El Salvador Bans Monsanto's RoundUp

(Eat Local Grown) El Salvador has voted to ban glyphosate (RoundUp), the pesticide that most GM crops are designed to be grown with, along with 52 other chemicals.

With 45 votes in favor, members of the FMLN, Unidos por El salvador and GANA approved the amendment of a Law on the control of pesticides, fertilizers and products for agricultural use, which allows the prohibition of 53 chemicals in El Salvador.

Among the list of the 53 chemicals are Paraquat, Glyphosate and Endosulfan, which caused controversy among right-wing deputies. Deputy Mario Ponce, of the Alianza Republicana Nacionalista (ARENA) party, opposed these substances being on the list, however, he did not have the support of other MPs.

Depression linked with higher incidence of Parkinson's disease - Research

According to a new study published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, people who are depressed may have a significantly higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Researchers at the Veterans General Hospital in Taipei, Taiwan, analyzed the medical records of over 20,000 individuals during the course of 10 years. The findings offer substantial insight into the disease. "Depression is linked in other studies to illnesses such as cancer and stroke," states study author Albert C. Yang, MD, PhD. "Our study suggests that depression may also be an independent risk factor for Parkinson's disease."

Characteristics of a tragic illness

Squid ink - A unique health food that challenges cancer and dangerous pathogens? Promising research says yes

Striking on any plate, squid ink-infused cuisine is much more than a pretty edible - new research indicates that these unconventional foods are brimming with health advantages. Whether arroz negro of Spain or Venetian fettuccine al nero di seppia, the dark color of these dishes represents a hearty dose of antioxidants and beneficial nutrients. And now researchers have discovered that squid ink protects white blood cell production, which ultimately gives immunity a helpful boost. Moreover, several studies have found that the ink possesses antitumor and antibacterial characteristics.

Black is the new green

Solar cooking 101: Harnessing the sun for health, wealth and a clean environment

Cooking with the sun is not only eco-friendly, it also contributes to better tasting, more nutritious food. Preparing food in this way encourages energy independence for both developing countries and industrialized nations alike. In areas of the world where disease is on the rise and fuel is in short supply, economical sun cookers are a workable solution.

Poverty, disease and a simple solution

In many impoverished countries, simply cooking a daily meal can be a challenge. For rural communities, electricity and gas are prohibitively expensive, leaving charcoal and firewood as the only alternative. Many times, wood is the single affordable option because it is free. Unfortunately, it is also in short supply. Since burning wood releases vast amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, health issues arise for those exposed and global warming is aggravated. Often, people use indoor fires to cook and inhale the micro-particles found in smoke, leading to lung and heart disease. It is estimated that 1.5 million people die from this type of air pollution each year. Furthermore, due to scarcity, wood is used for cooking but not sterilizing water. As contaminated water is a problem for over 1 billion people around the world, pasteurizing water is crucial to prevent disease.

Goji, Wolfberry and Pesticide Risk — Here’s What You Need to Know

Goji is the darling of the berry world—exotic and nutrient dense with an antioxidant rating that is off the charts.

Over the last few years, availability of this super-berry has become more common in the Western world. But consumers and government agencies alike are questioning the safety of goji berries since the majority are grown in China—a country infamous for its lax and corrupt food safety standards. To make matters more complex, what is often touted as goji is actually a wolfberry, a similar yet different fruit.

A classic case of “buyer beware,” individuals are urged to be attentive when purchasing goji products.

San Francisco-area chemist says autistic daughter cured by MSG-free diet

By Deborah Hastings

(NY Daily News) San Francisco Bay-area chemist Katherine Reid says cutting out monosodium glutamate, or MSG, cured her daughter of autism.

She tried a gluten-free diet. She tried supplements including fish oil and B complex vitamins.

But it was only when Katherine Reid cut monosodium glutamate, commonly called MSG, from her autistic daughter’s meals that she saw a staggering difference in the girl's behavior.

Seven-year-old Brooke seemed to be completely free of autistic symptoms such as temper tantrums, hypersensitivity to light and seizures.