By Amy Bell •
February 21, 2009
Every year more than 500,000 people die from cancer in the United States alone.
Many researchers and cancer specialists believe that up to 60% of those deaths can be prevented if Americans adopt healthier lifestyles.
According to Rachael Stolzenberg-Solomon, a researcher at the National Cancer Institute,
“The easiest and least expensive way to reduce your risk for cancer is just by eating a healthy diet.”
Here is an overview of ten important cancer fighting foods to include in your diet on a regular basis:
By Amy Bell •
February 18, 2009
Most people are aware of at least a few of the problems associated with factory farming.
Anyone who has ever had the unfortunate experience of even being near one will tell you the smell alone is enough to make you instantly nauseated.
Aside from that, what are some of the other hazards of raising animals this way?
Here is a interesting list I’ve compiled of various pieces of information about this vile practice, and the impact it has on us and the environment:
By Amy Bell •
February 15, 2009
When researchers at Tufts University analyzed 60 fruits and vegetables for their antioxidant capacity, blueberries came out on top.
This wonderful little superfood is not only delicious, but also packed with phytonutrients that help neutralize free radical damage in the body.
Here is a simple and delicious recipe to help include more blueberries in your diet:
(This recipe is easily made vegan by substituting vegan margarine for the butter, soymilk for the milk, and making sure to use vegan sugar.)
By Amy Bell •
February 15, 2009
After writing my post earlier this month about genetically engineered ingredients and animal cloning, I was given the opportunity to speak with Lisa Bunin, Campaign Coordinator with the Center for Food Safety.
We spoke about some exciting new developments in the fight against genetically modified beet sugar.
On February 12, 2009 several food safety, environmental, and corporate watchdog groups launched the Non-Genetically Modified (GM) Beet Sugar Registry.
By Amy Bell •
February 11, 2009
Gooey melted cheese on pizza, a glass of cold milk with freshly baked cookies, ice cream on a hot summer day… who hasn’t at one time or another enjoyed something made from milk?
Dairy products are part of most American diets on a daily basis, but what is the health and environmental impact of this high demand for milk?
The production of much of the milk in this country is done in large scale-operations, some having thousands of cows.
That’s a lot of manure to be dealt with, this reduces the air quality (especially for people living near the dairy operation), and consistently finds its way into our rivers, streams, and groundwater.
By Amy Bell •
February 8, 2009
Once again it’s time for the National Audubon Society’s Annual Great Backyard Bird Count.
This event is in its 12th year, and for 2009 will be held February 13-16.
Over the four day period, birdwatchers count birds to create a real-time snapshot of where birds are across the continent.
People of all ages and birdwatching levels are invited to participate in this popular event, and what a great way to get children outside and take notice of the wonders of the natural world around them.
By Amy Bell •
February 6, 2009
The recent discovery that butterfly wings have tiny scales that act as solar collectors has led scientists in Japan and China to design a more efficient solar cell that could be used for power in the future.
Using natural butterfly wings as a template, the scientists were able to make copies of the solar collecting scales and transfer those to dye-sensitive solar cells.
By Amy Bell •
February 6, 2009
Catholic Healthcare West (CHW) is a San Francisco, CA based system of 41 hospitals and medical centers in California, Nevada, and Arizona.
This national leading Catholic hospital system is now leading the nation in more ways than one.
CHW has made the decision to use food suppliers who have agreed to seek out alternatives to foods made with genetically engineered (GE) ingredients or cloned animals.
Included in CHW’s new food policy is GE sugar beets, which just recently have been introduced into the nation’s food supply, as well as meat and dairy products from cloned animals, which the FDA has decided to allow.
By Amy Bell •
February 5, 2009
Kale has more nutritional value for fewer calories than almost any other food.
This superfood can be found in most grocery stores all year round, but is truly in season from the middle of winter to the first part of spring. During this time it tastes its best, and is most widely available.
Kale, (along with its relatives such as Brussels sprouts, collard greens, and cabbage) is full nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and E, fiber, calcium, manganese, and loaded with sulfur containing phytonutrients which have been shown to protect against many kinds of cancer including breast and ovarian.
Try adding kale to soups, casseroles, and salads… or whip up a batch of crunchy kale chips. They make a great guilt free snack the whole family will enjoy!
By Amy Bell •
February 1, 2009
Eco-anxiety: the growing anguish experienced by someone who can’t handle the thought that they are in any way contributing to global warming, species extinction, depleting natural resources, and the like.
Does this sound like you? If so, maybe it’s time to seek eco-therapy.
Some experts say all the worst-case scenario/gloom and doom type stories about the environment, which seem to be favored by the media, are taking a mental toll on some people.
Because of this, a new kind of therapy has been developed.
