Natural News: Not a single person has died from consuming raw milk in 11 years

Good news for me as I fully intend to have my own dairy cow one day...

(NaturalNews) The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) refuses to acknowledge that, based on all available statistics, raw milk produced on clean, small-scale farms is actually far safer than pasteurized milk from factory farms. But the agency did admit earlier this year, after being pressed and warned of a potential Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request if it failed to comply, that not a single person has died from raw milk consumption in over a decade.

This may come as a shock to some who, because of all the propaganda about the alleged dangers of raw milk, are convinced otherwise, but it is true -- one of the two deaths often cited by the CDC as evidence that raw milk is dangerous was actually linked to the consumption of raw queso fresco cheese, which is currently outlawed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). And the other is likely linked to an adulterated raw milk product as well, rather than to raw milk.

After repeatedly petitioning the CDC for clarification about its questionable raw milk statistics and getting nowhere, Mark McAfee, owner of Organic Pastures Dairy Company (OPDC) in California, finally threatened to file a FOIA request to get to the truth. Shortly thereafter, he received a response from an unidentified official at the CDC's information office explaining that the one "raw milk" death that occurred between 1998 and 2008 was actually linked to illegal raw queso fresco cheese.

The agency has not yet provided details about the other death, but it is likely that it, too, was linked to some adulterated raw milk product rather than to raw milk itself. If and when the agency finally fesses up to the truth about that case, it will also be inadvertently admitting that it has lied to the public for many years about the nature of raw milk.

The CDC's continual avoidance of talking about the much worse dangers associated with pasteurized milk further illustrates its raw milk bias. In 2006 alone, there were at least 1,300 people who got sick from pasteurized milk just in California -- and yet the CDC only talks about the roughly 39 reported illnesses every year in the Golden State that are alleged, but not necessarily proven to be, linked to raw milk.

To learn more about the safety of raw milk versus pasteurized milk, check out this FREE chapter from Dr. Ron Schmid's book The Untold Story of Milk: Green Pastures, Contented Cows and Raw Dairy Products:
http://newtrendspublishing.com/PDFS...

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/034169_CDC_raw_milk.html#ixzz1eW8GBV7I

FYI: Get on your bike!

Avoiding just 10 miles of driving every week would eliminate about 500 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions a year!

Home Made: Pumpkin Soup

Whoops,  I planned to post this one over Halloween but I was too busy enjoying the festivities to cook! But better late than never...here is my recipe for Pumpkin soup.  Filling, tasty and packed full of nutrients. Pumpkins aren't just for Halloween. They are in season in the UK from October till December

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 6)

• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 2  onions finely chopped
• 1kg pumpkin  peeled, deseeded and chopped into chunks
• 700ml vegetable stock or chicken stock
• 142ml pot double cream
• handful toasted pumpkin seed 
• Fresh or dried parsley to garnish

METHOD:

1. Heat half the olive oil in a large saucepan, then gently cook the onions for 5 mins, until soft . Add the pumpkin or squash to the pan, then carry on cooking for 8-10 mins, stirring occasionally until it starts to soften and turn golden.
2. Pour the stock into the pan, then season with salt and pepper. Bring to the boil, then simmer for 10 mins until the squash is very soft. Pour the cream into the pan, bring back to the boil, then purée with a hand blender. 
3. While the soup is cooking, roast the seeds from the pumpkin with a splash of olive oil seasoned with salt and pepper. Taste for seasoning, then serve scattered with seeds and parsley. Serve with fresh bread.

High Carotenoids Content (Carotenoids assist in staving off the free radicals in the body, and help in preventing premature aging, cardiovascular diseases and other infections) They are also high in Lutein & Zeaxanthin which protect the eyes against free radical damage and prevent formation of cataracts and degeneration of the eye tissues.
Protein – Pumpkin seeds also known as Pepitas are a rich source of protein. One ounce of pumpkin seeds contains approx. 7 grams of protein. Their oil is high in phytosterols or plant-based fatty acids and their chemical composition is the same as cholesterol. Phytosterols can replace cholesterol in the body, and help in reducing the blood cholesterol levels.
Essential Fatty Acids – Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of essential fatty acids, which have numerous health benefits. From providing protection against serious health diseases such as high blood pressure, arthritis and cancer to promoting healthy skin and improving brain power, essential fatty acids present in pumpkin oil offer several health benefits.
Vitamin A – Pumpkin is a rich source of Vitamin A. Regular consumption of pumpkin (both seeds and flesh) can promote the health of your eyes and boost your immune system remarkably.
Vitamin C - Vitamin C helps fight free radicals, improves immunity and promotes the production of collagen. The high Vitamin C content in pumpkins also offers protection against various forms of cancer.
Magnesium-  Both the pulp and seeds of pumpkin are rich in magnesium, which is an important mineral required for various biological functions. Magnesium is also required for the maintenance bones and teeth.
Potassium & Zinc – Pumpkin is loaded with potassium and Zinc. Studies show that eating a potassium-rich diet can prevent onset of cardiovascular diseases and hypertension. Zinc is important for providing bone density support for people at risk for osteoporosis. It boosts the immune system and promotes reproductive health.
Fiber – Pumpkin flesh is very low in calories and contains abundant quantities of extremely good dietary fiber. It is extremely effective for treating gastrointestinal disorders such as constipation, indigestion etc. The high amount of fiber also helps in lowering the LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in the blood and in regulating the blood sugar levels.

Christina's Breakfast: Apple Compote and Cinnamon Porridge

As winter sets in getting up in the morning becomes a struggle. But the smell of freshly brewed coffee and the promise of a warming, seasonal breakfast is enough to get me out of my bed and into my dressing gown. This week we've been experimenting with the possibilities of porridge and here is our favourite recipe. 


INGREDIENTS

4 large British cooking apples (enough for 4 servings)
2-3 tablespoons of water
1 tablespoon of organic sugar
200ml Organic whole milk  ( use skimmed, semi skimmed or soya if you prefer)
200g Organic Porridge Oats
1 large teaspoon of Cinnamon

METHOD

1. The night before peel and core the apples.
2. Put the apples in a large pan and add a good tablespoon of sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of water.  Cook, covered, over a gentle heat, stirring often, until the apple pieces have completely dissolved and you have a thick, slightly translucent purée.
3. Once the compote has cooled, store in a glass container and put in the fridge ready to use in the morning.
4. Add the oats, milk and cinnamon to a pan and cook on a gentle heat until the oats are soft.
5. Put the oats in a bowl and add a generous amount of compote on top. Enjoy!

Reuse! Recycle! Tips for your home: Eco Balls

I still can't believe this product actually works. You really have to buy yourself a set of these little miracle workers.  An amazing breakthrough in cleaning technology. No more harsh chemicals and synthetic smells.

Ecoballs care for your clothes, your washing machine and your environment. They are reusable for up to 1000 washes and cost as little as 3p per wash. Ecoballs are natural, environmentally friendly, efficient and cost-effective, and deliver a clean, fresh, sensitive alternative to conventional washing powders.

Ecoballs use no harsh chemicals so there is less pollution and the washing machine rinse cycle can be shortened, saving water and electricity. They will not fade bright colours or damage clothing fibres. Ecoballs are anti-bacterial, killing both E. Coli and and Staphylococcus Aureus. They are also hypoallergenic, making them suitable for sensitive skins and medical conditions such as eczema (including babies and children). 

Another laundry breakthrough is

Ecozone® Pure Oxygen Whitener.  

Pure Oxygen Whitener can be used as an in wash additive to boost the cleaning and stain removal power of the Ecoballs®. The EcoOxygen+ formula will gently remove stains and help to whiten whites. Suitable for use on all types of colourfast laundry and whites, Pure Oxygen Whitener can also be used as a pre-soak for heavily soiled items.

• Target tough stains without using Chlorine and Optical Brighteners
• The most natural way to remove stains and whiten whites
• Wash at lower temperatures
• Designed for use with the Ecoballs 

Travel: The Maze Rio

View from The Maze

Another Monday.  As the temperature drops and sunlight becomes a distant memory perhaps your contemplating your escape for the impending freeze. For those of you considering the sunny shores of Brazil (which I really recommend you do) here is one of my favourite winter escapes.

Head to Rio and book yourself a room at The Maze.  Back in 2000 Bob Nadkarni persuaded the governor of Rio to convert a warehouse behind his home in Catete favela into a police head quarters.  The presence of the police pushed out the drug runners and now it's one of the safest districts in Brazil. Bob has run a small guest house since 2005 which boasts one of the best views in Brazil.  The residents are so grateful to Bob you can safely walk into the favela, camera in hand as no one will harm a guest staying at 'casa Bobby'.

Book yourself one of the double rooms and you will enjoy the most beautiful sunrise you'll ever see followed by the best breakfasts in Rio.  Bob will entertain you with stories from his career as foreign correspondent for the BBC, working for Stanley Kubrick and documentary film making. Whilst you flip through the guest book filled with messages from movie stars and musicians who have enjoyed Bob's hospitality.

Direct flights to Brazil in January start from £666.
Doubles at the Maze Inn cost from R$90 (£25) a night

Off setting costs

£24.44

Down the market: In season in November

ARTICHOKE - BEETROOT - BRUSSEL TOPS - CARROTS- CELERIAC - CELERY - CAULIFLOWER - CHARD - CHICORY - ENDIVE -  KALE - KOHLRABI - LEEKS - LETTUCE - PARSNIPS - PEPPERS - POTATOES - PUMPKIN - RED CABBAGE - GREEN CABBAGE -  WHITE CABBAGE - SWEDE - SQUASHES- SWEDE - SPINACH - SWEETCORN -ONIONS- TURNIPS - TOMATES-  WILD MUSHROOMS -APPLES - CHESTNUTS - CRANBERRIES - CRAB APPLES - ROSEHIPS - JUNIPER BERRIES- SLOES - ELDERBERRIES - PEARS - MEDLARS - QUINCE - WALNUTS

Natural News: Confront the coffee controversy

Just a couple of decades ago, quitting coffee was a prerequisite for establishing a healthy diet and adopting a healthier lifestyle. But gradually, several new research studies into coffee drinking have provided health benefits from drinking coffee. So now we have both positive and negative health effects from drinking coffee.

Coffee benefits

It's not just the caffeine, but a synergistic combination of caffeine and an unnamed natural compound stimulate higher blood levels of GCSF (granulocyte colony stimulating factor), which protect the brain from dementia and degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

This conclusion was published in The Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, May/June 2011 from research by a team at the University of South Florida.

Coffee drinkers also showed lower rates of diabetes and strokes. An American Heart Association's journal, Stroke, published findings from a long term Swedish study involving 35,000 women. Dr. Susanna Larsson led this study from The Division of Nutritional Epidemiology at the Karolinska Institute's National Institute of Environmental Medicine.

The heaviest coffee consumption is commonly found in regions that are often overcast, drizzly, and dreary. The Pacific Northwest in America is a good example. Apparently coffee offers some protection against depression also.

The protections against the diseases of concern noted in the studies were very substantial. Since coffee beans are loaded with antioxidants, coffee should be consumed without dairy, sugar, or artificial sweeteners. Sweetening with Stevia would be okay. Avoid flavored coffees.

Of course, forget the standard pastries and cigarettes normally associated with drinking coffee. That could be what causes bad health more among coffee drinkers than just coffee.

Organic black coffee with natural whole grain toast or pastries is a good way to have your java fix without adding items that minimize or neutralize coffee's antioxidants.

Coffee drawbacks

Addiction, inability to fall asleep if consumed at night, and caffeine jitters are the most obvious downsides. Using decaffeinated coffee, which leaves just enough caffeine to combine with the mystery compound and antioxidants, has shown similar, albeit lesser, health benefits as regular coffee. Just make sure it's decaffeinated with water or steam, not chemicals.

Since caffeine is a diuretic, any kidney or bladder problems can be exacerbated. If not, beware of not replenishing eliminated liquid with purified water. Perhaps the worst ill effect of excess coffee drinking involves the adrenal glands.

When we drink coffee, the adrenal glands are stimulated to produce adrenaline. This is part of the flight or fight syndrome. It is what causes irritability, especially since it also inhibits soothing serotonin.

If coffee is consumed excessively too often and too long, one can experience Adrenal Fatigue, a malady that seems to be recognized by holistic medicine only. Adrenal Fatigue lowers cortisol production, making it very difficult to cope with stress. Read more here: http://www.naturalnews.com/024985_c...

Clarifying coffee type confusions

There are generally two basic types of beans sold widely, Arabica and Robusta. You'll find Arabica beans in discriminating coffee shops and health food stores. Arabica beans offer richer flavor than Robusta beans, which are usually used in less expensive coffees. Organic coffee beans are easy to find nowadays.

Types of roast vary from light to dark. Contrary to popular belief, dark roasted beans contain slightly less caffeine than lighter roasts. And espresso, commonly spelled incorrectly as expresso, does not depend on the level of roasting. Purists argue that only lever operated steam pressure machines make real espresso. And any roast can be used.

You can enjoy your java without guilt if the positive exceeds the negative.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.liveinthenow.com/article...

http://www.bewellbuzz.com/wellness-...

http://longevity.about.com/od/lifel...

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-th...

http://www.naturalnews.com/012352.html



About the author:
Paul Fassa is dedicated to warning others about the current corruption of food and medicine and guiding others toward a direction for better health with no restrictions on health freedom. You can visit his blog at http://healthmaven.blogspot.com

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/034058_coffee_health_effects.html#ixzz1ckdyuWDw

Natural Beauty: Trilogy Rosehip Oil

As the temperature drops and the heating goes on our skin starts to suffer. Luckily I discovered Trilogy Rosehip Oil a while ago and it performs miracles on problem skin. You won't believe this product until you try it.  Cover your skin at night and wake up with perfectly moisturized skin.  Despite being an oil it soaks into you skin without bring out spots.

Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil has been clinically tested and shown to help minimize the appearance of wrinkles, smooth skin and dramatically improve skin moisture levels, leaving the skin's appearance radiant and glowing.
This lightweight, non-greasy, golden oil contains Omega 3, 6 & 9, essential fatty acids and antioxidants to restore optimum skin health.

No more expensive than your average moisturiser and a 50ml bottle will last you a couple of months if applied every day.

How to Use

Massage 2-3 drops into cleansed skin on face, neck and/or body. Use morning and night. May be used alone or in conjunction with your favourite Trilogy moisturising product. When applying to young scars, Certified Organic Rosehip Oil should only be used once the wound has healed and should never be applied to broken skin.

SMELL: **
VALUE:***
LASTING EFFECTS:****

The positive action of Rose Hip Oil in helping to regenerate damaged skin tissues is due to its content of Trans-Retinoic Acids in a natural state as part of a complex system of unsaturated essential fatty acids. Therefore, its action is controlled and slowly released by nature, eliminating the risk of overdoses. For the same reason it has no side effects as other products containing trans-retinoic acids synthesized in the laboratory.

Scientific evidence has demonstrated the properties of Rose Hip Oil in reducing surgical and accidental dermal scars, the elimination of certain hyper pigmented spots and the lessening of wrinkles.

Christina's Breakfast: Beetroot Rosti with Smoked Salmon and Horseradish

 It's the weekend! Time for one of Christina's delicious seasonal breakfasts.  Coming into November it's all about root vegetables and horseradish is coming into season so we though we'd try Simon Rimmer's recipe for Beetroot and Potato Rosti. This recipe was such a success we really recommend you give it a go.

 

 

 

Ingredients

4 large Maris Piper potatoes, scrubbed, not peeled

2 beetroot peeled, coarsely grated

2 cloves garlic, crushedsalt and freshly ground black pepper

5 tbsp olive oil

For the horseradish sauce 

100g/3½oz fresh horseradish

200g/7oz creme fraiche

1 lemon juice onl

salt and freshly ground black pepper

To serve:

250g/10½oz organic Scottish Smoked Salmon

8 sprigs fresh dill, to serve 

lemon wedges, to serve

Method

1. Place the potatoes into a saucepan of boiling salted water and boil for seven minutes, then drain and leave to cool.
   
2. When the potatoes are cool enough to handle, peel them and grate them into a bowl.
   
3. Add the grated beetroot and garlic, season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and mix together well.
   
4. Divide and shape the potato mixture into six flat patties, place onto a baking sheet and transfer to the fridge to chill for one hour.
   
5. Heat the oil in a large frying pan over a medium-high heat. Add the potato röstis and fry for 4-6 minutes on each side, or until golden-brown all over, then drain on kitchen paper.
   
6. For the horseradish sauce, mix the horseradish, crème fraîche and lemon juice together in a clean bowl and season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
   
7. To serve, place each rösti onto a plate. Top with a spoonful of horseradish sauce and a piece of salmon, then finish each plate with some sprigs of dill and a lemon wedge.
   

Reuse!Recycle: Antiques by design

Urban Eco Princess is loving the lamps made by Antiques by design.  I've got my eye on the old plate camera lamp.  They've also got lot's of reclaimed furniture, architectural bits and pieces and old mirrors.

I've been contemplating which of my own animate objects I can convert into a snazzy new lamp. If you've got any ideas I'd love to hear your suggestions.

Click here to go through to the Antiques by Design website.

Home Made: Tea Bags

Nothing gets me through my ever growing pile of admin like a cup of home made tea. My foray into the world of tea making started with the harvest of our mint plants. Having enjoyed fresh mint tea all summer with the remains of our mint crop were hanging in the kitchen, I had a realization.  Tea doesn't have to be limited to your conventional herbs. There is no end to the possibility of team making and it's theraputic benefits.

So I ordered a range of different herbs for Woodland herbs and some tea bag cases to contain my concoctions. I've also been picking Lavender and Roses, foraging Rosehips and drying ginger pulp (left over from juicing). Once you eyes are open to the possibilities there are all sorts of delicious herbs and flowers that can be combined.

My favourites so far are:

Peppermint and Rose Petal- To re energize and refresh
Chamomile and Lavender - For a good night sleep
Rosemary and Sage- For PMS
Fennel and Aniseed- For digestion

Another idea...you could also give a collection of your home made teas bags to friends and family as Christmas presents. Give it a go and email me your recipes.

FYI: Get on your bike!

Crawling traffic contributes eight times as much air pollution as traffic moving at regular highway speed.

One to watch: Manufacturing Landscapes

Manufactured Landscapes is a 2006 documentary film about the work of photographer Edward Burtynsky. It was directed by Jennifer Baichwal and is distributed by Zeitgeist Films.

 A mesmerizing perspective of the scale of destruction caused by manufacturing in China and Bangladesh.  I haven't been able to look at my house hold appliances in the same way since.  Although there is little narration, very little needs to be said as the horrific imagery speaks for itself.  At times the film is slow and it's not one to watch on a Sunday night.  However it's a film that everyone needs to see.  We demand the latest laptop and the latest kitchen electronic fad. But consider the hands that put them together. The piles of discarded electronic waste. The impact that our consumption is  having on the lives of others.

Herbal Remedies: Cold and Flu- Lemon, Honey and Ginger

My revolting cold is now circulating. First it took out Christina and now the boyfriend has it. He has the male variety of common cold. Fondly known as the man flu.  The main difference being the patient doesn't cope as well and requires a lot more nursing. So I've been treating him with a well know natural cold and flu remedy.

INGREDIENTS:

For one cup of tea

5ml of Ginger juice
One freshly squeezed unwaxed lemon
10ml of honey (less or more depending on how sweet you like things)
A splash of whiskey (Optional)


Method: 

1. Place all the ingredients in a large mug and add enough boiling water to fill the cup 

You can alter the quantities to suit your own taste. I tend to juice ginger and keep it bottled in the fridge ready to use. You can also grate a 2cm of ginger if that's easier.


The Benefit of the Ingredients:


Ginger: 
Strong antioxidant- Antimicrobial -Two natural antibiotics are found in ginger- Contains anti-inflammatory agents - Helps eliminate congestion - Contains zingibain that dissolves parasites and their eggs- Ginger root tea eases some throat pain- Kills cold virus- Inhibits production of cytokines which cause pain and swelling - Combats chills and fever -Stimulates circulation- May help prevent heart attacks - Has natural blood thinning properties - Lowers blood cholesterol levels- -Cleanses and stimulates blood- -Prevents internal blood clots- -May prevent TIA’s (mini strokes)- Therapeutic properties for hypertension

Honey:
Anti-Bacterial -Anti-Viral - Anti-Fungal Substance -Weight Loss-Antioxidants -Source of Vitamins and Minerals

Lemon: 
Treatment of throat infections -Indigestion -Constipation -Dental problems- Fever- , Rheumatism - Weight Loss - Respiratory Problems - High blood pressure- Strengthens your immunity system- Cleanses your stomach- Reduces body temperature