8 Reasons GMOs are Bad for You

Genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, are created when a gene from one species is transferred to another, creating something that would not be found in nature.

A large percentage of domestic crops (up to 85% of soybean yields) have DNA that was tweaked in a lab, yet it is nearly impossible to know which food items contain these genetically engineered ingredients.  

GMOs are bad for your body, bad for the community, bad for farmers and bad for the environment. This is why:

1. The health consequences of eating genetically modified organisms are largely unknown.Genetically engineered foods have not been shown to be safe to eat and may have unpredictable consequences. When trans-fats were first introduced, corporations battled to get them onto your grocery shelves – and it is only decades later that this once novel food has been proven to be extremely unhealthful. Many scientists are worried that the genetically altered foods, once consumed, may pass on their mutant genes to bacterium in the digestive system, just like the canola plants on the roadsides of North Dakota. How these new strains of bacteria may affect our body systems’ balance is anybody’s guess.
2. Food items that contain GMOs are unlabeled in America. Why so sneaky? The European Union has banned GMOs, as have Australia, Japan, the UK and two dozen other countries that recognize that a lack of long term studies and testing may be hiding disastrous health defects.
3. Genetic engineering reduces genetic diversity. When genes are more diverse, they are more robust; this is why a pure bred dog tends to have greater health problems than the dear old mutt. Plants with reduced genetic diversity cannot handle drought, fungus invasions or insects nearly as well as natural plants, which could have dire consequences for farmers and communities dependent on GMO crops for survival.
4. Once the mutant genes are out of the bag, there is no going back. Genetically modified organisms contaminate existing seeds with their altered material, passing on modified traits to non-target species. This creates a new strain of plant that was never intended in the laboratory. In North Dakota, recent studies show that 80% of wild canola plants tested contained at least one transgene. In Japan, a modified bacteria created a new amino acid not found in nature; it was used in protein drinks and before it was recalled it cause severe mental and metabolic damage to hundreds as well as several deaths. Japan banned GMOs after this horrific experience. Monarch butterflies have also died after their favorite food, milkweed, was cross-pollinated from Bt corn which rendered it toxic to the endangered species.
5. GMOs are not the answer for global food security. Genetically engineered crops have shown no increase in yield and no decrease in pesticide use. In many cases other farm technology has proven much more successful, and even Monsanto agrees that its genetically engineered crops yield less than conventional farming.
6. Genetically engineered foods have not been proven to be safe, but the few studies conducted don’t look so hot. The organs of rats who ate genetically modified potatoes showed signs of chronic wasting, and female rates fed a diet of herbicide-resistant soybeans gave birth to stunted and sterile pups.
7. Big biotech firms have very sketchy track records, but then again what would you expect from organizations who want to patent the world’s food supply? These massive biotech companies have a history of toxic contamination, deceiving the public and suing small farmers when their patented seeds blew across the fence. Biotech firms sell sterile seeds to African farmers- meaning the seeds are only good for one season, because the plants that grow up will not be able to reproduce. Farmers must buy new seeds every year instead of growing from the previous year’s yield. GMOs are not the farmers’ friend.
8. GMOs require massive amounts of pesticides, herbicides and fungicides. These things are poisons, and should not be eaten or allowed to run off into our water supply. But they are, every day, by companies who care far more about the bottom line than they do about your health, your environment or your children’s future.

The bottom line is that genetically modified organisms have not been proven in any way to be safe, and most of the studies are actually leaning the other direction, which is why many of the world’s countries have banned these items whose DNA has been genetically engineered. In America, they aren’t even labeled, much less banned, so the majority of the populace has no idea that they are eating lab-created DNA on a daily basis.

Now you do; your best defense is to purchase certified organic food, which cannot contain any GMOs, and to tell your friends and loved ones to do the same.

13 Green Tea Benefits for Health and Beauty

Is green tea really all it’s hyped up to be? We’ve all likely heard about a wide range of green tea benefits, but which ones are true and which ones are old wives’ tales? And for that matter, why is green tea any better than white, black, or red tea (and what’s with all the Christmas colors in tea)? We checked in with our experts and uncovered a host of benefits of drinking green tea that will answer these questions and more. 

Technically speaking, green tea comes from the same plant as white, black, and oolong tea – Camellia sinensis– a plant native to Asia. Two major varieties are grown — Camellia sinensis var. sinensis for Chinese teas, and Camellia sinensis var. assamica for Indian Assam teas; the former was the first tea plant to be discovered and is the source of most green teas on the market.

So, if all of these different teas hail from the same plant, what makes them so different, and why does green tea always seem to come out on top as far as health benefits are concerned?

The answer has a lot to do with how the different teas are processed.

While white tea is only minimally processed, both oolong and black teas are more fermented. Green tea is somewhere between the two, as naturopathic doctor Serena Goldstein explains.

“Green tea leaves are quickly heated and minimally oxidized so they can still retain their green color, while black tea leaves are heated and allowed to fully oxidize to turn them into a color along the black spectrum (e.g. amber, red-brown),” she says.

This doesn’t necessarily mean that green tea will have more or fewer benefits than another tea, says naturopathic doctor Gabrielle Francis, “All three teas have antioxidants and health benefits. The antioxidants differ in each one depending on the level of oxidation in the processing.” 

So if oxidation is the only thing differentiating a white tea from a green one, what’s all the buzz about green tea about?

Green Tea Health Benefits You Can’t Argue With

While there are benefits to all teas, from white to black, green tea boasts a few compounds in higher concentrations than these other teas, namely Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG). Alongside polyphenols, other catechins, and flavonoids, this antioxidant lends much in the way of benefits to the overall makeup of green tea. With this unique cocktail of antioxidants, green tea has a lot to offer.

1. Protects Against Chronic Disease

The flavonoids in green tea are powerful soldiers against viruses as well as both specific and general inflammation. Inflammation can exacerbate other health problems and cause a vast number of seemingly idiopathic symptoms that seem nearly impossible to cure.

Increasing flavonoid intake can decrease the effects of inflammation and even prevent against certain chronic diseases and problems including allergies, immune system disorders, heart disease, and depression.

2. Gives You A Feel-Good Boost

A combination of factors makes green tea great for your mood.

Caffeine enhances both mood and energy, while theanine helps with anxiety and stress.

“L-theanine can help support brain health and lower anxiety due to supporting GABA (inhibitory neurotransmitter) production,” says Goldstein. 

Plus, the flavonoids in green tea boost relaxation and help keep anxiety at bay, according to Cate Stillman of Yogahealer.com. Referencing a study in the Journal of Trends in Food Science & Technology, she explains that theanine increases all-important alpha waves in the brain. “Alpha waves are considered to be an indicator of relaxation,” she says.

3. A Weight-Loss Key

While green tea alone will not make you magically drop the pounds, some elements of green tea can help with weight loss. The major component is EGCG, which, according to Bryce Wylde, an expert in alternative medicine and the medical advisor for the Dr. Oz show, can increase metabolism by up to six percent.

Along with the caffeine of green tea, which can improve performance during workouts, EGCG is a major element of green tea’s weight loss benefits.

4. Cancer-Fighting

Different studies have shown a link between the consumption of green tea and a reduced risk of cancer. One study showed that increased consumption of green tea was directly linked to a reduced risk of stomach cancer in women.

The National Cancer Institute attributes these benefits to several characteristics of green tea, including its polyphenols, particularly EGCG and ECG, which “may protect cells from DNA damage caused by reactive oxygen species.”

5. Keep Blood Sugar in Balance

For those who suffer with blood sugar related problems, green tea can be a great, natural solution. One study published in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research showed that green tea may reduce the spike in blood sugar that occurs after eating starches, and another study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that green tea could decrease fasting glucose in some patients.

6. Bad Cholesterol, Be Gone

A study in Western University of Health Sciences showed that participants in a study had lower LDL levels when green tea consumption was increased.

Other research has shown that both total and LDL cholesterol can be lowered when green tea is consumed, thanks — once again — to its EGCG contents.

7. Brain Health

Green tea can also be great for brain health. Research presented by the Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science in Japan at Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease Conference showed that consumers of green tea had slightly higher scores on cognitive tests than those who did not. This evidence has led some to believe that green tea consumption may ward off or delay dementia. 

Benefits of Drinking Green Tea for Beauty and More

Alongside all these great health benefits, green tea also boasts a few beauty benefits that can’t be overlooked.

8. A Glowing Complexion

Drinking green tea can help improve your skin, as naturopathic doctor Christina Major explains. “What it does is help your body hydrate, which makes your skin look better,” she says. “It also will provide antioxidants and nutrients to nourish your body, and that allows you to build healthy skin.”

“Antioxidants help ‘clean up’ the free radicals that can contribute to skin conditions,” agrees Goldstein. “Ultimately, our outside is a reflection of what’s going on inside.”

9. Prevent Skin Cancer

When it comes to your skin’s health, green tea hits all of the bases, including this all-important, more health-related one. A study published in the October 2011 issue of the journal “Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications” found that EGCG inhibited melanoma in laboratory animals by inhibiting genes that activate inflammation.

10. Dark Circles Disappear

But drinking tea isn’t the only way to take advantage of its skin-enhancing benefits.

“The tannins can also help dark eyes and puffy eyes in the morning,” says Goldstein, who suggests placing chilled, brewed teabags over each eye for about 15 minutes to take advantage of this. With green tea, you avoid the staining that black tea could lend to your skin, too.

11. Delay Aging

No, it’s not a magic potion, but green tea can help reverse or delay some signs of skin aging, such as wrinkles, according to a study published in Collegium Anthropologicum in September 2010.

“The antioxidant benefits are great for anti-aging of the skin,” says Francis. “Green tea masks can be very good for cellular regeneration and for detoxification of the skin,” she adds.

12. Slim Down

While you’re waiting for the metabolism boost of green tea to kick in, it’s helpful to know that green tea can also reduce bloating and swelling, making you appear slimmer without ever shedding a pound. Green tea aids in digestion and increases hydration, both of which can reduce bloat.

13. Luscious Locks

The catechins in green tea can also help with achieving thicker, longer hair, thanks to 5-alpha-reductase, according to Goldstein. “(The enzyme) blocks testosterone from turning into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a more potent version of testosterone that can contribute to baldness,” she says.

Taking Advantage of Green Tea Benefits: A How-To Guide

If you want to see these benefits, then you can’t just pick any brand of green tea and start brewing. “The green tea from the grocery store just does not contain the health benefits, mostly because it’s too old,” says Major.

Did you know that the US Food and Drug Administration allows 3,000 food additives to be used in the US food supply and only a few of them been tested for safety?There are literally thousands of these ingredients to watch out for in the foods you eat but these five are probably worst of the worst. And no one knows what they do when they are used together. 

5 Neurotoxins Found in Your Favorite Foods that seriously damage your brain

Aspartame

Aspartame – an addictive carcinogenic neurotoxin.  It has been linked to almost a hundred different health problems. Aspartame depletes serotonin, and can trigger bipolar or manic depression, mood swings, paranoia, hallucination and suicidal tendencies. Aspartame is a multipotential carcinogen, can trigger male sexual dysfunction and birth defects, and is particularly dangerous for the foetus in the womb.

The amino acids in aspartame literally attack your cells, even crossing the blood-brain barrier to attack your brain cells, creating a toxic cellular overstimulation called excitotoxicity.

  

Gluten

Gluten leads to many neurological diseases.  When gluten enters the intestinal lining, it then enters the bloodstream and eventually reaches the brain where it causes inflammation. Consequently, inflammation in the brain may develop into a neurological disorder such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, seizures and even schizophrenia.

Alluminum

Aluminum can damage your brain.  Research has demonstrated that aluminum can produce toxic, oxidative stress in the brain. Your brain can store a lot of aluminum which can result in MS, chronic fatigue syndromes, epilepsy, ADD, Alzheimer’s, Guilliane-Barre’ syndrome (a common post vaccination injury) and other neurological disorders.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG)

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) Animal studies have found that MSG is toxic to the brain, and researchers believe it causes migraines in people because it dilates blood vessels and impacts nerve cells in the brain.

MSG has been found to contribute to many neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Lou Gehrig’s disease, stroke, encephalitis, and brain infections.

Fluoride

A new study published in the Institute of Environmental Health SciencesjournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives  has found that fluoride damages brain development and leads to significantly lower IQ levels in humans.  

 

A 2008 Scientific American report stated that “Scientific attitudes toward fluoridation may be starting to shift” as new evidence revealed  the link betweenfluoride and disorders affecting, bones, teeth, the thyroid gland, and brain. The study also “Concluded that fluoride can subtly alter endocrine function, especially in the thyroid — the gland that produces hormones regulating growth and metabolism.”

15 Healthy Foods You Should Eat in Moderation

Healthy foods should make 80-90 percent of your diet, if not all. But some healthy foods should be eaten in moderation due to their high calorie content.

As you may know, eating healthy foods is not enough for weight loss. You have to maintain a calorie deficit. If not eaten in moderation, the foods below will reduce your calorie deficit.

1. Avocado

Avocado is an excellent source of mono and polyunsaturated fat, and it’s also rich in vitamins and minerals. But this health food has lots of calories. One large avocado contains up to 400 calories.

Get the benefits of avocado by eating small slices.

2. Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and has numerous health benefits – it can boost your mood, lower blood pressure and control your blood sugar.

Beware that a one ounce piece contains 170 calories. Always buy dark chocolate which is low in sugar and high in cocoa.

3. Nuts

Nuts are rich in monounsaturated fat and they help keep hunger at bay. But they can easily cancel your calorie deficit. A handful of nuts contains 180 to 200 calories.

4. Nut butter 

Butter made from nuts is also high in calories. Other than the calories from the nuts, it’s loaded with fat and sometimes added sugar or salt.

Remember to check the labels when buying nut butter, look for butter with few ingredients, and low sodium and sugar. Aim for at most two tablespoons of nut butter per day.

5. Olive oil

Olive oil has numerous health benefits and it’s a better cooking alternative than vegetable oil. But one tablespoon of olive oil contains 120 calories. Avoid adding too much olive oil to your salads and food.

6. Greek yogurt

Greek yogurt has more protein and less carbs than regular plain yogurt. And even though a cup of plain Greek yogurt only contains 140 calories, most people don’t like how it tastes, so they add honey and other toppings to sweeten it. This consequently increases the calorie intake.

7. Whole wheat bread

Most whole wheat breads contain the same amount of calories as white bread. A slice of whole wheat bread contains 70 calories and 2 grams of dietary fiber.

8. Dates

Dates are rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals. But eating this sweet fruit mindlessly can increase your daily calorie intake. One date contains 25 calories.

9. Potatoes

Potatoes are not just bad when eaten in the form of chips or French fries. Even baked potatoes are high in calories. One medium boiled potato has 108 calories, and a baked one has 170 calories.

10. Granola

A cup of granola can give you full meal’s worth of calories. One cup of granola contains 598 calories. This is definitely one of the foods you should avoid when trying to lose weight.

11. Popcorn

Air popped popcorn makes a good snack. But you never know what you’ll get when buying popcorn. A bag of popcorn in the supermarket can contain up to 700 calories.

If you want to snack on popcorn, make it at home.

12. Hummus

This tasty snack is packed with proteins, fiber and fats. But the main ingredients used to make hummus – chickpeas, sesame paste and olive oil, are all high in calories.

One cup of homemade hummus contains 435 calories.

13. Bananas

Bananas are arguably the most affordable health food. But one medium size banana contains 120 calories. So don’t eat more than one per day.

14. Cheese

Consuming cheese regularly can hinder weight loss or cause weight gain. 50 grams of cheddar cheese contains 202 calories.

15. Coconut milk

Coconut milk is known to boost metabolism; unfortunately one cup contains 550 calories. When shopping, look for brands with low-calorie coconut milk.

Now, you don’t have to avoid these foods. Just eat them in moderation or occasionally. Most of the foods you eat should be high in volume and low in calories. 

9 Turmeric Benefits You Need to Know: The Power of Kitchen Gold

If you’ve only ever used turmeric as an occasional curry spice, your life’s about to change. Even alone, bright yellow turmeric has a complex, buttery, peppery aroma that’s simply irresistible. And what’s more, there are nearly innumerable health benefits of turmeric to take advantage of when you add this spice to your diet. Turmeric benefits make this deeply-hued spice as valuable as gold in the kitchen; we’ll show you how to use it.

While you’ll often find turmeric on spice racks in powder form, turmeric is actually a member of the ginger family. When purchased fresh, in root form, it resembles ginger, with its nobby beige skin; the golden flesh is hidden until you cut into it.

The nutritional profile of turmeric is vast, according to neuropathic doctor Gabrielle Francis. “It is a potent antioxidant and has bioflavonoids, vitamin c, vitamin a, and beta carotene and can be protective against cancer cells,” she says.

Just take a look at these stats for a mere teaspoon (2 grams) of turmeric:

• .2 mg manganese (8% DV)
• .8 mg iron (5% DV)
• .5 mg vitamin C (1% DV)
• 3.9 mg magnesium (1% DV)
• 5.4 mg phosphorous (1% DV)
• 50.5 mg potassium (1% DV)
• .1 mg zinc (1% DV)

Thanks to these nutrients, and more, the benefits of turmeric are wow-worthy.

Top 9 Health Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric contains a unique compound known as curcumin, which is not only the source of its bright color but is also the secret behind many of the health benefits of turmeric. Curcumin doesn’t only lend variety to turmeric benefits, however; it also boasts proven effectiveness, often more so than pharmacological drugs, as this report shows. 

As Serena Goldstein, ND, explains, “Drugs are made based on our physiology, somehow interfering with a certain physiological cycle depending on the drug (e.g. cholesterol drugs interfere with cholesterol metabolism),” she says. “Turmeric also acts on various physiological cycles in the body and can have the same effect.”

Here are just some of the many ways that turmeric can help you today.

1. Calm Down – Systemically

Systemic inflammation is a huge problem, the source of many health issues that are often incorrectly treated as idiopathic.

As Goldstein explains, “We may think of inflammation when an area becomes red, hot, swollen, and painful. It is a classic response to injury or infection, a very useful process when we break a bone for example, and it needs to be held in place and healed.

“However, chronic inflammation does not really have any ‘outward’ symptoms, but is a general term when even silent processes are occurring that are putting a stress on the body.”

These “silent processes” are behind many health problems, including heart disease, blood sugar issues, cancer, irregular menses, poor sleep and digestion, and more.

“Currently, many people are walking around with multiple diagnoses, in a suburban or urban environment surrounded by fumes, stressed out, not sleeping, and not eating an healthful diet, all of which promotes continuous inflammation and stress on the body,” says Goldstein.

Luckily, turmeric is a very natural way to combat these problems, thanks to its ability to inhibit NF kappa Beta, a protein complex that controls the transcription of DNA and, when incorrectly regulated, has been linked to cancer, auto-immune diseases, and susceptibility to viral infection, many of which are problems that are directly linked to systemic inflammation.

“Unresolved chronic inflammation creates an environment for certain disease processes,” explains Michelle Smekens, ND, FABNO, naturopathic oncology provider at Cancer Treatment Centers of America at Midwestern Regional Medical Center. “Turmeric helps to inhibit the chemical messengers that promote inflammation in the body (…) including cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), leukotrienes and prostaglandins.”

The power of turmeric to combat systemic inflammation is astounding. “Numerous studies have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects comparable to over-the-counter ibuprofen, as well as potent drugs like hydrocortisone,” says Goldstein.

2. Forget Me Not

Turmeric has been linked to helping people with debilitative Alzheimer’s disease stop or even reverse their symptoms. According to a 2008 paper published in the annals of Indian Academy of Neurology, the spice’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and lipophilic qualities can and have improved cognitive functions in Alzheimer’s patients.

Goldstein says that turmeric’s benefits include improving the health of brain mitochondria and helping with spatial memory by decreasing lipid per oxidation in brain tissue. These attributes of turmeric have an effect not only on the development of Alzheimer’s but also Parkinson’s and epilepsy.

Additional — albeit circumstantial — evidence can be gleaned from the fact that in India, where turmeric is most commonly consumed, populations have the lowest prevalence of Alzheimer’s in the world. A mere gram of turmeric daily is all it takes in some cases for symptoms to be reversed.

3. Tummy Troubles Gone

Turmeric is particularly soothing when it comes to stomach problems, ranging from mere digestive discomfort to more serious conditions.

Thanks to curcumin’s ability to stimulate the gallbladder to produce bile and its natural ability to suppress stomach acid, it can be used to treat a number of problems including indigestion, bloating, gas, and even ulcerative colitis. This chronic disease’s symptoms tend to come and go, but turmeric manages to keep them at bay in many cases, as one double-blind placebo-controlled study showed: those who took curcumin for 6 months had a significantly lower relapse rate than those taking the placebo.

The same is true for some cases of Crohn’s disease. However, those suffering from stomach ulcers will not see improvement and may even see their symptoms get worse when supplementing with turmeric.

4. No More Pain

Turmeric’s pain relieving abilities are linked in large part to its anti-inflammatory properties; in reducing inflammation, particularly in chronic cases, pain is reduced as well.

Turmeric has been proven to be a very effective pain reliever even in the most drastic of cases, like one 2009 case observed by Dr. Scott Haig, where a patient with severe hip problems necessitating hip replacement surgery eschewed traditional pain relievers entirely and managed his pain with turmeric.

Perhaps the best part: turmeric has none of the nasty side effects of other pain relievers.

“Turmeric has been shown to be as effective as ibuprofen in reducing joint pain caused by arthritis, and does not carry the potential to harm the liver,” says Lori Kenyon Farley, the co-author of The Juice Cleanse Reset Diet Book and cofounder of Project Juice. “In fact, its enzymes have been shown to help detoxify the liver and enhancing blood circulation.”

Turmeric can thus be used for a variety of pain relieving needs, from menstrual cramps to joint pain to arthritis. One 2012 study showed that patients with active rheumatoid arthritis showed a high percentage of improvement when taking curcumin supplements.

5. Cancer Preventative

Supplementing with turmeric has proven to have anti-cancer properties; in fact, cancer is one of the conditions with the most evidence for the benefits of the spice, according to Smekens.

Some evidence of turmeric’s anti-cancer properties includes a 2008 study, showing that curcumin could interfere with cell cycle, apoptosis, angiogenesis, metastasis, and inflammation, all of which could delay or impede a wide variety of cancers from developing, including leukemia, lymphoma, gastrointestinal cancers, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer, and melanoma.

A 2009 study showed how curcumin could selectively kill tumor cells without having any adverse effects on normal cells, and several studies, including a 2011 study from the University of Illinois at Chicago, showed that curcumin could have positive effects specifically in the prevention and early treatment of colon cancer.

6. Sugar-Free’s the Way to Be

Several studies have shown that supplementing with curcumin can help manage irregular blood sugar levels, particularly with regards to diabetes; it has even been shown to reverse insulin resistance in certain cases.

One 2014 study on rabbits showed the protective effects of curcumin before diabetes occurred and its ability to treat some symptoms of diabetes, specifically type 1 diabetes. Another 2014 study showed that curcumin could ward against the development of atherosclerosis in type 2 diabetes patients.

7. Heart-Healthy

Curcumin also boasts extraordinary benefits for heart health, including an ability to lower cholesterol and prevent the oxidation of cholesterol in the body, preventing cholesterol from damaging blood vessels. A 2010 study in Nutrition Research and Practice showed that curcumin could decrease LDL and total cholesterol when consuming a high-fat diet, thus reducing risk for heart disease.

Curcumin also prevents the formation of blood clots, reducing the risk of thrombosis and stroke, according to a 2008 study from the Medical College of Georgia.

8. A Feel-Good Spice

Turmeric has additionally been linked to the treatment of certain mental illnesses, particularly depression. Several recent studies show the potential anti-depressant properties of turmeric, according to Smekens, including one 2014 study published in Psychotherapy Research. “Taking 1000 mg of curcumin (…) had a similar efficacy to fluoxetine,” says Smekens. Fluoxetine is the active ingredient in Prozac.

Another 2005 study from Peking University showed that turmeric had anti-depressive effects on mice. Turmeric is a major constituent of Xiaoyao-san, the traditional Chinese medicine used to treat depression in China.

9. Antioxidant Super-Powers

Turmeric not only contains potent antioxidants, it has also been proven in some studies to increase the natural antioxidant-producing capabilities of our bodies.

A 2005 study in Antioxidants & Redox Signaling showed that curcumin was both an oxygen radical scavenger and a potent antioxidant, boosting the natural antioxidant processes of the body. Other studies have shown its ability to help with mercury poisoning and subchronic TCDD exposure.

7 Reasons Kale Is the New Beef

Like the saying goes, the only constant is change. We may resist it all we want, but Time and its inevitable evolution of everything in its path is unaffected by our attempts to stop it. The resulting trajectory of humanity’s nascent ascent appears to be positioning itself to sweep us into progressive new times, especially where our food choices are concerned, as nearly 7 billion people are now standing on the little scraps of land that we share with some 55 billion rather large animals raised for food each year. (As another famous saying goes: This town ain’t big enough for the both of us.) So, beef (and all factory-farmed meat) may be going from rib-eye to relic as we transition to a greener world… literally—as in leafy, green vegetables.

Environmentalists cite meat production as one of the biggest contributors to global warming, and theUSDA’s new food pyramid (MyPlate) suggests the healthiest choice is making vegetables and fruit the biggest part of every meal by reducing consumption of animal proteins. Kale is far more nutritious than other leafy greens, but these seven reasons why it is such an important futurefood may just surprise you.

1. Anti-inflammatory: Inflammation is the number one cause of arthritis, heart disease and a number of autoimmune diseases, and is triggered by the consumption of animal products. Kale is an incredibly effective anti-inflammatory food, potentially preventing and even reversing these illnesses.

2. Iron: Despite the myth that vegetarians are anemic, the number of non-vegetarians with iron-deficiencies is on the rise. Per calorie, kale has more iron than beef.

3. Calcium: Dairy and beef both contain calcium, but the U.S. still has some of the highest rates of bone loss and osteoporosis in the world. Kale contains more calcium per calorie than milk (90 grams per serving) and is also better absorbed by the body than dairy.

4. Fiber: Like protein, fiber is a macronutrient, which means we need it every day. But many Americans don’t eat nearly enough and the deficiency is linked to heart disease, digestive disorders and cancer. Protein-rich foods, like meat, contain little to no fiber. One serving of kale not only contains 5 percent of the recommended daily intake of fiber, but it also provides 2 grams of protein.

5. Omega fatty acids: Essential Omega fats play an important role in our health, unlike the saturated fats in meat. A serving of kale contains 121 mg of omega-3 fatty acids and 92.4 mg of omega-6 fatty acids.

6. Immunity: Superbugs and bacteria are a serious risk to our health. Many of these come as a result of factory farm meat, eggs and dairy products. Kale is an incredibly rich source of immune-boosting carotenoid and flavanoid antioxidants including vitamins A and C.

7. Sustainable: Kale grows to maturity in 55 to 60 days versus a cow raised for beef for an average of 18-24 months. Kale can grow in most climates and is relatively easy and low impact to grow at home or on a farm. To raise one pound of beef requires 16 pounds of grain, 11 times as much fossil fuel and more than 2,400 gallons of water.

6 Unhealthy Foods to Eliminate From Your Diet Now

If certain foods didn’t lead to weight gain, diseases, and other health concerns, there would be no need for diets. Unfortunately, diets exist because we choose way too often to eat foods that are high in fat, sodium, sugar, or additives that should be in spelling bees instead of on ingredient lists.

Having a piece of cake or a soda every now and then won’t be the death of you, and it’s normal to have vices here and there. But if it happens too frequently, you’re asking for a boatload of health issues farther down the road. In some cases, favorite foods you grew up with spell disaster for your well-being, even if they are leftovers from the “good old days.” Just because your family cooked with certain ingredients or loaded up on pantry staples doesn’t mean they’re healthy for you. If you want to live a healthy lifestyle, it might be time to start avoiding these products and ingredients at the grocery store altogether. It’s not really a diet, but it is a choice that could lead to weight loss and other health benefits over time.

1. High fructose corn syrup

At one time it was trans fats, but now added sugar — specifically fructose — is the devil incarnate of the food world. However, it’s not without good reason. Sugar is basically empty calories that will provide you with 2,000 calories in a heartbeat, but leave you hunting and gathering in your pantry for more. That’s because fructose isn’t satiating — food-speak for making you feel full and helping you to voluntarily stop nibbling on everything in sight.

One of the biggest problems with sugar in your diet it how addicting it becomes. Research suggests sugar is eight times more addictive than cocaine, meaning it’s a tough ingredient to cut once you’re used to it. On top of the addictive properties and the unavoidable weight gain with too much sugar in your diet, it can also causedamage to your skin, causing you to age much faster than someone who cuts down on the Skittles and soda they consume.

Another issue with cutting out sugar is that some foods sneakily have way more added sweetness than we might assume. Many foods can have more sugar than soda, especially if you’re eating more than the recommended serving size. If you’re looking to cut down on the amount of sugar you eat, keep in mind that you might experience some withdrawal symptoms. But if you’re serious about fighting your sugar cravings, it can be done.

2. Vegetable oils 

It’s common to cook with vegetable oil and to keep a large plastic container of it in your pantry — but that doesn’t mean it’s good for you. For a long time, it was thought that vegetable oils were better than butter in cooking because the oils cut out the cholesterol content that comes from using butter and other animal-derived saturated fats. However, vegetable oils — which can come from corn, soybeans, and seeds like sunflowers and are in forms like liquid oil or margarine — have their own sets of issues.

One of the main problems with using vegetable oils in excess is that they supply too many omega-6 fatty acids to our bodies. You’ve heard of omega-3 fatty acids (the kind found in seafood) — the kind that many people don’t consume enough of. When the amount of omega-6 fats grows too large and you don’t get the proper ratio of omega-3 fats, the increase of omega-6 fats from oils can cause increased inflammation in your body. It can also increase your risk of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and other maladies. What’s more, a study conducted in 2015 suggests that cooking with vegetable oils can increase the toxins in your food, some of which could lead to cancer.

Extra-virgin olive oil can be a decent substitute, provided it’s actually extra-virgin. Men’s Fitness also suggests substituting with coconut oil. “It’s a heart-healthy fat that has been shown to improve cholesterol profiles, reduce inflammation, and rev metabolism,” registered dietician and New York Rangers nutritionist Cynthia Sasstold the publication.

3. Artificial sweeteners 

Using artificial sweeteners instead of pounds of sugar is traditionally viewed as a healthy alternative. Diet sodas contain sweeteners such as aspartame, without any of the calories a regular soda does. It would seem like this is a clear choice, but the artificial sweeteners can cause problems as well.

When consumed in moderation they might be a good alternative to loading up on white sugar — but when you’re ingesting them en masse through diet sodas, baked goods, candies, and other means, “moderation” goes out the window. Artificial sweeteners amp up the sweetness level of foods compared to regular sugar, and studies have found that consuming these sweeteners can ruin your calibrated palate, skewing toward more sweet items. If you eat too many sweeteners, naturally sweet foods like fruit become less satisfying, and foods like vegetables become unpalatable, according to a report from Harvard Health Publications.

Those sweeteners could also enhance your sweet tooth, giving you more cravings for sugary foods you don’t need. In addition, some research suggests these sweeteners have some of the same addictive properties that sugar does.

4. Over-processed cheese 

If your cheese is individually wrapped after being shaped into squares, comes from a can, or can be stored at room temperature, it’s probably a sign you should avoid it at all costs. Processed foods should always be eaten in moderation, and cheese that isn’t actually cheese is no exception. In this case, it’s in order to avoid the huge amount of preservatives packed into every bite.

“My philosophy of eating is that if it doesn’t grow mold, I don’t eat it,” registered dietician Kate Geagan told Men’s Fitness. “Things should not have that long a shelf life. You want to fuel your body with cleaner foods.”

5. Deli meats 

If you’re relying on American cheese and deli ham for your lunches every week, it might be time to rethink what’s in your brown bag altogether. Yes, the protein in lunch meats is good for you, but the added sodium isn’t. On top of that, deli meats often contain nitrates, which are associated with higher incidences of cancer, Geagan told Men’s Fitness.

The sodium content in many deli selections is what can lead to long-term problems. A single slice of ham can contain almost 30% of your recommended sodium intake for the entire day, and other types can contain almost as much. That opens the door to long-term issues like high blood pressure and an increased risk for heart attacks or strokes. In addition, stomach cancer has been linked to diets high in sodium.

6. Frozen entrées 

Convenient meals are at your fingertips in the frozen food aisle of the grocery store, where for $2 to $4 you can pick up a frozen entrée in any style of cuisine you choose. The problem is that some of these dishes still contain trans fats — the ones even fast food chains are avoiding.

In addition, the sodium content in most frozen meals is astounding, clocking in between 700 and 1,800 mg for each one. (Most adults only need about 2,300 mg of sodium per day, meaning you’ll reach your limit quickly.) Other types of meals can also contain an entire day’s worth of saturated fat — and in many cases they don’t contain the vegetables and grains necessary to keep you full for a long period of time. The bottom line: You might as well be eating a burger (and no, we don’t actually recommend that).