Why Does It Matter What We Eat?

Why does it matter, right? I mean we are all going to die someday, right? I hear this every time I visit my grandfather, but then again he always enlightens me on what he learned on that Food Network and what kind of salad he had this week... So, I feel like he knows better... Ha, I love you, Papaw!

I believe that all men are created equal, but all foods are not! Dr. Colbert says, some food should not be labeled "food" but rather "consumable product" or "edible, but void in nourishment." I say, Amen Brotha! There are two types of foods: Living & Dead foods!

LIVING FOODS:

Living foods are fruits, vegetables, grains, seeds, and nute- exist in a raw or close to raw state and packaged in divinely created wrappers called skins and peels. Living food looks in fact alive. Living foods are plucked, harvested, and squeezed- not processed, packaged, and put on a shelf.

DEAD FOODS:

Dead foods are everything that living foods are not. They have been altered and deconstructed in every way imaginable way to make them last as long as possible and be addictive as possible! So, in order to do this manufacturers have to add sugar and salt and man-made fat.

Let's talk about the sugar real quick... Ever had a large party? Do you typically buy filet mignon for your cookouts or hot dogs... That is what I thought! When we are feeding the masses, we buy the cheaper alternative; manufacturers do the same to you and me. They have such a large quota to fill, so they cut corners. When adding to sugar to processed food, they add the cheapest sugar- bleached, refined sugar.

Now, I said, they use salt as well! Well, most of us know that is to preserve our food andenhance the flavor. What's a matter with salt? Well, nothing! In fact, even though it is zero calories it is an electrolyte and brings balance in our bodies. However, if we take in too much, pressure starts building in the body! We take in too much salt, and then required to take in too much water to filter out the increase in salt. Recommended Daily Allowance of sodium is 2400 mg to 3000 mg! Next time you are eating out, check the sodium count on your favorite dishes! Be aware, you cannot afford not to!

What's man-made fat? It is man made by taking natural oils such as vegetable oil for example (again cheapest oils) and heating them to dangerously high temperatures so that the nutrients die and become reborn as something completely different- a deadly, sluggish substance that is toxic to our bodies.

What do we do about these living and dead foods? Life breeds life. Death breeds death. When you eat living foods, the enzymes in their pristine state interact with your digestive enzymes. The other natural ingredients God put in them- vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, antioxidants, fiber, and more- flow into your system in their natural state. These living foods were created to cause your digestive system, bloodstream, and organs to function at optimum capacity.

Dead foods hit your body like a foreign intruder. Chemicals, including preservatives, foodadditives, and bleaching agents, place a strain on the liver. Toxic man-made fats begin to form in your cell membranes; they become stored as fat in your body and form plaque in your arteries. Your body does its best to harvest the tiny traces of from these dead foods, but in the end you are undernourished, overfed, and overweight.

Gardening: My New Hobby!

     I am all about some fresh off the vine tomatoes and fresh produce, but I have decided to tackle my fears of gardening and try this out! I paid a visit to one of my favorite local stores, The Bradford Farm store in Davidson! I love that homey place! I was provided with the information I need to get started and supplies to keep my produce organically grown!

So, I purchased...

• 1 Head of Red Sails

• 6 Hot House Cucumber Plants

• 3 Better Boy Tomato Plants

• 2 Bags of Organically Raised Mushroom Compost

• 2 Bags of Organically Raised Cow Poo (ha)

• 2 Bags of Organic Potting Soil

• 1 Bag of Organic Tomato Fertilizer

• 1 Bottle of Seaweed and Fish Puree (smells like caviar)

Total: $53.70

What I hope to gain from this experience is to learn to garden successfully and be able to grow the garden larger hopefully in the fall!

Red Sails

Ok, I bought this to practice for the fallLettuce in general is a great way to get nutrients! According to the American Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society, foods rich in vitamin A and C (antioxidants) offer protection against some forms of cancer. Along with other phytochemical, antioxidants reduce the risk of cancer of the respiratory system and intestinal tract. Lettuce, except iceberg, is also a moderately good source of vitamin C, calcium, iron and copper. The spine and ribs provide dietary fiber, while vitamins and minerals are concentrated in the delicate leaf portion.

Better Boy Tomatoes

Tomatoes are amazing! Very low in calories and fats; but rich source of dietary fiber, minerals,

vitamins; recommended in cholesterol controlling and weight reduction programs. The antioxidants present in tomatoes are found to be protective against many cancers including colon, prostate, breast, endometrial, lung, and pancreatic cancers! Phytochemicals present in tomatoes like Lycopene and carotenoids have the ability to help protect cells and other structures in the body from oxygen free radicals. Red varieties of tomatoes are especially rich in the most powerful flavonoid antioxidant lycopene. Studies have shown that lycopene protects skin damage from UV rays and from prostate cancer.

This veggie contains very good levels of vitamin A, and flavonoid anti-oxidants such as alpha and beta carotenes, xanthin and lutein. These compounds are known to have antioxidant properties and are essential for vision! Vitamin A is also required for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin. Consumption of natural vegetables and fruits rich in flavonoids helps to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers. They are good source of antioxidant vitamin-C; consumption of foods rich in vitamin C helps body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful free radicals. Fresh tomato is very rich in potassium. Potassium in an important component of cell and body fluids, helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure. They are also good source of folate, iron, calcium, manganese and other minerals. In short, eat your veggies!

Hot House Cucumbers

Technically I think cukes are a fruit due to their seeds, but are typically paired with vegetables. Cucumbers have a cooling effect that can soothe and bring relief for itchy or puffy eyes! Cucumbers reduce inflammation! Also, cucumber juice can provide relief from heartburn, acid stomach, gastritis and even ulcer! Consuming cukes also aid in cases of eczema, arthritis, and gout. The combination of lettuce, spinach, and carrots with cucumbers can make your hair grow faster! For rheumatic conditions, the combo of carrot juice and cucumber juice can aid in better health! Being rich in minerals, cukes help with strengthening nails and prevent splitting. 

Happy Gardening My Friends! So far & so good! It is easier than you may think!

Skin Care Series, Part 5

So, I hope that you hold your head high when looking for your skin care products! You can't be fooled! You know how to read a label and what will harm your skin. I hope you can take the tips I shared and put them to use! I hope to hear good reports in the next few months as you notice a healthier looking you!

Here are more ingredients that can really give you healthier skin!

Sea Buckthorn Oil- Hippopae rhamnoides meaning "tree that makes the horse shine" got its name from before the 12th century. It cured weak, sick horses, and later was found to be a berry all about skin rejuvenation. It is one incredible shrub providing over 100 nutrients including linolenic acid (fatty acid), vitamin A, vitamin E, carotene, flavonoids, polyphenols (condensed tannins), and traces of iron, copper, magnesium, and selenium. This combination neutralizes free radicals.

Cupuacu Butter- Amazon originated, this tree comes from the chocolate family! Love it already? It is similar to that of cocoa butter. This absorbs water extremely well. This can replace linolin in skin care products. It prevents signs of aging and is rich in sterols (cell membrane in plants). It also provides protection to over-exposure to UV rays.

Acai Berry- Let's just get one thing straight. It's pronounced ah-sah-ee. Okay, I just had to

clarify. This is named the #1 Super Food in the World. This has the highest measure of antioxidants hundreds of points higher than cranberries. These berries grow on palms in the Amazon Reserve. They are naturally wild, and they have quality fatty acids, vitamins, B1, B2, B3, C, and E. The berry also is rich in minerals like phosphorus, calcium, potassium, and essential fatty acids. This is so great. When you drink it, to reap the full benefits make sure it was cold-pressed for maximum nutrition.

Pomegranate Extract- This is a super food as well. Great for your skin and hair, this is rich in antioxidants. Using this or eating more of this can decrease stress levels and increase your intake of polyphenols and anthocyanidins (pigment that gives dark fruit their color).

Soap Bark- An evergreen karite tree known for its medicinal purposes. It reduces wrinkles, improves elasticity, and even improves the capillary circulatory and that improves tissue re-oxygenation.

Lemon Oil- This is known for being a natural astringent and anti-irritant. It balances overactive sebaceous glands that lead to oily, blemished skin. When used in hair care products, it adds

shine. When used in hand care, it treats brittle nails. When used in skin are, it clears and enlivens the complexion.

I really have enjoyed learning more about skin care! I am so glad we are in this together! Let me know about your finds in choosing your skin care products, and don't forget to check the make-ups websites out and read the labels.

You are in charge of your skin, and in this case, no one is going to look out for you like you look out for yourself! I look forward to doing more series in the future!

Skin Care Series, Part 4

I apologize for the delay in finishing the series. There were some family emergencies I needed to tend to. Thank you for staying tuned! Welcome to Skin Care Series Part 4!

As I said previously, I ordered Dr. Mercola's Certified Organic Body Butter Sweet Orange in place of my synthetic and chemical-filled body butter I was using before. I finished it out though I had one last hoorah before I tossed it in the trash. Already I am discovering what I thought was the feeling of true moisturizing before was simply petroleum sitting on the surface of my skin. So sad! 

Good news, this body butter I have now feels so different on my skin. It may sound silly, but I'm shocked at the difference of feeling moisturized. I feel rejuvenated, and I sound like a commercial. Ha! First, we must define the terms so we can all read through the ingredients without pulling out a dictionary every 3 seconds. Here are some ingredients I had to look up to understand their meaning.

Defining The Terms:

• Bioflavonoids- Powerful antioxidants

• Hesperidin- Crystalline Glycoside (found in orange peel)

• Apigenin- Type of Bioflavonoid (found in plants)

• Luteolin- Found in the Brazilian plant, Wedelia Paludosa is aids in disease prevention by having anti-inflammatory properties

• Quercetin- Phytochemical (found in apples and red onions) is a natural anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory

• Phytosterols- Plant-derived nutrients that help lower cholesterol, increase immune system against cancer, improve urinary tract, and creates protective skin barrier 

• Squalene- Can be found in plants, vegetable oils, shark liver, and even humans produce it; it is a natural aid in cholesterol, a natural steroid hormone, and rich in vitamin D

• CoQ10- Strengthens heart, circulatory system, balances glucose levels, and improves energy

Here are the ingredients in my NEW Dr. Mercola's Certified Organic Body Butter:

Sweet Orange Oil- (India) A herb used for its essential oil. Rich in vitamin C. It also contains bioflavenoids like hesperidin that work in conjunction with vitamin C complimenting the antioxidant effects. All attributes of the orange is used. The peel contains phtonutrients like limonene which also provides antioxidants. This oil is so nutritious for your skin that it is used across the board for his skin care line.

Organic Shea Butter- (West Central Africa) This is an all-natural vitamin A cream. It is grown wild without the use of pesticides. It contains UVB protections as well as soothes the skin. It also can restore skin's natural elasticity. It allows your skin to absorb moisture from the air letting it stay softer longer. As a skin conditioner, it is high in unsaponifiables (type of fat).

Organic Cocoa Butter- Deriving from the cocoa bean, this also is a natural and ultimate moisturizer. It increases hydration, decreases skin roughness and scaling, supports UV damage control, improves blood flow, and vessel function. It allows skin to breathe while also putting up a thin barrier on the skin to seal moisture. It melts at body temperature allowing easy absorption. Also used in aromatherapy, cocoa butter has relaxing properties allowing you to relieve stress. It also known to boost your immune system!

Organic Virgin Coconut Oil- The ideal way to rejuvenate your skin! It protects against formation of damaging free radicals, and is also used to protect skin from blemishes, signs of aging, and overexposure to sun. It also strengthens skin's connective tissue. It removes your outer dead skin to make your skin smoother. It also penetrates to strengthen the deep tissues of the skin.

Organic Jojoba Oil- (Sonora Desert) This is a wax from a cold-pressed shrub called Simmondsia Chinensis. U.S. Native Americans use this to speed the process of healing and minimize scarring. It is very similar to the sebum your skin produces. It retains moisture and keeps skin's sebum producing which begins decreasing at age 20. For dry skin, it rapidly jump starts the sebum to produce more, and for oily skin, it slows down the sebum to give more balance to your skin giving it a silky feel. It also is nutritious in vitamin E, B-complex, Silicon, Chromium, Copper, Zinc, and Iodine. Its antioxidant properties give the body butter a long shelf life.

Organic Murumuru Butter- (Amazon Basins, Brazil) A wild plant that is extremely tough to harvest has prickly black spines all over the plant! It hydrates and

 moisturizes while allowing your body to retain water by creating a protective film. It also works to repair your skin's lipid barrier. It is rich in oleic acid which aids moisture retention. This is fairly traded and allows income for the region creating economic independence.

Organic Ride Bran Extract- This is where 65% of this grain's nutrients are. It contains over 100 known antioxidants. They are one of the best ways to consume vitamin E complex, vitamin B complex, and gamma-oryzanol (only found in rice bran). Rice bran also has phytonutrients like phytosterols, CoQ10, and IP6. It has also is known for binding oil and water together. For skin care purposes, it also promotes collagen formation, treats dry skin, has smooth spread ability, and a natural peroxide.

Organic Palm Oil- A nutrient dense oil containing antioxidants, beta-carotene, vitamin A, tocotrienols (potent vitamin E). Vitamin E is the major soluble antioxidant in your skin. It also contains phytonutrients like phytosterols, squalene, CoQ10, and carotenoids. It is a renewable source that is also biodegradable and emits no carbon dioxide in the air.

Organic Aloe Vera Juice- The mot nutrition-packed and biologically-alive liquid on the entire planet. It has over 130 biologically alive compounds, 34 amino acids, and

 has an average pH balance of 4.55. It dates back to use in the days of Cleopatra. It soothes, supports immune system function, produces collagen and elastic, contains a powerhouse of minerals, vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C and E, folic acid and niacin, and it is an amino acid building block.

These are the top eight ingredients in the my NEW body butter! The other ingredients are:

• Purified Water

• Denatured Grain Alcohol- "Denatured" makes it undrinkable.

• Beeswax- This is a wax very similar to your own skin wax.

• Organic Soy Lecithin

• Xantham Gum

I am trying to choose early on what will aid my skin in maximum beauty. I am learning ingredients and sharing with you, my friend! Some other ingredients that are so amazing for your skin will be continued in Part 5. I want to break it up because it is so much information. I do not want you to feel overwhelmed. I am excited to learn what all is available and happy that you care for yourself as much as I do! Yay us!