If you have celiac disease (CD), you probably know that effectively managing your diet can take some planning. Avoiding gluten is no small feat, as it’s no longer found in grains alone; it’s also a common ingredient in a host of prepared foods, sauces, and condiments. Read the rest of this entry »
May is National Celiac Awareness Month, inviting a better understanding of a condition that challenges 3 million Americans. One of the toughest aspects of this disease is how misunderstood it can be. In fact, celiac disease (CD) has been called a “clinical chameleon” because it can be so difficult to diagnose. Read the rest of this entry »
National Arbor Day is April 27, inviting us to celebrate trees─true wonders of nature─and to “green” our future by planting more of them. When Julius Sterling Morton declared the first Arbor Day in 1872, he was ahead of his time in understanding the value of trees. But even Julius might have been surprised by all we’ve learned since about the many ways trees benefit our lives. For example: Read the rest of this entry »
Why are so many Americans going vegetarian these days? One factor might be the large body of evidence presented in recent years on the health benefits of meat-free eating. According to the National Academy of Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Senate Select Committee on Nutrition and Human Needs, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society─and at least 20 other health-related organizations in the U.S. and abroad─a produce-rich, low-fat, high-fiber diet offers the greatest disease prevention across the board. Here’s how: Read the rest of this entry »
Some people go vegetarian out of compassion for animals, while others are motivated by the fact that eating low on the food chain is better for the environment. Many of us also seek the impressive health benefits of a plant-based diet. And guess what else? It’s cheaper! Without a doubt, a smart vegetarian approach can help keep your wallet─rather than your waistline or arteries─plump. These pointers can help: Read the rest of this entry »
The more you learn about being a vegetarian, the more you realize that it’s anything but one size fits all. While all true vegetarian diets exclude meat, some variations include animal products, like eggs and dairy. The vegan diet, by contrast, excludes all animal products including meat, fish, fowl, eggs, dairy─even honey. Many vegans also refuse to use animal products in any form, including silk, leather, wool, suede, etc. Read the rest of this entry »
Mmmm, chocolate. The very word can lift our spirits. Not only is chocolate one of the richest and most distinctive flavors in the world, it offers up some impressive health benefits as well. In fact, many Americans indulge in this beloved confection every day─which is why we should be aware of the dark side of chocolate production. Here are 7 very compelling reasons to buy fair trade chocolate:
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If you’ve followed our fair trade series this month, you should be rather familiar with the subject by now. If you’re just tuning in, however, the following information can provide a quick, handy foundation to build upon.
Many people feel that we as humans are a global community, and should work together to protect the earth, rather than exploiting our natural resources─and they share these ideas with their children. For example, eco-conscious parents often teach their kids about recycling at a young age, and why it’s important. Or how living “green” on a daily basis can help make the world a better place. Some parents even take their children to visit other countries to observe firsthand that not all families live as we do in the United States. Read the rest of this entry »
As Valentine’s Day approaches, are you considering a gift for someone special? Celebrating your love for others─including sweethearts, parents, siblings, kids, and pets─is both heart expanding and wellness boosting. You can make your gift even more meaningful by choosing fair trade. In doing so, you’re not only treating your loved ones, you’re also supporting social justice, empowering communities across the globe, and encouraging healthy environmental practices. For example: Read the rest of this entry »
