This is your brain on NutraSweet - and it isn't pretty

Got milk? A better question would be: Got seizures, migraine headaches, brain tumors or depression? If the dairy industry has its way, a major cause of these disorders in the form of aspartame could soon be a common ingredient in the milk supply. Bear in mind this is the chemical that has been linked with a laundry list of health issues, many of which are neurological. In light of the proposed new FDA rule that would allow artificial sweeteners like aspartame to be covertly included in dairy products, we have to consider: Is this really a chemical we want hidden within a popular food staple?

Legally lace food with poison and profit

Boycott botox and discover nature's fountain of youth

Instead of drastic surgical procedures, dangerous injections, or chemical ridden creams, many are turning to natural treatments to ease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. By utilizing a few simple techniques that can be implemented at home, the complexion is revitalized. Skin becomes radiant through the use of herbs, facial massage and diet.

Select medicinal plants are especially beneficial for the health of the skin. Hawthorn berry and the Ayurvedic herb ashwagandha are both powerful anti-aging tonics. Hawthorn protects against solar radiation and helps to oxygenate tissue while ashwagandha is a formidable antioxidant.

Topical oils naturally support beautiful skin as well. Essential oils of cypress, grapefruit, lemon, and peppermint stimulate the lymphatic system, thereby promoting detoxification and healthful skin. Rose helps to improve moisture retention and tone, whereas lavender tends to be astringent and tightens pores. Due to their concentrated nature, essential oils always need to be diluted in a carrier such as jojoba, almond, or olive oil.

Friendly Sage Braised Artichokes with Garlic

This recipe is dedicated to a very unique friend, Denise. I will forever associate her with artichokes –especially those of the braised kind. I have known Denise for about ten years now, connecting with her during a time when nutrient dense, health enhancing food was incredibly important for her family. Throughout the years we have kept in touch, she even 'adopted' a Staub cast-iron pot of mine for several years while I was traveling and living abroad. Denise continued the tradition of braised artichokes during all those years I was unable to. Through a turn of events over the last month, the pot landed back in my kitchen after seven years. I have to say, this first batch of braised artichokes cooked in the Staub were amazing – the pot is pretty much fool-proof and a joy to use. Thoughts of Denise and her family were a constant companion while preparing this delicious vegetable – I just wished we lived closer!

An apple a day keeps the doctor away (and makes you svelte, smart and strong too)

We have all heard the old adage "an apple a day keeps the doctor away," but new research has shown that apples have many more benefits than previously thought. Want to improve memory, endurance or weight loss? Eat an apple. How about boosting physical health? Apples can help. Threatening diseases like diabetes, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's, asthma and cancer are also diminished by this seemingly ordinary fruit.

A tasty daily habit for preventing major disease

Researchers have discovered that consistent consumption of apples fosters greater health. Asthmatic children who drink apple juice on a daily basis have less wheezing than those who only have apple juice once a month. Likewise, maternal consumption of apples has a positive effect on the well being of their children. Mothers who ate apples throughout pregnancy gave birth to children who had lower rates of asthma compared to those who consumed small amounts of the fruit. Apples also help to control diabetes. As a good source of galacturonic acid, apples curb the body's requirement for insulin. Even better, women who eat at least one apple a day lower their chances of developing Type II diabetes by 28 percent.

Gluten-Free Rooibos Sablé Cookies

As with many things French, the traditional Sablé cookie is laden with butter. For this recipe the coconut oil works beautifully as a healthy substitute. The rooibos tea used here came from a snappy little tea shop in Calgary, Alberta. This delightful tea, Rainbow Rooibos, has lovely flower petals of yellow and periwinkle along with essence of amaretto. Low glycemic coconut sugar is used as well for additional nutritional benefit.

Boost vigor and mental well-being by harmonizing copper levels in the body

Migraines, depression, fatigue and insomnia - these are just a few of the disorders that may be caused by a remarkably common nutritional imbalance of copper. When proper levels of this mineral are not maintained, illness and disease can develop. Since copper deficiency and toxicity have far reaching health consequences, it is vital to recognize the signs of imbalance.

Copper is an essential mineral necessary for many functions of the body. Along with iron, copper assists with red blood cell formation. It is also required for healthy connective tissue, bones and the nervous and immune systems. Copper is helpful in treating a wide range of illness from anemia to heart disease, leukemia to HIV/AIDS. In addition, hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis and certain types of mental illness all respond well to balanced copper levels. Excellent sources include avocado, sesame, asparagus, crimini mushrooms and molasses along with most organic grains and nuts.