This City Aims to Be “Car Free” in 20 Years

By: Amanda Froelich

(True Activist) To live in this age is an exciting time. The technological advances have accelerated communication around the world, and in effect, a shifting of resources to more sustainable alternatives continue to be implemented at an increasing rate. Who knew thirty or even fifty years ago that cars would so quickly go out of fashion in favor of more sustainable, alternative modes of transportation?

Yet this is exactly what is happening in the German town of Hamburg. The city council recently disclosed it has plans to divert most of its cars away from the city’s main thoroughfares in twenty years. In order create what will someday be a large green network, local authorities are to connect pedestrian and cycle lanes; this is expected to smooth inner city traffic flow.

Four specialty salts that can change your health for the better

With depleted soils and environmental toxins, consuming a mineral-rich diet is much more taxing now than in the past. Even when the diet is 100 percent organic, ensuring the proper level of nutrients can be difficult. Natural, unprocessed salt can help balance the odds in your favor. Brimming with essential trace elements, these salts are not only delicious but also exceptionally nourishing.

Salt varieties and benefits

Have a look at the four unique salts highlighted below and learn how this small addition can have a big impact on health.

Spicy Tomato & Sweet Potato Bisque {gluten-free and vegan}

I first tasted a version of this soup at Whole Foods in the San Francisco Bay Area. It quickly became a favorite, especially in the cool of winter. This bisque also does quite well as a refreshing chilled version during those hot summer months.

This is a surprisingly creamy, yet healthy, tomato soup which is simple to prepare. The sweet potatoes add a a bit of balance to the acidity of the tomatoes while also lending a wonderful smoothness. Sweet potatoes have a lower glycemic rating than standard potatoes, an added bonus for those of you watching your carbohydrate intake.

The Cilantro Water Cleanse

(Underground Health Reporter) If you’ve traveled to Mexico, you’ve heard the warnings: “Don’t drink the water!” “It’s not sanitary!” “You’ll get the runs!” These warnings aren’t just for tourists to heed; locals need to be wary of contaminated water in Mexico as well. Tap water in the United States fares only a bit better, but in Mexican villages, many locals don’t have the money for filtration systems. A new study conducted by U.S. and Mexican researchers, however, is shedding light on the filtering properties of a popular Mexican spice—cilantro! If further research confirms that cilantro purifies water, then we may just have an extremely inexpensive, all-natural filtering agent on our hands!

Soft-drink habit in disguise: Commercial fruit juice and smoothies cause more harm than good

We may think we are giving health a good turn by opting for commercial fruit juice or pre made smoothie instead of soda pop, but health advocates warn this in not a sound choice. Linked with obesity and type 2 diabetes, the drinks are often a disease promoting agent in disguise. Masquerading behind a facade of wholesomeness, fruit juice and smoothies contain high levels of harmful fructose and synthetic additives. In response, nutrition experts warn if we want to avoid health issues in the future, these beverages should be given a wide berth.

The risks of 'healthy' beverages

A significant player in the soaring rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes, sugar of all kinds (especially fructose) is a health disaster. Barry Popkin, a professor of nutrition at the University of North Carolina, states that "smoothies and fruit juice are the new danger," in an interview with The Guardian.

Positive mental states encourage health and longevity - Research

According to current research, gratitude and appreciation aren't just pleasant emotions, both offer tangible health benefits as well. The HeartMath Institute in California has taken these findings a step further, providing a systematic approach for cultivating true appreciation - which ultimately reduces stress, chronic disease and nervous system disorders. In our fast-paced and intense modern world, orienting oneself toward positive mental states can vastly improve the quality of life and promote longevity.

The dance between appreciation and science

A study published in the American Journal of Cardiology found that gratitude supports cardiovascular and immune system health. Participants were monitored while asked to recall for five minutes an incident that triggered anger. Next, the individuals were told instead to focus on a memory that inspired gratitude. Heart, pulse and respiration rates dramatically improved. The researchers believe that by cultivating gratefulness, stress is  significantly reduced - thereby boosting immune function and strengthening overall health.