Sometimes called the “dirty dozen,” there are twelve fruits and vegetables that are the most contaminated by pesticides and/or fungicides. Here is a list of the most contaminated produce in loosely descending order and the pesticides used on them.

1. Bell Peppers

Of vegetables contaminated with neurotoxic pesticides, bell peppers came out the winner (or loser, depending on how you look at it). They have a higher level of such neurological toxins than any other crop that has been tested. Read the rest of this entry

Going back to school means hitting the retail stores and stocking up on all kinds of stuff, right? Well, maybe it means that for some, but the eco-conscious are looking for ways to go green when they get ready to go back to school.

1. The Lunchbox

Remember your lunchbox as a kid? Was it festooned with Star Wars characters, Rainbow Brite, Smurfs, or Superman? Well, times have changed but the principle has not – lunchboxes reduce waste. Go for a used one at an antique store for a retro look, or invest in a reusable cooler bag. Thermoses are still great for transporting drinks and soup. Don’t forget the cloth napkin and reusable flatware. Read the rest of this entry

Breast milk is absolutely amazing stuff. It can’t be duplicated in formulas, and it has components whose relevance modern science has still not figured out. You may have heard that breast milk is healthy for your baby, but did you know it could also heal?

Breast milk has antibacterial properties. Thus, it can be applied to various types of topical and even internal infections. Here are some things to think about regarding the healing power of breast milk. Read the rest of this entry

Men and post-menopausal women need about 10 milligrams of iron daily, and pre-menopausal women need 15 milligrams. It’s not a large number, but it is an important mineral.

There are two basic sources of iron: heme and non-heme. “Heme” sources are those of animal origin. “Non-heme” refers to vegetable sources of iron. Some experts say that the iron in vegetables and fruits is not as easily absorbed by the body.

Here are two lists of the top sources of iron – a list of ten heme sources and ten non-heme sources. Read the rest of this entry

Health professionals emphasize the importance of calcium in our diets, especially for women. There are good reasons for this emphasis – calcium is essential for strong bones (especially in post-menopausal women), proper muscle and nerve function, and proper blood clotting. Food sources are best for obtaining this mineral. Supplements may not be “bioavailable,” or easily absorbed by the body.

Adult men and pre-menopausal women need about 1000 milligrams of calcium a day, and women need about 1200 milligrams after menopause. Here are ten of the top foods that are good sources of calcium. Read the rest of this entry