Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, is the most commonly used herbicide in the world. Nearly 300 million pounds of Roundup is sprayed on U.S. farms every year. A small Indiana study found that more than 90 percent of pregnant women had glyphosate in their urine. They also found that higher concentrations of glyphosate correlate to earlier deliveries.

Researchers recruited 71 pregnant women in central Indiana. The women provided two urine samples and two drinking water samples from their homes and answered questions about what food and beverages they consume and the kind of stress they deal with, as well as where they lived. Researchers tested the water and urine samples for glyphosate. Then researchers divided women into four groups based on how much glyphosate was in their urine. Researchers later used medical records after birth to determine their pregnancy length.

The study found that 93 percent of the women had detectable glyphosate in their urine and those who lived in rural areas more glyphosate in their urine than the suburban residents did.

Related: Holistic Guide to Healing the Endocrine System and Balancing Our Hormones

The study also found that women who drank more than 24 ounces of caffeinated beverages daily had shown greater levels of glyphosate. The good news is that none of the drinking water samples had detectable glyphosate levels in them, but this looks like bad news for coffee addicts.

Only two of the women in the study gave birth prematurely, but researchers found that women with more glyphosate in their urine delivered earlier than women with less, on average. Glyphosate was not found to lead to correlate with low birth weight or head circumference.

It was mind-boggling that glyphosate was so prevalent in urine samples . . . but it was a pleasant surprise that none of the drinking water came out positive,” – Lead author Shahid Parvez

The link between caffeine intake and high glyphosate levels in urine surprised the researchers.

Related: Glyphosate Drenched Crops

It makes sense to us since there are many different food products imported from Southeast Asia and South America but we don’t know what they contain. It indicates a need to think about these food products, such as coffee beans and other drinks that we import.” – Parvez

Most of the women were white. The sample was small. The study is limited by its small size and lack of geographic and racial diversity.

More research needs to be done, but the precautions are common sense. Be vigilant and careful, especially those living in areas where corn and soybeans are grown.”

Related: Monsanto’s Glyphosate, Fatty Liver Disease Link Proven – Published, Peer-reviewed, Scrutinized Study

Sources:

• Glyphosate exposure in pregnancy and shortened gestational length: a prospective Indiana birth cohort study – Environmental Health Journal
• Heavily used herbicide tied to shorter pregnancies – ReutersHeavily used herbicide tied to shorter pregnancies – Reuters

Vermont’s Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets eventually released the data from January in response to a public records request after three years of not publishing the information. The newly published data covers the years 2014-2016 and reveals a dramatic growth in pesticide use on Vermont’s dairy farms, particularly with GMO cornfields. Glyphosate use more than doubled in the last three years, while total corn-related pesticide usage climbed 27 percent.

GMO corn is growing on 92,000 acres in Vermont, making it the state’s number one crop by far. The corn is not for human consumption; it’s being fed to the state’s 135,000 cows.

Related: The Difference Between Heirlooms, Hybrids, and GMOs

In 2016, Vermont’s GMO corn plants acquired a 194,631 pound bathing of pesticides, a poisonous stew that comprised 34 distinct goods, everything from atrazine into 2,4-D. The most heavily employed cornfield pesticide in 2016 has been glyphosate, with 62,458 pounds used, over doubling the 27,440 pounds used in 2014.”  – Michael Colby

Related: Best Supplements To Kill Candida and Everything Else You Ever Wanted To Know About Fungal Infections

Read More: Cornucopia Institute

Related: Understanding and Detoxifying Genetically Modified Foods

Curcumin, the chemical that gives turmeric its vivid yellow hue, produced significant improvements in mood, memory, and attention for people aged 50 to 90, according to a new study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. Let’s face it – there’s a reason turmeric makes it onto every list of healthy foods ever. The director of geriatric psychiatry at UCLA’s Longevity Center and the study’s first author, Dr. Gary Small, says, “Exactly how curcumin exerts its effects is not certain, but it may be due to its ability to reduce brain inflammation, which has been linked to both Alzheimer’s disease and major depression…”

Related: Increase your IQ with the Right Foods, Herbs, Vitamins

Why Is Turmeric So Awesome?

Curcumin has a multitude of health benefits. The herb is a powerful anti-inflammatory, but it also detoxes the liver, reduces negative effects of iron overload, increases antioxidant capacity in the body, regenerates brain cells and improves cognitive function, lowers heart disease risk, reduces depression, and combats premature aging. Other studies have also found curcumin to be effective in treating cancer, targeting tumor cells while leaving normal cells alone.

Related: How to Optimize Curcumin Absorption – With Golden Milk Tea Recipe

Bioavailability Matters

Curcumin helps the liver, but that organ also keeps the body from absorbing too much of it. With turmeric, the method of delivery is more important than how much of it you take. Just taking a supplement is not as effective as it could be. Luckily, there are a few ways around that.

The easiest way to absorb more curcumin is to eat it with black pepper. An alkaloid in black pepper, piperine, keeps the body from dumping what it believes to be excess curcumin. A small amount of piperine can increase curcumin absorption by 2,000 percent or more. The combination is also ridiculously easy to find or make, especially in curry spice mixes. Piperine and Bioperine are also good things to look for in a curcumin supplement. Look for a product with them to give your body a better chance of absorbing beneficial nutrients.

Related: Turmeric and Diabetes

Also a smart play? Beneficial fats. Curcumin doesn’t dissolve properly without fat. That makes it less likely to be absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed throughout the body. Popular, healthy options include coconut oil, ghee, avocado, and olive oil (though not for cooking at high temperatures).

Worth It

Recommendations to consume curcumin are firmly rooted in science. New studies like this one are readily available and becoming more frequent. But for practical applications, there is nothing like taking a page from traditions.

Related: How To Use Turmeric To Kill Cancer

Turmeric and curry are staples of cuisine in India. It’s regularly consumed with pepper in spice mixes and ghee, a healthy fat that lowers the risk of heart disease. Perhaps it is no surprise that older people in India have lower levels of Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline.

Sources:

• Curcumin improves memory and mood, new study says – University of California
• How to Optimize Curcumin Absorption – With Golden Milk Tea Recipe – Organic Lifestyle Magazine
• Curcumin and Cancer Cells: How Many Ways Can Curry Kill Tumor Cells Selectively? – NCBI

Some of the best natural remedies take root thousands of years ago, and only today are making a huge comeback. No wonder, some of these can completely change if not save lives.

One of these remedies that is quickly growing in popularity is black seed oil, also known as black cumin oil, black caraway oil, Roman coriander oil, or black sesame oil.

The oil is derived from the Nigella sativa plant, a native to Asia. The plant’s small, black, crescent-looking seeds were used for centuries in India, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean. It was used to make the oil as early as 3,000 years ago in Egypt. The oil was even found in the famous Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun’s tomb. It is also been said that Hippocrates, a Greek physician, used it for digestive issues.

Related Product:  Annatto Tocotrienols with Black Cumin Seed Oil • 60sg – Designs For Health

What’s so special about this oil? Over 630 scientific peer-reviewed studies have suggested that there is virtually no health issue that black seed oil cannot help defeat.

This is not surprising, looking at its long list of properties. Black seed oil is:

• Anti-bacterial
• Anti-fungal
• Antiviral
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antioxidant
• Analgesic
• Antispasmodic
• Insulin-sensitizing
• Anti-hypertensive
• Hypotensive

Black seed oil contains over 100 compounds! Its powerful medicinal properties come from arachidonic acid, stearic acid, linoleic acid, myristic acid, palmitoleic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, protein, calcium, phosphorous, folate, zinc, iron, copper, and vitamins B1, B2, B3.

But its best active compounds are crystalline nigellone and thymoquinone.

Must Read: Candida, Gut Flora, Allergies, and Disease

Black Seed Oil: Cures Everything Except Death!

It is said that the prophet Mohammad said that black cumin can cure everything but death itself. And it truly may be so! From heart disease and severe allergies to diabetes and cancer.

Reasons to Consume Black Seed Oil Regularly

Cancer prevention

Colon, lung, brain, prostate, pancreatic and multiple other cancers can be significantly reduced by using black cumin oil. A 2012 study found that thymoquinone has an anti-tumor effect and can be used to reduce the toxicity of chemotherapy. Other studies also suggested that it can protect the body from radiation, for those who are using conventional cancer therapies.

Black seed oil also helps prevent and treat cancer because of its many mechanisms: anti-metastasis (prevents spreading of secondary cancer), anti-proliferation (prevents spreading of cells), and anti-angiogenesis (prevents developing of new blood vessels, which feed and grow tumors).

Heart health

Because black seed is full of unsaturated omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids. In addition to providing phytosterols, they help you keep a healthy heart, healthy blood pressure, and healthy cholesterol — all of which are interconnected. Just consuming a teaspoon of black cumin oil every day will have these positive effects on the heart.

Weight Loss

Have you ever wished you lost cravings for junk food? Black cumin’s unique combination of compounds reduces appetite for unhealthy foods! Meanwhile, it also helps burn body fat. It may be one of the best natural anti-obesity remedies on the planet!

Hair and Skin

Back in ancient Egypt, Cleopatra is said to have used black seed oil for her long, beautiful hair to give it shine and luster. It also strengthens hair roots, giving it an incredible ability to restore hair loss, likely to its high antioxidant content. While promoting new hair growth, black seed oil clears out dandruff. Leaving it on the hair for 30-60 minutes is the best treatment for hair.

It successfully treats not only hair damage but also skin damage. From a simple hand cream for dryness to addressing hand eczema, this oil is popular to use on skin.

Immune System

Black cumin stimulates the increase of white blood cells in the body, which are responsible for fighting off disease. This boost of the immune system can be vital in treating a cold, flu, or even bronchitis and pneumonia.

Respiratory Problems

Having a hard time breathing? The respiratory tract is not doing well due to allergies or congestion? Black seed oil can reduce inflammation in the body and allow you to breathe freely again. For this health problem, it is better to take the oil as a preventative than as a medicine to treat an existing issue.

Coughing

Speaking of respiratory health, for a simple cough, just adding black cumin oil to ginger tea and a teaspoon of honey does wonders. It suppressed the need to cough and relaxes bronchial muscles, all while soothing a sore throat.

Rubbing black seed oil on the chest also helps open up and clear out the airways.

The third way to use it to relieve a cough is to add it to boiled water and breathe in the healing steam.

Recommended: Gluten, Candida, Leaky Gut Syndrome, and Autoimmune Diseases

Digestion

Hippocrates knew what he was doing when he used this remedy for digestion. Black cumin can aid healthy digestion, decrease bloating, relieve gas, and alleviate muscle cramps. It also has a soothing effect on the whole intestines, which can provide real relief for those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome.

Anxiety and depression

Black cumin seeds can stabilize the mood, and by doing so decrease anxiety and lift depression.

Related: Sugar Leads to Depression – World’s First Trial Proves Gut and Brain are Linked (Protocol Included)

Other uses:

• Acne
• Allergies and sinus infections
• Arthritis and joint pain
• Asthma and cholesterol
• Bacterial infections and the flu
• Blood sugar
• Boils and carbuncles
• Breast pain
• Bruising and scars
• Colic
• Diabetes
• Diarrhea
• Epilepsy
• Fertility issues and low testosterone
• Fever
• Fungal infections
• Gum disease
• Headaches and migraines
• Heartburn and constipation
• Hemorrhoids and gallstones
• Hypertension
• Infections and nasal congestion
• Insect Bites
• Insomnia
• Kidney stones and Liver Health
• Lactation issues
• Lead poisoning
• Memory problems
• Menstrual pain
• Moles
• Muscle spasms and cramps
• Nausea and upset stomach
• Nosebleeds
• Opioid addiction
• Osteoporosis
• Pain
• Parasites
• Pink eye and earaches
• Psoriasis
• Toothaches
• Vision problems
• Ulcers

Most of these are thanks to thymoquinone — heals anything but death!

NOTE: black cumin oil should NOT be taken by pregnant women as it can trigger a miscarriage; or by those with diabetes as it can lower blood sugar. Taking too much of this oil can be problematic for people who have liver and kidney problems. For anyone, do not take more than one teaspoon of this oil twice a day.

Easiest Ways to Take Black Seed Oil

Many holistic doctors agree that one teaspoon of black seed oil a day is the perfect amount to take to receive all of its health benefits (1 tsp for a 150-pound person). Because it can be too bitter for some people prefer to mix it with honey for taste and to add extra medicinal properties.

Related Product: Organic Black Seed Oil

The best time to take the oil is first thing in the morning. By itself, with honey, or mixed with a small amount of water on an empty stomach, black seed oil will kick-start your metabolism.

The oil can also be used in cooking. It is not the kind to use for fried foods, but rather as a dressing.

Cooking with it can also be a great way to incorporate it into the diet. You can add it to bread or bagels, soups or stir-fries, and mix it into seasonings such as mustard.

Finally, black seed oil also has great cosmetic uses. It can be used on the skin as a moisturizer, an exfoliator, or a face mask; or added to shampoo for split hair prevention and a healthy scalp.

Sources:

• Scientific studies on Nigella sativa — U.S. National Library of Medicine
• Black Cumin Seed Oil Benefits: The Seed You Need — Activation Products
• 7 Proven Black Seed Oil Benefits — Dr. Josh Axe

Small servings of nuts throughout your week can lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. Marta Guasch, a research fellow at the Harvard Department of Nutrition, reports findings that people who ate a handful of nuts equivalent to 28 grams five or more times a week were 14% percent less likely to develop cardiovascular disease and had a 20% lower risk of coronary disease. Properly sprouted nuts are a fantastic addition to a healthy diet and provide protein, fiber, b vitamins, and micronutrients like calcium, zinc, potassium, and magnesium in addition to their positive effect on the cardiovascular system.

The research from Harvard had three large studies with over 32 years of follow up to examine. The type of nut didn’t really matter, as almost every type examined positively influenced the cardiovascular system with one exemption: peanut butter. As Guasch says,

We have observed benefits for total nuts, peanuts, tree nuts, and walnuts. They were all associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease. And the intake of peanuts and walnuts was additionally associated with lower risk of stroke. However, what we observed was that peanut butter was not significantly associated with cardiovascular disease.”

But There’s a Catch

All of those fantastic nutrients are not readily available in your average store-bought nut. Nuts have enzyme inhibitors, of which phytic acid is the most well-known. Phytic acid binds to essential nutrients. All of the lovely calcium, iron, zinc, and other nutrients in the beans are not available for the body to use. Phytic acid also inhibits enzymes like pepsin, amylase, and trypsin, causing the body to experience difficulties when digesting nuts.

The Steps

This does not mean you can’t eat nuts and experience all that heart-healthy goodness. All you need is a little prep and a 12-24 hour waiting period.

1. First, purchase raw nuts whenever possible. The high protein content in nuts requires digestive enzymes, and roasted or processed nuts have had their enzymes destroyed by heat.
2. Take your raw nuts and soak them in warm, filtered water and a pinch of salt. The soaking time depends on the type of nuts, but it’s a good idea to change the water halfway through the soaking process.
3. If you would like, you can soak the nuts for a longer period, then leave them out to sprout while they’re still damp. Not all nuts sprout, so check to see the best amount of time to watch your particular nut. At this point, you have neutralized as many enzyme inhibitors as you likely will.
4. You are now free to dehydrate your nuts. The best way is with a dehydrator. Opinion is mixed as to the temperature you should choose for truly raw nuts, and most experts say 118 degrees Fahrenheit is the hottest possible setting.  Wet foods are more susceptible to heat destruction though, so low and slow is your friend here. If you do not have a dehydrator, I suggest sun-drying (not much sun at the moment, but your mileage may vary). You can also use an oven on its lowest setting, though that will likely lead to loss of enzymes.

Check outStop Eating Like That and Start Eating Like This – Your Guide to Homeostasis Through Diet for evereything you need to know about soaking and sprouting.

Embrace the Cliche

Now more than ever is the time to get your nut game tight. New year’s resolutions (and society in general) are attempting to mold you into the kind of person who eats a handful of almonds for a snack. The kind of person who feels vindicated and righteous consuming their tiny, heart-healthy, protein-packed treat. And you can be that person who gets all of those nutrients without the crappy digestive issues. All you need is a little planning and a pitcher of salted water. Enjoy!

Sources:

• Nuts and Heart Health – Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health
• Stop Eating Like That and Start Eating Like This – Your Guide to Homeostasis Through Diet – Organic Lifestyle Magazine
• Another reason you shouldn’t go nuts on nuts – chriskesser.com
• At What Temperature Are Enzymes in Raw Food Destroyed? – Calorie Bee

Prior to World War II coconut oil was a common cooking oil and an ingredient in many food products. During World War II the Japanese occupied the Philippines and other South Pacific islands. They cut off the U.S.’s supply of coconut oil, and so, American manufacturers used vegetable oils instead. The vegetable oil industry then used advertising to promote vegetable oil as the healthier alternative to tropical oils.

For some time now science has been urging us to rethink our coconut oil stance, and many now consider it a heart-healthy ingredient. But companies selling coconut oil are finding themselves being attacked for claiming that coconut oil is healthy. The FDA does not allow such a claim, even if scientific studies and public awareness back it up. Companies are facing class actions lawsuits as attorneys take advantage of the FDA’s Ruling on Saturated Fats.¹

Related: 35 Things You Could Do With Coconut Oil – From Body Care to Health to Household

Lawsuits – Businesses Affected

• Nutiva, 1/8/2016
• Nature’s Way, 3/19/2016
• BetterBody Settlement, 5/24/2017
• Carrington Farms, 5/4/2017
• All Market’s Vita Coconut Oil, 12/1/2016
• Costco Coconut Oil Settlement, 7/26/2017

American Heart Association’s Presidential Advisory

The main sources of saturated fat to be decreased are dairy fat (butter), lard (pork), beef tallow, palm oil, palm kernel oil, and coconut oil. Polyunsaturated fats are contained in canola oil, corn oil, soybean oil, peanut oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, and walnuts. However, original high-linoleic varieties of safflower and sunflower oils are uncommon. High-oleic varieties of safflower and sunflower oil, olive oil, avocados, and tree nuts such as almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, pistachios, and pecans have mainly monounsaturated fats and are low in saturated fat. – AHA

Recommended: How Himalayan Salt Laps Work

What’s Wrong with the AHA’s Stance?

Saturated fats are not the problem. They got it wrong when we linked saturated fats to heart disease. There are pros and cons to animal saturated fats, and science is working it out, but saturated fats from plants like coconut oil do not seem to have any health drawbacks.

In the 1940’s farmers tried coconut oil to fatten their animals but discovered that it made them lean and active and increased their appetite. Coconut oil stimulates the thyroid.” – HealthStatus

What Science Says About Coconut Oil

• Promotes weight loss, raises metabolism ²
• Helps balance cholesterol ³
• Does not clog arteries ⁴
• Supports your immune system ⁵
• Supports the endocrine system ⁶

Recommended: Diatomaceous Earth – Mother Nature’s Secret Weapon: What Is It, How to Use It, Where to Find It

While research shows coconut oil contains higher amounts of saturated fat and does increase total cholesterol, those amounts do not increase your heart attack or stroke risk. In fact, one study among lean, heart disease- and stroke-free Pacific Islanders who consumed up to 63 percent of their calories from coconut fat found total cholesterol rose but so did their “good” HDL. Other studies found lipid profiles improve on high-fat diets containing coconut oil. Researchers concluded it wasn’t saturated fat from coconuts that negatively impacted cholesterol profile. Instead, the coconut oil’s overall effect raised HDL while lowering triglycerides and small LDL cholesterol particles, which is definitely a good thing.” – Dr. Hyman

Recommended Reading:

• Detox Cheap and Easy Without Fasting – Recipes Included
• Start Eating Like That and Start Eating Like This – Your Guide to Homeostasis Through Diet
• How to Make the Healthiest Smoothies – 4 Recipes
• Holistic Guide to Healing the Endocrine System and Balancing Our Hormones
• How to Cure Lyme Disease, and Virtually Any Other Bacterial Infection, Naturally

Sources:

1. War on Coconut Oil: California Companies Attacked to try and Prevent the Sale of Coconut Oil – Health Impact News
2. How Coconut Oil Can Help You Lose Weight and Belly Fat – HealthLine
3. Is Coconut Oil bad for Your Cholesterol? – Dr. Mark Hyman
4. Does saturated fat clog your arteries? Controversial paper says ‘no’ – CNN
5. Three Ways Coconut Oil Can Boost Your Immune System – Primal Paleo
6. Will Coconut Oil Help with Thyroid Problems? – Wellness Mama

American eggs are federally required to be washed and sanitized and then refrigerated. There are a few reasons for this, but the main reason is that our factory farms are disgusting. In Europe, eggs sold in supermarkets are not legally allowed to be washed.

I live in Mexico and one of the first things I noticed at the grocery stores here is that they do not refrigerate the eggs. They’re sold on a shelf with dry goods generally, like sugar or canned milk products. There are many options from tiny spotted ones to big brown ones, but they’re unwashed and unchilled. – Lily Da Vine

The FDA states that eggs must be sterilized and chilled to reduce the likelihood of salmonella infections. Much of the world focuses on, and/or legislated to place emphasis on, producing cleaner eggs. American chicken factories, on the other hand, are legendarily filthy, and we don’t seem motivated to change that.

Abysmal factory farming conditions are what create the problematic salmonella superbug (the same is true for eColi). Eggs become contaminated with salmonella in one of two ways, by either contaminating the egg internally upon production (due to a chicken with infected ovaries), or when the egg becomes in contact with contaminated chicken manure, and salmonella sticks to the porous shell.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xbqv1SuQJ0s

So the United States, in typical fashion, has decided that instead of regulating the farms to produce healthier food, we need to wash, sanitize, and cook our eggs. If you like raw eggs, be sure they aren’t factory farmed, and especially not American factory-farmed!

So what about real farm fresh eggs from a healthy farm where the eggs have room to run around, and they all get a healthy natural diet? Those eggs should be gently cleaned off, but not washed or made wet. There is a protective coating around the eggs that you want to preserve. If the eggs do get washed they should then be refrigerated or used shortly thereafter.

If you can’t produce your own eggs try finding a local farmer who does not wash or chill their eggs, and simply leaves them on the counter when you get home. Wash them just before you use them (if you want).

Other Common Egg Questions: Shell and Yolk Color

The color of the yolks are determined by diet and the freshness of the egg. Hens that get a variety of foods including lots of plants, alfalfa, bugs, for instance, are healthier than hens that have a restricted diet.  Healthy chickens have a darker yellow-orange yolk. Factory farmed chickens in the United States typically have diets of wheat, barley, or white corn which produces pale yellow yolks.

Shells are different colors because different chickens lay different eggs.

…egg color is determined by the genetics of the hens. The breed of the hen will indicate what color eggs she will produce. For example, Leghorn chickens lay white eggs while Orpington’s lay brown eggs and Ameraucana produce blue eggs. An Olive Egger, a chicken that lays olive green eggs, is the product of a cross between a hen and rooster that are from a brown egg and a blue egg laying breed. An interesting tip is to look at the chicken’s ear lobes; typically those with white ear lobes produce white eggs.” – Michigan State

Recommended Reading:

• Detox Cheap and Easy Without Fasting – Recipes Included
• Start Eating Like That and Start Eating Like This – Your Guide to Homeostasis Through Diet
• How to Make the Healthiest Smoothies – 4 Recipes

Sources:

• Why American Eggs Would Be Illegal In A British Supermarket, And Vice Versa – Forbes
• Why Are Some Egg Yolks and Eggshells Different Colors? – Food and Nutrition