Honey: Sweet news for those who need antibiotics – new research published in the FASEB Journal confirms the antimicrobial property of honey and explains for the first time how it kills bacteria. “We’ve known for millennia that honey can be good for what ails us, but we haven’t known how it works,” said Gerald Weissmann, M.D., Editor-in-Chief of the journal. The study shows that bees make a protein that they add to the honey, called defensin-1, which could one day be used to treat burns and skin infections, as well as potentially help combat synthetic antibiotic-resistant infections. The protein is part of the honey bee immune system and is added by the bees to the honey in the process of making it. Read More…
Dear HLife: What are the different diets or plant-based food styles?
Dear HLifer: There are many plant-based food styles, with various health benefits. Some of them indicate what you should eat, others what you shouldn’t, others when to eat what, and even others what to eat with what. Let’s explore some of the most popular ones. Read More…
People are always asking questions regarding the health safety and allergens of soy, gluten and dairy. There are lots of information supporting both sides but what we have to pay attention to the details of who said what and why. When it comes to life in general, but specially the foods we choose to put in our bodies, we have to ask ourselves these questions: 1) Do I need this and, if so, for what? 2) Where did it come from and what are its components? 3) What are its benefits (how does it affect me? Will it harm me or benefit me?) And, what happens once its in my body? Read More…
If your fruit or veggies are not under a sign that lets you know they are organic, or if you can’t see the USDA organic seal anywhere, here’s a tip: The little sticker on your piece of produce with the name of the farm/provider should have a serial number. This serial number for organic products begin with the number 9. Conventionally grown (non-organic products) start with the number 4. You can see an example of organic produce labels in this picture.
Image via ebfarm.com
All food is not created equal. As you read in our post Why Organic?, buying organic means no genetically modified organisms (“frankenfoods”,) synthetic pesticides or herbicides in your fruits and vegetables, among other benefits (check out the video below.) Still, organic food is not readily available everywhere the way it is here in Los Angeles. So, for those of you who can’t always buy organic but wish to give your liver a break and avoid eating as many pesticides as you can, here is a wonderful tool: The Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides. Read More…
Great tool to find Farmers Markets by zip code (and other great info like reviews and events!) provided by Local Harvest: http://www.localharvest.org/
Image by Jesse Wight
Here are 10 simple tips to improve our food system, compliments of the wonderful people over at Food Inc.:
1. Drink fewer sodas and other sweetened beverages. If you replace one 20 oz soda a day with a no calorie beverage (preferably water,) you could lose 25 lbs in one year, and you can also replace that drink with other nutrient-packed drinks like veggie juices, probiotic drinks like kombucha, and lime-water that will quench your thirst and help balance your pH levels. Read More…
I was shopping at Whole Foods the other day and while waiting in line, someone asked me something I thought people who shopped at this type of establishment would already know: “Why organic?”
As my produce, soy butter, cereal, bread, cinnamon and non-dairy milk were all organic, I guess the person behind me wanted to know why it was that someone only bought what to many was just “the more expensive stuff”. “Isn’t it the same thing?”
Absolutely NOT. Read More…
Environmental and health-conscious consumers know that eating local organic foods means supporting sustainable farming, giving your body the best nutrient-dense produce, and contributing to the reduction of the pollution in our planet caused by excessive food travel and packaging.
There is a wonderful program to help you do this. It’s open to everyone who wants to participate, and its called Community Sponsored Agriculture (CSA). Basically, for $300-$500 per season ($100 or so per month) you receive a weekly box of their fresh organic produce. In a box you can find a variety of fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs – all from the current season. Some farms in the program allow you to buy per week for as low as $15 a box. This is an option to see what amount would work for you. Every farm differs in the produce they grow, what their price is and the kinds of payment options you have, so you may want to call them and ask them for details on the program and the type of produce. Also, remember to thank them for growing certified organic crops that really nourish our bodies! Read More…
