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.

This Tree Can Grow Over 40 Different Kinds Of Fruit

The enchanted-looking tree above harbors a wondrous secret.

Using an ancient technique called “chip grafting,” artist and Syracuse University professor Sam Van Aken has carefully nurtured trees that can bear over 40 different types of stone fruits, including peaches, nectarines, apricots and almonds.

Myrtle Tree Oil: An All-Around Wonder Remedy For Wrinkles, Depression, Infectious Disease And Neurological Disorders

Famous for its superior antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties, oil from the lemon myrtle tree knocks out stubborn salmonella and staph organisms while providing a variety of cosmetic uses. Not only does it soothe wrinkles and blemishes, but also calms nervous system disorders such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, vertigo and depression. As an added bonus, myrtle oil is considered an aphrodisiac.

Time-honored oil of beauty and health

The ancient Greeks associated the myrtle tree with Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, for good reason. Through its exceptional astringent, antiseptic and skin firming properties, myrtle oil is a powerful tonic for the skin. Pharmacologists believe the high level of myrtucommulone-A is responsible for the strong analgesic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory attributes of the oil. Due to impressive antiseptic qualities, myrtle is an excellent topical remedy for skin infections, wounds and ulcers - including stubborn MRSA varieties. It also contracts and tightens the skin, helping to alleviate wrinkles. High myrtol content encourages the synthesis of sirtuin compounds, helping to further reduce skin aging. For those suffering from acne, myrtle opens the pores and acts as a bactericide, thereby reducing the incidence of breakouts. Mediterranean countries have long used myrtle extract to encourage hair growth as well. Additionally, it has a "highly selective cytostatic (inhibiting) effect on tumors," as stated by the botanical health and wellness site Bioesti.

Nurture Genius By Bucking The System — Autistic Boy With Higher IQ Than Einstein Discovers His Gift After Removal From State-Run Therapy

In yet another example of how an out of control goliath state system can cause more harm than good, a teenage boy who was diagnosed with autism at a young age has risen to stellar heights after quitting the special ed system with the help of his concerned mother. State therapy specialists claimed Jacob Barnett would never tie his shoes, read or function normally in society. But the boy's mother realized when Jacob was not in therapy, he was doing "spectacular things" completely on his own. She decided to trust her instinct and disregard the advice of the professionals. Instead of following a standardized special needs educational protocol, she surrounded Jacob with all the things that inspired passion for him - and was astonished at the transformation that took place.

Radioactive Recliner Chairs, Apartment Buildings and Household Goods Are Not as Unusual as You May Think — and It’s About to Get Worse

The American government has developed a solution for all the excess radioactive metal from the medical industry and military: Make it into belt buckles. Or forks. Even cheese graters are fair game. The stainless steel beverage cups used to avoid the dangers of BPA? Those are threatened with radioactivity as well. In an absurd twist of policy, The United States Department of Energy decided in December 2012 that it might be a good idea to revoke the ban on recycling radioactive material. The logic behind the proposed reversal is this: If you have a waste product that is costly to contain and dangerous, quietly offload it onto the unsuspecting masses in the form of consumer goods and building materials while turning a nice profit throughout.