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From Sustainable Table

Despite opposition from scientists, farmers and consumers, the US currently allows dairy cows to be injected with recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH), also known as recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST). Developed and manufactured by the Monsanto Corporation, this genetically engineered hormone forces cows to artificially increase milk production by 10 to 15 percent. In August 2008, Monsanto sold their Posilac division to Eli Lilly and Company for $300 million and ‘contigent consideration.’ (Eli Lilly exclusively sold Posilac outside the US for 10 years before the acquisition)(1). Today, controversy still surrounds whether or not rBGH is safe for cows and humans.

What Is rBGH & rBST?

Somatotropin is a naturally-occurring protein hormone produced in the pituitary gland of animals; Bovine Somatotropin (BST or bST) triggers nutrients to increase growth in young cattle and lactation (milk production) in dairy cows. Artificial BST is produced using recombinant DNA technology (biotechnology), and called rBST for short. rBST is commonly known as Bovine Growth Hormone or rBGH (2). When injected into cows, rBGH increases milk production 10-15 percent and in some cases up to 40 percent. Approximately 17% of all cows in the US are given the artificial growth hormone (4). (continue reading…)

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Courtesy of Vita-Mix, here are two healthy smoothies especially for Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Beet, Strawberry and Cranberry Smoothie

Yield: 1 2/3 cups (400 ml)
Speed: Variable to High
Time: 1 minute

Ingredients
3/4 cup (180 ml) 100% cranberry juice, chilled
1/4 cup (24 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
1 small beet, steamed
1/4 cup (40 g) fresh or 1/3 cup frozen strawberries
2 teaspoons honey or other sweetener, to taste
2/3 cup (160 ml) ice cubes

Directions
1. Place all ingredients into the Vita-Mix container in the order listed and secure lid.
2. Select Variable 1.
3. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.
4. Blend for 1 minute or until desired consistency is reached. Serve immediately. (continue reading…)

©iStockphoto.com - Creativestock

If you are using bottled water, you are spending up to 10,000 times more per gallon than tap water, thinking it safe and pure, even though this bottled water can be even worse. In addition to the health risks bottled water may pose, it harmsl the environment. Bottled water, thought to be an healthy alternative, now is criticized as an environmental menace, and for health risks bottled water may pose from the presence of harmful chemicals.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has found chemical contaminants present in every bottled water brand they have analyzed. The bottled water industry is not required to disclose the results of any contaminant testing that it conducts on bottled water products. On the other hand, tap water consumers are provided with water quality test results carried out every year. The attractive and expensive advertisement campaigns by the bottled water industry tempts us to believe that we are buying water that has been purified to a level beyond the municipal tap. Thus, we end up piling up water bottles, thinking the bottled water cleaner than the water that comes out of the garden hose. The truth is that tap water has to go through more stringent quality standards than bottled water. Studies have proven that some brands of bottled water are just tap water in disguise. (continue reading…)

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I’ve discovered the mother medicine of nature: Tulsi. The name means “incomparable one,” and it’s known as the Mother Medicine of Nature (thought I made that up, didn’t you?), the Queen of Herbs, as well as Holy Basil.

This fabulous little plant known scientifically as ocimum tenuiflorum is a prime Ayurvedic adaptogen–basically Nature’s chill pill. For those that have Ayurvedic lifestyles, in terms of doshas, Tulsi is mainly kapha soothing. (continue reading…)

©iStockphoto.com - Creativestock

Last month I watched the new PBS Frontline documentary Poisoned Waters, which explores the persistent pollution of our waterways. (You can watch the entire film online by clicking on the link). Three decades after the passage of the Clean Water Act, new chemicals continue to pollute our water. And now hormone disrupting chemicals are feminizing male fish and frogs, causing them to produce eggs in their testes. Sounds a bit like a sci-fi story, huh? Unfortunately, this is reality.

Hormone disruptors, or endocrine disruptors, mimic natural hormones in the body. They can disrupt estrogen and testosterone levels as well as thyroid function, reproductive function, and immune system function. (continue reading…)

©iStockphoto.com - AndreasWeber

It’s Spring, which for many women is time to think about the dreaded bikini season. Well, Mother Nature knows a thing or two about fixing those vanity pounds. Did you know that some amazing plant-medicines have started sprouting in your backyard? If your lawn is free from chemical pollutants like fertilizers, pet waste, and car exhaust, harvesting these plants can help you get back your bikini body faster.

Red Clover

Drinking a cup of hot tea before meals can help you feel fuller faster, so chose a hot tea that flushes your system too. These flower buds are an amazing liver detoxifier. Keeping your liver functioning properly will help you eliminate fats and fat soluble chemicals that may have accumulated during winter’s dietary indiscretions. To brew this tea, add 1 cup of washed clover buds to 4 cups of quality water. Bring to a boil, then cover and immediately remove from heat. Honey may be added to strained tea. (continue reading…)

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This delicious non-alcoholic Bloody Mary tastes great without the hangover!

Ingredients:
2 medium vine ripened tomatoes
2 large celery stalks
Handful of parsley
½ red pepper
6 to 7 berries (marion berries, strawberries or cherries, preferably)
2 tablespoons raw apple cider vinegar
¼ teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon cayenne
Juice of ½ lemon

Chop the celery stalks prior to placing them in a blender, then add the remaining ingredients and a minimum of 1 cup water before blending on high for a minimum of 20 seconds. Add more water if desired.