Manuka Honey Benefits

 

In recent years Manuka honey has gained an amazing reputation because of its outstanding healing properties. In fact the medical benefits of this native New Zealand honey are being acknowledged worldwide and it is increasingly being used to treat a wide range of conditions.

For years this powerful natural medicine was treated as a quaint home remedy not to be taken too seriously. This was because the medical profession where committed to the use of antibiotics. However as the effectiveness of certain types of antibiotics have waned due to overuse the health profession has been forced to look at all other possible alternative treatments uncovering Manuka Honey benefits as a viable replacement.

Numerous clinical tests have demonstrated beyond doubt that this potent honey benefits those suffering from a broad spectrum of diseases such as leg ulcers, trauma wounds, burns, allergy related conditions such as eczema and even MRSA.

Some Key Manuka Honey Benefits

o This honey is an organic substance that contains natural antiviral, antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties which means it ideal for clearing infections on wounds or ulcers.
o Another key benefit is that it actually destroys bacteria enabling the healing process to begin without delay.
o Applied properly it also repairs and regenerates damaged skin.
o Once a wound is dressed the viscosity of Manuka honey forms a protective coating that keeps it clear of further infection.
o It also stimulates the creation of new blood capillaries and fibroblasts benefiting the deeper skin tissues.
o Finally and not least one of the most important Manuka honey benefits is its anti-inflammatory response that soothes and relieves pain.

All these characteristics working together have earned this wonderful natural substance its place as a bona-fide option for treatments in hospitals worldwide. In addition to this there are now available thousands of products that incorporate this powerful honey which can be purchased over the counter and used by consumers.

By Jessica Hannah

 

 

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Skincare Tips and Facts

When it comes to personal care, it's very important to know what's in the products you are using.  Parabens and Sodium Laurel Sulfate are two chemicals that should be avoided like the plague.

Skin Care Fact #1

When your skin is really dry and cracked, moisturizing is helpful but exfoliating and THEN moisturizing yields better results.  Think about this...
 
Would you add a layer of paint to a cracked up wall? Of course not.  The paint would peel off in no time.  Instead, you would smooth down the wall's surface before painting it.  It's a similar principle with treating dry, cracked skin.  You must get rid of the old/dead skin cells to reveal a fresh layer of skin before adding moisturizer to it.

Skin Complexion Tip: Keep your hands out of your face!  This one can not be stressed enough. You do not want to transfer the germs from your hands to your face.  Constantly touching the face may cause skin irritation.

Skin Complexion Tip: Drink 1/2 your body weight in ounces of water daily.  Water does wonders for your skin.  It helps transport toxins from your cells too.  Did you know your body is composed of about 75% water?

Skin Complexion Tip: Harsh ingredients to your skin may cause skin irritation. Go Natural and Organic.

Skin Complexion Tip:  Use natural organic skin care makeup. Many prominent makeup brands use a formula that will clog pores and cause acne. Be sure to use all natural makeup or better yet... no makeup at all.

 

Skin Complexion Tip: Get plenty of exercise. Physical exercise is extremely important for clearing acne as it reduces stress significantly.

 

Skin Complexion Tip: Beware of fragrances that make you break out. Believe it or not, some perfumes and fragrances can actually cause breakouts.

 

Skin Complexion Tip: Limit stress. Stress increases the production of hormones which cause acne. Also, the more stress you experience, the harder it is for your body to heal.

 

Skin Complexion Tip: Incorporate all natural Aloe Vera gel (I'm talking straight from the plant) into your skin care regimen. Aloe Vera is one of the very best all natural skin care nutrients on the planet! Use it, and see the incredible results.

by fresh radiant skincare

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Natural Skin Care - The Importance of Treating Your Skin Right

 

Natural skin care is an important factor of retaining beautiful, healthy looking skin that limits the signs of aging. These products, composed of entirely natural and pure substances, are helpful in the prevention of skin-related problems, helping to cure everything from acne to premature wrinkles. Proper use of them can produce a youthful complexion, while utilizing aroma therapy oils and antioxidant agents to give the skin a radiant glow.

Taking care of skin naturally allows us to devoid the potentially harmful additives placed in unnatural products. Natural skin care is, essentially, a gentle approach to avoiding the signs of aging. If the products are truly natural and are applied correctly, natural cometics can be far greater in efficiency than those of products synthesized in a lab.

Natural skin care is made possible through a combination of the following: Antioxidants, essential oils, natural vitamins & trace minerals. All four of these all-natural ingredients allow the skin to sooth, heal and detoxify itself. Many of these products are composed of floral extractions, gentle and soothing oils that are much calmer on your body than common extracted chemicals.

Exercise and proper diet are also big aspects of proper natural skin care. Exercise always balances our hormones and helps to remove toxic substances from the body.

Eating properly and drinking adequate amounts of water keeps our body internally hydrated, leaving our skin looking fresh and radiant.
Following any true, skin care treatment will leave you and your body feeling more beautiful than ever.

Anti-aging is as hot as a topic as ever, and overlooking simple, natural ways of maintaining beautiful skin is an easy and ignorant way of developing bad skin. Wave goodbye to premature aging and dryness with proper natural skin care!

By Dana Ramoni

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Why Real Organic Skin Care is a Natural Winner

 

Many cosmetic companies are started to jump on the band wagon of natural and organic skin care. According to a recent article by the Associated Press, "Despite a softer U.S. economy, the Natural Products Association estimates the industry is growing five times faster than the conventional personal care product sector." Unfortunately, organic is just a nice attractive word to add to their labels unless the company manufactures products without harmful toxic chemicals and synthetic fragrance.

Evaluate your organic skin care products carefully before applying anything to your skin. All those ingredients will be traveling straight to your blood and brain as they are absorbed through the skin.

Beware of advertising language and look farther into the actual ingredient list of products you use. Perhaps a few ingredients may be natural or organic but then they are ruined by processes designed to make them last longer, smell better or look prettier.

Many companies call their products organic skin care but still use preservatives such as paraben, alcohol and toluene routinely and without apology. This is wrong and not healthy for you or your skin.

Real, authentic organic skin care will be made from natural ingredients as close to their natural state as possible. No preservatives, or pesticides or herbicides will have been used to grow or process these ingredients. Indeed, the products will be actually good enough to eat, No damaging toxins will have been used to produce, package or decorate these organic skin care products.

Choose a manufacturer that excludes any questionable ingredients when it comes to safety. The big offenders are easily identified by their complicated chemical names and often numbers associated with the multi-syllabic nomenclature. Stick to simpler words and you will be in better company.

One example here is glycerine. It is a very common humectant in cosmetics. There are however plant-based glycerine and petroleum based glycerine. The plant- based form is good for you and your skin. You will only find it on the label of authentic organic skin care products.

A reputable organic skin care company will insist on rigorous laboratory testing and research. More money used for product development than that consumed by advertising is another good clue to a superior product and result for you, too. Scientifically formulated products, with high quantities of high quality ingredients of plant origin are the best.

That way each ingredient works in synergy with the others to care for your skin. Enhance your natural beauty with natural, plant-based creams and lotions. A win for you and the environment.

By Yves Lortie 

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Skin care products which claim to be organic

Skin care products which claim to be organic aren’t always what they seem – but there are ways you can make sure you’re getting the real thing.

Alice Hart-Davis, writing in the Daily Mail, says an environmental group has filed a lawsuit against 26 cosmetic companies in the USA which are accused of falsely labelling products as organic.

Here in the UK, she says, a company is allowed to describe a product as organic even if it only has tiny amounts of organic ingredients.

However, if it’s certified by the Soil Association, Ecocert or USDA, the product must contain at least 95% organic ingredients and therefore indicates it is genuinely organic ingredients.

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The Benefits of Using an Organic Beauty Product

The use of an organic beauty product, like most things made of natural ingredients, is highly beneficial. If you are still using a commercialized beauty and skin care product, perhaps you may want to consider switching to an organic beauty product after reading the following advantages it can give you.
Absence of Harsh Chemicals

Because it is made of natural ingredients, an organic beauty product does not contain any harsh chemicals that can harm your skin. Organic products are perfect for those who have sensitive or irritable skin.

Smell

Organic products usually have a fresh, pleasant and natural scent, unlike synthetic products, which use strong fragrances to hide the smell of chemicals. Organic products will smell just like the ingredients they are made of, such as lavender, coconut milk, papaya, and other sweet-smelling ingredients. No

Unpleasant Surprises 

With organic beauty and skin care products, you know exactly what ingredients were used and how they were formulated. With commercially-available products? You will never know. You will always be left wondering if some sort of harmful chemical was added to extend the product's shelf life.

The amazing results of using an organic beauty product will show almost immediately. Once you and everybody else notice how great your skin looks, you will not want to switch back to using synthetic products.

To know more about organic beauty and skin care items, talk to your dermatologist. He or she will be able to recommend which type of organic product is right for your hair and skin type.

There is a wide selection of natural products for you to choose from, so take your time and do your research in searching for the right one. Since you will not be dealing with harsh chemicals, you can try any organic beauty product that interests you and see if it will fit your skin type. These products are fairly inexpensive, so you do not have to worry about your budget either.

By Yap Shirley 

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Organic Cosmetic for Natural Beauty

As the number of people who are concerned about toxins in our environment grows, more and more

cosmetic companies are seen to be jumping on the natural and organic bandwagon.

But what does natural and organic mean when we see it on a product label? How do we know what we are buying is really natural and organic? What are the natural alternatives to chemicals? And is natural really better for us?

Our skin is the largest eliminatory organ in the body. It is a two-way membrane. Toxins are eliminated through the skin via perspiration and absorbed through the skin, into the body's systemic circulation, through hair follicles and sebaceous glands (not through sweat glands). One square inch of skin contains 65 hairs, 100 sebaceous glands, and 650 sweat glands, Cosmetic manufacturers are not supposed to claim that their products penetrate our skin.

If they did (the products would then be labelled a 'drug' and henceforth be governed by much stricter regulations. This is both good and bad. Good because it means your skin can be nourished from the outside with some wonderful ingredients.

Bad because it means some cosmetic manufacturer can put into their products that would never be

allowed to be taken orally, but are still absorbed into our system, through our skin.

To read more on this topic click the PDF below

http://edgecast.onegrp.com/shop/pdf/en/otherArticles/Organic_cosmetics.pdf

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Toxic Ingredient

Mineral Oil

Petroleum by-product that coats the skin like plastic, clogging the pores. Interferes with skin's ability to eliminate toxins, promoting acne and other disorders. Slows down skin function and cell development, resulting in premature aging. Used in many products (baby oil is 100% mineral oil!) Any mineral oil derivative can be contaminated with cancer causing PAH's (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons). Manufacturers use petrolatum because it is unbelievably cheap.

• Mineral oil


• Liquidum paraffinum (also known as posh mineral oil!)


• Paraffin oil


• Paraffin wax


• Petrolatum

Paraben preservatives (methyl, propyl, butyl, and ethyl)

Used as inhibitors of microbial growth and to extend shelf life of products. Widely used even though they are known to be toxic. Have caused many allergic reactions and skin rashes. Highly toxic.

 

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS)

Used in car washes, garage floor cleaners and engine degreasers - and in 90% of products that foam.

Animals exposed to SLS and ALS experience eye damage, central nervous system depression, laboured breathing, diarrhoea, severe skin irritation, and even death.

Young eyes may not develop properly if exposed to SLS and ALS because proteins are dissolved. SLS and ALS may also damage the skin's immune system by causing layers to separate and inflame. It is frequently disguised in semi-natural cosmetics with the explanation "comes from coconut".

Talc

Scientific studies have shown that routine application of talcum powder in the genital area is associated with a three-to-fourfold increase in the development of ovarian cancer.

Fragrance

Fragrance on a label can indicate the presence of up to four thousand separate ingredients, many toxic or carcinogenic. Symptoms reported to the USA FDA include headaches, dizziness, allergic rashes, skin discoloration, violent coughing and vomiting, and skin irritation. Clinical observation proves fragrances can affect the central nervous system, causing depression, hyperactivity, and irritability.

Alcohol, Isopropyl (SD-40)

A very drying and irritating solvent and dehydrator that strips your skin's natural acid mantle, making us more vulnerable to bacteria, moulds and viruses. It is made from propylene, a petroleum derivative. It may promote brown spots and premature aging of skin.

DEA (diethanolamine), MEA (Monoethanolamine), & TEA (triethanolamine)

Often used in cosmetics to adjust the pH, and used with many fatty acids to convert acid to salt (stearate), which then becomes the base for a cleanser. TEA causes allergic reactions including eye problems, dryness of hair and skin, and could be toxic if absorbed into the body over a long period of time.

These chemicals are already restricted in Europe due to known carcinogenic effects. Dr. Samuel Epstein (Professor of Environmental Health at the University of Illinois) says that repeated skin applications . . . of DEA-based detergents resulted in a major increase in the incidence of liver and kidney cancer.

FD&C Colour Pigments

Synthetic colours made from coal tar. Contain heavy metal salts that deposit toxins onto the skin, causing skin sensitivity and irritation. Animal studies have shown almost all of them to be carcinogenic.

 

 This is only a small few. I will be adding more. Keep a watch out.

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Five Benefits of Choosing Certified Organic:

 

1. Good for the soil

   Organic systems rely on a modern and scientific understanding of ecology and soil science, while also depending on traditional methods of crop rotations to ensure fertility and weed and pest control.



2. Good for the environment

   Organic systems aim to reduce dependence on non-renewable resources. Organic production aims at all times towards sustainability whilst having best management of the environment and wildlife as a priority.



3. Good for people

   Organic based ingredients have been shown in a number of studies to contain more vitamins, nutrients and cancer-fighting antioxidants than non-organic ingredients.



4. No synthetic chemicals

   Organic systems prohibit the use of artificial chemicals, pesticides and fertilisers.



5. No GMO's

   Certified Organic products are produced without GMOs, which are prohibited in the standards for organic food and farming.

 

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Argan Oil for Healthy Skin, Hair, and Nails

In recent years, argan oil has become a popular ingredient in hair and skin care products. This oil is obtained from the seeds of the argan tree that is found only in certain areas of Morocco.

For centuries, this versatile oil has been produced through a laborious process that is still used frequently by the region’s local people. This process includes removing the kernels of the tree’s fruit, toasting the seeds and grinding them into a paste. The resulting paste is then pressed to release its oil content. Modern methods make the oil extraction process much more efficient so that the supply of oil can satisfy rising demands for the product.

This oil’s content of linoleic acid is what makes it unique and useful. Linoleic acid is an antioxidant fatty acid that is necessary for good health. Without adequate amounts of this substance, dry hair can occur and wound healing may be delayed. Even though olive oil, sunflower oil and other vegetable oils contain varying amounts of this acid, argan oil contains more than any other plant oil.

When applied to skin, this oil offers some impressive benefits. It naturally reduces wrinkles, increases elasticity and softens the skin. It is one of the most effective natural skin moisturizers because it reduces oily skin while providing hydration at the same time.

It is also beneficial for treating skin conditions such as acne, stretch marks, dry patches and chicken pox scars. Sufferers of eczema and psoriasis can also gain some relief by applying a couple drops of this soothing agent to affected areas.

As with skin, argan oil can be applied to the hair and nails to achieve immediate results. This natural moisturizer solves problems with dryness, frizz and dullness. It thoroughly penetrates the hair shaft to lock in moisture and encourage healthy hair follicles.

This oil is lightweight and does not cause build-up on the hair. In addition, it helps to strengthen nails and alleviate brittleness. Applying oil to the nails on a regular basis will do wonders for weakened and damaged nails without the negative effects of harsh chemicals.

Products that incorporate argan oil are great for skin, nails and hair, but pure, or undiluted, oil is the most effective. This is due to the fact that certain products contain only tiny amounts of this natural emollient. It takes only a few drops of pure oil to achieve optimal results

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Argan Oil: So Natural, You Can Eat It!

Take a look at some of your cosmetics. Would you be tempted to eat any of them? Fruity lip glosses aside, most skin and hair cosmetics are basically poisonous. Although this seems normal and expected by modern standards, it shouldn’t be acceptable.

Why spend money on cosmetics that only contain mostly toxic fillers, when you can use a product so natural and healthy, that it’s edible?

As people become more educated about making choices about the products they use on their body, one thing becomes obvious: if you wouldn’t put it in your body, why put it on your body?

I’m sure you are aware that your skin and scalp absorb the products that are applied to them. Maybe it’s time to review your skin regime.

Argan Oil Defends Your Skin, Naturally.

The ill effects of smoking, exposure to the sun and bad skincare and dietary habits can appear on the face as early as a person’s mid 20s. Although you can’t reverse all the ravages of time, there’s a lot that can be done to protect your skin from future damage, and bring out the best of your skin immediately.


Eczema, psoriasis, acne, wrinkles, dry skin, calluses, dandruff, hair loss, inability to grow long hair are all treatable with regular use of Argan oil. However, those without any skin or hair issues will also appreciate its ability to protect from future damages, and provide a good dose of moisture. Best of all, it does all of this without any additives. It’s just perfect as-is!

 

Why Settle for Synthetic?

Argan Oil naturally contains many of the same “additives” that high-end cosmetics add synthetically to their formulas to promote anti-aging effects.


Bursting with skin-loving nutrients, Argan oil helps heal damaged skin and is said to protect from the signs of aging as it corrects the effects of dehydration and loss of elasticity. The high amount of tocopherols (vitamin E), which are potent antioxidants, helps the skin to combat free radicals. Free radicals ultimately result in the destruction of the skin’s cells, so by using Argan oil, skin becomes noticeably softer and smoother, diminishing fine lines and improving the appearance of scars.

Argan Oil is SO Easy to Use!

Isn’t it great when things get easier? Beauty routines should be enjoyable and simple, not cumbersome and complicated. This is why Argan Oil is a life saver. It’s easy to incorporate into a beauty regime, and it’s easy to use. There’s no right or wrong way to enjoy it, and that’s what makes it unique and wonderful.


Arguably the best thing about Argan Oil is its versatility. Carry a small spritzer bottle in your purse, and spray a little Argan oil on the tips of your hair for instant de-frizzing. Add to cream, or use a few drops straight from the bottle. Use it as a carrier oil, and add your favourite essential oils for a luxurious serum or massage oil. Use as a pre-shampoo treatment, or as a deep conditioner. Add to your bath as a moisturizing and healing bath oil. Apply to scars or stretch marks and watch them quickly vanish. Dap on your lips. Really, your imagination is the limit!

A Little Goes a Long Way

Just 2 drops of Argan Oil, day and night (used pure, or blended into a face cream), will achieve results that should make the top anti-age serums on the market ashamed of their claims. Argan Oil, however pricey it may seem, in fact achieves better results at a fraction of the cost.


So remember this: It may be pricey for oil, but it’s a bargain as a potent all-in-one beauty treatment.

Let’s See What the Lab Says About Argan Oil

It may be just a pure and simple oil, but Argan Oil is a real nutritional punch. In a nutshell (no pun intended, here), Argan Oil is a moisturizer beyond compare, and undoes damage done by evil UV rays. Here are some details of the skin and hair loving components found in this wonder oil:


Vitamin E (tocopherol). Argan Oil is astoundingly rich in Vitamin E, a potent antioxidant which helps slow the process of lipids from the destructive effects of oxygen (oxidation) as well as other environmental effects. Vitamin E is naturally occurring in skin, and helps the skin function as a water-proof barrier. With age and exposure to sun and pollution, this barrier is broken down and causes a lack of moisture, which damages the skin’s lipids. Many skincare products contain synthetic vitamin E, which helps keep skin hydrated and soft, however it is no match for naturally derived vitamin E, such as that found in Argan Oil.


Essential Fatty Acids. Argan Oil is also incredibly rich in essential fatty acids, which have been scientifically proven to be beneficial both when taken orally, but also when applied topically to skin. Not having enough EFAs can cause conditions in which the skin becomes flakey, dry, scaly and uncomfortable; conditions like psoriasis and eczema, as well as acne. EFAs have an anti-inflammatory effect on skin, and also increase suppleness, elasticity and youthful appearance and relieve painful skin conditions. Exposure to UV also decreases the skin’s EFAs, and so treating sun damaged skin with Argan Oil has been shown to repair damage to photo-aged skin, as well as on scarring.


For hair, EFAs prevent breakage and promote smooth and supple strands by increasing moisture content, which is the single best thing that can be done for your hair. Just a drop or two of Argan oil smoothed through brittle hair, from roots to tips, will improve its condition in no time. It also treats dandruff and itchy scalp.


Carotenes. Carotenes, found in Argan Oil, as well as in many fruits and veggies, is a precursor to vitamin A. Vitamin A, also known as Retinol, has been garnering a lot of attention from the beauty industry in the past few years. It is effective as an anti-aging ingredient in cosmetics, by protecting the skin from sun damage, and undoing damage already done. It also helps even skin tone, and adds a healthy glow. For hair, it counteracts fragility, reduces split ends and encourages a healthy sparkle.


Squalene. Squalene is found naturally in all plants and animals. As an additive in cosmetics, it penetrates skin easily and is absorbed readily, without leaving a greasy residue and is non-irritating. It does not cause skin to breakout, and is effective in healing scar tissue and preventing stretch marks. Squalene may also reduce hair loss and is a highly effective conditioning agent.

Quick Results
Argan Oil has the rare benefit of immediate improving hair condition. Whereas conventional hair products –conditioners, serums, styling creams- merely coat the hair shaft, resulting in temporary glossy locks, Argan Oil is actually absorbed by the hair. Argan Oil promotes silky soft hair, prevents moisture loss and adds elasticity and suppleness, but also provides an immediate sparkle and shine. So when your hair looks amazing because of Argan Oil, it’s because it’s in great health, and not just coated in silicones. Fine-haired people will benefit from the added strength this oil provides, and those with coarse hair will appreciate how smooth their hair will feel.

 If you have never tried pure Argan Oil on your hair, skin or nails, then you don’t know what you’re missing. This truly is miracle beauty oil!

(article by argan oil shop.)

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Organic Skin Care Products Are Best For The Sensitive Skin Of Babies

As a first time parent, you are likely to get confused when it comes to choosing a good product for your infant's skin. The best approach when shopping for skin care products for your baby is to look for all-natural organic products. Today, more and more parents are using organic baby skin products for their child, as these products are 100% safe. 

Read on to know what 'organic skin care products' means, why you should use organic products for your baby, the dangers of chemical-based skin products, and essential tips for purchasing these organic products for your baby.

Organic skin care products - A brief overview
Organic products, by definition, are products that are grown, created, produced, or manufactured without adding chemicals such as preservatives, fertilizers, chemical washes, etc.

This means that organic products are 100% natural. In the context of organic products for your infant's skin, these products include only natural ingredients and are completely devoid of any chemicals.

Why choose organic products for your baby?
Human skin, by design, absorbs whatever is topically applied to it and is not meant to act as a shield against harmful substances. In other words, chemicals present in skin products are readily absorbed through the pores. 

The skin of babies is delicate and thin. Any chemical substance applied to the skin of an infant is absorbed into the body very easily. Synthetic or chemical-based skin products can harm your baby as the chemicals present in these products are absorbed into your baby's system. On the other hand, products that are all-natural and organic are 100% natural and pose no danger to your child.

Dangers of synthetic or chemical-based baby skin products
The dangers of synthetic or chemical-based baby skin products fall in two categories: short-term and long-term. The short-term effects of synthetic baby skin products include dry skin, irritation on the applied area, rashes, and allergic reactions. The continuous use of chemical-based skin products can increase your child's risk to various diseases, including cancer and asthma.

Advantages of organic skin care products
Organic skin care products provide the necessary skin care for your child. Their biggest advantage is that they don't have any short-term or long-term side effects.

Tips for purchasing organic baby skin care products
To ensure that you give your bundle of joy the best possible skin care, make use of the following tips:

Read the label - Organic on a label doesn't always mean 100% organic. So, it is necessary that you read the label before purchasing a product to ensure that you select only 100% natural baby skin care products.

Opt for natural beauty care ingredients - Go for organic products that are made up of known natural beauty care ingredients such as turmeric, sandal, lentils, milk, cucumber, and herbal extracts.

By Lucille Proposch

 

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Aspartame exposed - GM Bacteria used to create deadly sweetener

(NaturalNews) The manufacturers of the most prevalent sweetener in the world have a secret, and it`s not a sweet one. Aspartame, an artificial sweetener found in thousands of products worldwide, has been found to be created using genetically modified (GM) bacteria. What`s even more shocking is how long this information has been known.

A 1999 article by The Independent was the first to expose the abominable process in which aspartame was created. Ironically, the discovery was made around the same time as rich leaders around the globe met at the G8 Summit to discuss the safety of GM foods.

The 1999 investigation found that Monsanto, the largest biotech corporation in the world, often used GM bacteria to produce aspartame in their US production plants. The end result is a fusion between two of the largest health hazards to ever hit the food industry -- artificial sweeteners and an array of genetically altered organisms.

Both have led to large-scale debate, with aspartame being the subject of multiple congressional hearings and scientific criticism. Scientists and health advocates are not the only ones to speak out against aspartame, however. The FDA received a flurry of complaints from consumers using NutraSweet, a product containing aspartame. Since 1992, the FDA has stopped documenting reports on the subject.

The process in which aspartame is created involves combining an amino acid known as phenylalanine with aspartic acid. First synthesized in 1965, aspartame requires bacteria for the sole purpose of producing phenylalanine. Monsanto discovered that through genetically altering this bacteria, phenylalanine could be created much more quickly. In the report by The Independent, Monsanto openly admitted that their mutated bacteria is a staple in the creation process of aspartame.

"We have two strains of bacteria - one is traditionally modified and one is genetically modified," said the source from Monsanto. "It's got a modified enzyme. It has one amino acid different."

Multiple studies have been conducted regarding genetic manipulation, with many grim conclusions. One study found that the more GM corn was fed to mice, the fewer babies they had. Another study, published in the International Journal of Biological Sciences, found that the organs that typically respond to chemical food poisoning were the first to encounter problems after subjects consumed GM foods. The same study also states that GM foods should not be commercialized.

"For the first time in the world, we've proven that GMO are neither sufficiently healthy nor proper to be commercialized. [...] Each time, for all three GMOs, the kidneys and liver, which are the main organs that react to a chemical food poisoning, had problems," indicated Gilles-Eric Seralini, an expert member of the Commission for Biotechnology Reevaluation.

Consumer groups are now curious as to whether or not other products secretly contain genetically modified ingredients. Due to the fact that the finished product`s DNA does not change when using genetically modified bacteria, it is hard to know for sure. 

With the FDA ruling against the labeling of GM salmon, it is becoming more of a challenge to determine whether or not a product contains GM ingredients. Consumers are voicing their opposition for GM ingredients going incognito, with the largest growing retail brand being GMO-free products.

"The public wants to know and the public has a right to know," said Marion Nestle, a professor in the Nutrition, Food Studies and Public Health Department at New York University.

Unveiling the secret process in which aspartame is created acts as yet another reminder to stay away from artificial sweeteners, and one should choose natural alternatives such as palm sugar, xylitol, or stevia.

by: Anthony Gucciardi

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New Studies Reveal the Medicinal Benefits of Honey

(NaturalNews) For centuries honey had been known as nature's medicine. Both the Greeks and Egyptians used honey as one of their main healing tools, with the famous Greek thinker Aristotle saying that pale honey was "good as a salve for sore eyes and wounds". 

But despite its long history within the healing community honey is now seen as something of a fad, another money making scam from the natural health industry that actually has no medical benefits at all. But there are new studies being conducted that could see us all adding honey not to our toast, but back into our medicine cabinets.

Many of these studies have been aimed at one particular type of honey, Manuka Honey. Each beehive will produce a different type of honey depending on which flower the bees get their nectar from.

Manuka honey comes from the flower of the Manuka bush that is native to New Zealand and has been found to have amazing anti bacterial properties. Bandages are now being made that contain traces of Manuka honey; this helps stop the growth of harmful bacteria even when wounds are badly infected. 

The Manuka honey's amazing healing properties come from a chemical reaction that takes place while the honey is being made. This reaction produces hydrogen peroxide, which is a well known antiseptic. "Since Manuka Honey is a natural ingredient, it has been found to have no negative side effects when used for medical purposes," says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International.

While Manuka honey aids healing another type of honey has been found to ease children's colds, sooth their chesty coughs and promote sleep. The Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine recently published the results of a study that seemed to confirm this fact. 

The study included 105 children between the ages of 2 and 18. In a partially blind test some of the children were given buckwheat honey, some honey flavored syrup and some nothing. 

Short surveys filled in by the children's parents showed that when their children were given just a little bit of honey before bed they slept better and coughed less than when they took the syrup or nothing at all. "This is the first time honey has been actually proven as a treatment," says lead study author Dr. Ian Paul, a researcher at Penn State College of Medicine.

Research in to the healing properties of honey is ongoing, but with many bacteria now becoming immune to prescribed antibiotics honey is being seen by many as an amazing natural alternative.

 

by: Sheryl Walters

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Organic Face Care - Beautiful Skin Without The Chemicals

 

When it comes to looking great, people have tried just about everything to have healthy looking skin. Some of the stuff that was tried throughout history are known poisons and even did a lot of damage to the skin before they tried something else. 

Skin care and cosmetics companies quickly realized that they needed to test their products on animals before selling it to test for toxicity and other effects, but animal rights activists finally got that type of testing outlawed. The reason companies needed to thoroughly test their products is because of all the chemicals they use to make their products. But companies that make organic facial care products have a much easier time because all their products don't use those chemicals.

It seems like just about every chemical in existence was tried at one point in time or the other. Even dangerous chemicals like arsenic and formaldehyde were used in a variety of products, and many of the chemicals in use today makes you really wonder just exactly what these companies are thinking. And virtually every product made from traditional methods is packed with one kind of preservative or other. 

In order for their products to stay usable for as long as possible without degrading and breaking down, preservatives have to be included. With this mix of chemicals and preservatives in traditional products, is it any wonder people have skin issues?

Organic facial care products take a completely different approach. By using organics that are actually good for the skin, not only does the skin look and feel better, but it's healthier too. 

This means that people who have had issues with skin types, from dry skin, oily skin or the dreaded combination skin may actually see their skin type normalize because the skin tolerates and even needs all natural products to be its best. Regardless of the product needed, being able to use an organic based product instead of a chemical based one makes for better, and maybe even easier, skin care.

And it doesn't matter which product you want to use. Whether you're looking for skin care products like exfoliators, cleansers, scrubs and masks, there are organic versions available. 

Even all the cosmetics like powders, bases, blushes, eyeliners, lash extenders, lipsticks and lip gloss all have organic versions available. The best thing about organic products is the fact that they do at least as good a job as their chemical filled counterparts, but usually do an even better job.

By Vickie L Lexom

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