Ban this Natural Ingredient from your diet FOREVER

I am so frustrated that I just now at the age of 45 am finding out about this disgusting ingredient that is in the organic  foods that I have been purchasing. Our family has been on a mission to eat organic and be as healthy as we can possible be for a long may years. The finding out of this horrible ingredient "Carrageenan " has got my blood to boil. I had no clue they were adding this gelling, thickening agent into my families organic milk, yogurt, cheese and ice-cream for years.

Carrageenan is derived from red seaweed and is processed in a way to make it a "food-grade" additive. For many years the carrageenan trade lobby group fought to promote this as a safe and natural additive. Now it is not  used for nutritional value, flavor and color it IS used for a thickener. Imitating a thick and rich full food option.

The way that Carrageenan is chemically structured triggers an autoimmune response. Autoimmune responses lead to inflammation within the body. The inflammation has been most noticed in the gastrointestinal system. We have all heard of "Belly Bloat' and "IBS" and "IBD Irritable bowel disease.

While some organic products do contain carrageenan, organic standards prohibit the use of harmful ingredients like high-fructose corn syrup, petroleum-based fake food dyes, and artificial flavors, along with other harmful ingredients that have been linked to heart damage, ADHD, and other health problems. 

Here are a few grocery items that do not have Carrageenan :

Chocolate Milk
• Castle Rock Organic Farms
• Crystal Ball Farms
• Strafford Organic Creamery
• Trickling Springs Creamery

Cottage Cheese
• Nancy's
• Organic Valley

Cream
• Organic Valley (pasteurized only...ultrapasteurized contains carrageenan)
• Butterworks Farm
• Strauss Family Creamery

Ice Cream
• Stonyfield
• Green & Black's Organic
• Julie's (except mint fudge, mocha fudge and peanut butter fudge)
• Alden's

Yogurt
• Seven Stars
• Stonyfield (all brands except caramel Oikos and Squeezers)
• Horizon (all except Tuberz)
• Wallaby

Soymilk
• EdenSoy

 

Most people read labels for the fat, sodium & sugar content, but do not fully comprehend the meaning of some of the other ingredients, to their own detriment.

If you eat processed foods, you are most likely ingesting Carrageenan. This ubiquitous additive is found in foods such as. ice cream, half & half, cream, cottage cheese, chocolate milk, some hemp milks, rice milk, almond milk, soy milk, cheesecake, processed meats, hot dogs, frozen desserts, apple cider, jellies, prepared sauces, pies, puddings and baby “formulas.” It is in other processed foods, but it may not be listed on the label, because it is part of another ingredient.

Why is carrageenan dangerous? Here is what a number of doctors and health researchers have to say:

Per Dr. Ray Peat, PhD, "It has been found to cause colitis(inflammation of the large intestine/colon) and anaphylaxis (life threatening allergic reaction) in humans."

Dr. Andrew Weil says, “Carrageenan can cause ulcerations and cancers of the gastrointestinal tract.”

Dr. Russell Blaylock in his book “Health and Nutrition Secrets that can save your life” Pg. 196 writes "Carrageenan is a complex polysaccaride made from seaweed and is used as a binding agent. Experimentally carrageenan is used as an agent to induce, intense inflammation in experimental animals. A recent study found that when carrageenan was injected in animals along with a cancer causing chemical, tumors appeared more rapidly…than in control animals injected with the carcinogen alone. The same was seen when human breast cancers were implanted in animals along with carrageenan. The combination made the tumors grow faster and spread more rapidly than in control animals. As a result carrageenan is classified as a tumor promoter.” Dr Blaylock named carrageenan as an additive that may contain MSG.

Dr. Joann Tobacman, M.D., University of Iowa Assistant Professor of Clinical Internal Medicine did a number of studies on carrageenan. She said, “Evidence from animal models has demonstrated that degraded carrageenan causes ulcerations and malignancies in the gastro intestinal tract.” After conducting epidemiological and laboratory research on carrageenan, Dr. Tobacman published an extensive review of 45 investigations on harmful gastrointestinal effects of carrageenan in animal experiments. The article was published in an issue of Environmental Health Perspectives, the journal of the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences. In the studies she found that carrageenan is taken up by the intestinal cells rather easily, but the cells are unable to metabolize it. As carrageenan accumulates in cells, it may cause them to break down, and over time this process could lead to ulceration.

In the past I came across information that carrageenan was an emulsifier and it caused the pores in the intestinal tract to become larger; permitting larger molecules of undigested food to enter the bloodstream.

This would cause a burden on the lymphatic system, whose main function is to clear out “foreign invaders” from the bloodstream.

Dr. Mercola writes: “A number of studies have found that the widely used food additive carrageenan causes cancer in food animals and its use in human foods should be reconsidered…enough evidence exists about the cancer-causing effects of carrageenan to limit the use of this food additive.

During the latter half of the 20^th century inflammatory bowel disease and gastro intestinal malignancy have been major causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Even with improvement in treatment and cancer screening, colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer mortality in the United States. The Western Diet has been considered a possible source of inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal malignancy, and intensive efforts have been undertaken to study the impact of specific constituents of the Western Diet, such as, fiber and fat.

In 1972, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed limiting the type of carrageenan that could be used in food. But the regulatory effort was rescinded in 1979.

For decades carrageenan was presumed safe to eat, but new research has shown that it can cause health problems - and should be avoided. The method by which it is processed - using strong alkali solvents is also questionable. These solvents could remove the tissues and skin from your hands - it is that toxic.

There are other questionable additives that are being used in our food supply and the only way to avoid them is to eat unprocessed foods.

If you suffer from flatulence, bloating, diarrhea, loose stools or even blood in your stool, it could be related to the foods or substances that are irritating your intestinal tract.

Just because seaweed is natural - does not mean it is a healthy food for human beings. The red seaweed from which carrageenan has been derived from - should be avoided. It isn’t worth the possibility of gastrointestinal disease or cancer.

Well I feel better now that I have done my research. I really thought just going into my local grocery store and buying " ORGANIC " was all I needed... Well it is not . We all must start reading the labels on everything we purchase. Please look for this nasty natural ingredient and STAY AWAY. 

Blessings and Health to each and every one of you~~ Kelly Jeffrey

Quinoa Pilaf recipe ~~~ Great for the Holidays

Quinoa Pilaf recipe

1 tablespoon organic coconut oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cups sliced baby organic carrots
1 cup Quinoa
2 cups organic vegetable broth
2/3 cup sliced almonds
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Directions: Heat oil in saucepan over medium heat-cook onion until translucent-5 minutes-Add carrots and cook 3 minutes more.Stir in Quinoa and vegetable broth-bring to boil.Reduce to simmer-cover and cook 15 to 20 minutes or until quinoa is tender and fluffy.Add almonds and parsley and salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot or room temperature. I like to serve it over a spinach salad.. So Yummy

                                          

                  

                                                

Chia Seeds amazing little seed.......

1. Help weight loss. Chia seeds are popular for weight loss. They reduce food cravings by preventing some of the food that you eat from getting absorbed into your system. This blockage of calorie absorption makes them a great diet helper.
2. Feel fuller faster: They can also help your diet by making you feel full. This is because they absorb 10 times their weight in water, forming a bulky gel.
3. Hydration for athletes: They are also great for athletes because the "chia gel" can hydrate the body.
4. Reduce your blood pressure: There's evidence to suggest they can reduce blood pressure.
5. Omega-3: They are the richest plant source of Omega-3 (the vital fats that protect againstinflammation—such as arthritis—and heart disease). In fact, they contain more Omega-3 than salmon!
6. Benefits for diabetes: Because chia seeds slow down how fast our bodies convert carbohydrates into simple sugars, studies indicate they can control blood sugar. This leads scientists to believe chia seeds may have great benefits for diabetics.
7. They are easier to digest than flax seeds, and don't need to be ground up.

Wonderful Pumpkin Pie alternative for the entire family

Ingredients

• 2 cups plain Greek Yogurt  
• 2- 15oz cans pumpkin puree
• 2 tbsp water
• 4 tbsp organic dark brown sugar  
• 5 tbsp maple syrup
• 2 tbsp pumpkin pie spice 
• 12 organic ginger snaps, crushed and 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 8 tbsp chopped pecans or walnuts

Instructions

1. Mix together yogurt, and pumpkin puree.
2. In a small bowl, mix water and brown sugar until dissolved. Poor into pumpkin mixture, add maple syrup and spice and mix well
3. Spoon into 8 bowls, reserving 8 tablespoons. Top with chia seeds, crushed ginger snaps, 1 tablespoon of pumpkin mixture and 1 tablespoon chopped pecans or walnuts per bowl

Gluten Free Energy Breakfast

Organic- gluten free-No Bake Energy Breakfast cookies

1 cup of organic gluten free rolled oats ( I use Bob's Red Mill brand found at Kroger or any local health food store)
1/2 cup ground flax seed ( I use Bob's Red Mill Organic Whole ground flaxseed meal. This is found in the refrigerator section at your local health food store)
1/2 cup organic creamy peanut butter
1/3 cup of organic honey-
1/2 cup all natural dark chocolate chips
1 tsp.organic pure vanilla extract

                                                             

                     

Essential Oils for the family

    I regularly incorporate aromatherapy into my daily life to help me and my family emotionally and to aid in our physical well-being. Essential oils are extracted from leaves, stems, flowers, bark, roots, herbs, brushes, shrubs and trees through distillation. They have been used for medicinal and healing purposes for thousands of years. Clinical studies are currently underway in many countries to test the healing properties of various oils, and in the United States, many practices are starting to realize the benefits of essential oils.

     It’s important to purchase the purest essential oils available. I use Young Living brand oils which after researching found to be one of the purest oils.  Research the product line to ensure the items are organic; anything else could do more harm than good. Avoid the temptation to go for the cheapest option, which is likely mixed with synthetic chemicals or heavily diluted. Also, be sure the oil is sold in a dark glass bottle. This will ensure light doesn’t get to the oil, deteriorating it over time. Keep the bottle in a cool place in your home to guarantee you get the maximum benefit each time you use it.

     From the array of essential oil selections, each has its own unique properties. I suggest starting with the basics, such as lavender, rosemary, eucalyptus, ginger, peppermint, orange or lemon. It’s also helpful to purchase a dictionary/reference guide to familiarize yourself with the different oils and find what’s right for you. I bought a book called Reference Guide for Essential Oils by Connie and Alan Higley.

     Essential oils carry the essence of the plants in such a potent form that a single drop of essential oil can equal multiple teaspoons of the dried herb (for instance, 1 drop of peppermint oil equals more than 25 cups of peppermint tea!). And they can be used or applied in a multitude of ways and combinations to bring powerful results to your tasks, atmosphere, and bodies.

     Enjoy researching these oils and please contact me if you have question. I am really passionate about using these essential oils in our daily lives. I make my own face cream, foot creams, deep conditioning treatments for my hair and body creams. The benefits I have seen in my life and my family are amazing. Enjoy researching ~~ Kelly Jefffrey

 

                                      

The dangers of processed foods for our children.

Today’s world is so busy and rushed we look for convenience and simplicity when it comes to the next meal for our families. Lifestyles are so different then they were 20 years ago. Along with such convenience and simplicity come processed foods to satisfy the appetite. Drive-thru fast food restaurants can be found at almost every corner serving foods fried in trans and saturated fats and serving strange meat products. The freezer section at the grocery store is sometime larger than the fresh produce department. Although the snack aisle has some chips made with trans fat free products, the popular fattening and tasty chips are most popular and cheaper. Anything you can think of eating may come in a can, box, or jar these days. With this diet, our society is consuming an astonishing amount of unhealthy meals without a thought of the dangers of processed foods.

Health conscious parents are often surprised to find out how often they are putting chemically engineered foods into their families diet. Even if you know enough to avoid fast foods and sugary sweets, parents could be unwittingly purchasing groceries that are processed and can affect your families health. Most foods that are packaged, canned, frozen or altered from its original form can be considered processed. Parents need to be aware and read labels on foods that can be harmful to their family.

Looking back to the days of my grandparents, food was bought fresh from the grocery store. Potatoes didn’t come in a box in the old days. Mashed potatoes were actually peeled, washed, cut up, and boiled until ready to add the fresh whole milk and butter. Yes, that was butter—not the imitation spread in a tub labeled with a promise of unsaturated fat. Well butter and imitation butter that will be a great topic for another blog. I challenge you this Thanksgiving to not make boxed potatoes, a great thing to do with you children is make homemade mashed potatoes. I know with my 3 children they LOVE when we make a meal together. What better way then on a holiday to enjoy this time shared in preparing a meal.

Our taste buds have been trained to crave foods which are sweet, salty, spicy, and probably unhealthy. With cancer and heart disease all around us, researchers are now studying the dangers of processed foods which are more of a staple in our home than a loaf of bread or carton of milk. I personally know it can be difficult to always cook a meal that is fresh and not processed. I also have a very busy life raising 3 children, 2 with Juvenile Diabetes. For me to always cook healthy is something I strive to do. It is not easy planning meals in advance and trying to find organic fruits and vegetables. We as parents need to make it our priority to feed our family healthy foods to avoid long term health issues.

So I challenge you, with Thanksgiving approaching make a non processed dinner. Enjoy your Turkey with homemade mashed potatoes, organic green beans and homemade cranberries. When it comes to dessert your children will love to make a pie with you from scratch. What better way to feed your family healthy while making wonderful memories at the same time.
                                                Have a blessed holiday ~~~ Kelly Jeffrey

                                           

                                                               

Diet Pop and the reasons to say NO!!

              Diet sodas boast of having no sugar at all, and still having the same sweet taste. That’s because diet sodas contain a chemical ingredient called Aspartame. This is the same chemical make-up of consumer sweeteners such as NutraSweet and Equal. Basically, Aspartame makes your brain think that what you’re eating is sweet. This triggers your body to start craving for sweet things. So, aside from being unable to cut down on your soda intake, you might find yourself constantly reaching for that cupcake or frequently craving carbohydrates.

        Some people prefer using aspartame even though they have heard the dangers of this chemical. They think that eating foods with artificial sweeteners is better that eating real sugar. I read part of Jillian Michael's book called Master Your Metabolism and it explains that aspartame is an excitotoxin. Excitotoxins can damage the appetite center of the brain and can lead to the death of neural cells. An excitotoxin is a chemical that causes a brain cell to become overexcited and fire uncontrollably, leading to cell death. MSG also has excitotoxins and it has the potential for inflicting permanent damage to the brain and nervous system. These chemicals also cross the placental barrier, harming the brains of unborn children.

              A great alternative to aspartame and other artificial man made sweeteners is Stevia. Stevia can be purchased as a powder or a liquid extract. Many people use it to sweeten their coffee or tea. It can be used in baking, where it works best combined with a natural sweetener like honey or rice syrup whose flavor it amplifies. It can be found at health food stores as well as most local grocery stores. Stevia is a sweetener that is widely grown for its sweet leaves. Stevia can be grown at home and fit nicely into a small garden. Our family has been using this natural sweetener for years replacing sugar with it in our cookies and other baked goods.

           I personally know how difficult it is to give up diet pop. I have had 2 family members struggle with the diet pop addiction. I can say that both of my loved ones feel so much better  now that they have switched to Stevia and are Diet Pop Free.  Zevia Soda was a great alternative to tradition Diet Sodas. Zevia contains no sugar it is made with 100% Stevia for sweetness. This soda can be found at Whole Foods, Krogers and most health food stores. 

 ~~~~~~ Kelly Jeffrey