Photo Credit: the accidental bokeh heart., originally uploaded by Disco ♥ Tetris.
It has been documented that being in love is akin to being on cocaine. Both the emotion of love and cocaine bathe our brains in similar neurotransmitters which make us feel elated and giddy. One can hardly deny that love is a prolific muse, spawning innumerable songs, poems, stories, works of art, and even criminal behavior. Love can be a delicious torment. Read the rest of this entry »
Papayas, a source of folic acid
As the basis of many disease states is increasingly thought to be genetic, the idea that in utero injuries can give rise to adult-onset illnesses is not implausible. Bisphenol A(BPA), a chemical used in copious magnitude to create polycarbonate plastics, has been linked to metabolic syndrome, reproductive disorders, and reproductive organ cancers in animal models. Plastics, are composed of monomers(single units) linked together to form a long chain(polymer). Although the polymerization process links the monomers together tightly. There has been shown to be some breakdown of that bond with resultant leakage of the chemical constituents into the surrounding environment. In fact, BPA has been shown to be present in 95% of human urine samples.
Photo Credit: Adiri bottles: BPA Free, Phthalate Free, PVC Free , originally uploaded by thesoftlanding.
Plastic is a ubiquitous substance of modern life. Our lives are riddled with plastic products. From water bottles, to food containers, to toys and cell phones, the list is all-pervasive. What is this material? Plastics are made via a process called polymerization. Polymerization involves linking multiple single units (monomers) into a long chain (polymer) using extremely high temperatures and pressure. Although the polymerization process is supposed to tightly bind the constituent molecules together and make them inert and non-toxic, the process is not flawless and different chemical constituents do leak out of the plastic material into surrounding substances. One such molecule under intense scrutiny is Bisphenol A (BPA). Bisphenol A is a monomer used to manufacture polycarbonate plastics. The chemical bonds linking Bisphenol A together are subject to breakdown; thus leaking BPA into the surrounding environment. Bisphenol A is found in plastic baby bottles and may be harmful to young infants who have immature digestive tracts, reproductive tracts, nervous systems, and organs. Read the rest of this entry »
Photo Credit: The skin of the lizard at Jurong!, originally uploaded by leonefabre.
The ectodermal germ layer gives rise to both the skin and the brain. That there is a connection between our thoughts and the condition of our skin, then is not such an unlikely consideration. Both of these structures originated from the same primordial tissue and share a very close link. Psychodermatology attempts to address the impact that the psychological state has on dermatological disorders. Read the rest of this entry »
Photo Credit: soy beans, originally uploaded by ozdigital.
Tofu has been crowned accolades like none other. In fact, in 1999, the FDA recommended consumption of 25g of soy protein per day, along with a diet low in cholesterol and saturated fats, to reduce heart disease. On the other hand, it has also been under intense scrutiny and at times considered a health risk. Separating the fact from the hoopla is no easy task, but it is important to understand potential risks and benefits of soy.
Photo Credit: Hugs from Nice, originally uploaded by Athanassia.
Someone once told me that a hug increases one’s white blood cell count. Presumably, the mechanism is that hugging another person puts pressure on their axial skeleton and squeezes out white cells from the bone marrow; thereby imparting an immune-enhancing property to a hug. Although this charming and animated theory is appealing, it has not been shown to be true. Read the rest of this entry »
Hey, I just wanted to let you know that I have been busy studying for acupuncture certification. Sorry for the delay in posting. Please stay tuned as there are heaps of interesting articles in the works.
Photo Credit: PhotoBucket
A recent report by the National Institute of Environmental Health and Sciences (NIEHS) found that lavender and tea tree oils found in toiletries may cause hormonal imbalances resulting in enlarged breast tissue in pre-pubescent boys. A case studies of 3 boys aged 4,7, and 10 developed enlarged breast tissue after use of soap, body lotion, shampoos and other toiletries containing lavender and tea tree oils. All three boys were otherwise healthy, and had normal hormonal levels (endogenous steroids) at the time of diagnosis. Symptoms resolved in all 3 boys after they stopped using products containing lavender or tea tree oils for several months.
Photo Credit: Organic Cauliflower, originally uploaded by Rob215.
Organic labeling is regulated by the USDA. Currently there are 4 types of organic labels:
What does the organic label mean? The National Organic Program, a division of the USDA, regulates and oversees organic farming and producing practices and sets the standards for organic labeling. In 1990, the Organic Foods Production Act was passed. However, it was not until 2000 that the standards were issued. Currently, an accredited USDA-certifier verifies that organic farming and production practices are meeting the standards set by the USDA. The USDA-certfier is prohibited from having any conflict of interest.
Photo Credit: Honey, originally uploaded by Blinc.
Honey is a potent antibiotic and antioxidant. Honey has been shown to inhibit bacterial growth and in some cases, it is superior to antibiotics. It is extremely valuable in wound healing and may be able to avert amputation of an infected limb. It also has powerful antioxidant properties. Darker colored honey, particularly Manuka honey from New Zealand, has the most efficacious antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
Honey is a substance arising from the diligent enterprise of bees. From the gathering of nectar from flowers, the mixing of saliva, and the fluttering of thousands of wings to prevent fermentation, honey is the product of laborious love. The use of honey dates back to antiquity. In the 5th-4th century BC Greece, Plato advocated the use of honey in his dietary recommendations for its health and nutritional benefits. Honey was reputed to inspire artistic epiphanies and moments of poetic insight. In Egypt, honey was the most common medicinal. In fact, 500 out of 900 ancient Egyptian remedies incorporate honey as a main ingredient. The ancient Romans, Assyrians, Chinese, Greeks, and Egyptians utilized honey for gastrointestinal disturbances and wound healing.