a buttered baked potato.

Source: CSPI

Make Your Own Cardboard Shoji Screen

This is a fun project to develop with kids, and inspire their creative skills!
It is definitely a step up to the usual craft work, but pushing the envelop a bit will result in a beautiful and fun room partition for the kids!

The tutorial will guide you step-by-step.

Click here for the tutorial

Eco-Giveaway: Baby Star Organic Denin

We are giving away a Baby Star Organic Denin. Woohooo!

You will be able to choose between a Jane Jeans for a girl or a Jack Jeans for a boy. They are made of soft pre-washed certified organic cotton with a unique green stitching. Available in sizes 6 months to 6 T. Beautiful, comfy and machine washable!

Become Fan of Eco.Logical.Mom on Facebook by February 13, 2010, and be entered to win this fantastic prize!

The winner will be announced on February 14, 2010.


Good Luck!

Organic Denin provided by Baby Star

Organic Cookies for Valentine's Day

These certified organic cookies are to die for! The ingredients come from small family farms and organic coops that support living wages and local communities.
What a "delish" Valentine's gift for the hubby and kids!

Find these and other organic bakery goodies at Beautiful Sweets.

Concerns with Lead in Lipstick

An FDA study found high levels of lead in all 20 lipstick brands tested, ranging from 0.09 parts per million (ppm) to 3.06 ppm. Considered a contaminant, lead is not listed on lipstick labels. Generally, it can become "contaminated" in two ways: raw materials may be contaminated, or the pigments (paints) used in the lipstick contain lead.

Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to lead exposure, because lead easily crosses the placenta and enters the fetal brain where it can interfere with normal development,” said Dr. Palfrey, a professor of pediatrics and public health at Boston University and the medical director of Boston's Lead Poisoning Prevention Program.

“Lead builds up in the body over time and lead-containing lipstick applied several times a day, every day, can add up to significant exposure levels,” said Mark Mitchell, M.D., MPH, president of the Connecticut Coalition for Environmental Justice.

For more details on the study, logon to safecosmetics.org

Reversible Soy Hoodie

Cute reversible hoodie, and color co-ordinated for easy mixing and matching.
Machine wash, tumble dry, it doesn't shrink or fade. Made of 50% soybean fiber, 50% cotton.
For the ones new to soybean fiber, it feels like cashmere: soft, smooth and ultra-light!

Made by Baby Soy

8-Step Green Course for Pregnant Women

Eight things you can do to protect yourself and the coming baby from toxic elements:

1. Food

Start eating whole foods. Avoid packaged foods and try to eat a varied diet that includes plenty of protein, calcium, whole grains and folic acid.

2. Water

Test the tap water at home for contaminants. A Brita-style carbon carafe pitcher will take care of most issues. Stop drinking bottled water and carry your beverages in something safer like glass or stainless steel, avoiding chemical-leaching plastic.

3. Air

You can’t always control what you’re breathing – the carpet at the bank or toxic bathroom cleaners at work – but wherever possible (in the car, at work, at home) open the windows and keep your environment as well-ventilated as possible.

4. Kitchen

Lose the Teflon and nonstick pans because they are a probable human carcinogen. Store food in glass instead of plastic, and never microwave food with plastic wrap on it or in plastic containers.

5. Beauty Products

Stop using the ones with chemicals that are potentially harmful to a fetus. This takes more effort than eating organic because, regardless of what their label claims, there’s no certification process for these products. Go to the "Skin Deep" section at the Environmental Working Group site and enter the name of your preferred cosmetic into a database for a rating of its ingredients.

6. Cleaning Products and Insecticides

The ingredients in non-green cleaners are often toxic, not to mention considered trade secrets and rarely listed. Most green products will list their ingredients, and less is usually more. Apply the same approach to any fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides you use to garden.

7. Renovation
Resist the urge to renovate, unless you're able to be out of the house for the duration of the work, and then some. There are toxins in the paint, dust, caulk and glue that you shouldn’t inhale while gestating, and there are too many potentially toxic dusts and chemicals unearthed when you start tearing things apart. Also replace crumbling foam in cushions – they contain brominated flame retardants (PBDE’s) that can negatively affect brain function.

8. Testing
Test your home for contaminants like radon and lead and carbon monoxide, and paint over any chipping lead paint with a zero-VOC fresh paint.

Source: The Environmental Working Group

Easiest Carrot Cake Ever...And Dark Chocolate Topping! Seriously

Carrot cake with chocolate topping ready to go to the oven in 7 minutes. Can't get any better than that!
Oh, and you can substitute the carrots for apples for an Apple Cake instead. Delicious, easy and versatile!

Carrot Cake with Dark Chocolate Topping


- 1 cup of whole wheat flour
- 1 cup white all purpose flour
- 3/4 cup of sugar (you can also use brown sugar)
- 1 cup of milk or orange juice
- 3 organic eggs
- 1 1/4 cups of shredded organic carrots
- 1 tablespoon of cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon baking powder


Mix well all the ingredients in the blender, except the baking powder. Add the baking powder and stir well with a spoon.
Preheat the oven at 350 degrees F. Butter and flour a pan.
Place the pan with the batter in the oven for 35 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and allow cake to cool 15 minutes in the pan. After 15 minutes, turn the cake out onto a rack and let it cool completely. Frost with the dark chocolate topping (see below).


Dark Chocolate Topping:
- 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup of sugar or honey
- 3 full tablespoons of dark chocolate powder
- 3 tablespoons of milk


Mix all ingredients in a pan. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring it. Spread on top of the cake. Voila!

Organic Striped Booties

So adorable! These striped booties are made of 100% organic cotton, and machine washable!
Warm and soft, they tie at the top to keep little feet cozy and toasty.

Created by Sckoon

BPA & Babies: Feds Acknowledge Concerns

Federal health and research officials outlined new guidance today for parents on the use of hard, clear plastics made from Bisphenol-A. Their bottom line: Minimize BPA-based products that could make contact with foods or drinks that infants or toddlers might consume — especially hot foods and drinks.

The agency noted that it now “shares the perspective of the National Toxicology Program that recent studies provide reason for some concern about the potential effects of BPA on the brain, behavior, and prostate gland of fetuses, infants and children.”

Source: Science News

Baby Hats from T-Shirts?

We've learned about these hats from Mama to Mama, sewn using the hem of the T-shirt as the hat’s bottom hem. Brilliant idea! Quick and easy to make with the kids, you can even make some extra to donate!
Click here to access the tutorial
Picture from Mama to Mama

Calorie Count Can Be Up to 20% Higher than Advertised

A study conducted by nutritionists and published in the January edition of Journal of the American Dietetic Association looked at various menu offerings at restaurants including Wendy’s, Ruby Tuesday, McDonald’s, Denny’s, and Domino’s Pizza. The results show that the average menu item was understated by 18% of calories. This is due to the variance in portion sizes, and food preparation.

The nutritionists also analyzed frozen foods under the brands Weight Watchers, Lean Cuisine, South Beach Living, and Healthy Choice. The calorie count was on average 8% higher than the listed amount on the package.

Companies don't seem to be intentionally trying to mislead consumers. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows for up to 20% variance on the printed calories from the actual calories in the product.

Reusable (and Adorable) Gift Bags

Reusable gift bags are so pretty, and a great idea! On top of all that, we can reduce more than $5 billion in gift wrap landfill each year.
Just pick your favorite gift bag and insert your gift. As simple as that!

It comes in 5 sizes and multiple colors. From Gift Bags Gone Green

Kimono for Kids? Made of Soy???

Absolutely charming! Stylish kimono for kids, made of 50% soybean fiber and 50% cotton. What a cutie! Have we mentioned that it is machine wash, and doesn't shrink?

Made by Babysoy.

Organic Sleeping Bag...Comfy and Warm

We found this adorable organic baby sleeping bag. It feels so comfy, and is so useful! Machine washable, the sleeping bag is made of 100% organic cotton velour outer and 100% organic jersey cotton lining.

Ok, it is a bit pricey ($79.00 at Amazon), but have you thought about making one yourself? Check it out! It doesn't seem complicated at all!

Made by Grobag

Eco-Friendly Nursery Tips

The Daily Green publication put together some very goods tips to organize an eco-friendly baby nursery. Here is a summary:

1. Paint: Be aware of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), toxic fumes that off-gas from common paint. Play safe by using low or no-VOC paints and make sure the room is well ventilated.

2. Bedding: Mattresses are treated with polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), chemical fire retardants that accumulate in our bodies and have been shown to affect the endocrine and nervous systems. Organic cotton or natural wool mattresses are two green options.

3. Floor: Carpets can harbor dust mites and allergens, and new synthetic carpets can off-gas VOCs. Keep baby's room carpet-free, and add an area rug for color and warmth.

4. Furniture: Pressed-wood products made with resins and glues that often have high levels of VOCs should be avoided. Plastic is not the best choice for kids' rooms, made from petroleum plastic items will likely end up in a landfill when you dispose of them. Sealants and paints should be nontoxic.

5. Toys and decoration: Toys or teething rings made from PVC contain phthalates, an ingredient in plastic that can affect reproductive and developmental health.

6. Keep it clean: Green cleaners are safer for the whole house and are particularly important in the nursery. Harsh chemical cleaners can irritate eyes and lungs, and companies don't have to list ingredients on their cleaning products, so you don't know exactly what's in there.

Source: The Daily Green

Haiti Earthquake Relief

Please help the people in Haiti. Click here for a list of official organizations for donations.

Vinyl Products ....Not so Good for You!

Vinyl products like shower curtains may be very toxic. According to a recent EPA study published by the Daily Green, the smell when we open the package and unfold a new vinyl shower curtain is a result of the off-gassing of chemicals from polyvinyl chloride plastic (PVC). One of the chemical additives, DEHP, a phthalate, is a suspected carcinogen and has been linked to hormonal disruption in humans. The study found that vinyl shower curtains can elevate air toxins in your home for more than a month!

Good options? Natural fabric or bamboo!

Source: The Daily Green

Yet More on Bisphenol-A

BPA is now linked to heart diseases too, according to a recent British study. The analysis also confirmed that BPA plays a role in diabetes and some forms of liver disease, based on data involving 1,493 people aged 18 to 74.

Read the full article on msnbc.com

Time for Gumbo....ahhh Winter!

Gumbo is definitely a favorite here, and perfect in the Winter: warm, hearty and very healthy! Did I mention that it is easy to make? Can't top that!

For the ones unfamiliar with Gumbo, it is a Cajun soup loaded with vegetables, seafood and sausage. It is often served over rice as a main course.

Seafood and Sausage Gumbo
Serves 10-12 people

- 3 lbs raw shrimp
- 1 1/2 quarts of water
- 4 organic onions, diced
- 2 bay leaves
- 3/4 cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons of butter
- 2 organic red and green bell peppers, minced
- 4 organic celery stalks, chopped
- 1/2 lb Andouille sausage, sliced
- 3 cups of fresh organic okra, cut into 1/2 inch slices
- 5 garlic cloves
- Fresh or dried thyme
- Salt to taste
- Ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of any hot pepper sauce (use mild pepper, or no pepper at all for children)
- 2 cups of organic tomatoes, sliced
- 1 lb fresh crabmeat
- Boiled rice to serve (brown rice tastes just as good, and comes with loads of fibers!)

Make a Cajun Roux first:
Heat the oil in a heavy bottomed skillet. When the oil is hot, add the flour, a little at a time, and blend to a smooth paste. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly for about 25 minutes until the roux reaches the color of peanut butter. Remove the pan from the heat and continue stirring until it cools and stops cooking.

In a separate pan:
Melt the butter in a large heave bottomed saucepan. Add the diced onions, peppers and celery. Cook low heat for 8 minutes.
Add the sausage, stir well. Add the okra and garlic. Stir and cook for about 10 minutes. Add the bay leaves, the thyme, salt, black pepper and hot pepper sauce. Stir well, then add 1 1/2 quarts of water and the tomatoes. Bring to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes.
Wisk in the Cajun roux. Raise the heat and bring it to a boil. Lower the heat again and simmer, uncovered, for about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the shrimp and the crabmeat. Cook for another 5 minutes.

Serve it with rice on top... Yummy!!!

Popular Kids' Jewelry Highly Contaminated by Toxic Metals

Some Chinese manufacturers have been using the dangerous heavy metal cadmium in sparkling charm bracelets and shiny pendants being sold throughout the United States, an Associated Press investigation shows.

Bracelets and other jewelry are sold at Walmart, at the jewelry chain Claire's and at a dollar store. High amounts of cadmium also were detected in "The Princess and The Frog" movie-themed pendants. What a shame!

Source: msnbc.com

Big Pocket, Little Mess

What is cool about this feeding bib is the large pocket! It sure helps contain the mess, and is eco-friendly too.

Made by Jaq Jaq Bird.

Fabric Sandwich Bags. What a Great Idea!

We love this Reusable Fabric Sandwich and Snack Bags. It is not only eco-friendly but also very stylish! And the set comes with stainless steel snack containers as well. Good bye plastic bags!
The fabric bags are great for sandwiches, cereals, berries. They are made of 100% organic cotton twill, and can be machine washed and dried.

Made by Plum Creek, and sold through Amazon.com.

New Year's Resolution Eco-Giveaway Winner!

Congratulations Savanna Ashley Cowen! You are the winner of our New Year's Resolution Eco Giveaway. Your gDiapers Sweet Bundle, a $99 kit that includes everyday g's 6-pack of little gPants plus your choice of a case of gRefills or 2 packs of gCloth inserts, is waiting for you.

Please contact us at EcoLogicalMom@ymail.com to redeem your prize. Yay!!

For Lil' Chefs

Take a look at this adorable organic apron for kids!!! Not only it is fun, but also very useful when kids play with paint, dough, or even cook for their parents!

It is machine washable, and coordinating placemats, lunchbugs and bibs are available....so cute!

Made by Mimi The Sardine, sold through Amazon.com.

Top Foods You May Not Be Eating (Enough)

The New York Times published an article today listing 11 best foods you may not be eating. Here they are:

1. Beets: Rich source of folate as well as natural red pigments that may be cancer fighters.
   How to eat: Fresh, raw and grated to make a salad. Heating decreases the antioxidant power.
2. Cabbage: Loaded with nutrients like sulforaphane, a chemical said to boost cancer-fighting enzymes.
   How to eat: Asian-style slaw or as a crunchy topping on burgers and sandwiches.
3. Swiss chard: Packed with carotenoids that protect aging eyes.
   How to eat it: Chop and saute in olive oil.
4. Cinnamon: May help control blood sugar and cholesterol.
   How to eat it: Sprinkle on coffee or oatmeal.
5. Pomegranate juice: Appears to lower blood pressure and loaded with antioxidants.
   How to eat: Just drink it.
6. Dried plums: Packed with antioxidants.
   How to eat: Wrapped in prosciutto and baked.
7. Pumpkin seeds: Loaded with magnesium; high levels of the mineral are associated with lower risk for early death.
   How to eat: Roasted as a snack, or sprinkled on salad.
8. Sardines: High in omega-3’s, contain virtually no mercury and are loaded with calcium. They also contain iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper and manganese as well as a full complement of B vitamins.
   How to eat: Choose sardines packed in olive or sardine oil. Eat plain, mixed with salad, on toast, or mashed with dijon mustard and onions as a spread.
9. Turmeric: Anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
   How to eat: Mix with scrambled eggs or in any vegetable dish.
10. Frozen blueberries: Associated with better memory in animal studies.
    How to eat: Blended with yogurt or chocolate soy milk and sprinkled with crushed almonds.
11. Canned pumpkin: High in fiber and immune-stimulating vitamin A; fills you up on very few calories.
    How to eat: Mix with a little butter, cinnamon and nutmeg.

Source: The New York Times

The Power of Choice for Teens and Kids

The USDA's Food and Nutrition Service and the FDA developed an interested booklet, The Power of Choice, for kids and adolescents about adopting a healthier lifestyle. It includes 10 topics and activities worth checking, and it is free!. Click here to access the booklet.

Safe Storage Time for Food

Many of us usually guess how much time fresh food and leftovers can be left in the refrigerator and freezer. That could lead to mild or even dangerous food poisoning!
The Food Safety organization developed a very useful chart with safe storage time for raw and cooked food:

Category	Food	Refrigerator (40 °F or below)	Freezer (0 °F or below)
Salads	Egg, chicken, ham, tuna & macaroni salads	3 to 5 days	Does not freeze well
Hot dogs	opened package	1 week	1 to 2 months
	unopened package	2 weeks	1 to 2 months
Luncheon meat	opened package or deli sliced	3 to 5 days	1 to 2 months
	unopened package	2 weeks	1 to 2 months
Bacon & Sausage	Bacon	7 days	1 month
	Sausage, raw — from chicken, turkey, pork, beef	1 to 2 days	1 to 2 months
Hamburger & Other Ground Meats	Hamburger, ground beef, turkey, veal, pork, lamb, & mixtures of them	1 to 2 days	3 to 4 months
Fresh Beef, Veal, Lamb & Pork	Steaks	3 to 5 days	6 to 12 months
	Chops	3 to 5 days	4 to 6 months
	Roasts	3 to 5 days	4 to 12 months
Fresh Poultry	Chicken or turkey, whole	1 to 2 days	1 year
	Chicken or turkey, pieces	1 to 2 days	9 months
Soups & Stews	Vegetable or meat added	3 to 4 days	2 to 3 months
Leftovers	Cooked meat or poultry	3 to 4 days	2 to 6 months
	Chicken nuggets or patties	3 to 4 days	1 to 3 months
	Pizza	3 to 4 days	1 to 2 months

Source: foodsafety.gov

Spinach Modeling Dough?

Check out the modeling dough, the natural paint and markers from Clementine.
The modeling dough is based on soy and wheat, colored with turmeric, carmine and spinach. The paints are free from chemical dyes and petrochemicals. All certified non-toxic, very environmentally friendly, and fun for kids!

For additional product information, logon to clementineart.com

Organic Pregnancy Guide

The Complete Organic Pregnancy is a very interesting book about how to minimize the exposure to the invisible toxins that surround us—in everything from food, cleaning products, and cosmetics to furniture, rugs, air, and water. Step by step, they tell you where dangerous chemicals are lurking, why it's so important to avoid them when pregnant, and what you can do before, during, and after your pregnancy to protect your child.
It is good information even for non "organic" moms!

Written by Deirdre Dolan and Alexandra Zissu.

Vegetable Glycerin Soap...Fun, Green and Useful Activities for Kids

We found these cool and easy step-by-step instructions on how to create green, and quite useful, glycerin soaps for the family. This will keep kids busy and entertained for a couple of hours. Can't get any better than that!

Check this out...click here!

Source: Crafting a Green World

Preparation is Key

Some vegetables are known for their sources of vitamins and antioxidants. We learned from a pool of nutritionists in South America that the way we prepare vegetables may impact their nutritional values. Here are few examples:

Carrot:
Rich in vitamins A, C and betacarotene. Also a source of sodium, potassium and carbohydrates.
Cooking it in water can cause the loss of 10 to 50% of vitamin C. Minimize it by cooking carrots in large chunks, little water and low heat or steam.
Roasting it in the oven may reduce its levels of minerals.
Warming up in the microwave may reduce the levels of vitamins.
Freezing it doesn't result in significant loss of nutrients.

Eggplant:
Rich in proteins, calcium and vitamins B1, B2 and C.
Cooking it in water and high heat can cause the loss of up to 50% of vitamin C, and 25% of vitamin B.
Roasting it in the oven may slightly reduce its levels of minerals.
Warming up in the microwave may slightly reduce the levels of vitamins.
Freezing it doesn't result in significant loss of nutrients.

Tomato:
Rich in lycopene, potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, iron, fibers, vitamin C and betacarotene.
Cooking it in water can cause the loss of vitamin C. Adding some oil increases the absorption of lycopene.
Roasting it in the oven with oil increases the lycopene absorption.
Warming up in the microwave reduces levels of lycopene.
Freezing it doesn't result in significant loss of nutrients.

Broccoli:
Rich in vitamins A, B, C and antioxidants. Also a source of calcium, iron, zinc, folic acid and potassium.
Cooking it in water can cause the loss of several vitamins. Minimize it by steaming instead.
Roasting it may reduce its levels of minerals, however increases the absorption of vitamin A.
Warming up in the microwave is a good way to keep its nutrients.
Freezing it doesn't result in significant loss of nutrients.

source: veja.com.br

Wooden Toys Recalled by Kendamaspot

Kendamaspot LLC has just released a voluntary recall to its Wooden Skill Ball toys due to excessive levels of lead. The recall involves Oozora and Shin-Fuji Kendama Japanese wooden skill toys.
Consumers should immediately take the recalled toys away from children and contact the company to receive a replacement ball.

For additional information visit kendamaspot.com.