Pomegranate is mostly known for its rich content of antioxidants such as soluble polyphenols, tannins, and anthocyanins, which scavenge free radicals. Antioxidants are now considered essential for good health as they protect the body from molecules which cause premature aging and help prevent DNA damage that can lead to a number of serious health conditions. Pomegranate also contains a significant amount of good sodium, calcium, vitamin C, niacin, thiamin and riboflavin.  Preliminary evidence suggests that pomegranate is very heart healthy and may reduce cholesterol, reduce blood pressure, slow down LDL cholesterol oxidation and increase blood flow to the heart.

Recent scientific research is demonstrating that pomegranate may be helpful in the prevention and treatment of various types of cancer such as breast cancer, skin cancer, prostate cancer and lung cancer.  According to master herbalist and certified nutritionist Donald Yance in his book Herbal Medicine, Healing & Cancer, ellagic acid "inhibits cancer formation and is believed to inhibit cancer mutation by latching onto DNA-masking sensitive sites on the genetic material that might otherwise be occupied by harmful chemicals. Ellagic acid is particularly effective in the inhibition of lung cancer caused by tobacco."

Suggested Use: Mix 3 tablespoons with water to make 8 oz of juice or use to flavor yogurt and other treats..

Botanical Name: Punica granatum

Other Names: Chinese apple, granada, grenade

Origin: India - Certified Organic

Z Natural Foods strives to offer the best raw and organic products available. Our Pomegranate Juice powder is certified organic and passes our strict quality assurance which includes testing for botanical identity, heavy metals, chemicals, and microbiological contaminants. ZNaturalfoods.com offers Organic Pomegranate Juice powder packaged in airtight stand-up, re-sealable foil pouches for optimum freshness. Once opened, just push the air out of the pouch before resealing it in order to preserve maximum potency. Keep your Organic Pomegranate Juice powder in a cool, dark, dry place.

1.    Know the sun’s strength. UV rays are generally the strongest between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so try to avoid outdoor activities during those times. If you must be outside, follow the tips below to minimize sun exposure.

2.    Protect your skin. The best way to avoid the damage of sun exposure is to keep it from penetrating your skin.  Cover the exposed parts of your body with a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays (SPF 15 or higher, depending on your skin’s sensitivity to sun), reapplying frequently, especially after swimming or sweating. If you’re working outdoors, wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and scalp and consider wearing long sleeves if possible.

3.    Don’t forget your eyes and lips! Wear sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB radiation to reduce dangerous glare and to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. Avoid an uncomfortable burn on your lips by applying a lip balm with an SPF of at least 15.

4.    Keep cool. Sun doesn’t just affect your skin—it can affect your whole body by causing you to sweat and lose moisture. Remember to drink plenty of fluids and stay hydrated to avoid heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Pay attention to your body; if you feel lightheaded, dizzy, irritable or confused, get out of the sun and seek medical attention.

Disclosure of Material Connection: This blog is written exclusively by employees of Vitacost.com. Vitacost.com and writers of the VitaBlog have a material connection to any links contained within. This disclosure is made in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.5 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Add some spice and flare to any dish or salad with your own home grown organic radish sprouts. Our organic radish sprouting seeds are the daikon variety and pack a potent antioxidant punch. Radish sprouts are a great source of calcium, potassium, and magnesium, and help support healthy cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

The radish belongs to the brassica group of vegetables, which include cabbage, brussels sprouts, cauliflower and broccoli. Numerous studies suggest that brassica vegetables are protective against cancers of the lungs and alimentary tract. Organic radish seeds are easily sprouted, inexpensive, and an excellent nutrient dense food.

Suggested Use: Soak 3 tablespoons of seeds in cool (70º F) filtered water for 8 – 12 hours. Then rinse and drain well. Keep seeds out of direct sunlight and rinse and drain thoroughly with cool water every 8 – 12 hours for the next 3 days. On day 4 relocate your sprouts, if necessary, to get indirect sun light. Continue to rinse and drain every 8 – 12 hours. On day 5 or 6 when sprouts have reached the desired length, rinse and dry with a paper towel. Once dry, put in a sealed container and store in the refrigerator until ready to use. Yields approximately 2 cups (8 oz) of sprouts.

Botanical Name: Raphanus Sativus

Origin: USA - Certified Organic

The study combined the results from the largest studies around the world on the health impact of light and moderate intensity physical activity. Although more activity is better, the benefits of even a small amount of physical activity were very large in the least physically active people.

Science Daily reports:

“The good news from this study is that you don't have to be an exercise freak to benefit from physical activity. Just achieving the recommended levels of physical activity (equivalent to 30 minutes daily of moderate intensity activity on 5 days a week) reduces the risk of death by 19 percent ... while 7 hours per week of moderate activity (compared with no activity) reduces the risk of death by 24 percent”.

View the full article]]> Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:52:32 +0000 http://starsearchcasting.com/forums/index.php/topic/476852-physical-activity-reduces-the-risk-of-early-death/ http://starsearchcasting.com/forums/index.php/topic/476854-are-er-visits-for-food-allergies-on-the-rise/ Children's visits to emergency rooms for serious food-allergy reactions may be on the rise.  Researchers at Children's Hospital Boston found that the number of food-induced allergic reactions treated in their ER more than doubled over six years.

There was an even greater rise in the number of serious, potentially life-threatening reactions known as anaphylaxis.  The number of anaphylaxis cases nearly tripled.

According to Reuters:

“The reasons for the increases cannot be gleaned from the data. But the findings are in line with studies pointing to a general increase in food allergies among U.S. children in recent years ... 3 million school-aged children in the U.S. had a food allergy in 2007, which was up 18 percent from 10 years earlier.”

View the full article]]> Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:52:31 +0000 http://starsearchcasting.com/forums/index.php/topic/476854-are-er-visits-for-food-allergies-on-the-rise/ http://starsearchcasting.com/forums/index.php/topic/476853-your-box-spring-mattress-could-be-acting-as-a-gigantic-cancer-causing-radiation-antenna/ The rate of breast cancer in Western countries is 10 percent higher in the left breast than in the right. This also is true for the skin cancer melanoma. Researchers have suggested a surprising explanation for this -- and for the dramatic increase in rates of breast cancer and melanoma over the past three decades.

In Japan, there is no correlation between the rates of melanoma and breast cancer, and there is no left-side prevalence for either disease. The rate of breast cancer in Japan is also significantly lower than in the West.

This may be due to differences in sleeping habits in Japan and Western countries. Previous research has shown that people prefer to sleep on their right sides, possibly as a way of reducing weight stress on the heart. This is most likely the same in both the East and the West, but the futons used for sleeping in Japan are mattresses placed directly on the bedroom floor, in contrast to the elevated box springs and mattress of beds used in the West.

According to Scientific American:

“... [A] 2007 study in Sweden conducted between 1989 and 1993 ... revealed a strong link between the incidence of melanoma and the number of FM and TV transmission towers covering the area where the individuals lived ... Consider, however, that even a TV set cannot respond to broadcast transmissions unless the weak electromagnetic waves are captured and amplified by an appropriately designed antenna. Antennas are simply metal objects of appropriate length sized to match the wavelength of a specific frequency of electromagnetic radiation.”

In the U.S., bed frames and box springs are made of metal, and the length of a bed is exactly half the wavelength of FM and TV transmissions.  The maximum strength of the field develops 75 centimeters above the mattress, so when sleeping on your right side, your left side will be exposed to the highest field strength.

View the full article]]> Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:52:31 +0000 http://starsearchcasting.com/forums/index.php/topic/476853-your-box-spring-mattress-could-be-acting-as-a-gigantic-cancer-causing-radiation-antenna/ http://starsearchcasting.com/forums/index.php/topic/476855-star-wars-according-to-a-three-year-old/ Believe it or not, she has the seem the movie only once.  She wasn't coached to say anything, nor was she forced to make the video.

View the full article]]> Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:52:30 +0000 http://starsearchcasting.com/forums/index.php/topic/476855-star-wars-according-to-a-three-year-old/ http://starsearchcasting.com/forums/index.php/topic/476857-next-major-toxic-hazard-that-can-ruin-you-and-your-children%25e2%2580%2599s-health/ Susan Shaw, an internationally recognized marine toxicologist, author and explorer, shows evidence the toxic Gulf of Mexico oil slick is being kept off of beaches only at devastating cost to the health of the deep sea.

View the full article]]> Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:52:29 +0000 http://starsearchcasting.com/forums/index.php/topic/476857-next-major-toxic-hazard-that-can-ruin-you-and-your-children%25e2%2580%2599s-health/ http://starsearchcasting.com/forums/index.php/topic/476856-mental-health-experts-ask-will-anyone-be-normal/ An updated edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders may include diagnoses for "disorders" such as toddler tantrums and binge eating.  This could mean that soon, no one will be classed as normal.

Leading mental health experts warned that a new edition, which is being revised for publication in 2013, could devalue the seriousness of mental illness.  New additions include "mild anxiety depression," "psychosis risk syndrome," and "temper dysregulation disorder".

According to Reuters:

“The DSM is published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and contains descriptions, symptoms, and other criteria for diagnosing mental disorders. It is seen as the global diagnostic bible for the field of mental health medicine.  The criteria are designed to provide clear definitions for professionals ... and for researchers and pharmaceutical drug companies seeking to develop new ways of treating them.”

View the full article]]> Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:52:29 +0000 http://starsearchcasting.com/forums/index.php/topic/476856-mental-health-experts-ask-will-anyone-be-normal/ http://starsearchcasting.com/forums/index.php/topic/476858-the-most-common-nutrient-deficiency-in-the-world/ Vitamin D may become the most talked-about and written-about supplement of the decade. A huge part of the population is deficient in this essential nutrient.

Every tissue in your body, including your brain, heart, muscles and immune system, has receptors for vitamin D, meaning that this nutrient is needed at proper levels for these tissues to function well.

According to the New York Times:

“Studies indicate that the effects of a vitamin D deficiency include an elevated risk of developing (and dying from) cancers of the colon, breast and prostate; high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease; osteoarthritis; and immune-system abnormalities that can result in infections and autoimmune disorders like multiple sclerosis, Type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.”

Low levels of vitamin D could account for the high incidence of several chronic diseases in the U.S. For example, he said, in the Northeast, where sun exposure is reduced and vitamin D levels consequently are lower, cancer rates are higher than in the South.

View the full article]]> Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:52:27 +0000 http://starsearchcasting.com/forums/index.php/topic/476858-the-most-common-nutrient-deficiency-in-the-world/ http://starsearchcasting.com/forums/index.php/topic/476848-family-fit-classes-let-kids-parents-work-out-together-tbocom/
Tbo.com

Organic Beet Root Powder provides a wide range of nutrients, but its most significant phytochemical is betaine. This plant chemical helps the liver and kidneys recycle the amino acid methionine to maintain the body's stores of s-adenosyl-methionine, more commonly known as SAM-e. Betaine also helps the liver process fat. This prevents the accumulation of fatty tissues in the liver (steatosis), especially in heavy drinkers, and it also helps prevent excessive triglycerides and LDL cholesterol in the blood. Other antioxidants in beet root prevent the oxidation of LDL into forms that can become plaques. According to the American Heart Association, beet juice can help lower blood pressure.

Beet roots are rich in potassium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium and calcium as well as vitamin A, B and C.

Some of the beneficial nutrients found in Beet Root:

• Betaine - plays an important role in the health of the cardiovascular system and reduces heart disease and stroke.
• Folic acid B8 (biotin) - assists with the production of insulin.
• Zinc - may help protect against fatty deposits in the liver and boosts the immune system.
• Dimethylglycine - (also known as DMG) may be beneficial in protecting against heart disease and stroke.

Organic Beet Root Powder is a wonderful cleansing and nourishing tonic that builds the blood, particularly improving the blood quality for menstruating women. It also normalizes the blood's pH balance (reducing acidity) and purifies the blood by flushing away fatty deposits and improving circulation. Further supporting its role as a blood purifier, Beet Root has been used to detoxify the liver and spleen and help to treat many liver ailments, including jaundice, cirrhosis and other liver diseases. Some herbalists use it to treat liver problems induced by alcoholism.

Suggested Use: One or two teaspoons twice daily. One teaspoon of powder provides the nutrition in one beet. Use to add flavor, color, and nutrition to any recipe.

Botanical Name: Beta vulgaris

Other Names: Garden Beet, Sugar Beet, Spinach Beet, White Beet, Mangel Wurzel, Sea Beet

Origin: Mexico - Certified Organic

Z Natural Foods strives to offer the best raw and organic products available. Our raw Beet Root powder is certified organic and passes our strict quality assurance which includes testing for botanical identity, heavy metals, chemicals, and microbiological contaminants. ZNaturalfoods.com offers Organic Beet Rroot powder packaged in airtight stand-up, resealable foil pouches for optimum freshness. Once opened, just push the air out of the pouch before resealing it in order to preserve maximum potency. Keep your Organic Beet Root powder in a cool, dark, dry place.

The bacteria responsible for more than 95 percent of urinary tract infections are a pathogenic strain of E. coli.  These bacteria have tiny arm-like appendages called fimbriae that anchor them to the surfaces of urinary tract cells.

Live Science reports:

“... [C]ranberry juice blocks the E. coli fimbriae from grabbing onto urinary tract cells. Cranberries contain large amounts of a chemical called proanthocyanidin, or PAC. PAC functions almost like a shield -- it forces the fimbriae to crumple so they can’t attach to surface of the cells in the urinary tract.”

View the full article]]> Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:58:59 +0000 http://starsearchcasting.com/forums/index.php/topic/476859-how-cranberry-juice-conquers-e-coli/ http://starsearchcasting.com/forums/index.php/topic/476860-caution-sports-stadium-food-may-be-loaded-with-salmonella-and-rat-poop/ ESPN's "Outside the Lines" reviewed health department inspection reports at all 107 North American arenas and stadiums that are home to Major League Baseball, National Football League, National Hockey League and National Basketball Association.

At 30 of the venues, more than half of the concession stands or restaurants had been cited for at least one "critical" or "major" health violation. These violations pose a risk for food borne illnesses that can make someone sick or even prove fatal.

One of the most dangerous violations was food not being properly cooked, reheated or held at safe temperatures, because that allows the growth dangerous bacteria such as E. coli, salmonella, and staphylococcus aureus.

In addition, according to ESPN:

“In the past few years, Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis and Angel Stadium in Anaheim were cited with dozens of critical violations for rodent infestations. The violations ended up on local TV stations and in newspapers. Lucas Oil Stadium faced $3,500 in fines, and the violations in Anaheim angered officials with the city, which owns the stadium.”

View the full article]]> Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:58:58 +0000 http://starsearchcasting.com/forums/index.php/topic/476860-caution-sports-stadium-food-may-be-loaded-with-salmonella-and-rat-poop/ http://starsearchcasting.com/forums/index.php/topic/476851-can-a-mothers-affection-prevent-anxiety-in-adulthood/ Babies whose mothers are attentive and caring tend to grow up happy and well-adjusted children -- and the psychological benefits may extend well beyond childhood.

A new study followed nearly 500 infants into their 30’s.  It found that babies who receive above-average levels of affection and attention from their mothers are less likely to grow up to be emotionally distressed, anxious, or hostile adults.

CNN reports:

“What's more, the link between the emotional health of adults and their mothers' affection was evident even though the mothers and babies were observed for a single day, when the babies were just 8 months old.”

View the full article]]> Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:58:58 +0000 http://starsearchcasting.com/forums/index.php/topic/476851-can-a-mothers-affection-prevent-anxiety-in-adulthood/ http://starsearchcasting.com/forums/index.php/topic/476829-dc-health-dept-pushes-female-condoms-in-hiv-outreach-initiative-medical-news-today-press-release/
CBC.ca

Just about everyone has been scammed at some point. People fall for scams for a number of reasons: they’re trusting, they’re desperate, they’re greedy.

Some of the most popular scams involve issues that really hit home for many of us: money and health. When health is involved, our actions typically result from desperation. We’ll do anything to lose that weight, to look younger, or to cure the disease. If simply swallowing a pill or slathering on a cream is all it takes, we’ll turn over our hard-earned money in a heartbeat.

Unfortunately, supplement scams are common. Many companies make bogus, unsubstantiated claims about their products, and hopeful consumers believe them, ending up frustrated and disappointed when the advertised benefits don’t appear.

To protect yourself from falling victim to a supplement scam, keep the following in mind:

If It Sounds Too Good to Be True, It Probably Is
Use common sense. If a supplement claims it will treat or cure disease (or common problems like hair loss, acne, sexual dysfunction, etc.) don’t buy it. These claims are illegal, and miracle pills don’t exist.

Research the Company
Research the company as much as possible. It’s a good idea to choose publicly traded companies, which are regularly audited, because you can easily obtain information about their manufacturing practices and more.

Research the Product
Study ingredient labels. Was the product produced using pharmaceutical manufacturing standards? Are nutrient ratios consistent with current scientific research? Learn as much as you can about a nutrient before purchasing a supplement.

Check with a Physician or Pharmacist
If you’re not sure about a supplement, ask your physician or pharmacist before purchasing it. You can also find a wealth of information on dietary supplements on the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements webpage at http://ods.od.nih.gov/.

Disclosure of Material Connection: This blog is written exclusively by employees of Vitacost.com. Vitacost.com and writers of the VitaBlog have a material connection to any links contained within. This disclosure is made in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.5 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”