On February 15, researchers from the University of Southern California published the results from a randomized clinical trial with regard to diet. The researchers discovered that periodic, five-day fasting diet of their design safely reduced the risk factors for major health issues people face such as: heart disease, cancer, diabetes and other age-related diseases. 

The research conducted placed 71 adults on three cycles of a low-calorie, "fasting-mimicking" diet. The phase II trial, conducted by researchers at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, demonstrated a host of benefits from the regimen. 

The diet reduced cardiovascular risk factors including blood pressure, signs of inflammation (measured by C-reactive protein levels), as well as fasting glucose and reduced levels of IGF-1, a hormone that affects metabolism. It also shrank waistlines and resulted in weight loss, both in total body fat and trunk fat, but not in muscle mass. 

In effect, the diet reduced the study participants' risks for cancer, diabetes, heart disease and other age-related diseases, according to the findings published Feb. 15 in Science Translational Medicine. 

In a separate study, published on February 23 in the journal Cell, states that the diet reboots the body, which could lead to some potentially very exciting new treatments for diabetes. Scientists caution people to not suddenly go on their own fasting diets, as the diet used in the experiment is specifically and scientifically designed.

The fasting diet used in the experiment is similar to a diet where people spend five days on a low calorie, low protein, low carbohydrate but high unsaturated-fat diet. It resembles a vegan diet with nuts and soups, but with around 800 to 1,100 calories a day. The diet mimics periods of feast and famine, where there are 25 days of eating normally and 5 days of a fasting or fasting-mimicking diet. 

In previous experiments, it has been shown that such a diet can also slow down the aging process. 

So far with regard to how a fasting diet could help cure diabetes - the research has only been carried out on animals. That said, in the experiments, the mice on the fasting diet regenerated a special type of cell in the pancreas called a beta cell, which are the cells that detect sugar in the blood and release the hormone insulin if it gets too high. 

When speaking about the results of the experiment, Dr Valter Longo, from the University of Southern California, said: "Our conclusion is that by pushing the mice into an extreme state and then bringing them back - by starving them and then feeding them again - the cells in the pancreas are triggered to use some kind of developmental reprogramming that rebuilds the part of the organ that's no longer functioning."

Furthermore, what's promising about this experiment is that the fasting diet shows promising results for both Type I and Type II diabetes.  Dr. Longo further commented that the findings are so significant because they show that diet can be used to reverse the effects of diabetes, and that it can be used to re-program cells without the need of any genetic modifications. 

Dr Emily Burns, research communications manager at Diabetes UK, said: "This is potentially very exciting news, but we need to see if the results hold true in humans before we'll know more about what it means for people with diabetes. People with type-1 and type-2 diabetes would benefit immensely from treatments that can repair or regenerate insulin-producing cells in the pancreas." 

 Thus, while this is very exciting and promising news, a lot more work still needs to be done in this area.

Patagonia has always been on the cutting edge of corporate responsibility and environmentalism. This trend continues with Patagonia's most recent experiment - food. As Patagonia shares on its website: "we also believe there is great opportunity—and an urgent need—for positive change in the food industry. With Patagonia Provisions, our goals are the same as with everything we do: We aim to make the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, and perhaps most important, inspire solutions to the environmental crisis." 

Recently, Patagonia released a short film that features the critical role food and agriculture in the future of this planet. The film explores regenerative agriculture, regenerative grazing and restorative fishing. Each of these individual projects serve as examples of what the food and agricultural industry needs to do in order to sustain a beautiful Earth for generations to come. 

Watch this film and spread the word!

Rajmani Sinclair, January 12, 2016

We know heart disease is not the most pleasant thing to think about, especially because it is the leading cause of death for men and women in the U.S., but there is a silver lining. Heart disease is up to 80% preventable, so why not learn some important information and ways to take action?

Nearly 82 million Americans suffer from some form of a cardiovascular disease. Ischaemic heart disease is the deadliest form, causing over 12% of all deaths worldwide. This condition arises when fat deposits cause the narrowing of arteries, resulting in a reduction of blood supply to the heart. This is usually characterized by chest pains and it puts patients at risk for stroke and heart attack. 

Did you know? 

Every 34 seconds someone in the United States has a heart attack, and every minute someone dies from a heart disease related event? 

Luckily your risk can be seriously lowered with dietary and lifestyle changes. 

Prevention includes quitting smoking, lowering cholesterol, controlling high blood pressure, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising. Furthermore, certain foods work to prevent plaque formation and eventual blockage!
 

Preventing Heart Disease: Life Hacks 

Sleep 

Snooze within the “sleep sweet spot”

Too little sleep can place you at a 48% higher risk of developing heart disease, while sleeping too much gives you a 38% higher chance. The perfect sleep balance is found between 7-8 hours. 

 
Snuggle 

Make time for that extra lovin’


Snuggling actually reduces stress because touch induces the release of oxytocin, a natural de-stressor that also works to reduce blood pressure.

 

Laugh 

There is a reason it is called a “Hearty laugh”

Laughing really is the best medicine! It causes blood vessels to dilate by 22%, increasing blood flow and reducing heart pressure. 

Get Moving 

Today is your day!

Exercise Regularly 

At least 30 minutes of exercise a day significantly reduces chances of developing heart disease. 

Maintain Your Ideal Weight 

Obesity increases risks of developing heart disease. 

Step Away from That Remote! 

Those who sit in front of the television for 4 or more hours a day are 80% more likely to die from heart disease. 

Hydrate 

"Pure water is the world's first and foremost medicine." -Slovakian Proverb

Water 

Aim to drink 7-8 cups of water per day. 

Coffee 

Drinking 1-3 cups of coffee a day can lead to a 20% decrease in hospitalizations for abnormal heart rhythms. 

Green Tea 

Green tea contains the antioxidant catechin that stops the body from absorbing cholesterol and also helps to ward off obesity. 
Enjoy 1-2 cups per day for maximum benefits. 

De-stress 

Don't forget to close your eyes and .... breathe!

Yoga 

Yoga is a great way to focus and relax. Not only is it a natural way to reduce stress, yoga has been shown to be an effective non-cardio workout that significantly reduces risk of heart disease 

Mediation 

To kick-start your mediation practice or to take it to the next level, check out the albums recorded by Inner Splendor Media 

Minimize Traffic Time 

Beyond the emotional stress that is usually caused by traffic, the noise can be harmful for your heart's well-being as well. For every 10 decibels of added roadway traffic noise, the risk of heart attack increases by 12%. 

Dogs 

Better known as man's best friend

Dog owners  have reported lower blood pressure numbers, less stress and weight loss benefits! 

Don’t Smoke 

If you smoke, please quit! Smoking is the most significant risk factor in heart disease development. 

Heredity 

It is important to know if you have genetic risk factors for heart disease.  If it is in your family history, a preventative lifestyle is even more imperative. 

Get Screenings Done 

Going in for regular health checks and screening is highly recommended by cardiologists, regardless if you are at a high or a low risk.


DIET
Beyond our lifestyle tips, managing your diet is extremely important in preventing heart disease.

OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS
 

• Avocado consumption reduces bad cholesterol levels up to 17% and increases your good cholesterol. 
• Olive oil reduces bad cholesterol and provides the body with healthy fats. 
• Nuts promote optimal heart health as they contain the healthy fats needed to lower bad cholesterol levels in the body. 
  • Walnuts and almonds are great! Just half a handful a day provides you with adequate nutrition. 

Fish 

• The healthy fats found in certain fish help to increase good cholesterol, reduce triglyceride levels and decrease inflammation. 
  • Salmon, mackerel, tuna and herring are all great for reaping optimal benefits. Aim to replace red meat with 12 ounces of one of these fish on a weekly basis! 

Whole grain 

• The soluble fiber in whole grains helps to lower bad cholesterol because it sticks to the cholesterol, removes it and prevents it from building up in the arteries. 
  • Oatmeal, brown rice and whole wheat breads and cereals are great whole grain sources. 

VEGETABLES 

• Asparagus works hard to unclog the arteries by removing clots and decreasing inflammation. 
• Broccoli prevents calcium from damaging the arteries due to its high vitamin K content. It helps to lower cholesterol and aids in healthy blood pressure regulation. 
• Spirulina algae is rich in minerals, vitamin, carotenoids, powerful antioxidants and proteins. Regular consumption helps to regulate healthy blood pressure and relax the walls of the arteries. 
• Spinach is rich in both potassium and folate. It unclogs the arteries and decreases blood pressure. Consumed regularly, fresh spinach can reduce your risk of heart disease by as much as 11 %.

 

FRUIT

• Persimmons are rich in both polyphenols and fiber. Fiber helps to prevent cholesterol buildup and polyphenols are a compound that works to reduce triglycerides and bad cholesterol. Furthermore, this fruit is very high in antioxidants, which offers an extra overall protective effect! 
• Pomegranates are rich in phytochemicals that encourage nitric oxide production, which then prevents artery clogging and regulates blood flow. 
• Cranberries are excellent for the heart because they contain a rich source of potassium. Drinking pure cranberry juice regularly can result in a 40 % reduction in heart disease risk. 
• Watermelon is not only refreshing! It also helps to widen blood vessels by stimulating nitric oxide production. This is aided by L-Citrulline, a type of antioxidant. Just a cup of fresh watermelon each day offers these amazing benefits. 
• Orange Juice in it's pure form is full of antioxidants that work to improve blood vessel function and help prevent high blood pressure. 
• Berries are more than a great low sugar and low calorie snack! Eating 3 or more servings of berries per week cut the risk of heart attack among women by 32%. Both blueberries and raspberries are a great choice.

SPICES

• Turmeric contains curcumin that helps eliminate fatty deposits and decreasing inflammation. 
• Cinnamon offers up to a 26% reduction in bad cholesterol. It also helps to stop plaque buildup on the walls of the arteries.

Heart disease is a serious issue. Luckily taking action today can make a big difference in your and your loved ones' tomorrows!

AUTHOR: Gal Shyli Dayan

 

Sources: 

http://wordlesstech.com/prevent-heart-disease-with-these-healthy-tips/ 

http://www.simplehouseholdtips.com/the-best-artery-cleansing-foods.html 

http://thepaleomama.com/2013/11/how-im-healing-cavities-without-dentistry/ 

http://www.mapsofworld.com/infographics/poll/preventing-heart-disease-are-we-doing-enough-text.html 

http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/7-ways-prevent-and-even-reverse-heart-disease-nutrition1 

http://penn-heart-vascular.pennmedicine.org/2013/02/heart-disease-risk-factors-prevention-infographic.html 

http://www.driscolls.com/nutrition-health/health-benefits/heart-health/raspberries-for-heart-health?crlt.pid=camp.hz7ftJybMG91 

http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/health/conditions/heart-disease/yoga-heart-disease/ 

http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/fight-heart-disease-with-these-heart-healthy-foods.html 

http://positivemed.com/2012/04/22/heart-disease/

Photo: Charles O'Rear via wikipedia; a plane dispensing pesticides.
 

In the current world, pesticides pervade our homes, schools, parks, and public lands. You name it - pesticides are there. 54 years after Rachel Carson published "Silent Spring", raising public awareness about the danger of pesticides in our environment and on human health, the use of pesticides has only increased. Pesticides have been linked to a wide array of negative health problems ranging from headaches to nausea to reproductive issues to cancer. Pesticides are toxic and harmful to all life, and the continued use of pesticides is not sustainable. 

In the field of agriculture, there has been a resurgence of people looking for alternative means of pest management. Beyond organic options, a growing number of farmers are looking to biodynamic methods of farming that are not only a chemical-free approach to farming, but also produce healthier food and soil.

Photo: Dusty Yao-Stamets via Wikipedia; Paul Stamets holding an Agarikon Mushroom.
 

In the field of mycology, the study of fungi, there have been several exciting advancements that offer another, chemical-free method of pest management. Ten years ago, Paul Stamets patented 200,000 entomopathogenic fungi, a type of fungi that destroys insects. In a talk he gave in 2008, Stamets shared that several executives from the pesticide industry told him that that his work with fungi is the "most disruptive technology" the industry had ever witnessed. The fungi that Stamets developed and patented is able to attract different pests to it and, upon eating it, the pests eventually turn into fungi from the inside out. 

Paul's work with fungi presents a very exciting new avenue for pest management - a method that works with nature to fight off unwanted pests. 

To learn more about Paul Stamet's work, check out his website here: http://www.fungi.com/ 

And be sure to watch his TED talk from 2008 below:



Article by: Rajmani Sinclair, September 27, 2016

 

No, it's not a state in the United States, nor is it in the Western Hemisphere for that matter. The first 100% organic certified state is in India. Sikkim, located in Northeastern Indian, between Bhutan and Nepal, received this certification back on January 18, 2016, during the Sikkim Organic Festival.

Out of all the countries in the world, India has the most organic farmers, and now it can claim that it has the first, fully organic state. Sikkim is home to 66,000 farmers, all of whom have sworn off GMOs, pesticides, and chemical fertilizers. This comes as a significant achievement of the Sikkim Organic Mission Plan, which, in 2003, set a goal for the state to become 100% certified organic. 

India has a long standing tradition of growing products with little to no input and saving seeds that date back centuries. Thus, the idea of organic farming is nothing new to India. However, the concept of "certified organic" is new and has yet to gain much consumer support in the country. Thus, Sikkim, and the rest of India, is in the process of learning how to market organic produce domestically to consumers.

Photo: Anja Disseldorp - Flickr: India Sikkim - view of rice fields

 

Sikkim's organic farming serves as a case study for the Indian government, who is exploring whether statewide organic production is reproducible on a larger scale. In Sikkim, the government worked from 2003 onwards to support farmers in becoming 100% organic by gradually removing subsidies for pesticides and fertilizers, purchasing organic certification for Sikkim farmers, and increasing the integration of organic farming techniques across that state. 

The landscape in Sikkim is not ideal for conventional farming. Most farmers in the state own 4 hectares or less of land, which they cultivate using terraced farming methods due to the hilly features of the land. Thus, the monocultures that dominate nonorganic, conventional farming wouldn't work in the region anyway. 

At the moment, Sikkim, a land-locked state, does not have the infrastructure that would make transportation and export of its organic produce possible. In addition, the mechanisms for marketing and selling organic produce in India are not fully established either. Therefore, this milestone, while significant, marks only the beginning of a long road for organic farming in India.

Photo: Kaushik Das; A view of the winding, switchback roads in Sikkim.
 

As other agricultural products in India also switch to non-GMO and organic, such as cotton, the Indian government will need to look at how it can best support all of its farmers in making the shift to organic while ensuring that the farmer's livelihood is not overlooked; especially since India has a difficult history of farmer suicides. 

While Sikkim presents unique conditions that have supported it in becoming a 100% certified organic state, it does serve as inspiration for the rest of the world. Might India lead the way in creating a 100% certified organic country? We will have to wait and see. 

Article by: Rajmani Sinclair, September 20, 2016
 

 

 

Within the medical marijuana and recreational use communities, cannabis honey, or "CannaHoney," is not a new concept. Typically, marijuana (or its psychoactive agent THC) is infused into honey by means of some simple stovetop cooking. However, one beekeeper in France, who goes by the name Nicolas Trainerbees, has expedited the process by doing what nobody else has done: training bees to make honey from the cannabis plant itself. 

According to Mr. Trainerbees, his special brand of honey does have the predicted consciousness altering effects of THC, plus the added health benefits of marijuana, which many scientists and health specialists are now endorsing. (Not to mention the dense nutritional value of of organic, bee-made honey!) Nicolas himself is an advocate for the use and legalization of medical marijuana, and with his new invention, he may end up being a large part of the ongoing dialogue over its use in society at large.

Watch these busy bees at work:
 

 

Nicolas currently lives with his wife in France and has 30 beehives. According to him, this is not his first rodeo when it comes to training bees: 

"I have trained bees to do several things, such as collect sugar from fruits, instead of using flowers" 

A true renaissance man, he is also a locksmith, artisan, nature lover, and marijuana activist. 

  What do you think of this new kind of honey? Would you try it? Let us know in the comment section below!