Cashew: A Disease-Destroying, Bacteria-Blasting Super Nut

The bacteria responsible for acne, tooth decay, tuberculosis, pneumonia and leprosy have met their match with, of all things, the cashew nut. Containing anacardic chemicals that destroy gram-positive bacteria, this tasty seed of the cashew apple helps eradicate dangerous pathogens that cause a multitude of issues. Not only that, but cashews have also been shown to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, diabetes, weight gain and certain types of cancer.

Native to Brazil and grown worldwide in countries such as India, Mozambique, Tanzania and Nigeria, cashews are an outstanding source of copper, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese and zinc. However, sound harvesting and processing practices are crucial to avoid contamination with the caustic resin located within the cashew shell -- otherwise, the nut is unfit for consumption. This is the reason why cashew nuts are always sold pre-shelled.

Access to Clean Water Has Reached Crisis Point Worldwide

By John Hawthorne

Water across the world in in such a short supply, it’s hard to imagine what it would be like to not have it as accessible as it is in the west. We don’t take into consideration that most people across the world do not have the ability to drink clean water. Astonishingly, there’re approximately one billion people on the Earth that do not have a means of getting access to safe drinking water. Unicef estimates that 2.6 billion people do not have access to a sanitary septic system or means of using a bathroom. The damage done by not having an ability to get fresh clean water has a variety of effects.

Monsanto, Big Pharma, George Soros, and the Push to Legalize Marijuana

When it comes down to it, corporations have just one purpose: turn a large profit for shareholders. So it should come as no surprise that corporate America has turned its eye toward the wildly successful recreational cannabis movement. In 2015 alone, legal pot sales in the United States jumped 17% to $5.4 billion and are expected to grow 25% this year — an estimated $6.7 billion in U.S. sales. And, of course, corporate interests want their share.

But it’s not simply a modern day gold rush, many feel there is an underlying agenda at hand — with a few very wealthy individuals pulling the strings.

DIY: 3 Ideas For a Backyard Pub Shed

By John Hawthorne

A grown up version of a tree house is the garden pub shed, which is fast becoming a popular way to get that extra bit of value out of your home property. First, you need to think about what you want to build and the overall theme for your pub shed. For some it will be utility over comfort, while others will prefer a more personal feeling. So hopefully between the examples given below, you will find a bit of inspiration if you are interested in building one of your own.

Our first example is the ultimate in function, as it is primarily a brewing facility right on your own property. Endless conversations can be had as you guide your guest through the process and you sample the various wares. This style of pub shed should have the majority of space given to brewing and bottling, with a separate area for relaxing and enjoying the end result.

Six Habits of Highly Grateful People

(Greater Good) Are you bad at gratitude, just like Jeremy Adam Smith? He has some lessons for you from people who know how to say "Thanks!"

I’m terrible at gratitude.

How bad am I? I’m so bad at gratitude that most days, I don’t notice the sunlight on the leaves of the Berkeley oaks as I ride my bike down the street. I forget to be thankful for the guy who hand-brews that delicious cup of coffee I drink mid-way through every weekday morning. I don’t even know the dude’s name!

Buyer Beware: Sport and Fitness Supplements Can be Dangerous

When 22-year-old Michael Lee Sparling died from cardiac arrest, a dark secret of commercial sport and fitness supplements emerged. Often used to increase performance and stamina, these pills and powders can have tragic consequences. To compound the problem, the bottom line usually reigns supreme and corporate leaders choose profit over supplement safety. As healthy young athletes suddenly die from heart failure, a misunderstood and lightly regulated industry is called into question.

Oil Pulling: A Cheap, Easy and Effective Solution to Health Woes? Modern Research Says "YES"

Dating back thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine, oil pulling may seem like an unlikely curative miracle due to its simplicity. Yet practitioners of the therapy laud its effectiveness in healing everything from AIDS to diabetes, heart disease to leukemia. Testimonials aside, scientific research has shown oil pulling can vastly improve the condition of the gums and teeth by reducing dental bacteria, viruses and fungi - which in turn fosters overall health.

Oil pulling basics

Oil pulling is a technique where a tablespoon of oil (sesame, coconut, olive or sunflower) is moved around the mouth and through the teeth with a swishing motion for 20 minutes, one to three times per day. The premise behind the therapy is that oil attracts various pathogens in the mouth which are then suspended within the liquid and subsequently spat out. The oil also seeps into hard to reach pockets below the gum line where damaging bacteria tend to thrive.