Why Organic Produce Provides Much Higher Levels of Antioxidants

"Organic farming methods have increased antioxidant levels in some cases by over 300 percent. On average, across 7 studies that reported direct comparisons of the levels of antioxidants in conventional and organic foods, levels in organic food averaged about 1/3 higher.", Dr Charles Benbrook for the U.S. Organic Center , January 2005 

"Organically grown plants display higher levels of antioxidants because they are grown without the added protection of synthetic pesticides and therefore suffer more stress.

Organic culture works to feed the soil, which gives plants the necessary nutrients with which to "heal" themselves when presented with this added stress. Emphasis is placed on soil nutrition rather than simply using a pesticide to remedy problems.
The Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry (2003), February agrees "that good soil nutrition appears to increase levels of natural compounds that have anti-cancer, immune boosting and anti-aging properties." Brightly colored fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes, blueberries, red cabbage, strawberries, plums, broccoli, watercress, red grapes, kale and spinach tend to accumulate the highest levels of antioxidants. It also happens to be where many systemic pesticides tend to build up. Peeling the skin on conventionally grown produce may perhaps reduce your risk of chemical exposure somewhat, however it also reduces the amount of disease fighting antioxidants you consume."


Source: Economii.com, Yahoo

Lead, Cadmium and Other Nasty Chemicals in Jewelry

"Researchers from the Ecology Center recently released their findings that out of ninety-nine items of jewelry purchased from stores across the nation, 57% contained harmful chemicals such as lead, cadmium, and chromium. "There is no excuse for jewelry, especially children's jewelry, to be made with some of the most well studied and dangerous substances on the planet," said Jeff Gearhart, Research Director at the Ecology Center and founder of HealthyStuff.org, in a press release. "We urge manufacturers to start replacing these chemicals with non-toxic substances immediately."

The larger retailers included H&M, Claire's, Walmart, and Kohl's. 

The study's key findings were:

• Twenty-seven percent of the jewelry tested contained greater than 300 parts per million (ppm) lead in one or more components. Three hundred ppm is the Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) limit of lead in children's products. Some of the items were marked "lead free." 
• Ten percent of the jewelry contained greater than 100 ppm cadmium in one or more components. Cadmium, a known carcinogen, is unregulated. 
• Ninety-three percent of the jewelry contained greater than 100 ppm chromium. 
• Thirty percent of the jewelry contained greater than 100 ppm nickel.
• Thirteen percent of the jewelry contained greater than 100 ppm arsenic. 
• Seven percent of the jewelry contained brominated flame retardants (in amounts greater than 1,000 ppm bromine).

According to the Ecology Center, these substances are linked to acute allergies and may cause birth defects, cognitive impairment, liver toxicity, and cancer.

Contaminated jewelry is particularly dangerous for kids who are more likely to put it in their mouths. According to the CPSC, "Swallowing, sucking on or chewing a metal charm or necklace could result in exposure to lead, cadmium or other heavy metals, which are known to be toxic at certain levels of exposure." The CPSC has set up voluntary standards for the jewelry industry but six states, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, and Washington, have enacted tighter regulations."

Sources: Yahoo

Chocolate Salami

This recipe has a tremendous presentation: fun, creative and delicious. Kids will love making and eating chocolate salami. This is a traditional dessert/snack served in Portugal and Brazil.


Chocolate Salami

Servings: 20 portions

12 ounces (30 grams) dark chocolate (70%, in pieces)
1/4 cup unsalted butter
2 Tbsp rolled oat flakes
1 cup crushed vanilla whole wheat cookies
1/2 cup (125 ml) finely chopped Brazil nuts or almonds
3 ounces (85 grams) white baking chocolate, chopped

In a double boiler, melt the dark chocolate and butter together over medium heat. Remove from heat once melted and let cool. Stir in the oats, the crumbled cookies and the nuts. Finally, stir in the white chocolate.

Spread the mixture out on a large piece of wax paper. Shape the mass into a roll about 12 inches (30 cm) long, using the wax paper to help form a sausage-shaped piece. Once the roll is formed inside the wax paper, fold the ends of the wax paper tightly, and place the roll in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours to chill thoroughly.

When ready to serve, remove from the refrigerator, unwrap the roll and slice into thick slices. Let rest for approximately 15 minutes to warm slightly, then serve.

Source: various, including Food Buzz

5 Surprising Foods that Boost Immunity

Check out these 5 foods to improve our immunity system:

"Kefir/Yogurt Many yogurts and almost all kefir, a fermented milk product, contain probiotics, the so-called "good" bacteria. These bacteria alter how the immune system in the digestive tract reacts to microorganisms. Studies have found that probiotics can help with diarrhea and other intestinal disorders. Although more research is needed, probiotics may also help reduce the severity of colds and the flu, according to the Mayo Clinic. Opt for the yogurt and kefir that contain live and active probiotics to make sure you're reaping the benefits of these miracle-workers.

Black/Green Tea
A hot cup of tea can help soothe a sore throat and lift spirits, but green and black teas are also a good source of polyphenols, or plant antioxidants, that can help prevent free radical damage in the body. In the lab, compounds in green tea have been shown to inhibit viral replication, which may aid in defending against cold and flu. In addition, a Harvard study found that people who drank five cups of black tea had elevated levels of a compound that can help ward off infections like viruses. The benefits also pertain to decaf black and green teas, so you don't have to over-caffeinate while loading up on the good stuff.

Garlic Garlic is indispensible in the kitchen but has recently received widespread attention for its potential in disease-prevention and immune-boosting properties. Although some of the claims are certainly oversold, garlic has shown some promise when it comes to warding off infections. It's believed that the sulfur-containing compound allicin could function as an antibacterial and antiviral agent. In one study, British researchers found that people who took a garlic supplement regularly were two-thirds less likely to catch a cold than those who took a placebo. The best way to reap garlic's benefits, however, is consuming it raw or freshly processed. 

Orange-Fleshed Vegetables
Pumpkins, sweet potatoes, squash, and other orange-fleshed vegetables are high in beta carotene, which the body uses to make Vitamin A. A diet low in beta carotene can suppress the immune system, so stocking up on these fall veggies is a great way to ensure your body has the nutrients it needs. Vitamin A also is important in keeping the skin healthy, which is our body's first line of defense against disease-causing microorganisms.

Oysters
Oysters are definitely not the first thing that comes to mind when a cold or other illness strikes, but the bivalves are a great source of zinc, among other good-for-you nutrients like omega-3s, selenium, and iron. Zinc is important in the development of white blood cells and even a low-to-moderate level of zinc deficiencies can have negative implications for the immune system. Of course, there can be too much of a good thing however: too much zinc can have an adverse effect and inhibit the immune system. Therefore, it's best to get zinc from a well-rounded diet. In addition to oysters, beef and chicken are good sources."

Sources: Healthy Living, Yahoo and Divine Caroline