Organic Farming, What is the Answer?

By Dick Murray

The "Green Movement" has taken over the world's conscience, but with every one hopping on this bandwagon, what does tomorrow hold for the food we consume?

Agribusiness and the multinational food producers over the years have done an excellent job of providing substantial amounts of nutritious food for a growing world population, but is this scenario of farming sustainable? Currently there is a tremendous amount of debate between organic farmers and conventional farmers who are looking for common answers to this question.

In many countries throughout the world including the United States, China and most of Europe; organic farming is defined by law, so that the commercial use of the term organic is regulated by the government. Unfortunately, these laws are constantly usurped by greedy and unscrupulous parties.This is due to the fact that the enduser demand for organic products in developing economies has grown at about 20% annually because of increasing awareness of organic farming methods.

Organic pest control, one of the mainstays of organic farming allows for a certain amount of pest crop damage, it encourages or introduces beneficial organisms, utilizes careful crop selection and crop rotation and mechanical, thermal and mulch controls for weeds. Organic pesticides; which are derived from plants and not chemicals, allow for the use of natural methods of protection.

Conventional farming requires farmers to precisely apply only those necessary fertilizers to the soil in order to minimize waste pollutants. Organic farmers on the other hand do not have that option because they depend on natural additives such as manure and compost, which contain fixed amounts of various elements which can not be controlled. The most common problem is over application of these organic fertilizers because of their relative lack of potency. These over applications will definitely lead to gradual pollution of the water supply.

Organic farming proponents claim that the full impact of chemical genetic engineering on food quality and plant and animal health is not yet fully understood. Opponents argue that genetic engineering is vital to create higher volumes of food in the fight to end world hunger without requiring additional land. Often forgotten in this debate, is the fact that true genetic engineering is a technique, also known as grafting and propagation has been used for centuries, and has done much good for mankind.

The pro-organic point of view regarding the environment in is that modern agriculture is depleting our natural resources such as fossil fuels and fresh water and is polluting our air, soil and water. The large quantities of chemicals, water wastage through high-volume irrigation and the heavy use of fuels for the farm machinery and long-distance transportation are some of their arguments. On the other hand an organic farm is not beyond fault, by the use of natural compost and manure on a large-scale may cause as much damage to groundwater and soil as does manufactured fertilizers.

Organic farming is at a crossroads. Even though there are laws that ensure that the rules are the same for producers and consumers, these laws have been found to be full of loopholes that have led to charges being leveled against the major certifiers in our government such as the FDA and the USDA.

When America's agribusiness converts to large scale organic farming will they have a viable chance be able to make a profit without hiking the consumer cost to unaffordable levels?

The current food distribution system favors large farming corporate operations and cannot be easily altered. What we presently know as organic farming may be entirely different in the coming years. A growing and educated consumer market is normally one of the main factors will convince conventional farmers to change over to organic agricultural production methods.

While this debate goes on, families are making their own decisions regarding this subject by doing the sane and sensible thing; growing their own foodstuffs. The "Green Movement" is more than a slogan. It has become a way of life for those who are choosing to join in to make this world a better place to live. - 17274

About the Author:

Dick Murray is a concerned American who cares about the quality of the food that our families eat on a daily basis Our commercial food system supplies us with food that does not contain the nutrients and health benefits contained in the food we consumed not that long ago. Learn how to grow your own food and beat this system. It is not difficult and will probably be a lot of fun. To learn more visit vegetablegrowingbasics

Common Coriolus Mushroom vs. Cancer

By Dr. Markho Rafael

The mushroom Coriolus versicolor (Turkey Tail Mushroom) is the most ubiquitous mushroom in the world. It grows on fallen trees and stumps from the sub-arctic to the tropics.

So considering these vastly different environments and all the other fungi and bacteria it has to compete with for survival, it's a qualified guess the Coriolus has a strong immune system, with an array of potential medicinal compounds.

Traditional Chinese physicians frequently prescribe Coriolus for hepatoma and some types of jaundice. [160] Modern medicine is best acquainted with it through Krestin, an Asian cancer drug based on the Coriolus extracted compound PSK. [188]

Two studies out of Japan reported increased rate of survival from gastric cancer, among 486 patients, when PSK was added to the standard chemotherapy treatment. [161, 162, 163] PSK has also been reported to reduce cancer recurrence and metastasis. [161, 162, 164]

Two other compounds isolated from Coriolus have demonstrated an inhibitory effect on leukemia. A polysaccharide named CVP exhibited an inhibitory effect on leukemia cell growth with no harmful effect to normal lymphocytes. [165, 166, 167] The small polysaccharide SPCV also showed leukemia proliferation inhibition. [168]

Coriolus versicolor extract appears to combat cancer in two ways:

1) By directly inhibiting cancer cell growth and proliferation.

2) By stimulating the activity of NK (Natural Killer) cells in the patient. [169, 170, 171] NK cells are an important part of the immune response to fight cancer.

PSK is used in Asia to treat cervical cancer in conjunction with standard radiation therapy, through which it has been shown to increase survival rate. [134] In a 2001 U.S. study at the New York Medical College, it was also shown to decrease tumor growth in hormone responsive prostate cancer. [172]

PSK has also been tested with promising results against colon, lung and breast cancer. [25, 173] It appears to have no effect on Sarcoma 180. [174]

PSK is also a powerful antibiotic, specifically against Listeria monocytogenes, Candida albicans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Cryptococcus neoformans and Staphylococcus aureus. [175, 176, 177, 178, 179]

Petri dish trials of a different compound (PSP) isolated from Coriolus versicolor has even been shown to inhibit replication [180] and infection [181] of HIV. It has not yet been tested on live subjects.

A 1995 study on PSK reported a normalization of immune function in cases of chronic rheumatoid arthritis. [182]

In the book Growing Gourmet and Medicinal Mushrooms, Paul Stamets mentions being aware of several individuals with Hepatitis C reporting relief of symptoms from using medicinal mushroom tea. He specifically relates a case of a man with swollen liver and spleen starting on a daily regimen of tea made from Coriolus versicolor (Turkey Tail Mushroom) and Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi). After two weeks, the swelling went down and liver enzymes normalized. His HCV value went from 1.3 million to 140,000. [183]

Coriolus versicolor extracts also contain many antioxidant compounds, [184, 185, 186, 187] and may assist the recovery of the spleen after radiation. [189]

Last but not least, Paul Stamets in his book Mycelium Running also list the following two areas where research indicates Coriolus versicolor may be beneficial: Uterine cancer; kidney health. [134]

Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Never use any medicinal mushroom or herb without prior approval by medical doctor.

Credit: Thank you to Paul Stamets for source material. - 17274

About the Author:

Dr. Markho Rafael currently specializes in writing and researching about medicinal fungi in partnership with Cordyceps Reishi Extracts, LLC, a US business offering Coriolus extract and other medicinal mushrooms. For article references, please go to Coriolus versicolor extract and click on any number indicating a reference.

Some Body Building Tips to Think About

By Robert Johnson

Body building is a phrase that conjures a thousand pictures in people minds, but what exactly is it? Normally this is done for the purpose of competition or for vanity. Body building is a systematic way to develop a wonderful physique through the use of proper nutrition and exercise program that can sculpt strong, solid muscles. You can almost instantly notice the impressive muscular tone and the fitness level of those professional and amateur bodybuilders. While bodybuilding certainly offer some very attractive benefits, how do you ensure that all standards will be met and what could be the best way to achieve it? To begin the discussion on this interesting topic, you would need to realize that there are two parts to an effective body building program, exercise and proper nutrition.

Let's start by taking a closer look at the first element, weight lifting. You need physical endurance and strength to undergo a rigorous weight lifting session, which normally includes the use of machines and equipments. Weight lifting is often linked to sporting events, but there are plenty of non-athletes who perform weight lifting routines for aesthetic purposes. There are tremendous benefits of weight lifting for the entire body, plus it is also useful in assisting the body to recover from a serious injury. Due to its miraculous health benefits, it is a good idea to incorporate it into a health and recuperation program.

A good diet and nutrition is essential to ensure that you get the best out of your body building program. Ideally the suggested best ratio of protein, carbohydrate and fat would be 2:2:1. Complex carbohydrates are the main source of energy for the body. Select food that is rich in carbohydrates for that fast energy such as brown rice, sweet potato and oatmeal. It is important to consume a lot of fiber in your diet to assist digestion and metabolism during your body building program.

Your body needs ample supply of water to avoid any damage to the existing muscles. One good habit to follow is to start each session at the gym by drinking plenty of fresh water and end each session with some fresh liquids as well. It is also helpful to drink between exercises.

The training instructor can show you how to perform weight lifting and what you need to do to stimulate the proper body parts when performing vigorous routine in the gym. - 17274

About the Author:

This cool body building tips" site has other guides for your health as well as product listings including thischeap Plasmavol list if you are starting to take your body building really seriously.

Can You Get a Six Pack From a Sit Up Machine?

By Frank Powell

Sit up machines and all their variations have recently become very popular. This leaves people asking themselves one question. Can I really get a six pack from a sit up machine? If you've ever watched any late night television, you've probably seen a number of fitness equipment infomercials. These will make all sorts of promises to flatten your stomach and help you get great abs in mere weeks. Most people tend to assume that these ads are too good to be true, but often times this is not the case. Sit up machines are actually a fantastic way to help you get those toned abs you have been striving for. However, always keep in mind, that you will still need to exert a significant amount of effort to make these machines work for you and to see the results you want.

Getting that awesome six pack is no piece of cake. It will not happen overnight just by taking a few medicines and waiting for a miracle to take place. You need to work real hard and maintain the required diet. The machine is just a device that will help you reach your goal and it will only be useful if you make sure that it will be well used.

The abdomen is one of the most difficult areas to develop, and you must apply consistent work over an extended period of time. Because of the difficulty and constant effort of toning this area, many individuals give up before any breakthrough occurs. Even a sit up machine that targets its work deep in the ab muscles, requires daily repetition to achieve results. Hard work, followed by a period of laziness, is wasted.

Often, people are so focused on using sit up machines to improve their abs, that they neglect other areas of their life in which they can make health improvements. A lot of the time people do not pay enough attention to what kind of foods they are eating, which has a huge effect on your fitness. You can build up a lot of strength in your core and abdominal muscles, but if you've got a layer of fat covering your stomach, those muscles will not show.

When you are utilizing your sit up machine to slim your stomach area, be well aware that the muscles of your abdominal area are usually well-covered with a fatty layer. The truth is that almost everyone has some excess fat in the midsection. It would not matter how great your six packs were if they were hidden behind this layer of fat, so you need to also target losing extra weight in your midsection and upper body.

You can accomplish this by faithfully adhering to a healthy diet that contains all the necessary vitamins and nutrients and also increases your metabolism. This will involve having 5-7 smaller meals each day, allowing your body to have continual energy for burning calories. You need to focus on low-fat, protein-rich foods, avoiding processed foods as much as possible. Cardiovascular aerobics may be necessary in addition to the healthy diet if you are carrying an excess of fat in your midsection.

So when you wake up one morning and decide that you want to have that six pack that everyone dreams of having, do not just walk up to the store and buy the sit up machine. Instead, make a plan of how you can combine a healthy low fat diet, regular endurance or aerobic exercises and regular sit ups using the machine together to have the perfect tri-factor. You need to prepare yourself mentally before stepping into the physical preparation. Remember where there is a will, you will definitely see the way. - 17274

About the Author:

Try 30 days of working out with the ab rocket abdominal sit up equipment and change your life. This ab rocket abdominal machine produces beautifully ripped abs in no time.

How To Go Sleeveless In 7 Days By Not Doing The Following 4 Mistakes

By Katherine Crawford M.S.

If you want to be sleeveless in 7 days, you have to optimize your nutrition. Yet many women are completely lost when it comes to this area because of all the misinformation out there on how to lose arm fat.

And most women do not know what sources to listen to. Without an advanced degree in nutrition it's virtually impossible to separate fact from fiction.

Now a lot of what women are doing to lose arm fat is completely backwards. It seems as though certain outdated practices have become engrained in their quest to get toned arms. Not good if you're serious about going sleeveless in 7.

Thus, here are 4 mistakes you shouldn't make if you want to be sleeveless in 7:

1. Seeing saturated fat as evil. Saturated fat is only evil when it's more than 10% of the calories in your diet. Otherwise, don't worry about it. Moreover, the healthiest sources of fats also contain small amounts of saturated fat. Thus, it's impossible to completely avoid it.

2. Copious amounts of super foods. Don't buy into the whole magic bullet culture. While certain foods are definitely healthier than others, combinations of foods are the healthiest. A bowl of oatmeal with blueberries, strawberries and raspberries, for instance, is much healthier than a bowl of oatmeal with a heaping mountain of blueberries. In this case, the whole is greater than the sum of the individual parts.

3. Thinking restaurant food is healthy. Marketing departments will go to great lengths to make a profit. And your arm fat will thank them for it. You see, a great MAJORITY of what restaurants promote as healthy is actually very unhealthy. Trans fat are a perfect example here. Not good if you want to go sleeveless in 7!

4. Eliminating your treats. A treat here and there is fine. Especially if you slow down its digestion with a salad or some vegetables. Moreover, occasionally indulging while minimizing damage can actually help you stay on track because you will not feel deprived.

Please do not keep on following outdated nutritional practices. A lot of what you are currently doing may not be necessary. Stick to the facts backed by research and avoid the outdated myths. Only then will you be able to go sleeveless in 7. Good luck! - 17274

About the Author:

Fitness writer Katherine Crawford MS, a Sleeveless in 7 fitness physiologist and recent flabby arms victim, teaches women how to lose arm fat rapidly. Learn how to get sexy and toned arms by exploring her blog about flabby arms right now!

Aside from the acai berry being an unsullied, mouth-watering, organically grown fruit- it is also rich with antioxidants. Antioxidants are nutrients as well as substances that slow the oxidation damage to our body.

By Dr. Jerimiah Crossderd

The mouth-watering, unsullied, organically grown fruit known as the acai berry, is also a perfect choice to ensure your body is full of antioxidants. Antioxidants are the number one fighter of free radicals which are the primary culprits in aging and damaging the body.

Terrible consequences can occur when free radicals are able to roam free in the body. These toxic by-products are the reason our DNA breaks down opening the door for cancer. free radicals can destroy our cells to the point where they break down so much they stop working.

Free radicals have been the factors behind various types of neurological problems to hormonal damage. Acai fruit has been found when taken on a regular basis to contain enough antioxidants to fight off these dangerous by-products.

Free radicals have been the factors behind various types of neurological problems to hormonal damage. Acai fruit has been found when taken on a regular basis to contain enough antioxidants to fight off these dangerous by-products.

Research has shown for years that when antioxidants are taken on a regular basis, the body is able to repair and maintain its cellular strength from recent as well as future attacks from these dangerous free radicals.

The acai berry was recently introduced to the mainstream audience by a Doctor by the name of Nicholas Perricone who wrote a book entitled the Perricone Promise. In this book he goes into detail about how the acai berry is what he calls the most perfect food on the planet known today.

Acai berry is categorized as a super food because it contains all the nutrition your body needs in fighting dangerous by-products in the body like free radicals. Be sure to research this amazing fruit further if you are looking for a diet that will provide your body with the strength needed to fight and remove these harmful toxins. Study Shows Acai Fruit Fights Radicals

The acai berry is categorized as a super food that gives you all of the nutrients needed when eradicating, preventing, and fighting harmful radicals. This fruit is defiantly worth researching if your goal is improving your overall health and well being

So, if you are looking for a diet that will provide energetic health, a reduction in aging, and a free radical fighter then look no further than the acai fruit berry. - 17274

About the Author:

To look further into theamazing benefits ofacai fruit,you can look on Dr. Jerimiah Crossderd's web site which provides a wealth of knowledge pertaining to this subject as well as an acai fruit overview of the most reputable on the market and which ones to avoid as there are many companies that have been found to be fraudulent as a result of acai fruits popularity.

What To Eat For Six-Pack Abs?

By Bill Caster

One of the more popular mistakes that people make when trying to achieve a six pack look is focusing on ab exercises too much and not paying enough attention to what they eat. If that's the case with you, re-think your approach if you really want to achieve your goals. You should be aware of the fact that in order to have six-pack abs it is not enough to train the muscles but also eat right to get rid of the fat surrounding your waist.

Consuming the proper sort of foods while you are undergoing a body or tummy workout will help enormously with sending that stomach fat away. Therefore, don't believe it if they state you may consume anything you like just as long as you're carrying out the proper workouts.

Anyone has the potential to build a great, shaped abdominals however that's only going to take place if you eliminate the fat gathered in your abs throughout the years. Pushing yourself to the limit through performing lots of sit-ups, crunches, leg raises, and other body twisting exercises will not be beneficial if you do not at the very least reduce the fat layers and take extra care with the things that you consume.

By focusing on the right type of nutrition for fat loss, you will be much closer to achieving your goals. Not only is it essential to consume proper nutrients and the right amount of calories, but it is also important to pay attention to the timing of your meals.

Reduced-carb, reduced-fat, increased protein, grapefruit, liquid, soup diets and the likes may be helpful in decreasing your weight yet additionally with decreasing your metabolic process - therefore, it'll be difficult for the body to work right in addition to your physical exercises. You need to recall that the body needs all nutrients in order for it to decrease body fat and for it to work right.

Processed sugar, processed grains are simple carbohydrates that your body does not need often. What it needs are complicated and natural carbohydrates like brown rice, whole grains, beans, vegetables, yams, and oats among others.Fish fats, virgin coco oil, olive oil, flax oil, organic nut butter, avocado pears, seeds and nuts are some of the necessary and healthy fatty acids that your body requires to heighten the metabolic process as well as assist in burning fat. It is therefore important that you eat sufficient amounts of this variety of food.

Eating around one gram of protein per one pound of your body mass is likely to be the right choice. It is also advisable to split the consumption of the required nutrients into six smaller meals in a day instead of the traditional three. This approach will speed up your metabolism and make your body burn fat quicker.

Drink plenty of water. It's crucial in eliminating wastes as well as poisons and more importantly, is essential for the process of burning body fat - therefore, will help with forming the six-pack abs effectively. - 17274

About the Author:

Bill is a life-long fitness enthusiast. Apart from writing about fat loss and muscle building, he also writes about interior design. Check out his latest website on French door curtains and find out about ways of taking measurements for pinch pleated draperies.

The Sanyo DR 7700 Massage Chair

By Justin Flora

The DR 7700 is the luxury massage chair from Sanyo. Sanyo makes other models of massage chairs as well. The DR 7700 is also a zero gravity recliner. This does not make you wait lists, but it is supposed to distribute the weight of your body better across your back. There are many advanced technologies integrated into this massage chair recliner. Whether it is the undulating sole shiatsu foot massage or the over the shoulder gripping massage, the Sanyo DR 7700 is loaded with features.

Sanyo massage chairs are known for some of their electronic features. They have developed different types of sensing technology and grated this into their chair line. The DR 7700 massage chair comes with a unique roller mechanism. This roller mechanism is capable of performing a gripping massage.

The DR 7700 massage chair by Sanyo has a unique roller mechanism. The roller mechanism performs the massage for the neck, shoulders and back. Their unique design incorporates the ability to perform a gripping motion. This is particularly useful for the tops of the shoulders and neck area.

Sanyo developed the exclusive GK rollers for the DR 7700 massage chair. The GK roller system is designed to emulate the grasping and the kneading motions of a master masseuse. These thumb-like rollers provide a firm grasping action.

The DR-7700 massage chair comes with four full body sensor automatic massages. These are full body preprogrammed massages. They work off a single button and provide you with different types of massages to suit different needs.

Many massage chairs can be not so comfortable to sit in when the massage is not running. The Sanyo massage chair is okay to sit in without the massage going. It does have an extendable leg rest which helps better accommodate taller people.

The DR7700 massage chair comes with a stiffness sensor. The stiffness is determined by taking a reading of your pulse rate and perspiration. This is accomplished by cupping your hand over a secondary remote control. This information is then read and inputted into the massage chair computer.

Although the concept of the stiffness system sounds interesting, it seems a little redundant after the first or second time. There is a figurine on the LCD which lights up with all your stress points. The computer then systematically removes those irritating points until the LCD is clear.

If you would like to relieve tired and aching feet, then use the Sanyo multipoint foot shiatsu massage. This unique massage system utilizes be airbags in the foot wells. It delivers a compression type massage around the calves and ankles. This provides relief to tired and aching feet.

The strength and effectiveness of the massage of the DR 7700 massage chair seems to light for my needs. A massage chair needs to deliver a strong and firm massage. Patents can be used as necessary to soften the massage for more sensitive users. However, the massage cannot be made stronger later. This is something to check out for your self and how it will meet your long term health needs.

Sanyo has developed a number of different massage chairs at various price points. Each of the massage chairs contains the same electronic features such as the physical shape center and the stiffness detection system. The DR 7700 massage chair is the luxury model and incorporates the most features of the total Sanyo line. The DR 7700 is a massage chair to consider if you are looking at the high-end massage chairs. - 17274

About the Author:

The newest zero gravity recliner for upper crust luxury massage chairs. The Sanyo DR-7700 Massage Chair is perfect to take care of a stiff neck or aching feet. Many high tech features have been integrated into the Sanyo Massage Chair Line. Discover the stiffness detection system or the physical shape sensor to fine tune your massage.

Maitake Extract Research Summary

By Dr. Markho Rafael

A culinary delicacy as well as an important medicinal mushroom in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Maitake currently receives much attention from scientific circles. Specific focus is awarded to Maitake beta-glucans, which are major components in all Maitake extracts. [71, 72]

The common English name for Maitake is Hen-of-the-woods, due to its occasional resemblance to the fluffed up tail feathers of a hen. It is one of the most easily recognizable edible mushrooms in North America, though it is only to be found in eastern Canada and U.S. down to the Mid-Atlantic States.

Scientific research on Maitake extract has found that it increases the tumor necrosis factor [73, 74, 75] and enhances other anti-cancer mechanisms. [76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81] Specific cancer types studied include prostate, breast, liver, lung and colorectal cancer. [82] A Phase II study of Maitake on prostate and breast cancer has been FDA approved. [83]

Other studies on Maitake extract have focused on its immune enhancing properties in general, [84, 85, 86] or on immune-enhancement on cancer patients in specific. [87] Maitake's anti-viral properties have received particularly intense scrutiny by the scientific community [88] and research on Maitake in the treatment of HIV is ongoing. [89]

Of further interest is the well demonstrated blood sugar lowering effect of Maitake extract. One study on insulin-resistance found blood glucose drops of 25% average. [90, 91, 92]

Additional research has also been conducted on beta-glucan polysaccharides as isolated compounds. There is a pending patent on "Methods of using beta glucan as a radio-protective agent," which "relates to methods for treating and preventing radiation and/or chemotherapy related injury and/or afflictions, such as myelosuppression and decreased macrophage activity," [93] In light of this, it should come as no surprise that NASA gives beta-glucans to its astronauts as protection against radiation poisoning and subsequent immune system degradation.

Many other effects of Maitake extract have been researched with promising results, including: blood pressure regulation, respiratory conditions, stress and nerve tonic, anti-bacterial and anti-Candida. [25]

Medicinal mushroom expert Paul Stamets, in his book Mycelium Running, also lists Maitake extract as showing some positive effect on leukemia. [134]

Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a licensed medical practitioner before using any herb (or mushroom) for medicinal purposes.

Credits: Thank you, Paul Stamets, for research references. - 17274

About the Author:

Dr. Rafael has worked in the natural health field since finishing Chiropractic College in the mid-90's. He currently specializes in medicinal fungi, including Maitake Extracts, in cooperation with the business Cordyceps Reishi Extracts, LLC. For the numbered references in this article, go to the Maitake Supplement page. To view a reference, click its corresponding number.