With the camping season upon us now, I'm trying to find a few ways to keep the bugs astray chemical free. So here is some of my lastest findings.
Pepper Spray
This works great for ants and other small pests.
Boil 2 or 3 cups of water.
Add about ½ to 2/3 cup of chopped hot pepper. Let marinate for a few minutes.
Run the mixture thru a sieve to remove the peppers.
Put the liquid in a squirt bottle and use when necessary.
Be careful not to spray directly on foliage.
Minty Soap Spray
This is great for ants.
Mix 2 tbsp of Dr. Bonners mint soap with a gallon of water.
Spray directly on ants.
This will also work to ward off other pests on foliage however be care when you spray it directly on your plants. It has been known to burn some plants if too much is applied.
Pure Vanilla Extract
Dab a little on you wrists, neck and behind the ears. Many insects don’t like the smell.
Chem-Free Bug Off Mist
Mix witch hazel with a few drops of tea tree oil, lavender oil, or peppermint oil in a squirt bottle. Lightly mist your body.
Lavender Works Mosquito Miracles
Stop the bites!
Rub a lavender flower behind your ears, wrists and neck.
Not only will you smell great but mosquitoes will leave you alone.
Quite a few people said colored listerine in a spray bottle works great. Also, pure vanilla in a spray bottle.
I am definitely going to be giving these a try and will let you know how it works. Let me know what works for you!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Homemade pesticides!
Since are garden is now starting to grow I figured now would be a good time to start learning about homemade pesticides. Obviously with trying to keep my kids safe from all the chemicals in the world, I would much rather find a safe way with normal household products. So this is what I have found so far. This is a mixture from all kinds of websites. I will let you know what has worked best from our garden.
Mix homemade garden sprays using water and plants (or dried powders) from the garden such as hot peppers, onions and garlic. Add a drop of dish detergent to help the solution stick and store in a spray bottle to apply to infested vegetables or flowers.
Place a yellow pan with soapy water out in the garden to attract aphids and beetles. They are attracted to their favorite color and the soapy water suffocates them.
Make a trap for slugs by placing an almost empty can of beer on its side in the garden. Slugs and snails will go into the can to drink the fermented liquid and not come out.
To say good-bye to garden insects and slugs try mixing aluminum foil strips with your garden mulch. Aluminum foil not only deters garden pests but due to its reflective property it also gives your plants a solar boost.
Onion concoction is an effective home remedy to get rid off garden pests especially from your vegetables and flowers. With the help of a blender make a smooth paste of 4onions, 2 tbsp of cayenne pepper, 2 garlic cloves and 1 quart of water. Before using this homemade pesticide dilute this puree with 2 tbsp of soap flakes and 2 gallons of water. Now spray this diluted homemade pesticide on your pest infected plants.
To protect your plants, vegetables and flowers from pests simply mix flour and black pepper powder. Now sprinkle this mixture around the plants.
You can prepare an insecticidal soap at home by dissolving 1 tsp of any liquid dish soap in 1 liter of water. This solution is effective in getting rid off whiteflies, thrips, spider mites and aphids.
General pest repellent
This is quite a recipe...but its worked for me as a general spray that has helped prevent a lot of infestations before they became a problem.
- 1/4 cup of hot red peppers (red pepper sauce works well as a substitute)
- 1/4 cup of fresh spearmint (look in your produce for fresh herbs or grow your own !)
- 1/4 cup horseradish, both root and leaves (prepared horseradish doesnt work as well)
- 1/4 cup green onion tops
- 1 tablespoon of liquid detergent
So here is a good list of things to try. I have not had a chance to try any of these yet, but can't wait to. I will let you know what has worked for us and if you get a chance to try any of these, please let me know what has worked for you. If you have any other recipes I would love to hear them. Happy gardening!
Mix homemade garden sprays using water and plants (or dried powders) from the garden such as hot peppers, onions and garlic. Add a drop of dish detergent to help the solution stick and store in a spray bottle to apply to infested vegetables or flowers.
Place a yellow pan with soapy water out in the garden to attract aphids and beetles. They are attracted to their favorite color and the soapy water suffocates them.
Make a trap for slugs by placing an almost empty can of beer on its side in the garden. Slugs and snails will go into the can to drink the fermented liquid and not come out.
To say good-bye to garden insects and slugs try mixing aluminum foil strips with your garden mulch. Aluminum foil not only deters garden pests but due to its reflective property it also gives your plants a solar boost.
Onion concoction is an effective home remedy to get rid off garden pests especially from your vegetables and flowers. With the help of a blender make a smooth paste of 4onions, 2 tbsp of cayenne pepper, 2 garlic cloves and 1 quart of water. Before using this homemade pesticide dilute this puree with 2 tbsp of soap flakes and 2 gallons of water. Now spray this diluted homemade pesticide on your pest infected plants.
To protect your plants, vegetables and flowers from pests simply mix flour and black pepper powder. Now sprinkle this mixture around the plants.
You can prepare an insecticidal soap at home by dissolving 1 tsp of any liquid dish soap in 1 liter of water. This solution is effective in getting rid off whiteflies, thrips, spider mites and aphids.
General pest repellent
This is quite a recipe...but its worked for me as a general spray that has helped prevent a lot of infestations before they became a problem.
- 1/4 cup of hot red peppers (red pepper sauce works well as a substitute)
- 1/4 cup of fresh spearmint (look in your produce for fresh herbs or grow your own !)
- 1/4 cup horseradish, both root and leaves (prepared horseradish doesnt work as well)
- 1/4 cup green onion tops
- 1 tablespoon of liquid detergent
So here is a good list of things to try. I have not had a chance to try any of these yet, but can't wait to. I will let you know what has worked for us and if you get a chance to try any of these, please let me know what has worked for you. If you have any other recipes I would love to hear them. Happy gardening!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Homemade hairspray!
I found this on thekindlife.com and thought it sounded really interesting. A chemical free hairspray that is really cheap to make. I haven't tried it yet but would love to. Let me know if any of you try it and what you think!
Try this amazing recipe for make-it-yourself hairspray. It's incredibly cheap, no chemicals, better for your hair, better for the environment, and most definitely Not Tested On Animals.
You will need:
* 1/4 cup water
* 1 tsp sugar (organic if possible)
* Spray bottle with a very fine mist (very important that it's a fine mist or you'll soak your hair)
Boil the water, let cool slightly, then add the sugar until it's dissolved. Let cool completely, then pour into the spray bottle.
That's it! Easy :-)
You can add some essential oils for scent if you like, I added a few drops of Rosemary essential oil for a yummy refreshing scent.
You may find that you need to add slightly more or less sugar depending on how much hold you need for your hair, but this recipe is so quick and cheap that it's easy to ditch and start again with a new batch.
If you do need extra hold, I suggest misting your hair once, waiting 30 seconds or so for it to dry, then misting again.
Try this amazing recipe for make-it-yourself hairspray. It's incredibly cheap, no chemicals, better for your hair, better for the environment, and most definitely Not Tested On Animals.
You will need:
* 1/4 cup water
* 1 tsp sugar (organic if possible)
* Spray bottle with a very fine mist (very important that it's a fine mist or you'll soak your hair)
Boil the water, let cool slightly, then add the sugar until it's dissolved. Let cool completely, then pour into the spray bottle.
That's it! Easy :-)
You can add some essential oils for scent if you like, I added a few drops of Rosemary essential oil for a yummy refreshing scent.
You may find that you need to add slightly more or less sugar depending on how much hold you need for your hair, but this recipe is so quick and cheap that it's easy to ditch and start again with a new batch.
If you do need extra hold, I suggest misting your hair once, waiting 30 seconds or so for it to dry, then misting again.
Homemade household cleaners!
Here is a list of chemical free household cleaners I have found. Hope these help you out!
White vinegar and water
-1 cup white vinegar
-1 cup water
mix in a spray bottle.
Can be used for the following things:
-In the kitchen, use vinegar-and-water spray to clean countertops, lightly soiled range surfaces and backsplash areas
-In the bathroom, use vinegar spray cleaner to clean countertops, floors, and exterior surfaces of the toilet.
-For really tough bathroom surfaces such as shower walls, pump up the cleaning power by removing the sprayer element and heating the solution in the microwave until barely hot. Spray shower walls with the warmed generously, allow to stand for 10 to 15 minutes, then scrub and rinse. The heat helps soften stubborn soap scum and loosens hard water deposits.
-White vinegar is a natural deodorizer, absorbing odors instead of covering them up. (And no, your bathroom won't smell like a salad! Any vinegar aroma disappears when dry.)
-With no coloring agents, white vinegar won't stain grout on tiled surfaces. Because it cuts detergent residue, white vinegar makes a great fabric softener substitute for families with sensitive skin.
Undiluted White Vinegar
-Undiluted white vinegar--straight from the jug--makes quick work of tougher cleaning problems involving hard water deposits or soap scum.
-Use undiluted white vinegar to scrub the inside of the toilet bowl. Before you begin, dump a bucket of water into the toilet to force water out of the bowl and allow access to the sides. Pour undiluted white vinegar around the bowl and scrub with a toilet brush to remove stains and odor. Use a pumice stone to remove any remaining hard water rings.
-Clean shower heads that have been clogged with mineral deposits with undiluted white vinegar. Place 1/4 to 1/2 cup vinegar in a plastic food storage bag, and secure the bag to the shower head with a rubber band. Let stand for 2 hours to overnight, then rinse and buff the fixture to a shiny finish.
-Add one cup of undiluted white vinegar to the laundry rinse cycle instead of commercial fabric softener. White vinegar softens clothes and cuts detergent residue-a plus for family members with sensitive skin.
Baking Soda
-Sprinkle baking soda onto a damp sponge to tackle grimy bathtub rings, scour vanities, or remove food deposits from the kitchen sink.
-For tougher grime, make a paste of baking soda and water, apply to the tub or sink, and allow to stand for 10 to 20 minutes. Dirt, soap scum and deposits soften and are easier to remove.
-Slow-running drains? Keep bathroom drains running freely by pouring 1/2 to 3/4 cup baking soda into the drain, and dribbling just enough hot water to wash the solution down. Let stand for 2 hours to overnight, then flush thoroughly with hot water. The deodorizing effect is an added bonus! [Do not use this method on blocked drains.]
Homemade Glass Cleaner Recipe
-1 cup rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol
-1 cup water
-1 tablespoon white vinegar
-mix in a spray bottle
-Rubbing alcohol provides the base for an evaporating cleaner to rival commercial window and glass cleaning solutions. Use this glass cleaning spray recipe for windows, mirrors, chrome fixtures and for a shiny finish on hard-surface ceramic tiles
Rug shampoo mix
-1/4 cup mild detergent or soap
-1 pint of warm water
-2 tablespoons vinegar
-Whip into a stiff foam. First, vacuum the rug thoroughly. Apply the foam and scrub. Let dry, then vacuum again.
Air Freshener
-Baking soda or vinegar with lemon juice in small dishes absorbs odors around the house.
-Having houseplants helps reduce odors in the home.
-Prevent cooking odors by simmering vinegar (1 tbsp in 1 cup water) on the stove while cooking. To get such smells as fish and onion off utensils and cutting boards, wipe them with vinegar and wash in soapy water.
-Keep fresh coffee grounds on the counter.
-Grind up a slice of lemon in the garbage disposal.
-Simmer water and cinnamon or other spices on stove.
-Place bowls of fragrant dried herbs and flowers in room
A word of caution on making homemade cleaners: never mix bleach with any type of acid such as ammonia or vinegar. It will cause toxic fumes that are very dangerous.
White vinegar and water
-1 cup white vinegar
-1 cup water
mix in a spray bottle.
Can be used for the following things:
-In the kitchen, use vinegar-and-water spray to clean countertops, lightly soiled range surfaces and backsplash areas
-In the bathroom, use vinegar spray cleaner to clean countertops, floors, and exterior surfaces of the toilet.
-For really tough bathroom surfaces such as shower walls, pump up the cleaning power by removing the sprayer element and heating the solution in the microwave until barely hot. Spray shower walls with the warmed generously, allow to stand for 10 to 15 minutes, then scrub and rinse. The heat helps soften stubborn soap scum and loosens hard water deposits.
-White vinegar is a natural deodorizer, absorbing odors instead of covering them up. (And no, your bathroom won't smell like a salad! Any vinegar aroma disappears when dry.)
-With no coloring agents, white vinegar won't stain grout on tiled surfaces. Because it cuts detergent residue, white vinegar makes a great fabric softener substitute for families with sensitive skin.
Undiluted White Vinegar
-Undiluted white vinegar--straight from the jug--makes quick work of tougher cleaning problems involving hard water deposits or soap scum.
-Use undiluted white vinegar to scrub the inside of the toilet bowl. Before you begin, dump a bucket of water into the toilet to force water out of the bowl and allow access to the sides. Pour undiluted white vinegar around the bowl and scrub with a toilet brush to remove stains and odor. Use a pumice stone to remove any remaining hard water rings.
-Clean shower heads that have been clogged with mineral deposits with undiluted white vinegar. Place 1/4 to 1/2 cup vinegar in a plastic food storage bag, and secure the bag to the shower head with a rubber band. Let stand for 2 hours to overnight, then rinse and buff the fixture to a shiny finish.
-Add one cup of undiluted white vinegar to the laundry rinse cycle instead of commercial fabric softener. White vinegar softens clothes and cuts detergent residue-a plus for family members with sensitive skin.
Baking Soda
-Sprinkle baking soda onto a damp sponge to tackle grimy bathtub rings, scour vanities, or remove food deposits from the kitchen sink.
-For tougher grime, make a paste of baking soda and water, apply to the tub or sink, and allow to stand for 10 to 20 minutes. Dirt, soap scum and deposits soften and are easier to remove.
-Slow-running drains? Keep bathroom drains running freely by pouring 1/2 to 3/4 cup baking soda into the drain, and dribbling just enough hot water to wash the solution down. Let stand for 2 hours to overnight, then flush thoroughly with hot water. The deodorizing effect is an added bonus! [Do not use this method on blocked drains.]
Homemade Glass Cleaner Recipe
-1 cup rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol
-1 cup water
-1 tablespoon white vinegar
-mix in a spray bottle
-Rubbing alcohol provides the base for an evaporating cleaner to rival commercial window and glass cleaning solutions. Use this glass cleaning spray recipe for windows, mirrors, chrome fixtures and for a shiny finish on hard-surface ceramic tiles
Rug shampoo mix
-1/4 cup mild detergent or soap
-1 pint of warm water
-2 tablespoons vinegar
-Whip into a stiff foam. First, vacuum the rug thoroughly. Apply the foam and scrub. Let dry, then vacuum again.
Air Freshener
-Baking soda or vinegar with lemon juice in small dishes absorbs odors around the house.
-Having houseplants helps reduce odors in the home.
-Prevent cooking odors by simmering vinegar (1 tbsp in 1 cup water) on the stove while cooking. To get such smells as fish and onion off utensils and cutting boards, wipe them with vinegar and wash in soapy water.
-Keep fresh coffee grounds on the counter.
-Grind up a slice of lemon in the garbage disposal.
-Simmer water and cinnamon or other spices on stove.
-Place bowls of fragrant dried herbs and flowers in room
A word of caution on making homemade cleaners: never mix bleach with any type of acid such as ammonia or vinegar. It will cause toxic fumes that are very dangerous.
Freezing vegetables!
For those of you who have asked me how to freeze vegetables, I just use this simple website of how to freeze most veggies. It list most of the vegetables I use and is really simple.
http://www.gardenguides.com/416-freezing-vegetables.html
Hope it helps you all out!
http://www.gardenguides.com/416-freezing-vegetables.html
Hope it helps you all out!
How to eat healthy on a budget!
I've had many people ask me how we can eat healthy and still maintain a $75 a week budget. So this is what we do.
-We buy a quarter of a cow a year which gives us enough meat to last throughout the year. (I should mention that we don't count this into our weekly budget so that makes a difference I know).
-We make a weekly menu and stick withit. We only buy the items we need for the weekly menu and I stick hard with my grocery list.
-We eat up all of our leftovers. Some meals will last us three-four days.
-We have started our own garden and plan to eat most of our veggies from this.
-We buy a lot of our fruits and veggies when it is cheap and freeze the extra's that we are not going to eat. I also have a wonderful mother-in-law who cans a lot of food and shares with us.
-I try to make up a bigger portion of our dinners so we can freeze half. Most of the time it doesn't cost us but maybe a dollar or two more.
Hopefully this helps out with how we manage to do it. We often only eat two or three more expensive meals and the rest are cheaper meals. We also very, very rarily ever eat out. Maybe once every 2-3 weeks I will take the kids out to subway but as far as eating out for dinner that only happens maybe once every 3-4 months.
I also don't buy the kids a lot of snack food and no juice. Our juice is either homemade lemonade or water. And they each only get two glasses of milk a day. I know this may seem like a mean mom, but most of the time they only ask for water anyway. Chris and I also did away with drinking soda and drink water instead. It is actually pretty easy to eat on $75 a week and we sometimes have some money left over at the end of the week.
If anyone has any additional ideas to keeping a small budget I would love to hear them. I would love to get my budget back down to $50 a week.
-We buy a quarter of a cow a year which gives us enough meat to last throughout the year. (I should mention that we don't count this into our weekly budget so that makes a difference I know).
-We make a weekly menu and stick withit. We only buy the items we need for the weekly menu and I stick hard with my grocery list.
-We eat up all of our leftovers. Some meals will last us three-four days.
-We have started our own garden and plan to eat most of our veggies from this.
-We buy a lot of our fruits and veggies when it is cheap and freeze the extra's that we are not going to eat. I also have a wonderful mother-in-law who cans a lot of food and shares with us.
-I try to make up a bigger portion of our dinners so we can freeze half. Most of the time it doesn't cost us but maybe a dollar or two more.
Hopefully this helps out with how we manage to do it. We often only eat two or three more expensive meals and the rest are cheaper meals. We also very, very rarily ever eat out. Maybe once every 2-3 weeks I will take the kids out to subway but as far as eating out for dinner that only happens maybe once every 3-4 months.
I also don't buy the kids a lot of snack food and no juice. Our juice is either homemade lemonade or water. And they each only get two glasses of milk a day. I know this may seem like a mean mom, but most of the time they only ask for water anyway. Chris and I also did away with drinking soda and drink water instead. It is actually pretty easy to eat on $75 a week and we sometimes have some money left over at the end of the week.
If anyone has any additional ideas to keeping a small budget I would love to hear them. I would love to get my budget back down to $50 a week.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Difference in olive oils?
Since we are now cooking our meals from scratch, I am finding myself using oils a lot more. So I had to learn what the difference was between the olive oils (regular, virgin, and extra virgin). After looking at many, many different sites, they all basically said the same thing. So I just copied the answers from one of the sites and here is the jist of what the difference is.......
What is ‘Olive Oil’
A. Olive oil is olive juice, plain and simple.
What is ‘Virgin?’
A. Virgin means mechanical extraction. The oil or juice is extracted by machines with no chemicals used in the process.
What is ‘Extra’?
A. Mechanically extracted (virgin) olive oil is not all the same quality. 'Extra' is the highest quality and is thus classified because it goes through a battery of tests, both laboratory (analytical) as well as 'taste' (a cutting by an olive oil master similar to the way wines are taste tested). Virgin olive oil that is judged to have ‘no defects’ is classified as extra. So ‘extra virgin’ means – mechanically extracted olive juice that passes laboratory and taste testing with no defects
So basically it is saying to spend a little extra and buy the extra virgin. I also read to make sure it is stored in a glass bottle because if it is stored in plastic container it can absorb PVCs. It also needs to be stored in a cool, dark place away from heat of the stove and sunlight.
Hopefully this helps you as much as it has helped me better understand olive oils.
What is ‘Olive Oil’
A. Olive oil is olive juice, plain and simple.
What is ‘Virgin?’
A. Virgin means mechanical extraction. The oil or juice is extracted by machines with no chemicals used in the process.
What is ‘Extra’?
A. Mechanically extracted (virgin) olive oil is not all the same quality. 'Extra' is the highest quality and is thus classified because it goes through a battery of tests, both laboratory (analytical) as well as 'taste' (a cutting by an olive oil master similar to the way wines are taste tested). Virgin olive oil that is judged to have ‘no defects’ is classified as extra. So ‘extra virgin’ means – mechanically extracted olive juice that passes laboratory and taste testing with no defects
So basically it is saying to spend a little extra and buy the extra virgin. I also read to make sure it is stored in a glass bottle because if it is stored in plastic container it can absorb PVCs. It also needs to be stored in a cool, dark place away from heat of the stove and sunlight.
Hopefully this helps you as much as it has helped me better understand olive oils.
Happy Earth Day!
I really try to teach my kids to respect the Earth and to celebrate Earth day everyday. I expain how recycling and cutting out the chemicals in our lives really helps out. This year we also planted a huge garden, compared to our small one we used to plant on the side of our house. We planted carrots, tomatoes, corn, onions, peppers, cucumbers, squash, green beans, lettuce, and maybe a few more things I'm leaving out. The kids helped us out with making the garden and had so much fun. They are very excited to be able to pick all the fresh veggies out of it as soon as we can.
So here is a picture of the garden. We still have to put the wiring around it to protect it from the animals as well as our dogs and kiddos.
A closer picture.
I can't wait until it all starts growing!!!
So here is a picture of the garden. We still have to put the wiring around it to protect it from the animals as well as our dogs and kiddos.
A closer picture.
I can't wait until it all starts growing!!!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Homemade insect repellent!
So looking into other summer must have's, insect repellent came to mind. So looking into it a little further I found that many are loaded with harmful chemicals as most of you can guess. So instead of posting all the chemical names this time I just decided to post about making some homemade bug spray. I have not tried any of these yet but definitely plan too. If you get a chance to try any, please let me know what you think and if it worked for you.
Instructions for Making Homemade Insect Spray
A variety of household products can be used to create non-toxic insect sprays. Experiment using any of the following sprays to determine your personal potion:
1.Apple cider vinegar: fill a spray bottle with one cup of water and ½ cup of apple cider vinegar and spray the solution on skin before going outdoors.
2.Garlic repellent: although garlic should not be directly applied to the skin, a garlic spray created with warm water and a few cloves or crushed garlic is excellent mosquito repellent. Place the mixture in a plastic spray bottle. Before an outdoor picnic, spray the surrounding area (plants, chairs, etc.), including clothing, with garlic spray to clear away pests.
3.Lemon eucalyptus oil: add 5-6 drops of lemon eucalyptus oil to 1 cup of water and fill a spray bottle. Spray clothing, plants, and surrounding area.
4.Vanilla spray: a sweeter choice than garlic, vanilla extract is a total turn-off to many types of bugs. Fill a spray bottle with one cup of water and one tablespoon of vanilla extract and spray directly onto the skin. Use a cloth or tissue to blend well into the skin.
Read more at Suite101: Keep Insects Away Using Non-Toxic Ingredients: Prevent Mosquitoes Naturally During Spring Rainy Season http://naturalmedicine.suite101.com/article.cfm/keep_insects_away_using_nontoxic_ingredients#ixzz0lnsG4cAY
Instructions for Making Homemade Insect Spray
A variety of household products can be used to create non-toxic insect sprays. Experiment using any of the following sprays to determine your personal potion:
1.Apple cider vinegar: fill a spray bottle with one cup of water and ½ cup of apple cider vinegar and spray the solution on skin before going outdoors.
2.Garlic repellent: although garlic should not be directly applied to the skin, a garlic spray created with warm water and a few cloves or crushed garlic is excellent mosquito repellent. Place the mixture in a plastic spray bottle. Before an outdoor picnic, spray the surrounding area (plants, chairs, etc.), including clothing, with garlic spray to clear away pests.
3.Lemon eucalyptus oil: add 5-6 drops of lemon eucalyptus oil to 1 cup of water and fill a spray bottle. Spray clothing, plants, and surrounding area.
4.Vanilla spray: a sweeter choice than garlic, vanilla extract is a total turn-off to many types of bugs. Fill a spray bottle with one cup of water and one tablespoon of vanilla extract and spray directly onto the skin. Use a cloth or tissue to blend well into the skin.
Read more at Suite101: Keep Insects Away Using Non-Toxic Ingredients: Prevent Mosquitoes Naturally During Spring Rainy Season http://naturalmedicine.suite101.com/article.cfm/keep_insects_away_using_nontoxic_ingredients#ixzz0lnsG4cAY
So what does Organic mean?
I have had a few people ask me if my family is only eating ORGANIC food. Well I don't know? What exactly makes something organic?
So I looked up a definition for organic and this is what I got:
Organic Food – A Definition
Organic farming means that food has been grown and transported without chemical pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, or other additives, on land that conforms to the standards of an organic certification board. In the United States, it's the U.S. Department of Agriculture that controls the approval process for a farm's produce to be labeled "organic," while other countries like Japan and Australia have their own organic standards and regulatory bodies.
What this means is that organic meat, dairy, fruits, and vegetables can only legally be called "organic" if the farm they come from has been checked and certified to produce organic food.
If produce, meats, poultry or milk products are called organic, it means fewer chemical additives (which have been linked to hormone disruption, cancer, and other diseases) and, usually, higher vitamin and mineral content, which is all to the good. Packaged foods, however, are a different story.
Read more at Suite101: What Does Organic Food Really Mean?: The Definition of Organic Farming, Produce and Health Food http://holistic-nutrition.suite101.com/article.cfm/what_does_organic_food_really_mean#ixzz0lmrygQe0
So after reading this definition the answer is no we don't eat only organic food. My basic plan for my family is to homecook every meal without using any of the harmful chemicals that are found in all the processed food. And yes, I said homecook everything. This doesn't mean I spend all day in the kitchen because with three kids and a very hectic schedule I don't have time for that. I try to devote about an hour a day to cooking (I don't count the time that something is in the oven). Its actually a lot easier than it sounds. I try at least two new recipes a week and most of my meals make enough for us to eat for a couple of days.
And no you don't have to give up any of your favorite meals. You can make almost anything from scratch thanks to the wonderful internet. I just type in a meal I would like to make and look for a recipe to make it from scratch. So far it hasn't been a problem to make the meals at all and I actually enjoy my cooking now. I also try to let the kids help me out as much as possible which they love.
No we are not a vegan family either, someone has asked me that too. I think if I tried to turn my family vegan I would be divorced and leaving in a cardboard box somewhere. But we do get our meat from Chris' cousin who farm raises a few cows every year for the family and our poultry comes from Whole Foods until I can find somewhere else to get them from.
So that is it in a nutshell. I guess I can't call us organic but we are eating healthier.
So I looked up a definition for organic and this is what I got:
Organic Food – A Definition
Organic farming means that food has been grown and transported without chemical pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, or other additives, on land that conforms to the standards of an organic certification board. In the United States, it's the U.S. Department of Agriculture that controls the approval process for a farm's produce to be labeled "organic," while other countries like Japan and Australia have their own organic standards and regulatory bodies.
What this means is that organic meat, dairy, fruits, and vegetables can only legally be called "organic" if the farm they come from has been checked and certified to produce organic food.
If produce, meats, poultry or milk products are called organic, it means fewer chemical additives (which have been linked to hormone disruption, cancer, and other diseases) and, usually, higher vitamin and mineral content, which is all to the good. Packaged foods, however, are a different story.
Read more at Suite101: What Does Organic Food Really Mean?: The Definition of Organic Farming, Produce and Health Food http://holistic-nutrition.suite101.com/article.cfm/what_does_organic_food_really_mean#ixzz0lmrygQe0
So after reading this definition the answer is no we don't eat only organic food. My basic plan for my family is to homecook every meal without using any of the harmful chemicals that are found in all the processed food. And yes, I said homecook everything. This doesn't mean I spend all day in the kitchen because with three kids and a very hectic schedule I don't have time for that. I try to devote about an hour a day to cooking (I don't count the time that something is in the oven). Its actually a lot easier than it sounds. I try at least two new recipes a week and most of my meals make enough for us to eat for a couple of days.
And no you don't have to give up any of your favorite meals. You can make almost anything from scratch thanks to the wonderful internet. I just type in a meal I would like to make and look for a recipe to make it from scratch. So far it hasn't been a problem to make the meals at all and I actually enjoy my cooking now. I also try to let the kids help me out as much as possible which they love.
No we are not a vegan family either, someone has asked me that too. I think if I tried to turn my family vegan I would be divorced and leaving in a cardboard box somewhere. But we do get our meat from Chris' cousin who farm raises a few cows every year for the family and our poultry comes from Whole Foods until I can find somewhere else to get them from.
So that is it in a nutshell. I guess I can't call us organic but we are eating healthier.
Another reason not to eat fast food!
OLATHE, KAN - According to their menu, the Sonic Chicken Wrap comes with grilled chicken breast, fresh lettuce and ranch dressing. But one metro customer says that he got an additional, unwelcome ingredient with his wrap, and now he says that he is looking into hiring a lawyer.
Robert Borushko says that he found a tomato dicer blade when he bit into a Chicken Wrap purchased from a Sonic Drive-In at 119th Street in Olathe. He says that he was shocked when he took a bite and pulled a razor blade out of his mouth.
"I thought I broke a tooth at first because when I bit down, it was hard," said Borushko. "It's about one inch, I put it up against a ruler."
Sonic's corporate office sent FOX 4 a statement saying that a very small piece of a blade of a tomato dicer broke off, and that they have apologized to the customer and offered Borushko $200 for the inconvenience.
According to the Sonic corporate office, the Sonic Drive-In in Olathe has a history of good scores on public health inspections and third-party food safety audits.
Borushko says that he was not impressed by their offer.
"It was a smack in the face for biting on a razor blade," said Borushko. "(The Sonic representative's) whole thing is there's no serious injury, I wasn't cut. It's not a serious matter to them."
Borushko says that it is a serious matter to him, and now he's looking into hiring a lawyer. He says that he filed a report with the Olathe Police Department, but officers said that they found no evidence of criminal misconduct.
"If I swallowed it or gave it to one of my nieces or nephews and a little kid got that razor blade and didn't know to quit chewing, the damage could have been done to them," said Borushko.
Robert Borushko says that he found a tomato dicer blade when he bit into a Chicken Wrap purchased from a Sonic Drive-In at 119th Street in Olathe. He says that he was shocked when he took a bite and pulled a razor blade out of his mouth.
"I thought I broke a tooth at first because when I bit down, it was hard," said Borushko. "It's about one inch, I put it up against a ruler."
Sonic's corporate office sent FOX 4 a statement saying that a very small piece of a blade of a tomato dicer broke off, and that they have apologized to the customer and offered Borushko $200 for the inconvenience.
According to the Sonic corporate office, the Sonic Drive-In in Olathe has a history of good scores on public health inspections and third-party food safety audits.
Borushko says that he was not impressed by their offer.
"It was a smack in the face for biting on a razor blade," said Borushko. "(The Sonic representative's) whole thing is there's no serious injury, I wasn't cut. It's not a serious matter to them."
Borushko says that it is a serious matter to him, and now he's looking into hiring a lawyer. He says that he filed a report with the Olathe Police Department, but officers said that they found no evidence of criminal misconduct.
"If I swallowed it or gave it to one of my nieces or nephews and a little kid got that razor blade and didn't know to quit chewing, the damage could have been done to them," said Borushko.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Great website!
Here is a great website for finding safe beauty products:
http://www.ewg.org/whichsunscreensarebest/2009report
You can find any suntan lotion and it will tell you how safe it is. Sorry there are so many posts about this but since it is getting to be that time of year that is all I can think about right now.
This is a great website for other products as well.
Enjoy!
http://www.ewg.org/whichsunscreensarebest/2009report
You can find any suntan lotion and it will tell you how safe it is. Sorry there are so many posts about this but since it is getting to be that time of year that is all I can think about right now.
This is a great website for other products as well.
Enjoy!
A list of healthy suntan lotions!
Choose from among top rated sunscreens for broad spectrum protection with fewer hazardous ingredients. And follow our sun safety tips to protect your skin for a lifetime.
1. Loving Naturals Sunscreen, SPF 30+) 0
2. Badger Sunscreen Face Stick, SPF 30, Unscented 0
3. Heiko Kids 40 SPF 0
4. thinkbaby Sunscreen, SPF 30+ 0
5. Trukid Sunny Days Face & Body Stick, SPF 30+ 1
6. Beyond Coastal Lip and Face Screen, SPF 30 1
7. Purple Prairie Botanicals Sun Stick, SPF 30 1
8. Soleo/Wyland Organics All Natural Sunscreen, SPF 30+ 1
9. Lavera Sunscreen Neutral, SPF 40
10. All Terrain TerraSport Performance Sunscreen, SPF 30 1
see all sunscreens
Does your sunscreen work? EWG's investigation of 535 beach and sport sunscreens finds that 2 out of 5 contain chemicals that may pose health hazards or don't adequately protect skin from the sun's damaging rays. Some of the worst offenders are leading brands like Coppertone, Banana Boat, and Neutrogena.
More Americans than ever are using sunscreen to protect from sunburn and guard against skin cancer. Top choices include products with high SPF ratings, and that are waterproof or that advertise "broad spectrum" protection.
Most people trust that the claims on the bottle will ensure that the product truly protects their health and their families'. Nothing could be less certain. Until FDA strengthens and finalizes sunscreen safety standards first drafted 31 years ago, consumers can't be confident that products on store shelves are safe and effective.
We found 21 sunscreens claiming SPFs from 55-100+ that might tempt you to stay out longer in the sun, but they block just 1 to 2% more sunburn rays than an SPF 30 sunscreen. These products violate FDA's sunscreen safety standards.
Four percent of high SPF sunscreens (SPF of at least 30) protect only from sunburn (UVB radiation), and provide poor protection from UVA, the sun rays linked to skin damage and aging, immune system problems, and potentially skin cancer. FDA does not require that sunscreens guard against UVA radiation.
1. Loving Naturals Sunscreen, SPF 30+) 0
2. Badger Sunscreen Face Stick, SPF 30, Unscented 0
3. Heiko Kids 40 SPF 0
4. thinkbaby Sunscreen, SPF 30+ 0
5. Trukid Sunny Days Face & Body Stick, SPF 30+ 1
6. Beyond Coastal Lip and Face Screen, SPF 30 1
7. Purple Prairie Botanicals Sun Stick, SPF 30 1
8. Soleo/Wyland Organics All Natural Sunscreen, SPF 30+ 1
9. Lavera Sunscreen Neutral, SPF 40
10. All Terrain TerraSport Performance Sunscreen, SPF 30 1
see all sunscreens
Does your sunscreen work? EWG's investigation of 535 beach and sport sunscreens finds that 2 out of 5 contain chemicals that may pose health hazards or don't adequately protect skin from the sun's damaging rays. Some of the worst offenders are leading brands like Coppertone, Banana Boat, and Neutrogena.
More Americans than ever are using sunscreen to protect from sunburn and guard against skin cancer. Top choices include products with high SPF ratings, and that are waterproof or that advertise "broad spectrum" protection.
Most people trust that the claims on the bottle will ensure that the product truly protects their health and their families'. Nothing could be less certain. Until FDA strengthens and finalizes sunscreen safety standards first drafted 31 years ago, consumers can't be confident that products on store shelves are safe and effective.
We found 21 sunscreens claiming SPFs from 55-100+ that might tempt you to stay out longer in the sun, but they block just 1 to 2% more sunburn rays than an SPF 30 sunscreen. These products violate FDA's sunscreen safety standards.
Four percent of high SPF sunscreens (SPF of at least 30) protect only from sunburn (UVB radiation), and provide poor protection from UVA, the sun rays linked to skin damage and aging, immune system problems, and potentially skin cancer. FDA does not require that sunscreens guard against UVA radiation.
Harmful chemicals found in suntan lotion!
I just found out from a friend today about a severe reaction her son (16 months old) just had to suntan lotion. She was using a very common suntan lotion called Banana Boat baby. After putting some suntan lotion on one of her twins he began to break out with a rash. The rash soon turned into blisters. Her and her husband are both paramedics so they were both treating the little boy but it was so bad they were to the point of taking him to the hospital. They immediately called their doctor who told them to give the baby some benedryl. They were finally able to get rid of the blisters without hurting him anymore but not without forever changing their opinion on suntan lotion. They were told he had an allergic reaction to the suntan lotion both externally as well as internally since the chemicals used in the lotion was absorbed through the skin. They were then told how harmful the chemicals were in suntan lotion.
So this brought on an interest to me. So I began reading about the harmful ingredients in suntan lotion since I also use popular products. WOW!!!! That is the best word I can say about what they put into suntan lotion! I have been putting this on my babies for 6 years and it is horrible!!!!!!
Here is a few things I have found.
This was too long to post and it was all good information so I figured I would just post the website: http://www.skinbiology.com/toxicsunscreens.html
Some other information I have found:
For 29 years, the FDA has refused to publish safety standards for sunscreen products. That's nearly three decades of keeping the public in the dark about the extremely harmful, cancer-causing chemicals found in sunscreen products. Any idea why the Food and Drug Administration has taken so long to set safety standards for a product used by over 100 million Americans? If you guessed, "Because the greedy corporations selling the toxic sunscreen products don't want the FDA to study the safety of their products," give yourself golden star sticker. You got it! The FDA has no interest in protecting the public from cancer-causing personal care products, and that simple fact is made abundantly clear by the FDA's 29-year delay to establish basic safety guidelines.
As is increasingly the case, non-profit groups are now doing the job the FDA should be doing but refuses to do. In this case, the Environmental Working Group (www.EWG.org), one of my top recommended non-profit organizations, has compiled a list of 700 name-brand sunscreens along with the toxic chemicals they contain. You'll find the list at http://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/
As the EWG reports, many sunscreen products contain cancer-causing chemicals that get absorbed right through the skin:
Some sunscreens absorb into the blood and raise safety concerns. Our review of the technical literature shows that some sunscreen ingredients absorb into the blood, and some are linked to toxic effects. Some release skin-damaging free radicals in sunlight, some act like estrogen and could disrupt hormone systems, several are strongly linked to allergic reactions, and still others may build up in the body or the environment. FDA has not established rigorous safety standards for sunscreen ingredients.
After 29 years of debate, the government has failed to set mandatory sunscreen safety standards. Companies are free to make their own decisions on everything from advertising claims to product quality. In lieu of setting final standards, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises people to stay out of the sun from 10 am to 4 pm. FDA now stands in direct violation a Congressional mandate requiring the agency to finalize sunscreen safety standards by May 2006, flouting not only Congress but also consumers, who are reliant on sunscreen to protect their health.
84% of sunscreen products harm consumers
So this brought on an interest to me. So I began reading about the harmful ingredients in suntan lotion since I also use popular products. WOW!!!! That is the best word I can say about what they put into suntan lotion! I have been putting this on my babies for 6 years and it is horrible!!!!!!
Here is a few things I have found.
This was too long to post and it was all good information so I figured I would just post the website: http://www.skinbiology.com/toxicsunscreens.html
Some other information I have found:
For 29 years, the FDA has refused to publish safety standards for sunscreen products. That's nearly three decades of keeping the public in the dark about the extremely harmful, cancer-causing chemicals found in sunscreen products. Any idea why the Food and Drug Administration has taken so long to set safety standards for a product used by over 100 million Americans? If you guessed, "Because the greedy corporations selling the toxic sunscreen products don't want the FDA to study the safety of their products," give yourself golden star sticker. You got it! The FDA has no interest in protecting the public from cancer-causing personal care products, and that simple fact is made abundantly clear by the FDA's 29-year delay to establish basic safety guidelines.
As is increasingly the case, non-profit groups are now doing the job the FDA should be doing but refuses to do. In this case, the Environmental Working Group (www.EWG.org), one of my top recommended non-profit organizations, has compiled a list of 700 name-brand sunscreens along with the toxic chemicals they contain. You'll find the list at http://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/
As the EWG reports, many sunscreen products contain cancer-causing chemicals that get absorbed right through the skin:
Some sunscreens absorb into the blood and raise safety concerns. Our review of the technical literature shows that some sunscreen ingredients absorb into the blood, and some are linked to toxic effects. Some release skin-damaging free radicals in sunlight, some act like estrogen and could disrupt hormone systems, several are strongly linked to allergic reactions, and still others may build up in the body or the environment. FDA has not established rigorous safety standards for sunscreen ingredients.
After 29 years of debate, the government has failed to set mandatory sunscreen safety standards. Companies are free to make their own decisions on everything from advertising claims to product quality. In lieu of setting final standards, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises people to stay out of the sun from 10 am to 4 pm. FDA now stands in direct violation a Congressional mandate requiring the agency to finalize sunscreen safety standards by May 2006, flouting not only Congress but also consumers, who are reliant on sunscreen to protect their health.
84% of sunscreen products harm consumers
Monday, April 19, 2010
Yummy salsa!
This is some of the best salsa I have had. It is so easy to make too!
Makes about 2 cups
Salsa has lots of advantages: It seems indulgent, but it's actually a healthy choice, fat free and loaded with flavor and vegetables. It's inexpensive, especially when the ingredients are home grown or in season. It's versatile because you can make it hotter with more peppers or make it sweeter with fruit. And it's easy!
Ingredients
2 cups chopped tomatoes (or a combination of tomatoes and fresh peaches, nectarines, mangoes or grapes)
1/3 cup chopped yellow or white onion
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 to 2 jalapeño or serrano peppers, stemmed, seeded and finely chopped
Salt to taste
Method
Put all ingredients into a bowl, toss well and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition
Per serving (about 4oz/1/2 cup/116g-wt.): 25 calories (0 from fat), 0g total fat, 0g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 150mg sodium, 6g total carbohydrate (1g dietary fiber, 3g sugar), 1g protein
Makes about 2 cups
Salsa has lots of advantages: It seems indulgent, but it's actually a healthy choice, fat free and loaded with flavor and vegetables. It's inexpensive, especially when the ingredients are home grown or in season. It's versatile because you can make it hotter with more peppers or make it sweeter with fruit. And it's easy!
Ingredients
2 cups chopped tomatoes (or a combination of tomatoes and fresh peaches, nectarines, mangoes or grapes)
1/3 cup chopped yellow or white onion
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 to 2 jalapeño or serrano peppers, stemmed, seeded and finely chopped
Salt to taste
Method
Put all ingredients into a bowl, toss well and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition
Per serving (about 4oz/1/2 cup/116g-wt.): 25 calories (0 from fat), 0g total fat, 0g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 150mg sodium, 6g total carbohydrate (1g dietary fiber, 3g sugar), 1g protein
Some more harmful chemicals in our food!
While doing some research on another chemical, I came across this website that talked about a few more harmful chemicals. Seriously, I may need some therapy after this so I can finally eat again. It makes me sick to think about all this CRAP we are putting into our bodies, and even worse.......our kids bodies!!!!!
24 Potentially Harmful Food Additives
There are an overwhelming amount of websites dedicated to harmful additives in food;
but many are totally obscured by an obvious bias, making it difficult to make an informed decision about foods to avoid. I am making a list here of additives or ingredients used in the preparation of the food we eat that have been mentioned in a number of different places as being carcinogenic, mutagenic (causes DNA mutations that can potentially cause cancer), or allergenic. Many additives used are colorants. These are the color additives approved by the FDA: FD&C Red #3 (not in cosmetics, external drugs or in lake form – explanation to come later), Citrus Red #2, FD&C Red #40, FD&C Blue #1, FD&C Blue #2, FD&C Green #3, Orange B, FD&C Yellow #5, and FD&C Yellow #6
Where possible, I have provided links to the FDA or other legitimate websites that address concerns about these ingredients. If you are wondering how the FDA reaches decisions about food additives, check out their guide to what tests should be performed for the FDA to pass the color for public consumption.
Harvey Wiley, a chemist and pioneer in the investigation of the safety of colorants in our food, was responsible for bringing about the first official document addressing these concerns called the Food and Drugs Act of 1906. The law basically said that if the consumer would be deceived as to the product’s quality or freshness by the addition of an artificial colorant, then its use should be prohibited. Later, he hired a dye consultant by the name of Bernard Hess Ph.D to assess the more than 80 commercial colorants that were used at that time. Hesse concluded that only 7 should be approved for use and that the other 73 were not safe!
In the 1960’s the FDA instituted a new policy that required colorants to be demonstrated as safe. In the meantime, it gave the over 200 colorants being used at the time an island of reprieve until their safety could be confirmed or denied. Only 90 (as of 2002) of the original list are still being used. Also, the Color Additive Amendments in 1960 introduced a new clause into law called the Delaney Clause: it is illegal to distribute any artificial coloring that has caused cancer in either animals or humans. This very stringent law has been challenged many times on the notion that “any risk” could include one in 10 billion; that is one extra case of cancer in 10 billion people would render that colorant as banned in the U.S. There are some risks that are so negligible as to be virtually non existent (in my books, and I am pretty picky), but nonetheless, the Delaney Clause is strict in its lettering, and thus the U.S. consumer is protected. Why then, are some controversial colorants and other substances, still legally usable by manufacturers? It lies in the differing opinions of scientists as to the validity of whether the substance in question causes cancer or other ill effects. As with many things, it comes down to a battle of experts and the consumer is left to decide for themselves how to proceed.
After the 1960’s the FDA required evidence that new color additives were safe before they were allowed to be used. The evidence was not collected by the FDA, but by the manufacturer; clearly a conflict of interest situation unless you are dealing with incredibly scrupulous manufacturers! If a product was deemed safe for food, drugs and cosmetics, it received an FD&C label, if only for drugs and cosmetics, it received an D&C label and for external use drugs and cosmetics, it received an Ext. D&C label. Certification means that a sample from a batch of a particular color must undergo and pass FDA testing before it can be used. Currently, only coal tar and petroleum based products are batch monitored; that is, each new batch created must be certified. If a dye is naturally derived from plant, animal, or mineral sources, it doesn’t need individual batch certification, but is still heavily regulated by the FDA.
What I find interesting is if a additive is animal derived, it needs not be stated on the ingredient label, leaving vegetarians stuck unknowingly consuming products that they are ethically opposed to. Here is a list of naturally derived colorants that are animal derived, and thus not subject to certification: carmine or cochineal extract comes from the female cochineal insect (commonly used in Campari, fruits, yogurts, processed foods and cosmetics), and canthaxanthin, which can be derived from ocean crustaceans, but is mostly made synthetically (in the U.S. is commonly used for chicken feed). Here are a list of colorants and other products that could be harmful or not depending upon which expert you listen to.
Diet Products
Aspartame, also known as E-951 is an artificial sweetener used in many diet products. Although it is close to 200 times sweeter than sugar, it adds virtually no calories, making it seemingly ideal for dieters. This chemical has been linked to brain tumors and memory loss. Aspartame is made up of 3 ingredients: Aspartic acid (40%), phenylalanine (50%) and methanol (10%). Ingestion of Aspartame increases aspartic acid levels in the blood; higher levels of aspartic acid can lead to the destruction of neurons – neurons don’t grow back; once they are gone, that’s it. Phenylalanine is an amino acid regularly found in the body, but some people suffer from a disorder called PKU; an inability to metabolize phenylalanine. If this disease is not diagnosed early, lethal levels can build up in the brain. For those of you with children, you may remember your newborn having their skin pricked to test their blood for this disease. High levels of phenylalanine have been found in the brains of people who consume aspartame. Methanol is slowly broken down in the small intestine, but if it reaches 30 degrees celsius or higher, it reacts with the chymotripsin to form formaldehyde. In Operation Desert Storm, troops were given ample quanitites of diet sodas that would heat up nicely in the desert, and many reported symptoms that mimic formaldehyde poisoning. In case you are not convinced, here is some more evidence that you might want to avoid this chemical: some American aviation publications have warned pilots off consuming products containing Aspartame do to complaints of seizure like symptoms, blurred vision and blackouts. My own sister in law suffers from epilepsy and has been told by her doctor to avoid Aspartame as it may increase her chances of having a seizure. And finally, 75% of complaints to the FDA regarding health complications from food additives have involved Aspartame. There are many governmental studies that refute the adverse affects of Aspartame, but since there is so much evidence implicating this chemical with health problems, I am not going to take any chances.
Acesulfame-K or Ace-K is an artificial sweetener used in Coke Zero. There have been inadequate studies to conclusively prove this substance is totally safe for human consumption. This additive was approved even though it failed to meet FDA standards.
Olestra is a fat substitute used in some potato chips. It is not taken up by the body during digestion and is passed through the small and large intestine in tact. For this reason, it is considered to have zero calories, but it causes a whole host of gastrointestinal related symptoms such as abdominal cramps, bloating, flatulence, diarrhea and loose stools. What we won’t do to have our cake or chips and eat them too…
Saccharin is a product that demonstrates the sometimes backwards momentum gained in the food additive industry. Saccharin is used in Sweet and Low and in 1977, the FDA recommended that it be banned from use; the government responded by requiring a warning label to put onto products containing saccharin. The diet industry in 1997 petitioned the World Health Organization, and the U.S. and Canadian governments to remove saccharin from their list of cancer causing chemicals. The governments buckled by removing the requirement that products containing saccharin have a warning label. This will likely increase usage. This product has been shown to cause bladder and other cancer in rats and mice.
Colorants
Citrus Red 2 is carcinogenic and used to enhance the color of the skin in some Florida oranges and other fruits. Since most people don’t eat the skin of oranges, the FDA isn’t concerned, but for those of you who candy orange peels or use orange zest, be cautious of where your oranges come from. We thought we were safe from additives with fresh fruit, but apparently, we were wrong.
Red dye #3; the marishino cherries of my youth… Studies were done in 1983 that showed thyroid tumors in rats on high amounts of this dye. As a result of these studies, the FDA recommended that Red dye #3 be banned in the U.S., but the governmental powers that be overruled the FDA’s decision and subsequently, this colorant is still used, but only as a straight color additive; not in lake form. Huh? O.K., it goes like this: straight color additives are water soluble and are ideal for use in foods that have a lower fat content, or a higher liquid content. Lakes are the water insoluble form of the same colorant and are used in products that have a low moisture content such as tablets, or in high fat products, such as icing.
FD&C Blue #1 – Brilliant Blue FCF was previously banned in many EU countries, but most have removed the ban. It is on the list of approved colorants in the U.S. The International Agency for Research on Cancer concluded in 1998, that this colorant causes cancer in rats. Studies have found this substance to be a skin and eye irritant and allergen. There is a wonderful website called Toxicology Advice and Consulting that summarizes recent studies on over 600 different chemicals. You need only type the name of the chemical into the database and press enter. The Material Safety Data Sheet for Blue 2 states that it is “hazardous in case of ingestion, of inhalation”; although this may refer to people who use this dye in large amounts.
FD&C Green #3 has been linked to studies showing tumors in rats that were injected with this dye. David Steinman, author of The Safe Shopper’s Bible, recommends avoiding this dye as it has been found to be carcinogenic; however, I should point out that the studies for this dye have been in very much in dispute and it is difficult to find a lot of current information.
Tartrazine, also known as FD&C Yellow #5 or E-102; an ingredient that I have taught my 4 and 6 year old to recognize on a package of candy. It provides the color yellow and as such, can also be found in green and blue candies. There is currently a petition to the FDA to ban tartrazine from food. Some schools have banned products containing tartrazine and subsequently noticed a big difference in the overall behavior of their students. Tartrazine is a coal tar derivative, like most artificial colorings, and is one of the most controversial of the azo dies used in food. Norway has banned the substance. This chemical has been linked to severe allergic reactions, especially in asthmatics and is one of the food additives thought to be a cause of hyperactivity in children.
FD&C Yellow #6 – Sunset Yellow is Sudan 1 that has been sulfonated. Sudan 1 often remains as an impurity in Sunset Yellow. It is banned in Norway and Finland and the Food Standards Agency in Britain has called for a voluntary removal of Sunset Yellow from food and drink by 2009. It has been linked with a small percentage of skin irritations and asthmatic reactions. In addition, it may cause hyperactivity in children when combined with Sodium Benzoate. The Carcinogenic Potentcy Project at Berkeley has revealed no positive results for a cancer test summary. Basically this website is a summary of all of the studies done with regards to potential carcinogenic agents.
Sudan 1, also called CI Solvent Yellow 14 has been banned in the EU. Lab tests on exposed rats revealed bladder and liver tumor growth. Sudan 1 is banned in the U.S. As a result of all the negative publicity for this colorant, the country of Sudan has asked to have its name changed.
Ferrous Gluconate is a naturally derrived, mineral colorant added to olives. It is also a medication used for treating anemia, and as a drug has side effects, and contraindications.
Preservatives
Chlorphenesin and Phenoxyethanol are ingredients used in Mommy’s Bliss Nipple Cream. The FDA has issued a consumer warning that these two substances cause depression of the central nervous system, vomiting and diarrhea in infants. Phenoxyethanol is used as a preservative in medications and cosmetics.
Sulfites are used as preservatives to maintain shelf life, color and inhibit bacterial growth in food products. They are also used to enhance the potency of certain medications. For most people, sulphites are not of particular concern, but people who are sensitive to them have experienced severe allergic reactions including anaphalactic shock. In addition, sulfites destroy thaimin (vitamin B1). People with sulfite sensitivities should avoid any product containing sulfites.
BHA is a preservative used in cereals, potato chips and chewing gum to stop them from becoming rancid. It has been shown to cause cancer in mice, rats and hamsters. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services considers BHA to be a carcinogen and that it poses a reasonable risk to health. Despite this warning, the FDA still allows BHA to be used.
Color and Flavor Enhancers
Aristolochic acid is an ingredient used in “traditional medicines” or “dietary supplements” that is known to potentially cause irreversible and fatal kidney failure.
Sodium nitrate and nitrite are added to meats to stabilize them, give them their red color and provide that characteristic smoked flavor. They mix with the acid in your stomach to form nitrosamines, which are very strong cancer causing cells. They are especially present in fried bacon. Recently, food companies have been adding ascorbic acid and erythorbic acid to nitrate and nitrite treated meat to slow the formation of nitrosamines in the stomach which has significantly reduced the harm that these ingredients cause, but does not eliminate it completely. I always try to buy nitrite free lunch meat for my family when I can. Hot dogs are also filled with nitrites; without them, both bacon and hot dogs would be an ever appetizing shade of gray.
Chloropropanols are a family of drugs commonly found in Asian food sauces like black bean, soy, and oyster sauce. There are two specific substances within this category that are known carcinogens and that are banned in Canada and the UK:3-MCPD and 1,3 DCP. They are not banned in the United States, although the FDA has recommended that foreign products containing these materials be banned from entering the U.S.
Diacetyl, the chemical that imparts the buttery flavor in microwave popcorn has a disease named after it due to the large amount of microwave popcorn factory workers that came down with the lung condition Diacetyl Induced Bronchiolitis Obliterans; or “Popcorn Worker’s Lung”. There is no official ban in the EU, and U.S. companies are starting to volunarily replace this ingredient in the microwave popcorn. The CDC has issued a safety alert for workers in factories that use diacetyl.
Potassium Bromate is a chemical added to flour to make bread rise better and give it a uniform consistency. Most of what is added to flour breaks down during the cooking process into bromide, which at this time, is shown little to no health risk, but what hasn’t been broken down remains in the baked good and is a known carcinogen. Numerous petitions have been made to the FDA to ban this ingredient and many flour mills have voluntarily stopped adding it to their products. It is banned in most countries except the U.S. and Japan.
Ephedra is an herb used in many supplements. This drug is illegal in the U.S. for use in supplements but does turn up in other products. It is commonly promoted for its effects on “enhancing manhood”. The list of effects on the body is about as long as my arm and include almost every system in the body. I do want to note, that this substance has been used for years in pharmaceutical preparations as an effective bronchodilator, but physicians are opting for newer, as effective drugs with less side effects. Ephedra is very strictly controlled in the United States because it can be used to make Methamphetamine.
Not intentionally added to food, but there nonetheless…
Methyl mercury is found in nearly all fish and shellfish and gets more concentrated up the fish food chain you go. Researches have concluded that most of us don’t eat enough for it to be a health concern, but some larger fish such as shark, swordfish, pike and walleye can contain up to 1ppm, the highest allowable safe limit for human consumption.
Benzene is carcinogenic and found in some foods. It can occur as a result of benzoate and ascorbic acid chemically combining in some soft drinks. The soft drink industry was made aware when tests came back positive for benzene and since then, have been taking steps to address the problem. In 2005, additional tests revealed benzene in soft drinks, but the FDA decided that the amount was too small to be of concern, but will continue to take random samples to monitor the situation.
Bisphenol A is used to package food and has been found to mimic the effects of estrogen, both in mice and human studies. It has been linked to obesity, causing the body to trigger fat cell activity and has be shown to have carcinogenic effects on developing fetuses, creating breast cancer precurser cells. World wide studies are underway to re evaluate the safety of using this product as it is still widely available although many companies including Nalgene, Mountain Equipment Coop and Patagonia are voluntarily ceasing to make products with Bisphenol A. In addition, Wal Mart (Canada) has discontinued sales of soothers, baby bottles, sippy cups, food and water containers and has made a commitment to do away with Bisphenol A in U.S. stores by 2009. How do you know if your container is made from Bisphenol A? Look on the bottom for the recycling triangle. If it has a 7 or 3, it contains Bisphenol A.
Please feel free to email me with suggestions and/or corrections to this article as I am an avid label reader for the health of my kids and myself.
For more information about colorants that are legal in the United States, visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Color Additive Status List.
Summary of useful websites for investigating food additives:
Food Safety - Food Additives http://www.cspinet.org/reports/chemcuisine.htm
National Institute of Health – http://www.nih.gov/
Bibra Toxicology Advice and Consulting – http://www.bibra-information.co.uk/
Food Additives – http://www.foodadditivesworld.com/
FDA Consumer (until 2007) – http://www.fda.gov/fdac/fdacindex.html
A copy of this article can be found at The 18th Carnival For Improving Life and at All Things Eco as well as The Allergic Kid.
If you are interested in tips to keep your body healthy, check out Sport Fit.com; a down to earth blogger who talks fitness in plain language.
24 Potentially Harmful Food Additives
There are an overwhelming amount of websites dedicated to harmful additives in food;
but many are totally obscured by an obvious bias, making it difficult to make an informed decision about foods to avoid. I am making a list here of additives or ingredients used in the preparation of the food we eat that have been mentioned in a number of different places as being carcinogenic, mutagenic (causes DNA mutations that can potentially cause cancer), or allergenic. Many additives used are colorants. These are the color additives approved by the FDA: FD&C Red #3 (not in cosmetics, external drugs or in lake form – explanation to come later), Citrus Red #2, FD&C Red #40, FD&C Blue #1, FD&C Blue #2, FD&C Green #3, Orange B, FD&C Yellow #5, and FD&C Yellow #6
Where possible, I have provided links to the FDA or other legitimate websites that address concerns about these ingredients. If you are wondering how the FDA reaches decisions about food additives, check out their guide to what tests should be performed for the FDA to pass the color for public consumption.
Harvey Wiley, a chemist and pioneer in the investigation of the safety of colorants in our food, was responsible for bringing about the first official document addressing these concerns called the Food and Drugs Act of 1906. The law basically said that if the consumer would be deceived as to the product’s quality or freshness by the addition of an artificial colorant, then its use should be prohibited. Later, he hired a dye consultant by the name of Bernard Hess Ph.D to assess the more than 80 commercial colorants that were used at that time. Hesse concluded that only 7 should be approved for use and that the other 73 were not safe!
In the 1960’s the FDA instituted a new policy that required colorants to be demonstrated as safe. In the meantime, it gave the over 200 colorants being used at the time an island of reprieve until their safety could be confirmed or denied. Only 90 (as of 2002) of the original list are still being used. Also, the Color Additive Amendments in 1960 introduced a new clause into law called the Delaney Clause: it is illegal to distribute any artificial coloring that has caused cancer in either animals or humans. This very stringent law has been challenged many times on the notion that “any risk” could include one in 10 billion; that is one extra case of cancer in 10 billion people would render that colorant as banned in the U.S. There are some risks that are so negligible as to be virtually non existent (in my books, and I am pretty picky), but nonetheless, the Delaney Clause is strict in its lettering, and thus the U.S. consumer is protected. Why then, are some controversial colorants and other substances, still legally usable by manufacturers? It lies in the differing opinions of scientists as to the validity of whether the substance in question causes cancer or other ill effects. As with many things, it comes down to a battle of experts and the consumer is left to decide for themselves how to proceed.
After the 1960’s the FDA required evidence that new color additives were safe before they were allowed to be used. The evidence was not collected by the FDA, but by the manufacturer; clearly a conflict of interest situation unless you are dealing with incredibly scrupulous manufacturers! If a product was deemed safe for food, drugs and cosmetics, it received an FD&C label, if only for drugs and cosmetics, it received an D&C label and for external use drugs and cosmetics, it received an Ext. D&C label. Certification means that a sample from a batch of a particular color must undergo and pass FDA testing before it can be used. Currently, only coal tar and petroleum based products are batch monitored; that is, each new batch created must be certified. If a dye is naturally derived from plant, animal, or mineral sources, it doesn’t need individual batch certification, but is still heavily regulated by the FDA.
What I find interesting is if a additive is animal derived, it needs not be stated on the ingredient label, leaving vegetarians stuck unknowingly consuming products that they are ethically opposed to. Here is a list of naturally derived colorants that are animal derived, and thus not subject to certification: carmine or cochineal extract comes from the female cochineal insect (commonly used in Campari, fruits, yogurts, processed foods and cosmetics), and canthaxanthin, which can be derived from ocean crustaceans, but is mostly made synthetically (in the U.S. is commonly used for chicken feed). Here are a list of colorants and other products that could be harmful or not depending upon which expert you listen to.
Diet Products
Aspartame, also known as E-951 is an artificial sweetener used in many diet products. Although it is close to 200 times sweeter than sugar, it adds virtually no calories, making it seemingly ideal for dieters. This chemical has been linked to brain tumors and memory loss. Aspartame is made up of 3 ingredients: Aspartic acid (40%), phenylalanine (50%) and methanol (10%). Ingestion of Aspartame increases aspartic acid levels in the blood; higher levels of aspartic acid can lead to the destruction of neurons – neurons don’t grow back; once they are gone, that’s it. Phenylalanine is an amino acid regularly found in the body, but some people suffer from a disorder called PKU; an inability to metabolize phenylalanine. If this disease is not diagnosed early, lethal levels can build up in the brain. For those of you with children, you may remember your newborn having their skin pricked to test their blood for this disease. High levels of phenylalanine have been found in the brains of people who consume aspartame. Methanol is slowly broken down in the small intestine, but if it reaches 30 degrees celsius or higher, it reacts with the chymotripsin to form formaldehyde. In Operation Desert Storm, troops were given ample quanitites of diet sodas that would heat up nicely in the desert, and many reported symptoms that mimic formaldehyde poisoning. In case you are not convinced, here is some more evidence that you might want to avoid this chemical: some American aviation publications have warned pilots off consuming products containing Aspartame do to complaints of seizure like symptoms, blurred vision and blackouts. My own sister in law suffers from epilepsy and has been told by her doctor to avoid Aspartame as it may increase her chances of having a seizure. And finally, 75% of complaints to the FDA regarding health complications from food additives have involved Aspartame. There are many governmental studies that refute the adverse affects of Aspartame, but since there is so much evidence implicating this chemical with health problems, I am not going to take any chances.
Acesulfame-K or Ace-K is an artificial sweetener used in Coke Zero. There have been inadequate studies to conclusively prove this substance is totally safe for human consumption. This additive was approved even though it failed to meet FDA standards.
Olestra is a fat substitute used in some potato chips. It is not taken up by the body during digestion and is passed through the small and large intestine in tact. For this reason, it is considered to have zero calories, but it causes a whole host of gastrointestinal related symptoms such as abdominal cramps, bloating, flatulence, diarrhea and loose stools. What we won’t do to have our cake or chips and eat them too…
Saccharin is a product that demonstrates the sometimes backwards momentum gained in the food additive industry. Saccharin is used in Sweet and Low and in 1977, the FDA recommended that it be banned from use; the government responded by requiring a warning label to put onto products containing saccharin. The diet industry in 1997 petitioned the World Health Organization, and the U.S. and Canadian governments to remove saccharin from their list of cancer causing chemicals. The governments buckled by removing the requirement that products containing saccharin have a warning label. This will likely increase usage. This product has been shown to cause bladder and other cancer in rats and mice.
Colorants
Citrus Red 2 is carcinogenic and used to enhance the color of the skin in some Florida oranges and other fruits. Since most people don’t eat the skin of oranges, the FDA isn’t concerned, but for those of you who candy orange peels or use orange zest, be cautious of where your oranges come from. We thought we were safe from additives with fresh fruit, but apparently, we were wrong.
Red dye #3; the marishino cherries of my youth… Studies were done in 1983 that showed thyroid tumors in rats on high amounts of this dye. As a result of these studies, the FDA recommended that Red dye #3 be banned in the U.S., but the governmental powers that be overruled the FDA’s decision and subsequently, this colorant is still used, but only as a straight color additive; not in lake form. Huh? O.K., it goes like this: straight color additives are water soluble and are ideal for use in foods that have a lower fat content, or a higher liquid content. Lakes are the water insoluble form of the same colorant and are used in products that have a low moisture content such as tablets, or in high fat products, such as icing.
FD&C Blue #1 – Brilliant Blue FCF was previously banned in many EU countries, but most have removed the ban. It is on the list of approved colorants in the U.S. The International Agency for Research on Cancer concluded in 1998, that this colorant causes cancer in rats. Studies have found this substance to be a skin and eye irritant and allergen. There is a wonderful website called Toxicology Advice and Consulting that summarizes recent studies on over 600 different chemicals. You need only type the name of the chemical into the database and press enter. The Material Safety Data Sheet for Blue 2 states that it is “hazardous in case of ingestion, of inhalation”; although this may refer to people who use this dye in large amounts.
FD&C Green #3 has been linked to studies showing tumors in rats that were injected with this dye. David Steinman, author of The Safe Shopper’s Bible, recommends avoiding this dye as it has been found to be carcinogenic; however, I should point out that the studies for this dye have been in very much in dispute and it is difficult to find a lot of current information.
Tartrazine, also known as FD&C Yellow #5 or E-102; an ingredient that I have taught my 4 and 6 year old to recognize on a package of candy. It provides the color yellow and as such, can also be found in green and blue candies. There is currently a petition to the FDA to ban tartrazine from food. Some schools have banned products containing tartrazine and subsequently noticed a big difference in the overall behavior of their students. Tartrazine is a coal tar derivative, like most artificial colorings, and is one of the most controversial of the azo dies used in food. Norway has banned the substance. This chemical has been linked to severe allergic reactions, especially in asthmatics and is one of the food additives thought to be a cause of hyperactivity in children.
FD&C Yellow #6 – Sunset Yellow is Sudan 1 that has been sulfonated. Sudan 1 often remains as an impurity in Sunset Yellow. It is banned in Norway and Finland and the Food Standards Agency in Britain has called for a voluntary removal of Sunset Yellow from food and drink by 2009. It has been linked with a small percentage of skin irritations and asthmatic reactions. In addition, it may cause hyperactivity in children when combined with Sodium Benzoate. The Carcinogenic Potentcy Project at Berkeley has revealed no positive results for a cancer test summary. Basically this website is a summary of all of the studies done with regards to potential carcinogenic agents.
Sudan 1, also called CI Solvent Yellow 14 has been banned in the EU. Lab tests on exposed rats revealed bladder and liver tumor growth. Sudan 1 is banned in the U.S. As a result of all the negative publicity for this colorant, the country of Sudan has asked to have its name changed.
Ferrous Gluconate is a naturally derrived, mineral colorant added to olives. It is also a medication used for treating anemia, and as a drug has side effects, and contraindications.
Preservatives
Chlorphenesin and Phenoxyethanol are ingredients used in Mommy’s Bliss Nipple Cream. The FDA has issued a consumer warning that these two substances cause depression of the central nervous system, vomiting and diarrhea in infants. Phenoxyethanol is used as a preservative in medications and cosmetics.
Sulfites are used as preservatives to maintain shelf life, color and inhibit bacterial growth in food products. They are also used to enhance the potency of certain medications. For most people, sulphites are not of particular concern, but people who are sensitive to them have experienced severe allergic reactions including anaphalactic shock. In addition, sulfites destroy thaimin (vitamin B1). People with sulfite sensitivities should avoid any product containing sulfites.
BHA is a preservative used in cereals, potato chips and chewing gum to stop them from becoming rancid. It has been shown to cause cancer in mice, rats and hamsters. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services considers BHA to be a carcinogen and that it poses a reasonable risk to health. Despite this warning, the FDA still allows BHA to be used.
Color and Flavor Enhancers
Aristolochic acid is an ingredient used in “traditional medicines” or “dietary supplements” that is known to potentially cause irreversible and fatal kidney failure.
Sodium nitrate and nitrite are added to meats to stabilize them, give them their red color and provide that characteristic smoked flavor. They mix with the acid in your stomach to form nitrosamines, which are very strong cancer causing cells. They are especially present in fried bacon. Recently, food companies have been adding ascorbic acid and erythorbic acid to nitrate and nitrite treated meat to slow the formation of nitrosamines in the stomach which has significantly reduced the harm that these ingredients cause, but does not eliminate it completely. I always try to buy nitrite free lunch meat for my family when I can. Hot dogs are also filled with nitrites; without them, both bacon and hot dogs would be an ever appetizing shade of gray.
Chloropropanols are a family of drugs commonly found in Asian food sauces like black bean, soy, and oyster sauce. There are two specific substances within this category that are known carcinogens and that are banned in Canada and the UK:3-MCPD and 1,3 DCP. They are not banned in the United States, although the FDA has recommended that foreign products containing these materials be banned from entering the U.S.
Diacetyl, the chemical that imparts the buttery flavor in microwave popcorn has a disease named after it due to the large amount of microwave popcorn factory workers that came down with the lung condition Diacetyl Induced Bronchiolitis Obliterans; or “Popcorn Worker’s Lung”. There is no official ban in the EU, and U.S. companies are starting to volunarily replace this ingredient in the microwave popcorn. The CDC has issued a safety alert for workers in factories that use diacetyl.
Potassium Bromate is a chemical added to flour to make bread rise better and give it a uniform consistency. Most of what is added to flour breaks down during the cooking process into bromide, which at this time, is shown little to no health risk, but what hasn’t been broken down remains in the baked good and is a known carcinogen. Numerous petitions have been made to the FDA to ban this ingredient and many flour mills have voluntarily stopped adding it to their products. It is banned in most countries except the U.S. and Japan.
Ephedra is an herb used in many supplements. This drug is illegal in the U.S. for use in supplements but does turn up in other products. It is commonly promoted for its effects on “enhancing manhood”. The list of effects on the body is about as long as my arm and include almost every system in the body. I do want to note, that this substance has been used for years in pharmaceutical preparations as an effective bronchodilator, but physicians are opting for newer, as effective drugs with less side effects. Ephedra is very strictly controlled in the United States because it can be used to make Methamphetamine.
Not intentionally added to food, but there nonetheless…
Methyl mercury is found in nearly all fish and shellfish and gets more concentrated up the fish food chain you go. Researches have concluded that most of us don’t eat enough for it to be a health concern, but some larger fish such as shark, swordfish, pike and walleye can contain up to 1ppm, the highest allowable safe limit for human consumption.
Benzene is carcinogenic and found in some foods. It can occur as a result of benzoate and ascorbic acid chemically combining in some soft drinks. The soft drink industry was made aware when tests came back positive for benzene and since then, have been taking steps to address the problem. In 2005, additional tests revealed benzene in soft drinks, but the FDA decided that the amount was too small to be of concern, but will continue to take random samples to monitor the situation.
Bisphenol A is used to package food and has been found to mimic the effects of estrogen, both in mice and human studies. It has been linked to obesity, causing the body to trigger fat cell activity and has be shown to have carcinogenic effects on developing fetuses, creating breast cancer precurser cells. World wide studies are underway to re evaluate the safety of using this product as it is still widely available although many companies including Nalgene, Mountain Equipment Coop and Patagonia are voluntarily ceasing to make products with Bisphenol A. In addition, Wal Mart (Canada) has discontinued sales of soothers, baby bottles, sippy cups, food and water containers and has made a commitment to do away with Bisphenol A in U.S. stores by 2009. How do you know if your container is made from Bisphenol A? Look on the bottom for the recycling triangle. If it has a 7 or 3, it contains Bisphenol A.
Please feel free to email me with suggestions and/or corrections to this article as I am an avid label reader for the health of my kids and myself.
For more information about colorants that are legal in the United States, visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Color Additive Status List.
Summary of useful websites for investigating food additives:
Food Safety - Food Additives http://www.cspinet.org/reports/chemcuisine.htm
National Institute of Health – http://www.nih.gov/
Bibra Toxicology Advice and Consulting – http://www.bibra-information.co.uk/
Food Additives – http://www.foodadditivesworld.com/
FDA Consumer (until 2007) – http://www.fda.gov/fdac/fdacindex.html
A copy of this article can be found at The 18th Carnival For Improving Life and at All Things Eco as well as The Allergic Kid.
If you are interested in tips to keep your body healthy, check out Sport Fit.com; a down to earth blogger who talks fitness in plain language.
Butylated Hydroxyanisole
In the last post I talked about some of the harmful chemicals found in our food. I thought I would go a little further and post about each individual chemical. So here is what I have found so far about butylated hydroxyanisole.
Butylated hydroxyanisole is a food additive much more widely known by its abbreviation, BHA. BHA is an aromatic organic compound with the chemical names of 2- and 3-tert-butyl-4-methoxyphenol. It can exist in either of the two isomeric forms or as a mixture of the two isomers. In its pure form, BHA is a waxy white or pale yellow solid with a melting point of 118.4–131°F (48–55°C) and a boiling point of 507.2–518°F (264–270°C). It is normally insoluble in water, but can be treated in order to make it so.
The chemical property of BHA that is of greatest commercial interest is its tendency to reduce the rate at which other substances undergo oxidation. It has long been used as a preservative in foods containing fats, which turn rancid by oxidation. First used as an antioxidant
in 1947, it is now added to a wide variety of foods, including beverages, ice cream, candy, baked goods, instant mashed potatoes, edible fats and oils, breakfast cereals, dry yeast, and sausages. The compound is sometimes used in conjunction with a related antioxidant, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT).
Some studies have found that BHA can produce allergic reactions and, in larger doses, affect liver and kidney functions. The Select Committee on GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe) Substances of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported in 1980 that no evidence exists to indicate that BHA is a health hazard. However, it recommended caution in its use and suggested additional studies on possible risks to human health. Currently FDA regulations limit the concentration of BHA in commercial foods to 0.02% in products containing fats and oils and to somewhat higher concentrations in other food products. In spite of current FDA regulations, some nutrition experts have recommended that BHA be banned from use in foods on the grounds that safer antioxidant alternatives are available.
Read more: Butylated Hydroxyanisole http://science.jrank.org/pages/1099/Butylated-Hydroxyanisole.html#ixzz0laaZSJeN
Butylated hydroxyanisole is a food additive much more widely known by its abbreviation, BHA. BHA is an aromatic organic compound with the chemical names of 2- and 3-tert-butyl-4-methoxyphenol. It can exist in either of the two isomeric forms or as a mixture of the two isomers. In its pure form, BHA is a waxy white or pale yellow solid with a melting point of 118.4–131°F (48–55°C) and a boiling point of 507.2–518°F (264–270°C). It is normally insoluble in water, but can be treated in order to make it so.
The chemical property of BHA that is of greatest commercial interest is its tendency to reduce the rate at which other substances undergo oxidation. It has long been used as a preservative in foods containing fats, which turn rancid by oxidation. First used as an antioxidant
in 1947, it is now added to a wide variety of foods, including beverages, ice cream, candy, baked goods, instant mashed potatoes, edible fats and oils, breakfast cereals, dry yeast, and sausages. The compound is sometimes used in conjunction with a related antioxidant, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT).
Some studies have found that BHA can produce allergic reactions and, in larger doses, affect liver and kidney functions. The Select Committee on GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe) Substances of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported in 1980 that no evidence exists to indicate that BHA is a health hazard. However, it recommended caution in its use and suggested additional studies on possible risks to human health. Currently FDA regulations limit the concentration of BHA in commercial foods to 0.02% in products containing fats and oils and to somewhat higher concentrations in other food products. In spite of current FDA regulations, some nutrition experts have recommended that BHA be banned from use in foods on the grounds that safer antioxidant alternatives are available.
Read more: Butylated Hydroxyanisole http://science.jrank.org/pages/1099/Butylated-Hydroxyanisole.html#ixzz0laaZSJeN
Harmful chemicals found in food!
Chemical food additives are used by food manufacturers to preserve the flavor or improve the taste and appearance of processed junk foods. They are found in foods which require long shelf lives, and are used widely in "diet" foods which need the flavor boost. Some additives come from natural sources, but some are highly process substances derived from unhealthy sources such as coal tar and peroxide.
Here's a list of seven chemical food additives you may want to avoid:
FD&C Red Dye #3: A cherry red dye derived from coal tar. In 1981, NIH researchers reported that this substance may interfere with the transmission of nerve impulses in the brain. In 1996, researchers at Northeastern Illinois University conducted studies and found that even low does of Red #3 caused cancerous changes in human cell cultures. The FDA banned the use of Red Dye #3 in lake form in cosmetics, but still allows the dye to be used in food products.
BHA (Butylated hydroxyanisole): a preservative used in cereals, potato chips and chewing gum to stop them from becoming rancid. It accumulates in the body fat and it is known to disrupt the body's hormone balance. This widely used food additive has been shown to cause cancer in mice, rats and hamsters. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services considers BHA to be a carcinogen and has said that it poses a reasonable risk to health. Despite this warning, the FDA still allows BHA to be used as a food additive to prevent fat rancidity.
Sodium Benzoate, Benzoic Acid: a preservative added to fruit juice, carbonated drinks, and pickles. Problems occurs when sodium benzoate is used in beverages that also contain ascorbic acid (vitamin C). The two substances, in an acidic solution, can react together to form small amounts of benzene, a chemical that causes leukemia and other cancers. In the early 1990s the FDA had urged companies not to use benzoate in products that also contain ascorbic acid, but companies are still using that combination. A lawsuit filed in 2006 by private attorneys ultimately forced Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and other soft-drink makers in the U.S. to reformulate affected beverages, typically fruit-flavored products.
Acetone peroxide: a bleach and conditioner used in milling flour and maturing dough. It is basically acetone (nail polish remover) with an oxygen compound added. It is also extremely unstable and explosive, and has been used by criminals to make bombs. It is strongly oxidizing and can damage the skin and eyes.
Diacetyl: a chemical that imparts the buttery flavor in microwave popcorn. It has a disease named after it because many microwave popcorn factory workers exposed to it have developed a lung condition called Diacetyl Induced Bronchiolitis Obliterans or "Popcorn Worker's Lung". There is no official ban in the EU, and U.S. companies are starting to voluntarily replace this ingredient in the microwave popcorn. The CDC has issued a safety alert for workers in factories that use diacetyl. There are currently two bills in the California Legislature to ban the use of diacetyl.
Polysorbate 80 (also known as tween 80): a stabilizer used in a wide variety of products including ice cream, milk products, vitamin tablets, lotions and creams and medical products like vaccines and anti-cancer medications. This food additive has been linked to nonimmunologic allergic reactions, and one study has linked it to infertility. The study found that polysorbate 80 caused changes in to the vagina and womb lining, hormonal changes, ovary deformities and degenerative follicles in mice. (Food Chem Toxicol. 1993 Mar;31(3):183-90. PMID: 8473002.) This is disturbing because this substance is in the new Gardasil cervical cancer vaccine which is being marketed for girls aged 9-26 in the United States.
Potassium Bromate: a chemical added to flour to make bread rise better and give it a uniform consistency. Most of what is added to flour breaks down during the cooking process into bromide. An excess intake of bromide has been associated with the inhibition of iodine enzyme metabolism, which weakens the thyroid and kidneys. The potassium bromate that isn't broken down remains in the baked good and is a known carcinogen. Numerous petitions have been made to the FDA to ban this ingredient and many flour mills have voluntarily stopped adding it to their products. This food additive is banned in most countries except the U.S. and Japan.
Scary stuff I would say!
Here's a list of seven chemical food additives you may want to avoid:
FD&C Red Dye #3: A cherry red dye derived from coal tar. In 1981, NIH researchers reported that this substance may interfere with the transmission of nerve impulses in the brain. In 1996, researchers at Northeastern Illinois University conducted studies and found that even low does of Red #3 caused cancerous changes in human cell cultures. The FDA banned the use of Red Dye #3 in lake form in cosmetics, but still allows the dye to be used in food products.
BHA (Butylated hydroxyanisole): a preservative used in cereals, potato chips and chewing gum to stop them from becoming rancid. It accumulates in the body fat and it is known to disrupt the body's hormone balance. This widely used food additive has been shown to cause cancer in mice, rats and hamsters. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services considers BHA to be a carcinogen and has said that it poses a reasonable risk to health. Despite this warning, the FDA still allows BHA to be used as a food additive to prevent fat rancidity.
Sodium Benzoate, Benzoic Acid: a preservative added to fruit juice, carbonated drinks, and pickles. Problems occurs when sodium benzoate is used in beverages that also contain ascorbic acid (vitamin C). The two substances, in an acidic solution, can react together to form small amounts of benzene, a chemical that causes leukemia and other cancers. In the early 1990s the FDA had urged companies not to use benzoate in products that also contain ascorbic acid, but companies are still using that combination. A lawsuit filed in 2006 by private attorneys ultimately forced Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and other soft-drink makers in the U.S. to reformulate affected beverages, typically fruit-flavored products.
Acetone peroxide: a bleach and conditioner used in milling flour and maturing dough. It is basically acetone (nail polish remover) with an oxygen compound added. It is also extremely unstable and explosive, and has been used by criminals to make bombs. It is strongly oxidizing and can damage the skin and eyes.
Diacetyl: a chemical that imparts the buttery flavor in microwave popcorn. It has a disease named after it because many microwave popcorn factory workers exposed to it have developed a lung condition called Diacetyl Induced Bronchiolitis Obliterans or "Popcorn Worker's Lung". There is no official ban in the EU, and U.S. companies are starting to voluntarily replace this ingredient in the microwave popcorn. The CDC has issued a safety alert for workers in factories that use diacetyl. There are currently two bills in the California Legislature to ban the use of diacetyl.
Polysorbate 80 (also known as tween 80): a stabilizer used in a wide variety of products including ice cream, milk products, vitamin tablets, lotions and creams and medical products like vaccines and anti-cancer medications. This food additive has been linked to nonimmunologic allergic reactions, and one study has linked it to infertility. The study found that polysorbate 80 caused changes in to the vagina and womb lining, hormonal changes, ovary deformities and degenerative follicles in mice. (Food Chem Toxicol. 1993 Mar;31(3):183-90. PMID: 8473002.) This is disturbing because this substance is in the new Gardasil cervical cancer vaccine which is being marketed for girls aged 9-26 in the United States.
Potassium Bromate: a chemical added to flour to make bread rise better and give it a uniform consistency. Most of what is added to flour breaks down during the cooking process into bromide. An excess intake of bromide has been associated with the inhibition of iodine enzyme metabolism, which weakens the thyroid and kidneys. The potassium bromate that isn't broken down remains in the baked good and is a known carcinogen. Numerous petitions have been made to the FDA to ban this ingredient and many flour mills have voluntarily stopped adding it to their products. This food additive is banned in most countries except the U.S. and Japan.
Scary stuff I would say!
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Cleaning out the pantry!
Since we have decided to go completely organic, I thought now would be a good time to clean out our pantry.
Here is all the food we were able to get rid of......geesh!
So my kids wanted to help out a local pantry after hearing a few sad stories about families in need. So we cleaned out the pantry and brought it up to the food pantry! No turning back now!
Here is all the food we were able to get rid of......geesh!
So my kids wanted to help out a local pantry after hearing a few sad stories about families in need. So we cleaned out the pantry and brought it up to the food pantry! No turning back now!
Friday, April 16, 2010
Great french toast!
Here is another recipe from Alicia Silverstone and these are soooo yummy. My kids even liked them. This was the first time we have ever tried tofu and were a little hesitant, but we LOVED them!!!!
Great French Toast
INGREDIENTS
Yeast-free bread slices (French Meadow Summer Bread or whole spelt bread are good options)
1 1/2 cups firm tofu
1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons rice syrup
1/2 cup soy milk
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 tablespoon corn oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
Oil of your choice (olive, safflower, sunflower, etc.) for frying
STEPS
Blend all ingredients together until smooth and creamy.
If too thick, add more soy milk.
Dip bread in batter and fry in hot oiled skillet until browned on both sides.
Topping:
Serve with maple syrup.
Or you can make a great cinnamon butter by mixing cinnamon together with Earth Balance to taste.
You can also make a maple/flax syrup by mixing 1/2 cup maple syrup and 2 teaspoons flax seed oil (that kind of ratio, because you don't want to make more syrup/flax than you will use)
Mix them together well.
The oil adds a nice layer to the syrup.
Great French Toast
INGREDIENTS
Yeast-free bread slices (French Meadow Summer Bread or whole spelt bread are good options)
1 1/2 cups firm tofu
1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons rice syrup
1/2 cup soy milk
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 tablespoon corn oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
Oil of your choice (olive, safflower, sunflower, etc.) for frying
STEPS
Blend all ingredients together until smooth and creamy.
If too thick, add more soy milk.
Dip bread in batter and fry in hot oiled skillet until browned on both sides.
Topping:
Serve with maple syrup.
Or you can make a great cinnamon butter by mixing cinnamon together with Earth Balance to taste.
You can also make a maple/flax syrup by mixing 1/2 cup maple syrup and 2 teaspoons flax seed oil (that kind of ratio, because you don't want to make more syrup/flax than you will use)
Mix them together well.
The oil adds a nice layer to the syrup.
I'm learning!
In my search for recipes I came across one that called for Tempeh. What in the world is tempeh?!? So here is what I found out about Tempeh.....apparently very good for you so I think I will have to try this recipe if I can just find this stuff in the grocery store.
What is tempeh?
Tempeh is a fermented food made by the controlled fermentation of cooked soybeans with a Rhizopus mold (tempeh starter). The tempeh fermentation by the Rhizopus mold binds the soybeans into a compact white cake. Tempeh has been a favorite food and staple source of protein in Indonesia for several hundred years.
But tempeh is now rapidly becoming more popular all over the world as people look for ways to increase their intake of soybeans and isoflavones.
They discover tempeh's versatility and delicious taste. Especially vegetarians and vegans find the structure and protein content interesting. Tempeh has a firm texture and a nutty mushroom flavour. Tempeh can be used in different ways. Normally tempeh is sliced and fried until the surface is crisp and golden brown or tempeh can be used as ingredient in soups, spreads, salads and sandwiches.
Make your own tempeh!
It's easy to make tempeh at home at a very low cost. Dehulled soybeans are soaked overnight, cooked for about 30 min and mixed with tempeh starter. After 36 to 48 hours incubation you have delicious fresh tempeh. Tempeh starter contains spores of Rhizopus oligosporus or Rgizopus oryzae.
Tempeh is healthy!
Tempeh is very nutritive and contains many health promoting phytochemicals such as isoflavones and soy saponins. Tempeh fermentation produces natural antibiotic agents but leaves the desirable soy isoflavones and most of the saponins intact. Tempeh is a complete protein food that contains all the essential amino acids. The soy protein and isoflavones have many health benefits. Isoflavones strengthen bones, help to ease menopause symptoms, reduce risk of coronary hearth disease and some cancers. Tempeh maintains all the fiber of the beans and gains some digestive benefits from the enzymes created during the fermentation process.
What is tempeh?
Tempeh is a fermented food made by the controlled fermentation of cooked soybeans with a Rhizopus mold (tempeh starter). The tempeh fermentation by the Rhizopus mold binds the soybeans into a compact white cake. Tempeh has been a favorite food and staple source of protein in Indonesia for several hundred years.
But tempeh is now rapidly becoming more popular all over the world as people look for ways to increase their intake of soybeans and isoflavones.
They discover tempeh's versatility and delicious taste. Especially vegetarians and vegans find the structure and protein content interesting. Tempeh has a firm texture and a nutty mushroom flavour. Tempeh can be used in different ways. Normally tempeh is sliced and fried until the surface is crisp and golden brown or tempeh can be used as ingredient in soups, spreads, salads and sandwiches.
Make your own tempeh!
It's easy to make tempeh at home at a very low cost. Dehulled soybeans are soaked overnight, cooked for about 30 min and mixed with tempeh starter. After 36 to 48 hours incubation you have delicious fresh tempeh. Tempeh starter contains spores of Rhizopus oligosporus or Rgizopus oryzae.
Tempeh is healthy!
Tempeh is very nutritive and contains many health promoting phytochemicals such as isoflavones and soy saponins. Tempeh fermentation produces natural antibiotic agents but leaves the desirable soy isoflavones and most of the saponins intact. Tempeh is a complete protein food that contains all the essential amino acids. The soy protein and isoflavones have many health benefits. Isoflavones strengthen bones, help to ease menopause symptoms, reduce risk of coronary hearth disease and some cancers. Tempeh maintains all the fiber of the beans and gains some digestive benefits from the enzymes created during the fermentation process.
Peanut butter cups recipe!
Here is an awsome recipe for peanut butter cups from Alicia Silverstone's book "A kind diet". These are soooooo awesome! Something that a man had said on one of Oprah's shows stuck with me. He said it was alright to eat the foods that you want as long as you make it from scratch. If you want french fries, make them from scratch. You are not going to want to do this everyday because it can be a pain in the butt. So after hearing that it, it is so true. I LOVE peanut butter cups but it is not something I would make everyday. So if I make this recipe once a month, I still get my fill on my peanut butter cups but it is not as bad as going to the store and grabing one everyday. I also make these in the small muffin pan so they are about a third of the size. My kids love these as well.
SERVINGS
12
INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup Earth Balance butter
3/4 cup crunchy peanut butter (preferably unsweetened and unsalted)
3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs or 10 graham cracker squares
1/4 cup maple sugar or other granulated sweetener
1 cup grain-sweetened, nondairy chocolate or carob chips
1/4 cup soy, rice, or nut milk
1/4 cup chopped pecans, almonds, or peanuts
PREPARATION
1. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. (If You Care makes unbleached liners made from recycled paper.) Set aside.
2. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
3. Stir in the peanut butter, graham cracker crumbs, and maple sugar and mix well.
4. Remove the mixture from the heat. Evenly divide the mixture, approximately 2 tablespoons per cup, among the muffin cups.
5. Combine the chocolate and milk in another pan. Stir over medium heat until the chocolate has melted.
6. Spoon the chocolate evenly over the peanut butter mixture.
7. Top with chopped nuts.
8. Place in the refrigerator to set for at least 2 hours before serving.
SERVINGS
12
INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup Earth Balance butter
3/4 cup crunchy peanut butter (preferably unsweetened and unsalted)
3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs or 10 graham cracker squares
1/4 cup maple sugar or other granulated sweetener
1 cup grain-sweetened, nondairy chocolate or carob chips
1/4 cup soy, rice, or nut milk
1/4 cup chopped pecans, almonds, or peanuts
PREPARATION
1. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. (If You Care makes unbleached liners made from recycled paper.) Set aside.
2. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
3. Stir in the peanut butter, graham cracker crumbs, and maple sugar and mix well.
4. Remove the mixture from the heat. Evenly divide the mixture, approximately 2 tablespoons per cup, among the muffin cups.
5. Combine the chocolate and milk in another pan. Stir over medium heat until the chocolate has melted.
6. Spoon the chocolate evenly over the peanut butter mixture.
7. Top with chopped nuts.
8. Place in the refrigerator to set for at least 2 hours before serving.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Starting fresh!
You would think I would learn my lesson on watching certain shows after I watched a 20/20 episode on hotels and now have a fear of all the germs inside a hotel room. But no, I didn't! So a couple weeks ago a friend of mine let me borrow the movie Food Inc. This was one of the worst shows I have seen! It makes me so sick to my stomach to even think what I am feeding my body, and even worse what I am feeding my kids bodies. So we are cleaning up our bodies and starting fresh. I have been doing quite a bit of research and will be posting some of my findings. I'm going to try to keep this to all the good things I find instead of it being negative. So welcome to our adventure of organic eating!!!!!
Oh I forgot to mention that I also rented the movie Super Size Me from the library and it may be awhile before I can go out to eat again........I really have to stop watching these shows!
Oh I forgot to mention that I also rented the movie Super Size Me from the library and it may be awhile before I can go out to eat again........I really have to stop watching these shows!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Stay tuned!
This blog is going to be changing since the Weber family has decided to go organic. Stay tuned for further!
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