Yikes!!

Just read this article which was published in JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association)... it's pretty sad that hospitals actually make more $$ if someone develops a post-surgical complication.  Like $35,000 more per patient.  Also, not earth shattering news if you follow your statistics closely but the paper points out that if Medical Care were a disease it would be the leading cause of death in the USA.  

Article can be read at: http://health.yahoo.net/experts/dayinhealth/study-hospitals-profit-handsomely-surgical-errors

Dirty Dozen/Clean 15

Each year for the past 3 years a list of the foods most heavily contaminated with pesticides comes out (there is also a clean list!).  This years list was just released and following the link below will show you both the clean and dirty list.  However the real issue here is pesticide contamination.  If we know foods are being doused in toxic chemicals (i.e. 1 grape sample tested this year had traces of 15 different pesticides!!) why don't we do more about it?  Many of these pesticides found on the produce tested are known to cause a host of problems from hormone and regulatory issues to weight gain to increasing the odds you will get cancer. 

This list underscores the importance of clean food.  Finding locally produced, pesticide free, or at least very low pesticide residues is so important for good health.  Farmers markets are often a good place to start and with spring eventually arriving here in Wisconsin soon there will be plenty of fresh produce.  Organic food, while somewhat more expensive is also a good choice especially for the "dirty dozen" food items. 

For more info follow...

http://shine.yahoo.com/shine-food/new--dirty-dozen--list-of-pesticide-laden-produce-is-out-215350190.html

How Much Platic Are You Eating (From Yahoo.com)

This is an interesting article and just goes to show fresh, whole foods are usually a better choice than most anything that comes in a plastic package.  Although this article does not touch on it bisphenol-A, another common plastic ingredient is another concern, especially with canned products.  More on that later... for now read this article for the low down on plastics in food.

http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/much-plastic-eating-193000877.html

Coconut Oil as as Skin Moisturizer and Other Amazing Health Benefits

I recently discovered how awesome coconut oil is a natural skin moisturizer.  The oil is a solid at room temperature but when applied to the skin it begins to melt and absorb into the skin.  Along with its moisturizing abilities the oil also has an abundance of uses for enhancing health.  The link below goes to a great article detailing the wonderful benefits this oil has on human health.

http://www.naturalnews.com/036156_Coconut_oil_superfood_healing.html

Coconut Oil to the Rescue!!

Anyone who has been to my cooking classes knows I like organic extra virgin coconut oil.  Check out this recent article from Natural News on the amazing benefits of this healthy fat!

http://www.naturalnews.com/039811_coconut_Alzheimers_dementia.html

Olive Oil vs. Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative condition that takes away a person’s ability to think and process information.  So far mainstream medicine has no drugs or any real prevention strategies for this disease which continues to be a growing concern, especially in elderly populations. 

 

I often speak about reducing the overall inflammation in the body.  One way to reduce inflammation is to consume more anti-inflammatory fats.  Foods such as flax seeds, walnuts and extra virgin coconut oil are great choices.  So is extra virgin olive oil.  The benefits found in extra virgin oils are derived from not only the fats found in the oils but also a host of other nutrients that have not been destroyed like they have been in oils that have been processed.  The article link below leads to a great article on olive oil and its possible use in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.  Very interesting stuff…

 

http://www.naturalnews.com/039730_olive_oil_Alzheimers_disease_research.html

Link to a Good Article on Spices

Check out this link... it goes to a Yahoo! page that is actually very good!  If you are looking for some ways to use some new cooking spices or are curious as to why these seasonings can be good for your health check it out!

http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/think-spice-8-spices-health-benefits-150700170.html