What do you think of when you're asked about tea? Maybe you think of your kind grandmother knitting on a rocking chair with tea and a plate of cookies, or maybe the huge party they had in Boston Harbor a million years ago. What was it?, Oh yea, The Boston Tea Party. :] Or on the contrary, you could could be completely obsessed with tea and the millions of flavors, health benefits, and versatility! Its true! Tea not only tastes good, can be served hot or cold, and keeps you clean and in shape, but its YAWYE's favorite beverage! Take it from YAWYE. If not from us, checkout the cool facts at the end of this article.

   Tea has been proven to be a great alternative to your energetic needs. If you're a student with an essay due tomorrow, brewing a pot of %50 caffeine will keep you up and running aaaaaall day. Are you a busy parent? The same thing goes for you. A little bit of caffeinated tea every now and then will pick you up and keep you running. This is a much better substitute for energy drinks, containing toxins, excess sugars, and a 2.5 serving per container.

Need any more reasons to drink tea? We've got 'em!
Tea has been the 2nd most consumed drink for most of history! It originated in China over 5,000 years ago. - Those wonderful Chinese. (Also the inventors of the noodle).  Tea is known to be good for your teeth, containing Fluoride. Along with these, Tea can add to your beauty! Drinking a cup of Black Tea everyday makes your hair shiny, and brings out your natural highlights. Tea can act as a face wash, and even go so far as acting as a tanner for your skin!

So, drink up!

 - Tea contains fluoride, which has a well-established link to dental health. Studies have shown that tea can provide up to 70% of the fluoride you need. It's also thought that antioxidants in tea may help inhibit the growth of the bacteria that cause plaque.

 - Tea without milk and sugar has virtually no calories. And in hot weather, it seems refreshing. This may be because it can raise your body temperature and momentarily cause an increase in perspiration, which cools the skin.

 - Teas such as Lipton are made from tea leaves rich in natural antioxidants, plus other good stuff your body loves. As for the taste, with a range covering hot and cold teas, and green and black varieties, it boosts your taste buds, as well as your well being.

This article was written by the help of:

 - http://whatscookingamerica.net/Beverage/Teahealth.htm

Sweet potatoes are relatively low in calories and have no fat. They are rich in beta-carotene , having five times the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin A in one sweet potato, as well as loaded with potassium. These nutrients help to protect against heart attack and stroke. The potassium helps maintain fluid and electrolyte balance in the body cells, as well as normal heart function and blood pressure.

Wild Mexican "yams" which are related to the sweet potato, seem to have anti-weight-gain, anti-cancer, and anti-aging properties, according to Dr. Earl Mindell.

True yams do not contain as much Vitamin A and C as sweet potatoes.

Source:
       Trowbridge Filippone, Peggy.   "Sweet Potato and Yam Health Information". About.com. 2011. January 29, 2011. <http://homecooking.about.com/od/foodhealthinformation/a/swpotatohealth.htm>.

Diet Soda in general has been overlooked, to say the least. Will it really help us watch our weight while still enjoying our food? What is in Diet Coke and Diet Pepsi? Whats the deal with Aspartame? Lets take a look:

To start, what most people are worried about when it comes to soft drinks is Metabolic Syndrome. By definition of the American Heart Association, Metabolic Syndrome is a group of metabolic risk factors in one person. With symptoms such as these:

• Abdominal obesity (excessive fat tissue in and around the abdomen)
• Atherogenic dyslipidemia (blood fat disorders — high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol and high LDL cholesterol — that foster plaque buildups in artery walls)
• Elevated blood pressure
• Insulin resistance or glucose intolerance (the body can’t properly use insulin or blood sugar)
• Prothrombotic state (e.g., high fibrinogen or plasminogen activator inhibitor–1 in the blood)
• Proinflammatory state (e.g., elevated C-reactive protein in the blood)

Source:
      "Metabolic Syndrome". American Heart Association. January 24. 2011. <http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4756>.

The ingredients within Diet Coke and Pepsi are somewhat unknown, and change often. This is partly due  to new laws made on what is "safe" to eat and what is not. You can find the ingredients Here.

Aspartame is a very quarrelsome chemical that is the main ingredient in diet coke, and probably the main reason for  Metabolic Syndrome. Aspartame has been called "The Devil" by countless skeptics and doctors. Probably the most famous negative account on aspartame is in Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouins's  book "Skinny Bitch". In the Book it recounts the rejection of aspartame by the FDA 8 times in 1973. And after this it describes the slow painful assent of aspartame use, and the wayward officials of the FDA slowly giving in. Aspartame is so greatly used in diet soft drinks because it has virtually no Carbohydrates, resulting in no calories. It is as well used in very small amounts because is about 180 times sweeter than sugar! Sounds pretty great right? Well on the contrary studies suggest that aspartame may increase the risk the development of several cancers, citing studies on rats in the 1970s. Whats more, is it is highly dangerous for people suffering from (PKU). (Other studies suggest as well that is may CAUSE PKU)

Links To Look At:
The Dangers of Diet Soda
Zero Calories, Same Great Taste (and Heart Risks)
Skinny Bitch Aspartame
Dangers of Aspartame Poisoning

Unfortunate Fact:
"The sodium benzoate was found to break down mitochondrial DNA in living yeast cells.[12] Research published in 2007 for the Food Standards Agency suggests that sodium benzoate (E211) is linked to hyperactive behavior and decreased intelligence in children.[13] In January 2008 sodium benzoate (E211) was removed from production lines for Diet Coke sold in Britain, however it remains in other Coke products and other production locations.[14]"

Source:
     "Diet Coke." Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia. 19 January 2011. January 23, 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diet_Coke>.

Unsweetened - Greek Yogurt- is one of the only dairy related superfoods Yawye finds naturally super. Although we do not usually promote dairy products, because of the risks of hormone intakes, antibiotic intakes, and other remnants that infiltrate the process of "processing", Unweetened Yogurt has some very natural and "super" qualities!

Not only is is high in protein, low in fat, and rich in calcium, the probiotics (live cultures) help strengthen immunity.

The difference between Greek Yogurt and regular?
Unsweetened/Greek yogurt has twice the protein of regular yogurt, is more rich, and contains less antibiotics (depending on the brand).

But remember - Always by local/organic if possible!

Aspartame Side Effects There are over 92 different health side effects associated with aspartame consumption. It seems surreal, but true. How can one chemical create such chaos?

Aspartame dissolves into solution and can therefore travel throughout the body and deposit within any tissue. The body digests aspartame unlike saccharin, which does not break down within humans.

The multitude of aspartame side effects are indicative to your genetic individuality and physical weaknesses. It is important to put two and two together, nonetheless, and identify which side effects aspartame is creating within you.

Aspartame Side Effects The components of aspartame can lead to a number of health problems, as you have read. Side effects can occur gradually, can be immediate, or can be acute reactions.

According to Lendon Smith, M.D. there is an enormous population suffering from side effects associated with aspartame, yet have no idea why drugs, supplements and herbs don’t relieve their symptoms. Then, there are users who don’t ‘appear’ to suffer immediate reactions at all. Even these individuals are susceptible to the long-term damage caused by excitatory amino acids, phenylalanine, methanol, and DKP.

Adverse reactions and side effects of aspartame include:

Eye
blindness in one or both eyes
decreased vision and/or other eye problems such as: blurring, bright flashes, squiggly lines, tunnel vision, decreased night vision
pain in one or both eyes
decreased tears
trouble with contact lenses
bulging eyes

Ear
tinnitus - ringing or buzzing sound
severe intolerance of noise
marked hearing impairment

Neurologic
epileptic seizures
headaches, migraines and (some severe)
dizziness, unsteadiness, both
confusion, memory loss, both
severe drowsiness and sleepiness
paresthesia or numbness of the limbs
severe slurring of speech
severe hyperactivity and restless legs
atypical facial pain
severe tremors

Psychological/Psychiatric
severe depression
irritability
aggression
anxiety
personality changes
insomnia
phobias

Chest
palpitations, tachycardia
shortness of breath
recent high blood pressure

Gastrointestinal
nausea
diarrhea, sometimes with blood in stools
abdominal pain
pain when swallowing

Skin and Allergies
itching without a rash
lip and mouth reactions
hives
aggravated respiratory allergies such as asthma

Endocrine and Metabolic
loss of control of diabetes
menstrual changes
marked thinning or loss of hair
marked weight loss
gradual weight gain
aggravated low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
severe PMS

Other
frequency of voiding and burning during urination
excessive thirst, fluid retention, leg swelling, and bloating
increased susceptibility to infection

Additional Symptoms of Aspartame Toxicity include the most critical symptoms of all
death
irreversible brain damage
birth defects, including mental retardation
peptic ulcers
aspartame addiction and increased craving for sweets
hyperactivity in children
severe depression
aggressive behavior
suicidal tendencies

Aspartame may trigger, mimic, or cause the following illnesses:
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Epstein-Barr
Post-Polio Syndrome
Lyme Disease
Grave’s Disease
Meniere’s Disease
Alzheimer’s Disease
ALS
Epilepsy
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
EMS
Hypothyroidism
Mercury sensitivity from Amalgam fillings
Fibromyalgia
Lupus
non-Hodgkins
Lymphoma
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)

Source:

  Hull, Janet. "Aspartame Side Effects". Aspartame Dangers. 2002. January 26, 2011. <http://www.sweetpoison.com/aspartame-side-effects.html>.

Chicken has always seemed like the best alternative to red meat if anything. But some people know that chicken is not the ideal alternative at any means. The modern world and it's food is not all black and white; meaning white meat or red meat is not simply healthy or unhealthy.

To those questioning this particular topic, here is some insight:

•  Does Chicken Have Less Fat/Cholesterol? In comparison to a 3.5-ounce piece of broiled lean flank steak with 56% fat as a percentage of calories, chicken has only a 5% lower intake with 51% of fat as a percentage of calories. So by this we know that chicken is not better because of a lower intake of fat. What about cholesterol? Well cholesterol is the same in comparison to chicken and beef. 4 ounces of beef and 4 ounces of chicken (the size of a deck of cards) has roughly 100 milligrams of cholesterol. This cholesterol isn't "good" cholesterol either. It works just the same in clogging up arteries. 
  

• Does Chicken Have Good Proteins? It has been taught to many parents that the protein in chicken is essential for the growth of their children. This common misconception is harming the future of  children's health. That may seem overblown, but let us explain. Years ago there was no such this as too much protein. But recent studies show that too much protein aids in calcium loss, causing osteoporosis. Along with this, too much protein will cause a strain on a person's kidneys, forcing them to expel extra nitrogen in the urine. This creates an increased risk for kidney disease. Finally, the combination of fat, protein, and carcinogens found in cooked chicken creates troubling risks for colon cancer.

• What Could We Be Eating Instead? The things that chicken is replacing in our meals consist of fiber, complex carbohydrates, vitamin C, and more. Chicken will never naturally contain these things. Fiber as famously known clears a person's digestive track, removing excess hormones and cholesterol. (no wonder the USDA wants us to eat more of it, because they're selling us the meat and dairy). Complex carbohydrates found only in plants are low in calories and boost metabolism, aiding in weight loss! Finally, vitamin C and other antioxidants are super cancer fighters we need for our immune system.

• The final point we can make is this: Any meat at all, chicken, beef, turkey, pork, is simply the muscle of a dead animal made up of fat and protein.

Beans have been a long time natural source of protein, phytochemicals, a multifaceted nutrition well and is even extremely versatile. Along with these, beans work to prevent illness, and is known for being an anti-aging necessity!

With a low fat, calorie, and sodium content they are the most satisfying replacement of meat in a meal for the weight-watcher, and contain high amounts of complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber( lots of fiber actually), and they offer modest amounts of essential fatty acids—mostly omega-6s (only soybeans have significant amounts of omega-3 fatty acids).

The protein provided by beans is full of amino acids. To receive the full 20 amino acids, beans added to some barely, oats or grains will get you there! (they will probably already be added in the meal).

Beans are also very beneficial to the diabetics who need to rank lower on the glycemic scale, meaning beans do not cause an inflammatory, hunger-inducing spike in blood sugar levels.

Cool Links:
Bean Nutrition Guide
Funny Nutritionist Aspect

Once you think about it, its obvious! Salsa is incredibly good for you! The variety of vegetables containing vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, tons of antioxidants, and FIBER. It has no calories, virtually no fat, sugar, or sodium. (This is if the salsa is made correctly with no junk added to it, which most don't add anyways)

If you don't know what phytochemicals are, you should! Present in fruits and vegetables, phytochemicals help prevent cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and hypertension. Phytochemicals really help protect your cells. :]

Some brands like to add lots of salt to their ingredients because they think it will make the consumers enjoy it more. But in fact, there really is no difference in taste. Therefore, when your picking up a jar of Salsa at the grocery store, try to look at the label. And  remember, when there's a sale on salsa, avoid it! Foods like salsa are important to monitor, starting when you purchase it. If there's a sale, it usually means the salsa's gone bad, is about to go bad, or contains the evil P-word: PESTICIDES.

Always avoid pesticides. Generally, most crops received by grocery stores in the winter  contain pesticides, because of the season making it harder to grow the needed amounts. So avoid placing certain foods like salsa in your cart during the wrong seasons.

Salsa especially should attract awareness to pesticides. Inconveniently, the most sources of "salsa gone bad" are restaurants.

Research from the CDC shows that “nearly 1 out of every 25 restaurant-associated foodborne outbreaks with identified food sources between 1998 and 2008 can be traced back to contaminated salsa or guacamole.”

This is an alarming discovery!

 For more information on this you can visit:
http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/effects-of-pesticides.html

or

http://barfblog.foodsafety.ksu.edu/barfblog/tag/salsa

Aww, Gatorade. Probably my brother's favorite drink. I myself have never been a big fan.  I constantly developed stomachaches, or cramps during my soccer games as a 12 year-old. It wasn't until recently that I discovered whats really in this famous beverage. Not only what's in it, but the effects on a person's body! (especially when being drinken not during physical exercise)

 Lets start with the ingredients. Whats in Gatorade? water, sugar, table salt, carbohydrates, electrolytes (110 mg sodium, 30 mg potassium, 93 mg chloride), high fructose corn syrup,  artificial colors, glucose, fructose, and sugar.
It seems that all Gatorade really is, is water and sugar. (29 grams of sugar in one bottle.)  But that's not really that big of a deal, when compared to other sports drinks. ALL sports drinks are sugar and water. So lets dig a little deeper.

 "...when you sweat you loose salt as well as water. Drinking only water when trying to rehydrate can be dangerous because you are essentially diluting your body's essential electrolytes which can be dangerous. Especially if you have worked up a really good sweat. Gatorade and Powerade are okay, but they contain way more simple carbohydrates than are needed." - Sean Galante

As Sean said, sports drinks such as Gatorade contain way more simple carbohydrates than needed. All this excess sugar, caffeine, and Herbal stimulant has a huge effect on our metabolism.

Effects Include Restlessness and Irritability, Increase Blood Pressure, Possible Dehydration, and when consumed too much - WEIGHT GAIN.

 Gatorade is only a temporary solution to an athlete's hydration problem. In tests, Gatorade has shown to be the best performance booster for countless athletes.  But in general, for most sports, adequate hydration is necessary and pure water is the best source.

  - By: Craig Williams

Sources:

 - http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/850795/is_gatorade_
bad_for_you_what_you_need.html

 - http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/energy-drinks/AN01630

 Barley is one of the oldest and most beneficial grains to date, that shouldn't be overlooked. It is versatile in cooking, yet maintains it's nutritional value throughout each type of processing! This makes it great for breakfast dishes such as oatmeal (another great superfood), or in soups and stews. It can even act as a substitution for rice!
 
Eating hulled barley on a regular basis:

• Lowers blood cholesterol levels
• Protects against cancer because its high fiber content helps speed food through the digestive tract, and because its a good source of selenium, shown to significantly reduce the risk of colon cancer
• Is a good source of niacin, the B vitamin that is cardio-protective
• Slows starch digestion, which may help keep blood sugar levels stable
• Provides high concentrations of tocotrienols, the "super" form of vitamin E
• Provides lignans, phytochemicals that function as antioxidants. Women who consume lignans (also present in high levels in flaxseed) are less likely to develop breast cancer.

Source:

     <Dr. Perricone>

Almonds like all other nuts are a great source of protein and unsaturated fat. Almonds are also good sources of calcium, fiber, magnesium, potassium, vitamin E, and other antioxidants. But like each classics nut, almonds contain their own special make-up that prove to help us, with the multitude of health problems we have, overcome the symptoms and move on with our lives.

Whats big in the news currently is that almonds have been proven to reduce the risks of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. This is pretty important to know, there being an estimated 20 million people to develop diabetes by 2020! A new study from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey has found that an almond-enriched diet can improve insulin sensitivity and lower LDL-cholesterol levels for people with prediabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the body's cells are not able to use insulin properly.

Here is a record of how the tests took place, by David A. Gabel, ENN:

"'The test group consisted of 65 people with prediabetes, having an average age of 53.5 years. They were split into two groups, one of which consumed an almond-enriched diet. After 16 weeks, the group that ate almonds showed much improved levels of LDL-cholesterol and insulin sensitivity, lowering their risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease." - Gabel, David

"According to the study, consuming a diet recommended by the American Diabetes Association for 16 weeks in which 20% of the total calories come from almonds can improve LDL-cholesterol levels and measures of insulin sensitivity for people with prediabetes. These findings build on existing research which suggests that almonds are healthy for the heart. They are nutritious, aid in disease management, and lower the risk of certain chronic diseases." - Gabel, David


    Source: 
     Gabel, David. "Almonds May Lower Risks of Type 2 Diabetes and Heart Disease." The Environmental News Network. December 18th, 2010. December 17th, 2010.<http://www.enn.com/health/article/42132>.




Link to published study:
 http://www.jacn.org/cgi/content/abstract/29/3/189

Chocolate has been around for centuries, starting with the Mayans, and Aztecs. But it wasn't until the 20th century that the world developed a mass crave for it! The melt-in-the-mouth taste, and smooth texture. Chocolate certainly has a unique taste that out-does vanilla, and caramel. Some scientists believe that part of the world's addiction has to do with the compounds found in cocoa which make people feel good, in love, or just plain happy.

For starters, chocolate contains 380 known chemicals(and maybe even more!)! With these chemicals the brain is able to produce opioids, which give the brain a sense of well being. The receptors of the brain which interact with these chemicals will affect a person's cells. Cannabinoids, another chemical in chocolate is much like cannabis (marijuana). It is important to know the active chemical in marijuana is called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) . Interesting huh? When THC reaches a person's receptors and binds with a lipid called anandamide produced by a person's own body, the person will experience being "high".

Chocolate can create a similar "high" effect because chocolate will insert a large amount of anandamide, along with chemicals that act like THC. This reaction creates dopamine, a neurotransmitter.

So why doesn't a chocolate bar really make a person "high"? The reason is due to anadamide being a short lived chemical, and the chemicals like THC not having as much of an effect as the real deal, THC. Unless a person were too take in 8 lbs. of chocolate in a short period of time, they will still be sane. This, however, may be fore the best.

Secondly, Chocolate's addiction (not a literal addiction) may be caused by a chemical called phenylethylamine.
Here is how Ellen Kuwana describes it:

"Chocolate also contains phenylethylamine, a chemical related to amphetamines. Like amphetamines, this chemical causes blood pressure and blood-sugar levels to rise, resulting in a feeling of alertness and contentment. Phenylethylamine has been called the "love-drug" because it quickens your pulse, as if you are in love. Caffeine in chocolate may also cause feelings of alertness and a pounding heart. Other stimulants in chocolate include theobromine and methylxanthines. These caffeine-relatives are weaker than caffeine-you'd have to eat more than 12 Hershey bars to get as much caffeine as there is in one cup of coffee. All of these stimulants increase the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain."

Source:
     Ellen Kuwana. "Discovering The Sweet Mysteries of Chocolate". Neuroscience For Kids. October 1, 2010. November 13, 2010. <http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/choco.html>.

By: Tom Arnold of the Huffpost World
Last Friday, April 15 -- as part of the Spring Meetings of the World Bank and IMF in Washington, DC -- I was a panelist in a groundbreaking global conversation, the Open Forum. It was a unique opportunity for a small group of experts to engage not only with each other, but with 3,000 participants in a concurrent 24-hour chat, and people from 91 countries who had submitted comments and ideas online before the event. The topic was the food crisis -- crippling market volatility, the net effect of which has been a sustained increase in food prices, wreaking havoc on the world's poor.

This was no staid academic exercise. It was an valuable part of a larger conversation that grows more urgent by the day because each day, more lives hang in the balance. As World Bank President Robert Zoellick starkly put it, "we're one event away from a very serious crisis."

Some might argue that we're at that point already: according to the World Bank, since June 2010 another 44 million people have fallen into poverty because of the spike in food costs; every minute another 170 people join the ranks of the extremely poor -- those who spend on average 85 cents of their daily budget of $1.25 on food. The Open Forum provided an excellent opportunity to draw the world's attention to how terribly vulnerable the world's poor are.

It's high time for decisive action in rolling out the short-term and longer-term measures called for by the Forum's panel and online participants.

Source:
Arnold, Tom. "The Urgency of Curbing Global Food Price Volatility." Huffpost World. Huffpost World, 04 19 2011. Web. 19 Apr 2011. <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tom-arnold/global-food-price-volatility_b_851118.html>. 

(Source: The Manilla Times)By James Konstantin Galvez, The Manila Times, Philippines April 09--A NEW report released by the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on Friday showed that global food prices have declined in March, their first decrease in eight months.

In an article posted on its website, David Hallam, FAO-Trade and Market Division director, said the global Food Price Index has dropped for the first time after eight consecutive months of price increases.

The index averaged 230 points, down by 2.9 percent after peaking in the previous month. However, the March figure was still 37 percent higher than a year ago.

Hallam warned that it is still premature to conclude a reversal in the upward trend of food prices.

He said low stock levels, the devastation in Japan, and the political tensions in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) will contribute to the uncertainty and price volatility over the coming months.

Source:
Galvez, James. "March food prices dip 1st time in 8 months -- FAO."    iStock Analyst. istockanalyst, Saturday, April 09, 2011. Web. 9 Apr 2011. <http://www.istockanalyst.com/business/news/5049057/march-food-prices-dip-1st-time-in-8-months-fao>.

Blueberries, broccoli and fish rich in Omega 3 are among the best known superfoods.
But now something rather sweeter can be added to the list of healthy foods containing high levels of antioxidants that boost the immune system.

Maple syrup is even being described by scientists in America as a ‘one-stop shop’ for beneficial compounds.

Tests on the syrup, which is made by boiling sap from the maple tree, found that it contains compounds which could help manage Type 2 diabetes, as well as acting as anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory agents.

Click Here for the full article!

Source:
          Daily Mail Reporter, . "Maple Syrup Joins Ranks of Broccoli and Blueberries as New 'one-stop Shop' Superfood ." Mail Online. Mail Online, 2nd April 2011. Web. 2 Apr 2011. <http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1372549/Maple-syrup-joins-ranks-broccoli-blueberries-new-stop-shop-superfood.html>.

Check out this article from CBS. Click Here!

"(CNN) -- I was in the security line at an airport a few months ago when I watched a fellow passenger do something I'd never seen done before: He dissed the scan."
Click Here for the article by CNN!

With the turmoil in the Middle East, rise in oil costs, and therefore the rise in food prices, when is it expected to end? Click Here for the article by Agustino Fontevecchia of Forbes Online.

As the world watches Japan undergo natural Disastor, countries in particular worry about the effect the nuclear waste will have on imports. Click Here for the full article!

With children and unborn babies being most at risk, the Japanese government is scrambling. Currently radioactive materials are being spewed into the air, from four seperate reactors. Towns are have been evacuated, but the risk is still high, depending on the type of radioactive materials. Click Here for the full article.

Cavity-fighting ingredients are found in everyday foods you already eat!
"Sugar-free gum products, such as those manufactured by Wrigley's, use xylitol as a substitute sweetener. According to California dentist Louis Amendola, bacteria that are found in the mouth cannot digest xylitol as they can sugar. This helps to prevent the release of acids that can erode teeth and cause decay.

"Xylitol also increases saliva and its pH level, which helps remineralize tooth enamel and fight plaque buildup," he added.

Individuals may consider chewing sugar-free gum products after meals to freshen breath and ward off plaque until they are able to brush their teeth.

Green and black teas contain ingredients that may inhibit plaque from bonding to the surface of teeth, according to researchers at the University of Illinois."

 Source:
"Everyday Foods and Drinks Can Boost Oral Health ." Dental Plans. N.p., 03 11 2011. Web. 11 Mar 2011. <http://www.dentalplans.com/articles/52944/everyday-food-and-drinks-can-boost-oral-health.html>.

The Boston Globe has some fresh-pressed news about Skippy Reduced Fat Peanut butter having traces of salmonella! Along with Peanut butter, Hazelnuts and mixed nuts even, may be contained with Escherichia coli O157:H7. Click Here for the article, containing a list of the states being affected.

As WHFoods puts it in it's on article about Cauliflower, "You'll want to include cauliflower as one of the cruciferous vegetables you eat on a regular basis if you want to receive the fantastic health benefits provided by the cruciferous vegetable family". Their informational page (Click Here to view it) contains a great chart that lists all its generous nutrients - some you wouldn't suspect - such as a superflux of Vitamin C, Omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and dietary fiber!

 Source:
    "Cauliflower." The Worlds Healthiest Foods. The George Mateljan Foundation, 2011. Web. 5 Mar 2011. <http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=13>.

The Gates Foundation, which is already a force in agricultural research and development in Africa, said it would donate $70 million to a new collaboration that will focus on addressing threats to food production in the developing world, including crop diseases, pests, poor soils and harsh weather.
Click Here for the full Article!
  Source:
    "Gates Foundation Works to Boost Food Production". Reuters. February 27, 2011. February 27, 2011. <http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/02/27/us-gates-food-idUSTRE71Q2SX20110227>.

Tomatoes are a staple ingredient in not only Italian food but everyday American food as well. Think about it, how many of you put tomatoes in your sandwiches? Yum!
The good news is that they are a superfood!

The main reason tomatoes are considered a super food can be credited to Lycopene. This powerful antioxidant is found in pink grapefruit, guava and watermelon. Its a chemical that not only gives a a marvelous red color, but also disease-fighting powers.
The human body cannot produce lycopene, so getting it in our bodies can prove to be extremely beneficial. Another upside to tomatoes is that you don't need to eat them every day to receive this great antioxidant. Studies show that just by eating tomatoes every other day created a better lung capacity in the experimenters as well as a lower risk of heart disease!

Wondering about the organic aspect? Well there is good reason to be apprehensive about non organic tomatoes. In 2008 tomatoes were ranked on the Dirty Dozen List, as well as the Clean 15. This past year, 2010, tomatoes were ranked again on the Dirty Dozen.
The New Dirty Dozen: **Tomatoes
"It's still true that the thin skin of tomatoes can allow pesticides to enter the fruit, so it's always a good idea to buy organic when possible, even if the popular food is no longer among the worst actors.
Can't find organic? You may want to consider peas, broccoli and asparagus.” - The Daily Green Staff

Despite non organic tomatoes carrying pesticides, we can say they are a great source of antioxidants, and when bought organic, they do provide an assuring positive influence on our bodies.

Important Fact: Although Fresh is best, all tomatoes will have the great nutrients you want. But do remember not to refrigerate the fresh tomatoes, because not only will it lose the flavor, but also the nutrients.
Source:
      The Daily Green Staff. "The New Dirty Dozen: 12 Foods to Eat Organic." The Daily Green. December 27, 2010. <http://www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-eating/eat-safe/Dirty-Dozen-Foods>.

With all the talk about gas prices rising to $4 a gallon and the Middle East, food prices (which are on the rise) have been put on the back burner. Click Here for the Full article!

Allen, host of the Food Network's "Chopped," said Friday he was astounded that some political conservatives have criticized first lady Michelle Obama's efforts to encourage healthy eating and exercise by children. Click Here For the Full Article!

While organic grown food (no hormones, pesticides etc.) - real food, is priced reasonably, while fast food or common grocery store food (processed jargan food) is sold in big quantities for bargain prices, the American diet is affected. But not for the better.

Click Here for the article from the Huffington Post.

Check out this article (Here) from the Los Angeles Times:
"Claims about the breads abound: They're said to be packed with whole grains, protein, omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, and they're supposedly safe for people with wheat allergies or gluten intolerance, also known as celiac disease. But although the ancient grains are undoubtedly healthful and tasty, not all of the claims hold up." - Conis, Elena

Food manufacturers such as PepsiCo, Pizza Hut, Mars, and McDonalds are being urged by the Government to cut salt levels and trans fats in their foods. Click Here for the article.

Yawye did some searching and just found an intriguing yet disturbing News Article from The Time Of India. In the article Subodh Varma states: "There is bad news on the global food front. In an alert issued this week, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) warned that more than two-thirds of China's gigantic wheat crop may be under risk "because of substantially below-normal rainfall" this winter." - Varma, Subodh

Click Here for the full article.

After seeing commercials run by the "Americans Against Food Tax" organization Yawye did a little surfing the web to find out what this really was all about.
As it turns out, this organization is nothing but an American Beverage Association Coalition. An article by Politifact.com - "Americans Against Food Taxes' ad during Super Bowl Raises Specter of Soda, Snack Taxes" tells the whole story:

"First, some background on the group airing the ad, Americans Against Food Taxes. The group is spearheaded by the American Beverage Association, which represents the makers of sodas and other drinks. According to Advertising Age,  the American Beverage Association decided to form the coalition in June 2009, when the idea of taxing sodas and other sweet beverages was being considered as a way to fund the Democratic health care bill. The coalition includes dozens of members, including 7-Eleven, Inc., Burger King Corp., Domino’s Pizza, the Grocery Manufacturers Association, McDonalds, the National Association of Convenience Stores, Snack Food Association, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Wendy’s/Arby’s Group, Inc.

Although the food and beverage tax was not included in the health care law, the group has continued to run advertising to forestall any effort to revive such taxes. People watching the ad might think Congress is still considering such a proposal at the federal level. But if you listen closely, the ad played during the Super Bowl is careful to refer to "politicians" and "government" rather than "Washington" or "Congress." (By contrast, other ads the group has run have mentioned Washington.)

The ad is correct that politicians in some cash-strapped states are considering food and drink taxes.

In the last two years, many states and cities considered such taxes. According to the Campaign for Healthy Kids, an advocacy group that generally favors such efforts, taxes on soda were enacted in Washington state and proposed -- but not passed -- in Mississippi, New Mexico and the city of Philadelphia.

In New York, Assemblyman Felix Ortiz, a New York City Democrat, has proposed a tax on foods high in calories, fat or carbohydrates, for the past several legislative sessions.

Most state lawmakers were sworn in only a few weeks ago, so we can't predict how many states will consider soda-tax proposals this year. But already, legislators have introduced bills to impose or raise the tax on sodas and/or snack foods in Arizona, Connecticut, Hawaii, Mississippi, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Vermont and West Virginia, according to separate legislative tracking by the Center for Consumer Freedom, a pro-business advocacy group, and Yale University’s Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity.

So while Congress has not been active on this proposal since it was dropped from the health care law, it's been proposed in many states."

Source:
       "Poolitifact." Politifact.com. St. Petersburg Times, 02 06 2011. Web. 11 Feb 2011. <http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2011/feb/07/americans-against-food-taxes/americans-against-food-taxes-ad-during-super-bowl-/>.

Click Here for the full article!

Why do yoga?                 by John Tunney
"The short answer is that yoga makes you feel better. Practicing the postures, breathing exercises and meditation makes you healthier in body, mind and spirit. Yoga lets you tune in, chill out, shape up -- all at the same time.

For many people, that's enough of an answer. But there's more if you're interested.

For starters, yoga is good for what ails you. Specifically, research shows that yoga helps manage or control anxiety, arthritis, asthma, back pain, blood pressure, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic fatigue, depression, diabetes, epilepsy, headaches, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, stress and other conditions and diseases. What's more, yoga:

• Improves muscle tone, flexibility, strength and stamina
• Reduces stress and tension
• Boosts self esteem
• Improves concentration and creativity
• Lowers fat
• Improves circulation
• Stimulates the immune system
• Creates sense of well being and calm.

And that's just the surface stuff. In fact, most of the benefits mentioned above are secondary to yoga's original purpose.
Developed in India, yoga is a spiritual practice that has been evolving for the last 5,000 years or so. The original yogis were reacting, in part, to India's ancient Vedic religion, which emphasized rituals. The yogis wanted a direct spiritual experience -- one on one -- not symbolic ritual. So they developed yoga. Yoga means "union" in Sanskrit, the classical language of India.

According to the yogis, true happiness, liberation and enlightenment comes from union with the divine consciousness known as Brahman, or with Atman, the transcendent Self. The various yoga practices are a methodology for reaching that goal. In hatha yoga, for example, postures and breathing exercises help purify the mind, body and spirit so the yogi can attain union.

Pranayama breathing exercises help clear the nadis, or channels, that carry prana the universal life force, allowing prana to flow freely. When the channels are clear and the last block at the base of the spine has been opened, Kundalini rises through the spine, through the central channel called the sushumna-nadi, and joins the crown chakra. According to the tradition, the release of Kundalini leads to enlightenment and union.
If you do yoga will you become enlightened?
Well…you might (of course, it could take a few lifetimes of diligent practice). But then again you might not. But it doesn't really matter because yoga is a process, and there's a lot of good to be had along the way.
What if you don't believe in talk about enlightenment, spirit and the rest of it?
That's okay, too. Yoga doesn't discriminate. Even if you don't believe in the spiritual side of life, you can still do yoga. Whether enlightenment, nadis, prana and Kundalini is literal truth, metaphor or myth is irrelevant. If you do yoga, chances are that you will feel its psycho-physiological effects.
Moreover, the concept of union has a powerful down-to-Earth meaning. Yoga helps us get in touch with our true selves.
Between work, home and all of the demands and stresses in between, it's easy to lose touch with who we are, that core essence with which we were born. Rushing around all day it sometimes feels like the "I" inside is simply the result of the things we do all day -- or the effects those things have on our minds, bodies and spirits.
Ever say "I am hungry" or "I am stressed"? We identify with our conditions. It's like "hungry" or "stressed" is a name (Hi. I'm Stressed. What's your name?) As a result, our identities shift with our moods and conditions.


In truth, however, we are not the conditions we experience or things we do. We are not our jobs or the thousands of tasks that make up our jobs. We are not the sensations or emotions we feel. We are not the car we drive or the house we live in. We are not "S/he Who Must Pay Bills." We are not Mr. and Ms. Stressed.
Strip away the emotions, sensations and conditions and somewhere deep down inside you are still there. Strip it all away and you find out who you really are.
The techniques developed by the yogis to transcend also help us strip away the things that try to mis-define us -- the emotions, sensations, desires, achievements and failures of daily life. Through yoga we learn to develop a greater awareness of our physical and psychological states. As a result, we're in a position to better manage our reactions to the thoughts, feelings and responses we have to the various situations we deal with every day.
With greater awareness comes the sensitivity and skill to find and remove the physical and psychological blocks that often keep us from our true selves. We no longer identify with our conditions. Instead of saying, "I am stressed," we begin to say, "I feel stress," or "stress is present." It's a subtle but powerful difference. Or better yet, we say "I feel anxiety and fear, and that's causing stress and in particular it's causing tension in my neck and shoulder." So we breathe deeply to soothe the anxiety. We review the events that led to the onset of those feelings, and in the process they lose their grip on our nervous system. We intentionally relax our shoulder and neck to prevent the stress and tension from building into a permanent condition.

Yoga gives us control of ourselves. It helps cut through the layers of mis-identities that arise in response to our actions, experiences and feelings. It calms the frenzy, clears the clutter and allows us to get back in touch with ourselves.

Yoga is union with self. Or, as Patanjali, one of the great yoga sages, said:

Yogashcittavrittinirodhah (Yoga stills the fluctuations of the mind). Tada drashthuh svarupe' vasthanam (Then the true self appears.) However, yoga is not about self-absorption. Yoga is about being in the world. Although most books, videos and websites focus on yoga postures, breathing and meditation, the tradition also emphasizes love, compassion, knowledge and right action as paths toward union.

Whether you pursue yoga as a spiritual path or for its psycho-physiological benefits, yoga is a methodology for developing a deeper experience of your self and the world. And it makes you feel really good." - Tunney, John

Source:
  Tunney, John. "Why Do Yoga?". The Yoga Site. 2007. January 29, 2011. Yoga Site Inc. <http://www.yogasite.com/why.htm>.

 1.) Water is absolutely essential to the human body’s survival. A person can live for about a month without food, but only about a week without water.

 2.) Water helps to maintain healthy body weight by increasing metabolism and regulating appetite.

 3.)Water leads to increased energy levels. The most common cause of daytime fatigue is actually mild dehydration.

 4.) Drinking adequate amounts of water can decrease the risk of certain types of cancers, including colon cancer, bladder cancer, and breast cancer.

 5.) For a majority of sufferers, drinking water can significantly reduce joint and/or back pain.

 6.) Water leads to overall greater health by flushing out wastes and bacteria that can cause disease.

 7.) Water can prevent and alleviate headaches.

 8.) Water naturally moisturizes skin and ensures proper cellular formation underneath layers of skin to give it a healthy, glowing appearance.

 9.) Water aids in the digestion process and prevents constipation.

 10.) Water is the primary mode of transportation for all nutrients in the body and is essential for proper circulation.

Source:
      "Ten Reasons to Drink Water". All About Water. 2004. January 22, 2011. <http://www.allaboutwater.org/drink-water.html>.