Resistant starch has been around forever, but its unique health benefits have only come to light in recent decades. What makes resistant starch so unusual is it's ability to resist digestion.What makes resistant starch so good for you is that it nourishes the good bacteria in your gut, improves blood sugar control, and in some individuals, produces a feeling a satiety. These characteristics combined can help you lose weight. But that's not all, making resistant starch a part of your diet helps reduce inflammation in your gut which can reduce your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and colon cancer. Resistant Starch: A Carbohydrate That Acts Like A Fiber Starches are forms of complex carbohydr
When you think of moldy food, you might picture of piece of moldy bread. But have you thought about corn, dried fruit, dried spices, nuts, and milk? Aflatoxin is a type of mycotoxin produced by mold which grows on foods such as tree- and ground- nuts as well as on grains and grain products. Both humans and animals are at risk for exposure. While aflatoxins can cause allergies and acute toxicity when eaten, they can also cause liver cancer. Awareness of which foods carry the highest amounts of aflatoxins is key to limiting your exposure. A Worldwide Problem The formation of mold on agricultural crops is a worldwide problem. Areas most at risk are ones where humidity and warm temperatures abou
Do you struggle with coughs, fatigue, headaches, hoarseness, eye irritation, diarrhea, difficulty focusing, muscle cramps, nausea, skin problems, sinus problems, shortness of breath, or joint pain? If so, you may have mold living in your home, school or workplace. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, more than a quarter of the buildings in the U.S. are water-damaged. Identifying those areas in your home that may be vulnerable to mold is an important first step in protecting yourself and your family from mold-related illnesses. The Threat Mold is the collective term for a type of fungus that grows on moist surfaces, especially wherever it's warm, dark, and damp. Mol
If you're looking to reduce your exposure to toxins, your bathroom cabinet is a good place to start. Americans spend a lot of money on cosmetic products. In fact, in 2016, the cosmetic industry made 62.4 billion dollars in earnings - double the amount earned in 2003. Despite the size of the industry, there is little regulatory oversight of the ingredients used in personal care products. Not Just Skin Deep When you apply a moisturizing lotion to your skin, you may think it gets absorbed by the skin, but doesn't go any deeper. In reality, however, some of the chemicals do find their way into your body. According to the Environmental Working Group's report on cosmetic safety, certain ingredient
