Smart phone app ‘Fooducate’ could be the beginning of the end of GMO
by S.D. Wells
Natural News
April 19, 2013
(NaturalNews) One of the biggest obstacles holding people back from eating healthy is easy access to resourceful information, about chemicals in foods, or natural remedies and supplements, and about new choices to make right at the store. If only technology made something for your phone, so you could scan every product’s barcode and get a quick, reliable summary of what you’re really getting. For instance, is it GMO? Does it contain gluten? Am I allergic to the ingredients? Guess what? The smart phone app already exists, and has been around for a few years, but hardly anyone knows about it. That’s all about to change. (http://www.fooducate.com/).
Planet Earth is chock full of natural resources, foods that heal the body, herbs and mushrooms that build immunity, extracts and seed oils that cure diseases, and if no food scientists ever took any of it into a lab and cooked it with chemicals, there would be far less disease and disorder, far less obesity and cancer, and far less of a need need to put a HUGE filter on everything you consider purchasing. (http://store.naturalnews.com/Superfoods_c_4.html)
Not everyone has a smart phone, but millions now do. If you are not one of those fortunate owners of a smart phone, you may want to bring a friend or loved one along with you who has one, and bring them with you to every store where you buy food. You see, most people (besides NaturalNews enthusiasts) do not read articles every day about chemicals in foods and food “agents” that destroy your health. Most people do not do any research at all about what they ingest; they just ask a few questions here and there and maybe look it up on the dreaded WebMD or even worse, they watch The Doctors show or Doctor Oz on TV and believe everything they see and hear. But consider this: if a TV show, or an on-line allopathic reference, or some magazine runs pharmaceutical advertising for their revenue, then they will lie to you about food and nutrition, or they face consequences of losing all their “sponsors” and their “big bucks” from advertising toxic medications. (http://www.naturalnews.com)
You see, those “resources” can only dabble in actual “good health advice” because they want you to believe everything else they print or cover is the truth, but it is not. It’s just the opposite. (http://www.seedsofdeception.com/)
Remember the old saying, “Let your fingers do the walking?” In other words, let your fingers do the research, if you don’t have the time or energy. The smart phone app will uncover the lies, the food toxins, the food criminals, and expose them, right on the spot! If you read labels at all, you can read the Fooducate app even easier. Now you don’t have to try to figure out what all those long crazy words or ingredients mean that you can’t even pronounce, and you will know whether they include GMOs, pesticide, insecticide, herbicide, or toxic food coloring, aluminum (heavy metals), gluten, MSG, Aspartame, or other cancer-causing, heart attack-breeding junk that’s put in our “natural” food. Even organic foods can be checked for a rating, so you can make a fast judgment call as to whether or not you want the ingredients of a particular product to get past your “body guards” and enter the temple of your soul.
Scan the bar codes of everything you consider buying and eating!
• Find out what is GMO or is Non-GMO in seconds!
• Find out if something is vegan, vegetarian and organic – instantly!
• Filter out wheat, gluten, food colorings and food allergens!
• Get a quick calorie count and fat content (the good and bad fats)!
Just go to the “play store” on your smart phone under applications and search for Fooducate or click on the link in this article. No more excuses. It’s time to heal your body and launch yourself into the natural and organic world of energy, vitality and longevity. Educate yourself. “Fooducate” yourself right now! Realize that because of huge corporations, the United States sells the most toxic food in the world. You can put guards at your gates by getting the FREE smart phone food app. Don’t waste time wondering what you’re eating ever again, just scan the bar code, read a short description and look at the rating it gets. Fooducate grades (rates) foods and beverages on a scale from A to D. There are 10 distinct grades: A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+ and D. These grades are based on nutrition, ingredients, and processing (if any). Fooducate also accepts feedback if you disagree with their rating.
It’s “kill or be killed” when it comes to GMO
Take the “die” out of your diet right now! Get the bug killer and weed killer out of your food. Do not buy PESTICIDE FOOD. You can “kill” disease before it starts killing you. Never let it into your system in the first place. Protect your cells so they won’t mutate. Basically, if you filter out GMO from every shopping experience, you will be filtering the chemicals Big Food is putting in vegetable seeds and on weeds, all which cause cancer in humans. The long-term research is in, so it is reliable and scary. Pay attention. Get the app and scan the bar codes. It’s that simple. You can search for bleach, ammonia, MSG, Aspartame, and lots of other major food criminals! Fooducate is getting 5 star reviews! (http://www.seedsofdeception.com/)
The best part of the Fooducate app is that it gives concise explanations along with a grading system developed by scientists, dietitians and concerned parents. I believe that if everyone started scanning bar codes with the Fooducate app and used the GMO/non-GMO indicator, there could be a wave of millions of people who avoid GMO entirely in the near future, and maybe, just maybe, we could put an end to GMO altogether (http://www.fooducate.com/).
Sources for this article include:
http://www.seedsofdeception.com/
http://www.seedsofdeception.com/
http://blog.fooducate.com/about-2/product-grading/
Catnip: Growing Your Own Medicine
by Elizabeth Renter
Natural Society
April 14, 2013
When you think of catnip (Nepeta cataria), you may picture a kitty rolling around in a blissful, abnormal state. But this plant is so much more than a cat’s version of cannabis – it’s a powerful healer for humans too. And because it’s part of the Lamiaceae (mint) family, it’s exceptionally easy to grow!
Also known as catswort, catmint, and sometimes called catnep, catnip is native to Europe and parts of Asia, but is now grown all over the globe. The plant looks similar to other mints, with bright green and coarse-toothed leaves. The flowers of the catnip plant tend to be white with pale purple or pink spots.
History and Lore of Catnip
Before the arrival of Chinese teas, Europeans often used catnip to make their favorite decoctions. Historically, it wasn’t only cats who got a sort of buzz from the plant, it was documented that people too experienced interesting moods when eating catnip. In one story, it is said that an executioner self-medicated with the herb in order to give himself the courage needed to carry out his daily hangings.
The healing properties of the plant have long been recognized as well—being used as everything from a sedative for children to seemingly contradictory use as a energy-enhancing herb for adults.
Medicinal Uses of Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
Though there are varying accounts of how catnip can be used to influence moods, it’s largely recognized as more of a relaxant than a stimulant. Catnip tea is said to help reduce stress and promote sleep.
The essential oil of catnip includes something called nepetalactone, which is credited with many of its benefits. The plant is said to offer anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antimicrobial and antiviral benefits.
Other potential medicinal uses include:
- Stomach ailments including colic, nausea, and motion sickness
- Arthritis and exertion pain
- Fever reducing
- Anxiety and nervousness treatment
- Headaches
- Sleep disorders
- Amenorrhea
Additional Uses
Some of the most prominent research on catnip is related to its use as an insect repellant. Cockroaches, mosquitoes, and flies are said to be repelled by nepetalactone, present in its oils. Iowa State University researchers found it to be 10 times more effective at repelling mosquitos than DEET (commonly used in traditional bug sprays). It was 100 times more effective at repelling cockroaches There is similar evidence that it can effectively kill flies.
Additionally, the plant could also be used as a natural preservative agent due to harnessing antimicrobial properties.
Growing Catnip
Like other mints, such as peppermint, catnip is fairly easy to grow. But, also like other mints, it will grow and grow and grow, taking over the area if allowed. For this reason, it might be best to use a pot for planting your catnip.
You can start growing it from seed indoors in the springtime, moving it outside when temperatures get warm. Alternately, you can keep it indoors for year-round growing as long as you have a window that gets six good hours of sunlight each day.
Outside, they like a lot of light, so keep that in mind when deciding where to place them. To ensure optimal growth and overall health of the plant, keep it evenly moist throughout the summer.
Not surprisingly, neighborhood cats may be drawn to the catnip, so cover it if you don’t want them rubbing on it, rolling in it, or chewing on it. However, if you don’t mind a sort-of feline lounge environment, grow some just for the kitties.
Trim back the flowers to encourage a full, healthy plant with lots of new growth.
Harvesting and Use
Harvest catnip as needed, trimming a stem down to the base or right above a leaf joint to facilitate more growth. The leaves can be used fresh or dried, though air-drying is the best method if you want to preserve your catnip.
A tea is the most common way to get the benefits of catnip. Use 1 to 2 tsp. of dried catnip leaves (more if using fresh) per cup of boiled water. Allow to steep for 10 minutes before enjoying.
Additional Sources:
Top 10 Herbs for Memory
Top 10 Herbs For Memory image to repin / share
Herbs background pic © Africa Studio – Fotolia.com #34744482
Many people associate memory loss with ageing. But whether it’s occasional forgetfulness or loss of short-term memory, one must be aware that there are specific factors that can cause it even at a young age instead of simply attributing memory loss to a natural decline in cognitive functioning. These causes include alcohol, drug or tobacco abuse, certain medications, sleeplessness, stress and depression, nutritional deficiency, head injury, stroke and dementia. [1]
Top 10 Herbs For Memory
Gingko Biloba
There is a reason why gingko biloba supplements are one of the most popular herbal medications in Europe and America. Among its many therapeutic benefits, gingko biloba’s power to enhance memory stands out. In particular, scientific studies discovered gingko’s potency to aid memory and thinking of those with Alzheimer’s or vascular dementia by protecting nerve cells damaged by these disorders to improve learning, daily activities, social behaviour and reduce feelings of depression. [2] Laboratory tests further show gingko biloba’s value in improving blood circulation along the central nervous system to promote overall brain development and functioning. [3]
The mechanism behind gingko leaves is due to the presence of two types of chemicals, flavonoids and terpenoids, which contain antioxidants to combat free radicals that contribute to health disorders like Alzheimer’s and dementia. Studies confirming gingko’s effectiveness to enhance memory in older adults continue to be promising. [2]
Ginseng
Lab trials have demonstrated how ginseng appears effective for memory impairment. Among mice given dosages of ginseng extracts, remarkable improvements in water maze tasks were exhibited and ginseng was shown to activate neurotransmitter activities that promote memory enhancement. [4]
“American Dream”: Food loaded into Dumpsters while Hundreds of Hungry Americans Restrained by Police
by Sarah Carlson
Global Research
April 5, 2013
Hundreds of poor people waiting outside of a closed grocery store for the possibility of getting the remaining food is not the picture of the “American Dream.” Yet on March 23, outside the Laney Walker Supermarket in Augusta, Ga., that is exactly what happened.
Residents filled the parking lot with bags and baskets hoping to get some of the baby food, canned goods, noodles and other non-perishables. But a local church never came to pick up the food, as the storeowner prior to the eviction said they had arranged. By the time the people showed up for the food, what was left inside the premises—as with any eviction—came into the ownership of the property holder, SunTrust Bank.
The bank ordered the food to be loaded into dumpsters and hauled to a landfill instead of distributed. The people that gathered had to be restrained by police as they saw perfectly good food destroyed. Local Sheriff Richard Roundtree told the news “a potential for a riot was extremely high.”
“People got children out here that are hungry, thirsty,” local resident Robertstine Lambert told Fox54 in Augusta. “Why throw it away when you could be issuing it out?”
SunTrust bank is trying to confuse the issue and not take direct responsibility for their actions. Their media relations officer Mike McCoy, stated, “We are working with store suppliers as well as law enforcement to dispose of the remaining contents of the store and secure the building.” Yet he also said that the food never belonged to SunTrust Bank.
There is no need to sugar coat what happened. Teresa Russell, chief deputy of the Marshal’s Office in Richmond County, said the owner of the building ordered that the food be taken to the landfill. Some people even followed the truck to the landfill and were still turned away.
In Richmond County, there are about 20 evictions per day, and the area surrounding the supermarket is one of the poorest in the state. According to the last available data, the poverty rate is 41 percent. Many people in that parking lot probably knew all too well how evictions work, and were in desperate need of the food assistance.
Do Grains Deserve a Spot in any Food Pyramid?
by Elizabeth Renter
Natural Society
March 30, 2013
We live in a society that takes extreme turns in regards to popular food opinions. We go from embracing whole grain everything to vilifying all grains. We go from no one even knowing what celiac disease is to everyone claiming a gluten sensitivity. Ten years ago, finding a product labeled “gluten free” on your grocery store shelf would be an exercise in futility. Now, they are everywhere. There are countless books on the dangers of wheat and grains in general, but is this fear of grains justified or is it just another trend?
Currently, the USDA recommends several servings of grains each day. Back when they had a food pyramid, the daily serving amount to aim for was 6 to 11. Now, it’s customized to gender and age. But we have to look at what’s motivating this end-all recommendation (it’s not just your health). The government functions, in part, on the backs of industry funds. Ag-lobbyists work tirelessly to ensure the grain producers benefit as much as possible from government funding and recommendations. To believe that bias plays no role in these recommendations would be remiss.
In the arguments for and against grains, we have many who are of the belief that grains are a necessary component of the modern diet. But the human diet has only included grains as a mainstay for an estimated 10,000 years. Before that, we were largely hunter-gatherers and though we may have munched on grain-like plants, we didn’t produce them on a large scale and therefore the consumption was limited.
Many of those who argue that grains are bad say the human body has not evolved to digest these substances properly. That because modern agriculture only arose 10,000 years ago, our bodies are still optimized for the digestion of meats and natural plant-parts (leaves, roots, nuts, etc.).
There is little arguing that grains do have negative points. They can increase blood sugar and potentially lead to insulin resistance. Over-consumption of grains has also been linked to obesity and leptin resistance. And for those who say grains provide necessary fiber—soluble plant fiber like that found in fruits and vegetables is far superior to the insoluble type in grains.
A word of caution: anything with a “gluten-free” label should be closely scrutinized. Any label indicates processing and the ingredients used in place of wheat gluten are often no better.
As with most things in this age of information, you will find legitimate arguments for grains and legitimate arguments against. As a conscientious consumer of this information (and food), it’s up to you to make the healthiest decision for yourself. Generally, those who turn away from grains in favor of more vegetables and fruit experience benefits like lowered blood sugar, increased mental clarity, improved digestion, and even weight loss. But for some, omitting grains completely can be a difficult challenge.
For our readers, have you bought into the gluten-free craze or have you given up on grains in favor of other foods? What’s your take on the grain-free movement?
“Got Milk” campaign a fraud – 10 better sources of calcium
by Lance Johnson
Natural News
March 23, 2013
(NaturalNews) The dairy industry advertises pasteurized milk as the giver of strong bones and teeth. This can be observed by watching the numerous “Got Milk” commercials on the television. As celebrities show off their white mustaches, parents and their children are led to believe that pasteurized milk makes them strong and athletic. They are taught that milk will prevent bone decay, but the opposite is true. Behind the white smiles and strong promises is a pasteurized milk product that is void of enzymes, lacking real calcium that can be utilized by the human body. In fact, calves that are fed pasteurized milk die before maturity. What then, is pasteurized milk capable of doing to the human body?
Government commodity boards promote pasteurized milk
Governments set up Commodity Promotions Boards that tax specific product purchases. These boards use the revenue from these purchases to promote those same products. The “Got Milk?” campaign is one of those advertisements.
In essence, the government taxes milk producers to pay for milk advertisements. The milk producers don’t necessarily pay this tax: this tax is passed on to the consumers. A vicious circle of government taxation ensues. Taxes are used to pay for advertisements. Those advertisements are used to coerce the masses to pay for the very products that are taxing them, and destroying their health simultaneously.
The truth about pasteurized milk
The truth is: the human body has a hard time digesting pasteurized milk. When milk is pasteurized, its protein molecules – the casein – are changed. This strains the pancreas, forcing it to produce its own digestive enzymes to break the molecules down. This helps explain why many people develop milk allergies.
Like any enzyme-void food, pasteurized milk puts an enormous strain on the body’s digestive function. Those with milk intolerance, a leaky gut, or poor digestion, pass the casein through the intestinal walls and into the blood stream. This excites many allergies, including autoimmune disorders.
The lost enzymes in milk, heated and destroyed through the pasteurization process, were designed to help the body break down nutrients like calcium. Without essential enzymes, calcium cannot be utilized; thus, the calcium passes out the body, unused.
10 better sources of calcium
99 percent of calcium is stored in the bones and teeth, supporting structure and function. The other one percent of calcium is used for vascular contraction, vasodilation, muscle function, nerve transmission, intracellular signaling, and hormonal secretion. When the body lacks calcium, it robs stored calcium from the bone reserves. The following list contains 10 calcium sources that can be utilized by the human body.
Almonds – Dry roasted, made into butter, or made into milk, almonds are an excellent source of calcium, providing 27 percent of the daily value (DV) of calcium from every 22 almonds.
Herring – High in vitamin D, it aids in the absorption of calcium. Herring provides 11 percent DV per fillet.
Sesame seeds – Roasted or dried, sesame seeds provide calcium at nine percent of DV per tablespoon.
Raw turnip greens – Contain 10 percent DV in a cupful of chopped greens.
Brazil nuts – Provide 21 percent DV per cup.
Yogurt – Full of beneficial bacteria, yogurt provides 42 percent DV of calcium per eight ounces.
Flax seeds – Full of omega-3 fats, flax seeds provide calcium at 43 percent DV per cup.
Dandelion greens – Provide 10 percent DV per cup.
Kale – Provide nine percent DV per cup.
Mustard Greens – Provide six percent DV per cup.
Sources for this article include:
http://heritageaction.com
http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-HealthProfessional/
http://www.healthaliciousness.com
http://ezinearticles.com
About the author:
Lance Johnson, along with his wonderful wife Kender, are creating a natural products movement from the ground up: Free Spirit All Natural Products. As more hearts are pulling toward natural solutions in a world of toxins and propaganda, Lance wants to help others see the real health opportunities all around us. www.allnaturalfreespirit.com
He’s also a passionate writer who has self published two works of poetic writing that relate to the people, unmask the hiding, and challenge the status quo. He has more writing ideas within him, as health and freedom has become a major topic of interest within him.
Why you should eat lemon peels
Natural Cures Not Medicine
March 19, 2013
PN 