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.

"Genetic Roulette" documentary shatters the myth of GMO safety

According to the documentary Genetic Roulette "…physicians and scientists have uncovered a grave trend. The same serious health problems found in lab animals, livestock, and pets that have been fed GM foods are now on the rise in the US population. And when people and animals stop eating genetically modified organisms (GMOs), their health improved." Information is power.

In the wake of the startling findings that GM corn causes massive tumors, liver damage and shortened life spans in rats, it is vital now more than ever to educate friends and family about the dangers of GM food. Genetic Roulette couldn't have arrived at a better time. A production of the Institute for Responsible Technology, Genetic Roulette features interviews with farmers, scientists, physicians, educators and chefs who explore the dangers of genetically engineered food. The film is by Jefferey Smith, author of The Seeds of Deception, and seeks to expose "the unintended but real health consequences of genetically engineering our food," said promoter Rodney Robinson. The documentary covers everything from the basic defining criteria of genetically modified organisms to California Ballot Initiative 37. Genetic Roulette also examines the significant connection between GM food and the rise of birth defects, autism, allergies and intestinal damage. The documentary can be viewed at: www.responsibletechnology.org

Ron Paul's new homeschooling curriculum: Bucking the public educational system, one liberty-minded student at a time

Ron Paul is on a mission to educate children. The former U.S. congressman is far from retirement with his latest project -- creating an alternative to the public school system through an independent online home curriculum. Paul believes "... children do better when their education is controlled by those who know their unique needs best, rather than by a federal bureaucrat." A long-time vocal advocate for homeschooling, Paul warns that dictatorships have historically recognized the threat of independent education and act accordingly to suppress it. In a bid for cultivating future freethinkers, the Ron Paul Curriculum was born.

Learning the basics plus much more

8 powerful plants that can detox your home

(MindBodyGreen) Did you realize the average American spends 90 percent of his time indoors? That’s a lot of time. Unbelievably, air pollution inside your home or office can be worse than the pollution outside, which is why the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ranks indoor air quality as one of the top five environmental risks to public health.

There are many things you can do to clean up the air in your home. First, stop buying products made with toxic chemicals that pollute your living space. Products like air fresheners, vinyl flooring, pressed wood made with formaldehyde, and harsh solvents fill your air with nasty chemicals that harm your health.

Be the change with crowd-funding

Instead of turning to big banks, the government or credit cards, creative entrepreneurs and environmental activists are using the power of numbers to realize their dreams. Enter crowd-funding. By tapping into networks of individuals, small donations finance worthy projects, businesses and ideas—even civic overhauls. And people are making a difference without breaking the bank.

Many times, projects and businesses that need capital are overly 'alternative' and unable to attract the attention of banks or do not fit the rigid qualifying terms of government aid. Who wants to contend with outrageous debt and interest rates anyway? A unique solution to this dilemma is crowd-funding. Anyone can participate in bringing creative, environmental or socially aware enterprises to fruition with just a little 'seed change'—helping to support new ventures in a meaningful way. For those who back fledgling projects through crowd-funding, their efforts are often rewarded by a sense of local involvement and personal connection.

10 American Foods that are Banned in Other Countries

(Eat Local Grown) By Dr. Mercola

Americans are slowly waking up to the sad fact that much of the food sold in the US is far inferior to the same foods sold in other nations. In fact, many of the foods you eat are BANNED in other countries.

Here, I’ll review 10 American foods that are banned elsewhere.

Seeing how the overall health of Americans is so much lower than other industrialized countries, you can’t help but wonder whether toxic foods such as these might play a role in our skyrocketing disease rates.

BANNED FOODS

#1: Milk and Dairy Products Laced with rBGH

Recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH) is the largest selling dairy animal drug in America. RBGH is a synthetic version of natural bovine somatotropin (BST), a hormone produced in cows’ pituitary glands. Monsanto developed the recombinant version from genetically engineered E. coli bacteria and markets it under the brand name “Posilac.”