Metals that have a specific density (five times heavier than water) are classified as “heavy,” and are associated with toxicity. Unfortunately, heavy metals are often found in foods we commonly consume. First, let’s take a look at the more prevalent heavy metals and their dietary sources. Then we’ll look at how to lessen your exposure. Read the rest of this entry

The art of traveling green is becoming more popular these days, and thanks to growing awareness, it is becoming more feasible as well. There are a lot of things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint when you travel. Here are some ideas for reducing waste and traveling green. Read the rest of this entry

Seeds are often included with nuts in nutritional analysis, and in fact, a nut is the seed of a tree. However, those foods generally accepted as seeds and called such include flax, sesame, pumpkin, hemp, and sunflower.

Each seed contains the potential life of a plant, so a lot of energy and nutrition is packed into these tiny, crunchy foods. They are full of nutrients, fiber and healthy fats in varying proportions. Here is a list of some of the commonly available seeds and their nutritional value and potential health benefits. Read the rest of this entry

Escherichia coli, or E. coli, is a bacteria that, when ingested by humans, can cause abdominal cramps, bloody diarrhea and, in extreme cases, convulsions, paralysis and even death. While not all E. coli bacteria are harmful, the harmful variety is found in the intestinal tracts of even healthy beef and dairy cattle.

During the slaughtering process, the bacteria can get mixed into the meat when intestinal contents – i.e., fecal matter – come in contact with the meat. Fecal matter can also come into contact with the meat when the hides of beef cattle, often smeared with feces, are not cut away from the carcass carefully. Read the rest of this entry

There are all kinds of interesting, unusual dishes you can make with the pumpkins you used for autumn decorations. Think outside the pie! Here are some recipes. Read the rest of this entry