The Truth About Red Dye

Anytime you see an ingredients list that includes carmine, cochineal extract or natural red 4, you can be sure that there's a little powdered bug therein.

The idea that any business would try to feed insects to a largely bug-averse populace may seem remarkable, but consider the alternatives: if it doesn't come from a bug, it may come from something worse.

Cochineal extract is extracted from the cochineal, specifically the female, a species of insect that belongs to the order entomologists refer to as the "true bugs." (Don't trust any account that calls this bug a beetle — it's not).

When Europeans descended on South America in the 1500s, they discovered that the Aztecs were producing vibrant, cochineal-dyed fabrics that retained their color for an incredibly long time. Soon, dried cochineal became a major trade good.

Today, cochineals are harvested mainly in Peru and the Canary Islands on plantations of prickly pear cacti, the bugs' preferred host. There, the insects are sun-dried, crushed, and dunked in an acidic alcohol solution to produce carminic acid, the pigment that eventually becomes carmine or cochineal extract, depending on processing. About 70,000 insects are needed to produce a pound of dye.

Until 2009, cochineal was one of many dyes that fell under the umbrella term "natural color" on ingredients lists. But because cochineal provokes severe allergic reactions in some people, the Food and Drug Administration requires carmine and cochineal extract to be explicitly identified in ingredients lists.

Aside from its role as an allergen, cochineal has no known health risks, although those who keep kosher or choose not to eat animal products will want to keep their distance. In addition to food, cochineal is used as a dye in cosmetics products, including lipstick, and at least one person has reported a severe allergic reaction to a cochineal dye used in a pill coating.

Cochineal may be made from bugs, but other synthetic red dyes such as Red No. 2 and Red No. 40, which carry far greater health risks, are derived from either coal or petroleum byproducts. Click here for a list of products to avoid that use Red No. 40.
 
Courtesy of livescience

Calories

Myths vs. Facts

Roughly 20 million Americans are vegetarians, from partial vegetarians who limit the amount of animal flesh they eat, to vegans, who eat only plant foods—no meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, or eggs.

A vegetarian diet may take a little extra planning—especially at first—but it is easy to learn how to ensure your diet is healthy.
As with any diet, you have to make the right choices. Here are some myths surrounding vegetarian diets.

Myth: Vegetarian diets are always healthy.

Fact: People who follow a vegetarian diet are relatively healthier than those who don't. Vegetarians tend to have a lower incidence of obesity and fewer chronic health problems, including some cancers, heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

It's difficult to determine, however, whether the vegetarian diet or the overall lifestyle deserves the credit for better health. Vegetarians tend to exercise regularly and not smoke or drink.
Moreover, if you make the wrong food choices, a vegetarian diet can be downright unhealthy. A steady diet of ice cream sundaes and french fries, which technically are vegetarian, won't lead to good health. Teenage girls who are vegetarians often are deficient in iron and may get too little calcium as well. Teenage girls and women who are vegans may be deficient in vitamin B12.

Your best bet: Daily, eat a variety of plant-based foods, including: fortified whole grains, fruits, dark green leafy vegetables, beans and legumes, tofu, and fortified soy milk or low-fat dairy products.

Myth: You shouldn't follow a vegetarian diet if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Fact: You can meet the nutrient needs of pregnancy and breastfeeding through a plant-based diet if you choose wisely. Your health care provider may advise you to take an iron, B12, or folic acid supplement.

Myth: It isn't safe for infants, children, and teens to be vegetarians.

Fact: Infants, children, and teens can meet their nutritional needs through vegetarian diets, although
meeting those needs is more difficult than with a standard diet.

To ensure a child receives all the necessary nutrients, a parent must plan and follow the child's diet carefully. In addition, a health care provider or a dietitian can provide additional assistance.

Myth: A vegetarian diet is always low in fat.

Fact: If your vegetarian diet contains dairy products, you can still get plenty of saturated fat from whole milk, cream, and cheese. If you're a vegan, you won't consume as much, if any, animal-derived saturated fat, but you can still overdo it on unsaturated vegetable fat, such as olive oil and canola oil. Although unsaturated fat tends to be heart healthy, it still contains as many calories per tablespoon as butter and can lead to weight gain if you consume too much.

Myth: Eating a vegetarian diet always reduces your risk for heart disease.

Fact: Although vegetarians tend to have a lower risk for heart disease than meat-eaters, simply following a vegetarian diet might not be enough.

Because of the genetic factors associated with heart disease, a person may be predisposed to high cholesterol or high blood pressure. These risk factors may require medication—no matter how heart-healthy the diet.

Courtesy of the University of Rochester Medical Center

Not Just A Weed

9 reasons why you should incorporate dandelions into your diet

#1. High in Calcium: Dandelion greens are loaded with calcium. Just one cup of chopped dandelion greens has 103 milligrams (10% of the recommended daily value) of calcium! That’s slightly more than kale!

#2. Rich in Iron: Next to fresh parsley, dandelion greens have a high iron content. One cup contains 1.7 milligrams of iron.

#3. Low Calories: Like all leafy greens, dandelions are low in calories. One cup of chopped dandelion greens has only 25 calories.

#4. Loaded With Antioxidants: Dandelion greens are high in vitamin A in the form of antioxidant carotenoid (beta-carotene) and vitamin C. Vitamin C also helps facilitate iron absorption.

#5. The Ultimate Detox & Cleansing Green: If your goal is detoxification and cleansing, dandelion greens should be the ones you use! They are said to help cleanse the liver and many detox recipes call for them.

#6. Lots Of Minerals: Dandelion greens are rich in minerals. Besides calcium and iron, they are a good source of copper (10% RDA), manganese (8% RDA), phosphorus (5% RDA), potassium (5% RDA) and magnesium (5% RDA).

#7. 14% Protein: Dandelion greens have more protein per serving than spinach. The greens themselves are 14% protein and contain all essential amino acids so it’s a complete protein. One chopped cup contains 1.5 grams of protein.

#8. Multivitamin Green: Besides vitamin A as beta-carotene (186% RDA) and vitamin C (21% RDA), each cup of chopped dandelion greens are also good sources of vitamins B1 (9% RDA), B2 (11% RDA) and B6 (11% RDA), vitamin E (13% RDA) and especially abundant in vitamin K (357% RDA).

#9. Health Benefits of Dandelion Greens: The nutrients in dandelion greens may help reduce the risk of cancer, multiple sclerosis, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration and stroke. Dandelion contains anti-inflammatory properties which may provide benefit to those with asthma and other inflammatory diseases.

How To Select And Store Dandelion Greens
While dandelion greens can be found at health food stores, co-ops and farmers markets, they are probably widely available during the spring and early summer months in your own backyard.

Select unblemished, dark green leaves or bunches when purchasing them in the store. When foraging, young greens that are harvested before the flower head appears will be less bitter.

Commercially cultivated dandelion greens may have whitish/green or red stems. The leaves are highly perishable. I store them in the fridge in a large plastic tub with a piece of paper towel to absorb excess moisture and condensation. They will keep for 2-4 days this way. If you store wet leaves in a produce bag, they will likely only last a couple days.

The dandelion greens that you find in the store are typically organic. If you forage for dandelion, be sure to harvest them from land that has not been treated with pesticides, herbicides or other contaminants. Avoid harvesting dandelion greens from urban or industrial waste lots as heavy metals (lead, mercury) and other pollutants in the soil might be absorbed into the plant.

How To Use Dandelion Greens In A Green SmoothieDandelions are bitter, so it makes sense to blend them with fruit to mask the flavor. Blend the dandelion greens with sweet, flavorful fruit like banana, strawberries, mango, citrus and pineapple. If you are trying dandelion for the first time, start with a small handful or 1 cup of chopped leaves.

Here are some smoothie recipes that include your friendly neighbourhood weed courtesy of incredible smoothies.

 

Crisp Cucumber Salsa

 

Note: 1/4 cup is only 16 calories!
 

In one bowl combine:
 2 cups finely chopped seeded peeled cucumber
 1/2 cup finely chopped seeded tomato
 1/4 cup chopped red onion
 2 Tbsp minced fresh parsley
 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
 4-1/2 tsp minced fresh cilantro
 1 garlic clove, minced or pressed
 

In another bowl combine: 

 1/4 c reduced-fat sour cream
 1-1/2 tsp lemon juice
 1-1/2 tsp lime juice
 1/4 tsp ground cumin
 1/4 tsp seasoned salt

Pour the liquid mix over the cucumber mixture and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately with chips.

 

Enjoy my little herbivores.

Top 5 Picks for a Healthy Lifestyle

Upgrade to a healthier lifestyle by incorporating these top 5 picks
into your diet. All recipes courtesy of The Earth Diet.

1. Lemon Water
For one drink, drink every morning!!!

Ingredients and Action:
1 lemon squeezed into a cup of water OR in a juicer: juice the lemon including rind and then add it to water.

BENEFITS:

• Relives digestion issues
• High in vitamin C
• Breaks down fatty deposits
• Boosts the Immune system
• Clears the skin
• Stimulates the body
• Bowels are aided in eliminating waste efficiently
• Relieves bloating
• Relieves indigestion
• Acts as a liver tonic and helps liver to produce bile
• Dissolves gallstones
• Relieves heartburn
• A natural antiseptic medicine
• Kills parasites

2. Beet Juice
For one juice

Ingredients:1 small beet
3 carrots
3 celery stalks
1 small piece of ginger
1 red apple
1 lemon with rind

Action:
Put all ingredients in a juicer!

GET CREATIVE
+ ADD a clove of garlic
+ ADD a handful of kale
+ ADD a handful of spinach

BENEFITS:

• Purifying the blood
• Increasing the body`s production of glutathione, which helps the body detoxify cancer-causing poisons
• Lowering high blood pressure
• Cleansing the liver
• Lifting compacted waste from the bowel walls!
• Body building that helps the creation of red blood cells
• Accelerates weight loss

3. Green Juice
For one juice

Ingredients:
1 small cucumber
1 green apple
3 celery stalks
1 lemon with rind
a handful of kale
a handful of spinach
a handful of parsley

Action:
Put all ingredients in the juicer and JUICE!

BENEFITS:

• High in anti-oxidants
• High in vitamin A and C
• Good fibre
• Reduces Inflammatory
• Lowers cholesterol
• Boost immunity
• Reduces swelling under eyes
• Reduces black circles under eyes
• Super cleansing!
• Energy boosting!
• Cleansing for the skin

4. Coconut oil recipes

5. Kale recipes

A Banana a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fibre. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.
Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.
But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

DEPRESSION: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

ANEMIA: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

BLOOD PRESSURE: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

BRAIN POWER: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school ( England ) were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

CONSTIPATION: High in fibre, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

HANGOVERS: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

HEARTBURN: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

MORNING SICKNESS: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

MOSQUITO BITES: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

NERVES: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.. Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

ULCERS: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

TEMPERATURE CONTROL: Many other cultures see bananas as a 'cooling' fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has FOUR TIMES the protein, TWICE the carbohydrate, THREE TIMES the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals.. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around.

Click to check out more banana health facts.

What Type of Vegetarian Are You?

So you want to be a vegetarian? There are a few different categories of vegetarian diet that you can choose to fit your lifestyle and beliefs.

Semi Vegetarian: eggs and dairy are accepted. Red meat, poultry and fish are occasional.
Ovo-Lacto-Vegetarian: eggs and dairy are accepted.
Ovo-Vegetarian: eggs are accepted.
Lacto-Vegetarian: dairy is accepted.
Vegan: A person who does not eat or use animal products.
Macrobiotic: fish is occasional. No red meat, poultry, eggs or dairy.
Pescatarians: eggs, dairy and fish are accepted.
Fruititarian: eat fruit, nuts and
Rawism: consisting of uncooked, unprocessed, and often organic or wild foods.

 

The most common form of vegetarianism is an ovo-lacto-vegetarian diet. This is probably the easiest and simplest form of cutting meat from your diet. What type are you?

Ch-ch-ch-chia

Every time I hear the word Chia, I immediately think Chia Pet. But maybe it’s time to change that into super food? There are so many beneficial reasons to eat them.

1. They are gluten free
2. Aids digestion and the healing of digestion issues
3. Contains 20% Omega 3 ALA, making it a super food for the brain and heart
4. It boasts 20% protein and contains all 8 essential amino acids
5. Chia seeds are high in antioxidants
6. Promotes healthy hair, skin and nails
7. Chia aids in weight loss
8. Expels toxins from the body
9. Increases energy
10. And even helps reduce the effects of aging

These are only some of the many reasons to eat these strangely magnificent seeds.  Here is a RAW and vegan recipe for those of you looking to add a little Chia to your diet.

 

Blueberry Chia Seed Pudding