Tooth Whitening 101: Flash a Gorgeous Smile With These Natural Methods

A sparkling white smile is more than simply cosmetic - it also reflects the state of inner health. Teeth tend to yellow with age and exposure to staining food and drink, yet discoloration also suggests impaired tooth structure. All in all, light enamel color indicates well mineralized and strong teeth. But before rushing out to purchase a tooth whitening kit in an attempt to spruce up your smile, try a few safe and natural alternatives. Chances are, you will be pleasantly surprised at the results - and your dentist just might be too.

Root of the problem

Strengthening teeth from the inside not only brightens the smile, it also helps to defend against decay, gum disease and tooth loss. The secret is to consume a high mineral diet that is low in phytic acid. Unfortunately, the standard American diet is high in tooth and bone destroying phytate-containing edibles - namely grains, seeds, nuts and legumes. Even when soaked, sprouted and prepared correctly, these foods still contain enough phytic acid to damage teeth. Add to this high sugar, fruit and commercial vegetable oil consumption and dental health is bound to suffer.

Gasoline From Air? New Technology Delivers Clean and Green Fuel of the Future

The true cost of fossil fuel reaches far beyond what is paid at the gas pump—the expense of waging war to protect oil interests, governmental corruption, global warming and environmental destruction all are part of the equation. And don't forget about the health consequences as well. Fortunately, a solution to these troubles might be just around the corner. A team of researchers in the UK have discovered a way to extract carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air, converting it into viable, clean burning petrol. No, this isn't science fiction—it's technology that's on the verge of becoming mainstream within a few, short years.

The problem with old school gasoline

Saving the Planet, One Meal at a Time

By Chris Hedges

Numbered footnotes, with hyperlinks, appear at the end of this article.

My attitude toward becoming a vegan was similar to Augustine’s attitude toward becoming celibate—“God grant me abstinence, but not yet.” But with animal agriculture as the leading cause of species extinction, water pollution, ocean dead zones and habitat destruction², and with the death spiral of the ecosystem ever more pronounced, becoming vegan is the most important and direct change we can immediately make to save the planet and its species. It is one that my wife—who was the engine behind our family’s shift—and I have made.