10 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Honey

Since ancient times, honey has been used as both a food and a medicine. It’s very high in beneficial plant compounds, and offers several health benefits. Honey is particularly healthy when used instead of refined sugar, which is 100% empty calories. Here are the top 10 health benefits of honey that are supported by science. […] The post 10 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Honey appeared first on http://ift.tt/1aS7CX7

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10 Tips for Shopping at Natural Foods Stores

Most of us are aware of the tried-and-true supermarket food shopping tips — shop the periphery of the store (as that’s where the least processed foods and fresh produce usually are); don’t buy foods just because you have coupons for them; don’t shop when you’re hungry or without a list; and the like. Shopping at natural foods stores can be a nice break from the big box experience, and introduce you to foods your supermarket may not carry. They’re great sources to provide foods for the plant-based diet.

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Sirabella’s Vegan Cheesecake – a review

Going vegan no longer means having to give up cheesecake!

Does Nutrition Play a Role in ADHD?

There’s no evidence that the behavioral disorder ADHD is caused by diet. However, research suggests that for some people, dietary changes can improve symptoms. In fact, a substantial amount of research has examined how nutrition affects ADHD. This article is an overview of these findings, discussing the foods, diets and supplements involved. What Is ADHD? […] The post Does Nutrition Play a Role in ADHD? appeared first on http://ift.tt/1aS7CX7

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7 Easy and Delectable Vegan Quick Breads

Pop this easy

5 Ways Your Gut Bacteria Affects Your Entire Body (Plus, The Warning Signs Of An Unhealthy Gut)

The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates once said, “All disease begins in the gut.” Now, centuries later, it turns out Hippocrates was right. Doctors, scientists, and researchers alike are starting to realize just how powerful the gut truly is. As they uncover more about how this vital organ affects overall health, they are starting to realize how unhealthy most people actually are. After reading this, you may be surprised too!

 

The Bacteria Inside Of Us

Our gut is loaded with bacteria. In fact, researchers estimate that we have 100 trillion bacteria living inside of us. Yes, that’s trillion with a “t.” It may be hard to believe, but that’s 10x more bacterial cells than we have human cells. So, if you think about it, we are actually more bacteria than we are human!

The word “bacteria” may frighten you at first. After all, we are groomed into viewing “bacteria” as a bad thing. We want to avoid it like the plaque. I mean, we buy cleaning products specifically designed to get rid of bacteria. While you definitely want to continue cleaning off your countertops and toilet bowls, gut bacteria is actually a good thing.

Out of the 100 trillion bacteria inside of us, there are hundreds of different species. This diverse bacteria is a delicate ecosystem commonly referred to as the microbiome. It’s that microbiome that helps keep us strong and healthy.

 

Balance

Not all of our gut bacteria is good. Don’t worry … it’s perfectly normal! In order for our bodies to function properly, doctors say we should have about 80% good bacteria and 20% bad bacteria. Throughout this article, you will see me use the words “balanced” and “unbalanced.” When I use these terms, remember the 80/20 rule.

Have you ever seen a commercial for probiotics? They’re pretty popular right now. Well, probiotics are good, living bacteria. Eating probiotic-rich foods and taking a daily probiotic supplement are two ways we can put more good bacteria into our bodies. I’ll talk more about probiotics below. First, let’s take a look at the five ways our gut affects our overall health.

1) Digestion

This one may seem pretty obvious. If you have a healthy digestive tract, you can expect to have good digestion. Maintaining a balanced gut bacteria is key for regular bowel movements.

Today, though, the number of people who suffer from digestive issues is staggering. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive disorder that affects between 25-45 million Americans. Then there’s Inflammatory Bowel Disease. The two main types of IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. This severe digestive disease affects more than 1.4 million Americans. 

For people with digestive issues, doctors have found unbalanced gut bacteria plays a large role. Proof of that lies in fecal transplants. A fecal transplant is a procedure where stool is taken from a healthy donor and placed into an ill patient’s colon. It may sound gross. Ok … it does sound gross. But the point of the procedure is to repopulate the ill patient’s gut with healthy bacteria. According to a study published in the journal of Gastroenterology Hepatology, fecal transplants have a 93 percent success rate in curing and/or healing digestive issues. 

 

2) Immunity

Your gut is very closely linked to your immune system. In fact, approximately 80% of your immune system is located in your gut. So if your gut bacteria is properly balanced then your immune system will most likely function properly and help ward off illnesses.  

Are you one of those people who seems to always get sick, though? You know who you are. I’m talking about the type of person who can literally be across the room from someone who sneezes and the next day you’ll have a runny nose. If that sounds like you, chances are your gut bacteria is unbalanced. It’s extremely easy to kill your good bacteria. If bad bacteria take over, your immune system will weaken. So if you want to stay clear of illness, you need to keep your gut in tip-top shape.

* Find out how you are killing your good gut bacteria below!

 

3) Mood/ Mental Health

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “I have a gut feeling about that.” But do you really know why people use that expression? 

The gut is often referred to as “the second brain.” That’s because embedded in your intestinal wall are 500 million neurons that make up your enteric nervous system (ENS). Your ENS plays an important role in the production of 30 different neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters, like serotonin, are chemicals responsible for regulating mood.

In multiple case studies with mice, researchers were able to completely alter the mice’s behavior by changing their gut bacteria. The mice that had balanced gut bacteria were less anxious, more adventurous, and seemed to be in a better mood. Researchers at UCLA wanted to find out if the same reaction would happen in humans. 

In their study, UCLA researchers gave healthy women a fermented milk beverage. Some women were given milk that had a probiotic supplement in it. Other women were given milk without probiotics. Next, researchers scanned their brains while showing them photos of people with emotional facial expressions. They found the two groups of women had different reactions. The women who were given the probiotics showed a reduced brain response, meaning they weren’t as emotional when viewing emotional expressions.

The gut is believed to affect more than mood, though. Some researchers believe that late-onset autism and other brain disorders could also be linked with poor gut health. A study based out of Arizona State University found children with autism had a less diverse microbiome than children who don’t have autism. The gut’s possible tie to autism and other brain disorders is still being researched. 

 

4) Weight

Do you eat healthy and workout, yet still struggle to lose weight? Have you ever wondered why your skinny friend who seems to be able to eat anything and everything can still fit into her size 2 jeans? This reason may lie in your gut bacteria.

There’s a growing amount of research that suggests your gut bacteria actually influences food cravings, metabolism, and how many calories your body absorbs from the food you eat.

A number of studies show that a diverse gut microbiome is key to staying lean. A 2013 study found that thin people have 70 percent more gut bacteria than people who are overweight.

Getting even more in depth, researchers found that the species of bacteria are different in people who are obese compared to those who are slim. Dr. Joseph Mercola highlighted a study where researchers found obese individuals to have about 20 percent more of a bacteria strain called firmicutes. Firmicutes help the body pull calories from complex sugars and turn those calories into fat. When firmicutes microbes were transplanted into normal-weight mice, researchers noticed those mice started gaining twice as much fat.

In that same study, researchers also discovered that lean people have approximately 90 percent more of a bacteria strain called bacteroidetes. Bacteroidetes are believed to help break down starches and fibers into shorter molecules that the body can use as energy.

Studies show firmicutes and bacteroidetes are not the only bacteria strains that affect your weight. The point here is – if you want to drop a dress size, you should focus on improving your gut health!

 

5) Skin

If you dream of blemish-free skin you may want to focus on improving your gut health. I’m not joking! I know it sounds far-fetched at first, but there’s a growing amount of research that links poor gut health to skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, and eczema.

While researchers are still studying the impact of gut bacteria and skin, what they have found so far is quite telling.  

One study found that when acne patients drank a probiotic-rich fermented milk beverage, they’re acne lesions started to show signs of healing.

Then there was a study published in 2008 that found babies who didn’t have a wide variety of gut bacteria at just one week old were more likely to develop eczema by 18 months old. Just one year later, another study found children who ingested probiotics daily were 58 percent less likely to develop eczema. According to doctors, the number of eczema cases has been on the rise for years. One theory for the increase is that kids aren’t being exposed to as much bacteria as they once were.

You may wonder how your gut could possibly affect your skin. Think about it this way — when your gut is filled with too much bad bacteria, the pores in your digestive tract widen. This allows harmful toxins to essentially “leak” into your bloodstream (it’s called Leaky Gut Syndrome). When someone suffers from Leaky Gut, their body detects invaders and attacks. This causes inflammation. Did you know acne and rosacea are inflammatory conditions?

 

There’s One Problem …

We are killing our good bacteria!

Gut bacteria isn’t made of titanium. The “good guys” can easily be attacked and killed. If that happens, bad bacteria will take over and our health in-turn will suffer. Since our gut microbiome is completely influenced by everything we do, we have the power to improve or destroy our own health.

I’m going to go out on a limb here and say you want to be healthy and live a long life. To do that, you should avoid the following gut killers: 

1) Antibiotics

The word antibiotics means “anti-life” or “against-life.” While there are instances where you will need to take antibiotics, they should always be viewed as a last resort. Nowadays doctors are quick to whip out their prescription pads and order a round of antibiotics. If you can get rid of an infection or illness naturally, though, then you should definitely try that first. It may be hard to believe, but if you’ve had even one dose of antibiotics in your lifetime, then your gut microbiome can be permanently altered.

2) Sugar/ Processed Foods

Eating an abundance of sugar and processed foods wreaks havoc on the body. This type of food can act as fertilizer for bad bacteria and yeast. 

3) GMOs, Pesticides & Chemicals 

Since GMOs, pesticides and chemicals are unnatural, the gut perceives them as invaders. To avoid these toxins, go organic! 

4) Gluten

Gluten is another unnatural substance that the gut perceives as an invader. When we eat gluten our digestive tract kicks into overdrive, defending the body. This toxic substance not only kills off good gut bacteria, but it can cause inflammation, bloating and indigestion. 

5) Tap Water

Unless you are drinking well water, tap water is full of excess amounts of chlorine and fluoride that can kill off the good bacteria in your body.

6) Stress

Stress takes a major toll on the body and your gut is no exception. When stress hormones are released into the body, good bacteria are attacked and killed. In one study by Ohio State University, researchers placed an aggressive mouse into a cage of docile mice. They then compared the gut bacteria of the stressed-out mice to a group of calm mice. They found the stressed mice had lower amounts of a particular (important) bacteria strain. 

 

The 17 Warning Signs Of An Unhealthy Gut

• Frequent colds
• Autoimmune diseases
• Chronic fatigue
• Headaches
• Food allergies
• Acid reflux
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Weight fluctuation
• Thyroid disease
• Acne
• Rosacea
• Eczema
• Joint pain
• White-coated tongue

How To Improve Your Gut Health

Along with avoiding the 6 gut-killers I just mentioned above, you definitely want to work probiotics into your daily routine. As I briefly mentioned earlier, probiotics are the good guys. They are living bacteria that are found naturally in certain foods. You can also take a daily probiotic supplement! 

Find out how to incorporate more probiotic-rich foods into your diet:

 

 

If you weren’t taking notes during the video, here is a list of probiotic-rich foods you should add to your grocery list:

• Live-cultured yogurt
• Kefir
• Kimchi
• Sauerkraut
• Pickles
• Natto
• Tempeh
• Miso (miso soup)
• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Dark Chocolate

If by chance you don’t care for the taste of sour, fermented foods, you can also take a daily probiotic supplement. Probiotic supplements are considered safe to take during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Additionally, there are probiotic supplements on the market designed specifically for kids. As you just found out, there are benefits to giving your child probiotics starting from a young age.

As with anything, it’s always best to talk to your doctor before starting a probiotic supplement. Since all probiotic supplements contain different bacteria strains that benefit various functions of the body, your doctor may even be able to recommend the perfect brand for you. 

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Food of the Week: Collard Greens

Like kale, cauliflower and broccoli, collards are descendents of the wild cabbage, a plant thought to have been consumed as food since prehistoric times and to have originated in Asia Minor. From there it spread into Europe, being introduced by ...

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Best sources of Calcium

Calcium is a very important mineral in human metabolism, making up about 1-2% of an adult human's body weight. In addition to its widely known role in bone structure, calcium is used to help control muscle and nerve function, as well as to manage ...

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From the kitchen: Tips for Preparing Collard Greens

Rinse collard greens under cold running water. Chop leaf portion into 1/2-inch slices and the stems into 1/4-inch pieces for quick and even cooking.To get the most health benefits from collard greens, we recommend letting them sit for a minimum of 5 ...

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Is there such a thing as an appetite-suppressing food?

The very short answer to this question is "no." Appetite involves many more aspects of our experience than can ever be controlled by a single food. However, recent research studies have provided us some fascinating new information about diet and ...

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The Latest News about Collard Greens

Unlike broccoli and kale and cabbage, you won't find many research studies devoted to the specific health benefits of collard greens. However, collard greens are sometimes included in a longer list of cruciferous vegetables that are lumped together ...

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Can you tell me about how folate affects the brain and nervous system?

Folate has long been known to help support production of nervous system function, and in particular, production of messaging molecules that are used by nerves to send signals throughout out body. More recently, however, research has broadened our ...

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What is the most recent stand on eggs and cholesterol?

While organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA) allow for regular consumption of eggs in a meal plan, they typically warn that eggs are difficult to include because of their high cholesterol content and potential for increasing risk of ...

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What's new and beneficial about cucumbers?

Researchers have long been familiar with the presence of unique polyphenols in plants called lignans, and these health-benefiting substances have been studied extensively in cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli or cabbage) and allium vegetables ...

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Is vitamin B12 really a problem in a vegetarian diet?

Yes, intake of vitamin B12 can often be a problem in a vegetarian diet. For example, in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2003-2010, only 55% of vegetarians were determined to meet their daily B12 requirements, in ...

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What are WHFoods' recommendations for fiber intake?

Food groups richest in fiber include Beans & Legumes, Vegetables, Fruits, Grains, and Nut & Seeds. Because different proportions of insoluble/soluble fiber, viscous/non-viscous fiber, and fermentable fiber can be found within each of these different ...

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6 Little-Known Dangers of Restricting Sodium Too Much

Sodium is an important electrolyte and a main component of table salt. Too much sodium has been linked to high blood pressure, and health organizations recommend that we limit our intake (1, 2, 3). Most current guidelines recommend eating 2,300 mg per day, or less. Some even go as low as 1500 mg per day […] The post 6 Little-Known Dangers of Restricting Sodium Too Much appeared first on http://ift.tt/1aS7CX7

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5 Of The Best Vegan Eateries In The United States

The number of purely vegan restaurants in the United States is growing exponentially. It is encouraging to see some restaurants commit to a 100 percent plant-based menu, as there are many exciting things chefs can do with produce. These restaurants have menus that fully utilize local and seasonal ingredients and entice diners from all dietary lifestyles.

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10 Top Home Remedies For Gout (And What Really Triggers Gout Attacks)

Jerry, a 32-year-old male, was diagnosed with gout in March 2015. So he booked an appointment with his doctor who gave him a cocktail of drugs, told him to lose some weight and stop eating red meat, legumes and full-fat dairy products. However, although Jerry adhered strictly to his treatment plan – he even loss his excess weight – he continued to suffer from gout flare-ups! So he decided to drastically change his diet and adopt a vegetarian diet. And guess what? The flare ups didn’t disappear! So what gives?

What if I told you that the general diet guidelines for gout management need some serious polishing? Keep reading to find out how to beat this debilitating condition for good.

What exactly is gout?

Did you know that in earlier centuries, gout used to be described as the ‘disease of kings’ or the ‘rich man’s disease’? In those days, gout was rampant in the upper class or among the royalties and aristocracies since they were the ones who could afford expensive foods such as port, meat and sugar. In the 1950s, uric acid was identified as the bad guy causing gout.

One important point to note here is that uric acid is an important antioxidant – it is responsible for the neutralization of over 50% of the free radicals in the bloodstream and thus protects blood vessels from damage. However, when uric acid levels rise beyond their limit of solubility, monosodium urate can begin to precipitate out of the blood. When this happens, needle-like crystals are formed mostly in cartilage and fibrous tissues where they can reside for years without causing issues. These crystals can either re-dissolve in body fluids and enter the circulation or they may enter joint spaces or bursa (the fluid-filled sacs that act as a cushion between tendons and bones around a joint). When they get into joint spaces or bursa, these crystals are engulfed by immune cells – this activates localized inflammation leading to excruciating pain and swelling characteristic of gout.

What are the risk factors for gout?

The primary risk factor for gout is hyperuricemia (high levels of uric acid in the blood). However, someone with hyperuricemia will not necessarily develop gout. The risks increase with:

• Age – gout is more common in men
• Hypertension
• Renal insufficiency
• Excess body fat
• Early menopause
• The use of drugs such as loop and thiazide diuretics, antituberculous drugs, cyclosporin, and levodopa – effects are reversible upon discontinuation.

Why all the fuss about purine containing foods?

You’ve probably heard that individuals suffering from gout should avoid purine-rich foods such as:

• Organ meats like kidneys, liver, brain and sweetbreads
• Seafood like sardines, scallops, mussels, anchovies, herring and mackerel
• Red meat
• Legumes

Purines are substances present in pretty much all plant and animal cells – they provide some of the chemical structure of both DNA and RNA. When cells are broken down and recycled, the purines also get metabolized: one of the byproducts of purine metabolism is uric acid.

So here’s how the standard tale goes: if uric acid is obtained from the breakdown of purines, then the logical course of action would be to reduce one’s intake of purines. If you reduce purines which turn into uric acid, risks of hyperuricemia will go down and gout can be avoided. Problem solved! Or worsened?

My beef (no pun intended) with this logic is that it makes gout sufferers eliminate lots of traditional foods that are nutrient-dense only to replace them with more carbohydrate and fructose-rich foods. In one study, researchers reported that ‘the conventional low purine diet approach allowing fructose intake could potentially worsen the overall net risk of gout attacks.’ Plus only about one third of the body’s uric acid comes from dietary purines; the other two third is produced by the body itself. And guess what? Research shows that eating purines actually increases uric acid excretion in order to maintain balance. So doesn’t it make sense to normalize the amount of uric acid produced by the body first?

Then why do many health professionals see red meat consumption as a risk factor for gout?

Well, red meat is typically a component of the Standard American Diet, a diet that is also loaded with sugar, sweetened beverages, industrial seed oils, refined grains and processed meats while being low in naturally occurring antioxidants from fruits and veggies. As such, it is almost impossible for epidemiologists to isolate meat consumption from this modern pattern of eating. While it is true that most studies will try to control for these confounding factors, the truth is that, since red meat has been so constantly demonized, most individuals who consume a lot of meat often have other unhealthy habits such as smoking and drinking. They are also usually more overweight than low meat consumers who are often more ‘health conscious’ (many individuals still believe that meat is unhealthy and thus eat less meat). Plus, in Western countries, the most commonly consumed organ meats are gizzards and livers fried in industrial oils (which are often accompanied by a super-size sugary drink).

Disclaimer: There might be some people out there who would really benefit from a diet low in meat (whether it’s the purines or something else) so always talk to your doctor first – this article is not intended to act as a substitute for medical advice.

The REAL villain behind gout attacks: Inflammation

In my practice, I usually advise my patients to enjoy quality animal protein while switching to a real-food, anti-inflammatory diet and adopt healthy lifestyle practices. Of course, these are general guidelines which need to be tailored to the individual patient. For instance, many of them also have to adopt an autoimmune protocol or a specific-carbohydrate diet.

Although a high purine intake has been linked to gout attacks in those who are already suffering from hyperuricemia, research shows that purine intake alone is not enough to trigger gout flares. In fact, uric acid levels are often decreased during these attacks! Another factor associated with gout attacks is an increase in C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6, substances that indicate inflammation. These inflammatory molecules are increased in the joint fluid and serum of individuals with acute gouty arthritis.

What all this means is that systemic inflammation is a key factor influencing the occurrence of gout flares and, as I’m sure you know, diet plays a HUGE role in the development of chronic inflammation.

And here’s why I don’t advise patients with gout to avoid purine-rich foods: although these foods contain purines, they are often terrific sources of omega-3 fatty acids and are naturally low in omega-6 fatty acids. Since the omega-3 to omega-6 ratio of your diet influences inflammatory responses, making sure you consume a diet rich in omega-3s (especially EPA and DHA), will decrease systemic inflammation. This can, in turn, tone down the formation of uric acid crystals which can seriously cramp your style.

So what are the foods that increase the risks of gout attacks?

I know that this article is about natural remedies that can help prevent gout – and I’ll get to them in a minute – but these remedies will not help much if your diet is full of gout-triggering foods. So, before you give these remedies a try, I strongly advise you consider the following points first.

1. Fructose plays a crucial role in the development of gout.
Now, I’m not saying that eating 10 to 20 grams of fructose from fruits will cause gout flares. What I mean is that consuming an excessive amount of fructose can lead to increases in uric acid levels by promoting the production of uric acid and reducing its excretion in the urine! Yeah, that’s a double whammy. And that’s not all: excessive fructose intake will also increase insulin resistance which is known to increase the risk of gout.

What you can do about this:

• AVOID sodas and energy drinks* – in one study, compared to men who consumed less than one serving of soda a month, those who had 5 to 6 drinks per week, one daily serving or two or more daily servings had a 29%, 45% and 85% higher risk of gout respectively.  In another study, women who consumed more than two cans of soda per day had a 71% higher risk of gout attacks.

The reason is that these drinks are loaded with high-fructose corn syrup. Check out this article to learn more about this extensively used chemical sweetener and how to avoid it.

• AVOID any processed foods that contain sugar in any form (sugar is made up of a glucose molecule and a fructose molecule) or high-fructose corn syrup*. And of course, try not to add sugar to your drinks – just reduce gradually (let’s say by a quarter of a teaspoon) to allow your taste buds to adjust.

• Choose WHOLE fruits instead of fruit juices – in one study involving nearly 79,000 women, those who drank a 6oz glass of orange juice per day had a 41% higher risk of gout flare-ups compared to those who rarely consumed fruit juice. The reason is that the fructose in fruit juices is absorbed more quickly than that in whole fruits since the fruit’s membranes are broken during juicing.

This doesn’t mean it is okay to go crazy on fruits even if they’re organic. Some of my patients have had horrible gout attacks after eating 2-3 oranges in a single sitting. I usually advise gout sufferers to consume no more than 2 fruits a day and only 1 fruit at a time (with their meals) until they have ‘cleaned up’ their diet and improved their insulin sensitivity.

2. AVOID booze *

In the past, gout sufferers have been warned that beer and hard liquor can cause gout attacks.  But recent research now shows that all types of alcohol, even wine, can trigger flare-ups by up to 50%! That’s because the body sees alcohol as a toxin and focuses on excreting it at the expense of uric acid which builds up in the body – this can cause gout flares within one or two days.

3. AVOID inflammatory foods *

These include industrial seed oils (such as oils of canola, safflower, sunflower, cottonseed and soybean), grains such as wheat, processed meats and soy products.

You also want to be careful with intermittent fasting which could reduce uric acid excretion.

* I don’t really like using the word ‘avoid’ when talking about food but then again I can’t tell you ‘hey it’s okayyyyy to eat rat poison as long as you don’t take too much of it’. I’m sure you get my point.

Natural remedies for gout relief

1. Bromelain

How it can help: Extracted from the pineapple core, bromelain is a protein-digesting enzyme that also possesses potent anti-inflammatory properties. As such, bromelain is able to relieve joint and tissue swelling as well as the intense pain of a gout attack. When taken regularly, bromelain can help prevent gout attacks.

How to use: Juice the core of a pineapple and add the juice to a smoothie.

Take 500 to 2,000mg of bromelain per day in two divided doses. Start with the smaller dose and adjust based on your needs. Take about 90 minutes before your meals or 3 hours after eating unless you’re taking it to improve your digestion.

Note: Bromelain can increase the risk of bleeding in individuals taking anticoagulant drugs.

2. Celery

How it can help: Celery contains over a dozen different types of antioxidants including the well-studied flavonoid apigenin. These antioxidants can help decrease uric acid levels in the body by blocking the inflammatory effects of xanthine oxidase enzymes which are responsible for converting DNA and RNA into uric acid.

How to use: I usually recommend taking celery in its whole form – in stews, curries, soups, with dips or as a juice (with the fiber retained). If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, why not try a celery, lemon and parsley juice? Simply add 4 celery stalks, 2 peeled lemons and 1 handful of parsley to a blender containing some water; blend thoroughly. (Note: this is not a tasty juice but it is quite effective.)

You can also buy celery seed extract but make sure to buy a supplement that has the least amount of fillers in it. Start with 2 – 4 capsules per day and then gradually cut back as soon as the pain and inflammation subside. The maintenance dosage will vary between individuals so you will need to experiment a bit to determine what level works best for you.

To increase your intake of apigenin, make sure to consume the following apigenin-rich foods on a regular basis: artichoke, basil, chamomile, cloves, coriander, lemon, lime, olives, onions (unless you’re on a specific carbohydrate diet), oregano, rosemary and spinach.

3. Magnesium

How it can help: This mineral has been found to lower the frequency of acute attacks of gout.

How to use: Foods rich in magnesium include leafy greens, nuts, avocado, kefir and banana.

If you choose to supplement, look for magnesium glycinate which is highly absorbable.

Note: Epsom salt baths are another amazing way to boost your body’s magnesium stores.

4. Milk thistle extract

How it can help: The milk thistle plant has been used traditionally to reduce uric acid production – the silymarin it contains has an inhibitory effect on xanthine oxidase.

How to use: The best way to get the full benefits of silymarin is to take a supplement that is standardized to contain 70 to 80% of silymarin three times a day (about 420mg per day)  during the acute phase and 240mg per day to prevent future gout attacks.

5. Noni

How it can help: Research indicates that noni is able to reduce the activity of xanthine oxidase enzymes.

How to use: About 6oz of organic noni juice. Choose cold-processed, unpasteurized and unsweetened noni beverages.

6. Olive leaf

How it can help: Olive leaves and their extracts have long been used in the Mediterranean as folk remedies for arthritis. Now, research shows that the compound oleuropein in olive leaf can prevent uric acid from accumulating in the body by inhibiting xanthine oxidase.

How to use: If you’re suffering from a flare-up, aim for 180mg of oleuropein (check the supplement label) per day divided into 3 to 5 doses. To prevent gout attacks, take 25mg of oleuropein three times per day.

7. Parsley

How it can help: Studies indicate that the antioxidants apigenin, kaempferol and quercetin in parsley are able to lower uric acid levels during hyperuricemia with fewer side effects than the drug allopurinol. These antioxidants also inhibit the activity of xanthine oxidase enzymes. Moreover, parsley also acts as a natural diuretic and can thus help the body flush out any excess uric acid in the urine.

How to use: You can either add some parsley to your green smoothies, soups or any meat-based dishes or you can make parsley tea. To do so simply add about a quarter cup of finely chopped parsley to 7oz of hot water; steep for 10 minutes, strain and enjoy. You can either discard the parsley or add it to your meals.

8. Stinging nettle

How it can help: Nettle leaves contain various anti-inflammatory compounds and also exert a diuretic effect on the body.

How to use: Add 1 tablespoon of dried nettle (or 1 cup of fresh leaves) to 2 cups of boiling water. Let steep for 30 minutes before sieving. The tea is quite bitter but I strongly advise against adding sweeteners. If you want, try adding some Ceylon cinnamon which also possesses anti-inflammatory properties.

9. TART cherries

How it can help: Tart cherries are naturally rich in anthocyanins, one of nature’s most potent antioxidant that can help alleviate inflammation. In fact, tart cherries have a much higher antioxidant content than their cousins, sweet cherries. Researchers have found that subjects who consumed tart cherry juice for 3 weeks benefited from a significant reduction in levels of C-reactive protein which, as mentioned earlier, is a marker for inflammation. In another study, the risk of gout attacks dropped by 45% among subjects who consumed tart cherries for 2 days.

How to use:
Aim to drink two 10.5-ounce bottles of tart cherry juice for 3 weeks. Otherwise, eat about 6oz of cherries per day. However, don’t eat this amount in one go. Instead add these little red gems to your salads, green smoothies and desserts.

If you choose to supplement with tart cherry extract, take about 1,000mg (1g) of extract per day.

Notes:

• – Since the cherry season is short, buy them in bulk and freeze them – you can keep them in the freezer for up to a year.
• – Avoid canned cherries especially those packed in syrups and tons of chemicals.

10. Vitamin C

How it can help: Natural vitamin C is known to promote the excretion of uric acid.

How to use: Aim for at least 1 – 2grams per day. I am not a fan of synthetic vitamins and strongly advise you can get your vitamin C from natural sources such as organic amla or camu camu.

Other potential natural anti-inflammatory remedies for gout include apple cider vinegar, turmeric, ginger root, dandelion, burdock, quercetin, skullcap, passion flower, chamomile, vitamin B6 and folate.

‘I am eating a clean diet with lots of veggies and meat and no fructose whatsoever. Why do I still have gout flare-ups?’

There could be numerous reasons:

• 1. The animal protein you’re eating may not be grass-fed, wild or free-range – conventional meats are often loaded with antibiotics and hormones that can mess with your gut flora and promote inflammation.
• 2. You could be suffering from nutrient deficiencies – although a clean diet is typically rich in nutrients, if you have small intestinal bacterial overgrowth or low stomach acid, your body may not be able to absorb the nutrients from your food even if you were eating the most nutritious foods out there.
• 3. You may be suffering from an underlying autoimmune condition which needs to be addressed.
• 4.The shoes you wear may promote poor circulation.

Check out the following video for a summary of foods to avoid and those to include in order to beat gout naturally.

I am happy to say that Jerry has not suffered from any flare-ups since he started implementing these changes. Do you or anyone you know suffer from gout? What has worked for you? Share in the comments below or on Bembu’s facebook page.

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Oxalate (Oxalic Acid): Good or Bad?

Leafy greens and other plant foods are very popular among the health conscious. However, many of these foods also contain an antinutrient called oxalate (oxalic acid). This is a detailed article about oxalate and its health effects. What is Oxalate? Oxalate, also called oxalic acid, is an organic acid found in many plants. These include […] The post Oxalate (Oxalic Acid): Good or Bad? appeared first on http://ift.tt/1aS7CX7

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Weekly Plant-Based Dinner Plan, January 25 – 29, 2016

Crazy weather is officially upon the northern hemisphere, and much as we’d like to escape it, traveling isn’t so easy at this time of year. Take a trip around the world in your own kitchen with this week’s dinner ideas.

11 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Bananas

Bananas are extremely healthy and delicious. They contain several essential nutrients, and have benefits for digestion, heart health and weight loss. Aside from being very nutritious, they are also a highly convenient snack food. Here are 11 health benefits of bananas that are supported by scientific research. 1. Bananas Contain Many Important Nutrients Bananas are […] The post 11 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Bananas appeared first on http://ift.tt/1aS7CX7

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Slimming Tea: 15 Teas That Benefit Weight Loss And Beat Belly Bloat

Care for a spot of tea? Drinking a daily cup of steaming hot soaked herbs isn’t just a British thing. Study after study has shown there are big benefits of drinking herbal tea. Some are known to ease stomach pain, relieve nausea, calm anxiety, and improve sleep. Others are known to help detox the body, improve heart health, lower risk of stroke and fight cancer. Then there are teas that benefit weight loss. Let’s call them “slimming teas.”

Slimming tea can help shrink your fat cells, blast body fat and beat belly bloat. Desired result? I think so! Of course, I’m not saying you can let diet and exercise go out the window just because you’re drinking a few cups of tea every day. But sipping on the following 15 herbal teas has been proven to help people slim down. 

1) White

White tea is viewed as the ultimate diet tea. It works with the body in a few different ways to loosen up your pants. First, it blocks the formation of new fat cells. According to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, it also helps break down the existing fat your body is storing. So it literally blasts away your fat! White tea helps shrink those existing fat cells because it’s rich in an antioxidant called ECGC. This antioxidant also triggers the release of fat from cells, helping to speed up your liver’s ability to turn fat into energy.

One study found participants who drank white tea for 12 weeks lost 10 percent off their waistline. Sounds good, right?!

TIP: It’s recommended to drink two cups of white tea throughout the day. Also, you will want to drink white tea hot to reap the biggest benefits! The heat is believed to help the body absorb ECGC and other nutrients. 

2) Green

Green tea is another tea that contains the antioxidant ECGC, has fat-burning properties, and really benefits your waistline! Sipping a few cups of this tea every day can help rev your metabolism and increase the release of fat from cells. Just like with white tea, this process helps speed up your liver’s fat burning ability, turning fat into energy.

If you are someone who also works out, you will reap even greater benefits. In a recent study, researchers found people who drank 4-5 cups of green tea every day and worked out 25-minutes a day lost an average of two pounds more than non-tea drinking athletes. 

TIP: Make sure you’re reaching for regular green tea and not a bottled tea filled with sugar. Since green tea is a popular tea, there are a lot of bottled versions on the market. The best thing you can do is brew your own green tea. That way you know exactly what you’re drinking. 

Since green tea has a light flavor, you may want to squeeze half a lemon in your mug. Find out more about why lemons benefit weight loss below. 

3) Barberry

Barberry is loaded with powerful nutrients that help blast blubber, even for those who eat a high-fat diet. A study conducted by Chinese researchers found that berberine (a naturally occurring chemical found in the stem, fruit, and root bark of the barberry shrub) can prevent weight gain and the development of insulin resistance.

Sipping this tea can also reduce the number of receptors that are on the surface of fat cells, making them unable to absorb as much fat as they were prior to drinking barberry tea.

4) Pu-erh

Pu-erh is a fermented and aged Chinese tea made from the same plant as green tea and black tea. It’s rich in antioxidants and polyphenols that are known to improve health. One of Pu-erh’s many health benefits includes weight loss. According to studies, this tea can shrink fat cells. Researchers found when rats who ate a high-fat diet were given Pu-erh, they had less belly fat. 

TIP: This is a great breakfast tea. Drink two cups in the morning to keep frying fat throughout the day. 

5) Rooibos

This type of tea is made from the leaves of a Rooibos bush that contain powerful polyphenols and flavonoids. These nutrients are said to block the formation of new fat cells by as much as 22 percent!

Also, rooibos is a naturally sweet tea. This means, you shouldn’t feel the need to dump heaping spoonfuls of sugar into your cup. This is definitely a plus since sugar is linked to inflammation, obesity, diabetes and long list of other health problems. 

6) Oolong

Loaded with antioxidants and polyphenols, oolong is touted as a the perfect slimming tea. This traditional Chinese tea is similar to green tea, however, it’s  processed differently. 

Drinking just two cups of oolong tea a day can rev the metabolism and burn body fat. It believed the polyphenols found in oolong tea can activate certain enzymes, thereby enhancing the functions of fat cells in the body.

In one study, Chinese researchers found when they had participants drink the tasty beverage for six weeks straight. At the end of their study, participants had experienced weight loss and noticed a decrease in body fat. 

TIP: Drink four cups of hot oolong tea a day for maximum benefit.

7) Bilberry

Keep food cravings at bay with bilberry tea. Bilberries are a relative of the blueberry and pack a similar nutritional punch. Studies show this antioxidant-rich tea not only helps curb food cravings, but it also has blood sugar balancing effects, helps fight inflammation and beats bloat.

There are varying opinions on the flavor of this tea. Some people feel it has a somewhat medicinal taste, others call it another naturally sweet tea. So before you reach for something to sweeten it up, take a sip. If you enjoy the natural flavor, that’s great! If not, try sweetening it up with a little honey or stevia. 

TIP: Drink one cup in the evening before dinner to help kill fatty and sugary food cravings. 

8) Lemon

Lemons are a true superfood. By sipping on a cup of lemon tea first thing in the morning, you can help flush harmful toxins, balance your body’s pH level, improve digestion, boost your immune system, fight cancer, and beat belly bloat. 

Experts say one reason lemons have such powerful effects on the body (and your weight) is because they’re an alkaline-forming food. The average American’s diet is loaded with foods that increase the acidity of the blood. This can cause inflammation, weight gain, and a slew of other health problems. 

TIP: Drink lemon tea first thing in the morning on an empty stomach for best results. 

9) Yerba Mate

Yerba mate tea helps rev the metabolism, can kill food cravings and blast fat all over the body (not just belly fat). Since this kind of herbal tea is very bitter to taste, you’ll probably need to add a little honey or a different natural sweetener.  

TIP: Drink a cup of yerba mate tea within 30 minutes of waking up for maximum benefit. 

10) Mint

Drinking (and smelling) a tall cup of steaming hot mint tea has been known to suppress appetite and kill cravings. One study published in the Journal of Neurological and Orthopaedic Medicine found that people who sniffed peppermint every two hours lost an average of 5 pounds a month.

That’s just one way this type of tea aids weight loss, though.  Studies have also found that mint tea helps people relax. By unwinding, you are able to keep stress levels at bay. When it comes to weight loss, increased cortisol levels (a stress hormone) can have a negative impact on metabolism.

11) Chickweed

A great way to get rid of that pesky water weight is to drink chickweed tea. The nutrients found in chickweed make this tea a mild diuretic, which means it will help flush excessive water and fat from your system. If you drink this tea regularly, just make sure you are near a bathroom because it will cause frequent urination. 

Chickweed also has a mild laxative effect, promoting healthy bowel movements. If you’ve ever been constipated, you know that it can make you look and feel bloated… not fun!

TIP: Only drink one cup of chickweed tea a day. This is a great late afternoon/ evening tea. 

12) Goji

A goji berry is a bright red berry grown in China. Holding superfood status, it’s known as one of the most nutritious fruits on the planet. By consuming goji’s nutrients, you will help satisfy your hunger and curb cravings. Goji berries are also said to benefit metabolism, aiding weight loss. 

13) Ginger

Ginger is one of the healthiest spices you’ll ever get your hands on. Along with aiding digestion and promoting healthy bowel movements, ginger fights bloat-causing inflammation. So grab your cup of ginger tea and sip yourself skinny! 

14) Fennel

Like ginger, people often drink fennel tea to improve their digestion and beat belly bloat. Since fennel tea fights inflammation, this is one way to un-puff and get rid of that muffin top. 

15) Black

The flavonoids found in black tea show promise in frying fat, helping you to drop some extra pounds. Also, the high levels of caffeine in this popular type of tea is said to enhance weight loss and boost the metabolism.

Black tea’s weight loss benefits don’t end there, though. Studies show black tea, similar to mint tea, has a calming effect on the body. Again, when you keep stress levels at bay, you reduce the amount of cortisol (a stress hormone) in your body. Did you know that when your body is hit with high levels of stress, all that adrenaline causes fat cells to release fatty acids into your blood stream? That’s when cortisol comes into play. The hormone will store those fatty acids in your belly. As if those stored fat cells aren’t bad enough as it is, they can actually lead to food cravings. That’s definitely an undesirable effect!

Where Can I Buy These Slimming Teas?

Some of these teas are easier to find than others. However, your local health food store should stock all of these 15 herbal teas. When you are walking down your store’s aisles, avoid any pre-made teas. Often times pre-made teas are loaded with sugars and other chemicals. 

Your best bet is to either buy loose herbs and make your own tea on the stove or buy a box of organic tea bags. Either way, you will be able to ensure exactly what ingredients are going into your tea mug and body. 

Don’t Ruin The Weight Loss Effect By …

Do you love to load your tea up with heavy cream, cow’s milk, soy milk, or sugar? I’m sorry to break the news to you, but by adding these ingredients, you are automatically canceling out the amazing weight loss benefits of these 15 teas.

Studies show dairy products and soy milk can actually reduce the power of the antioxidants found in these slimming teas. Also, sugar is linked to obesity, diabetes, inflammation and other health issues. 

Some of the teas on this list are already sweet, meaning you shouldn’t need to add anything in order to tolerate the taste. However, if you do need to bump up the flavor, try reaching for a lemon, some organic honey or stevia. 

How Much Tea Should I Drink?

The goal is to make tea a part of your regular, daily diet. You certainly don’t need to drink all 15 of these teas in one day. In fact, you don’t even need to drink 15 cups in one day! A good goal is to drink between four to five cups throughout the day. While that may sound like a lot at first, it’s really not that hard to drink that much tea. 

Start by having a cup in the morning before you eat, or along with your breakfast. Pu-erh, yerba mate, lemon or white tea are all great options for your morning tea! During lunch, replace a high-calorie beverage with a refreshing cup of steamed herbs. You can also squeeze in another cup between lunch and dinner. Lastly, choose a caffeine-free tea to drink before bed. For example, mint tea is caffeine free so it won’t keep you staring at the ceiling, struggling to fall asleep. 

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Why Sitting Too Much Is Seriously Bad for Your Health

Modern society has been engineered for sitting. As a result, humans spend more time off their feet than ever before. However, recent studies show that all this sitting is doing much more harm than anyone thought. This article explores why sitting too much is seriously bad for your health. People Are Sitting More Than Ever […] The post Why Sitting Too Much Is Seriously Bad for Your Health appeared first on http://ift.tt/1aS7CX7

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Sucralose (Splenda): Good or Bad?

Added sugar can have terrible effects on your metabolism and overall health. For this reason, many people turn to artificial sweeteners like sucralose (Splenda). However, while authorities claim that sucralose is safe to eat, some studies have linked it to health problems. This article takes an objective look at sucralose and its health effects, both […] The post Sucralose (Splenda): Good or Bad? appeared first on http://ift.tt/1aS7CX7

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Thai Red Curry with Winter Squash, Mushrooms, and Broccoli

This is a perfect winter dish. You’ll be wowed by the flavor of this fusion-style dish, where winter squash pairs very well with Thai curry. The mushrooms add earthiness and a lot of texture, while the broccoli (or greens) adds freshness.

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7 Ideas to Help You Snack Healthy

We all grew up hearing that we needed three square meals a day and learning how important breakfast is. Yet, it seems like we have a biological imperative to snack in between those meals. The truth is that snacking is actually a good thing, when you make healthful choices.

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Fruit and Yogurt Ambrosia

Bowls of nondairy yogurt, dried and fresh fruit, and granola can be a quick light lunch or nutritious snack. It’s great for kids — especially young children who balk at dishes in which ingredients are “touching.” But if they decide for themselves what’s touching what, they don’t seem to mind a mixed dish.

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9 Most Dangerous Food Additives Everyone Should Avoid (And Why)

Cheetos, hot dogs and gummy bears. They all have one thing in common — they’re all highly processed. While they certainly taste good, do you really know what you’re eating?

Unless you walk up and down the grocery store aisles analyzing every single ingredient label (which you should be doing), chances are you have no idea what dangerous food additives you’re putting inside your body.

Did you know that more than 3,000 food additives are added to US foods? For that reason, it’s recommended you adopt a clean diet filled with fruits and vegetables and avoid processed foods altogether. But, let’s be real, you probably have at least a couple processed foods in your refrigerator and pantry right this minute.

When you reach for your boxed treats, there are a few “red flag” ingredients you should be on the lookout for. Below are 9 of the most dangerous food additives that everyone should avoid.

 

1) Artificial Sweeteners

A lot of people breathe a sigh of relief when they eat artificial sweeteners over sugar. If you are one of the many people who believe artificial sweeteners are a “healthier option,” I’m sorry to break the news to you … they’re not!

Researchers say artificial sweeteners can:

• Enhance your appetite
• Lead to weight gain
• Cause inflammation
• Cause digestive issues
• Kill the good gut bacteria in your digestive tract

Their effect on the body doesn’t end there, though. Researchers have found the amino acids in aspartame (a popular type of artificial sweetener) act differently than the amino acids in whole foods such as salmon, eggs or chia seeds. In this case, the amino acids can actually attack your body’s cells and brain cells, creating an extremely toxic effect on the body.

When checking to see if your food contains artificial sweeteners, look for the following names:

• Aspartame
• Sucralose
• Saccharin
• Acesulfame
• Neotame

*NOTE: These are just five of the many artificial sweeteners added to your foods.

 

2) Synthetic Trans Fats

There are several different types of fats. They include monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, saturated and trans fats. You definitely shouldn’t have a fear of fats. In fact, the body needs “healthy fats” in order to function properly. Healthy fats include monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

Trans fats, on the other hand, are “unhealthy fats” and pose absolutely zero health benefit. In fact, this type of fat is known to cause inflammation and raise bad cholesterol levels. Trans fats are also linked to heart disease, a weakened immune system, cancer, and diabetes. 

Trans fats are found in many fried foods and store-bought baked goods.

 

3) High Fructose Corn Syrup

You may have heard claims that high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is no worse for you than table sugar. Don’t believe that for one second! HFCS is not the same as table sugar (sucrose) or fructose (found in many fruits).

HFCS is not a natural substance and has been linked to:

• Weight gain
• Insulin resistance
• Liver damage
• Weakened immune system
• Poor gut health
• May lead to autoimmune disease

These are just six of the most common side effects of consuming HFCS. The list of scary facts on HFCS certainly doesn’t end there. 

 

4) Refined Vegetable Oils

When you first hear the term, “vegetable oils,” you may actually think they’re healthy. After all, vegetables are very good for you! Refined vegetable oils including canola, corn, soybean, cottonseed and safflower oils are far from healthy, though.

As the name “refined” tells us, these oils are highly processed. The oils are extracted by high heat, pressure, and chemical solvents. Without getting too scientific, through processing the beneficial antioxidants, vitamins and minerals are killed. Along with stripping the oil of its nutrients, dangerous preservatives are also added to these oils to create a long shelf life. I’ll talk more about dangerous preservatives in just a minute.

*It’s important to note that when I use the term “vegetable oils” that I am NOT referring to unrefined olive oil and coconut oil. These are two very healthy oils. If you are making a recipe that calls for canola oil (or another type of vegetable oil), you can easily swap it out for extra virgin, cold-pressed olive oil. 

When you are cooking, you will notice that most baking recipes call for some type of vegetable oil. Rather than following those directions, you can easily swap out vegetable oils for extra virgin, cold-pressed olive oil. 

Coconut oil is another great oil for cooking.

 

5) Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

If you ever get a headache after eating Chinese food, this may be why. MSG is a dangerous flavor enhancer that is often associated with Chinese food. Your plate of Lo Mein isn’t the only place MSG is hiding, though. If you read the ingredient labels for certain frozen dinners, canned foods, and snack bags, you may be surprised to find that it contains MSG. There is even MSG in bouillon (the popular, instant soup broth flavoring).

While the FDA continues to claim that MSG is safe, many experts disagree. This flavor enhancer is said to damage your body’s cells, leading to various health issues including learning disabilities, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and more.

 

6) GMOs

GMOs are all around us. Approximately 80% of all packaged foods contain GMOs. Don’t think you’re eating GMO-free by avoiding packaged foods, though. Some of the top GMO crops include corn, canola, soybeans and sugar beets. GMO salmon is also being introduced into our supermarkets.

So why is this bad? Well, GMO stands for “genetically modified organism.” To put it simply — it’s not a product of Mother Nature, but rather a product of science. GMOs are used to “enhance” the food we eat by making them prettier and hardier. But that doesn’t mean healthier.

Although the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has deemed GMOs safe, eating GMO foods have been linked to:

• An increase in food allergies
• An increase in antibiotic resistance
• Reproductive disorders

Additionally, it can be hard to spot GMO foods in your grocery store because the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) doesn’t require these foods to be labeled. Some tips to help you avoid GMOs:

• Grow your own crops
• Buy foods labeled GMO-free (some companies include this on their products)
• Go organic. By law, no more than 5% of organic foods can contain GMOs

 

7) Preservatives

Have you ever looked at the shelf life of your favorite boxed foods or bag of chips? It seems like junk food never spoils. That’s because it’s loaded with preservatives. While manufacturers benefit from adding preservatives to our food, our health certainly doesn’t.

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) are two commonly used preservatives. Along with lengthening your food’s shelf-life, they can also affect your neurological system and can potentially cause cancer.

Sodium nitrite is another popular preservative found in cold cuts and hot dogs. This type of preservative has been linked to various types of cancers.

Then there’s your soda. With such long shelf-lives, don’t think your favorite bottled soft drinks are preservative-free. They often contain a preservative called Sodium benzoate, which can make kids hyperactive.

 

8) Artificial Flavors

Rule of thumb – anytime you see food with the name “artificial” written on it … RUN! Artificially flavored foods are loaded with unnatural chemicals that wreak havoc on the body. Artificially flavored foods have been linked to digestive issues and mental health diseases.

 

9) Artificial Colors

Whether you’re a kid or an adult, people seem to love colorful foods. I’m not talking about red tomatoes and bright blueberries. I’m talking about artificially colored Skittles, Starbursts and gummy bears.

Every year, U.S. food manufacturers add more than 15 million pounds of artificial dyes into our foods. That’s a lot of dye! Some dyes are known to be more dangerous than others. Some are linked to behavioral health problems and others are linked to cancer.

Four of the worst offenders include:

Blue #1 and #2
These dyes are used in candy, drinks, and even pet food. It’s been linked to brain tumors.

Red #3
This dye is often found in candy, fruit cocktail, maraschino cherries, cherry pie filling, and more. It’s been linked to thyroid cancer.

Yellow #5
This dye is used in candy and cereal. It’s been linked to cancer and behavioral health problems in children.

 

Tips To Avoid These 9 Dangerous Food Additives

There are several ways you can reduce the amount of food additives you put in your body. It starts with your grocery shopping habits. The best thing you can do is avoid the center aisles and stick to shopping the perimeters. While the aisles are usually stocked with boxed foods, the perimeters are typically where you will find fresh produce.

When picking out your produce, it’s best to buy foods that don’t have an ingredient label. Remember, real foods don’t have ingredients. Think about it — a banana doesn’t need an ingredient label because it’s simply a banana. It’s the same with tomatoes, avocados, zucchini, etc.

To avoid harmful GMOs and pesticides, it’s always a good idea to go organic. This is not to be confused with “natural.” The terms “natural” and “organic” are not interchangeable. While “natural” can mean any number of things, “100% organic” assures you that your food is made without the use of toxic pesticides, GMOs, antibiotics or artificial growth hormones.

Since organic produce can be a bit pricier, you may not want to buy all of your foods organic. If that’s the case, refer to the following list that tells you which foods have the highest amount of pesticides: 

1. Apples
2. Strawberries
3. Grapes
4. Celery
5. Peaches
6. Spinach
7. Sweet Bell Peppers
8. Nectarines
9. Cucumbers
10. Potatoes
11. Cherry Tomatoes
12. Peppers
13. Kale/ Collard Greens
14. Snap peas

Lastly, if you are buying boxed foods, make sure to read the ingredient label very carefully! That is the only way you will get a feel for what is inside your food. A general rule of thumb – if the product has a bunch of ingredients that you can’t pronounce, don’t eat it! 

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