The Benefits of Avoiding Consumption of Cows and Pigs

Raw? Vegan? Vegetarian? Lacto-Ovo? Pescatarian? Mediterranean? There have been so many diets promoted in natural health circles in America over the last decades. It seems they all have various benefits. And the one thing most have in common is the avoidance of consuming of cows and pigs.
Red meat and pork have no known health benefits. The animals are treated brutally and killed in a gruesome bloodbath that is easy to ignore because so few have witnessed our fellow mammals’ slaughter. Those who are employed to do the dirty work get very low wages and often incur injuries because of the size and weight of the animals and the speed of the work. It is very difficult to watch. Even when Cargill, one of the largest meat processing companies in the nation, allowed Oprah Winfrey into a couple of sanitized areas of a processing plant, they did not allow her cameras to film a cow being killed. Out of sight means out of mind.
We are very fortunate that there are so many other things to eat! This meat can feel energizing because of all the adrenaline in the animal when it is killed, and there is iron in blood and flesh, but there is also iron in spinach, dried fruit, and lentils. There is a tradition of the hunt and the roast, and this holds a special allure and place in our hearts. However, when you realize that is far from how the animals get to our plates nowadays, the romanticized vision vanishes.
One hamburger can contain up to 100 different cows. The US kills 35 million cows a year, and 13,200 pigs an hour. That is a lot of bloodshed, death, and killing. What would our country be like if that stopped? Our cardiovascular health would improve, as would our regularity. Less suffering for the animals coincides with less suffering for humanity.
If you would like to see what really goes on behind the closed doors of the slaughterhouse, it is a great motivator for change, although very sad to watch:

These videos have a louder volume, so you may wish to mute (this also makes them more bearable to watch):

This was filmed at Agriprocessors which was the largest (Glatt) Kosher meat producer in the United States, and the only one authorized by Israel’s Orthodox Rabbinate to export beef to Israel, before it was shut down in 2008 by inspectors (best to mute):

Thank you for being willing to read this, and watching some of the videos. I know it is very difficult to consider this topic because for so long we have been removed from the reality of it and since we were children we were taught to eat a certain way. Make sure to be gentle with yourself and go slowly when making changes in eating habits. Perhaps begin with a “meatless Monday.”
This film describes the positive environmental impacts that forgoing meat just one day a week can make:

http://www.unleashed.org.au/features/meat-the-truth/

For a well done documentary about one man’s journey with this issue, watch this clip:

www.tribeofheart.org/sr/sr_witscreeningroom_english.htm
Another inspiring story with regards to getting back to a plant-based diet is that of Dave the trucker. He was dying when he decided he had to tackle this problem head on:

Even the Mayo Clinic recommends “meatless meals”:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/meatless-meals/my00752

Recent articles in the LA Times and the Huffington Post lend weight to this conclusion:
articles.latimes.com/2012/mar/13/health/la-he-red-meat-20120313

www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/21/humane-society-wyoming-premium_n_1528541.html#s=more227520
Because of all the droughts we have been having in the US, the cattle are starving, and the herds are shrinking:

http://www.takepart.com/article/2012/07/16/wheres-beef?cmpid=tp-ptnr-hufpo

Cows are very gentle creatures. There is no skill or chase in hunting them. They are docile pacifists who give their milk and eat grass. They hurt no one, and do not deserve this torture. Pigs frolic and forage, are as sociable and intelligent as dogs, and genetically are surprisingly similar to humans (more so than any other domesticated animal):

http://nationalhogfarmer.com/news/human-to-pig

The slaughter house is like hell on earth. It is time for the madness to end. It does not have to be this way. Humans have freedom of choice, and when we know better, we do better. And when we learn, we care.
These items can function in place of meats in traditional American recipes when needed, they’re pretty tasty, and the most popular ones are available at supermarkets:

http://www.tryveg.com/cfi/toc/?v=07groceries#5

I had a great experience when I asked my supermarket to carry a natural product they did not already have, and they now stock it in the store – thank you Vons!
If you are taking medications or have had surgery, please consult your doctor before making any changes in your diet and only undertake such changes under her/his supervision and monitoring. This is because dietary changes can lessen the need for certain medications. Also, listen to your body – if you need red meat, eat it. If you can avoid it when possible, and still feel good, please do. This article is for informational purposes only, and is not to be construed as medical advice.

By Teal

Holistic Health and Food: Staying Cool by Josh

Note: I am not a licensed acupuncturist, herbalist, or medical health professional. This is advice from personal experience, knowledge, and research.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, foods and beverages have inherent thermal properties—either cooling or warming. This can be invaluable knowledge in . As someone who struggled for a long time with unrelenting heat, TCM really changed my quality of life. I can wear layers of clothes now. I can sit in a heated room, and not have to leave as often to cool down. I can drink hot beverages. Most importantly, I know what food and beverage choices to make in the moment to address my temperature.

Here are some quick and dirty guidelines of what to avoid while trying to stay cool:

-Overly processed, “fast” foods, will most always be heating. Of course, there are many other reasons why I would seriously advise against eating these foods, but if you’re trying to stay cool, especially stay away from these foods. This also includes processed sugars, such as candy bars and soda.

-Coffee—very warming. If you want a little boost in the morning, try green tea instead. It’s actually cooling. You can make a green tea latte by brewing two teabags, adding some raw agave nectar or raw honey to sweeten, then a milk alternative like almond, coconut, or rice milk.

-Alcohol—probably the most warming thing you can put in your body. Advertisements have cemented the “cold beer on a hot day” image in our head, but if you’re trying to stay cool, it is the last thing you want to drink.

-Cigarettes—you’re basically inhaling fire. This should be a given.

-Any spices or hot peppers, garlic, onion, mustard but especially ginger. Ginger is seriously warming.

-Red meat and Lamb—go for tofu, fish, or chicken instead.

I’ve just told you what to avoid, now here’s a quick breakdown of foods and drinks that will help cool you down:

-Herbal Tea—even if it’s hot! Peppermint and Dandelion are the most cooling. For a super-cooling tonic, I like making Peppermint-Dandelion iced tea: double the amount of teabags per cup, and steep for at least 20 minutes. Then add plenty of ice, a little raw agave to sweeten, and a little coconut milk.

-Coconut—anything coconut-related is very cooling, unsweetened (this is important) coconut water, milk, or meat. Get a whole coconut, crack it open, drink the water, and eat the meat.

-Greens and Vegetables—most are cooling, and most effectively when eaten raw or lightly steamed. For greens, go for: kale, spinach, chard, and seaweed (but not mustard greens). For vegetables: cucumber, celery, lettuce, cabbage, asparagus, and broccoli. Always choose organic, when possible.

-Fruit—Bananas are one of the most cooling things you can eat. Uncooked avocados are great, and will also help if you’re feeling dried-out. Apples are a great choice as well.

-Grains—especially whole wheat, barley, and millet. Cook up a mixed grain bowl with steamed veggies and tofu.

Just to clarify, these are only guidelines. I’m not saying that you have to give up your favorite foods, beverages, and spices completely. I want you to enjoy your favorite things. Hopefully, this blog has given you a better understanding of how to use food and drink to regulate your body temperature and stay comfortable. I urge you to approach those daily decisions with a mindfulness of your body and how what you eat and drink will affect you.
Lastly, if you’re cold—have some warming food or drink! Eat or drink ginger, use plenty of spices.

Nutrition and Behavior

Nutrition & Behavior by Dr Russell Blaylock

The Beauty of Nature

Josh Rosebrooks all-natural, organic beauty line is not only a healthy approach to anti-aging, but also amongst the growing number of authentic products making an impact on a market rife with body-disruptive chemicals.

How did your beauty journey begin?
I was fascinated with taking care of my skin since I was about 18. I loved the fact that if I did a few things every day, over time, I would always look younger. I began reading the ingredients on the skin care products, researching and testing them on myself. I was always finding ingredients and products that I thought were working and researching to understand why. I have always been fascinated with plants and herbs. It is so amazing to me that these botanical extracts and essential oils contain such mind blowing properties for health and anti aging. All the bases are covered in nature and it is absolutely complete with the highest forms of all vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, enzymes, proteins and nutrients…

7 WAYS … TO THE LOST PRACTICE OF RESTING ONE DAY EACH WEEK

By Joshua Becker

Ask any physician and they will tell you that rest is essential for physical health. When the body is deprived of sleep, it is unable to rebuild and recharge itself adequately. Your body requires rest.

Ask any athlete and they will tell you that rest is essential for healthy physical training. Rest is needed for physical muscles to repair themselves and prevent injury. This is true whether you run marathons, pitch baseballs, or climb rocks. Your muscles require rest.

Improve Your Energy Levels

Feeling tired? Exhausted? Lacking concentration? Lacking motivation? Whilst energy drinks, coffee, and pharmaceuticals may offer a quick short-term solution and “hit” of energy, they are not doing you, your loved ones or the planet any favors.

5 Health-Boosting Herbs & Spices

We received an email yesterday from Dr Steven Joyals publicist, who, besides promoting his new book, What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Diabetes, also explained how the doctor is a big advocate of the significant health boosting properties of common herbs and spices. We wanted to know more, so had a quick chat to the doc…

TGD: How did you come to be an advocate of adding spices to the diet in order to achieve good health?
SJ: The scientific data in support of spices like curcumin, ginger, rosemary, cumin, and cinnamon is strong.

TGD: How are spices best consumed for maximum impact?
SJ: Fresh or dried, spices have a wealth of health benefits. Scientific research suggests that spices/herbs like marjoram, thyme, and rosemary may help reduce the formation of cancer-causing substances called heterocyclic amines in grilled or broiled foods.

TGD: Have we come full circle, understanding perhaps what our ancestors did, that spices have profound health-boosting properties?
SJ: Before the pharmaceutical companies found disease profitable, ancient traditions like Ayurvedic medicine understood the value of herbs and spices in helping to maintain optimal health.

TGD: How can spices help someone with diabetes?
SJ: Cinnamon and cumin are two spices with interesting anti-diabetic properties. Scientific data suggests that these two spices can help support healthy blood sugar levels and reduce the oxidant damage from diabetes. Efficacious doses are about two teaspoons daily.

TGD: What are your must-have spices for your rack and why?
SJ: Ginger (anti-inflammatory), cumin (support healthy blood sugar levels, anti-oxidant), cinnamon (anti-oxidant, supports healthy blood sugar levels), tumeric (curcumin) {anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-oxidant), rosemary (anti-oxidant, anti-cancer) are all great spices and herbs for supporting optimal health.

TGD: Turmeric is often a spice touted for its amazing healing properties. What is it about turmeric that has such a big impact on the body?
SJ: Turmerics “secret” is curcumin, and this interesting ingredient has anti-cancer properties, antioxidant properties, and anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, several experimental studies, as well as human clinical studies, show benefit for curcumin in Alzheimers disease, a devastating neurological illness!

The Body Mind Connection: The Key to Optimal Health (Part II)

Ten years ago, Marguerite Alston was faced with a major health challenge that would change her life forever. A malignant melanoma diagnosis sent her stress levels off the scale. Her future was suddenly uncertain.

“I vowed at that point in time that I would do all that I can to look after my body, mind and spirit,” she says, now fully recovered. “I wanted to learn all that I could about nutrition and gain a deeper understanding of what I can do to make sure I live a long, vibrant and healthy life and I never wanted to deal with cancer ever again.”

Podcast: |

The Body Mind Connection: The Key to Optimal Health (Part I)

You just have to browse the web or your nearest book store to see the world is obsessed with dieting. Yet if statistics are accurate, were not just tipping the scales, were on our way to breaking them. It has taken many of us years of restrictions and meal replacements to figure it out: diets dont work.

From calorie counting to cutting out carbs, a Pandoras Box awaits those who still dare to follow the latest diet craze. Yet achieving and maintaining your ideal figure is actually more simple than what weve been lead to believe-and it comes with a bonus: vibrant health.

Podcast: |

Importance of Cleaning House

If there was a pump failure or major blockage in the citys sewer system, it’s not be hard to imagine what could happen. All of the pipes would back up when an immovable material came through, creating a gigantic crisis that would threaten the health of all who lived in the city.

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