EWG’s 2013 Guide to Pesticides in Produce

Photo Credit: Environmental Working Group

Source: Environmental Working Group

Eat fruits and vegetables!

The health benefits of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables outweigh the risks of pesticide exposure. Use EWG’s Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides™ to reduce your exposures as much as possible, but eating conventionally-grown produce is far better than not eating fruits and vegetables at all. The Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™ will help you determine which fruits and vegetables have the most pesticide residues and are the most important to buy organic. You can lower your pesticide intake by avoiding the 12 most contaminated fruits and vegetables and choosing the least contaminated produce.

For the second year, we have expanded the Dirty Dozen™ with a Plus category to highlight two crops – domestically-grown summer squash and leafy greens, specifically kale and collards. These crops did not meet traditional Dirty Dozen™ criteria but were commonly contaminated with pesticides exceptionally toxic to the nervous system.

Though the Environmental Protection Agency has been restricting the uses of the most toxic pesticides, they are still detected on some foods. For example, green beans were on last year’s Plus list because they were often contaminated with two highly toxic organophosphates. Those pesticides are being withdrawn from agriculture. But leafy greens still show residues of organophosphates and other risky pesticides. That’s why they are on the Plus list for 2013.

Tests in 2008 found that some domestically-grown summer squash – zucchini and yellow crookneck squash — contained residues of harmful organochlorine pesticides that were phased out of agriculture in the 1970s and 1980s but that linger on some farm fields.

Genetically modified plants, or GMOs, are not often found in the produce section of grocery stores. Field corn, nearly all of which is produced with genetically modified seeds, is used to make tortillas, chips, corn syrup, animal feed and biofuels. Because it is not sold as a fresh vegetable, it is not included in EWG’s Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce. Nor is soy, another heavily GMO crop that makes its way into processed food.

The genetically modified crops likely to be found in produce aisles of American supermarkets are zucchini, Hawaiian papaya and some varieties of sweet corn. Most Hawaiian papaya is a GMO. Only a small fraction of zucchini and sweet corn are GMO. Since U.S. law does not require labeling of GMO produce, EWG advises people who want to avoid it to purchase the organically-grown versions of these items.

Finding Healthier Food

People don’t want to consume pesticides with their food and water. The most recent government pesticide tests establish the widespread presence of pesticide residues on conventionally-grown fruits and vegetables and in tap water. Even more disconcertingly, government scientists tested three popular types of baby food and found pears and green bean samples contaminated with fungicides and bug killers.

In government tests analyzed by the Environmental Working Group, detectable pesticide residues were found on 67 percent of food samples after they had been washed or peeled. We found striking differences between the number of pesticides and amount of residues detected on Dirty Dozen Plus™ and Clean Fifteen™ foods.

To continue reading these valuable resources and to view the shoppers guide click here. 

Toxic Flouride – Know the Facts

Today I want to share a film that you must watch if the use of fluoride concerns you.  As I mentioned back in 2010, please, please don’t give your little ones water with fluoride.  Use a natural toothpaste that does not contain fluoride and if possible get a good filtering system in your home to avoid fluoride in your cooking and drinking water.

I shared a post about fluoride back in 2010 which contains some very important facts and videos on the toxicity of fluoride.  You can see the post by clicking below.
Health News: Stay away from Fluoride

Please share with others!
Remember to live your life as a gift and then give that gift away everyday!

Blessings,
LCO

A Must Have in Every Home – Grapefruit Seed Extract – Antiviral, Antibacterial & Anti-fungal Remedy

(Photo credit: Heather Quintal)

Few remedies can be used for various ailments and applications without adding other components.  Grapefruit seed extract is one of those all in one toxic free solutions that can be used internally, externally and as a potent cleaner and disinfectant.
For those traveling internationally its an amazing solution for treating water and leafy greens that can produce infections and diarrhea in those with sensitive stomachs.  In most cases just 6-10 drops in an 8 ounce glass of water will do the trick.

“Grapefruit Seed Extract is associated with the following potential health benefits:

• Powerful natural antiseptic.
• Antiviral and anti-fungal agent.
• Possible anti-cancer properties.
• Promotes the healing of wounds and scar tissue.
• Possible cholesterol-lowering properties due to the presence of the flavanoid naringin (a well-known plasma lipid reducer and plasma antioxidant activator).
• Excellent remedy for toenail fungal infections.
• Treatment for sinus, vaginal and topical skin infections.
• Evironmentally-friendly fruit and vegetable wash for removing toxins.
• Effective preventative for Candida and other forms of yeast infection.
• Inhibits the formation of harmful intestinal organisms, including Giardia, without reducing levels of healthy bowel flora.
• Acts as a natural preservative for cosmetics.
• Can replace chlorine in swimming pools, public baths, water and sewage treatment centers, and it also used as a general water-purifying mechanism.
• May reduce chances of developing coronary heart disease in high-risk patients due to high pectin content in Grapefruit seed extract.
• Possible anti-biotic activity.
• Aids to alkalize the body, and is one of the world’s most alkaline forming foods, helping to stabilize acidic pH levels, a central component for health rejuvenation.
• Great general immune system booster.A study from The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that grapefruit-seed extract was effective in killing over “800 bacterial and viral strains, 100 strains of fungus, and a large number of single and multi-celled parasites.”² No other naturally-occuring anti-microbial can come close to these results.”
  Source: Global Healing Center

Nutribiotic is one the most popular companies that manufactures GSE drops.  Here are the uses listed on their website:

INTERNAL USE (always dilute)

Orally. Suggested Use: 5-15 drops mixed in 5 oz. of water or juice, 2-3 times daily, with or without meals (or take 1 NutriBiotic CapsulesPlus or Tablet 3 times daily). Children (under 10 years): 1-6 drops mixed in 5 oz. juice, 2-3 times daily. Do not use full strength in mouth.

Dental rinse. (for healthy gums and fresh breath) Stir 3 drops of NutriBiotic GSE into 2 oz. or more of water. Vigorously swish a small amount of the water for 10 seconds or more, 1-2 times daily. Also a perfect additive for Waterpik™-type units. Add 3-4 drops to the water reservoir. Always dilute.

Throat gargle. Stir 3 drops of NutriBiotic GSE into a small (3 oz. or more) glass of water. Gargle several times. Use as often as needed. Always dilute.

Ear rinse. Thoroughly mix 4-10 drops of NutriBiotic GSE with 1 oz. of glycerin or alcohol. Apply 1-2 drops of this solution in affected ear 1-2 times daily. Use as often as needed. Do not use full strength in ears.

Nasal rinse. Mix 1 drop of NutriBiotic GSE with 2 oz. of water. With your head tilted back, fill each nostril with a full eye dropper’s worth of the mixed solution. Swing head forward and down (head is now upside down) to force solution up into nasal passages. Return head to the normal upright position and allow nasal passages to drain. Do not inhale through the nose. Always dilute.

Vaginal rinse. Mix 5-10 drops of NutriBiotic GSE in 6-8 oz. of water. Douche once daily for one week. Douche more often if desired. Always dilute.

EXTERNAL USE
(always dilute)

Facial cleanser. Thoroughly moisten (splash) face with warm or cool water. With hands still wet, apply 2-3 drops of NutriBiotic to fingertips and gently massage facial area with circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with cool water and pat dry. A tingling sensation may follow. This is an indication of the deep cleansing properties of NutriBiotic. Always dilute.

Skin rinse. (minor skin irritations) Dilute NutriBiotic GSE with water (5-10 drops/tablespoon). Apply this solution directly to affected area twice daily. Do not use full strength on skin.

Nail treatment. Dilute NutriBiotic GSE with water or alcohol (5-10 drops/tablespoon). Apply this solution directly on surface of nail along the cuticle and underneath the front of nail, or soak nails, twice daily for as long as desired. Do not use full strength on nails.

Scalp treatment. Add 5-10 drops of NutriBiotic GSE to each shampooing (mix in hand or on head with shampoo). Massage into scalp and leave on for at least 2 minutes. Rinse off thoroughly with water.

HOUSEHOLD USE

Toothbrush cleaner. Stir 5-10 drops of NutriBiotic GSE into a glass of water. Submerge toothbrush for 15 minutes (or leave in between uses). Rinse toothbrush before using. Change water and remix every few days.

Vegetable/fruit or meat/poultry wash. Sink washing: Add 30 drops of NutriBiotic GSE to a sink full of cold water. Briefly soak any vegetables, fruit, meat, or poultry. Spray washing: Add 20 or more drops of NutriBiotic to a 32 oz. pump sprayer filled with water. Spray on any vegetables, fruit, meat, or poultry.

Dish and utensil cleaning additive. Add 15-30 drops of NutriBiotic GSE to sink dishwashing water or to final rinse. Add 15-30 drops to automatic dishwasher with detergent or to final rinse.

Cutting board cleaner. Apply 10-20 drops of NutriBiotic GSE to cutting board and work into entire board with a wet sponge or dish cloth. Leave on for at least 30 minutes. Rinse with water.

All-purpose cleaner. Add 30-60 drops of NutriBiotic GSE to any 32 oz. pump sprayer filled with water or cleanser. Use on all surfaces around the house.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT GSE

Why would I want to use this product?

As a natural, non-toxic compound, our GSE liquid concentrate has many uses. Internally, the concentrate is useful as a supportive treatment for a wide variety of ailments, including Candida infections, sore throats, and intestinal upset.

How can the product be non-toxic if it is so potent?

Extensive testing by independent laboratories and universities around the world has proven the concentrate to be safe for human consumption. It is effective against pathogens because it belongs to a family of compounds known as quaternary compounds. This family is best known for benzylkonium chloride and benzylthonium chloride, as well as the infamous quaternium group, a very toxic antimicrobial preservative used in the cosmetics industry. While grapefruit seed extract is molecularly similar to these compounds, there are some profound differences in structure and function. Studies to date indicate that there is little danger from either short-term or long-term internal use.

What is the pH of this product?

The concentrate is about a 2.2 — very acidic. This is why we recommend that you dilute it before use. We do not know if the product becomes alkaline when ingested the way orange juice and other citrus foods do.

Is this product safe for use with children?

Yes. The extract is frequently used in pediatric medicine in applications for diaper rash, ear infections, abrasions, etc. Common sense dictates using very diluted solution on an infant.

What about using it for my pets?

Since the concentrate is safe for consumption, it is well-suited for animal uses. The extract can be added to an animal’s water or food.

What about the “grapefruit juice effect”?

There is a phenomenon known as the “grapefruit juice effect”. Two components found in grapefruit juice, naringin and naringenin**, inhibit production of an enzyme in the intestinal tract, thus increasing the rate of absorption for certain classes of drugs (including some antihistamines, birth control pills, anti-epilepsy medications, and some antibiotics).

In some instances, as in low-dose birth control pills and some uses of antibiotics, this can be favorable because the net result is more efficacy, less drug. In other cases, especially for anti-seizure medicines, blood levels need to be monitored and maintained very carefully. The customer would be well-advised to check with his doctor or pharmacist to see if there is any interaction between his medication and the naringin and naringenin**.

**NOTE: NutriBiotic GSE contains only 0.1% of these compounds.

Is there anything I can’t use the concentrate for?

We do not recommend using it in your eyes, even in a dilute form. We also advise users to dilute the extract before use. If you place a drop of the product on your tongue, it will burn. Sensitive skin areas also will end up with an unpleasant irritation if the concentrate is used full-strength.

GSE LIQUID CONCENTRATE INGREDIENTS

Vegetable Glycerin (67%). Inert substance derived from palm and coconut. Used as a carrier for the active ingredient. We use only food-grade vegetable glycerin that tests free of pesticide residues.

Citricidal (33%). Extract of the pulp, seed, and inner rind of grapefruit. The raw material goes through a multi-stage patented process.

You can purchase GSE at your local healthfood store or online.

Lowering Cholesterol Naturally – Plus Important Test to Determine Risk of Heart Disease

Spacefill model of the Cholesterol molecule (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Today I was speaking to a friend of mine who is dealing with Cholesterol issues and she wanted to know how to naturally maintain healthy cholesterol levels.  Patricia, this is for you and for everybody wanting to regulate cholesterol levels.

First off there are a few things you must know about Cholesterol.
For starters, did you know that over 70 percent of your cholesterol is produced by your liver?  Your liver in turn is affected by your insulin levels which can cause health issues in people whose insulin levels are not optimal.
A great way to maintain healthy Cholesterol levels is to perfect your body’s good insulin levels, by doing so you will help your body naturally regulate your cholesterol.  Your holistic practitioner or family doctor will be able to test you and discuss if your insulin levels are off.

Another important piece of information surfaced about 10 years ago but still many patients and doctors do not take it into consideration.  Research has shown that the size of your LDL particles puts you at greater risk for heart disease and heart attack.
“Everybody agrees that patients with a preponderance of small LDL particles are at significantly greater risk for heart disease,” says Dr. K. Lance Gould, a cardiologist at the University of Texas Medical School in Houston.
There is a simple test that can be done to determine the size of your cholesterol particles.  This test is called a subfraction analysis and can cost anywhere from $300 to $600 in the US.  Most insurance companies do not cover the cost of this test unless the patient already suffers from heart disease.  However in other countries around the world, the cost for this test is significantly less.  In Ecuador for example, at a private clinic the test may cost you around $30-$75 US dollars.  So if you are planning a vacation to a country outside of the US you should research with the local department of health or private facilities to find out where you can have the test done.

Another important factor in maintaining healthy cholesterol is diet and exercise. Regarding exercise, a brisk walk for 20-30 minutes several times a week is ideal.   Below are a few important foods and supplements that are used around the world to help lower bad cholesterol.
Organic Unrefined Hemp Seed Oil – I recommend the brand Nutiva. 
Raw Almonds – I recommend the ones available on Blue Mountain Organics
Daily Soluble Fiber – In your vegetables and legumes, organic is preferred
Leafy Greens Especially Collard leaves – In salads and smoothies, organic is preferred
Raw Foods – Organic is preferred
Garlic - Organic is preferred

As a last resort if you must take statin drugs there is a natural alternative that does not carry the side effects that statin drugs do.  The supplement is Organic Red Yeast Rice extract.  However, just like statin drugs, Red Yeast Extract also lowers your levels of Coenzyme Q10 which is necessary for proper functioning of the muscles and the cardiovascular system.  So if you are thinking about taking Red Yeast Rice its imperative you supplement with a high quality Coenzyme Q10 like the only available through Garden of Life.  Many doctors are starting to recommend Red Yeast Rice extract as a safer alternative to normal statin drugs, but keep in mind it acts the same minus the side effects so it should be left as a final approach.

Finally, if you are looking for a place to shop for the above mentioned supplements online, Vitacost is a great site to purchase organic and natural foods and supplements.  They ship to many countries around the world and shipping in the US is often free with a small order.  For a $10 coupon on your first purchase from Vitacost click here.

Related articles:

The ONE Number That May Best Predict Your Risk of Sudden Death
See How Insulin Resistance Interferes With Your Normal Levels of Cholesterol
Hemp Oil Good for So many Things
7 Tips To Fix your Cholesterol Without Medication

 

Healing Cancer Naturally – Related Posts, Videos & Resources

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It does not matter who you speak to these days.  Everyone is dealing with some sort of cancer either directly or indirectly.  Cancer has become the wicked Green Goblin of our world and its poison is slowly destroying the lives of millions of people.  Today I spoke to someone who has a relative who is fairly young and was diagnosed with liver cancer and has lost all hope.
Almost every week I hear of more cases of terminal cancer.  Unfortunately there is a huge debate in the US and abroad about diet and how it can aid the human body during cancer.
Traditional medicine does not acknowledge in most cases, that food can help aid a person’s body in the recovery of cancer.  However; the belief that certain foods, herbs and diet changes can help win the battle against cancer is no strange fable.

Today I wanted to share ICureCancer.com, a documentary film that I heard about via Chris Wark.  Chris also interviewed the producer of the film, you can hear the interview here.
This documentary was made to tell the stories of people who won the battle of cancer on their own. These people used natural means to help them recover.  Simple things like Raw Hemp Seed Oil and consuming a diet high in alkaline foods can make the world of difference to someone who is sick.  The documentary covers many success stories that deserve an audience.

Another fantastic film I have spoken about in the past is Cut Poison Burn.

For books on cancer from a natural perspective please click here.
For a list of medical professionals and practitioners who treat cancer naturally please click here.
For more resources, videos and articles on cancer please click here. 

God Bless You and Yours!
La Chica Organica