The One Product You Should Never Use In The Kitchen. It Causes Lung Failure and Cancer

Oh that infamous Chlorine Bleach… Most of us think that if you really want get things cleaned around the house, you most certainly should be using Bleach. After all my mother used it, my grandma used it and her mom before her used it. But on the other hand, there is more data coming out each day warning us about harmful, even hazardous effects of Chlorine Bleach on our health. 

 

As we know in many households Chlorine Bleach is one of the most commonly used and relied upon cleaners. It is known for its ability to keep clothes white, to assist in removing mold and mildew; its largely used in the kitchen because of its disinfectant properties. But it’s one of the most dangerous products you can ever use. The most obvious danger of Chlorine Bleach is, believe it or not, printed on its label. It is a heavily corrosive material capable of irritating the eyes, skin and respiratory tract often by simply inhaling the gases its use emits. It deteriorates the lungs and esophagus lining in addition to the scarring of the respiratory tract.

Even bleach that has been diluted can cause skin burns and irritation. Bleach is particularly harmful to infants, young children and pets because their immune systems cannot fight off the harsh chemicals. Did you know that bleach can cause damage to the nervous system, asthma flares, extreme headaches, migraines and vomiting. But the most serious hazard of bleach to our bodies is  when mixed with ammonia, vinegar or any other acid type cleaning material, it causes dangerous toxic fumes to be released into the air. These toxins can cause serious, sometimes deadly side effects when inhaled.. 

 

Bleach is a known contributor to water pollution, when bleach makes its way into our water systems, it reacts with other minerals and elements to create a host of dangerous toxins that can take many years to dissipate. Dioxin is just one of the most dangerous by-product of bleach and chlorine-based cleaning supplies we use daily in our kitchens and bathrooms. And it is the most frightening of all since dioxins do not break down and remain in our environment for many years. Researchers believe that dioxin can contribute to cancer, endocrine disorders, and other serious health problems; including the ability to mimic human hormones and can cause low sperm count, testicular and breast cancer. Just think about it every time when you are ready to open that new Chlorine Bleach bottle and get ready to start cleaning kitchen countertops or bathroom tub.

Did you know that Occupational Safety and Health Administration has banned the use of Bleach in restaurants, schools and hospitals because of all the hazards? Shouldn’t we start doing the same when it comes to our own households? Our own health? Our own family members?

  

Stop using toxic cancer causing products, try baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, borax or essential oils. Each of these time-tested, simple ingredients can clean your kitchen, bathroom, surfaces the same way bleach can but without the environmental and health hazards.

Cleaning with essential oils

In my own home I love using Lemon Essential Oil. If you add a few drops to your homemade cleanser, it will make your home smell like Pine-Sol without those nasty chemicals. Use it to wipe your kitchen counters, it will brighten and remove stains. Add a few drops of the Lemon Essential Oil to a gallon of water when mopping your white tile floors in the kitchen or around the house.

My second favorite alternative to Bleach would be using Tea Tree Essential Oil. Because of its antibacterial, antiseptic and antifungal properties it works especial well to get rid of mildew and mold around the house. Simply mix two teaspoons Tea Tree Essential Oil with two cups of water in a spray bottle. Then, spritz the mixture on moldy or mildew areas, like showers. Don’t rinse off the mixture.

As you can see there are plenty of natural ways you can incorporate into your daily cleaning routine, knowing that none of them would have any hazardous side effects on the health of your family and would not have a negative impact on the environment. It take a little bit of effort to make changes in your life but the final result would have a great impact on your wellbeing.

The Execution Dock on River Thames

Travellers to early modern London, while approaching the port city up the river Thames, were greeted by a ghastly sight. The riverbank was lined with gallows, from which hung a number of rotting corpses, bound in iron cages. They swung in the wind and made a horrid creaking noise that both terrified and offended wayfarers. But the gallows at London’s infamous Execution Dock would remain for nearly four hundred years.

This was a time when Britain was expanding its empire. The British crown, driven by commercial ambitions and the necessity to one-up the competition with Spain and France, began setting up colonies at far-flung places across the oceans. The crown traded extensively with its colonies. The colonies provided essential raw materials for England, and at the same time, served as markets for British manufactured goods.

7 Super Spices for Super Health

Food doesn’t have to taste terrible to be good for us. If you shop at your local farmers market you likely already know just how incredible fresh, local and seasonal ingredients can taste. Those ripe, juicy fruits and vibrant veggies are also chock full of nutritious benefits, too. And they’re not the only delicious tasting foods that are good for you. Your spice cabinet may just offer healthy benefits beyond fantastic flavor.

If you’ve got a palate that doesn’t love super spiced up foods, you can still enjoy the benefits of mildly spicing your food, or finding some of these super spices in capsule or tincture form.

1. Cinnamon

We know it as an ingredient in countless foods. It’s got a bit of heat and is sweet at the same time. Plus, it can help to reduce cholesterol levels, treat type 2 diabetes and just its scent can boost brain function.

2. Cloves 

Essential oil of clove is highly effective in keeping gums and teeth healthy. It can reduce tooth pain and may help reduce stomach issues and general muscle pain.

3. Cardamom 

Found predominantly in Indian cuisine, the cardamom pod is known for its ability to thwart digestive issues including nausea, heartburn and even bad breath! Its aroma can relieve depression and anxiety, and the presence of the phytochemicals IC3 (indole-3-carbinol) and DIM (diindolylmethane) give it merit as a cancer preventative.

4. Black pepper

It’s more than just salt’s best friend; black pepper improves your digestion, helps to prevent and relieve gas and has potent antibacterial properties. Its floral fragrance (amplified in black pepper essential oil) can boost your mood, especially if you’re feeling sluggish or tired. It can also boost circulation.

5. Ginger

Most likely the ginger root is no stranger to your plate, bowl or cup. It’s a versatile spice that’s treasured for its digestive benefits as well as anti-inflammatory effects. It’s a lifesaver for those prone to upset tummies, like expectant mothers or the seasick travelers.

6. Turmeric

Another of India’s treasured spices, turmeric has recently revealed itself to be a most potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. It can ease all kinds of inflammation related issues in the body from high cholesterol to arthritis and even chronic skin conditions including psoriasis and acne.

Read more about turmeric

7. Nutmeg

Often overshadowed by similar tasting cinnamon, nutmeg is a notable healer in its own right. For insomniacs or those with trouble sleeping, a little nutmeg before bed can be a game-changer. It works on upset tummies, too and can relieve tooth pain (the essential oil). Nutmeg may also help boost libido.

How Healthy is Coconut Oil?

Many of us (me included) love coconut. But, is coconut oil good for you? The answer isn’t quite clear.

It is common knowledge that coconut flesh, milk, and oil are high in saturated fat. Saturated fatty acids tend to raise levels of LDL cholesterol (‘bad’ cholesterol) in the blood, and elevated levels of LDL cholesterol are associated with heart disease. 

However, as Rachel Shulman pointed out in a blog post here, not all saturated fats are created equally. Shulman notes that unlike the long-chain saturated fatty acids found in animal products, the principal fatty acid in coconut is lauric acid, a medium-chain saturated fatty acid. Lauric acid has some antiviral, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties. It’s an essential fatty acid for maintaining the body’s immune system. Shulman concludes: “So, eating coconut in moderation can actually be good for your health.”

But, how good? In a world where food manufacturers’ are trying to cash in on the multi-billion dollar healthy food market, exaggerated health claims seem the rule rather than the exception. Take POM Wonderful Pomegranate Juice. Back in 2012, POM was found to have violated the FTC Act that prohibits false or misleading health claims by advertising its products would treat or reduce the risk of diseases ranging from heart disease to prostate cancer to erectile dysfunction. 

Now, it seems coconut oil is being called for its misleading health claims.The FDA recently wrote a warning letter to Carrington Farms, a New Jersey based manufacturer of coconut oil. The letter calls out Carrington Farms for asserting that coconut oil is “healthy,” “low-calorie” and can be used in the cure or prevention of disease.

The letter cites examples of some of the claims that include, on a webpage titled “Health Benefits”, “treating and soothing various infections;” “Lauric acid exhibits anti-viral, anti-microbial, and anti-fungal properties; ”…been known to: kill bacteria, ease acid reflux … lower incidence of hemorrhoids … soothes ear aches . . . reduces joint and muscle inflammation.;” “prevent osteoporosis…” and “Lauric acid [found in coconut oil] has been found to protect your heart by reducing total cholesterol…”

The FDA lets Carrington Farms know that coconut oil is “not generally recognized as safe and effective for the above referenced uses…” and “is offered for conditions that are not amenable to self-diagnosis and treatment by individuals who are not medical practitioners; therefore, adequate directions for use cannot be written so that a layperson can use this drug safely for its intended use.”

The letter also says that Carrington Farms Coconut Oil is a “misbranded food” because the product label and labeling claim coconut oil is “healthy.”

The label of your Carrington Farms Coconut Oil product bears the claims “Healthy Foods,” “The healthiest oil on earth,” “Perfect for healthy . . . cooking,” and “Use as a healthy . . . replacement for butter or fat” in connection with the statement “Our unrefined . . . coconut oil is simply pressed and bottled so it retains its original nutrient content . . . No Trans & Hydrogenated Fats.” However, this product does not meet the requirements for use of the nutrient content claim “healthy” …

The rules on this say that you may use the term “healthy” as an implied nutrient content claim on the label provided that the food, among other things, is “low saturated fat” (as defined as saturated fat content of 1g or less per Reference Amount Customarily Consumed (RACC) and no more than 15 percent of calories from saturated fat). Furthermore, the product must contain at least 10% of the Daily Value per RACC of one or more of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, iron, protein, or fiber. Carrington Farms Coconut Oil doesn’t come close. The letter goes on to refute other claims such as coconut oil is low in calories and rich in antioxidants.

It seems that the bottom line is that coconut oil in moderation is a fine substitute for other oils and especially dairy products. Health food? Not really. Great alternative to dairy? Looks like it.

The Low-Cost Superfood that Builds Strong Bones

When we think of dried plums, or prunes as they are also known, we’re more likely to think of their bowel-regulating abilities than their capacity to build strong bones. But according to research published in the British Journal of Nutrition, we might want to give these sweet and tasty superfoods a second thought for bone health.

According to researchers at the Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences, at Florida State University, dried plums are “the most effective fruit in both preventing and reversing bone loss.” The nutrition researchers recruited 236 women who had hit menopause one to ten years earlier, were not on hormone replacement therapy or taking any prescribed medications known to influence bone metabolism. The women were divided into two groups: those who ate 100 grams of dried plums or 100 grams of dried apples. Additionally, participants received 500 milligrams of calcium plus 400 IU of vitamin D daily.

The scientists assessed bone mineral density of the lumbar spine (low back), forearm, hip, and whole body prior to the study’s onset and at the end of the study using duel-energy X-ray absorptiometry as well as blood samples of bone health markers.

The scientists found that the women eating the dried plums on a daily basis had a significant increase in bone mineral density compared to the women eating the dried apples. Only the dried plums caused a significant decrease in bone markers linked to a breakdown of bone density.

Preventing bone breakdown tends to be easier than reversing bone loss so the study results are significant. Daily prune consumption showed the ability to both prevent and reverse bone loss.

Additional research in the British Journal of Nutrition had similar results. This time the researchers assessed 160 post-menopausal women with low bone mineral density, but not sufficiently low to be diagnosed as having osteoporosis. Again, they found that prune consumption could prevent and reverse bone loss by limiting the body’s production of compounds that initiate bone depletion.

In the latter study the women ate a normal diet with approximately 10 dried plums daily for a year (about 3.5 ounces).

Fresh plums and dried prunes are known to increase iron absorption in the body as well as boosting vitamin C levels. In addition to aiding bone health, fresh and dried plums have been found to normalize blood sugar levels, improve weight loss, and lower cholesterol levels.

Select soft, plump, shiny prunes that are free of any signs of mold. Avoid sulfured prunes. Store in a refrigerator to keep them fresh. You can find ones with or without pits, depending on your preference and plans for use. While they are delicious eaten on their own, they can be pureed and added to recipes in place of sweeteners to boost the fiber and nutritional content. They can also be stewed for a delicious breakfast or pancake or waffle topping.

Outrageous Food Combinations That You Need to Try before You Die (21 pics)

10 Harmful Food Preservatives And Their Side Effects

Did you know that your favorite canned tuna contains harmful preservatives that can lead to complications? Did you know that instant or ready-to-eat food is one of the worst things you can have to eat? Well, it’s true! Preservative agents are usually added to a food to prevent bacteria growth and spoilage of the food, but sometimes these chemicals can induce harmful reactions or even be noxious and toxic on their own.

So, would you like to know what the ten most harmful preservatives are? Then read this post.

Stay aware. Stay cautious.

1. Propyl Gallate:

Propyl gallate is generally used in meat products, pickles, sauces and even chewing gums. It is a harmful preservative that can cause complications at birth and even lead to liver damage in the long run. It can also lead to many other problems including breathing ailments and is banned in many countries (1).

2. Sulfites:

These compounds are usually used to preserve dry fruits, canned fruits, corn syrup, pepper, canned olives and wine and vinegar. These compounds lead to varied side effects like palpitations, allergic reactions like asthma and rhinitis (2). Sulfites also induce joint pain, headache, and can even cause cancer in some cases.

3. Brominated Oils:

These oils are used to preserve bottled juice for extended periods of time. Brominated juice is used quite widely and can lead to potential damaging and serious side effects. Brominated oils can trigger changes in heart tissue, kidney damage, thyroid swelling, increase fatty deposits in your liver and can even cause withered testicles. Many countries have insisted that brominated oils be banned for preserving bottled drinks (3).

4. Propylene Glycol And Carboxymethylcellulose:

These two preservatives are regular additives of ice cream. Propylene glycol is usually used as an antifreeze and a paint remover. It is the more sinister chemical out of these two preservatives, and many countries have discontinued its use. The other preservative mentioned here, carboxymethylcellulose, is a stabilizer. It is usually used in salad dressing, cheese spread, and chocolate milk. A study on rats concluded that carboxymethylcellulose instigates tumor production. CNS depression is one of the major side effects of propylene glycol (4).

5. Mono-Glycerides And Di-Glycerides:

These chemicals are usually used to preserve foods like cakes, pies, cookies, bread and peanut butter. Mono and Di-Glycerides also help preserve other foods like roasted nuts, veggies packed with sauce and even margarine. Monoglycerides regularly feature on the list of bad or unhealthy fats (5).

6. Sodium Nitrate:

This is another harmful food preservative used to preserve meat. Sodium Nitrate is added to most forms of processed meat like bacon, ham, and sausage. This nitrous acid is quite dangerous for the body and can lead to stomach cancer. European nations like Norway and Germany have banned sodium nitrate’s use as a food preservative (6).

7. Maleic Hydrazide:

This preservative is usually added to potatoes to keep them from sprouting. It is a known chemical inhibitor and can even lead to cancer.

8. Bromates:

This is the most commonly used preservative in white flour and bread. It can induce diarrhea and destroys nutrients.

9. Citric Acid (Made Using Sulfuric Acid):

Citric acid is an essential nutrient that is found in abundance in most citrus foods. However, citric acid created using sulfuric acid is quite harmful and can lead to allergic reactions. This product makes citric acid dangerous for you if you are prone to allergies. Consider using naturally occurring citric acid; it is the more natural and safer option.

10. Benzoates:

These preservatives are usually added to pickle, margarine, fruit puree and juices. Benzoates can induce allergies and even lead to brain damage.