By Zahida Sherman
Cooking has always intimidated me. As a child, I would anxiously peer into the kitchen as my mother prepared Christmas dinner for our family.
My grandparents, cousins, aunts, and uncles would all pour into our home throughout the day, eagerly awaiting their favorite dish.
During those times, my mom transformed into executive chef and drill sergeant, sending my sister and me on grocery store runs for obscure ingredients or directing us to remove cobwebs from forgotten corners of the house.
The scents wafting from my mom's magic entrées and appetizers were intoxicating. They made all the toil worth it.
Our home burst with the scent of warm syrupy-sweet yams, smoked turkey necks drowning in collard greens, a countertop completely covered by her pound cake, and sweet potato pie whipped to perfection.
I always looked forward to those family dinners, my relatives' laughing faces, and their overflowing plates.
As much as I loved our quality family time, those dinners fueled my fear of cooking. I could never accept and conquer the mental preparation it required: the brainstorming, the grocery lists, the grocery store lines, the time management.
I couldn't bear the hefty expectations of cooking as a way to maintain our Black American cultural and family traditions, a mix of Southern roots with Pacific Northwest nuance.
I added cooking to the list of things that I knew were important, but that I probably would never really care about (kind of like backing up my devices regularly). I didn't want to spend the necessary energy to learn how to achieve those glorious family dinners — or even everyday meals.
Cooking required too much pressure and preparation. Cooking required too much of myself.
Falling in Love With Food All Over Again
Slowly, through my most intimate relationships with friends and partners, I began to see the beauty — and rewards — of cooking.
I got tired of giving in to defeat and always bringing chips or paper products to social gatherings. I started asking my mom to send me her Christmas and Thanksgiving recipes. I even volunteered to host Thanksgiving dinner at my place.
Each time I heard my loved ones sing the praises of the foods I prepared for them, I felt a tinge more confident that I could carry out our traditions my way.
In reaching out to other relatives for their favorite recipes, I learned that they had a little help of their own. They didn't rely solely on their ancestral cooking instincts. They turned to Black chefs for guidance.
These 7 cookbooks by Black chefs have inspired my family and fed us in nutrients, joy, and spiritual sustenance. They're also helping me overcome my personal fears of cooking.
Jubilee: Recipes from Two Centuries of African American Cooking
by Toni Tipton-Martin
Who says a cookbook can't also be a history lesson?
Tipton-Martin draws on her nutritionist and food activist background to amass over 125 recipes that demonstrate the complexity and nuance of soul food.
"Jubilee" pushes beyond the trope of soul food as survival wherein enslaved and impoverished Africans created a new cuisine out of plantation scraps. The author showcases the culinary skills of Black chefs who were enslaved, entrepreneurs, upper class, and everything in between.
Whether it's the black-eyed pea fritters, okra gumbo, or braised lamb shanks with peanut sauce, you will be joyfully full.
The Red Rooster Cookbook: The Story of Food and Hustle in Harlem
by Marcus Samuelsson
Many years ago, I had the pleasure of dining at Chef Samuelsson's Red Rooster restaurant in Harlem. It was undoubtedly my bougiest Black fantasy.
The food was simple but decadent, and the ambiance was Black, beautiful, and triumphant, much like the neighborhood. Samuelsson's cookbook leans into his Swedish-Ethiopian and Afropolitan experiences with recipes for chicken and waffles, cornbread and bird funk, wild wild wings, and donuts with sweet potato cream.
Interspersed with poignant photos of Harlem, this cookbook is Samuelson's tribute to this culturally iconic neighborhood.
Eat Yourself Sexy: Eat Your Way to Shiny Hair, Glowing Skin and Weight Loss
by Lauren Von Der Pool
If she's a good enough chef for Stevie Wonder, Common, First Lady Michelle Obama, Dr. Sebi, and Venus and Serena Williams, she's good enough for me!
Celebrity chef Von Der Pool wrote "Eat Yourself Sexy" to empower female-identified readers on their inner journey toward sexiness through raw food and homemade beauty products.
If you're intimidated by a plant-based diet or DIY beauty, this is a must-read. Chef Von Der Pool's simple recipes, stunning photos, and comprehensive information about eating whole foods will inspire you to get started.
The Seasoned Life: Food, Family, Faith, and the Joy of Eating Well
by Ayesha Curry
Outspoken and unapologetic Food Network host, restaurateur, mom, and wife Ayesha Curry, gifts readers with 100 recipes that are perfect for your hectic work-life balance.
My older sister (also coincidentally named Aisha) has fed our family with Curry's recipes that range from mouthwatering brown sugar bacon, game day chili, and harvest sangria, to white chocolate bread pudding and butternut squash mash.
"The Seasoned Life" shows audiences why Ayesha is Chef Curry with the pot.
Black Girl Baking: Wholesome Recipes Inspired by a Soulful Upbringing
by Jerrelle Guy
Inspired by #blackgirlmagic, this cookbook is Guy's empowering journey of accepting her fullest self through cooking.
Perhaps what makes her cookbook so defining is her insistence that readers abandon the idea of baking perfection and fall in love with the process of baking instead.
The recipes don't disappoint, either. Strawberry balsamic cupcakes, sweet potato rice crispies, and peanut butter jelly bread? Yes, please!
Brown Sugar Kitchen: New-Style, Down-Home Recipes from Sweet West Oakland
by Tanya Holland
Inspired by Chef Holland's Brown Sugar Kitchen restaurant in Oakland, California, her cookbook offers over 80 recipes that are simply delicious.
Her soul food entrées include everything from shrimp gumbo, black-eyed peas' salad, chili glazed salmon, to cornmeal waffles with apple cider syrup.
While Bryant doesn't shy away from popular favorites like fried chicken, she includes alternative options for eaters with dietary restrictions.
Afro-Vegan: Farm-Fresh African, Caribbean, and Southern Flavors Remixed
by Bryant Terry
Food activist and chef Bryant Terry offers perfectly seasoned vegan recipes from the African Diaspora that will impress even your most carnivorous dinner guests.
Terry combines ingredients from seemingly disparate regions like North Africa, the American South, and the Caribbean into delicious dishes like sweet potato and lima bean tagine, pomegranate peach BBQ sauce, and skillet cornbread with pecan dukkah.
"Afro-Vegan" even includes genre-diverse playlists to accompany Terry's recipes. My aunt's personal favorite is the savory grits with slow-cooked collard greens. You can listen to the accompanying song, "The Funk," here.
Get Cooking
Whether you're in recovery from cooking fears like me, or are just looking to expand your culinary confidence with dishes honoring Black heritage, these Black chefs are here to support you on your journey.Turn on some music, give yourself permission to make mistakes, and throw down for yourself or your loved ones. Glorious flavors await you.Reposted with permission from Healthline. For detailed source information, please view the original article on Healthline.
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By Kristen Fischer
It's going to be back-to-school time soon, but will children go into the classrooms?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) thinks so, but only as long as safety measures are in place.
The group's recent recommendations include social distancing protocol based on different grades. For example, it's more feasible to keep preschoolers in small groups (known as "cohorting") with the same teacher throughout the day. Older children should have desks 3 to 6 feet apart and wear masks.
They also say schools should limit unnecessary visitors to the buildings and utilize outdoor spaces for learning. The guidelines recommend safer bussing, hallway traffic monitoring, cafeteria use, cleaning, and screening protocols among other recommendations.
The American Federation of Teachers (AFT), National Education Association (NEA), and AASA, The School Superintendents Association, also voiced support for safe reopening measures.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has guidelines for reopening schools.
Despite calls for them to be revised by President Donald Trump, CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield said they will not change, but the CDC will soon publish additional documents on symptom monitoring and mask usage.
But school administrators, parents, and teachers remain wary of going back to school full time as they fear becoming the site of super spreader events.
Keeping Schools Safe
What will safer schools look like?
In a JAMA article published last month, Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, a pediatrician and professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, outlined suggestions — many of which are similar to AAP's.
Remote learning protocols must stay in place, especially as some schools stagger home and in-building learning. If another shutdown needs to occur, children will rely on distance learning completely, so it must be easy to switch to, he said.
He suggested giving parents a daily checklist to document their child's health. Kids should be screened quickly on arrival and be given hygiene supplies. Maintenance staff should use appropriate PPE and have regular cleaning schedules. A notification system should be in place if a case is identified, Sharfstein recommended.
Erika Martin, PhD, an associate professor of public administration and policy at University at Albany, said nutrition assistance and health services should be included. She called for tutoring programs with virtual options as well as technology access.
Not all recommendations will be achievable for schools in certain areas, noted Lucy Sorensen, PhD, an assistant professor of public administration and policy at University at Albany.
"It may not be feasible to space desks six feet apart or have windows open in classrooms in a New York winter," Sorensen explained.
Other strategies to safeguard school communities can include high-intensity ultraviolet light, thermal cameras, and conferencing systems.
"Social distancing will be hard for students," said Tina M. Pascoe, a nurse and co-founder of Nurses for Day Care, who has been involved with efforts to keep day care centers open during the pandemic.
Limiting class size, and not having special activities that require students to leave the room, will be key. "This keeps students stay in one cohort or like a family unit," she told Healthline.
Supporting Staff
Teachers and staff will be affected by safeguarding measures, noted Rachel Widome, PhD, an associate professor of epidemiology and community health at University of Minnesota.
"In order for all of the in-school precautions to work well, we'll be asking a lot of teachers and staff," Widome told Healthline. In addition to their usual workload, they'll now be asked to monitor mask-wearing, ensure children are keeping distance, and be aware of any symptoms.
Along with Sharfstein, Widome called for an increase in financial support. More employees will likely be required so teachers and staff members can keep up with the added demands.
Should Kids Go Back?
While these guidelines may help get some schools to reopen, many people don't think children should go back to school over fears they could contract the disease and spread it to other vulnerable family members like grandparents, infant siblings, or their parents.
In a Pediatrics commentary, Dr. William V. Raszka, Jr., an infectious disease specialist at The University of Vermont Medical Center, argued that schools should open because school-aged children are far less important drivers of COVID-19 than adults.
But he says the risk and benefit is not equal among all students ages 5 to 18.
"Elementary schools are arguably higher priority for face-to-face schooling, since younger children are at lower risk for infection and transmission, and since parental supervision of younger children's distance learning may be particularly challenging," added Sorensen, who penned a June article in JAMA with reopening tips. "That means middle and high schools are more likely to emphasize distance learning."
Specific student populations, such as special education students and students with disabilities, would also benefit greatly from more time spent in face-to-face environments, Sorensen said.
What Parents Can Do
Parents should ask for and receive frequent updates from schools about plans for the fall. They should also be informed about plans if and when COVID infections are identified, Sharfstein said.
"I'd like to see parents investing now, during the summer, in doing things that can slow and stop the spread of the virus in their communities," Widome said.
"Now is a good time for kids to practice wearing masks and get used to them as they may be wearing them for longer stretches if school starts up in person," Widome suggested.
She recommends parents try different mask designs and materials to see what children are more comfortable wearing.
"If you are using cloth face coverings, it's good to have extras on hand," Widome added.
Parents should model healthy behavior at home and while out in public — another thing that could affect how well children adapt to reopening practices, Sorensen said.
"Children may want to know more about face coverings," added Lee Scott, chairwoman of the Educational Advisory Board at The Goddard School. "Dramatic play, such as creating or wearing a face covering, may help some children adjust to this concept." Schools can also show children photos of what faculty members look like in their masks so the students are familiar with that appearance.
Johns Hopkins University recently released its eSchool+ Initiative, a slew of resources surrounding education during the pandemic. These include a checklist for administrators, report on ethical considerations, and a tracker of state and local reopening plans.
Reposted with permission from Healthline. For detailed source information, please view the original article on Healthline.
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Everyone has a different reason to incorporate CBD into their lives. Whether they use CBD to help tackle a difficult health issue like chronic pain, or simply want to take it to help reduce stress and anxiety, CBD offers a natural way to help manage a number of problems.
One issue for anyone new to CBD is figuring out the best CBD oil to buy. The good news is we've done all of the hard work for you. Our guide to the best CBD oil brands for sale online will point you to some of the most trusted brands on the market and will highlight some of their specific products. We've also included helpful information about the benefits of CBD oil and how much to take. Here are our choices for best CBD oil.
Our Top CBD Oils of 2021
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. You can learn more about our review methodology here. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
- Best Overall - Cornbread Hemp
- Best CBD Oil for Sleep - Spruce
- Best CBD Oil for Stress - Charlotte's Web
- Strongest CBD Oil - CBDistillery
- Best Full Spectrum - R+R Medicinals
- Best Broad Spectrum - cbdMD
- Best All-Natural CBD Oil - NuLeaf Naturals
- Best THC-Free CBD Oil - Medterra
- Most Affordable CBD Oil - Naternal
- Best Variety - FAB CBD
What is CBD Oil?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound that comes from the marijuana and hemp strains of cannabis. If you purchase CBD products that are crafted solely from the industrial hemp plant, then there will be less than 0.3 percent of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, in them. THC is a very well-known compound of the cannabis plant that causes people to feel a euphoric high when smoked or ingested.
While hemp is a part of the cannabis plant family, it contains less than 0.3 percent of THC. Marijuana is a variety of cannabis that has well over 0.3 percent of THC.
Unlike THC, CBD will not cause users to feel high in any way. Products that are crafted from the cannabis plant will contain both CBD and THC in them. However, all full spectrum CBD products that are sold within the United States must legally contain less than 0.3 percent THC. CBD carries its own therapeutic and medical benefits as it interacts with the endocannabinoid system of the body.
How We Chose the Best CBD Oils
To create our list of the best CBD oil online, we evaluated each brand and product on six specific categories.
- Type of CBD — Does the CBD oil contain full spectrum, broad spectrum, or CBD isolate extract?
- Strength — How many total milligrams of CBD does each dose of CBD oil contain?
- Source — Does the company use all-natural and organic hemp grown in the USA?
- Flavor — Does the oil come in multiple flavors? Is it flavored using natural ingredients?
- Transparency — Does the brand offer accessible third-party lab test results and information about their extraction process?
- Customer Experience — What do actual customers say about the product and the buying experience?
10 Best CBD Oils of 2021
Best Overall: Cornbread Hemp
cornbreadhemp.com
- CBD - Full Spectrum
- Strength - 25 mg CBD per serving
- Hemp source - Kentucky
- Flavor - None
Why buy: We love Cornbread Hemp's Distilled CBD oil for a lot of reasons. It's USDA certified organic, vegan, non-GMO, and made from Kentucky-grown hemp. They also use a unique flower-only full spectrum CBD extract, meaning they don't use any stems, leaves, or stalks, for a cleaner CBD oil with a brighter taste. This CBD oil is great for promoting a sense of calm throughout the day without drowsiness.
Best CBD Oil for Sleep: Spruce CBD
takespruce.com
Spruce- CBD - Full Spectrum
- Strength - 25 mg CBD per serving
- Hemp source - Kentucky and North Carolina
- Flavor - Peppermint
Why buy: We love this strong, full spectrum, lab-grade CBD oil from Spruce. It includes organic hemp seed oil and natural flavors, no artificial flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives, and is made from a consistent, quality supply of hemp extract grown on farms in North Carolina and Kentucky. We like that this product is organic, vegan, and gluten-free. Spruce also offers an Extra Strength option that contains 80 mg of CBD per 1 mL dropper.
Best CBD Oil for Stress: Charlotte's Web
charlottesweb.com
Original Formula CBD Oil- CBD - Full Spectrum
- Strength - 50 mg CBD per serving
- Hemp source - Colorado
- Flavors - Mint Chocolate, Olive Oil (natural)
Why buy: We like Charlotte's Web original formula CBD oil for help supporting calm for focus, the management of everyday stress, and healthy sleep cycles. All of their CBD oil is U.S. Hemp Authority Certified and is made using a small batch alcohol extraction method. At 50 mg of full spectrum CBD per serving, this is one of the more potent CBD oils on our list.
Strongest CBD Oil: CBDistillery
thecbdistillery.com
- CBD - Full Spectrum
- Strength - 83 mg CBD per serving
- Hemp source: Colorado
- Flavor: Natural
Why buy: We like CBDistillery because they offer both full spectrum and broad spectrum oils, as well as CBD isolate products. They also have affordable pricing for higher-strength oils, including their 2500 mg formula that offers 83 mg of CBD per serving. Their Colorado-grown CBD oil is U.S. Hemp Authority Certified, non-GMO, third-party lab tested, and comes with a 60-day money back guarantee.
Best Full Spectrum CBD Oil: R+R Medicinals
rrmeds.com
- CBD - Full Spectrum
- Strength - 33.33 mg CBD per serving
- Hemp source - Colorado
- Flavor - Fresh Mint
Best Broad Spectrum CBD Oils: cbdMD
cbdmd.com
- CBD - Broad Spectrum
- Strength - 25 mg CBD per serving
- Hemp source - USA
- Flavors - Natural, Berry, Orange, Mint
Why buy: cbdMD offers a wide variety of broad spectrum CBD options and flavors. They are all THC-free, third-party lab tested by ISO-certified labs, and GMP-certified. We like their quality CBD tinctures because they have a light taste in multiple flavors, and come in a number of different strengths that are a great starting place for people who want to try CBD for recovery after workouts or to help manage anxiety without THC.
Best All-Natural CBD Oil: NuLeaf Naturals
nuleafnaturals.com
NuLeaf Naturals CBD Oil- CBD - Full Spectrum
- Strength - 30 mg CBD per serving
- Hemp source - Colorado
- Flavor - Natural
Why buy: NuLeaf Naturals makes strong, concentrated CBD oils that all come in 30 mg CBD per mL. We like that this consistent concentration across bottle sizes makes dosing easier. Plus, these products are made using a Co2 extraction process that removes the CBD from 100% organic hemp plants. Each batch is third-party lab tested with easily-accessible test results through their website.
Best THC-Free CBD Oil: Medterra
medterracbd.com
- CBD - Broad Spectrum
- Strength - 16 mg CBD per serving
- Hemp source - Kentucky
- Flavor - Natural (unflavored)
Why buy: If you want to access the wellness potential of CBD but also want to completely avoid THC, Medterra is the best CBD oil online. These quality THC-free CBD oil products are great for employees who are regularly drug tested. We like that these CBD oils are THC-free, organic, non-GMO, U.S. Hemp Authority Certified, and use a clean Co2 extraction method. Medterra also offers a great online shopping experience with quick and easy service.
Most Affordable CBD Oil: Naternal
naternal.com
- CBD - Full Spectrum
- Strength - 40 mg CBD per serving
- Hemp source - North Carolina
- Flavor - Natural
Best Variety: FAB CBD
fabcbd.com
FAB CBD- CBD - Full Spectrum
- Strength - 10 mg CBD per serving
- Hemp Source: Colorado
- Flavors - Berry, Vanilla, Citrus, Mint, and Natural
Why buy: FAB CBD is great because they offer a large selection of oil strengths and flavors, including berry, vanilla, citrus, mint, and natural flavors in strengths of 300 mg, 600 mg, 1200 mg, and 2400 mg of CBD per bottle. This makes FAB CBD a great option for both experienced CBD users and those who are new to CBD. They also use a clean Co2 extraction method for all of their CBD oils. We like their full spectrum CBD oil for help with everyday stress and recovery from exercise.
The Research on CBD Oil
In 2014, the Agricultural Act, or Farm Bill, was passed that allowed the legalization of cultivation activities of hemp. Because of this, the hemp industry was able to explore many new and innovative ways of growing hemp.The House and the Senate then passed the 2018 Farm Act that removed hemp, which is defined as a cannabis plant that contains less than 0.3% THC, off of the Schedule 1 Controlled Substances list from Congress.
CBD that comes from marijuana plants is still subject to individual state laws. However, CBD products that are sourced from industrial hemp can be both purchased and consumed in all 50 states as long as the hemp has been cultivated according to the Farm Act.
CBD is potentially beneficial compound because it interacts with our body's endocannabinoid system. Everyone has an endocannabinoid system, or ECS. The body's endocannabinoid system is located in the brain, nervous system, organs, connective tissues, glands, immune cells, and other areas of the body. The two internal receptors, CB1 and CB2, that influence the brain and the immune system interact with endocannabinoids to help the body regain balance or homeostasis.
Potential Health Benefits of CBD Oil Backed by Research Studies
There are multiple studies that show CBD may be helpful in managing the following conditions:
- Pain
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Epilepsy
- Symptoms Related to Cancer
- Headaches
- Sleep Issues
- High Blood Pressure
In light of these findings, more people are seeking CBD as a natural, safe, and effective way to help them deal with painful and sometimes debilitating health conditions.
How CBD Oil Works
The ECS interacts with naturally occurring compounds in the body as well as with the compounds found within the cannabis plant, including CBD, to help relieve issues stemming from various health conditions. The endocannabinoid system has a very large impact on the brain, nervous system, and our emotional and psychological well-being. CBD is now used for a great many reasons and to help manage a number of health issues.
The Difference Between Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, and CBD Isolate
Full spectrum CBD contains all of the phytochemicals naturally found in the cannabis plant. This means that full spectrum CBD contains CBD, THC, trace cannabinoids, terpenes, and essential oils. By law, all full-spectrum products must contain less than 0.3% THC. We typically recommend full spectrum CBD oils as they can offer the biggest potential benefit through the entourage effect of all the included plant compounds and cannabinoids.
Broad spectrum CBD contains many of the same secondary cannabinoids as full spectrum extracts, but does not have any THC. The THC is completely removed after the initial extraction process. A good way to think about broad spectrum products is that they are somewhere in between full spectrum oils and CBD isolates.
Lastly, CBD isolates are exactly what the name implies. In CBD isolate products, CBD is separated away from all of the other compounds. When you purchase CBD isolate products, you are getting the purest form of CBD in the highest concentration per serving. People who choose to use CBD isolate benefit solely from the effects of CBD, or cannabidiol.
How to Choose the Right CBD Oil for You
CBD oils come in many different strengths and flavors. And while flavor is purely a matter of preference, strength is another story. Typically, if you are new to CBD, it's recommended for you to begin with the lowest potency first until you can gauge how your body will react to the oil. Here are some factors to consider when shopping for the best CBD oil.
What to Look For
Lab Testing - The most important thing to look for in CBD products is proof of independent third-party lab testing. This will ensure that the product is safe and contains the right amount of CBD.
Concentration - Make sure you know the amount of CBD in the oil and how much is each 1 mL serving. This is important so that you know exactly how much CBD you are taking each time.
Carrier Oil - CBD oils use carrier oils that allow you to ingest the hemp extract as a tincture. Common carrier oils include coconut oil, hemp seed oil, or olive oil. Check which one a brand uses in case you have any food allergies.
Hemp Source - The quality and purity of any CBD oil is directly related to the source of the hemp. We recommend brands that use industrial, non-GMO hemp grown organically in the U.S.A.
How to Read Labels
When you compare CBD oils, be sure to check the label for certain key pieces of information. The label should always include the following:
- Type of CBD - The brand should clearly indicate whether the CBD oil is full spectrum, broad spectrum, or CBD isolate.
- Strength - Always check to see how many milligrams of CBD the oil contains per 1 mL dropper. Many brands include a dosage guide on the label to help you measure the right amount.
- Certifications - It can be helpful to look for seals of approval or certification from industry groups like USDA organic, non-GMO, U.S. Hemp Authority, and more.
- Test Results - Again, always check for proof that the CBD oil has undergone independent lab testing. The best CBD brands will include a QR code on the label that links directly to the test results.
How to Use
CBD products come in many different options. There are oils, sprays, creams, gummies, capsules, vapes, and much more. Typically, sublingual options are the best. These will be oil tinctures or sprays. Begin by taking a small dose, around 5 mg of oil, once a day for a week. That dose will equal about a half a dropper full of oil. After a week has elapsed, check to see how you are feeling. If you feel that you are not getting the relief that you seek, then increase the dose to another half dropper full twice a day. This will now equal a total of 10 mg of CBD oil a day. Stay with this dose for another week before doing a check-in to gauge how you are feeling.
Repeat these steps until you achieve your desired results. Likewise, go slow with the different oil potencies until you find the strength that works best for your needs.
Depending on what you are using the CBD for, another option might be better for you. For example, if you have muscle aches and pains, then a topical cream will be your best option. If you have an active lifestyle and need to take your CBD on the go, then gummies will work the best for you. The choice is completely up to you.
Safety & Side Effects
Just like with any natural supplement or treatment method, there can be some mild side effects associated with CBD oil. Some of the more common side effects that people have reported include:
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Nausea
CBD can also negatively interact with prescription medications. A good way to check if it will potentially negatively mix with your current prescription is to go by the grapefruit warning rule. If you cannot eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice or other citruses while on your medication, then you should not mix CBD with it.
Grapefruit contains compounds called furanocoumarins that bind with specialized enzymes located within the gut. When these compounds bind with the enzymes, they lower the body's ability to break down and eliminate drugs from the system. Therefore, too much of the drug will be in the bloodstream which can lead to toxic levels over time.
CBD is very similar to grapefruit in that it also binds with those same enzymes and can therefore cause the very same issues. Once the enzyme is neutralized, it can take days for its function to return back to normal.
If you have any questions about CBD, or if you currently take any prescription medications, be sure to consult with your doctor before you add CBD to your wellness routine.
Takeaway
To find the best CBD oil online, it's important to do your research and to go with trustworthy and transparent brands. Use our guide to the best brands of CBD oil to find the right hemp extract option for your health and wellness needs.
Remember, if you still have questions regarding CBD then you might want to schedule a consultation appointment with your primary care physician or healthcare provider for further guidance.
Marc Lewis aims to help people access the scientific consensus on natural health topics in a simple and direct format. His perspective on CBD as a natural remedy has been featured in Business Insider, Forbes, MarketWatch, and Yahoo.
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By Joni Sweet
If you get a call from a number you don't recognize, don't hit decline — it might be a contact tracer calling to let you know that someone you've been near has tested positive for the coronavirus.
Ignoring calls from contact tracers could put you at risk of unknowingly transmitting the virus to your loved ones.
It can even land you in legal hot water if you knowingly avoid contact tracers.
Earlier this month, officials in Rockland County, New York, sent subpoenas to eight people who refused to participate in contact tracing and threatened them with thousands of dollars in fines.
Hearing the phrase "You may have been exposed to the coronavirus" coming from the other end of the line can be scary, but it's important to stay on the phone. Here's what to expect if you get a call from a contact tracer.
Interviews With Contact Tracers
Contact tracing is a public health strategy that involves identifying everyone who may have been in contact with a person who has the coronavirus. Contact tracers collect information and provide guidance to help contain the transmission of disease.
It's been used during outbreaks of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), Ebola, measles, and now the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
It starts when the local department of health gets a report of a confirmed case of the coronavirus in its community and gives that person a call. The contact tracer usually provides information on how to isolate and when to get treatment, then tries to figure out who else the person may have exposed.
"We ask who they've been in contact with in the 48 hours prior to symptom onset, or 2 days before the date of their positive test if they don't have symptoms," said Dr. Heidi Gullett, associate director of the Center for Community Health Integration at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and medical director of the Cuyahoga County Board of Health in Ohio.
If the person with the coronavirus hasn't left their home much, it's a relatively straightforward process.
The interview can get a lot more involved if the person has been traveling, working outside the home, socializing, and seeing lots of other people. The person might need to review their calendar, create a timeline of everywhere they've been, and figure out how long they spent with different individuals.
"We're not concerned about every single contact with others, just the high-risk contacts, defined as being within 6 feet of someone else for 15 minutes or more," said Brian Labus, assistant professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas' School of Public Health and a member of Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak's task force to advise on the scientific aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The case interviews can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on the complexity.
“You’ve Been Exposed”
After the case interview, contact tracers will get to work calling the folks who may have been exposed to the coronavirus by the person who tested positive.
"We give them recommendations about quarantining or isolating, getting tested, and what to do if they become sick. If they're not already sick, we still want them to self-quarantine so that they don't spread the disease to anyone else if they were to become sick," said Labus.
Generally, the contact tracer won't ask for additional contacts unless they happen to call someone who is sick or has a confirmed case of the virus. They will help ensure the contact has the resources they need to isolate themselves, if necessary. The contact tracer may continue to stay in touch with that person over the next 14 days.
"We follow the percentage of people that were contacts, then converted into being actual cases of the virus. It's an important marker to help us understand what kind of transmission happens in our community and how to control the virus," said Gullett.
Why You Should Participate (and What Happens If You Don’t)
A Lancet study from June 16, which looked at data from more than 40,000 people, found that COVID-19 transmission could be reduced by 64 percent through isolating those who have the coronavirus, quarantining their household, and contacting the people they may have exposed.
The combination strategy was significantly more effective than mass random testing or just isolating the sick person and members of their household.
However, contact tracing is only as effective as people's willingness to participate, and a small number of people who've contracted the coronavirus or were potentially exposed are reluctant to talk.
"Contact tracers have all been hung up on, cussed at, yelled at," said Gullet.
The hesitation to talk to contact tracers often stems from concerns over privacy — a serious issue in healthcare.
"These investigations are all conducted through health departments which have strict laws about what can and can't be shared. Protecting people's privacy is a core part of what we do, and we don't release the information you share to the public or tell other people about your medical history," said Labus.
The Federal Trade Commission has guidance on how you can protect your privacy and make sure you're speaking to a legitimate contact tracer. Remember: A contact tracer will never ask for your immigration status, Social Security number, or any sort of payment.
While legal action against people who refuse to talk to contact tracers (like the eight people who received subpoenas in Rockland County) is rare, it can happen. The bigger risk of avoiding these calls is the potential for you to miss out on important guidance about your own health, undermine your state's ability to reopen safely, and transmit the virus to others.
"If you're doing contact tracing and you're getting a bad filtering rate — meaning you're only getting in touch with a fraction of the people you try to contact — then the program isn't effective or useful. The coronavirus is extremely contagious, so missing a few cases can lead to an outbreak," said Dr. Bruce Y. Lee, professor of health policy and management at the City University of New York's Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy.
"We shouldn't sit here and think that the only options are to ride it out or get a vaccine," he added. "There are other public health measures we can take, and contact tracing is one of them."
Reposted with permission from Healthline. For detailed source information, please view the original article on Healthline.
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By Joe Leech
The human body comprises around 60% water.
It's commonly recommended that you drink eight 8-ounce (237-mL) glasses of water per day (the 8×8 rule).
Although there's little science behind this specific rule, staying hydrated is important.
Here are 7 evidence-based health benefits of drinking plenty of water.
1. Helps Maximize Physical Performance
If you don't stay hydrated, your physical performance can suffer.
This is particularly important during intense exercise or high heat.
Dehydration can have a noticeable effect if you lose as little as 2% of your body's water content. However, it isn't uncommon for athletes to lose as much as 6–10% of their water weight via sweat.
This can lead to altered body temperature control, reduced motivation, and increased fatigue. It can also make exercise feel much more difficult, both physically and mentally.
Optimal hydration has been shown to prevent this from happening, and it may even reduce the oxidative stress that occurs during high intensity exercise. This isn't surprising when you consider that muscle is about 80% water.
If you exercise intensely and tend to sweat, staying hydrated can help you perform at your absolute best.
Summary
Losing as little as 2% of your body's water content can significantly impair your physical performance.
2. Significantly Affects Energy Levels and Brain Function
Your brain is strongly influenced by your hydration status.
Studies show that even mild dehydration, such as the loss of 1–3% of body weight, can impair many aspects of brain function.
In a study in young women, researchers found that fluid loss of 1.4% after exercise impaired both mood and concentration. It also increased the frequency of headaches.
Many members of this same research team conducted a similar study in young men. They found that fluid loss of 1.6% was detrimental to working memory and increased feelings of anxiety and fatigue.
A fluid loss of 1–3% equals about 1.5–4.5 pounds (0.5–2 kg) of body weight loss for a person weighing 150 pounds (68 kg). This can easily occur through normal daily activities, let alone during exercise or high heat.
Many other studies, with subjects ranging from children to older adults, have shown that mild dehydration can impair mood, memory, and brain performance.
Summary
Mild dehydration (fluid loss of 1–3%) can impair energy levels, impair mood, and lead to major reductions in memory and brain performance.
3. May Help Prevent and Treat Headaches
Dehydration can trigger headaches and migraine in some individuals.
Research has shown that a headache is one of the most common symptoms of dehydration. For example, a study in 393 people found that 40% of the participants experienced a headache as a result of dehydration.
What's more, some studies have shown that drinking water can help relieve headaches in those who experience frequent headaches.
A study in 102 men found that drinking an additional 50.7 ounces (1.5 liters) of water per day resulted in significant improvements on the Migraine-Specific Quality of Life scale, a scoring system for migraine symptoms.
Plus, 47% of the men who drank more water reported headache improvement, while only 25% of the men in the control group reported this effect.
However, not all studies agree, and researchers have concluded that because of the lack of high quality studies, more research is needed to confirm how increasing hydration may help improve headache symptoms and decrease headache frequency.
Summary
Drinking water may help reduce headaches and headache symptoms. However, more high quality research is needed to confirm this potential benefit.
4. May Help Relieve Constipation
Constipation is a common problem that's characterized by infrequent bowel movements and difficulty passing stool.
Increasing fluid intake is often recommended as a part of the treatment protocol, and there's some evidence to back this up.
Low water consumption appears to be a risk factor for constipation in both younger and older individuals.
Increasing hydration may help decrease constipation.
Mineral water may be a particularly beneficial beverage for those with constipation.
Studies have shown that mineral water that's rich in magnesium and sodium improves bowel movement frequency and consistency in people with constipation.
Summary
Drinking plenty of water may help prevent and relieve constipation, especially in people who generally don't drink enough water.
5. May Help Treat Kidney Stones
Urinary stones are painful clumps of mineral crystal that form in the urinary system.
The most common form is kidney stones, which form in the kidneys.
There's limited evidence that water intake can help prevent recurrence in people who have previously gotten kidney stones.
Higher fluid intake increases the volume of urine passing through the kidneys. This dilutes the concentration of minerals, so they're less likely to crystallize and form clumps.
Water may also help prevent the initial formation of stones, but studies are required to confirm this.
Summary
Increased water intake appears to decrease the risk of kidney stone formation.
6. Helps Prevent Hangovers
A hangover refers to the unpleasant symptoms experienced after drinking alcohol.
Alcohol is a diuretic, so it makes you lose more water than you take in. This can lead to dehydration.
Although dehydration isn't the main cause of hangovers, it can cause symptoms like thirst, fatigue, headache, and dry mouth.
Good ways to reduce hangovers are to drink a glass of water between drinks and have at least one big glass of water before going to bed.
Summary
Hangovers are partly caused by dehydration, and drinking water can help reduce some of the main symptoms of hangovers.
7. Can Aid Weight Loss
Drinking plenty of water can help you lose weight.
This is because water can increase satiety and boost your metabolic rate.
Some evidence suggests that increasing water intake can promote weight loss by slightly increasing your metabolism, which can increase the number of calories you burn on a daily basis.
A 2013 study in 50 young women with overweight demonstrated that drinking an additional 16.9 ounces (500 mL) of water 3 times per day before meals for 8 weeks led to significant reductions in body weight and body fat compared with their pre-study measurements.
The timing is important too. Drinking water half an hour before meals is the most effective. It can make you feel more full so that you eat fewer calories.
In one study, dieters who drank 16.9 ounces (0.5 liters) of water before meals lost 44% more weight over a period of 12 weeks than dieters who didn't drink water before meals.
The Bottom Line
Even mild dehydration can affect you mentally and physically.
Make sure that you get enough water each day, whether your personal goal is 64 ounces (1.9 liters) or a different amount. It's one of the best things you can do for your overall health.
Reposted with permission from Healthline. For detailed source information, please view the original article on Healthline.
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By Beth Ann Mayer
Since even moderate-intensity workouts offer a slew of benefits, walking is a good choice for people looking to stay healthy.
Just like eating the same thing every day can get stale, so can doing one type of exercise. A few small tweaks can make a world of difference.
Regular walkers, or those avoiding the monotony of daily strolls altogether, can put a spring back in their step with some simple changes.
How to Rock Your Walk
Walking isn't just fun and healthy. It's accessible.
"Walking is cheap," says Dr. John Paul H. Rue, a sports medicine doctor at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore. "You can do it anywhere at any time; [it] requires little to no special equipment and has many of the same cardio benefits as running or other more intense workouts."
Want to up your walking game? Try the tips below.
Use Hand Weights
Cardio and strength training can go hand-in-hand when you add weights to your walk.
A 2019 study found that weight training is good for your heart, and research shows it reduces the risk of developing a metabolic disorder by 17 percent. People with metabolic disorders have a higher chance of being diagnosed with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Rue suggests not carrying weights for your entire walk.
"Hand weights can give you an added level of energy burning, but you have to be careful with these because carrying [them] over a long period of time or while walking could actually lead to some overuse injuries," he says.
Make It a Circuit
As another option, consider doing a circuit. First, put a pair of dumbbells on your lawn or somewhere in your home. Walk around the block once, then stop and do some bicep curls and tricep lifts before walking around the block again.
Rue recommends avoiding ankle weights during cardio workouts, as they force you to use your quadriceps rather than hamstrings. They can also cause muscle imbalance, according to the Harvard Health Letter.
Find a Fitness Trail
Strength training isn't limited to weights. You can get stronger by simply using your body.
Often found at parks, fitness trails are obstacle courses with equipment for pullups, pushups, rowing, and stretches to build upper and lower body strength.
Try searching "fitness trails near me" online, checking out your local parks and recreation website, or calling the municipal office to find one.
Recruit a Friend
People who workout together stay healthy together.
One study showed that older adults who exercised with a group improved or maintained their functional health and enjoyed their lives more.
Enlist the help of a walking buddy with a regimen you aspire to have. If you don't know anyone in your area, apps like Strava have social networking features so you can get support from fellow exercisers.
Try Meditation
According to the 2017 National Health Interview Survey, published by the National Institutes of Health, meditation is on the rise, and for good reason.
Researchers found that mind-body relaxation practices can regulate inflammation, circadian rhythms, and glucose metabolism, as well as lower blood pressure.
"Any form of exercise can be turned into a meditation of some type, either by the surroundings you are walking in, like a park or trail, or by blocking out the outside world with music on your headphones," Rue says.
You can also play a podcast or download an app like Headspace that has a library of guided meditations to practice while you walk.
Do Fartlek Walks
Typically used in running, fartlek intervals alternate periods of increased and decreased speed. These are high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts, which allow exercisers to accomplish more in less time.
One study showed that 10-minute interval training improved cardiometabolic health, or lowered the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, just as well as working out at a continuous pace for 50 minutes.
Research also shows that HIIT workouts increase muscle oxidative capacity, or the ability to use oxygen. To do a fartlek walk, try walking at an increased pace for 3 minutes, slow down for 2 minutes, and repeat.
Gradually Increase Pace
A faster walking pace is associated with a lower risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and respiratory diseases, according to a 2019 study.
Still, it's best not to go from a stroll to an Olympic-worthy power walk in a day. Instead, increase your pace gradually to prevent injury.
"Start by walking at a brisk pace for about 10 minutes per day, 3 to 5 days per week," Rue says. "Once you've done this for a few weeks, increase your time by 5 to 10 minutes per day until you get to 30 minutes."
Add Stairs
You've likely heard that taking the stairs instead of an elevator is a way to add more movement into your daily routine. It's also a way to step up your walking. Stair climbing has been shown to decrease the risk of mortality and can easily add a bit more challenge to your walk.
If you don't have stairs in your home, you can often find them outside a local municipal building, train station, or at a high school stadium.
Is Your Walk a True Cardio Workout?
Not all walks are equal. A walk that's too leisurely may not provide enough burn to qualify as cardio. To see if you're getting a good workout, try to measure your heart rate using a monitor.
"A target goal for a good walking workout heart rate is about 50 to 70 percent of your maximum heart rate," Rue says, adding that maximum heart rate is typically calculated by 220 beats per minute minus your age.
You can also monitor how easily you can carry on a conversation while you walk to gauge your heart rate.
"If you can walk and carry on a normal conversation, that's probably a lower intensity walk," says Rue. "If you are slightly breathless but can still have a conversation, that's probably a moderate workout. If you are out of breath and can't talk normally, that's a vigorous workout."
Takeaway
By shaking up your routine, you can add excitement to your workout and reap even more rewards than a basic walk provides. Increasing the pace and intensity of a workout will make it more effective.
Simply pick your favorite variation to add some spice to your next walk.
Reposted with permission from Healthline. For detailed source information, please view the original article on Healthline.
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By Alexandra Rowles
Oregano is a fragrant herb that's best known as an ingredient in Italian food.
However, it can also be concentrated into an essential oil that's loaded with antioxidants and powerful compounds that have proven health benefits.
Oregano oil is the extract and, although it's not as strong as the essential oil, it appears to be useful both when consumed or applied to the skin. Essential oils, on the other hand, are not meant to be consumed.
Interestingly, oregano oil is an effective natural antibiotic and antifungal agent, and it may help you lose weight and lower your cholesterol levels.
What Is Oregano Oil?
Botanically known as Origanum vulgare, oregano is a flowering plant from the same family as mint. It's often used as an herb to flavor food.
Although it's native to Europe, it now grows all over the world.
Oregano has been popular ever since the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations used it for medicinal purposes. In fact, the name oregano comes from the Greek words "oros," meaning mountain, and "ganos," meaning joy or delight.
The herb has also been used for centuries as a culinary spice.
Oregano essential oil is made by air-drying the leaves and shoots of the plant. Once they're dried, the oil is extracted and concentrated by steam distillation.
Oregano essential oil can be mixed with a carrier oil and applied topically. However, it should not be consumed orally.
Oregano oil extract, on the other hand, can be produced via several extraction methods using compounds like carbon dioxide or alcohol. It's widely available as a supplement and can often be found in pill or capsule form.
Oregano contains compounds called phenols, terpenes, and terpenoids. They have powerful antioxidant properties and are responsible for its fragrance:
- Carvacrol. The most abundant phenol in oregano, it has been shown to stop the growth of several different types of bacteria.
- Thymol. This natural antifungal can also support the immune system and protect against toxins.
- Rosmarinic acid. This powerful antioxidant helps protect against damage caused by free radicals.
These compounds are thought to underlie oregano's many health benefits.
Here are 9 potential benefits and uses of oregano oil.
1. Natural Antibiotic
Oregano and the carvacrol it contains may help fight bacteria.
The Staphylococcus aureus bacterium is one of the most common causes of infection, resulting in ailments like food poisoning and skin infections.
One particular study looked at whether oregano essential oil improved the survival of 14 mice infected with Staphylococcus aureus.
It found that 43% of the mice given oregano essential oil lived past 30 days, a survival rate nearly as high as the 50% survival rate for mice that received regular antibiotics.
Research has also shown that oregano essential oil may be effective against some potentially antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
This includes Pseudomonas aeruginosa and E. coli, both of which are common causes of urinary and respiratory tract infections.
Although more human studies on the effects of oregano oil extract are needed, it contains many of the same compounds as oregano essential oil and may offer similar health benefits when used as a supplement.
SUMMARY
One mouse study found oregano essential oil to be almost as effective as antibiotics against common bacteria, though much more research is needed.
2. May Help Lower Cholesterol
Studies have shown that oregano oil may help lower cholesterol.
In one study, 48 people with mildly high cholesterol were given diet and lifestyle advice to help lower their cholesterol. Thirty-two participants were also given 0.85 ounces (25 mL) of oregano oil extract after each meal.
After 3 months, those given the oregano oil had lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and higher HDL (good) cholesterol, compared with those who were just given diet and lifestyle advice.
Carvacrol, the main compound in oregano oil, has also been shown to help lower cholesterol in mice that were fed a high fat diet over 10 weeks.
The mice given carvacrol alongside the high fat diet had significantly lower cholesterol at the end of the 10 weeks, compared with those that were just given a high fat diet.
The cholesterol-lowering effect of oregano oil is thought to be the result of the phenols carvacrol and thymol.
SUMMARY
Studies have shown that oregano may help lower cholesterol in people and mice with high cholesterol. This is thought to be the result of the compounds carvacrol and thymol.
3. Powerful Antioxidant
Antioxidants help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
It's thought that free radical damage plays a role in aging and the development of some diseases, such as cancer and heart disease.
Free radicals are everywhere and a natural product of metabolism.
However, they can build up in the body through exposure to environmental factors, such as cigarette smoke and air pollutants.
One older test-tube study compared the antioxidant content of 39 commonly used herbs and found that oregano had the highest concentration of antioxidants.
It found that oregano contained 3–30 times the levels of antioxidants in the other herbs studied, which included thyme, marjoram, and St. John's wort.
Gram per gram, oregano also has 42 times the antioxidant level of apples and 4 times that of blueberries. This is thought to be mostly due to its rosmarinic acid content.
Because oregano oil extract is very concentrated, you need much less oregano oil to reap the same antioxidant benefits as you would from fresh oregano.
SUMMARY
Fresh oregano has a very high antioxidant content. In fact, it's much higher than that of most fruits and vegetables, gram per gram. The antioxidant content is concentrated in oregano oil.
4. Could Help Treat Yeast Infections
Yeast is a type of fungus. It can be harmless, but overgrowth can result in gut problems and infections, such as thrush.
The most well-known yeast is Candida, which is the most common cause of yeast infections worldwide.
In test-tube studies, oregano essential oil has been found to be effective against five different types of Candida, such as those that cause infections in the mouth and vagina. In fact, it was more effective than any other essential oil tested.
Test-tube studies have also found that carvacrol, one of the main compounds of oregano oil, is very effective against oral Candida.
High levels of the yeast Candida have also been associated with some gut conditions, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
A test-tube study on the effectiveness of oregano essential oil on 16 different strains of Candida concluded that oregano oil may be a good alternative treatment for Candida yeast infections. However, more research is needed.
SUMMARY
Test-tube studies have shown that oregano essential oil is effective against Candida, the most common form of yeast.
5. May Improve Gut Health
Oregano may benefit gut health in a number of ways.
Gut symptoms like diarrhea, pain, and bloating are common and can be caused by gut parasites.
One older study gave 600 mg of oregano oil to 14 people who had gut symptoms as a result of a parasite. After daily treatment for 6 weeks, all participants experienced a reduction in parasites, and 77% were cured.
Participants also experienced a reduction in gut symptoms and tiredness associated with the symptoms.
Oregano may also help protect against another common gut complaint known as "leaky gut." This happens when the gut wall becomes damaged, allowing bacteria and toxins to pass into the bloodstream.
In a study on pigs, oregano essential oil protected the gut wall from damage and prevented it from becoming "leaky." It also reduced the number of E. coli bacteria in the gut.
SUMMARY
Oregano oil may benefit gut health by killing gut parasites and protecting against leaky gut syndrome.
6. May Have Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Inflammation in the body is linked to a number of adverse health effects.
Research has shown that oregano oil may reduce inflammation.
One mouse study found that oregano essential oil, along with thyme essential oil, reduced inflammatory markers in those that had artificially induced colitis.
Carvacrol, one of the key components in oregano oil, has also been shown to reduce inflammation.
One study directly applied different concentrations of carvacrol to the swollen paws or ears of mice. Carvacrol reduced paw and ear swelling by 35–61% and 33–43%, respectively.
SUMMARY
Oregano oil and its components may help reduce inflammation in mice, though human studies are needed.
7. Could Help Relieve Pain
Oregano oil has been investigated for its painkilling properties.
One older study in mice tested standard painkillers and essential oils, including oregano essential oil, for their ability to relieve pain.
It found that oregano essential oil significantly reduced pain in mice, exerting effects similar to those of the commonly used painkillers fenoprofen and morphine.
The research proposed these results were likely due to the carvacrol content of oregano.
A similar study found that oregano extract reduced pain in rats, and that the response was dose-dependent, meaning the more oregano extract the rats consumed, the less pain they appeared to feel.
SUMMARY
Oregano oil may significantly reduce pain in mice and rats, exerting pain-relieving effects similar to those of some commonly used medications.
8. May Have Cancer-Fighting Properties
A few studies have indicated that carvacrol, one of the compounds of oregano oil, may have cancer-fighting properties.
In test-tube studies on cancer cells, carvacrol has demonstrated promising results against lung, liver, and breast cancer cells.
It has been found to inhibit cell growth and cause cancer cell death.
Although this is promising research, no studies have been carried out on people, so more research is needed.
SUMMARY
Preliminary studies have shown that carvacrol — the most abundant compound in oregano oil — inhibits cancer cell growth and causes cell death in lung, liver, and breast cancer cells.
9. May Help You Lose Weight
Thanks to oregano's carvacrol content, oregano oil may aid weight loss.
In one study, mice were fed either a normal diet, high fat diet, or high fat diet with carvacrol. Those given carvacrol alongside their high fat diet gained significantly less weight and body fat than those just given a high fat diet.
Furthermore, carvacrol appeared to reverse the chain of events that can lead to the formation of fat cells.
More research is needed to demonstrate that oregano oil has a role in weight loss, but it may be worth trying as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.
SUMMARY
Oregano oil may be beneficial for weight loss through the action of carvacrol, though human studies are needed.
How to Use Oregano Oil
Oregano oil extract is widely available in capsule and tablet form. It can be bought from most health food shops or online.
Because the strength of oregano supplements can vary, it's important to read the directions on the individual packet for instructions on how to use the product.
Oregano essential oil is also available and can be diluted with a carrier oil and applied topically. Note that no essential oil should be ingested.
There's no standard effective dose of oregano essential oil. However, it's often mixed with around 1 teaspoon (5 mL) of olive oil per drop of oregano essential oil and applied directly to the skin.
Like other essential oils, keep in mind that oregano essential oil should not be consumed orally.
If you're interested in taking oregano oil extract but currently taking prescription medications, make sure to consult your healthcare provider before adding it to your regimen.
In addition, oregano oil extract is not generally recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
SUMMARY
Oregano oil extract can be purchased in pill or capsule form and taken orally. Oregano essential oil is also available and can be diluted with a carrier oil and applied to the skin.
The Bottom Line
Oregano oil extract and oregano essential oil are both relatively cheap and readily available.
Oregano is higher in antioxidants than most fruits and vegetables, and it's packed full of powerful compounds called phenols.
Oregano also contains compounds that may be effective against bacterial and fungal infections, inflammation, and pain, among other conditions.
Overall, it appears to have several health benefits and may be useful as a natural treatment for some common health complaints.
Reposted with permission from Healthline. For detailed source information, please view the original article on Healthline.
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Unhealthy foods play a primary role in many people gaining weight and developing chronic health conditions, more now than ever before.
Surprisingly, people consider some of these foods healthy.
Here are 15 "health foods" that are really junk foods in disguise.
1. Processed ‘Low-Fat’ and ‘Fat-Free’ Foods
The "war" on saturated fat could be considered one of the most misguided decisions in the history of nutrition.
It was based on weak evidence, which has now been completely debunked.
When this discussion started, processed food manufacturers jumped on the bandwagon and started removing the fat from foods.
But there's a huge problem. Food doesn't taste well when the fat has been removed. That's why they added a lot of sugar to compensate.
Saturated fat is harmless, but added sugar is incredibly harmful when consumed in excess.
The words "low fat" or "fat free" on packaging usually means that it's a highly processed product that's loaded with sugar.
2. Most Commercial Salad Dressings
Vegetables are incredibly healthy.
The problem is that they often don't taste very good on their own.
That's why many people use dressings to add flavor to their salads, turning these bland meals into delicious treats.
But many salad dressings are actually loaded with unhealthy ingredients like sugar, vegetable oils, and trans fats, along with various artificial chemicals.
Although vegetables are good for you, eating them with a dressing high in harmful ingredients negates any health benefit you get from the salad.
Check the ingredients list before you use a salad dressing or make your own using healthy ingredients.
3. Fruit Juices … Which Are Basically Just Liquid Sugar
A lot of people believe fruit juices are healthy.
They must be because they come from fruit, right?
But most fruit juice you find in the grocery store isn't really fruit juice.
Sometimes they don't have any actual fruit in them, just chemicals that taste like fruit. What you're drinking is basically fruit-flavored sugar water.
That being said, even if you're drinking 100% quality fruit juice, it's still not the best choice.
Fruit juice is like fruit, except with all the good stuff (like the fiber) taken out. The main thing left of the actual fruit is the sugar.
Fruit juice actually contains a similar amount of sugar as a sugar-sweetened beverage.
4. ‘Heart-Healthy’ Whole Wheat
Most "whole wheat" products aren't really made from whole wheat.
The grains have been pulverized into very fine flour, which causes them to raise blood sugar just as fast as their refined counterparts.
In fact, whole wheat bread can have a similar glycemic index as white bread.
But even true whole wheat may be a bad idea because modern wheat is unhealthy compared to the wheat our grandparents ate.
Around 1960, scientists modified the genes in wheat to increase the yield. Modern wheat is less nutritious and has some properties that make it much worse for people who have a gluten intolerance.
There are also studies showing that modern wheat may cause inflammation and increased cholesterol levels, at least when compared to the older varieties.
Wheat may have been a relatively healthy grain back in the day, but the stuff most people are eating today should be consumed with caution.
5. Cholesterol-Lowering Phytosterols
Phytosterols are nutrients that are basically like plant versions of cholesterol.
Some studies have shown that they can lower blood cholesterol in humans.
For this reason, they're often added to processed foods that are then marketed as "cholesterol lowering" and claimed to help prevent heart disease.
However, studies have shown that despite lowering cholesterol levels, phytosterols have negative effects on the cardiovascular system and may even increase the risk of heart disease and death.
People with phytosterolaemia (a genetic condition that raises plant sterol level in blood) are more susceptible to the negative effects of phytosterols.
6. Margarine
Butter was labeled a bad food choice in the past because of its high saturated fat content.
Various health experts started promoting margarine instead.
Back in the day, margarine used to be high in trans fats. These days, it has fewer trans fats than before, but it's still loaded with refined vegetable oils.
Not surprisingly, the Framingham Heart Study showed that people who replace butter with margarine are actually more likely to die from heart disease.
If you want to improve your health, try to eat real butter (preferably grass fed), and avoid margarine with trans fat. Trans-fat-free margarine has become more available in recent years.
Always read nutrition facts carefully and limit products that contain trans fat.
Recommending trans fat-laden margarine instead of natural butter may be considered some of the worst nutrition advice in history.
7. Sports Drinks
Sports drinks were designed with athletes in mind.
They contain electrolytes (salts) and sugar, which can be useful for athletes in many cases.
However, most people don't need additional salt or liquid sugar in their diet.
Although often considered "less bad" than sugary soft drinks, there's really no fundamental difference in the two, except the sugar content in sports drinks is sometimes slightly lower.
It's important to stay hydrated, especially when working out, but most people will be better off sticking to plain water.
8. Low-Carb Junk Foods
Low carb diets have been incredibly popular for many decades.
In the past 12 years, studies have confirmed that these diets are an effective way to lose weight and improve health.
However, food manufacturers have caught up on the trend and brought various low carb "friendly" processed foods to the market.
This includes highly processed foods like the Atkins bars. If you take a look at the ingredients list, you see that there's no real food in them, just chemicals and highly refined ingredients.
These products can be consumed occasionally without compromising the metabolic adaptation that comes with low carb eating.
However, they don't really nourish your body. Even though they're technically low carb, they're still unhealthy.
9. Agave Nectar
Given the known harmful effects of sugar, people have been looking for alternatives.
One of the more popular "natural" sweeteners is agave nectar, which is also called agave syrup.
You'll find this sweetener in all sorts of "healthy foods," often with attractive claims on the packaging.
The problem with agave is that it's no better than regular sugar. In fact, it's much worse.
One of the main problems with sugar is that it has excessive amounts of fructose, which can cause severe metabolic problems when consumed in excess.
Sugar is about 50% fructose and 55% high fructose corn syrup, but agave contains even more — up to 70-90%.
Therefore, gram for gram, agave is even worse than regular sugar.
"Natural" doesn't always equal healthy. Whether agave should even be considered natural is debatable.
10. Vegan Junk Foods
Vegan diets are very popular these days, often due to ethical and environmental reasons.
However, many people promote vegan diets for the purpose of improving health.
There are many processed vegan foods on the market, often sold as convenient replacements for non-vegan foods.
Vegan bacon is one example.
But it's important to keep in mind that these are usually highly processed, factory made products that are bad for almost anyone, including people who are vegan.
11. Brown Rice Syrup
Brown rice syrup, also known as rice malt syrup, is a sweetener that's mistakenly assumed to be healthy.
It's made by exposing cooked rice to enzymes that break down the starch into simple sugars.
Brown rice syrup contains no refined fructose, just glucose.
The absence of refined fructose is good, but rice syrup has a glycemic index of 98, which means that the glucose in it will spike blood sugar extremely fast.
Rice syrup is also highly refined and contains almost no essential nutrients. In other words, it's considered "empty" calories.
Some concerns have been raised about arsenic contamination in this syrup, which is another reason to be extra careful with this sweetener.
There are other sweeteners out there, including low calorie sweeteners like:
In general, try to use all sweeteners wisely and follow recommended serving sizes.
12. Processed Organic Foods
Unfortunately, the word "organic" has become a typical marketing buzzword in many instances.
Food manufacturers have found all sorts of ways to make the same products, except with ingredients that happen to be organic.
This includes ingredients like organic raw cane sugar, which is basically 100% identical to regular sugar. It's still just glucose and fructose with little to no nutrients.
In many cases, the difference between an ingredient and its organic counterpart is next to none.
Processed foods that happen to be labeled organic aren't necessarily healthy. Always check the label to see what's inside.
13. Vegetable Oils
We're often advised to eat seed and vegetable oils, which includes soybean oil, canola oil, grapeseed oil, and numerous others.
This recommendation is based on the fact that these oils have been shown to lower blood cholesterol levels, at least in the short term.
However, it's important to keep in mind that blood cholesterol is a risk factor. It's not a disease in itself.
Even though vegetable oils can help improve a risk factor, there's no guarantee that they'll help prevent actual health outcomes like heart attacks or death, which is what really counts.
In fact, several controlled trials have shown that despite lowering cholesterol, these oils can increase the risk of developing heart disease and memory impairment.
It's important to eat healthy, natural fats like butter, coconut oil and olive oil in moderation.
Also, follow the recommended serving size, but limit processed vegetable oils as if your health depended on it, which it does.
14. Gluten-Free Junk Foods
According to a 2013 survey, about a third of people in the United States are actively trying to limit or avoid gluten.
Many experts believe this is unnecessary, but the truth is, gluten, especially from modern wheat, can be problematic for a lot of people.
Not surprisingly, the food manufacturers have brought all sorts of gluten-free foods to the market.
The problem with these foods is that they usually have the same negative effects on your body as their gluten-containing counterparts, if not worse.
These are highly processed foods containing few nutrients and often made with refined starches that can lead to very rapid spikes in blood sugar.
Try to choose foods that are naturally gluten free, like plants and animals, not gluten-free processed foods.
Gluten-free junk food is still junk food.
15. Most Processed Breakfast Cereals
The way some breakfast cereals are marketed can be deceiving.
Many of them, including those that are marketed toward children, have various health claims listed on the box.
This includes claims like "whole grain" or "low fat" that may be misleading.
This is especially true when you look at the ingredients list and see that these products mostly contain:
- refined grains
- sugar
- artificial chemicals
It's important to always review product packaging to confirm what you're actually putting in your body and whether it's healthy for you.
Truly healthy foods are whole, single-ingredient foods. Their health benefits speak for them.
Real food doesn't even need an ingredients list, because real food is the ingredient.
Reposted with permission from Healthline. For detailed source information, please view the original article on Healthline.
By Kelli McGrane
Oat milk is popping up at coffee shops and grocery stores alike, quickly becoming one of the trendiest plant-based milks.
In its simplest form, it's made by soaking oats, blending them with water, and straining out the oats. Yet, many companies add ingredients like sweeteners, oils, thickeners, and stabilizers to alter the product's taste, texture, and shelf life.
Since many people prefer to avoid these additives, Healthline evaluated the healthiest oat milks based on the following criteria:
- quality of ingredients
- few — if any — added ingredients, such as stabilizers, thickeners, gums, sugars, colors, and flavors
- taste and texture
Here are the 14 best oat milks of 2020.
Pricing Guide
General price ranges are indicated below with dollar signs ($ to $$). One dollar sign means the product is rather affordable, whereas three dollar signs indicate a higher cost.
Generally, prices range from $0.08–$0.56 per ounce (30 mL), or $3.99–$44.99 per package, though this may vary depending on where you shop.
Pricing guide
- $ = under $0.10 per ounce (30 mL)
- $ = $0.10–$0.50 per ounce (30 mL)
- $$ = over $0.50 per ounce (30 mL)
1. Best Overall: Oatly Original Oatmilk
Price: $
The Swedish company Oatly, considered the original oat milk manufacturer, has become increasingly popular in the United States.
Its thick, creamy texture, slight sweetness, and versatility for baking and drinking alike make it the best overall option on the market.
Its Original Oatmilk product owes its rich consistency to non-GMO, expeller-pressed rapeseed oil, also known as canola oil in the United States.
As it's less processed than most seed oils, Oatly's rapeseed oil likely retains more of its beneficial nutrients, including vitamin E and omega-3 and -6 fatty acids.
Just 1 cup (240 mL) of Oatly Original Oatmilk provides:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 5 grams
- Saturated fat: 0.5 grams
- Carbs: 16 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Sugar: 7 grams
- Protein: 3 grams
- Calcium: 20% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin B12: 50% of the DV
- Vitamin D: 25% of the DV
The vitamin B12 content is particularly notable, as this essential vitamin is sometimes lacking in vegan and vegetarian diets.
While Oatly doesn't add sugar to its products, oat milk contains small amounts of natural sugars from oat starches that are broken down during the manufacturing process.
This is true for many other oat milk products on this list.
Shop for Oatly Original Oatmilk online.
2. Best Budget Option: Silk Oat Yeah Oatmilk (Plain)
Price: $
Silk's Oat Yeah Oatmilk is one of the cheapest oat milk products that's widely available.
Its balanced flavor isn't overly sweet, and its smooth texture resembles that of soy milk. Thus, it's great for drinking on its own, as well as using in cooking and baking.
Just 1 cup (240 mL) of Silk's plain Oat Yeah Oatmilk offers:
- Calories: 80
- Fat: 3 grams
- Saturated fat: 0 grams
- Carbs: 11 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Sugar: 4 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
- Calcium: 35% of the DV
- Vitamin B12: 100% of the DV
- Vitamin D: 20% of the DV
As you can see, a single serving packs all of your daily vitamin B12 needs. What's more, its ratio of calcium and vitamin D is similar to what's found in fortified dairy milk.
While Silk Oat Yeah Oatmilk harbors more ingredients and additives than many other products on this list, it's still one of the best options for the price.
Shop for plain Silk Oat Yeah Oatmilk online.
3. Best Gluten-Free: Oatly Low Fat Oatmilk
Price: $
While several oat milk companies claim to be gluten-free, Oatly is currently the only major brand in the United States that's been certified gluten-free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO).
What's more, their low fat oatmilk has a relatively short ingredient list that's free of added gums and thickeners. Unlike other Oatly products, it doesn't contain added oils.
One cup (240 mL) provides:
- Calories: 91
- Fat: 1 gram
- Saturated fat: 0 grams
- Carbs: 16 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Sugar: 7 grams
- Protein: 3 grams
- Calcium: 20–25% of the DV
- Phosphorus: 20–25% of the DV
- Vitamin A: 20–25% of the DV
- Vitamin B12: 50% of the DV
- Vitamin D: 20–25% of the DV
Unlike Oatly's Original product, their low fat option is thinner and closer in consistency to low fat dairy milk.
Shop for Oatly Low Fat Oatmilk online.
4–5. Best Organic Oat Milks
While all types of oats are nutritious, whole grain foods, some people are concerned about chemical pesticides and fertilizers used on conventional oat crops.
Levels of chemical residues on oats regularly test below the safety limits set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Still, organic oats are less likely to contain high levels of these residues.
4. Oatsome Oat Milk Original
Price: $
Oatsome Oat Milk Original is not only organic but also free of gums, thickeners, and stabilizers.
Just 1 cup (240 mL) provides:
- Calories: 130
- Fat: 3 grams
- Saturated fat: 0 grams
- Carbs: 21 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Sugar: 13 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
- Calcium: 20% of the DV
- Riboflavin (vitamin B6): 40% of the DV
- Vitamin B12: 40% of the DV
- Vitamin D: 10% of the DV
While lauded for its creamy texture, it's one of the more expensive options on the market.
Shop for Oatsome Oat Milk Original online.
5. Pacific Foods Original Oat Plant-Based Beverage, Reduced Sugar
Price: $
Pacific Foods is a respected food company that uses as many locally sourced and organic ingredients as possible.
Their organic, reduced sugar oat original plant-based beverage is certified organic and non-GMO. Additionally, it has a minimal ingredient list that's free of added sugars.
Just 1 cup (240 mL) provides:
- Calories: 130
- Fat: 2.5 grams
- Saturated fat: 0.5 grams
- Carbs: 23 grams
- Fiber: less than 1 gram
- Sugar: 3 grams
- Protein: 4 grams
This organic oat beverage also has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that's a bit thinner than other oat milk options. As a result, it's best enjoyed on its own as a beverage or used in cooking and baking.
While one of the lowest sugar options, some reviewers find the beverage to have a slightly gritty texture.
Shop for Pacific Foods Original Oat Plant-Based Beverage, Reduced Sugar online.
6–7. Best Oat Milks for Drinking
The best oat milks for drinking are creamy — but not too thick — and aren't overly sweet.
6. Planet Oat Original
Price: $
If you like the consistency of 2% milk, Planet Oat Original is a great choice because it's free of added oils and quite low in natural sugars.
A single cup (240 mL) offers:
- Calories: 90
- Fat: 1.5 grams
- Saturated fat: 0 grams
- Carbs: 19 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Sugar: 4 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
- Calcium: 25% of the DV
- Vitamin D: 20% of the DV
Like Oatly, Planet Oat uses a stabilizer called dipotassium phosphate that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) deems safe.
However, frequent intake of foods containing this additive may harm kidney health, especially in people with pre-existing kidney disease.
While small amounts of dipotassium phosphate shouldn't be concerning, you may want to choose a different oat milk if you have kidney issues.
Shop for Planet Oat original oatmilk online.
7. Califia Farms Unsweetened Oatmilk
Price: $
Califia Farms Unsweetened Oatmilk isn't overly sweet and strikes the right balance between smooth and creamy.
As it tends to separate when added to coffee, it's best consumed on its own or with cereal.
Just 1 cup (240 mL) contains:
- Calories: 130
- Fat: 7 grams
- Saturated fat: 1 gram
- Carbs: 15 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Sugar: 4 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
- Calcium: 20% of the DV
Although this oat milk is free of gums and stabilizers, it's higher in fat than many other products.
This fat comes from sunflower oil, which is high in omega-6 fatty acids.
Research suggests that diets high in omega-6s but low in omega-3s may increase chronic inflammation in your body. Over time, this may raise your risk of chronic ailments like heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes.
If you choose this oat milk, you may want to limit your intake of other vegetable oils high in omega-6s, such as soybean, safflower, cottonseed, and corn oil.
Shop for Califia Farms Unsweetened Oatmilk online.
8–9. Best Oat Milks for Coffee
Many oat milk brands offer barista blends designed to steam and froth for drinks like lattés and cappuccinos.
These products are often creamier than regular oat milks to provide a gourmet, coffee-shop quality.
8. Califia Farms Oat Barista Blend
Price: $
While Califia Farms' unsweetened product isn't the best for coffee, its Barista Blend gets great reviews for its frothing ability and sweet, oaty flavor.
Notably, it's also free of gums and stabilizers.
One cup (240 mL) contains:
- Calories: 130
- Fat: 7 grams
- Saturated fat: 0.5 grams
- Carbs: 14 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Sugar: 3 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
Shop for Califia Farms Oat Barista Blend online.
9. Minor Figures Oat Milk Barista
Price: $
Created by baristas in London, Minor Figures Oat Milk Barista is designed to be great for foaming or steaming.
It works well for your morning latté but can also be used in baking and even poured over cereal, as its texture isn't overly thick.
Additionally, it's free of gums, thickeners, and stabilizers.
Just 1 cup (240 mL) offers:
- Calories: 116
- Fat: 5 grams
- Saturated fat: 0.5 grams
- Carbs: 23 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Sugar: 11 grams
- Protein: 0.5 grams
10–11. Best for Cooking and Baking
While most oat milks can be used for cooking and baking, some are better than others due to their thickness and flavor.
10. Elmhurst Unsweetened Milked Oats
Price: $
Elmhurst Unsweetened Milked Oats is a low sugar, mild oat milk that's made with just filtered water, oats, and salt.
It's not ideal for drinking or adding to coffee since it's thinner than many other oat milks. Keep in mind that some consumers mention a slight gritty texture.
Still, it's one of the best options if you're used to baking or cooking with skim or low fat dairy milk.
Only 1 cup (240 mL) contains:
- Calories: 80
- Fat: 1.5 grams
- Saturated fat: 0 grams
- Carbs: 14 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Sugar: 1 gram
- Protein: 4 grams
Shop for Elmhurst Unsweetened Milked Oats online.
11. Chobani Plain Extra Creamy Oat Milk
Price: $
Unlike Elmhurst's product above, Chobani's Plain Extra Creamy Oat Milk has a consistency much closer to whole milk.
Its slightly sweet taste and thick, creamy texture add a rich mouthfeel and flavor to baked goods. It can also help thicken soups.
While it contains a small number of additives, it uses organic oats and doesn't have artificial flavors or preservatives.
One cup (240 mL) provides:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 9 grams
- Saturated fat: 0.5 grams
- Carbs: 11 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Sugar: 8 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
Shop for Chobani Plain Extra Creamy Oat Milk online.
12–13. Best Flavored
Flavored varieties like chocolate or vanilla oat milk can make nice treats or desserts, though you should keep in mind that they're often high in sugar.
These flavored options are lower in sugar than many of their competitors.
12. Elmhurst Milked Oats Chocolate
Price: $
Elmhurst Milked Oats Chocolate is your best bet if you're looking for a plant-based chocolate milk.
One serving offers just 4 grams of sugar from natural cane sugar.
Elmhurst's chocolate product doesn't contain any added gums, thickeners, or stabilizers. Instead, it's made from just six basic ingredients — water, oats, cane sugar, cocoa powder, natural flavors, and salt.
Just 1 cup (240 mL) provides:
- Calories: 110
- Fat: 2 grams
- Saturated fat: 0.5 grams
- Carbs: 19 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Sugar: 4 grams
- Protein: 3 grams
Shop for Elmhurst Milked Oats Chocolate online.
13. Planet Oat Vanilla Oatmilk
Price: $
Plant Oats Vanilla Oatmilk has a distinct vanilla flavor without any added sugars — just naturally occurring oat sugar.
One cup (240 mL) contains:
- Calories: 90
- Fat: 1.5 grams
- Saturated fat: 0 grams
- Carbs: 19 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Sugar: 4 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
Keep in mind that this product has a few additives, such as gellan gum and dipotassium phosphate.
14. Best Blended Option: Mooala Organic Coconut Oat Milk
Price: $
Mooala is a Texas-based company with a line of dairy-free milk alternatives, including their Coconut Oat Milk.
Its consistency is similar to 2% milk, and its hint of coconut differentiates it from most products on the market. It's also one of the only sugar-free options available.
Moreover, the product doesn't need any added oils to make it rich and smooth because it contains coconut cream.
Organic oats, organic cinnamon, sea salt, calcium carbonate, and gellan gum are also on the ingredient list.
One cup (240 mL) provides:
- Calories: 50
- Fat: 3.5 grams
- Saturated fat: 3 grams
- Carbs: 5 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Sugar: 0 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Calcium: 30% of the DV
Shop for Mooala organic coconut oat milk online.
A Note on Availability
As of this article's publication, the product above is sold out. If you're interested in this oat milk, continue to check the link above for the latest availability information from the retailer.
How to Choose a Healthy Oat Milk Product
When looking for a healthy oat milk product, it's important to take a look at the ingredient list.
Ideally, opt for a product with a short ingredient list that's low in both added sugar and additives like thickeners, stabilizers, gums, and artificial flavorings and colors.
Keep in mind that many oat milks contain natural sugars because oats' starches are broken down by enzymes during the manufacturing process.
Finally, if you have a gluten allergy or intolerance, only choose products that are certified gluten-free. While oats are naturally gluten-free, there's still a risk of cross-contamination with other grains.
The Bottom Line
Oat milk is a popular plant-based beverage that's enjoyed for its slightly sweet, oaty flavor and creamy consistency.
While numerous options abound, the healthiest ones tend to be low in sugar and additives.
It's also surprisingly easy and inexpensive to make oat milk at home.
Reposted with permission from Healthline. For detailed source information, please view the original article on Healthline.
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Keeping your lungs healthy is essential to feeling your best. Yet, common factors, including exposure to cigarette smoke and environmental toxins, as well as eating an inflammatory diet, can take a toll on this pair of important organs.
What's more, common conditions, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pulmonary fibrosis, can significantly affect your quality of life.
However, research has shown that lifestyle modifications, including following a nutrient-rich diet, can help protect your lungs and even reduce lung damage and symptoms of disease.
What's more, specific nutrients and foods have been identified to be particularly beneficial for lung function.
Here are 20 foods that may help boost lung function.
1. Beets and Beet Greens
The vibrantly colored root and greens of the beetroot plant contain compounds that optimize lung function.
Beetroot and beet greens are rich in nitrates, which have been shown to benefit lung function. Nitrates help relax blood vessels, reduce blood pressure, and optimize oxygen uptake.
Beetroot supplements have been shown to improve physical performance and lung function in people with lung conditions, including COPD and pulmonary hypertension, a disease that causes high blood pressure in the lungs.
Additionally, beet greens are packed with magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, and carotenoid antioxidants — all of which are essential to lung health.
2. Peppers
Peppers are amongst the richest sources of vitamin C, a water-soluble nutrient that acts as a powerful antioxidant in your body. Getting enough vitamin C is especially important for those who smoke.
In fact, due to the damaging effects of cigarette smoke on your body's antioxidant stores, it's recommended that people who smoke consume an extra 35 mg of vitamin C per day.
However, many studies show that smokers may benefit from higher doses of vitamin C and that smokers with high vitamin C intake have better lung function than those with lower vitamin C intake.
Consuming just one medium-sized (119-gram) sweet red pepper delivers 169% of the recommended intake for vitamin C.
3. Apples
Research has shown that regularly eating apples may help promote lung function.
For example, studies show that apple intake is associated with a slower decline in lung function in ex-smokers. Additionally, consuming five or more apples per week is associated with greater lung function and a reduced risk of developing COPD.
Apple intake has also been linked to a lower risk of asthma and lung cancer. This may be due to the high concentration of antioxidants in apples, including flavonoids and vitamin C.
4. Pumpkin
The brightly colored flesh of pumpkins contains a variety of lung-health-promoting plant compounds. They're especially rich in carotenoids, including beta carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin — all of which have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Studies show that having higher blood levels of carotenoids is associated with better lung function in both older and younger populations.
People who smoke may significantly benefit from consuming more carotenoid-rich foods like pumpkin.
Evidence suggests that smokers may have 25% lower concentrations of carotenoid antioxidants than nonsmokers, which can harm lung health.
5. Turmeric
Turmeric is often used to promote overall health due to its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Curcumin, the main active component in turmeric, may be especially beneficial for supporting lung function.
A study in 2,478 people found that curcumin intake was associated with improved lung function. Plus, the lung function of smokers who had the highest intake of curcumin was significantly greater than smokers who had low curcumin intake.
In fact, high curcumin intake in smokers was associated with 9.2% greater lung function, compared with smokers who did not consume curcumin.
6. Tomato and Tomato Products
Tomatoes and tomato products are among the richest dietary sources of lycopene, a carotenoid antioxidant that has been associated with improved lung health.
Consuming tomato products has been shown to reduce airway inflammation in people with asthma and improve lung function in people with COPD.
A 2019 study in 105 people with asthma demonstrated that a diet rich in tomatoes was associated with a lower prevalence of poorly controlled asthma. Plus, tomato intake is also associated with a slower decline in lung function in ex-smokers.
7. Blueberries
Blueberries are loaded with nutrients, and their consumption has been associated with a number of health benefits, including protecting and preserving lung function.
Blueberries are a rich source of anthocyanins, including malvidin, cyanidin, peonidin, delphinidin, and petunidin.
Anthocyanins are powerful pigments that have been shown to protect lung tissue from oxidative damage.
A study in 839 veterans found that blueberry intake was associated with the slowest rate of decline in lung function and that consuming 2 or more servings of blueberries per week slowed lung function decline by up to 38%, compared with low or no blueberry intake.
8. Green Tea
Green tea is a beverage that has impressive effects on health. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a catechin concentrated in green tea. It boasts antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to inhibit fibrosis or scarring of tissues.
Pulmonary fibrosis is a disease characterized by progressive, lung-function-compromising scarring of lung tissue. Some research shows that EGCG may help treat this disease.
A small 2020 study in 20 people with pulmonary fibrosis found that treatment with EGCG extract for 2 weeks reduced markers of fibrosis, compared with a control group.
9. Red Cabbage
Red cabbage is an affordable and rich source of anthocyanins. These plant pigments give red cabbage its vivid color. Anthocyanin intake has been linked to a reduced decline in lung function.
What's more, cabbage is packed with fiber. Studies show that people who consume more fiber have better lung function than those who consume low amounts of fiber.
10. Edamame
Edamame beans contain compounds called isoflavones. Diets rich in isoflavones have been associated with a reduced risk of numerous diseases, including COPD.
A study in 618 Japanese adults found that people with COPD had much lower intakes of dietary isoflavones, compared with healthy control groups. What's more, isoflavone intake was significantly associated with better lung function and reduced shortness of breath.
11. Olive Oil
Consuming olive oil may help protect against respiratory conditions like asthma. Olive oil is a concentrated source of anti-inflammatory antioxidants, including polyphenols and vitamin E, which are responsible for its powerful health benefits.
For example, a study that included 871 people found that those who had high olive oil intake had a reduced risk of asthma.
What's more, the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in olive oil, has been shown to benefit lung function in smokers, as well as people with COPD and asthma.
12. Oysters
Oysters are loaded with nutrients that are essential to lung health, including zinc, selenium, B vitamins, and copper.
Studies show that people with higher blood levels of selenium and copper have greater lung function, compared with those with lower levels of these nutrients.
Additionally, oysters are an excellent source of B vitamins and zinc, nutrients that are especially important for people who smoke.
Smoking depletes certain B vitamins, including vitamin B12, which is concentrated in oysters. What's more, studies show that higher zinc intake may help protect smokers from developing COPD.
13. Yogurt
Yogurt is rich in calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and selenium. According to research, these nutrients may help boost lung function and protect against COPD risk.
A study in Japanese adults found that higher intakes of calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and selenium were associated with increased lung function markers, and those with the highest calcium intake had a 35% reduced risk of COPD.
14. Brazil Nuts
Brazil nuts are amongst the richest sources of selenium that you can eat. A single Brazil nut may contain over 150% of the recommended intake for this important nutrient, though concentrations vary significantly depending on growing conditions.
Studies show that a high selenium intake may help protect against lung cancer, improve respiratory function in people with asthma, and enhance antioxidant defenses and immune function, which may help improve lung health.
Because Brazil nuts are such a concentrated source of selenium, it's recommended to keep your intake to just one or two nuts per day.
15. Coffee
In addition to boosting your energy levels, your morning cup of joe may help protect your lungs. Coffee is packed with caffeine and antioxidants, which may be beneficial for lung health.
Research shows that coffee intake may help improve lung function and protect against respiratory diseases. For example, caffeine acts as a vasodilator, meaning it helps open blood vessels, and it may help reduce symptoms in people with asthma, at least in the short term.
Additionally, a review of 15 studies found that long-term coffee intake was associated with positive effects on lung function and a reduced risk of asthma.
16. Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a dark leafy green that's high in magnesium. Magnesium helps protect against inflammation, and it helps bronchioles — tiny airways inside your lungs — stay relaxed, preventing airway restriction.
Higher magnesium intake has been associated with better lung function in a number of studies. What's more, low magnesium levels are associated with worsening symptoms in people with COPD.
Additionally, many studies have linked greater intake of leafy green vegetables like Swiss chard to a reduced risk of lung cancer and COPD.
17. Barley
Barley is a nutritious whole grain that's high in fiber. High fiber diets rich in whole grains have been shown to have a protective effect on lung function and may reduce the risk of mortality from lung-related diseases.
The antioxidants found in whole grains like flavonoids and vitamin E also promote lung health and protect against cellular damage.
18. Anchovies
Anchovies are tiny fish that are packed with anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats, as well as other lung-health-promoting nutrients like selenium, calcium, and iron.
Eating omega-3-rich fish like anchovies may be particularly beneficial for people with inflammatory lung diseases like COPD. A 2020 study found that a higher intake of omega-3 fats was associated with reduced COPD symptoms and improved lung function.
What's more, consuming an omega-3-rich diet may help reduce symptoms in people with asthma.
19. Lentils
Lentils are high in many nutrients that help support lung function, including magnesium, iron, copper, and potassium.
The Mediterranean diet, which has been associated with promoting lung health, is high in legumes like lentils.
Research has shown that following a Mediterranean dietary pattern can preserve lung function in people who smoke. Plus, eating fiber-rich lentils may help protect against lung cancer and COPD.
20. Cocoa
Cocoa and cacao products like dark chocolate are high in flavonoid antioxidants and contain a compound called theobromine, which helps relax the airways in the lungs.
Cocoa intake has been associated with a lower risk of allergic respiratory symptoms and may help protect against lung cancer.
Additionally, a study that included 55,000 people found that those with higher flavonoid consumption from foods, including chocolate products, had better lung function than people who had diets low in flavonoids.
The Bottom Line
Consuming a diet high in nutritious foods and beverages is a smart way to support and protect lung health.
Coffee, dark leafy greens, fatty fish, peppers, tomatoes, olive oil, oysters, blueberries, and pumpkin are just some examples of foods and drinks that have been shown to benefit lung function.
Try incorporating a few of the foods and beverages listed above into your diet to help support the health of your lungs.
Reposted with permission from Healthline. For detailed source information, please view the original article on Healthline.
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Eating too much sugar is really bad for your health.
It has been linked to an increased risk of many diseases, including obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.
Many people are now trying to minimize their sugar intake, but it's easy to underestimate how much you're actually consuming.
One of the reasons is that many foods contain hidden sugars, including some foods that you wouldn't even consider to be sweet.
In fact, even products marketed as "light" or "low fat" often contain more sugar than their regular counterparts.
The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that women limit their added sugar intake to 6 teaspoons (25 grams) per day, while men should limit their intake to 9 teaspoons (37.5 grams).
Here are 18 foods and drinks that contain way more sugar than you'd think.
1. Low Fat Yogurt
Yogurt can be highly nutritious. However, not all yogurt is created equal.
Like many other low fat products, low fat yogurts have sugar added to them to enhance flavor.
For example, a single cup (245 grams) of low fat yogurt can contain over 45 grams of sugar, which is about 11 teaspoons. This is more than the daily limit for men and women in just a single cup of "healthy" yogurt.
Furthermore, low fat yogurt doesn't seem to have the same health benefits as full fat yogurt.
It's best to choose full fat, natural, or Greek yogurt. Avoid yogurt that has been sweetened with sugar.
2. Barbecue (BBQ) Sauce
Barbecue (BBQ) sauce can make a tasty marinade or dip.
However, 2 tablespoons (around 28 grams) of sauce can contain around 9 grams of sugar. This is over 2 teaspoons worth.
In fact, around 33% of the weight of BBQ sauce may be pure sugar.
If you're liberal with your servings, this makes it easy to consume a lot of sugar without meaning to.
To make sure you aren't getting too much, check the labels and choose the sauce with the least amount of added sugar. Also, remember to watch your portions.
3. Ketchup
Ketchup is one of the most popular condiments worldwide, but — like BBQ sauce — it's often loaded with sugar.
Try to be mindful of your portion size when using ketchup, and remember that a single tablespoon of ketchup contains nearly 1 teaspoon of sugar.
4. Fruit Juice
Like whole fruit, fruit juice contains some vitamins and minerals.
However, despite seeming like a healthy choice, these vitamins and minerals come with a large dose of sugar and very little fiber.
It usually takes a lot of fruit to produce a single glass of fruit juice, so you get much more sugar in a glass of juice than you would get by eating whole fruit. This makes it easy to consume a large amount of sugar quickly.
In fact, there can be just as much sugar in fruit juice as there is in a sugary drink like Coke. The poor health outcomes that have been convincingly linked to sugary soda may also be linked to fruit juices.
It's best to choose whole fruit and minimize your intake of fruit juices.
5. Spaghetti Sauce
Added sugars are often hidden in foods that we don't even consider to be sweet, such as spaghetti sauce.
All spaghetti sauces will contain some natural sugar given that they're made with tomatoes.
However, many spaghetti sauces contain added sugar as well.
The best way to ensure you aren't getting any unwanted sugar in your pasta sauce is to make your own.
However, if you need to buy premade spaghetti sauce, check the label and pick one that either doesn't have sugar on the ingredient list or has it listed very close to the bottom. This indicates that it's not a major ingredient.
6. Sports Drinks
Sports drinks can often be mistaken as a healthy choice for those who exercise.
However, sports drinks are designed to hydrate and fuel trained athletes during prolonged, intense periods of exercise.
For this reason, they contain high amounts of added sugars that can be quickly absorbed and used for energy.
In fact, a standard 20-ounce (591-mL) bottle of a sports drink will contain 37.9 grams of added sugar and 198 calories. This is equivalent to 9.5 teaspoons of sugar.
Sports drinks are therefore categorized as sugary drinks. Like soda and fruit juice, they've also been linked to obesity and metabolic disease.
Unless you're a marathon runner or elite athlete, you should probably just stick to water while exercising. It's by far the best choice for most of us.
7. Chocolate Milk
Chocolate milk is milk that has been flavored with cocoa and sweetened with sugar.
Milk itself is a very nutritious drink. It's a rich source of nutrients that are great for bone health, including calcium and protein.
However, despite having all the nutritious qualities of milk, an 8-ounce (230-mL) glass of chocolate milk comes with an extra 11.4 grams (2.9 teaspoons) of added sugar.
8. Granola
Granola is often marketed as a low fat health food, despite being high in both calories and sugar.
The main ingredient in granola is oats. Plain rolled oats are a well-balanced cereal containing carbs, protein, fat, and fiber.
However, the oats in granola have been combined with nuts and honey or other added sweeteners, which increases the amount of sugar and calories.
In fact, 100 grams of granola contain around 400–500 calories and nearly 5–7 teaspoons of sugar.
If you like granola, try choosing one with less added sugar or making your own. You can also add it as a topping to fruit or yogurt rather than pouring a whole bowl.
9. Flavored Coffees
Flavored coffee is a popular trend, but the amount of hidden sugars in these drinks can be staggering.
In some coffeehouse chains, a large flavored coffee or coffee drink can contain 45 grams of sugar, if not much more. That's equivalent to about 11 teaspoons of added sugar per serving.
Considering the strong link between sugary drinks and poor health, it's probably best to stick to coffee without any flavored syrups or added sugar.
10. Iced Tea
Iced tea is usually sweetened with sugar or flavored with syrup.
It's popular in various forms and flavors around the world, and this means the sugar content can vary slightly.
Most commercially prepared iced teas will contain around 35 grams of sugar per 12-ounce (340-mL) serving. This is about the same as a bottle of Coke.
If you like tea, pick regular tea or choose iced tea that doesn't have any sugars added.
11. Protein Bars
Protein bars are a popular snack.
Foods that contain protein have been linked to increased feelings of fullness, which can aid weight loss.
This has led people to believe that protein bars are a healthy snack.
While there are some healthier protein bars on the market, many contain around 20 grams of added sugar, making their nutritional content similar to that of a candy bar.
When choosing a protein bar, read the label and avoid those that are high in sugar. You can also eat a high protein food such as yogurt instead.
12. Vitaminwater
Vitaminwater is marketed as a healthy drink that contains added vitamins and minerals.
However, like many other "health drinks," Vitaminwater comes with a large amount of added sugar.
In fact, a bottle of regular Vitaminwater typically contains around 100 calories and 30 grams of sugar.
As such, despite all the health claims, it's wise to avoid Vitaminwater as much as possible.
You could opt for Vitaminwater zero, the sugar-free version. It's made with artificial sweeteners instead.
That said, plain water or sparkling water are much healthier choices if you're thirsty.
13. Premade Soup
Soup isn't a food that you generally associate with sugar.
When it's made with fresh whole ingredients, it's a healthy choice and can be a great way to increase your vegetable consumption without much effort.
The vegetables in soups have naturally occurring sugars, which are fine to eat given that they're usually present in small amounts and alongside lots of other beneficial nutrients.
However, many commercially prepared soups have a lot of added ingredients, including sugar.
To check for added sugars in your soup, look at the ingredient list for names such as:
- sucrose
- barley malt
- dextrose
- maltose
- high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and other syrups
The higher up on the list an ingredient is, the higher its content in the product. Watch out for when manufacturers list small amounts of different sugars, as that's another sign the product could be high in total sugar.
14. Breakfast Cereal
Cereal is a popular, quick, and easy breakfast food.
However, the cereal you choose could greatly affect your sugar consumption, especially if you eat it every day.
Some breakfast cereals, particularly those marketed at children, have lots of added sugar. Some contain 12 grams, or 3 teaspoons of sugar in a small 34-gram (1.2-ounce) serving.
Check the label and try choosing a cereal that's high in fiber and doesn't contain added sugar.
Better yet, wake up a few minutes earlier and cook a quick healthy breakfast with a high protein food like eggs. Eating protein for breakfast can help you lose weight.
15. Cereal Bars
For on-the-go breakfasts, cereal bars can seem like a healthy and convenient choice.
However, like other "health bars," cereal bars are often just candy bars in disguise. Many contain very little fiber or protein and are loaded with added sugar.
16. Canned Fruit
All fruit contains natural sugars. However, some canned fruit is peeled and preserved in sugary syrup. This processing strips the fruit of its fiber and adds a lot of unnecessary sugar to what should be a healthy snack.
The canning process can also destroy heat-sensitive vitamin C, although most other nutrients are well preserved.
Whole, fresh fruit is best. If you want to eat canned fruit, look for one that's been preserved in juice rather than syrup. Juice has a slightly lower amount of sugar.
17. Canned Baked Beans
Baked beans are another savory food that's often surprisingly high in sugar.
A cup (254 grams) of regular baked beans contains about 5 teaspoons of sugar.
If you like baked beans, you can choose low sugar versions. They can contain about half the amount of sugar found in regular baked beans.
18. Premade Smoothies
Blending fruits with milk or yogurt in the morning to make yourself a smoothie can be a great way to start your day.
However, not all smoothies are healthy.
Many commercially produced smoothies come in large sizes and can be sweetened with ingredients like fruit juice, ice cream, or syrup. This increases their sugar content.
Some of them contain ridiculously high amounts of calories and sugar, with over 54 grams (13.5 teaspoons) of sugar in a single 16-ounce or 20-ounce serving.
For a healthy smoothie, check the ingredients and make sure you watch your portion size.
The Bottom Line
Added sugars aren't a necessary part of your diet. Although small amounts are fine, they can cause serious harm if eaten in large amounts on a regular basis.
The best way to avoid hidden sugars in your meals is to make them at home so you know exactly what's in them.
However, if you need to buy prepackaged food, make sure you check the label to identify any hidden added sugars, especially when buying foods from this list.
Reposted with permission from Healthline. For detailed source information, please view the original article on Healthline.
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By Sara Lindberg
There have never been more choices when it comes to organic, natural, or eco-friendly cleaning products. Knowing which products are certified organic and which ones are just a safer alternative to traditional cleaners is often confusing. And how do you know which ones can really get the job done?
That's where we come in. To help you choose the safest and most effective nontoxic cleaning products, we've put together recommendations of 13 products that fit the bill.
Because the market for USDA certified organic cleaning products is relatively small and some options can be on the pricier side, we've also included a few noncertified safer alternatives worthy of consideration.
How We Chose
To curate our list of top-rated cleaning products, we considered many criteria. Some key elements include:
- The types of ingredients in a product. We took a careful look at the ingredients used in each product to make sure they were safe, nontoxic, and naturally derived. We avoided products with ingredients that have the potential to negatively impact the health of your family or the environment.
- Top choices from reputable environmental organizations. Groups like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) publish annual reports on organic and natural cleaning products with rankings from best to worst. We also considered cleaners certified with the Green Seal, which are greener and healthier products.
- A product's cleaning ability. The best organic cleaning products don't only need to be safer and less toxic to use. They also need to do a great job at cleaning. We considered how effectively different products cut through dirt, grease, soap scum, or grime.
- The opinion of cleaning experts. We spoke to cleaning experts who regularly use organic and all-natural products. We asked for their input on what ingredients to look for — and avoid — and which products they recommend.
- Awards, user reviews, and customer feedback. We considered feedback from websites that sell organic products and only considered products that had significantly more raves than complaints.
About Organic Products
"There are many cleaning products on the market that claim to be organic, but very few have the USDA certified organic label," says James Scott, co- founder of Dappir, a commercial and residential cleaning company.
"Usually, you'll see [labels] like natural, all-natural, or plant-based, but these do not necessarily mean organic," he explains.
While many of these cleaners are excellent options and are a lot safer than chemical-laden cleaning products, if they don't carry the USDA organic label, they can't be considered a certified organic cleaner.
If a product isn't USDA certified organic, we have called that out in our list.
A Word About Price
Organic cleaners often cost more than nonorganic products. Also, within the organic cleaning category, it's not uncommon to see a wide range of prices. With that in mind, here's how we indicate cost:
- $ = under $10
- $$ = $10–$20
- $$$ = over $20
Best All-Purpose Cleaners
Greenerways Organic All-Purpose Cleaner
- Price: $
- Key features: Greenerways Organic All-Purpose Cleaner is an excellent all-around, USDA certified organic cleaner you can use in your kitchen, bathroom, and any other place that needs a good scrub. It has the ability to cut through dirt, soap scum, and grease on many surfaces. It's quick-drying, doesn't leave a sticky residue, and is non-GMO verified.
- Considerations: This product has a strong scent, and the spray bottle can be prone to malfunctioning.
Shop for Greenerways Organic All-Purpose Cleaner online.
FIT Organic Cleaner and Degreaser
- Price: $
- Key features: Made with organic plant oils — including sunflower oil and grapefruit oil — this affordable, all-natural, multi-surface cleaner is a USDA certified organic product. It contains no GMOs and comes in a concentrated formula that makes up to 4 gallons of cleaning solution.
- Considerations: It doesn't have a scent, and some users have found the spray mechanism breaks easily.
Shop for FIT Organic Cleaner and Degreaser online
Go by Greenshield Organic Multi-Surface Cleaner
- Price: $
- Key features: Recommended for stainless steel, sealed countertops, tile, as well as painted or plastic surfaces, Go by Greenshield Organic gets the job done at an affordable price. Fragranced with essential oils, this USDA certified organic cleaning formula is also available in multi-surface wipes.
- Considerations: Some users report a strong, sometimes strange, scent after spraying.
Shop for Go by Greenshield Organic Multi-Surface Cleaner online.
Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner
- Price: $
- Key features: "Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds is a top multi-purpose cleaner pick for customers," says Diana Rodriguez-Zaba, president of ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba, an IICRC certified cleaning company. Free of synthetic dyes and preservatives, it works especially well as a hard-surface all-purpose cleaner and comes in a concentrated solution so you can dilute it for your needs.
- Considerations: While not certified organic, this product is certified "green" and earned an "A" rating from the EWG.
Shop for Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner online.
Best Pet Stain and Odor Remover
FIT Organic Pet Stain & Odor Remover
- Price: $
- Key features: For pet stains and odors, Matt Clayton, founder of PetHairPatrol.com, recommends FIT Pet Stain & Odor Remover. "It's USDA certified organic and totally safe for your pets," he says. The product contains no artificial perfumes, GMOs, enzymes, dyes, or phosphates. Just spray the stain remover on the stained area and blot with a dry paper towel until the stain is lifted.
- Considerations: This product works best on fresh accidents and stains. It's also a more expensive option than many other pet stain removers.
Shop for FIT Pet Stain and Odor Remover online.
Best Dish Soaps
Better Life Grease-Kicking Dish Soap
- Price: $
- Key features: Better Life Grease-Kicking dish soap has the ability to cut through grease well while still being gentle on your body and the environment. This affordable product is free of sulfates and contains vitamin E and aloe to help protect your skin.
- Considerations: While not certified organic, this all-natural product did earn an "A" rating from the EWG. This means it has few or no known health or environmental hazards, and the company has good ingredient disclosures.
Shop for Better Life Grease-Kicking Dish Soap online.
Eco-Me Dish Soap
- Price: $
- Key features: Eco-Me Dish Soap is a plant-based natural dish soap that's free of sulfates, perfumes, and harsh preservatives. Gentle on your hands, this soap is safe to use on all dishes, baby bottles, glasses, and silverware.
- Considerations: This product isn't USDA certified organic, but is rated as a greener, healthier dish soap option on the Green Seal website.
Best Glass and Window Cleaners
Go by Greenshield Organic Glass Cleaner
- Price: $
- Key features: Unlike other glass cleaners that contain multiple ingredients, Go by Greenshield only has four ingredients: water, acetic acid (organic), ethyl alcohol (organic), and organic fragrance. The spray has a mild fragrance that comes from organic fresh mint. It's USDA certified organic and is safe to use around pets and children.
- Considerations: You may need to clean glass a few times to eliminate streaks.
Shop for Go by Greenshield Organic Glass Cleaner online.
ECOS Window Cleaner
- Price: $
- Key features: This affordable, vinegar-based window cleaner does a great job on glass as well as on stainless steel, chrome, vinyl, and linoleum. ECOS Window Cleaner is 100-percent natural, plant-based, and is free of ammonia, phosphates, chlorine, dyes, and petroleum ingredients.
- Considerations: It has a slight vinegar scent and isn't USDA certified organic.
Shop for ECOS Window Cleaner online.
Best Bathroom Cleaners
Better Life Tub and Tile Cleaner
- Price: $
- Key features: Better Life Tub and Tile Cleaner is an affordable plant-based foaming cleaner and a favorite among those who prefer natural, greener cleaning products. It effectively dissolves hard water stains, soap scum, and rust on a variety of bathroom surfaces, including tile, grout, porcelain, and fixtures.
- Considerations: It's not USDA certified organic and some people find the scent a little strong. It can't be used on marble.
Shop for Better Life Tub and Tile Cleaner online.
Go by Greenshield Organic Toilet Bowl Cleaner
- Price: $
- Key features: Go by Greenshield Organic Toilet Bowl Cleaner is a favorite among organic cleaning experts. Free of harsh chemicals like bleach and phosphates, this pine-scented toilet bowl cleaner is effective at removing limescale and mineral deposits. It's also USDA certified organic and is septic tank safe.
- Considerations: It has a strong smell and may need a few extra scrubs to get the toilet clean.
Shop for Go by Greenshield Organic Toilet Bowl Cleaner online.
Best Floor Cleaner
Better Life Naturally Dirt-Destroying Floor Cleaner
- Price: $
- Key features: Better Life Naturally Dirt-Destroying Floor Cleaner is a plant-derived floor cleaner that's safe to use on hardwood, tile, marble, vinyl, laminate, and bamboo surfaces. The cleaner comes ready-to-use and has a pleasant minty-citrus scent. This formula is free of sodium lauryl sulfates, petroleum solvents, parabens, synthetic fragrances, and dyes.
- Considerations: It's not USDA certified organic and can be sudsy if you use too much of the product on the floor.
Shop for Better Life Naturally Dirt-Destroying Floor Cleaner online.
Best Carpet Stain Remover
FIT Organic Laundry and Carpet Stain Remover
- Price: $
- Key features: The FIT Organic Laundry and Carpet Cleaner has the ability to effectively remove stains from carpets, curtains, and upholstery, and can also tackle stains on your clothes. It's USDA certified organic and is free of phosphates, dyes, artificial perfumes, and GMOs.
- Considerations: This product isn't meant for full carpet cleaning and works best in small areas.
Shop for FIT Organic Laundry and Carpet Stain Remover online.
What to Look for When Choosing an Organic Product
To choose the right organic cleaner for your needs, you'll want to consider factors such as ingredients, cost, how the products are tested, and consumer reviews.
"You'll want to choose a reputable brand that contains safe ingredients across the board," says Rodriguez-Zaba.
Before choosing a natural or organic cleaning product, be sure to carefully review the ingredients label. To find the safest, most natural products, cleaning experts recommend staying clear of the following types of ingredients:
- phthalates
- phosphates
- petroleum solvents
- butyl glycol
- ethylene glycol
- monobutyl
- ammonia
- alkylphenol surfactants
- synthetic fragrances
- synthetic dyes
- volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
With regards to product testing, look for products that are labeled as cruelty-free or not tested on animals.
If you're not sure where to start, consider cross-referencing the EWG Guide to Healthy Cleaning to see if a particular brand meets its guidelines. The EPA also keeps a list of products that are part of their Safer Choice standard.
The Takeaway
Using organic or eco-friendly cleaning products that are safer for your home, children, and pets is just one small step you can take to protect the health of your family.
The key to finding the best organic or all-natural products is to experiment with a few different brands or formulas until you find the ones that work best for your needs.
Carefully read the ingredients label of any cleaning product to be sure they don't include toxic chemicals or harsh ingredients. When possible, opt for products that are USDA certified organic, or that use 100-percent natural or plant-based ingredients.
Reposted with permission from Healthline. For detailed source information, please view the original article on Healthline.
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By Cathy Cassata
Since your social calendar has been blank for the last few months, filling it back up can feel liberating — but it can also cause anxiety.
"The change from having a highly social work and personal life to nothing at all can be really detrimental to a person's mental health, and may cause many people who are normally extroverted to feel like they are becoming introverted and not wanting to mix with others," Jana Abelovska, medical advisor for Click Pharmacy, told Healthline.
Emily Anhalt, PsyD, founder of Coa, agrees, noting that isolation is emotionally draining and can feed into social anxiety.
"We are not gathering experiences that disprove our worries; there's no gradual exposure [to our worries]. Normally when you are being social in a regular way, you are having some of your worries disproven. You're getting used to them. You have a chance to try different things and see what helps with your worry, but now that we are all on our own, jumping back into the unknown poses its own set of anxiety," Anhalt told Healthline.
As you begin to socialize in person more, the following simple tips can help put your anxiety at ease.
1. Ease Back Into It.
For those who live with social anxiety, Dr. Allie R. Shapiro, psychiatrist with Community Psychiatry, says to slowly enter into a social life.
"This will help them to ease into situations that were previously uncomfortable. As quarantine ends, the auto-avoidance will also end, necessitating their introduction back into situations they deeply fear. That's not a leap anyone should take all at once," Shapiro told Healthline.
Start by connecting with those in your closest inner circle.
"That circle is your comfort space, and people you feel most like yourself with and can be honest with and who you trust," Anhalt said.
When you're ready, she suggests reaching out to people you enjoy being with but may feel nervous around and need warming up to. Eventually, expand your circle to include people and situations that make you anxious.
"[The idea is to] give yourself a little taste of something that makes you anxious and then wait for the anxiety to calm down. Then increase your exposure a little more and wait for the anxiety to come down," Anhalt said.
If you're not ready to see people face-to-face, Abelovska suggests setting a goal to talk with a different person each day over the phone or via video chat.
"After you have had a week of calling a friend a day, why not go further and organize a group call with a few friends to get used to group interaction. If you feel ready, why not get a date [on the calendar] for a socially distanced walk with a friend," she said.
2. Visualize Situations in Your Head.
Shapiro recommends preparing for upcoming social events by role-playing specific worries or concerns with someone you trust, on paper or in your head.
Abelovska elaborates by explaining if you have an upcoming walk planned with a friend or are about to meet them at the park, try to mentally plan your meetup and how you'd like it to go.
"Visualize your friend when you see them and what you will say. It may be awkward at first, especially as we are not able to hug or touch friends, but you will soon adapt to the new way of greeting a loved one," she said.
Another strategy Shapiro suggests is to challenge internal negative thought patterns with a reversal thought, either before or during anxiety-provoking situations.
For example, if you're going to an outing where you'll be around new people, she says, "Instead of auto-thinking, 'These people won't like me and will make fun of me,' try: 'They've been stuck inside for months just like me. We'll trade stories. They will like me and I'll probably find one new friend,'" she said.
3. Allow Yourself to Be Scared.
Even if it seems like everyone around you isn't worried or scared to get back into the world, Shapiro says it's acceptable to have your own reaction and anxieties about the situation.
"Remember, no one has ever been through anything like this in the modern world, so no one really knows how to do it 'right.' Even the experts don't have all the answers, so it's normal to have your own uncertainties and doubts," she said.
Socialize at your comfort level, Shapiro adds.
"You're not obligated to do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable or puts you at risk. There are a lot of different factors that will affect when you feel it's the best time to start venturing out. Think about your age, health history, quarantine situations, and even your own anxiety when taking that next step outside," Shapiro said.
Feelings of safety in the world validate some of our anxieties, notes Anhalt.
"There is so much unknown about what is ultimately safe, and some of our fears about being out in the world are actually warranted, so it's a good idea to be thoughtful about who you are engaging with socially, and understand if they are [on the same page] as you are," she said.
Share your feelings of panic and fear over social plans with those who are closest to you.
"You may feel slightly embarrassed about these feelings, especially if you are usually the life and soul of the party, but there's no shame in feeling slightly overwhelmed by the changes, especially after so much time spent alone," Abelovska said.
"I can guarantee that at least one of [your friends] will be going through the same thing and will be glad and relieved that you have spoken about it," she said.
4. Practice Self-Care.
Prioritizing your physical health, learning breathing exercises, developing self-reflective practices like therapy and journaling, and talking to friends and family about your worries are all practical parts of anxiety management, says Anhalt.
"While we don't have a playbook, we can rely on coming back to ourselves and the present moment, and making sure we have [reliable] spaces in our lives so we can navigate the spaces that feel out of our control," she said.
Anhalt believes that people who work proactively on their mental health are better equipped to handle the unknowns.
"It's like doing emotional pushups, so when things get hard in the world, we have these core tools we can come back to that make us feel grounded," she said.
She compares going back into the world like participating in an obstacle course that you didn't get to see in advance.
"You might not be able to prepare for everything you're going to encounter, but you can get your body and mind ready to handle difficult things beforehand. This will put you in a better position to navigate anything that comes your way," Anhalt said.
5. Get Professional Help.
If you've tried all you can to assimilate back into some form of socializing but anxiety and panic are interfering with your ability to do so, it may be time to reach out to a mental health professional.
Search the Anxiety and Depression Association of America for a licensed mental health professional who specializes in anxiety and related disorders.
Reposted with permission from Healthline. For detailed source information, please view the original article on Healthline.
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