Articles

The Future of Food - - You NEED to Watch This Video !!!

Dr. Mercola — Sat, 23 Dec 2006 12:25:00 GMT

This is an in-depth investigation into the disturbing truth behind the unlabeled, patented, genetically engineered foods that have quietly filled U.S. grocery store shelves for the past decade and examines the complex web of market and political forces that are changing what we eat as huge multinational corporations seek to control the world's food system

Without a doubt this is one of the best documentaries I have ever viewed. It will help you understand the very real threat that ALL future generations face as a result of genetic engineering

Your jaw will drop to the floor when you find out how Monsanto has manipulated the Supreme Court and how they are risking the very future of our civilization for their own corporate greed. Monsanto has succeeded in first patenting their own GMO seeds, and then slapping patents on a huge number of crop seeds, patenting life forms for the first time without a vote of the people or Congress. Thus letting new life forms loose on the land without long-term testing of the health effects and real government controls, especially labeling of foods.

The film questions why the U.S. government hasn't required GMO foods to undergo the rigorous testing required of medicines created by recombinant DNA technology, and why it has resisted efforts to require GMO labeling on foods, as Europe does. Suggesting an answer, the film ticks off all the government officials who have links to Monsanto, including Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman, Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld and Attorney General John Ashcroft.

Can You Avoid a Sudden Death Like Tim Russert's?

Dr. Mercola — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Tim Russert, the prominent and beloved NBC correspondent, collapsed and died suddenly of a heart attack in the network's Washington office on Friday, June 13.

Russert had previously been diagnosed with several risk factors for a sudden heart attack, including coronary artery disease and diabetes. His death is a sad reminder that cardiac arrest can strike anyone without warning—and that when it does, it is often fatal.

Sudden cardiac arrest accounts for 310,000 deaths in America every year, or 850 a day—more than those caused by breast cancer, lung cancer, stroke, and AIDS combined.

Why is the U.S. Spending More Than $1 Trillion for Drugs?

Dr. Mercola — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 05:00:00 GMT

The global market for pharmaceuticals was worth more than $693 billion in 2007. It is expected to increase to over $737 billion in 2008 and will top $1.0 trillion in 2013.

The market is divided into branded prescription drugs, generic prescription drugs and over-the-counter products. Branded prescription drugs have the largest share of the market, with more than $525 billion in sales during 2007.

The second largest segment, generic prescription drugs, will experience the highest growth rate over the next few years. It was worth $78.5 billion in 2007 and will nearly double, to almost $152 billion, by the end of 2013.

Carry Out Random Acts of Kindness Every Day

Dr. Mercola — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 05:00:00 GMT

You cannot just rely on others to make the world a better place -- everyone has to help. Or, like Gandhi once said:

“You must be the change you want to see in the world.”

Kindness is actually contagious, and you might want to consider carrying out random acts of kindness on a daily basis.

It is truly a win/win/win situation. The person you are being kind to benefits through your help. You feel good for having helped someone. And the world is a better place through your kindness.

You could:

Send someone a hand written note of thanks.
Make a card at home and send it to a friend for no reason.
Buy a lottery ticket for a stranger.
Put some coins in someone else’s parking meter.
Cut your neighbor’s hedge.
Walk your friend’s dog.
Give a compliment about your waiter/waitress to his/her manager.
Send someone a small gift anonymously.
Stop and help someone replace their flat tire.
Let someone jump the line at the bank.
Pay for the drinks on the next table at a café.
Treat a friend to the movies for no reason.
Give a huge tip to someone when they least expect it.
Hold the train door open for someone rushing to get in.
Give up your seat for someone, not just an elderly person.
Write notes of appreciation at least once a week.
Talk to a homeless person and have a “normal” conversation.
Pick up some rubbish in the road which would otherwise be lying around.
Compliment a work colleague for their excellence.
Recommend a competitor to a potential client.
Give another driver your parking spot.
Give a piece of fruit to a delivery person.
Help an elderly neighbor carry the rubbish out.
Tell all your family members how much your appreciate them.
Leave a copy of an interesting book on a train/bus.
Buy an inspirational book for a friend.
Send a thank you note to a person who has helped you in the past.
Smile a lot.

Once you get started, you may find it a habit hard to break!

For even more inspiration, and support from other people who are passionate about passing on kindness to others, check out The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation at www.ActsOfKindness.org.

Sunshine is Nature's Disease Fighter

Dr. Mercola — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Medical researchers are growing increasingly excited about a wonder drug that may significantly reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes and many other diseases -- sunshine.

A recent study found that men who are deficient in vitamin D, which your body produces in response to sunlight, have more than double the normal risk of suffering a heart attack.

In fact, men with vitamin D levels below 15 nanograms per milliliter had 2.5 times the risk of having a heart attack or dying -- even after controlling for all other possible risk factors such as hypertension, obesity and high lipid levels.

Another study found that low levels of vitamin D increased the risk of diabetes, and yet another linked vitamin D deficiencies to an increased risk of dying from breast cancer.

These findings all join a growing body of evidence indicating that an adequate level of the vitamin, which many people can get from 20 minutes in the sun each day, is crucial to maintaining good health.

The Philosophy -- and the Price -- of Liberty

Dr. Mercola — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Those of us in the U.S. are celebrating on the Fourth of July with picnics, parties and, of course, fireworks. But I think it’s important to take a few minutes to think about what the Fourth of July is really about -- in a word, liberty.

The philosophy of liberty is based on self-ownership. And in the video above you can watch a simple but elegant and hard-hitting animation from Ron Paul’s Campaign for Liberty site that explains exactly what that means.

The U.S. was formed on the belief that we have a right to life, liberty, and the property we create -- and a responsibility to think, speak and act on that behalf.

It is easier, though, to do nothing, and to let those in power have all of the control. But when that happens, you often lose your liberty and your freedom of personal choice -- and may even end up inadvertently supporting something evil.

Whatever Happened to the Men Who Signed the Declaration of Independence?

Most of us in the U.S. fail to regularly appreciate the sacrifices of those that preceded us so we can enjoy the fruits of freedom.

It’s interesting to think about the men who were so dedicated to liberty that they were willing to sign their names on a document that renounced their government. They put their lives, their families, their fortunes and their reputations on the line in order to protect this basic right.

And many of them lost a great deal as a result. Some of their homes were ransacked and burned, some were captured by the British, and others had their sons or wives taken captive.

But what’s important to remember is that none of this was unique to the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence.

There were many others also sacrificing and risking their lives to support their right to freedom and independence. And the fact that they were not well-known or privileged enough to sign the actual document makes their contributions no less significant.

There are certainly many outrageous abuses of human rights in the world right now. But no matter what country you live in you can take some inspiration from the people who put their lives on the line for emancipation and liberation.

Right now, my current focus is on the health care front, trying to educate and convince you that you have the ability to take control of your own health.

But there are many other causes out there. Whatever cause it is that you feel passionate about, make a pledge to think and speak out on its behalf. By doing so you are helping to support the spirit of freedom and justice upon which not only America was founded, but also which sits at the very core of humanity.

How to Find Inner Peace Amid Outer Chaos

Dr. Mercola — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Creating more free time and ultimately reducing stress in your life may be easier than you think. In this video, physician and futurist Dr. Richard Swenson talks about how you can identify choices you didn't even know you had.

How I Lost Massive Amounts of Weight Instantly

Dr. Mercola — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Without a doubt this is the simplest and quickest way to lose all your weight. The problem is that it doesn’t last very long and you gain it all back immediately.

Whole Body Vibration Does Your Bones and Muscles Good

Dr. Mercola — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Standing on a vibrating platform can be beneficial for muscles and bones, particularly in older or sedentary adults.

Whole body vibration, or WBV, involves standing on a platform that sends mild vibratory impulses through the feet and into the rest of the body. It is claimed that the vibrations activate muscle fibers more efficiently than the conscious contraction of muscles during regular exercise.

Some studies have found that WBV increases bone density in the hip, and inhibit bone loss in the spine and hip areas.

Nature's Most Beautiful Patterns on Butterfly Wings

Dr. Mercola — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Butterflies are truly natures’ masterpieces. Like pieces of amazing art, they’re reminiscent of richly woven tapestries and detailed abstract paintings. Just take a look at these ten fantastic butterflies!

[Photo by Tim Laman]
The peacock pansy butterfly (Junionia almana) has striking eyespots and purple patterns.

[Photo by Chris Johns]
The Kamehameha butterfly (Vanessa tameamea) is one of just two indigenous butterfly species in Hawaii.

[Photo by Nicole Duplaix]
The birdwing (Ornithoptera priamus) is Australia’s largest butterfly. The female birdwing can reach a wingspan of nearly 8 inches (20 centimeters)!

[Photo by Darlyne A. Murawski]
The pipevine swallowtail butterfly (Battus philenor) sports white-and-orange dots on the underside of its hind wing.

[Photo by Joel Sartore]
The Brazilian eighty-eight butterfly (Diaethria neglecta) displays the design of lines and dots that gave it its unusual name.

[Photo by Darlyne A. Murawski]
This is the wing of an unidentified butterfly found near Tully, Australia – its colors and pattern evoking the image of rich tapestry.

[Photo by Darlyne A. Murawski]
Colorful gerbera daisies highlight the striking pattern of a spicebush swallowtail butterfly (Papilio troilus).

[Photo by Joel Sartore]
The petals of a white flower set off the stripes of this zebra-winged butterfly.

[Photo by Cary Wolinsky]
The topside iridescent shine of a male blue morpho (Morpho sp.) butterfly’s wings. The blue morpho's entire life cycle lasts just 115 days.

[Photo by Tim Laman]
The bottom side of the blue morpho is equally remarkable with its colored circles and lines.

For these amazing butterflies, and other breathtaking nature photography, click the National Geographic link below.

Why Does the Media Completely Misunderstand Raw Food Diets?

Dr. Mercola — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 05:00:00 GMT

This piece from the London Times discusses the ins and outs of switching to a raw food diet -- meaning, according to the article, a raw vegan diet, cutting out “meat, fish, eggs, dairy foods and cereal grains.”

Raw-food followers maintain that the diet can help you lose weight and feel more energized. The author of this article recommends mastering a “nutritionally complete vegan diet before progressing to raw food,” and possibly taking a vegan-approved vitamin and mineral supplement for micronutrients.

How I Lost Massive Amounts of Weight Instantly

Dr. Mercola — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Without a doubt this is the simplest and quickest way to lose all your weight. The problem is that it doesn’t last very long and you gain it all back immediately.

30 Seconds to Fresh and Delicious Nutrition First Thing in the Morning!

Luci Lock — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Are you sometimes rushing out the door without a healthy breakfast? Thankfully, Dr. Mercola has come up with a great product that tastes fantastic and is perfect for those hectic mornings. It's called ProOptimal Whey, a wonderful protein shake mix.

Today, I'll show you how to use this mix to make a delicious, healthy shake that'll get you going right in the morning, or provide that refreshing, nourishing afternoon pick-me-up. Kids will totally go for it too!

INGREDIENTS:

1¼ cups raw, organic milk (I use milk from Redmond Heritage Farms and find it to be wonderfully fresh and yummy)
½ banana
1 raw, organic egg
1 scoop Strawberry ProOptimal Whey**

PREPARATION:

Place milk, banana, egg and ProOptimal Whey in large jug or pint measuring cup.
Blend well, using immersion blender.
Alternately, you may use a traditional blender.

Note: ProOptimal Whey also comes in Chocolate and Vanilla flavors; both great tasting. ProOptimal Whey is free of sugar, yet manages to still taste sweet. Beet juice imparts a lovely pink color, replacing the conventional artificial colors found in many commercial protein shakes.

Fast, easy and very, very tasty. Folks, it doesn't get any better than this!

Transform Your Leftover Bird into A Lovely Rich Stock

Luci Lock — Fri, 30 May 2008 01:51:00 GMT

Today, I'll show you how to make a very **simple turkey stock. So, next time you roast a whole turkey (or a chicken), don't throw it out. By all means, use it to make a stock that will enhance whatever dish you use it in later.

Just follow these simple steps, and you'll be so glad you did.

After picking all the meat from your turkey or chicken, place whole carcass in a stock pot.
Cover completely with water.
Over a high flame, bring to boil.
Lower flame to simmer.
Simmer at least one hour, or if time permits, several hours.
Allow to cool about 30 minutes and strain.
May refrigerate or freeze in smaller containers.

**Some like to add celery, carrots, onions, herbs, etc. to bring out more flavor dimensions in the stock. I like to keep it plain though, and add flavors later when I make my soups.

There you have it! A wonderful, rich stock, the beginning of delicious soups. Enjoy!

Make Your Very Own Scrumptious Morning Probiotic Drink

Luci Lock — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 17:57:00 GMT

I'm sure you've seen those little, plastic bottles of probiotics in groceries stores, many of which are pasteurized and sugar laden. Today, I'll show you how to make your very own probiotic drink, made from fresh, homemade, raw, organic kefir.

This tasty drink is a strawberry-flavored, probiotic drink, and it's probably best for carb or mixed types. If you're a protein type, you may try making this with half a teaspoon, or a few drops, of vanilla essence (the good stuff of course) and perhaps a tiny bit of honey or stevia.

This drink is so quick and simple to make that you could make it every morning, even if you're pressed for time, and it can be made in any quantity you like.

INGREDIENTS:

½ cup fresh, homemade, raw, organic kefir
2 large, frozen, organic strawberries
½ teaspoon Pure Gold Raw Honey, or to taste

PREPARATION:

Pour kefir into your blending device of choice (I use the Magic Bullet, which works great, but you can use an immersion blender or a regular blender as well)
Add in strawberries.
Drop in honey.
Blend, pour into a glass and serve.

The heavenly aroma of the blended strawberries will wake up your senses and get you going in the morning. What an incredibly yummy way for you and your family to get your daily probiotics!