John Reganold has been comparing organic and conventional agricultural systems since he noticed the drastic difference between them in a soil sample 25 years ago. He is an agro-ecologist who has always been interested in how land is used, and is the lead author of a study on the sustainability and nutritional benefits of organic farming, which was published in the journal PLoS ONE yesterday.
The demand for organic food continues to increase, and as we are huge fans of the benefits of organic produce here at HLife, we were thrilled to see such definitive information on a much-debated subject. While everyone knows that conventionally grown produce has more pesticide residue that the liver then has to discard, there wasn’t conclusive data regarding nutrition – until now. This study of strawberries grown on commercial farms is among the most comprehensive of its kind: A team of interdisciplinary researchers checked indicators like soil DNA, microbe diversity, fruit taste, antioxidant activity, and even appearance. Twenty-six strawberry fields were analyzed, and side-by-side comparisons found that the organic farms produced more flavorful and nutritious berries while leaving the soil healthier.
HLife chatted with Professor Reganold about the groundbreaking implications of this study, among which are the relationship between organic farming and better nutrition, a longer product shelf life, and quality soil. Read More…
Manga who? Manganese is a lesser-known but essential micromineral that is often confused with magnesium because of their proximity in pronunciation. Manganese comes from the Latin word magnes, which means magnet. This mineral is so special some researchers called it “the love element”. This is not because it is also found in the lining of the heart, but because animals deficient in manganese do not have a connection with their offspring. Manganese is involved in many enzyme systems as an enzyme activator and a component of metalloenzymes (enzymes that contain a metal ion in their structure). It is mostly located in our bones, kidneys, liver, as well as the pituitary and adrenal glands. Did you know that manganese can actually convert into iron? It also helps carry oxygen from the lungs to the cells. Read More…
Chron’s: A staple of Cuban and Puerto Rican diets may be helpful in the treatment of a chronic intestinal inflammatory condition. In a study published in the journal Gut, scientists found that plantain soluble fibers prevented the uptake and transport of E. coli bacteria across M-cells that act as gatekeepers to the lymphatic system, helping to halt the progression of Chron’s disease. “This research shows that different dietary components can have powerful effects on the movement of bacteria through the bowel. We have known for some time the general health benefits of eating plantain and broccoli, which are both high in vitamins and minerals, but until now we have not understood how they can boost the body’s natural defenses against infection common in Chron’s patients,” said Dr. Barry Campbell. Read More…
There is a distinctive pattern that I have observed throughout my years as a holistic health consultant. People are constantly seeking, not just to heal or be healthy, but to be “perfect”. As if that is an actual reality and attainable goal. This kind of thought process creates a certain degree of stress (often too much to bear without getting your physical body sick) and unrealistic ideals that often end up in self disappointment, insecurities, illness and, ultimately, in the various expressions of the experience of fear.
This got me thinking about the human design (as always my favorite pastime) and the matrix of the reality in which we live. I realized that it is imperative to share (as HLife continues to do with its conscious educational efforts) a key idea: In this reality, perfection is imperfection. In other words, if you live in this third level of existence, guess what? Perfection (the way we think of it) does not exist and is not a real attainable goal. My realization has been that, rather than aim for perfection, we must know and understand our nature as human beings (who we are, how we work,) embrace our imperfections, and MASTER our “machinery” – be the masters and commanders of our own selves. Read More…
My first brush with Feng Shui taught me something very interesting: It’s not about what you put in the “gua” it’s about the intention you put it with and the meaning behind the symbol you use. A great book that exemplifies these principles for applying the Chinese art of conscious environment decor is Move Your Stuff, Change Your Life, written by Karen Rauch Carter. The author not only explains the role of intention in purposeful positioning of furnishings and symbols, she also does so with wit, simplicity and a whole lot of hilarity. Read More…
Corn Cilantro Pepian by HLife Photography
Last month, I introduced you to a twist on a Peruvian dish that we called Cilantro Brown Rice. Today, I want to continue on the “in my country” theme and share another Peruvian dish with a vegan twist: Pepian. I was introduced to this dish at my grandma’s house in Peru and it has been delicious every time there and after. I received plenty of organic corn in my last CSA box, so it was a perfect excuse to make pepian myself. At my grandma’s house they used to ask us, “do you want it white or green?”. Which meant with or without cilantro, and of course we would reply, “GREEN GREEN!!” This past month’s cilantro has been exceptional in smell and taste so, cilantro pepian it is! The original Peruvian pepian recipe is made with pork or beef, so instead I used tempeh (fermented soy bean). This is a quick and simple dish that always makes everyone say: “YUMMMM!” Read More…
Too much of a good thing is not so great when it comes to homocysteine. This type of amino acid is a byproduct of protein metabolism found in the blood. The brain and body both need it in order to make two very beneficial substances:
- 2. SAMe – an intelligent nutrient for both brain and body (a natural anti-depressant, anti-arthritic and liver-protecting agent in your body)
Ideally, homocysteine should be present in low quantities to accomplish its many roles in the body. However, if the body is malnourished, homocysteine will not have the nutrients needed for metabolism and this can cause it to accumulate in the blood, which is not a good scenario. The consequences of having high levels of homocysteine in the blood results in a variety of diseases, like: Read More…
We’re told that all of the answers we need are within us, and to look “inside” for them – but what does that really mean? Many times we’re left with an image of an elevated figure and a feeling that we should be meditating on top a mountain in order to find these internal answers, and since we’re busy people with 9-5s, we feel even worse because we can’t get there. Don’t despair. Looking within may be a lot more simple – and closer – than you think. Read More…
Dear HLife: What is your perspective on emotional healing techniques like EFT?
Dear HLifer,
Emotional healing begins with research and analysis. Without those two, there is no healing. Emotional techniques like EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) do work, but they do so more like an aspirin. They may give you temporary relief but do not solve the problem (heal). A holistic approach is about delving deep into all of the aspects of the self to arrive at and understand the root of the problem, and then truly begin to heal. Otherwise we are just numbing the pain. Read More…
Antioxidants are a group of unique vitamins and minerals, some manufactured by our body and found in a variety of foods (especially abundant in the Plant Kingdom) that are intimately involved in the prevention of cellular damage from free radicals. Tufts University researchers found that antioxidants can rejuvenate an aging immune system, while other studies suggest their prevention and even reversal of age-related memory loss and mental problems, and they have even been found to aid those suffering from ADHD. In charge of maintaining a healthy balance in our body, antioxidants work in synergy with one another, providing us with a strong defense network against degenerative diseases like heart disease, skin cancer, arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions. Read More…
