Pesticides that May Damage the Brains of Children

Experts at the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have found there is good evidence that they can damage the developing human nervous system – particularly the brain.

Such a finding suggests these chemicals are a particular threat to developing babies and children by damaging their ability to learn, which could limit their achievements in school and later life.

The European experts are recommending that the residue levels that are allowed on food crops should be lowered as a safety measure. The experts are also calling for a comprehensive new testing regime to understand whether other chemicals in the same group could have the similar harmful effects.
The pesticides – Acetamiprid (ACE) and Imidacloprid (IMI) – belong to a new class of insecticides called neonicotinoids that are widely used to protect crops from insects and domestic animals from fleas.

Consider the Source

 Consider the First Source!

abstract-rainbow

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word choreographed an assembly of amino acids into an exquisite array of specific proteins. Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.” In so doing God demonstrated a penchant for genomic writing, preceeded by an amazing series of prebiotic events, in a highly orchestrated presentation of evolutionary overcontrol.

More about God’s Handiwork!




Among the MVPs of Nutrition — Phytochemicals

While no specific food has been officially acknowledged by scientists and government regulatory authorities as providing a health benefit, there is ample evidence to indicate the health benefits of diets rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and nuts. Current medical research is focused on whether health effects could be due to specific essential nutrients or phytochemicals.

AscensionCafe and PracticalSustenance have consistently stressed the value of micronutrients in our diet. On the micronutrient field the Most Valuable Players or MVPs of health include the Minerals, Vitamins, and Phytochemicals of the plant world.

Most people I talk with are unfamiliar with the term phytochemicals and so we offer this working definition: Phytochemicals are chemical compounds that occur naturally in plants (phyto means “plant” in Greek). Some are responsible for color and other organoleptic properties, such as the deep purple of blueberries and the smell of garlic. The term is generally used to refer to those chemicals that may have biological significance, such as through the role played by antioxidants.

There are over ten thousand of these chemical compounds that are believed to provide health benefits. Not all of them have names, but situated among the stars are these:

Phenolic compounds

Natural monophenols

• Apiole – parsley, celery leaf.

• Carnosol – rosemary, sage

• Carvacrol – oregano, thyme, pepperwort, wild bergamot.

• Dillapiole – dill, fennel root.

• Rosemarinol – rosemary.

Polyphenols

Flavonoids

red, blue, purple pigments

• Flavonols

• Quercetin – red and yellow onions, tea, wine, apples, cranberries, buckwheat, beans.

• Gingerol – ginger.

• Kaempferol – tea, strawberries, gooseberries, cranberries, grapefruit, apples, peas, brassicates (broccoli, kale, brussels sprouts, cabbage), chives, spinach, endive, leek,tomatoes.

• Myricetin – grapes, red wine, berries, walnuts.

• Rutin – citrus fruits, oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit, berries, peaches, apples, pagoda tree fruits, asparagus, buckwheat, parsley, tomatoes, apricots, rhubarb, tea.

• Isorhamnetin – red turnip, goldenrod, mustard leaf, ginkgo biloba.

• Flavanones

• Hesperidin – citrus fruits.

• Naringenin – citrus fruits.

• Silybin – blessed milk thistle.

• Eriodictyol

• Flavones

• Acacetin – Robinia pseudoacacia, Turnera diffusa.

• Apigenin – chamomile, celery, parsley.

• Chrysin – Passiflora caerulea, Pleurotus ostreatus, Oroxylum indicum.

• Diosmetin – Vicia.

• Tangeritin – tangerine and other citrus peels.

• Luteolin – beets, artichokes, celery, carrots, celeriac, rutabaga, parsley, mint, chamomile, lemongrass, chrysanthemum

• Flavan-3-ols (flavanols)

• Catechins – white tea, green tea, black tea, grapes, wine, apple juice, cocoa, lentils, black-eyed peas.

• (+)-Catechin

• (+)-Gallocatechin

• (-)-Epicatechin

• (-)-Epigallocatechin

• (-)-Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) – green tea;

• (-)-Epicatechin 3-gallate

• Theaflavin – black tea;

• Theaflavin-3-gallate – black tea;

• Theaflavin-3′-gallate – black tea;

• Theaflavin-3,3′-digallate – black tea;

• Thearubigins.

• Proanthocyanidins.

• Flavanonols

• Anthocyanidins (flavonals) or Anthocyanins – red wine, many red, purple or blue fruits and vegetables.

• Pelargonidin – bilberry, raspberry, strawberry.

• Peonidin – bilberry, blueberry, cherry, cranberry, peach.

• Cyanidin – red apple & pear, bilberry, blackberry, blueberry, cherry, cranberry, peach, plum, hawthorn, loganberry, cocoa.

• Delphinidin – bilberry, blueberry, eggplant.

• Malvidin – bilberry, blueberry.

• Petunidin

Isoflavonoid

• Isoflavones (phytoestrogens).

• Daidzein (formononetin) – soy, alfalfa sprouts, red clover, chickpeas, peanuts, kudzu, other legumes.

• Genistein (biochanin A) – soy, alfalfa sprouts, red clover, chickpeas, peanuts, other legumes.

• Glycitein – soy.

• Isoflavanes.

• Isoflavandiols.

• Isoflavenes.

• Pterocarpans or Coumestans (phytoestrogens)

• Coumestrol – red clover, alfalfa sprouts, soy, peas, brussels sprouts.

Flavonolignan

• Silymarin – artichokes, milk thistle.

Lignans

A phytoestrogens – seeds (flax, sesame, pumpkin, sunflower, poppy), whole grains (rye, oats, barley), bran (wheat, oat, rye), fruits (particularly berries) and vegetables.

• Matairesinol – flax seed, sesame seed, rye bran and meal, oat bran, poppy seed, strawberries, blackcurrants, broccoli.

• Secoisolariciresinol – flax seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, pumpkin, strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, zucchini, blackcurrant, carrots.

• Pinoresinol and lariciresinol – sesame seed, Brassica vegetables

Stilbenoids

• Resveratrol – grape skins and seeds, wine, nuts, peanuts, Japanese Knotweed root

• Pterostilbene – grapes, blueberries

• Piceatannol – grapes

• Pinosylvin

Curcuminoids

• Curcumin – turmeric, mustard. (Oxidizes to vanillin.)

Hydrolyzable tannin

• Ellagitannins

• Punicalagins – tea, berries

• Castalagins

• Vescalagins

Aromatic acid

Phenolic acids

• Salicylic acid – peppermint, licorice, peanut, wheat.

• Vanillin – vanilla beans, cloves.

• Gallic acid – tea, mango, strawberries, rhubarb, soy.

• Ellagic acid – walnuts, strawberries, cranberries, blackberries, guava, grapes.

• Tannic acid – nettles, tea, berries.

Hydroxycinnamic acids

• Caffeic acid – burdock, hawthorn, artichoke, pear, basil, thyme, oregano, apple, olive oil.

• Chlorogenic acid – echinacea, strawberries, pineapple, coffee, sunflower, blueberries.

• Cinnamic acid – cinnamon, aloe.

• Ferulic acid – oats, rice, artichoke, orange, pineapple, apple, peanut.

• Coumarin – citrus fruits, maize.

Capsaicin

chilli peppers.

Tyrosol esters

• Tyrosol – olive oil

• Hydroxytyrosol – olive oil

• Oleocanthal – olive oil

• Oleuropein – olive oil

Alkylresorcinols

wholegrain wheat, rye and barley

Terpenes (isoprenoids)

Carotenoids (tetraterpenoids)

Carotenes

orange pigments

• α-Carotene – to vitamin A, in carrots, pumpkins, maize, tangerine, orange.

• β-Carotene – to vitamin A, in dark, leafy greens and red, orange and yellow fruits and vegetables.

• γ-Carotene – to vitamin A,

• δ-Carotene

• Lycopene – Vietnam Gac, tomatoes, grapefruit, watermelon, guava, apricots, carrots, autumn olive.

• Neurosporene

• Phytofluene – star fruit, sweet potato, orange.

• Phytoene – sweet potato, orange.

Xanthophylls

yellow pigments.

• Canthaxanthin – paprika.

• Cryptoxanthin to vitamin A, in – mango, tangerine, orange, papaya, peaches, avocado, pea, grapefruit, kiwi.

• Zeaxanthin – wolfberry, spinach, kale, turnip greens, maize, eggs, red pepper, pumpkin, oranges.

• Astaxanthin – microalge, yeast, krill, shrimp, salmon, lobsters, and some crabs

• Lutein – spinach, turnip greens, romaine lettuce, eggs, red pepper, pumpkin, mango, papaya, oranges, kiwi, peaches, squash, brassicates, prunes, sweet potatoes, honeydewmelon, rhubarb, plum, avocado, pear, cilantro.

• Rubixanthin – rose hips.

Monoterpenes

• Limonene – oils of citrus, cherries, spearmint, dill, garlic, celery, maize, rosemary, ginger, basil.

• Perillyl alcohol – citrus oils, caraway, mints.

Saponins

soybeans, beans, other legumes, maize, alfalfa.

Lipids

• Phytosterols – almonds, cashews, peanuts, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, whole wheat, maize, soybeans, many vegetable oils.

• Campesterol – buckwheat.

• beta Sitosterol – avocados, rice bran, wheat germ, corn oils, fennel, peanuts, soybeans, hawthorn, basil, buckwheat.

• gamma sitosterol

• Stigmasterol – buckwheat.

• Tocopherols (vitamin E)

• omega-3, 6,9 fatty acids – dark-green leafy vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts.

• gamma-linolenic acid – evening primrose, borage, blackcurrant.

Triterpenoid

• Oleanolic acid – American pokeweed, honey mesquite, garlic, java apple, cloves, and many other Syzygium species.

• Ursolic acid – apples, basil, bilberries, cranberries, elder flower, peppermint, lavender, oregano, thyme, hawthorn, prunes.

• Betulinic acid – Ber tree, white birch, tropical carnivorous plants Triphyophyllum peltatum and Ancistrocladus heyneanus, Diospyros leucomelas a member of the persimmonfamily, Tetracera boiviniana, the jambul (Syzygium formosanum), chaga, and many other Syzygium species.

• Moronic acid – Rhus javanica (a sumac), mistletoe

Betalains

• Betacyanins

• betanin – beets, chard

• isobetanin – beets, chard

• probetanin – beets, chard

• neobetanin – beets, chard

• Betaxanthins (non glycosidic versions)

• Indicaxanthin – beets, sicilian prickly pear

• Vulgaxanthin – beets

Organosulfides

• Dithiolthiones (isothiocyanates)

• Sulphoraphane – Brassicates.

• Polysulfides (allium compounds)

• Allyl methyl trisulfide – garlic, onions, leeks, chives, shallots.

• Sulfides

• Diallyl disulfide – garlic, onions, leeks, chives, shallots.

Indoles, glucosinolates/ sulfur compounds

• Indole-3-carbinol – cabbage, kale, brussels sprouts, rutabaga, mustard greens, broccoli.

• Sulforaphane – broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, cabbages

• 3,3′-Diindolylmethane or DIM – broccoli family, brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale

• Sinigrin – broccoli family, brussels sprouts, black mustard

• Allicin – garlic

• Alliin – garlic

• Allyl isothiocyanate – horseradish, mustard, wasabi

• Piperine – black pepper

• Syn-propanethial-S-oxide – cut onions.

Protein inhibitors

• Protease inhibitors – soy, seeds, legumes, potatoes, eggs, cereals.

Other organic acids

• Oxalic acid – orange, spinach, rhubarb, tea and coffee, banana, ginger, almond, sweet potato, bell pepper.

• Phytic acid – (inositol hexaphosphate) – cereals, nuts, sesame seeds, soybeans, wheat, pumpkin, beans, almonds.

• Tartaric acid – apricots, apples, sunflower, avocado, grapes, tamarind.

• Anacardic acid – cashews, mangoes.

• Malic acid – apples

— © 2013 Robert H. Kalk

Consider the Source

 Consider the First Source!

abstract-rainbow

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word choreographed an assembly of amino acids into an exquisite array of specific proteins. Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.” In so doing God demonstrated a penchant for genomic writing, preceeded by an amazing series of prebiotic events, in a highly orchestrated presentation of evolutionary overcontrol.

More about God’s Handiwork!




Hidden Hunger

Hidden hunger is a form of malnutrition that strikes both the underfed and the overfed. It affects close almost two billion people worldwide. It is caused by micronutrient deficiencies. Micronutrients are vitamins and minerals needed in small amounts in the body, and which are essential to growth and development.

Children and mothers from developing countries are among the most vulnerable to suffering from hidden hunger. Poor nutrition during pregnancy and during a child’s first two years in life significantly slows down growth and cognitive development in children. It also makes the body more susceptible to illness and premature death.

Consider the Source

 Consider the First Source!

abstract-rainbow

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word choreographed an assembly of amino acids into an exquisite array of specific proteins. Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.” In so doing God demonstrated a penchant for genomic writing, preceeded by an amazing series of prebiotic events, in a highly orchestrated presentation of evolutionary overcontrol.

More about God’s Handiwork!




Sucralose (Splenda) Baking Releases Dioxin

The Center for the Public Interest in Science downgraded Splenda from “safe” to “caution,” citing their need to evaluate a forthcoming Italian study linking the artificial sweetener to leukemia in mice as a basis for their decision.

Another recent human study linked Splenda to diabetes-associated changes, calling into question its value as a non-calorie sweetener for those suffering with, or wishing to prevent, blood sugar disorders.

The new study, however, may be the most concerning yet to surface in the peer-reviewed literature. Titled, “Sucralose, a synthetic organochlorine sweetener: overview of biological issues,” it reveals an extensive array of hitherto underreported safety concerns, not the least of which is the formation of highly toxic chlorinated compounds, including dioxins, when Splenda is used in baking, an application which its manufacturer, McNeil Nutritionals (a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson), actively encourages.

Consider the Source

 Consider the First Source!

abstract-rainbow

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word choreographed an assembly of amino acids into an exquisite array of specific proteins. Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.” In so doing God demonstrated a penchant for genomic writing, preceeded by an amazing series of prebiotic events, in a highly orchestrated presentation of evolutionary overcontrol.

More about God’s Handiwork!




Is Monsanto’s Glyphosate Destroying The Soil?

Ever since Monsanto developed, marketed and patented the glyphosate molecule — Roundup (®) herbicide’s active ingredient — beginning in the early 70’s, a substantial and ever-growing portion of the earth’s arable surface has been transformed into an environmental and human health experiment, of unprecedented scale.

Roundup Ready (®) (glyphosate resistant) genetically modified (GM) plants (also created by Monsanto) now constitute 70% of all genetically modified food plants on the market today.2 This has required the use of increasingly larger quantities of glyphosate-based herbicides in the regions where these plants are cultivated, making human exposures inevitable, and now simply a question of to what degree. Despite manufacturers’ claims, pest resistance to GM crops and commonly used herbicides, are becoming a serious problem, and companies like Dow Agrosciences are seizing the opportunity with newly created GM crops that are ‘three herbicide” resistant, requiring the future use of even more toxic combinations and greater quantities of herbicides in America’s farmlands, including 2,4 D, a chemical once used in Agent Orange.

Consider the Source

 Consider the First Source!

abstract-rainbow

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word choreographed an assembly of amino acids into an exquisite array of specific proteins. Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.” In so doing God demonstrated a penchant for genomic writing, preceeded by an amazing series of prebiotic events, in a highly orchestrated presentation of evolutionary overcontrol.

More about God’s Handiwork!




A Place of Warmth for a Continuously Productive Garden

walipiniAn affordable and effective alternative to glass greenhouses is the walipini (an Aymara Indian word for a “place of warmth”). Also known as an underground or pit greenhouse, it was first developed over 20 years ago for the cold mountainous regions of South America, this method allows growers to maintain a productive garden year-round, even in the coldest of climates.

A walipini combines the principles of passive solar heating with that of an earth-sheltered building. It utilizes nature’s resources to provide a warm, stable, well-lit environment for year-round vegetable production. Locating the growing area 6’- 8’ underground and capturing and storing daytime solar radiation are the most important principles in building a successful Walipini.

Consider the Source

 Consider the First Source!

abstract-rainbow

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word choreographed an assembly of amino acids into an exquisite array of specific proteins. Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.” In so doing God demonstrated a penchant for genomic writing, preceeded by an amazing series of prebiotic events, in a highly orchestrated presentation of evolutionary overcontrol.

More about God’s Handiwork!




Inhibiting Cancerous Tumor Angiogenesis

Green tea consumption has been linked to a reduced occurrence of some tumor types. Current data indicate that the principal mediator of this chemopreventive effect is epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the most abundant polyphenol found in dried tea leaves. Here, we examined the effects of this compound on the two key cell populations typically involved in tumor growth: tumor cells and endothelial cells.

The effects of green tea and EGCG were tested in a highly vascular Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) tumor model and on endothelial cells in a panel of in vivo and in vitro assays.

EGCG inhibited KS-IMM cell growth and endothelial cell growth, chemotaxis, and invasion over a range of doses; high concentrations also induced tumor cell apoptosis. EGCG inhibited the metalloprotease-mediated gelatinolytic activity produced by endothelial cell supernatants and the formation of new capillary-like structures in vitro. Green tea or purified EGCG when administered to mice in the drinking water inhibited angiogenesis in vivo in the Matrigel sponge model and restrained KS tumor growth. Histological analysis of the tumors were consistent with an anti-angiogenic activity of EGCG and green tea.

These data suggest that the green tea gallate or its derivatives may find use in the prevention and treatment of vascular tumors in a chemoprevention or adjuvant setting.

Consider the Source

 Consider the First Source!

abstract-rainbow

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word choreographed an assembly of amino acids into an exquisite array of specific proteins. Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.” In so doing God demonstrated a penchant for genomic writing, preceeded by an amazing series of prebiotic events, in a highly orchestrated presentation of evolutionary overcontrol.

More about God’s Handiwork!




Seed Banking

The vault will have dual-blast proof doors, motion sensors, two airlocks, and walls reinforced with meter-thick concrete. Inside will be stored more than 3 million varieties of seed. The Norwegian government says the seeds are being stored, ‘so that crop diversity can be conserved for the future.’

Participating in this project, aside from the Norwegians, are:

  • The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
  • Dupont/Pioneer – owner of GMO seed patents.
  • The Syngenta Foundation – Swiss maker of GMO seed and pesticides.
  • The Rockefeller Foundation – created the ‘gene revolution with over $100 million invested in GM science since the 1970’s
  • CGIAR, a global network of Rockefeller Foundation supporters

Some economists have long believed that consumer sovereignty would be realized in a free market economy. Just how free the market can be in light of  influential forces such as software monopolies, agribusiness concerns, energy consortiums, Wall Street banks, and the governments they control is highly debatable.

Just as Monsanto executives dream of a world with 100 percent of all commercial seeds genetically modified and patented, others imagine global bio-warfare on the world population. Just as the fossil fuels industry is working to retard the growth of a bio-fuels industry, their oilees are sewing up the alternative energy patent portfolio.

Net-Neutrality is probably the most important First Amendment issue of our time. Throughout this country’s history, freedom of the press has only existed for those who own the press. The only way to stop powerful simpletons, from waging the war on poverty by starving the impoverished, is to dilute the power of incumbency.

Start saving our own seed. If enough of us do this, it won’t matter how many seeds they store in their vault. Plant organic gardens and share your seed with neighbors. Plant heirloom varieties, and as many of them as you have space for. Or, better yet, become completely non-dependent on the food supply. Turn your lawn into a garden. Start your own aquaponics system, and throw out the senators and congressmen who vote to support GMO in any way.

City governments may try to fine you $500 a day for planting your own food, like they did in Orlando, but if enough of us do it, and home owner’s associations begin to understand the larger concern, the power-hungry loonies are less likely to be able to interfere with a sweeping grass-roots efforts to take the power back – namely through growing our own non GMO food.

Consider the Source

 Consider the First Source!

abstract-rainbow

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word choreographed an assembly of amino acids into an exquisite array of specific proteins. Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.” In so doing God demonstrated a penchant for genomic writing, preceeded by an amazing series of prebiotic events, in a highly orchestrated presentation of evolutionary overcontrol.

More about God’s Handiwork!




Eat Like Our Lives Depend On It

A rich microbial ecosystem in our gut keeps us healthy. Now scientists are linking the health of our gut to the microbial ecosystems in the soils where our food is grown.

Industrial food production pollutes rivers and streams, creating massive offshore dead zones. It kills off bee colonies, consigns millions of animals to inhumane confinement, and disrupts the climate.

True, industrial food is cheap. But one in five children in the United States experiences hunger, and for many, it’s because their parents are paid poverty-level wages working in the food and agriculture sectors.

Industrial food is actually only cheap when the human and ecological costs are ignored.

Consider the Source

 Consider the First Source!

abstract-rainbow

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word choreographed an assembly of amino acids into an exquisite array of specific proteins. Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.” In so doing God demonstrated a penchant for genomic writing, preceeded by an amazing series of prebiotic events, in a highly orchestrated presentation of evolutionary overcontrol.

More about God’s Handiwork!




Control Biodiversity — Control the Future of Food and Bio-fuels

Because of the insidious way in which it works, it has been sold as a relatively benign replacement for the devastating earlier dioxin-based herbicides. But a barrage of experimental data has now shown glyphosate and the GMO foods incorporating it to pose serious dangers to health.

Compounding the risk is the toxicity of “inert” ingredients used to make glyphosate more potent. Researchers have found, for example, that the surfactant POEA can kill human cells, particularly embryonic, placental and umbilical cord cells. But these risks have been conveniently ignored.

The widespread use of GMO foods and glyphosate herbicides helps explain the anomaly that the US spends over twice as much per capita on healthcare as the average developed country, yet it is rated far down the scale of the world’s healthiest populations. The World Health Organization has ranked the US LAST out of 17 developed nations for overall health.

Sixty to seventy percent of the foods in US supermarkets are now genetically modified. By contrast, in at least 26 other countries—including Switzerland, Australia, Austria, China, India, France, Germany, Hungary, Luxembourg, Greece, Bulgaria, Poland, Italy, Mexico and Russia—GMOs are totally or partially banned; and significant restrictions on GMOs exist in about sixty other countries.

Consider the Source

 Consider the First Source!

abstract-rainbow

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word choreographed an assembly of amino acids into an exquisite array of specific proteins. Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.” In so doing God demonstrated a penchant for genomic writing, preceeded by an amazing series of prebiotic events, in a highly orchestrated presentation of evolutionary overcontrol.

More about God’s Handiwork!