OlgaMiltsova / iStock / Getty Images Plus
By Gwen Ranniger
In the midst of a pandemic, sales of cleaning products have skyrocketed, and many feel a need to clean more often. Knowing what to look for when purchasing cleaning supplies can help prevent unwanted and dangerous toxics from entering your home.
<p>One of our recent articles, "<a href="https://www.ehn.org/cleaning-products-toxics-covid-19-2647681704.html" target="_blank">Disinfection dangers: How to avoid viruses without exposing yourself to toxics</a>," gives readers an in-depth look at cleaning and disinfecting in a safe manner.</p><p>Here, we're going to boil down exactly what to look for when you're faced with shelves upon shelves of cleaning products.</p>
1. Fragrance – Avoid It
<p>One of the fastest ways to narrow down your product options is immediately eliminating any product that promotes a fragrance, or parfum. That scent of "fresh breeze" or lemon might initially smell good, but the fragrance does not last. What does last? The concoction of various undisclosed and unregulated chemicals that created that fragrance.</p><p>Many fragrances contain phthalates, which are linked to many health risks including reproductive problems and cancer.</p>2. With Bleach? Do Without
<p>Going scent-free should have narrowed down your options substantially – now, check the front of the remaining packaging. Any that include ammonia or chlorine bleach ought to go, as these substances are irritating and corrosive to your body. While bleach is commonly known as a powerful disinfectant, there are safer alternatives that you can use in your home, such as sodium borate or hydrogen peroxide.</p><p>While you're at it, check if there are any warnings on the label – "flammable," "use in ventilated area," etc. – if the product is hazardous, that's a red flag and should be avoided.</p>3. Check the Back Label
<p>Flip to the back of the remaining contenders and check out that ingredient list. Less is more, here. Opt for a shorter ingredient list with words you recognize and/or can pronounce.</p><p>You may notice many products do not have ingredient lists – while this doesn't necessarily mean they contain toxic ingredients, transparency is key. Feel free to look up a list online, or stick to products that are open about their ingredients.</p>4. Ingredients to Avoid
<p>We already mentioned that cleaners containing fragrance or parfum, and bleach or ammonia should be avoided, but there are other ingredients to look out for as well.</p><ul><li>Quaternary ammonium "quats" – lung irritants that contribute to asthma and other breathing problems. Also linger on surfaces long after they've been cleaned.</li><li>Parabens – Known hormone disruptor; can contribute to ailments such as cancer</li><li>Triclosan – triclosan and other antibacterial chemicals are registered with the EPA as pesticides. Triclosan is a known hormone disruptor and can also impact your immune system.</li><li>Formaldehyde – Causes irritation of eyes, nose, and throat; studies suggest formaldehyde exposure is linked with certain varieties of cancer. Can be found in products or become a byproduct of chemical reactions in the air.</li></ul>Cleaning Products and Toxics: The Bottom Line
<p>Do your research. There are many cleaning products available, but taking these steps will drastically reduce your options and help keep your home toxic-free. Protecting your home from bacteria and viruses is important, but make sure you do so in a way that doesn't introduce other health risks into the home.</p><p><em>Reposted with permission from </em><em><a href="https://www.ehn.org/how-to-shop-for-cleaning-products-while-avoiding-toxics-2648130273.html" target="_blank">Environmental Health News</a>. </em><a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/r/entryeditor/2649054624#/" target="_self"></a></p>
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EcoWatch Daily Newsletter
Why Face Masks Belong at Your Thanksgiving Gathering + 7 Things You Need To Know About Wearing Them
22 November
Health + Wellness
martin-dm / E+ / Getty Images
By Jason Farley
COVID-19 has disrupted our daily lives, and it is poised to completely disrupt the holiday season. As people make holiday plans and think about ways to reduce the risks to their loved ones, a strategy is essential.
<p>
Face masks are a crucial part of that strategy, and they're now mandatory in public in an <a href="https://www.kff.org/health-costs/issue-brief/state-data-and-policy-actions-to-address-coronavirus/#long-term-care-cases-deaths" target="_blank">increasing number of states</a> as COVID-19 <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/coronavirus-us-cases.html" target="_blank">cases soar</a>.
</p>
<script async="async" data-counter="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/150130/count?distributor=republish-lightbox-advanced" id="theconversation_tracker_hook" src="https://theconversation.com/javascripts/lib/content_tracker_hook.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script async="async" data-counter="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/150130/count?distributor=republish-lightbox-advanced" id="theconversation_tracker_hook" src="https://theconversation.com/javascripts/lib/content_tracker_hook.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
<p><iframe id="XvEp5" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/XvEp5/11/" height="400px" width="100%" style="border: none" frameborder="0"></iframe></p><p>I am <a href="https://nursing.jhu.edu/faculty_research/faculty/faculty-directory/jason-farley" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">an infectious disease-trained epidemiologist</a>, researcher and nurse practitioner. Here are answers to some key questions about how and when to wear masks, and how to manage their use during the holidays.</p>
Are masks really necessary at family gatherings?
<p>If you're gathering with friends and family who don't live in your home, yes. Just because you're with people you know doesn't mean you're safe from the coronavirus. Infection rates are <a href="https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/data/new-cases-50-states" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">higher now than they have ever been</a> in the U.S., and <a href="https://youtu.be/ehdgceGzQxs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">small gatherings have been a source</a> of viral spread. All it takes is one infected person who doesn't know they have the coronavirus to infect others.</p><p>Remember, people can be <a href="https://medical.mit.edu/covid-19-updates/2020/07/how-long-symptom-onset-person-contagious" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">contagious two to three days</a> before symptoms show – that's one thing that makes this virus so hard to stop. And it's why, even if you feel fine, you should wear a mask.</p><p>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now estimates that when both people are wearing masks, the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/more/masking-science-sars-cov2.html" target="_blank">likelihood of infection is low</a>.</p>Who am I protecting when I wear a mask?
<p>In a word: everyone. The coronavirus <a href="https://theconversation.com/aerosols-are-a-bigger-coronavirus-threat-than-who-guidelines-suggest-heres-what-you-need-to-know-142233" target="_blank">spreads through respiratory droplets</a> that you send out into the air when you talk, sing or even just breathe. The tiniest of these droplets can float on air currents for long periods.</p><p>Face masks stop many of those droplets, reducing the amount of virus in the air. That lowers your chances of getting infected, and it also lowers the chances that you'll infect someone else.</p><p><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/more/masking-science-sars-cov2.html" target="_blank">Studies of people who had prolonged exposure</a> to others with COVID-19 have demonstrated how masks can reduce the chance of the virus spreading. In general, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/more/masking-science-sars-cov2.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">well-fitted cloth masks</a> made up of multiple layers can stop most large droplets and at least half of the tiny ones. Plastic <a href="https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.10.05.20207241" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">face shields</a> alone are far less effective. <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2020/08/13/cdc-mask-guidance-masks-valves/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Face masks with valves or vents</a> might be good for construction work, but they don't stop the wearer from breathing out virus into the air.</p><img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDc5NzEwNS9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1MjkzMjY1N30.yuC-t9EuKND4riy4QFNYyZFGAq8wqiOlUg-m8nF3gmI/img.png?width=980" id="eec5a" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="fdbe59d0560b36d0481bb1e14e3c25cf" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
Can I reuse a mask and when should I replace it?
<p>Reusable masks should be kept clean and dry. We're moving into cold and flu season, and noses get drippy. A rule of thumb: Anytime a mask is wet to the point that you can discern the wetness, it's time for a new one if it's disposable, or it's time to clean your reusable mask.</p><p>Wetness allows viruses to more easily move through paper or fabric because it allows the threads to move and may reduce the electrostatic charge in the masks that add extra protection with some fabrics.</p><p>In general, you can use a mask that stays clean and dry for about a week before you need to wash or discard it.</p>How should I clean a cloth mask?
<p>Washing your mask is like washing your clothes. You know when it is time.</p><p>In general, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-to-wash-cloth-face-coverings.html" target="_blank">cleaning your mask weekly</a> should be sufficient. If odors develop before then, it's a good idea to wash it sooner. Odor generally means bacterial buildup.</p><p>Cleaning your mask by hand with soap and water is your best option. Using a general detergent on a gentle cycle in the washing machine is also fine, but that may increase the risk of damage, depending on the quality of the material. COVID-19 is not a hardy virus. Any soap or detergent should work fine. There's no need for special chemicals, bleach or harsh soaps.</p><p>Be careful to remove any inserts before washing. Inserted filters are generally not washable.</p><p>Air drying masks works best. Remember, masks should be completely dry before use. So be sure to have a replacement mask handy while the one you just washed dries.</p><p>Sunlight is always a great source of heat to dry your mask. Also, sunlight has ultraviolet radiation, which has been shown to <a href="http://doi.org/10.1111/php.13293" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">eliminate coronavirus</a> and is also known to have antibacterial properties.</p>Can I wear the mask below my nose?
<p>Wearing your mask below your nose is, frankly, ridiculous.</p><p>Think about it. If you are breathing through your nose and only covering your mouth, you are effectively eliminating the point of the mask. Properly wearing a mask requires covering both your nose and mouth at all times.</p><p>Studies show that wearing a proper cloth mask or surgical mask while exercising <a href="http://doi.org/10.1513/AnnalsATS.202008-990CME" target="_blank">doesn't affect the flow of oxygen</a> or carbon dioxide in any detectable way. So, unless you have serious heart and lung problems, that isn't an excuse.</p>How do I safely remove my mask if I’m going to eat or drink?
<p>When you <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-to-wash-cloth-face-coverings.html" target="_blank">take your mask off</a>, remove it carefully by the straps without touching anything else and put it somewhere safe, like wrapped in paper in a purse, bag or pocket. Then wash your hands or use hand sanitizer. When you put it back on, wash your hands again.</p><img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDc5NzExMi9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0OTM4MjcxNX0.cH07Fc1uzS2xj6QW0LF2vaOcfDTe3Iw8Q-w1b6gA3Ig/img.png?width=980" id="4fa02" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="b7b047d91f5cbe7b4482e49053ded4f6" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="984f28dc79047c773982b846583aef90"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lAGOB1zy8Kk?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span>
So, how can I have a safe holiday gathering?
<p>The safest way to celebrate this year is to do so with members only within your household. The <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CDC is now stressing that point</a>, as well. If you do celebrate with friends and relatives from outside your household, you need an action plan to reduce the risk of exposure.</p><p>Here are five recommendations:</p><ul><li>Limit the number of people – fewer people means fewer opportunities for exposure, and you'll have more room to spread out.</li><li>Require masks when not eating or drinking.</li><li>Use physical distancing when eating. Try to seat people <a href="https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.m3223" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">at least 6 feet apart</a>. Eat outside if you can.</li><li>Consider being tested for COVID-19 before traveling or gathering. It's not a guarantee, but it can help flag illnesses. Remember to self-isolate between the test and the event.</li><li>Be prepared to self-isolate for 14 days after traveling or participating in any event that involves people from outside your home.</li></ul><p>[<em>Research into coronavirus and other news from science</em> <a href="https://theconversation.com/us/newsletters/science-editors-picks-71/?utm_source=TCUS&utm_medium=inline-link&utm_campaign=newsletter-text&utm_content=science-corona-research" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Subscribe to The Conversation's new science newsletter</a>.]</p><p><em>The map has been updated with New Hampshire announcing a mask mandate effective Nov. 20.</em></p><p><em>Jason Farley is a professor, infectious disease-trained epidemiologist and nurse practitioner at the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing.<br></em></p><p><em>Disclosure statement: Jason Farley, PhD, MPH, ANP-BC, FAAN receives funding from the National Institutes of Health on the Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics for COVID-19 and Becton Dickinson for studies on SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics.</em></p><p><em>Reposted with permission from <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-face-masks-belong-at-your-thanksgiving-gathering-7-things-you-need-to-know-about-wearing-them-150130" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>. </em></p>From Your Site Articles
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Like many other plant-based foods and products, CBD oil is one dietary supplement where "organic" labels are very important to consumers. However, there are little to no regulations within the hemp industry when it comes to deeming a product as organic, which makes it increasingly difficult for shoppers to find the best CBD oil products available on the market.
<p>Here you can learn about the importance of organic hemp oil, why it's better for the environment, and which CBD companies actually make trustworthy products with sustainable farming processes. origins which weigh heavily on many consumers who want to buy a product that's produced in the best way possible for not only themselves to ingest, but for the environment as well through sustainable farming methods. </p><h2>What Is CBD Oil?</h2><p>First things first, CBD stands for cannabidiol, and it's a cannabinoid found within cannabis sativa plants. This plant compound is believed to have many potential benefits, and it is primarily derived from hemp plants via a CO2 extraction process. </p><p>Since CBD is extracted from industrial hemp, which contains only trace amounts of THC (the psychoactive component in cannabis plants), this means that CBD won't make you feel high like marijuana, which has much higher levels of THC that causes psychoactive effects. Instead, the effects of CBD are much more subtle and promote a general sense of calm and relaxation in most users.</p><h2>What Makes a CBD Oil Organic?</h2><p>In terms of organic labels, perhaps the most important (and prominent) certification comes from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This government organization has been labeling foods as "organic" for many years, but what exactly does this certification entail? Essentially, a label indicating that a product is "USDA Organic" or "Certified Organic" means that at least 95% of the ingredients are obtained from organic sources.</p><p>For a crop to be considered organic by the USDA, it must be grown without the use of industrial solvents, irradiation, genetic engineering (GMOs), synthetic pesticides, or chemical fertilizer. Instead, farmers rely on natural substances and <a href="https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2012/03/22/organic-101-what-usda-organic-label-means" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">mechanical, physical, or biologically based farming</a> techniques to cultivate healthy and organic crops.</p><p>Before the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, no hemp-derived products could be dubbed as "certified organic" since the hemp plant and its extracts were still categorized as a Schedule I Controlled Substance. However, it's still difficult for CBD companies to obtain a USDA certified organic label for their products due to the legal grey area that still surrounds CBD extracts. </p><p>Because of these challenges, and due to the fact that industrial hemp has only recently become an agricultural crop, very few CBD oils are USDA certified organic. Rather, many CBD products contain hemp extracts from plants that were grown in organic conditions but may not be federally certified.</p><h2>What are the Best Organic CBD Oil Brands?</h2><p><em>Each product featured here has been independently selected. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.</em></p>
<h2>Why Organic Hemp Oil Matters</h2><p>Hemp is a unique plant, not only for its rich cannabinoid content, but also for its ability to absorb a wide variety of components in soil. But this trait poses great risks when it comes to the creation of CBD products derived from hemp.</p><p>Because hemp has a high capacity for compound uptake, this means that the plants can retain <a href="https://www.remedyreview.com/industry/lab-test-results/" target="_blank">harmful chemicals like pesticides</a>, heavy metals, and other residual solvents. This is especially true when it comes to synthetic chemicals that are more toxic to humans, and difficult to remove once they have been absorbed by the hemp plant.</p><p>Organic farming practices help reduce the risk of hemp crops absorbing harsh chemicals that may later end up in CBD oil after extraction. When you're taking CBD as a wellness supplement to help alleviate your symptoms or improve your overall well-being, the last thing you want is to ingest compounds that might negatively outweigh the benefits of CBD. This is an important reason to look for third party lab test results when shopping for CBD products since these certificates of analysis can show the full cannabinoid and terpene profile of a hemp extract, as well as test results that search for the presence of any residual solvents.</p><p>In addition to creating a better end product, organic farming practices are also better for the environment. Sustainable and organic farming methods may <a href="https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-eating/organic-foods.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">reduce pollution, conserve water, reduce soil erosion, increase soil fertility, and use less energy</a>. The use of natural pest deterrents as opposed to chemical pesticides is also better for nearby animal populations and ecosystems.</p><h3>Organic vs. Natural</h3><p>While there are only a select few companies offering certified organic ingredients in their products, almost every brand in the CBD market creates "natural" products. The term "all-natural" or "plant-based" does not mean that a product is organic, and since hemp oil is a natural derivative of hemp plants, these products are often referred to as all-natural. However, there are some synthetic CBD oils that should be avoided because they are chemically constructed and may produce unwanted side effects that are not caused by naturally derived CBD extracts.</p><h2>What are the Benefits of Organic CBD Oil?</h2><p>There's a long list of potential CBD oil health benefits, and some of the most common wellness advantages include:</p><ul class="ee-ul"><li><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2503660/" target="_blank">Chronic pain relief</a></li><li><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604171/" target="_blank">Anti-anxiety effects</a></li><li>Better sleep</li><li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/inner-source/201901/cbd-oil-mental-health-should-you-take-it-too" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Improvements in mood</a></li><li>Internal balance and regulation</li></ul><p>When dealing with pain, inflammation, sleep issues, and mental health struggles, it can be hard to find sufficient treatment options. The use of certain prescriptions can cause unwanted side effects, yet they are often the only solution for patients with these medical conditions. In search of other therapies, people have started to flock towards CBD oil as an alternative remedy for a variety of conditions. However, it should be noted that CBD products are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and you should seek your doctor's advice before using CBD if you have a serious medical condition.</p><h2>Look at the Labels Before You Buy CBD Oil</h2><p>When you go online to buy CBD oil, you'll quickly realize there is an overwhelming number of brands that are saturating the market. It can be difficult to determine which products are truly as good as they make themselves out to be. Always look for up-to-date third-party lab tests so you know you are getting a great product, and don't hesitate to contact the brand if you have any additional questions. And if you're intent on purchasing 100% organic CBD oil, it's best to look for certified products or brands that are held to strict regulatory standards.</p><p><strong>Melena Gurganus </strong>is the Reviews Editor at EcoWatch. She is passionate health and wellness and her writing aims to help others find products they can trust. Her work has been featured in publications such as Health, Shape, Huffington Post, Cannabis Business Times, and Bustle.<br></p>
Spruce
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDY4NjI3OC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyOTM2NzgzOX0.axY0HjeqRctJsR_KmDLctzDpUBLBN-oNIdqaXDb4caQ/img.jpg?width=980" id="774be" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="8379f35b1ca8a86d0e61b7d4bfc8b46e" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="spruce organic cbd oil" /><p>As one of the best brands in the business, Spruce CBD is well-known for its potent CBD oils that feature many additional beneficial phytocannabinoids. This brand works with two family-owned, sustainably focused farms in the USA (one located in Kentucky and one in North Carolina) to create its organic, small product batches. The max potency Spruce CBD oil contains 2400mg of full-spectrum CBD extract, but the brand also offers a lower strength tincture with 750mg of CBD in total.</p>
$89
CBDistillery
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDcwMjkzNC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyMTU4OTM4Nn0.ypRdeDSBcE87slYrFfVrRwtJ2qGIK6FD5jBB4pndTMo/img.jpg?width=980" id="b473b" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="9930b53c9d58cb49774640a61c3e3e75" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="cbdistillery cbd oil" /><p>All of the products from CBDistillery are <a href="https://ushempauthority.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">U.S. Hemp Authority Certified</a>, and for good reason. The company only uses non-GMO and pesticide-free industrial hemp that's grown organically on Colorado farms. Its hemp oils are some of the most affordable CBD products on the market, yet they still maintain a high standard of quality. CBDistillery has a wide variety of CBD potencies across its product line (ranging from 500mg to 5000mg per bottle) and offers both full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD oils to give customers a completely thc-free option.</p>
$35
FAB CBD
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDY4NjIyNS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2NDIwOTEyMn0.MlTjz096FJ0ev_-soK7_Z-FeQeJczWoeh9Qi9SSkHsY/img.jpg?width=980" id="04b26" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="76aa4862f44603242e318982acea6646" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="fab cbd oil" /><p>For an organic CBD oil that has it all, FAB CBD offers plenty of variety for any type of consumer. All of its products are made with zero pesticides and extracted from organically grown Colorado industrial hemp. FAB CBD oil comes in five all-natural flavors (mint, vanilla, berry, citrus, and natural) and is also available in four strengths (300, 600, 1200, and 2400mg per bottle).</p>
$39
NuLeaf Naturals
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDY4NjIxOS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1NzExNTgyMX0.D6qMGYllKTsVhEkQ-L_GzpDHVu60a-tJKcio7M1Ssmc/img.jpg?width=980" id="94e4a" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="3609a52479675730893a45a82a03c71d" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="nuleaf naturals organic cbd oil" /><p>As an industry-leading brand, it comes as no surprise that NuLeaf Naturals sources its CBD extract from organic hemp plants grown on licensed farms in Colorado. The comany's CBD oils only contain two ingredients: USDA certified organic hemp seed oil and full spectrum hemp extract.</p><p>NuLeaf Naturals uses one proprietary CBD oil formula for all of its products, so you will get the same CBD potency in each tincture (60mg per mL), but can purchase different bottle sizes depending on how much you intend to use.</p>
$38.50
Charlotte's Web
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDcwMjk3NS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0MzQ0NjM4N30.SaQ85SK10-MWjN3PwHo2RqpiUBdjhD0IRnHKTqKaU7Q/img.jpg?width=980" id="84700" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="a2174067dcc0c4094be25b3472ce08c8" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="charlottes web cbd oil" /><p>Perhaps one of the most well-known brands in the CBD landscape, Charlotte's Web has been growing sustainable hemp plants for several years. The company is currently in the process of achieving official USDA Organic Certification, but it already practices organic and sustainable cultivation techniques to enhance the overall health of the soil and the hemp plants themselves, which creates some of the highest quality CBD extracts. Charlotte's Web offers CBD oils in a range of different concentration options, and some even come in a few flavor options such as chocolate mint, orange blossom, and lemon twist.</p>
$60
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Today shoppers have more than 47,000 products to choose from. Sepehr Behnamifar / Unsplash
By Gwen Ranniger
The grocery store is a wonderful place: thousands of ingredients and products at your fingertips available to combine, cook, and eat. However, that choice can be overwhelming: while shoppers in the 1970s chose from a mere 9,000 products, shoppers today choose from more than 47,000.
<p>Selecting food that is clean and healthy for you and your family can be daunting, so we've put together 10 tips for cleaner grocery shopping that will help to navigate your options.</p><blockquote><em>We're defining clean here as products devoid of pesticides, additives or preservatives, and packaging by-products.</em></blockquote><h3>1. Your Most General Rule of Thumb: Try to Select the Bulk of Your Groceries From the Outside Perimeter of Your Grocery Store</h3>
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDc5NDAwNS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2ODA0NTYzOX0._7qvjx5gRCpJ8WFNCjgYv54TZimarSwXYy5pU_8qZHA/img.jpg?width=980" id="a8d57" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="f0abf26589256b96506d2b92e51c235b" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /><p>Most stores line the walls with the simplest of products: produce, the butcher, the bakery, dairy, etc. Aisles in the middle contain most of the processed foods that generally have additives and preservatives it's better to avoid.</p><p>Now, there are caveats to this rule. For example, the bakery often also has items such as highly-refined cakes and cookies that are by no means beneficial to your health, and the dairy section provides a hearty supply of artificially flavored and sweetened creamers. You can find unhealthy products in every department, but <strong>the departments around the perimeter of the store contain the most whole, simple ingredients.</strong></p><h3>2. Buy Local</h3>
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDc5NDAzMS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyNjMxNzU1OH0.tdzXLm8RlhzCK5qGkO2HJ3au-yFgiIlWLqdTccINZb4/img.jpg?width=980" id="d80fe" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="cabe2fc5d0a3ee550e6ffa6beb08912e" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /><p>First and foremost, buy local. This can be anything from the weekly farmer's market to a local bakery to local ingredients sourced by your grocery store. Smaller businesses are more likely to use safer practices when cultivating their goods.</p><p>Buying local also reduces your carbon footprint. Imported ingredients contribute to fuel consumption and air pollution as they're flown in from overseas or driven across the country in a semi-truck. Local produce is fresher, often cleaner, and require less waste to get to you.</p><h3>3. Buy Organic</h3>
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDc5NDA0MS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzNDc3MDM1MH0.KPn7hFUH42JNGFiF6H6kKSMWcCGB_ccK8YkGFPXFOt0/img.jpg?width=980" id="9dd4e" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="41dd2b7d965cac74746490a5e284dd45" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /><p>Purchase organic food when possible, as it's grown without pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, etc. Particularly pay attention to the <a href="https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAhs79BRD0ARIsAC6XpaW0WqPhU_wcIxssa9m3a2CRUtuw4mwCNbCEbInU-zVjLLv9OR-TmUUaArq-EALw_wcB" target="_blank">EWG's "Dirty Dozen"</a> - the produce with the most pesticide residue.</p><ul><li>This year's list includes strawberries, spinach, kale, nectarines, apples, grapes, peaches, cherries, pears, tomatoes, celery, and potatoes.</li></ul><p>If your budget doesn't allow for all things organic, don't sweat it: it's better to gain the nutrients of produce, organic or not, than to go without.</p><h3>4. Consider Frozen</h3>
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDc5NDA5MC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzNDUyMzU4M30.hLrXkfjFDyU4pzEA7m4rGosRl3sbjD-xzTnD0BDnnQY/img.jpg?width=980" id="537ea" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="890ddb8c602cf871325749894ea5adc7" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /><p>Frozen foods get a bit of a bad reputation, but many companies have stepped up their game and you can find a variety of nutritious options in the frozen section.</p><p>If the fresh produce doesn't look good, opt for frozen fruits and vegetables: they're flash-frozen right after picking so often they are more fresh than the "fresh" produce, depending on where you live.</p><h3>5. Try to Stick to "Whole" Ingredients</h3>
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDc5NDA5Ny9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1NzAyMjI1Nn0.0tWuEH7HpUhsvFOl_yG-GGQZ-A4VRYyVN5NEyfb13bw/img.jpg?width=980" id="7a224" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="fd06e8c541d8d53f7025554fd3d5db92" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /><p>An easy way to eat cleanly is to eat simply. Shopping the perimeter of the store will already introduce you to many unprocessed foods - but the interior aisles have options too. Flour, nuts, dried fruits, beans and rice are all examples of whole foods.</p><p>The biggest thing? Check the ingredients list. The simpler the ingredients, the better. If you don't recognize or can hardly read the ingredients, do without.</p><h3>A Few More Tips:</h3>
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDc5NDEwNy9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzODk0OTI5NH0.gmH861vkGoMiJoGro_QGDJu0sMc93vm-L64pSg3G4uA/img.jpg?width=980" id="4ec5b" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="9e02d36c7f2e3401a681a8151ed90077" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
Bruce/flickr
<ul><li><strong>Go in with a list.</strong> Studies have shown that entering the store with a set list of items to purchase reduces impulse purchases - most of which happen in the candy, cookies, and chips section.</li><li><strong>Bring reusable bags.</strong> Clean grocery shopping is not only what you buy, but also what you carry your groceries home in. Single-use plastic bags are unsustainable and end up littering our environment and clogging waterways. Many European countries have banned them, with some U.S. cities and states beginning to follow suit. If you don't already, bring bags from home. It is an easy transition to reduce your waste (and those bags carry so much more, anyways!)</li><li>Online grocery shopping continues to grow in popularity as the pandemic drags on. You can follow these same steps while shopping online - products should be clearly labeled and <strong>many stores even have filters that allow you to narrow down your search to only organic products.</strong></li><li><strong>Reduce consumption of canned goods.</strong> While many canned goods, especially fruits and vegetables, do not contain many ingredients, they contain a harmful by-product from their packaging: BPA. <a href="https://www.ehn.org/bpa-pollution-2645493129.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Check out our guide to BPA to learn more.</a></li><li>If possible, <strong>buy in bulk.</strong> Bulk purchases often save you money in terms of price per ounce, and reduce packaging waste. Be smart about what you bulk-buy - make sure that the item won't go bad before you get around to using it, and that you have room for the bulk items back at home.</li></ul>
<h3>The Bottom Line</h3><p>The food we eat is a huge indicator of our health. Eating cleanly and simply, exposing your body to as few toxic pollutants as possible, will benefit your wellbeing. <strong>Be flexible</strong>; sometimes the only option may be non-organic or in the frozen section. Pick and choose what works for you and your budget, and know that every step toward eating cleanly is a step in the right direction.</p>
<p><em>Reposted with permission from </em><em><a href="https://www.ehn.org/clean-grocery-shopping-guide-2648563801.html" target="_blank">Environmental Health News</a>.</em><a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/r/entryeditor/2648980560#/" target="_self"></a></p>From Your Site Articles
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Rudy's Vegan Butcher in London is the UK's first permanent vegan butcher shop. Rudy's Vegan Butcher
On World Vegan Day this past Nov. 1, the UK's first permanent vegan butcher shop opened in London and completely sold out. Inundated with 100 online orders within their first 10 minutes, the shop also attracted long lines down the street, reported Plant Based News.
<p>According to <a href="https://www.livekindly.co/uk-getting-its-first-vegan-butcher-shop/" target="_blank">Live Kindly</a>, while set up much like a traditional butcher shop with white tile walls and meat cases, <a href="https://rudysvegan.com/" target="_blank">Rudy's Vegan Butcher</a> offers patrons completely meat- and dairy-free selections, including <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/plant-based" target="_self">plant-based</a> pastrami, seitan chicken, 'soysage' patties and Christmas turkey rolls. The substitutes are made from soya and wheat protein seitan that mimic the experience of meat, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/vegan-butcher-rudys-seitan-soya-pastrami-lobstah-burgers-chicken-pork-2020-10" target="_blank">Business Insider</a> reported.</p><p>"It's all designed to emulate meat. It tastes like meat, it's got meat-like texture," said veteran vegan chef and Rudy's co-founder Matthew J. Foster, reported <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/vegan-butcher-fake-meat-london" target="_blank">Fox News</a>.</p><p>Spurred on by the animal cruelty he witnessed as a professional chef, Foster and his business and life partner Ruth (Rudy) Mumma opened the non-traditional butcher shop as an extension of their popular restaurant, Rudy's Dirty Vegan Diner. The latter launched in April 2018 as London's first vegan diner, <a href="http://camdennewjournal.com/article/rudy-awakening-for-chef-who-went-vegan" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Camden New Journal</a> reported.</p>
<p>"It didn't seem right anymore," Foster told the news report. "We can survive and thrive far better on a plant-based diet."</p><p>The restaurant is Foster's and Mumma's outlet for promoting and educating others about animal rights using "unbeatable, mouth-watering food and a punk AF attitude towards getting sh!t done," their <a href="https://rudysvegan.com/pages/the-rudy-story" target="_blank">website</a> says.</p><p>The diner reimagines popular American comfort and fast food entirely out of plants. Now, the butcher shop expands their vision and offerings, as do <a href="https://rudysvegan.com/collections/rudys-diy-kits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">DIY home kits</a> for favorite Rudy's meals. For every DIY kit purchased, Rudy's donates £1 (about a dollar) to Friend Farm Animal Sanctuary.</p>
<p>The meat-free butcher shop will also stock ready-made foods like chili non-carne, vegan 'lobstah' salad and dairy-free cheese sauces, Live Kindly reported.</p><p>In addition to being cruelty-free for animals, a vegan diet has also been touted as one of the most effective ways individuals can <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/serve-plants-save-planet-2641555444.html" target="_self">reduce their carbon footprint</a>. Global meat production, especially beef and lamb, requires a high amount of carbon emissions and strains natural resources, something meatless alternatives can largely avoid, the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/04/30/dining/climate-change-food-eating-habits.html#:~:text=But%2C%20in%20general%2C%20it%20takes,digest%20grass%20and%20other%20foods." target="_blank">New York Times</a> reported.</p><p>"We're destroying the planet for our taste buds," warned Foster, reported Camden New Journal.</p>
<p>The UK plant-based movement is booming, despite the fact that only one percent of the population is vegan, reported Business Insider. Sales of plant-based foods grew 40 percent between 2014 and 2019 to around $1.05 billion per year in the UK, the report estimated. This figure is expected to exceed $1.41 billion by 2024.</p><p>Globally, the <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/meatless-meat-sales-coronavirus-2645943304.html" target="_self">interest in plant-based products and alternative protein options</a> mirrors that of the UK, reported Fox News. The U.S. trend has been boosted by <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/meat-shortages-coronavirus-slaughterhouses-2645861788.html" target="_self">meat shortages at grocery stores</a>, due to meat plants closing during the pandemic.</p><p>"Many consumers perceive that <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/vegan-diet-health-benefits-2608604362.html" target="_self">plant-based foods are a healthier option</a>, and this notion is the key driver behind the reduction in meat consumption in recent years," food and drink analyst Kate Vlietstra told Business Insider.</p>
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By Alex Middleton
The CBD market is witnessing an upward trend owing to the growing realization of its commercial potential. CBD has been garnering a lot of attention from a medicinal perspective. The legalities surrounding CBD are shifting, paving a path for the flourishing industry.
<p>The drift is visible in states in the US and across a substantial number of countries around the world. The global Cannabidiol (CBD) market is expected to gain further traction in the coming years due to its versatility.</p><p>Research that is still in preliminary stages points to the possible use of CBD in relieving chronic pain, anxiety, and stress. There are <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6514832/" target="_blank">promising studies</a> indicating that CBD could play a significant role in controlling or reducing seizures in epileptic patients.</p><p>New studies are constantly evolving, suggesting the relief that CBD can provide in cases of depression. Additionally, clinical trials are underway in assessing CBD's possible use in improving the quality of sleep and, more importantly, to gauge its potential in addressing other ailments that stand to benefit from the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD.</p><p>Contrary to marijuana, CBD is non-psychoactive. It does not make people high (or stoned). The really low levels of THC in CBD take care of this aspect. Users ingest it more so for the fact that it eases pains, aches, and stress.</p><p>Before all the benefits or the so-called therapeutic effects are fully realized, ensuring CBD gets absorbed in the body, specifically in the bloodstream, is essential. Route of administration is the key - this is where the concept of bioavailability comes into the picture. Bioavailability is the rate or degree at which the substance is absorbed, and yields expected results.</p><p>Every day a new, innovative product gets launched - oil, tincture, cream, gummies, etc. What sets the products apart is the amount of CBD absorbed. Extracts or oil, tinctures (placed under the tongue briefly before swallowing), and topical products are available. </p><p><strong>However, CBD flower steals the show</strong>. It has been observed that inhaling has a bioavailability rate of 34% to 46%, at times as high as 56%, while for oral ingestion, the number is 10% to 20%, with tinctures being somewhere in between. </p><p>Hemp bud or CBD rich flower contains high CBD and low THC (less than 0.3%). The hemp plant is bursting with compounds such as cannabinoids and terpenes that are believed to possess the ability to produce incredible effects. The CBD rich strain being bred is sold legally in the United States. Obtaining it is as simple as visiting a dispensary in states where it is recreationally legal, while in other states, it can be ordered online. </p><p>Let's face it, with a new company emerging every other day, wanting a share of the lucrative industry, choosing the right one becomes an arduous task - myriad sources and a plethora of products at competitive prices. That is precisely why we compiled this list that serves as a guide, providing answers to questions revolving around buying hemp flower online. </p><p><em>Our favorite brands of hemp flower based on relevant criteria are graded and listed here:</em></p>
<h2>Top 3 CBD Flower Brands Online</h2><ol><li><a href="https://cannabishempweekly.com/cheef-cfeco" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><strong>Cheef Botanicals</strong></a> – High Quality & Editor's Pick </li><li><a href="https://cannabishempweekly.com/cannaflower-cfeco" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><strong>Cannaflower</strong></a> – Wide Variety</li><li><a href="https://cannabishempweekly.com/shaman-cfeco" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><strong>CBD American Shaman</strong></a> – Best CBG Flower</li></ol><h2>Parameters for Picking CBD Flower/Bud Brands</h2><p>Various criteria feature when choosing a product. Narrowing down to the top few involves scrutiny and comparison of all aspects. We rated the brands based on some critical parameters - methods adopted to grow, the brand's reputation, traceability, transparency, and finally, ease of shopping.</p><h3>Methods Adopted to Grow</h3><p>With growing awareness regarding pesticides, there is an inclination for organic products. Organically grown ones take precedence. </p><p>When purchasing any product, factors such as small amounts of chemicals that may have inadvertently gotten in the hemp flower during cultivation are considered. We've probed into the methods used by the brands in growing their hemp. </p><h3>Reputation of the Brand</h3><p>Reputation sheds a lot of information regarding a business, its practices, and its approach to many things. The CBD market is booming, attracting a lot of newcomers into the industry, offering numerous products. We've investigated criteria such as reliability and trustworthiness of brands, with input from customers. </p><h3>Traceability and Transparency</h3><p>Being knowledgeable about the product being purchased is a good practice. It does not necessarily apply to the buyer. Sellers also benefit from adopting a total transparency approach. It helps the brand win the customer's trust and, in turn, enhances sales. </p><p>We've reviewed brands, checked the degree of traceability being offered by the brand, implying, disclosing information pertaining to the source of products - where it is grown and whether the product is tested. </p><p>Also, its in-house testing or testing done by an external laboratory and whether reports are available. If available, are they accessible to the buyer, or at least can they be procured upon request. </p><h3>Ease of Shopping</h3><p>With most legal issues out of the way, CBD products are treated on par with other consumer goods. Thus, a good purchasing experience comes into play, which involves marketing and customer care in addition to a user-friendly online store.</p><p>Additionally, we will discuss the aforementioned critical parameters for each of the brands listed here and provide our verdict that highlights the specific characteristics of the products and what makes each of them unique. Having said that, let's get started and discuss our top picks of hemp bud brands.</p><h2>Best CBD Flower Brands & Strains Available Online</h2><h3>1. <a href="https://cannabishempweekly.com/cheef-cfeco" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Cheef Botanicals</a> <a href="https://cannabishempweekly.com/cheef-cfeco" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>– High Quality & Editor's Pick </h3>
<a href="https://cannabishempweekly.com/cheef-cfeco" target="_blank"><img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDc3NzgyMC9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxMjk5NDE3N30.V-aLK9IUMdZTqWB0rt6dxsJnaudwrq3ZdZc3kaizuqQ/img.png?width=980" id="55d37" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="70235103f03b65946c303ee6babe6d72" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /></a>
<p><strong><span style="background-color: initial;"><a href="https://cannabishempweekly.com/cheef-cfeco" target="_blank">Cheef Botanicals</a></span></strong><strong> </strong>is the outcome of an effort to offer natural, organic products putting to good use the experience accumulated over 25 years from the organic food industry in combination with hemp aficionados.</p><p>The organic approach is what is making them a superior brand. Artificial additives are a strict no, while gluten-free and devoid of lactose aspects are prioritized. The entire line comprises premium products. And what serves as the icing on the cake is the money-back program being offered. </p><p>It is a 100% money-back guarantee program wherein the entire money is returned within thirty days of delivery if one is not satisfied with the product purchased. They are a leading brand for the last couple of years, setting an example for new entrants with their strict adherence to an organic, gluten-free approach, also providing a money-back guarantee plan. </p><p><em>Here is the list of the company's CBD flower products:</em></p><h3><a href="https://cannabishempweekly.com/cheef-hazeeco" target="_blank">Hawaiian Haze</a></h3><p>Hawaiian Haze is a tropical flavor strain. It has a citrus touch to it. Being fruity and earthy with 18% CBD, it is a winner for a regular care routine and evening gatherings. </p><h3><a href="https://cannabishempweekly.com/cheef-liftereco" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Lifter</a></h3><p>Lifter can be labeled as a sweet-sour strain possessing the lemon's zesty hints and a little bit of redwood. Similar to Hawaiian Haze, the strain here is also 18% CBD.</p><h3><a href="https://cannabishempweekly.com/cheef-ssceco" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Sour Space Candy</a></h3><p>Sour Space Candy is richer in CBD when compared to Hawaiian haze and Lifter. This particular strain has about 20 percent CBD and THC content as low as 0.06%. This product rich in CBD helps to improve focus and also instantly lifts your mood. </p><h3><a href="https://cannabishempweekly.com/cheef-soureco" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Sour Diesel</a></h3><p>As the name suggests, it is a sour flavor strain. This product is one of the most sought-after strains of the hemp flower. THC content is limited to 0.094%, while the CBD content is as high as 20.165%. It is a fast-acting product. One feels energetic on consuming this strain, can also be called a mood booster.</p><h3><a href="https://cannabishempweekly.com/cheef-cbgeco" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">CBG Flower</a></h3><p>On the lines of CBD, CBG has surfaced and gained popularity, whether for recreational purposes or as a potential candidate in medical applications. Owing to the low THC content, it is bereft of the 'high' factor and has advantages just like CBD. </p><p>An important point to be noted, highlighting the fact as to why this brand is so popular, is that they were the only ones to offer the strains that are CBG dominant until maybe a couple of months back. Other companies have only recently included similar products to their product portfolio.</p>
<h3>Methods Adopted to Grow</h3><p>This company is committed to a pesticide-free approach, not to mention GMO-free. The company roped in sustainable growers based out of Oregon and Colorado that ensure the criteria are met.</p><h3>Reputation of The Brand </h3><p>Despite being a relatively newer brand, their reputation or the status, they achieved in the industry through their practices is commendable.</p><h3>Traceability and Transparency </h3><p>Right there, on the product page, lab reports are available. Lab test results of the products can be accessed by anyone, anytime. Also, they share the source of their hemp, emphasizing the confidence in the quality of their product and assuring customers of the strict standards they promised. </p><h3>Ease of Shopping </h3><p>The company website is simple. It walks you through the process of shopping and checking out without any hassle. The company website is not complicated, encouraging one to visit again. Customer care is robust, willing to address any issues or answer any questions.</p><h3>Verdict</h3><p>This brand, without a doubt, tops the list. They have an attractive refund policy. They are dedicated to offering premium products. Quality is at the core of their mission. The hemp flowers are grown organically. </p><p>Being pesticide-free, limiting the usage of chemicals, and above all, the affordability factor makes them unique. The credit for the industry's steady growth can be attributed to Cheef Botanicals making a conscious effort to retain premium quality yet being simple and practical. </p><p><strong><em>Click here to </em><a href="https://cannabishempweekly.com/cheef-cfeco" target="_blank">Get the Best Deal on Cheef Botanicals' CBD flower</a></strong><em><strong>.</strong></em></p><h3>2. <a href="https://cannabishempweekly.com/cannaflower-cfeco" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Cannaflower</a> CBD – Offers A Wide Assortment Of Strains</h3>
<a href="https://cannabishempweekly.com/cannaflower-cfeco" target="_blank"><img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDc3NzgyOS9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxMDc5NDAwMH0.xMQVJcHRDcxl7PSU4W5Z2f4cw-iWPOEhZPHLJu0-3tE/img.png?width=980" id="bec61" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="3dd04db998b0f18b0dc7df0dbb9c1b62" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /></a>
<p>What makes<strong> </strong><a href="https://cannabishempweekly.com/cannaflower-cfeco" target="_blank"><strong>Cannaflower</strong></a><strong> </strong>exceptional is the degree of transparency the company projects. There is deep traceability - a detailed stepwise breakdown of methods used for growing and implementing all the processing techniques.</p><p>They host a wide spectrum of strains, which are of premium quality. The pricing is also reasonable, making for a great combination. The integrity of their products and transparency is vital to the company.</p><h3>Methods Adopted to Grow </h3><p>They have embraced natural practices. The company grows its own hemp. The entire process is sustainable. The brand adheres to strict organic methods. The brand is proud of the techniques they have adopted for growing and processing their product - their soil practices are such that therapeutic cannabinoids and aromatic terpenes are created and plants without the use of herbicides. </p><p>The company claims the product is a representation of the commitment to their farms, the expertise of its trimmers, and the patience of their slow curing process.</p><h3>Reputation of The Brand </h3><p>The business practices of the company are noteworthy. They demonstrate exemplary practices - a trait that the brand mastered and is deeply ingrained in the company owing to the fact that they have been in the cannabis industry for a long time.</p><h3>Traceability and Transparency </h3><p>They vouch for quality and transparency - promise to supply a federally legal hemp product. The quality guarantee is evident in their approach towards testing the products and making the results available for customers. </p><p>The lab test is conducted by an external testing firm that does all the testing for each and every product. Upon completion, the lab provides a certificate of analysis. The brand offers a detailed analysis certificate to customers. </p><h3>Ease of Shopping</h3><p>Cannaflower website is minimal. It is a pleasant shopping experience, as the process is smooth and straightforward. For orders exceeding $50, the company offers free shipping. Every order gets processed with heat-sealed packaging. A URL is provided that directs customers to the online COA (certificate of analysis). </p><h3>Verdict</h3><p>Cannaflower CBD offers a natural experience, one that can be achieved without emptying pockets. The brand carries a good collection of hemp flowers. A unique feature that lets you shop based on the effect the product offers is available. The feature assists in finding the right product. A genuine and dependable brand for one's hemp bud needs. </p><p><strong><em>Click here to </em><a href="https://cannabishempweekly.com/cannaflower-cfeco" target="_blank">Get the Best Deal on Cannaflower's hemp flower from the Official Site</a><em>.</em></strong></p><h3>3. <a href="https://cannabishempweekly.com/shaman-cfeco" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">CBD American Shaman</a> – Finest CBG Flower</h3>
<a href="https://cannabishempweekly.com/shaman-cfeco" target="_blank"><img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDc3NzgzMi9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzNDIyNzM1NX0.T1ZuqWDWgs5P5EV44JxC9gA9loPh0a2I3GbpaJNLHuA/img.png?width=980" id="fc7c3" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="af22fa155a54bd23f5a7b5a881b40f68" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /></a>
<p><strong></strong><span style="background-color: initial;"><a href="https://cannabishempweekly.com/shaman-cfeco" target="_blank"><strong>CBD American Shaman</strong></a></span> finds a spot in the list of the top few CBD brands. Their products are rich in terpene, which is super concentrated. The CBD strains offered by the company are diverse and potent. The company plays a significant role in pushing the industry to a better position through participation in various industry-related endeavors.</p><h3>Methods Adopted to Grow </h3><p>The company grows and harvests its own plants. The main goal of the brand is to ensure consistent quality. The brand assures 100% organic, non-GMO, free of gluten products devoid of insecticides. </p><h3>Reputation of the Brand </h3><p>Owing to the quality standards, premium offerings, and good business practices, the company has established itself as a reliable brand offering a multitude of products - a one stop-shop for buyers. </p><h3>Traceability and Transparency </h3><p>The company website carries results of tests related to each product offered. They test every batch of the products they offer with help from an external laboratory and also perform in-house lab tests. After making a purchase, the buyer is provided a batch number to view the test results. </p><h3>Ease of Shopping </h3><p>CBD American Shaman website offers a simple and easy check out process with a good shopping experience. The support team, being knowledgeable, is ever ready to help with any concerns.</p><h3>Verdict</h3><p>A great brand with good products boasts of a transparency policy that stands as an example for other brands. We recommend trying the CBD flower if you are looking for variety. </p><p><strong><em>Click here to </em><a href="https://cannabishempweekly.com/shaman-cfeco" target="_blank">Get the Best Deal on CBD American Shaman flower</a></strong><em><strong>.</strong></em></p>
<h3>4. <a href="https://cannabishempweekly.com/secret-cfeco" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Secret Nature</a>: Offers Best Hemp Buds</h3><p>A brand one would not have missed when looking for CBD flowers. They have a reputation for keeping the entire process simple. The flowers are of superior quality, and the business practices adopted by the company are basic, simplifying the process of any transaction with the company.</p><p>Secret Nature grows its own hemp. Complete processing is also done by the company themselves. It is, thus, in complete control of quality and is capable of enhancing the quality. </p><p>Secret Nature is an eco-friendly brand. In an effort to explore the full potential of hemp and provide the customer with maximum benefits, the company upgrades its practices constantly. The CBD flower offered is natural, with nearly non-existent THC.</p><p>With a wide range of CBD content (15.44% to 24.442%), Secret Nature boasts of 12 distinct strains. They host a wide variety of oils, vape pens, tinctures, and numerous other hemp-based products.</p><h3>Methods Adopted to Grow </h3><p>The terpene infused hemp grown by Secret Nature is grown indoors. The eco-friendly approach is what the company is lauded for.</p><h3>Reputation of the Brand </h3><p>The company is known to charge higher than most brands. Their attention to detail and green practices, in addition to exceptional quality add to the high cost. </p><h3>Traceability and Transparency </h3><p>The company offers a detailed, full lab test report of all products. They are happy to share their process details, highlighting the efforts put into the high-quality product. The company wants its customers to know in detail about the flowers and the processing involved.</p><h3>Ease of Shopping </h3><p>Secret Nature has a highly evolved website, modern and elegant, yet easy to navigate, shop, and check out, ensuring a good shopping experience.</p><h3>Verdict</h3><p>The brand leads in quality. It is organic and cannabidiol-rich. For all the fantastic features offered, the price is also premium, justifying the product and service.</p><p><strong><em>Click here to </em><a href="https://cannabishempweekly.com/secret-cfeco" target="_blank">Get the Best Deal on Secret Nature's hemp from the Official Site</a></strong><em><strong>.</strong></em></p>
<h3>5. Tweedle Farms</h3><p>Tweedle Farms is based in Oregon. It is a family-run company. Most vape cartridge companies use hemp from Tweedle Farms, including many top CBD oil manufacturing companies. They produce good quality hemp that is sought after by many big brands. </p><p>What sets the company apart or the unique aspect of the brand is availability and emphasis on strains of CBDa and not just CBD. CBDa stands for cannabidiolic acid, which is an organic and raw form of the final CBD. It has potential medical uses. </p><p><em>Some of the top sellers are: </em></p><h3>4 Strain Mystery Sampler</h3><p>For the shoppers that are confused, the company offers a product called flower mystery pack with four strains of total 4 grams. You can get it from the freshest batch. It is a great way to try different types of CBD flowers - an amazing offering. The variety offered can be a good change from the usual you try. </p><h3>Special Sauce</h3><p>A special flavor of sweet berries, it is indeed a unique strain, as the name suggests. It contains 19.66% of CBDa. They use 100% plant-based packaging for the products. </p><h3>Methods Adopted to Grow </h3><p>They follow a pesticide-free approach, which is also GMO-free. Tweedle Farms grows their flowers in Northwest Oregon on a farm that the company owns, just like Secret Nature, that operates its own farm.</p><h3>Reputation of the Brand </h3><p>Since 2016, the company has gradually built an exemplary reputation. The company assures that its hemp is sustainably grown, and the hemp flowers are responsibly sourced for good quality final products.</p><h3>Traceability and Transparency </h3><p>In what appears to be complete transparency, Tweedle Farms provides a terpene analysis in addition to a detailed lab report covering CBD, THC, and CBDa.</p><h3>Ease of Shopping </h3><p>For simple purchases, the website is designed to be user-friendly. The vast amount of information on the website provides answers to many questions in the CBD arena. With regard to customer care, the owners have taken it upon themselves to be the point of contact and ensure a quick response is provided to any query. </p><h3>Verdict</h3><p>Everything is confined to their own farm. They are in complete control of every aspect and every minute detail gets attention - a very unique feature to Tweedle Farms. The brand is a buyer's go-to store for good quality CBD products. </p>
<h2>How Are Hemp Buds Different from Marijuana?</h2><p>Marijuana is very different from the hemp flower. Marijuana has high amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It is rich in THC, the psychoactive ingredient that gives consumers the infamous high. </p><p>Both marijuana and hemp belong to the cannabis plant family. However, the differentiating criteria are CBD and THC levels. Hemp contains large amounts of CBD and very small amounts of THC. The amount of CBD present in hemp is the primary reason it is used to create CBD products. Also, most importantly, hemp is legal on a federal level and is not considered a drug. </p><p>Marijuana has greater than 0.3 percent THC, the chemical that causes the intoxicating effect. Marijuana is not legal in all 50 states of the US. It continues to be considered a drug, a substance that is controlled by the federal government. Some states have legalized recreational and medicinal use of marijuana.</p><p>Hemp flowers are low in THC content, not exceeding 0.3%. They are known to be CBD rich. Legally, the aforementioned percentage needs to be strictly followed to qualify as a legal hemp bud. Farm Bill of 2018 classified hemp as non-intoxicating, implying the THC content is negligible - little or no THC. </p><p>Most people are unaware that hemp has been known to mankind for a very long time. Hemp finds numerous applications in various industries. The recent change in legal status, supported by ongoing research, makes CBD a likely candidate in medical applications in the near future. </p>
<h2>Does Smoking the CBD Flower make you High?</h2><p>The impairing effect of marijuana is due to THC. CBD flower, on the other hand, does not contain any THC or has very minimal amounts of THC. Legally, the number is 0.3% or lower THC. The really low values do not suffice to produce the 'high' effect. For that matter, you do not experience drowsiness, too; getting high or impaired is a far cry.</p><p>The positive characteristic of CBD flowers is that they boost your mood. Studies underway hint at CBD flower being a cognitive enhancer. The natural properties of CBD have the potential to help curb anxiety and fix sleep disorders, something that is still in the clinical trial stage and is not established yet. The FDA issued a statement that CBD should not be used to treat, diagnose, or cure any ailment.</p><h2>Is Buying Hemp Flower Online Legal?</h2><p>In the United States, hemp can be purchased without any qualms. Processing and purchasing are allowed post the Farm Bill passed in 2018. According to the bill, hemp products can be sold, and it is completely legal, provided the THC content is below 0.3%.</p><p>The point to consider is to ensure what is being purchased. Double-check to ensure what you are buying is hemp with THC content equal to or below 0.3%. - that is what distinguishes hemp from marijuana and is an important factor to always keep in mind when purchasing CBD products.</p><h2>CBD Flower and Drug Test - Does It Show Up in A Test?</h2><p>Workplaces, specifically in the US, require drug tests before hiring you. People are concerned about the CBD flower showing up in the test. </p><p>Pure CBD does not turn up on a drug test. However, THC does. Since the THC content of hemp flower can vary up to 0.3%, it is worrisome as the advanced drug tests do detect THC. There are many types of tests, and not all are capable of detecting THC. The answer is yes, some tests do detect, but it is based on the kind of test.</p>
<h2>Characteristics of a Superior CBD Flower Product</h2><p>The finest CBD is characterized by features such as terpenes, CBD levels, and processing methods. An exceptional quality flower can be distinguished from regular ones with the help of these criteria.</p><h3>Terpenes</h3><p>The hemp plant's smell and taste are mainly dependent on the terpenes found in the hemp plant. They are aromatic molecules responsible for the characteristic taste and smell of the cannabis plant, in addition to its therapeutic benefits and medicinal values. It is the most significant feature that helps tell the premium flower apart. </p><h3>CBD Content</h3><p>CBD level contributes substantially to the benefit you are expecting from the hemp flower. In case of pain relief, the amount of CBD has to exceed a specific number to be effective. Typically, the value for an average bud is 10 to 15%. There are also specialty strains available that are rich in CBD and ensure CBD content greater than 20%.</p><h3>Processing Methods</h3><p>The processing method plays a pivotal role in the selection process or while purchasing CBD flowers. Checking if it has been seeded or checking if it has been cured properly and trimmed right is essential. This is particularly important when buying the flower and not so much when buying a product made from extracted CBD.</p><p>Most brands have transparency policies that let you access the processing method employed. However, a consumer purchasing a product online generally trusts the brand or counts on visual clues to identify premium products. </p><p>Always check the smell, look, and feel for anything that appears to be off from the usual. Alerting signs are having seeds, appearing moist or wet, and having a strange smell. Discard the low-grade stuff with these signs.</p>
<h2>Conclusion – The Finest CBD Flower Online</h2><p>With the numerous brands and myriad products out there, one does need help figuring out the finest brands. We recommend <strong><a href="https://cannabishempweekly.com/cheef-cfeco" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Cheef Botanicals</a>.</strong> The positives that make it our preferred brand are the assurance of an organic product that is completely natural at an affordable price. </p><p>Additionally, the exceptional quality flower strains offered along with test results from an external laboratory helps make a confident purchase. The lactose-free and gluten-free lineup of CBD-rich products supported by a money-back program pushes the brand to the top spot.</p><p>Having made our verdict, we do believe your journey would encompass trying more than one option. Our top 5 brands list is definitely a good place to start, considering the overwhelming number of companies surfacing with the recent surge in the CBD market.</p>
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McDonald's P.L.T. plant-based burger is an example of the company's new plant-based line of products to launch in 2021. Geoff Robins / AFP / Getty Images
By Neil King and Gabriel Borrud
A new report published by the market research company Packaged Facts suggests that 23% of American consumers have eaten plant-based meat products — and an additional 37% are interested in trying them. Is this the future?
<p>Bruce Friedrich is the founder and executive director of the Good Food Institute (GFI), an international non-profit organization based in Washington, DC that strives for alternatives to conventional agriculture products. DW's environment podcast team <a href="https://www.dw.com/en/environment-podcast-on-the-green-fence/a-48670967" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">"On the Green Fence</a>" spoke with Bruce about the future of food as part of a series on meat consumption. </p><p><em>DW: What, in your opinion, is wrong with eating meat?</em></p><p><a href="https://www.dw.com/en/the-conditions-are-catastrophic-inside-germanys-factory-farms-on-the-green-fence/a-55349478" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Industrial animal meat production</a> causes more climate change than all forms of transportation combined. The United Nations looked at it. It said whatever issue we're looking at from an environmental standpoint, industrial meat production is one of the top three causes - species loss, soil, desertification, water pollution. Right now, we're all living through COVID-19, and the UN Environment Program just a couple of months ago asked, "How do we prevent the next COVID-19?" <a href="https://www.unenvironment.org/news-and-stories/statements/preventing-next-pandemic-zoonotic-diseases-and-how-break-chain" target="_blank">They listed seven things</a>, and the first one was that we need less industrial animal meat production.</p>
<p><em>Ok, so eating meat is harming the Earth and humanity. But that collective knowledge isn't going to stop us, is it?</em></p><p>Part of the problem is that for 50 years, environmentalists and global health experts and animal activists have been <a href="https://www.dw.com/en/eating-meat-is-no-longer-a-private-matter/a-55515722" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">begging the public to eat less meat</a>. And it's just not working. It's been a colossal failure. People are eating more and more meat even in developed economies. The UN is predicting we're going to need to produce 50 to 100% more meat by 2050.</p><p>So instead of doing that, let's give people everything that they like about meat. Let's give people meat, but let's make it from plants and grow it directly from cells. And we'll have a fraction of the negative environmental consequences, including a fraction of the impact on the climate. It will free up vast quantities of land for carbon sequestration. It won't require any antibiotics. We should be able to get to a place where it tastes exactly the same and gives people everything that they like about meat, but at a lower cost because of the efficiency gains.</p>
<p><em>But do you seriously believe that the majority of meat eaters will switch to plant-based products voluntarily?</em></p><p>What is meat? It's made up of lipids, amino acids, minerals and water. That's all it is. That stuff exists in plants. Scientists can solve this problem by bio-mimicking meat from plants. And for people who just want to eat animal meat, we can use standard tissue engineering techniques. We can grow meat directly from cells. It will be a healthier and more efficient product that frees up vast quantities of land. It's really a win-win-win. We need a new space race essentially focused on food. The government that manages to divorce meat production from the need for living animals is going to have bragging rights until the end of time.</p><p><span></span><em>McDonald's has announced plans to launch a plant-based line of products in 2021. How important is this development?</em></p><p>McDonald's has more restaurants and more revenue than any other restaurant chain on the planet. They introduced America to the chicken nugget, and we expect that they will be introducing millions more Americans to plant-based meat with their plant line. When they do something, they do it deliberately, and they do it on a massive scale. So this means that they are certain there will be sustained demand, and that an assured <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/video/2020/11/10/beyond-meat-stock-mcdonalds-mcplant.html" target="_blank">supply chain</a> will be in place by the time they launch. This is a massive development for the plant-based meat industry.</p><p><em>So aside from McDonald's diversifying its product range, just how great a role do alternative meat products play in the market right now?</em></p><p>This is still very early days - we are still looking at products that are significantly less than 1% of the volume of meat sales. But animal meat production is pretty much as efficient as it is going to get and that is vastly inefficient. The most efficient animal at turning crops into meat is the chicken. It takes nine calories in the form of crops to get one calorie back out from a chicken. So the physiology of the chicken dictates 800% food waste. As plant-based products scale up, prices will come down and they will just become better and better environmentally when compared to industrial animal meat.</p>
<p><em>What do you see as the main obstacles to getting these alternative products into the mass market?</em></p><p>The only way to get mainstream acceptance is if the products taste the same or better and cost the same or less. And we are not there yet. The products cost more and often don't give meat eaters everything they're looking for from a taste profile perspective.</p><p><em>What about lab-grown meat? Is this a promising product or a dead end in your eyes?</em></p><p>We are very bullish on cultivating meat directly from cells. If you're going to grow a chicken to slaughter weight and again, chicken is the animal that gets to slaughter weight most quickly, you're going to have to plan years in advance to grow the crops, to feed the chicken. You need an entire flock of breeder animals. And even just the process of growing the chicken is going to take you six to seven weeks before it goes to the abattoir. With cultivated meat production, you can get that same growth in six days, not six weeks. So this is something we're super enthusiastic about at this point.</p><p><em>How do you respond to critics who say that fake meat products are pumped full of unhealthy additives?</em></p><p>That's just absurd. When you look at what makes a product healthy or unhealthy, we know that around 97% of people in Europe and North America are not consuming enough fiber. The most important macronutrients to be consuming are complex carbohydrates and fiber. Animal meat has none of either. Plant-based meat is an excellent source of both. We're supposed to be eating less saturated fat, less or no cholesterol and no trans fats.</p><p>Plant-based meat vastly outperforms animal meat across all of these metrics as well. A study done by the Stanford School of Medicine showed that in just eight weeks the plant-based products caused statistically significant improvement in heart disease risk factors. They are clearly much healthier.</p>
<p><em>So when will these plant-based products actually make the inroads you're hoping for?</em></p><p>On our current trajectory, meat production just goes up and up. 2019 was the highest per capita meat consumption in recorded history. This is planet-on-fire stuff. The former head of the World Health Organization said, we are literally looking at the end of modern medicine due to antibiotic resistance.</p><p>So, this is a global health crisis and an environmental crisis. We really need more entrepreneurs and more scientists to focus on this. And governments really need to wake up to the fact that this is deserving of lots of resources. Right now. It's just getting drops, but it needs to get a fire hose.</p>
<p><em>Reposted with permission from <a href="https://www.dw.com/en/will-plant-based-meat-become-the-new-fast-food/a-55578740" target="_blank">Deutsche Welle</a>.</em><a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/r/entryeditor/2648888749#/" target="_self"></a></p>From Your Site Articles
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Thanasis Zovoilis / Stone / Getty Images
By Scott Faber
No candidate for president has ever pledged to make the toxic "forever chemicals" known as PFAS a priority – until now.
<p>In his environmental justice plan, President-elect Joe Biden <a href="https://joebiden.com/environmental-justice-plan/" target="_blank">pledged</a> to set enforceable limits for PFAS in drinking water and to designate PFAS as a hazardous substance under the Superfund cleanup law. </p><p>Here's why that matters.</p>
<p>PFAS chemicals are building up in the blood of every American, posing the risk of serious health problems. <a href="https://www.ewg.org/news-and-analysis/2019/06/pfas-chemicals-harm-immune-system-decrease-response-vaccines-new-ewg" target="_blank">PFAS makes vaccines less effective</a> and are linked to cancer, harm to the reproductive system and other health hazards.</p><p>More than <a href="https://www.ewg.org/release/study-more-200-million-americans-could-have-toxic-pfas-their-drinking-water" target="_blank">200 million Americans</a> are likely drinking water and eating food contaminated with PFAS. Nevertheless, the <a href="https://www.ewg.org/epa-pfas-timeline/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Environmental Protection Agency,</a> Food and Drug Administration and <a href="https://www.ewg.org/dodpfastimeline/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Defense Department</a> have for decades failed to address the chemicals' health risks. There are no federal limits on PFAS releases and uses and no requirements to clean up PFAS pollution.</p><p>Setting a national drinking water standard for PFAS under the federal Safe Drinking Water would have a huge impact on public health. Right now, only a <a href="https://www.awwa.org/Portals/0/AWWA/ETS/Resources/SummaryStateRegulationPFASDrinkingWaterFeb2020.pdf?ver=2020-02-03-091914-153" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">few states</a> require drinking water utilities to meet tough standards for PFAS in tap water. A national standard that would apply to all utilities would dramatically reduce our overall exposure to PFAS.</p><p>Designating PFAS as "<a href="https://www.ewg.org/news-and-analysis/2019/07/it-s-time-designate-pfas-hazardous-substance" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">hazardous substances</a>" under Superfund would also be historic. By doing so, the Biden-Harris administration would not only kick-start the cleanup process but also require polluters to pay their fair share of cleanup costs.</p><p>But that's not all the Biden team has pledged. The president-elect also pledged to prioritize PFAS substitutes in the marketplace. That means Biden could direct the EPA and the FDA to quickly phase out non-essential uses of PFAS in food packaging, cosmetics, sunscreens and other everyday products.</p><p>The Biden team will have other tools at its disposal. The president-elect could quickly restrict industrial discharges of PFAS into the air and water by using the tools provided by the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act, and expand reporting of these releases through the Toxic Release Inventory. Right now, more than <a href="https://www.ewg.org/news-and-analysis/2020/04/updated-thousands-industrial-facilities-likely-discharging-toxic-forever" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">2,500 manufacturers</a> are thought to be releasing PFAS with no limits.</p><p>The Biden-Harris administration can also direct the Defense Department to accelerate efforts to end the use of PFAS-based firefighting foam, impose a moratorium on the incineration of remaining stocks of PFAS foam, and accelerate PFAS cleanup at military installations. More than <a href="https://www.ewg.org/interactive-maps/2020-military-pfas-sites/map/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">300 military installations</a> are known to be contaminated with PFAS.</p><p>No candidates have ever pledged to do as much to address America's environmental challenges as Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. And that is especially the case for PFAS pollution.</p><p><em><a href="https://www.ewg.org/experts/scott-faber.php" target="_blank">Scott Faber</a> is the Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at the Environmental Working Group. </em></p>
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Edgar Castrejon / Unsplash
By Emily Payne
The World Health Organization and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that diet-related diseases like obesity, diabetes, and hypertension lead to an increased risk of severe COVID-19 infection. As the pandemic wears on, eaters are preparing more food at home and focusing on healthier meals. Cooking and recipe website traffic surged at the start of quarantine, as did curiosity for meat alternatives.
<p><a href="https://www.nielsen.com/global/en/consumer-insights-for-fmcg-retail-manufacturers-coronavirus-covid-19/how-americans-are-shopping-during-covid-19/" target="_blank">According to Nielsen data</a>, plant-based meat saw a 264-percent increase in sales at the start of the pandemic. Whether or not this trend continues, it's clear that consumers are becoming more interested in plant-forward eating.</p><p>A plant-forward diet focuses primarily on plants like fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, nuts, and seeds but does not eliminate animal products completely. Below are 10 common plant-forwarding eating myths.</p>
1. Plant-Based Foods Cannot Provide Enough Protein
<p>The <a href="https://health.gov/our-work/food-nutrition/2015-2020-dietary-guidelines/guidelines/chapter-2/current-eating-patterns-in-the-united-states/" target="_blank">U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports</a> that about three-fourths of Americans are eating diets low in fruits and vegetables, while more than half are meeting or exceeding protein recommendations. Meat is often touted as an eater's most important source of protein, but protein is found in all foods—even whole-grain pasta, oats, or vegetables. Beans, legumes, nuts, and seeds are just a few protein-packed plants. One cup of lentils contains 18 grams of protein, for example, compared to 22 grams in one serving of beef. By focusing on a diversity of whole foods, plant-forward eaters can consume more than enough protein each day.</p>2. Plant-Based Meat Alternatives Are Flavorless (and Have No Texture)
<p>Tofu has long been a meat-alternative staple, but plant-based eating has much more to offer. Seitan, often called "wheat meat," is made by filtering the starch from wheat to create high-protein gluten with a similar texture to chicken. Tempeh is made by fermenting soy and can be marinated, fried, steamed, or eaten raw. It has a subtly nutty flavor, and companies like <a href="https://lightlife.com/our-food/?active_filter=tempeh" target="_blank">Lightlife</a>, the largest U.S. tempeh manufacturer, also offer flavors like three-grain, flax seed, smoky, and buffalo tempeh. Countless combinations of beans, chickpeas, lentils, herbs, spices, and grains can be made into flavorful plant-based burgers, meatballs, ground meat, and even bacon.</p>3. Plant-Based Ingredient and Restaurant Options Are Limited
<p>From restaurants to the grocery aisle, chefs and companies are responding to consumers' demand for plant-based options. In March 2020, The Good Food Institute and the Plant Based Foods Association <a href="https://www.gfi.org/blog-spins-data-release-2020#:~:text=Plant%2DBased%20Food%20Retail%20Sales,Billion%20%2D%20The%20Good%20Food%20Institute&text=2019%20marked%20another%20impressive%20year,total%20U.S.%20retail%20food%20sales." target="_blank">calculated</a> that total plant-based retail sales reached US$5 billion in 2019, growing 11 percent over the previous year, a rate almost five times faster than total U.S. retail food sales. And <a href="https://restaurant.opentable.com/news/features/year-in-review/firmly-rooted-support-for-plant-based-dishes-on-the-rise/" target="_blank">OpenTable reported</a> that in 2019, plant-based reviews on its platform increased by 136 percent compared to 2017. From sliced bologna to ground Mexican beef, there's a plant-based option for virtually any meat craving.</p>4. A Plant-Based Meal Won’t Be as Filling
<p><strong></strong>Processed foods are high in refined starches and sugar that are easier to digest, meaning they're less filling. Whole foods are naturally high in dietary fiber that breaks down slowly, keeping the body feeling full longer. With both fiber and protein, some plant-based proteins can even be more filling than animal meat options. Incorporating healthy fats from nuts, seeds, olives, avocados, and coconuts also lends to a more filling dish. As long as there are plenty of whole foods, a plant-forward diet can fuel sustained energy throughout the day—and with fewer cravings.</p>5. Eating a Plant-Forward Diet Is Too Expensive
<p>By focusing on minimally processed foods, shopping seasonally at farmers' markets when possible, and buying staples like nuts, beans, and legumes in bulk, many eaters save money by moving to a plant-forward diet. The rise in consumer demand for plant-based products also means more companies are joining the market and supermarkets are introducing their own private labels. With a more established supply chain, plant-based meat, cheese, yogurt, and egg alternatives can become more accessible to all budgets.</p>6. It’s Difficult to Eat Complete Proteins on a Plant-Forward Diet
<p>The idea that plant-based proteins must be combined in the same meal to provide a complete protein is a long-standing myth. The <a href="http://www.eatrightpro.org/~/media/eatrightpro%20files/practice/position%20and%20practice%20papers/position%20papers/vegetarian-diet.ashx" target="_blank">Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics</a> says that "the terms complete and incomplete are misleading in relation to plant protein. Protein from a variety of plant foods, eaten during the course of a day, supplies enough of all indispensable (essential) amino acids when caloric requirements are met." Even if consumed at different meals and times, the body will combine the essential amino acids it needs on its own.</p>7. Plant-forward Diets Are Nutrient-Deficient
<p>Plants are some of the most nutrient-dense food options available. Dark leafy greens and legumes, for example, are rich with calcium. Beans and lentils are high in protein and fiber, low in fats, and provide essential vitamins and minerals. Many plant-forward eaters cook with nutritional yeast, which contains B12, a nutrient primarily found in animal products. Focusing as much as possible on a variety of whole foods will supply more than enough nutrients. A good trick is to eat the rainbow: colorful foods contain many essential vitamins and antioxidants, and different colors ensure a variety of ingredients (and flavor!).</p>8. Meat Alternatives Are Ultra-Processed and Unsustainable
<p>As plant-forward eating becomes more popular, meat alternatives are appearing everywhere from baseball stadiums to fast-food chains. But many products labeled "plant-based" actually undergo the same amount of processing as typical junk foods, just without the use of animal products. With added processing comes a larger environmental footprint, as well. The best way to choose alternative meat is to check the ingredient label, opting for those with short ingredient lists of recognizable names. The <a href="https://lightlife.com/product/plant-based-burger/" target="_blank">Lightlife Plant-Based Burger</a>, for example, is made from only 11 ingredients with nothing synthetically processed, and the company has committed to <u>reducing its environmental footprint</u> by 50 percent by 2025.</p>9. Children Shouldn’t Eat a Plant-Forward Diet
<p>An article <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6356233/" target="_blank">published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)</a> notes that plant-forward diets can meet the nutritional needs of not only children but pregnant mothers, breast-feeding mothers, and infants. And educators agree; Los Angeles public schools adopted meatless Mondays in their cafeterias in 2013, and New York City, the largest public-school system in the U.S., began meatless Mondays in 2019. As plant-forward eating gains popularity, more plant-based alternatives children's favorite classics like hotdogs and chicken nuggets are reaching grocery shelves.</p>10. Plant-Based Products Are Always Healthier
<p>Not all plant-based products are created equal. While french fries are derived from plants, they are also high in oil and salt. The plant-based Impossible Whopper may have fewer calories than the original Whopper, but it contains significantly more sodium. A frequent culprit of this is the veggie burger, deemed a health food but often full of sugars and unrecognizable ingredients. The key to a healthy and nutritious diet is minimally processed whole foods. Look out for plant-based products with a small ingredient list (which often translates to a more environmentally sustainable choice, as well).</p><p><em>Reposted with permission from <a href="https://foodtank.com/news/2020/11/ten-myths-about-plant-forward-eating/" target="_blank">Food Tank</a>. </em></p>From Your Site Articles
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How to Host a Safe Holiday Meal During Coronavirus – an Epidemiologist Explains Her Personal Plans
10 November
Insights + Opinion
martin-dm / E+ / Getty Images
By Melissa Hawkins
Like many people in this unusual year, I am adjusting my family's holiday plans so that we can all be safe during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
<p>I am an epidemiologist and mother of four with a large extended family. Given the serious <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-usa/u-s-sets-single-day-record-for-covid-19-cases-during-new-surge-idUSKBN2781UF" target="_blank">nationwide resurgence</a> of COVID-19 infections, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">gatherings of family and friends over the upcoming holidays</a> have the potential to amplify the spread of the virus. Several <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6944e1.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">recent studies</a> have further confirmed that <a href="https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.09.04.20188417v2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">indoor socializing at home carries a significantly higher risk</a> of viral transmission than outdoor activities. Health officials, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, have warned that much of transmission this fall is happening across all age groups at <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/fauci-says-small-gatherings-driving-new-covid-outbreaks-worries-about-n1245159" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">small indoor gatherings</a>.</p><p>For the past 15 years my family tradition is to travel from Washington, D.C., along with both grandparents, to sunny Florida to celebrate Thanksgiving with cousins. This year we decided to skip the travel and will have fall and winter celebrations at home.</p><p>We are not canceling the holidays, but to keep ourselves and others safe, we are keeping plans small and flexible and remembering that the health of those we love is most important as we enter the season of gratitude.</p>
Before You Gather
<p>First, it is important that everyone who will be attending any holiday celebration is on the same page about how to take precautions before getting together. The idea is to lower infection risk in the weeks leading up to the holidays and then test to confirm.</p><p>In general, everyone should plan to be vigilant in their public health practices beforehand, especially since grandparents are at higher risk. In my family, we have <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-to-use-covid-19-testing-and-quarantining-to-safely-travel-for-the-holidays-147154" target="_blank">agreed to limit contact with other people</a> as much as possible the week before Thanksgiving. We have also agreed that everyone <a href="https://theconversation.com/quarantine-bubbles-when-done-right-limit-coronavirus-risk-and-help-fight-loneliness-140134" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">needs to be extra cautious around the few close people we see regularly</a>.</p><p>In conjunction with quarantining, <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-to-use-covid-19-testing-and-quarantining-to-safely-travel-for-the-holidays-147154" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">testing</a> is the second strategy.</p><p>Research has consistently shown that people are most contagious a day or two before they show symptoms, so everyone <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-to-use-covid-19-testing-and-quarantining-to-safely-travel-for-the-holidays-147154" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">plans to get tested with an RT-PCR test</a> within 72 hours of Thanksgiving, while still being able to get results in hand before we gather.</p><p>If the demand for <a href="https://theconversation.com/coronavirus-tests-are-pretty-accurate-but-far-from-perfect-136671" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">tests</a> is high and wait times are long, we will get rapid tests. But these are a second choice, as they are <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-to-use-covid-19-testing-and-quarantining-to-safely-travel-for-the-holidays-147154" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">less reliable and can be expensive</a>.</p>Where and How to Eat and Socialize
<p>No matter how careful you and your family are, there is some risk that someone will be infected. With that in mind, the goal is to reduce the conditions that lead to <a href="https://science.sciencemag.org/content/early/2020/09/29/science.abd7672" target="_blank">viral spread</a>. The biggest risks are indoor spaces with <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-to-use-ventilation-and-air-filtration-to-prevent-the-spread-of-coronavirus-indoors-143732" target="_blank">poor ventilation</a>, large groups and close contact. So we are planning the opposite: a short outdoor Thanksgiving with a small group and plenty of space between everyone.</p><p>To reduce the risk of infection from flying and to keep the gathering small, the only people coming to Thanksgiving at my family's home in D.C. are my mother, my aunt and my uncle – all of whom live within driving distance. This is in addition to myself, my husband and our kids. When deciding how many people will come to the holidays, keep it small and consider the amount of space you have to maintain social distancing.</p><p>If the weather cooperates, we plan to be outside for trivia games and the turkey meal. Rather than eat around one table, we will have individual tables and place settings spaced far apart and space heaters around. I've got a mini care package planned for each guest so that everyone will have their own blanket, hand sanitizer, utensils and a festive mask. My mother won't be helping out in the kitchen this year and, unfortunately, that goes for cleanup too. We won't take a group picture but I will be sure to capture some of the special moments.</p><p>If the weather doesn't cooperate, Plan B is to be inside in the large family room with as many windows open as possible and with everyone spaced as far apart as possible. Being outside is safer, but if you must be indoors, <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-to-use-ventilation-and-air-filtration-to-prevent-the-spread-of-coronavirus-indoors-143732" target="_blank">improve ventilation</a> by opening doors and windows. Consider turning on exhaust fans and <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-to-use-ventilation-and-air-filtration-to-prevent-the-spread-of-coronavirus-indoors-143732" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">using an air purifier</a>.</p><p>Everyone who lives in the household will be in one section while my mom will have her own individual area, as will my aunt and uncle. Even though we won't hold hands before sharing the meal, we will still recite that we are "thankful for family, friends and food."</p><p>Whether outside or inside, everyone will wear masks when they aren't eating, maintain 6 feet of distance and use the hand sanitizer that I will place throughout the house.</p><p>It is also important to be mindful of alcohol consumption, as a pandemic is not the time for lowered inhibitions and bad judgment.</p>After the Event
<p> I hope everyone enjoys the meal and quality time spent with one another in this melancholy year, but the work is not done once the dishes are clean and everyone is home safely. </p><p> Everyone is planning to get another COVID–19 test one week after the meal. Additionally, Thanksgiving is our family's trial run for Christmas, so a few days after, I plan to call everyone and discuss what worked well and what didn't. If all goes well, I hope to repeat this quarantine, test and gather process for Christmas.<br> </p><p> The ending of 2020 deserves to be celebrated, given this difficult year. This Thanksgiving will be different from those of other years, and my kids understand they need to manage their expectations. But we still plan to uphold our tradition of writing all that we are thankful for and reading our messages aloud to one another. We will still share love, some laughs and a good meal while everyone does their part to protect one another. </p><p> <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/melissa-hawkins-1116324" target="_blank">Melissa Hawkins</a> is a professor of Public Health and the Director of Public Health Scholars Program at American University.</em> </p><p> <em>Disclosure statement: Melissa Hawkins receives funding from USDA.</em> </p><p> <em style="">Reposted with permission from <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-to-host-a-safe-holiday-meal-during-coronavirus-an-epidemiologist-explains-her-personal-plans-149144" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="">The Conversation</a>.</em> </p><script type="text/javascript" src="https://theconversation.com/javascripts/lib/content_tracker_hook.js" id="theconversation_tracker_hook" data-counter="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/149144/count?distributor=republish-lightbox-advanced" async="async"></script>From Your Site Articles
- Coronavirus: Can We Trust Recent COVID Vaccine Successes? - EcoWatch ›
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5 Best Probiotic Supplements for Better Gut Health
The best probiotics for a healthy digestive system, immune system, and overall health. Plus, how to choose the right supplement for you.
09 November
Reviews
Christina Victoria / Unsplash
When it comes to gut health, there's a lot of information out there to...digest. It's hard to discuss the secrets to a healthy microbiome without mentioning probiotic supplements. But with so many options on the market, and words like "Bifidobacterium flying around," how do you know which probiotic is right for you?
We're breaking down the best probiotic supplements available and what to look for in a high-quality probiotic, including the different strains, number of CFUs, and the benefits that these dietary supplements may have on your overall health.
<h2>What are Probiotics? </h2><p>Probiotics are good-for-you living organisms and beneficial bacteria that thrive in your digestive system. Contrary to popular belief, not all bacteria are bad for us. In fact, probiotic strains contribute to digestive health, which in turn supports your immune system and overall health. </p><p>Our bodies need probiotics to maintain the right balance between good and bad bacteria within the gut. This balance keeps our digestive systems operating normally. In particular, probiotics stimulate the nerves responsible for moving food through the digestive system. This helps alleviate certain health issues, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diarrhea, and even eczema and allergies. </p><p>Some probiotic strains help your gut absorb medications more effectively and turn elements of the food you eat into vitamins that your body needs to thrive. In this way, a well-fed and active gut microbiome is key to a healthy immune system and metabolism. </p><p>So how do the tiny organisms do all this work? Again, it's all about balance. If bad bacteria enter your body and threaten to make you sick, the probiotics you eat or consume in a supplement counteract these bad actors to keep you healthy. Likewise, beneficial gut bacteria fight inflammation, which is a factor in many leading chronic diseases in the US, including diabetes and heart disease. </p><p>So how can you support your microbiome with plenty of probiotics? First, you can eat foods that naturally contain probiotics. These natural sources include fermented foods, such as yogurt, sauerkraut, miso, kefir, kimchi, kombucha, and tempeh. </p><p>However, if you want to maximize the good bacteria in your gut and reap the health benefits of probiotics without drowning in miso soup, then a probiotic supplement might be right for you. The key is to find the best probiotic for your needs. </p><h2>Potential Benefits of Probiotic Supplements</h2><p>Why should you add a probiotic supplement to your daily routine? For starters, if you don't enjoy eating a lot of fermented foods, taking a daily supplement of live bacteria can ensure that you enjoy the health benefits of probiotics without majorly altering your diet.</p><p>By taking a daily probiotic product, you may reduce the risk of serious and uncomfortable digestive concerns. And some <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25879690/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">studies</a>, including a 6-week study on 70 petrochemical workers, suggest a link between regular probiotic supplementation and a reduced risk of depression and anxiety.</p><p>Then, there are the weight-loss benefits of probiotics. Probiotics can help increase satiety by increasing fullness hormones, leading you to eat less and experience fewer cravings. Some types of bacteria, such as Lactobacillus gasseri, are linked to a reduction in belly fat and BMI in human <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23614897/" target="_blank">studies</a>.<br/></p><p>Now that you know a little more about the wellness advantages a probiotic supplement has to offer, take a look at these top five highly-recommended probiotic supplements.</p><h2>5 Best Probiotic Supplements</h2><p><em>Each product featured here has been independently selected. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.</em></p><em><br/></em>
<h2>What to Look for In a Probiotic Supplement</h2><p>How can you know that you're selecting the best probiotic for you? There are a few important things to look for when choosing a supplement.</p><p>First, the best products are third-party lab tested. This means that an independent scientific lab has assessed the product for effectiveness and to ensure that it meets claims outlined on its packaging, including the number of CFUs and potency. </p><p>Secondly, opt for a supplement that contains multiple bacterial strains. Brands offer everything from one to dozens of probiotic strains, and studies suggest that multi-strain supplements offer more health benefits than single-strain. </p><p>Each organism in a probiotic supplement is called a colony-forming unit, or CFU. First of all, ensure that your product lists a specific CFU count, which can range from 1 to over 900 billion per dose. Supplement manufacturers are only required by the FDA to list the total weight of bacteria in their products. However, this weight can include living and dead bacteria. Since you can only reap benefits from live microorganisms, CFU count is the best measure of a supplement's potency. </p><p>In addition, bacteria die off over time. So after checking the CFU count, ensure that the product lists CFUs at expiration, not at the time of manufacture. </p><p>That being said, more CFUs does not always equal better results. Because everyone's microbiome is different, there's no rule for selecting the right number of CFUs for you. The best probiotic supplements will be somewhere around 50 billion, and remember that more is not always better, but is usually more expensive. </p><p>At the end of the day, there's a lot of information to dig through to choose the best probiotic supplement for your lifestyle. But with a better understanding of the jargon and what to look for on packaging, you can be a better-informed consumer and find the right product to help your microbiome thrive.</p><p><strong>Lizzy Briskin</strong> is the founder of Earthen Food Co. She is a chef, food writer, and recipe developer who helps people eat more mindfully for themselves and the environment, without overthinking it.<br/></p>
Physician's Choice
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDc2MzYzNC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxMzY0MjM1Mn0.udRkpv4j_UcAadWgGtMr6dVpkDjsjiosXERBCHFnyyY/img.jpg?width=980" id="10e6a" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="472e980ec92d56079b9e6e6d2878710d" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />Physician's Choice
<p>We like that the Physician's Choice product is shelf-stable and includes an organic probiotic blend in addition to 60 billion CFUs and 10 probiotic strains. The prebiotics contains gut-healthy fiber that works in tandem with the microbes to foster a healthy microbiome.<br></p><p>Shelf-stability is another important benefit as many of the best probiotics require refrigeration. This makes Physician's Choice great for frequent travelers or anyone who prefers to keep their supplements somewhere other than the kitchen. </p><p>In addition, Physician's Choice makes vegan capsules that are soy-free, gluten-free, peanut-free, and preservative-free. Their supplements are also third-party lab-tested and made in the USA. <span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: initial;"><strong>Unique features: </strong></span>Organic prebiotic blend, shelf-stable, third-party lab tested, vegan<br></p><p><strong>Strength:</strong> 60 billion CFU and 10 probiotic strains</p><p><span></span><strong>Price: </strong>$21.74 for 30 capsules</p>Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Once Daily Women’s Probiotics
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDc2MzYzOS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxNTU5OTUxOH0.gsTB8DkiwaVOjSbgG-xrmqtkHkCQyElJ8mpZRBxaAMI/img.jpg?width=980" id="5f5bb" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="208fbfb3a62c6dc2f3f2b7f4b4478acd" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />Amazon
<p>Like Physician's Choice, Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics for Women are also shelf-stable and contain an organic prebiotic fiber blend. We like that this product boasts a whopping 16 probiotic strains, including lactobacillus rhamnosus. </p><p>This product is specifically made for women to support immune and vaginal health, and provide relief from gastrointestinal issues like constipation, bloating, and IBS. Plus, their once-daily capsules are free of dairy, gluten, and soy. The blend was formulated by microbiome expert Dr. David Perlmutter, a neurologist and Fellow at the American College of Nutrition.</p><p><strong>Unique features:</strong> Organic prebiotic fiber blend; specially formulated for women's health, shelf-stable, gluten-, soy- and dairy-free</p><p><strong>Strength:</strong> 50 billion CFU and 16 probiotic strains</p><p><span></span><strong>Price:</strong> $27.94 for 30 capsules </p>Culturelle Daily Probiotic
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDc2MzY0MS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxMDY2NDUwNH0.1QUszovlu9gvMbJ2H77x2HX93r0d0DkEtPNX_xPtwnM/img.jpg?width=980" id="c5796" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="4004fa77d220d1ad78561f94c4aa12d9" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />Amazon
<p>Culturelle Daily Probiotics are great for the budget-conscious or new probiotic user. This more affordable option offers 10 billion CFUs of a single strain: Lactobacillus rhamnosus. L. rhamnousus is the most-studied probiotic strain and is clinically proven to aid digestion. This lower-dose probiotic supplement is great for kids and can help settle short-term digestive issues, especially related to travel.</p><p>If you're concerned about potential side effects like gas and bloating, this Culturelle product is an excellent place to start. </p><p><strong>Unique features:</strong> Free of gluten, milk, soy, wheat, and preservatives </p><p><strong>Strength:</strong> 10 billion CFUs and 1 probiotic strain (Lactobacillus rhamnosus) </p><p><strong>Price:</strong> $16.88 for 30 capsules</p>NewRhythm Probiotics
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDc2MzY0My9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1MjY5MzY3MX0.5rzBeirqKi3oUNn1a05VJdXaGGn6h7rMnfUw93Y24gA/img.jpg?width=980" id="cf9a9" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="a9c04a5cbf7e4c40f78ea891092536c2" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />Amazon
<p>The time-release feature in NewRhythm Probiotics ensures that the vegetarian capsules make it all the way to your digestive tract before releasing the live microorganisms. In addition, this shelf-stable product is made in the USA in a GMP-Certified facility and tested by third-party labs for quality and effectiveness.</p><p>While the price seems like an absolute steal compared to the other probiotics in our list, it's important to note that one dose is two capsules. Nevertheless, NewRhythm probiotics are a fantastic affordable option that still packs a serious punch with 50 billion CFUs and 20 probiotic strains.</p><p><strong>Unique features: </strong>Shelf-stable; non-GMO; third-party lab-tested and made in the USA; free of gluten, sugar, soy, preservatives, and peanuts; 100% money-back satisfaction guarantee within 30 days</p><p><span></span><strong>Strength: </strong>50 billion CFUs and 20 probiotic strains </p><p><span></span><strong>Price:</strong> $14.44 for 60 capsules</p>Nutrition Essentials Probiotic for Women and Men
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDc2MzY0NC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzMTY5MjU4NH0.xX6M8P5bRtQRFHczRijOlBSTjcmGyhL35UVDEN4-a6E/img.jpg?width=980" id="93aa1" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="d39275efc00083820a210ef3a647dda9" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />Amazon
<p>The Nutrition Essentials probiotic offers the most CFUs per dose, at a staggering 900 billion. But what really sets this brand apart is the company's commitment to satisfaction. They offer a full money-back guarantee if you don't see results. Nutrition Essentials also guarantees that their tablets contain potent probiotic strains until expiration. While it can be hard to know what to believe in probiotic product labels, guarantees like this help give some peace of mind.</p><p><strong>Unique features: </strong>Made in the USA; gluten-, dairy-, and preservative-free; strains are guaranteed potent until the expiration date</p><p><span></span><strong>Strength:</strong> 900 billion CFUs and 1 strain (lactobacillus acidophilus)</p><p><span></span><strong>Price:</strong> $17.99 for 60 tablets</p>From Your Site Articles
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The ear is one of the most critical organs in your body- the organ for hearing. Both the ears have a relatively complex structure, where the entire canal is divided into three sections. Every single part participates in the transference of the sound vibrations collected by the ear lobe till they reach the optic nerve ends in the innermost ear chamber.
<p>Now, often you will find people complaining about a ringing sound in their ears, which only escalates during sleeping or in the absence of external sound waves. This medical condition is referred to as Tinnitus, which affects the ears and the cerebrum's sensory part.</p><p>Several different supplements are present for treating Tinnitus, some of which are effective, whereas some will not help you even by the slightest. However, one supplement that has shown tremendous results for curing Tinnitus's symptoms and restoring the brain's normal activity is the Silencil. </p><p>For your convenience and more knowledge, we will discuss every fundamental thing about the Silencil supplement, starting with its benefits to the ingredients, and so on. </p>
Who Should Use Silencil?
<p>This supplement is solely made for those who have mild to complex Tinnitus symptoms like loss of hearing, the constant ringing of ears, dynamic imbalance of the body, etc.</p><p>For ensuring that you can take Silencil, first, you need to do some audio tests to understand that the problems you are facing are indeed the symptoms of tinnitus itself. Once this fact is established, you can start taking this dietary supplement as it consists of essential vitamins and other compounds that will remove the underlying cause of the disease. </p><p>The supplement should not be given to children without a doctor's recommendations. If you are above eighteen years, you can take Silencil easily. Also, make sure you do not have any chronic disease or allergies. </p><p><em style=""><strong>Click here to</strong> </em><a href="https://supplementscoop.com/silencil-eco" target="_blank"><strong>Get the Best Deal on Silencil from the Official Website</strong></a><em><u><strong>.</strong></u></em></p><h2>Silencil Reviews: Overview of the Supplement</h2><p><span style="background-color: initial;"><a href="https://supplementscoop.com/silencil-eco" target="_blank"><strong>Silencil</strong></a></span> is a dietary supplement specifically made for people suffering from varying degrees of tinnitus. It consists of several essential ingredients that will help alleviate the consequences of the tinnitus symptoms, starting with the numbness of the sensory cells responsible for hearing to the constant ringing sound in the ears.</p><p>Twenty-eight different ingredients are present in this supplement, each of which works in a coordinated manner to reverse the symptoms and repair the damage that has been imparted on the hearing cells. Some of these ingredients also boost immunity to help your body fight against any infection that might trigger the tinnitus and worsen the condition. </p><p>The formula for Silencil was developed in trusted GMP-laboratories, under the supervision of reputed and expert scientists and chemists. It was designed to ensure that Silencil will have no side effects. This is an all-natural supplement, which means it doesn't have any kind of additives, preservatives, parabens, or any other chemical that might affect the health adversely. </p><h3>Pros and Cons of Using Silencil</h3><p>Silencil has claimed that it helps a person suffering from tinnitus in various ways. Before you learn about this supplement, it will be best if you know the pros and cons of the substance. This way, you will have a better understanding of the supplement and other relevant facts. </p><p><strong>Pros</strong> </p><ul><li><em>Free of artificial additives and preservatives</em></li></ul><p>The supplement does not contain artificial chemicals, starting with additives to preservatives and confectioners sugars. </p><ul><li><em>Develops the brain's health </em></li></ul><p>Silencil is not just any supplement. It works on the damaged part of the brain and restores the normal functioning. </p><ul><li><em>Made in an FDA approved facility</em></li></ul><p>The drug is prepared in a trusted lab in the USA which maintains all the FDA protocols. At every step, the supplement is clinically tested by experts. </p><ul><li><em>Affordable</em></li></ul><p>Using the Silencil supplement will not cause a dent in your pocket as the supplement is quite affordable. So, any person suffering from tinnitus can purchase this product with ease. </p><ul><li><em>Improves the health</em></li></ul><p>The twenty-eight ingredients present in the supplement will help your immune system become stronger, thereby gaining more potential to keep you healthy. </p><p><strong>Cons</strong></p><ul><li><em>Can only be purchased on the Official Website</em></li></ul><p>Unlike other supplements, you won't find Silencil in a medicine shop or any other website. You will have to buy the product directly <strong><a href="https://supplementscoop.com/silencil-eco" target="_blank">from the Official Website of Silencil</a>.</strong></p><ul><li><em>Delayed results</em></li></ul><p>Since it's a supplement, you won't experience any immediate results. The results will start showing only after a couple of days of regularly taking the capsules as per the recommended dosage.</p>
<h2>What's Included in Silencil?</h2><p>The Silencil supplement comes in a bottle. You can use this bottle for thirty days. Sixty capsules are there inside the bottle, which you will have to take as per the recommended dosage. All the certifications and approvals are present on the label in the form of a logo. If you study the label properly, you will see the concentration of all the ingredients with which the supplement is made.</p><p>The pills are of medium size, and hence, can be taken easily with water. Make sure you close the bottle properly after taking out the capsule. The rest of the pills should come in close contact with air continuously. </p><h2>How Does Silencil Work?</h2><p>If you want to learn the details of the working mechanism of the Silencil supplement, you might have to learn a lot of biology and chemistry prior to that. But since we are discussing this supplement's review, let's just stick to the basic working mechanism. </p><p>Even though it contains twenty-eight different ingredients, each of which functions separately, the supplement's overall working is the same. So, let's look at how Silencil acts on tinnitus and reduces the symptoms.</p><p style="margin-left: 20px;"><em><strong>1. Detoxification</strong></em></p><p>Tinnitus is mainly caused when several toxins accumulate and infect the sensory neurons present in the cerebrum. So, Silencil first works on removing those toxins and freeing the brain from the harmful effects. This reduces any further damage, so your body will focus on healing the brain cells.</p><p style="margin-left: 20px;"><em> <strong>2. Works on protecting the brain</strong></em></p><p>Several ingredients are present in this supplement that acts as a protective shield for your vulnerable brain. Tinnitus leaves the brain cells fragile, and hence they need proper protection, which Silencil offers brilliantly.</p><p style="margin-left: 20px;"><em><strong>3. Improvement in cognitive senses</strong></em></p><p>The vitamins and potassium will improve the brain cells' cognitive functioning. As a result, your focus and concentration will improve, allowing your brain to heal properly since it won't suffer too much stress.</p><p style="margin-left: 20px;"><em><strong>4. Restoring of the neurons' health</strong></em></p><p>Once all these conditions are met, Silencil starts working to improve the neurons' overall health and restoring their normal functionality. </p><p>The entire working mechanism is a combined effect of every single ingredient present in the supplement. That's why it takes some time for the results to show as the ingredients first work on the underlying causes and then on the superficial ones. </p><p><strong><em>Click here to </em><a href="https://supplementscoop.com/silencil-eco" target="_blank">Learn more about how Silencil works on the Official Website</a></strong><em><strong>.</strong></em></p>
<h2>Silencil Ingredients</h2><p>As we have discussed earlier, Silencil has a total of twenty-eight ingredients, which aid in the overall development of the brain and the underlying causes of tinnitus. However, we will not discuss the entire list since some ingredients are common with other health supplements. </p><p>Here, we will talk about only those ingredients that effectively treat the Tinnitus and reduce the ears' ringing sound.</p><h3>Oat Straw</h3><p>The oat straws contain flowers, oat buds, and leaves, all of which are added to Silencil. For a long time, this particular ingredient has been used in medical science for treating several diseases related to the brain. The straws are rich in various phytonutrients, which reduce stress levels, thereby producing a calming effect on the brain. Also, its stimulating property will help to improve the functioning of the brain cells. </p><h3>Hawthorn Berry</h3><p>The hawthorn berry is known for the abundance of antioxidants. These proactive molecules help reduce the inflammation in the body, thereby relieving the brain cells of any internal swellings. Also, antioxidants reduce the concentration of free radicals. This further helps in the prevention of early aging of the neurons. <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3022819/" target="_blank">Studies show</a> that hawthorn berry is considered one of the most beneficial ingredients of Silencil. </p><h3>Skullcap</h3><p>Belonging to the mint family, this particular plant is extensively used in the American medicines and supplements, including Silencil. The plant is rich in antioxidants, especially those that prevent the early aging of the cells, including the neurons. Several <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6025220/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">studies</a> have shown that the components present in the skullcap can boost the mood and alleviate tension. This promotes the healing process of damaged brain cells. </p><h3>Vitamin B</h3><p>One of the significant vitamins required by your body is Vitamin B. This particular micronutrient is further divided into several categories, all of which work effectively in protecting the brain from injuries or internal infections. The vitamins work on improving the immunity system, allowing your body to alleviate any bacterial or viral infection in the brain. Also, the micronutrient enhances the mood, which is indeed a great help for treating tinnitus symptoms. </p><h3>Potassium</h3><p>Out of all the minerals required for maintaining the normal homeostasis of your body, one ingredient essential for the brain's health is potassium. This particular mineral improves the neurons' health and allows them to transmit the neurological impulses at the normal rate. Potassium works expertly on the sensory neurons responsible for interpreting the sound waves. </p><h3>Rhodiola</h3><p>This particular Arctic herb is said to be the hub of bioactive compounds as it contains several vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and so on. The two most essential antioxidants that are present in this Asian herb are the rosavin and salidroside. These compounds' presence helps your body fight the signs of early aging, thereby preventing the neurons from degenerative diseases. Several other <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6288277/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">studies</a> have shown that this compound is extremely good in alleviating depression and mental fatigue symptoms. As a result, it boosts your brain's energy and speeds up the healing process. </p><h3>Chamomile </h3><p>This herbal ingredient has a plethora of benefits in treating tinnitus. For instance, chamomile boosts sleep and allows your brain to relax. Because of this, the healing process of the brain cells speeds up. The antioxidants present in the herb will boost the immunity power due to which your body will alleviate the infections in your brain. The abundant antioxidants present in the compound will prevent the neurons' aging, thereby treating tinnitus effectively. </p><h3>L-Theanine</h3><p>This compound in Silencil produces inhibitory effects and prevents the adverse action of the binding of glutamate neurotransmitters to the brain cells. This part provides a calming and relaxing effect on the brain cells, allowing them to recuperate from any damage. A <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6836118/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">study</a> has stated that another major function that L-theanine has in our body is to enhance the release of the relaxing neurotransmitter, which has anti-anxiety effects. </p><h3>Ashwagandha</h3><p>Ashwagandha is one of the ancient herbs that have been used in making medicines for various diseases. It has antimutagenic compounds that will prevent brain cancer or the signs of early aging of the neurons. Even though it hasn't been proved yet completely, doctors and scientists have reason to believe that this particular herb can treat anxiety and depression in many people. As a result, when combined with other therapeutic and calming herbs, Ashwagandha can treat tinnitus.</p><p><strong><em>Click here to </em><a href="https://supplementscoop.com/silencil-eco" target="_blank">See the Full List of Ingredients in Silencil on the Official Website</a></strong><em><strong>.</strong></em></p>
<h2>Benefits of Using Silencil</h2><p>With all the essential 28 ingredients in place, it would be an understatement to say that this dietary supplement is perfect for treating only tinnitus. Along with acting on the constant ringing sound in the ears, Silencil also simultaneously works on the body's health and immune system. </p><p>If you are hesitating about this product, we think it would be best to get a clear description of the supplement's health benefits.</p><h3>May help prevent brain and ear infections</h3><p>One of the significant benefits you can enjoy after regularly taking the supplement is a protective ear and brain against infections. Several ingredients in Silencil prevent bacteria and viruses from attacking the brain cells and the ear. This further lowers the chances of Tinnitus.</p><h3>May reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression </h3><p>Over time, the brain suffers more internal damages than physical ones. This is because your lifestyle, physical health, and other surrounding factors directly affect your psychological health, thereby causing the brain to slow down the rejuvenation process. This is further observed in people suffering from anxiety, depression, excess stress, and so on. Silencil helps eliminate the levels of the psychological disturbances, thereby allowing your brain to heal itself rapidly.</p><h3>Increases the immune power of your body</h3><p>Many people suffer from a weak immune system, which results in many diseases like viral infections, skin problems, nerve problems, etc. In many medical studies, it has been observed that a weak immune system is one of the major reasons for Tinnitus's occurrence. This is where the Silencil comes into the roleplay. It contains several vitamins and minerals that strengthen the immune system and quicken its response to any adversity in your body. </p><h3>May help repair brain cell damage</h3><p>One of the major consequences of having Tinnitus is that the cerebrum's sensory neurons get damaged. So, unless you are working on repairing the damage imparted to the neurons, your body won't get relief from Tinnitus. Silencil accelerates your body's natural healing process, thereby allowing the damaged neurons to get revived once again.</p><h3>Protects the brain from other neurological diseases</h3><p>Not only the Silencil supplement treats Tinnitus, but also it makes sure that your brain remains guarded all the time against other kinds of neurological diseases like Alzheimer's. </p><p><strong><em>Click here to </em><a href="https://supplementscoop.com/silencil-eco" target="_blank">Learn more about the Benefits of Silencil on the Official Website</a></strong><em><strong>.</strong></em></p>
<h2>Side Effects of Using Silencil</h2><p>After years of intense studies, it has been concluded that this particular natural supplement does not produce any side effects or adverse response in the patients' bodies consuming the capsules. </p><p>But, the only known side effect to date occurs when you <strong>take too much of the supplement.</strong> Taking more than the suggested serving may cause </p><ul><li>dizziness</li><li>headache</li><li>distorted vision </li><li>mild symptoms related to lack of concentration and focus</li></ul><p>This is why it's better to consult a doctor before you start taking any supplement regularly.</p><h2>Who Should Refrain From Using Silencil? </h2><p>The supplement is not perfect for different age groups, and hence there are certain instructions you need to follow. </p><ul><li><strong>Breastfeeding mothers </strong>for pregnant women should always avoid taking the supplement at any cost unless prescribed by the doctor.</li><li>The Silencil supplement is not made for<strong> kids or teenagers below 18 years of age</strong>. Also, the<strong> maximum age for which a person can take this supplement is eighty years.</strong> </li><li>If you are suffering from any <strong>chronic disease,</strong> make sure you are <strong>consulting your doctor first</strong> and then place an order for the new bottle. </li></ul><p>Where to Buy Silencil & Guarantees?</p>
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDY1NTczMC9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxODQ2OTk1NX0.XXfrWYy25OxPGROLluaZD9c1skpDVxlbbcTgIFNdBNo/img.png?width=980" id="a722e" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="da70cc98c6aed409dfd7b09f04ef1274" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /><p>The company itself sells Silencil, and you can only <a href="https://supplementscoop.com/silencil-eco" target="_blank"><strong>order it from the Official Website</strong></a>. Three different buying options are there, including the package of a single bottle, three bottles, and six bottles.</p><ul><li>One bottle for a month: $69 each and pay for a small shipping fee</li><li>Three bottles for three months: $59 each with no shipping charges</li><li>Six bottles for six months: $49 each with no shipping charges</li></ul><p>Since the bulk orders do not involve any shipping fee, most people opt for the 3-month or 6-month supply.</p><p>You can either pay through your credit or debit card at the time of making the final purchase. If you are not satisfied with the product and the outcomes, you can seek customer service and return it. </p><p>When it comes to the guarantee, you do get a 60 days money-back guarantee regardless of the packaging you go for. It is applicable from the date of purchase. It would help if you get in touch with the customer support team to gather information about your refund.</p>
<h2>Silencil Review: Closing Thoughts</h2><p>Over the years, Silencil has proven to be one of the best friends for people suffering from ringing ears and damaged brain cells. So, if you are facing the same problem, consult a doctor immediately and get started with the supplement for one month. </p><p>Buy it from the official website to be sure about the quality and authenticity.</p><p><strong><em>Click here to </em><a href="https://supplementscoop.com/silencil-eco" target="_blank">Get the Best Discount on Silencil from the Official Website</a></strong><em><strong>.</strong></em></p>
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Eating too much black licorice can be toxic. Nat Aggiato / Pixabay
By Bill Sullivan
Black licorice may look and taste like an innocent treat, but this candy has a dark side. On Sept. 23, 2020, it was reported that black licorice was the culprit in the death of a 54-year-old man in Massachusetts. How could this be? Overdosing on licorice sounds more like a twisted tale than a plausible fact.
<p>I have a longstanding interest in how chemicals in our food and the environment affect our body and mind. When something seemingly harmless like licorice is implicated in a death, we are reminded of the famous proclamation by Swiss physician Paracelsus, the Father of Toxicology: "All things are poison, and nothing is without poison; the dosage alone makes it so a thing is not a poison."</p><p><a href="https://wjsulliv.wixsite.com/sullivanlab" target="_blank">I am a professor </a> in the department of pharmacology and toxicology and <a href="https://authorbillsullivan.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">author of the book</a> "<a href="https://www.nationalgeographicpartners.com/press/2019/10/-pleased-to-meet-me--genes--germs--and-the-curious-forces-that-m/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Pleased to Meet Me: Genes, Germs, and the Curious Forces That Make Us Who We Are</a>."</p>
The Root of the Problem
<p>The unfortunate man who recently succumbed to excessive black licorice consumption is not alone. There are a smattering of similar case reports in medical journals, in which patients experience <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26380428/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">hypertension crisis</a>, <a href="https://doi.org/10.5414/cn107011" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">muscle breakdown</a> or even death. Adverse reactions are most frequently seen in people over the age of 40 who are eating far more black licorice than the average person. In addition, they are usually consuming the product for prolonged periods of time. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMcpc2002420" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">In the most recent case</a>, the Massachusetts man had been eating a bag and a half of black licorice every day for three weeks.</p><p>Licorice is a flowering plant native to parts of Europe and Asia. Its scientific name, <em>Glycyrrhiza</em>, is derived from the Greek words "glykos" (sweet) and "rhiza" (root). The aromatic and sweet extract from its root has long been used as an herbal remedy for a wide variety of health maladies, from heartburn and stomach issues to sore throats and cough. However, there is <a href="https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/black-licorice-trick-or-treat" target="_blank">insufficient evidence to support that licorice is effective in treating any medical condition</a>.</p><p>Glycyrrhizin (also called glycyrrhizic acid) is the chemical in black licorice that gives the candy its signature flavor, but it also leads to its toxic effects.</p><p>Glycyrrhizin mimics the hormone <a href="https://www.yourhormones.info/hormones/aldosterone/" target="_blank">aldosterone</a>, which is made by the adrenal glands when the body needs to retain sodium and excrete potassium. Sodium and potassium work together as a kind of cellular battery that drives communication between nerves and the contraction of muscles. Too much glycyrrhizin upsets the balance of these electrolytes, which can raise blood pressure and disturb the heart's rhythm. Other symptoms of excessive licorice intake include swelling, muscle pain, numbness and headache. Examination of the man who died from consuming too much licorice revealed that he had <a href="https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMcpc2002420" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">dangerously low levels of potassium, consistent with glycyrrhizin toxicity.</a></p><p><a href="https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMcpc2002420" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"></a>It should be noted that a number of licorice-based foods do not contain real licorice, but use a flavoring substitute called anise oil, which does not pose the dangers discussed here. In addition, despite its name, <a href="https://www.livestrong.com/article/537724-black-licorice-vs-red-licorice/" target="_blank">red licorice rarely contains licorice extract</a>. Instead, red licorice is infused with chemicals that impart its cherry or strawberry flavor.</p><p>Products that contain real licorice are usually labeled as such, and list licorice extract or glycyrrhizic acid among the ingredients. Be advised that some products, such as black jelly beans or Good & Plenty, are mixtures of different candies that contain both anise oil and licorice extract.</p>Hidden Dangers That Increase Risk
<p>Glycyrrhizin has the distinct licorice flavor and is <a href="https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=19&contentid=Licorice" target="_blank">50 times sweeter than sugar</a> and has been used in other types of candy, soft drinks, tea, Belgian beers, throat lozenges and tobacco. This can make it challenging to keep track of how much glycyrrhizin has been consumed, and a combination of these products could trigger adverse effects.</p><p>Some people take dietary or health supplements that already contain licorice, which increases the risk of toxic effects from eating black licorice candy. Certain medications such as <a href="https://doi.org/10.5414/cn107011" target="_blank">hydrochlorothiazide</a> are diuretics that cause increased urination, which can lower potassium levels in the body. Glycyrrhizin also lowers potassium levels, further disrupting the balance of electrolytes, which can produce muscle cramps and irregular heart rhythms.</p><p>People with certain preexisting conditions are more susceptible to black licorice overdose.</p><p>For example, patients who already have low potassium levels (hypokalemia), high blood pressure or heart arrhythmia are likely to have greater sensitivity to the effects of excessive licorice. Those with liver or kidney deficiencies will also retain glycyrrhizin in their bloodstream for longer times, increasing their risk of experiencing its adverse effects.</p>What to Do?
<p>If you're a fan of black licorice, there is no need to ban it from your pantry. Eaten in small quantities from time to time, licorice poses no significant threat to otherwise healthy adults and children. But it is advisable to monitor your intake.</p><p>With Halloween approaching, be sure to remind your kids that candy is a "<a href="https://www.heart.org/idc/groups/heart-public/@wcm/@global/documents/downloadable/ucm_305557.pdf" target="_blank">sometimes food</a>," especially the black licorice. The <a href="https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/black-licorice-trick-or-treat" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">FDA has issued warnings</a> about the rare but serious effects of too much black licorice, advising that people avoid eating more than two ounces of black licorice a day for two weeks or longer. The agency states that if you have been eating a lot of black licorice and experience an irregular heart rhythm or muscle weakness, stop eating it immediately and contact your health care provider.</p><p>Some scientists have further cautioned against the routine use of licorice in the form of a dietary supplement or tea for its alleged health benefits. A <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/2042018812454322" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">review article from 2012</a> warned that "the daily consumption of licorice is never justified because its benefits are minor compared to the adverse outcomes of chronic consumption."</p>From Your Site Articles
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