The Wonders of Coconut Sugar

To say I am excited about coconut sugar would be an understatement. This wonderful product has allowed me to be able to "healthify" SO many more recipes without sacrificing a bit of taste or convenience. I am in Love!

Coconut sugar isn't actually a sugar at all. It comes from the sap contained in coconut flour buds. The sap is cooked, the liquid evaporates off, and the crystals are ground up into sugar. (actually, you can get coconut sugar in various forms, but the crystallized kind is what I am used to using) It is sometimes also called Coconut Palm Sugar and a few other names.

Basically, coconut sugar is a form of coconut and is considered a whole food. It has a low glycemic index of 35, so it's a great thing for anyone trying to lose weight and for diabetics. It is very high in minerals and macronutrients that our bodies need, too!

It's super easy to use: You use it in place of white or brown sugar in any recipe, at the same amount of other sugars that were called for, and you don't have to change the baking temp. either. IT DOESN'T GET ANY EASIER THAN THIS, PEOPLE! :)

I buy my coconut sugar from amazon. If you use the Subscribe & Save option you get an additional 15% off the regular price PLUS free shipping! Yes, you have to get six bags of it at once, but they will keep in your pantry so you will just be glad to be stocked up! :)

As you will see, coconut sugar is not cheap like white sugar. For me, when I compare homemade goodies to store-bought ones, even with the coconut sugar going into the homemade ones, it's still cheaper than a package of cookies from the store shelf. When I consider that I'm getting extra nutrients, I'm eating something that isn't going to lower my immune system and help me get sick (and then I'll have to buy stuff to take to combat the sickness), PLUS it isn't contributing to extra weight that I'll regret, it is worth it to me. Your feelings on this may vary. :)

This is the link to what I have been using.  (click here)

You can read more in-depth information about coconut sugar here.

The Philippine Food and Nutrition Research Institute released the following information about their analysis of nutritive values found in coconut sugar:

Macro-nutrients (mg / l – ppm, dry) Coconut Sugar Brown Sugar Refined White Sugar Nitrogen (N) 2020 100 0 Phosphorus (P) 790 30 0.7 Potassium (K) 10,300 650 25 Calcium (Ca) 60 240 60 Magnesium (Mg) 290 70 10 Sodium (Na) 450 20 10 Chlorine (Cl) 4700 180 100 Sulfur (S) 260 130 20 Boron (B) 6 0 0 Zinc (Zn) 21 2 1.2 Manganese (Mn) 1 2 0 Iron (Fe) 22 0.6 0.6 Copper (Cu) 2 12.6 1.2 Source: COMPARISON OF THE ELEMENTAL CONTENT OF 3 SOURCES OF EDIBLE SUGAR - Analyzed by PCA-TAL, Sept. 11, 2000. (MI Secretaria et al, 2003) in parts per million (ppm or mg/li) Health Attributes of Coconut Sugar Nutrients Macro-nutrients Health benefits provided by these nutrients Nitrogen (N) help treat cardiovascular diseases Phosphorus (P) important for bone growth, kidney functions and cell growth Potassium (K) reduces hypertension, helps regulate blood sugar, helps control cholesterol levels and weight Calcium (Ca) vital for strong bone and teeth, and for muscle growth Magnesium (Mg) essential for metabolism, nerves and stimulates the brain (memory) Sodium (Na) plays a key role in the functioning of nerves and muscles Chlorine (Cl) corrects the pressure of body fluids and balance the nervous system Sulfur (S) important for healthy hair, skin and nails, also helps maintain oxygen balance for proper brain function. Boron (B) essential for healthy bone and joint function, enhances body's ability to absorb calcium and magnesium Zinc (Zn) called the "nutrient of intelligence" is necessary for mental development Manganese (Mn) has antioxidant, free-radical-fighting properties, is important for proper food digestion and for normal bone structure Iron (Fe) vital for the quality of blood, mental development and the immune system Copper (Cu) helps to release energy, helps in melanin production in the skin, helps in the production of red blood cells and aid in the absorption and transport of iron Source: www.nutritiondata.com

Ingredients to Avoid in skin care, body care, and cosmetics

This helpful list was compiled by our friends at Good For You Girls. We are exposed to hundreds of chemicals in our daily beauty routine. By knowing what's in the products we use, we can be empowered to make educated decisions. We want to look beautiful and feel beautiful without needlessly exposing ourselves to harmful ingredients.

Ingredients to Avoid:

• Acrylamides - Thickeners used for a variety of cosmetic purposes. In personal care products, they act as stabilizers to add richness and body. However the material may be a possible human carcinogen because of its potentially harmful impurities. It is already a restricted substance in European cosmetics.
• Alcohol denat (denatured alcohol) - A petrochemical byproduct. Usually contains benzyl alcohol, making it undrinkable. Can cause systemic eczematous, contact dermatitis and chemical sensitivities. Used in all commercial perfumes, used as solvent.
• Aluminum ingredients - Skin irritants, linked to Alzheimer's and lung disease.
• Benzyl alcohol - Harmful if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Severe irritant for eyes, skin and respiratory system. Petrochemical.
• Bismuth Oxychloride - Bismuth is put in cosmetics because it gives a sheen to the face, is soft to the touch, and is extremely inexpensive. A byproduct of lead and copper refining, bismuth oxychloride is a heavy metal. Heavy metals have been linked to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease.
• BHA and BHT - Encourages the breakdown of vitamin D, can cause lipid and cholesterol levels to increase. Linked to cancer and endocrine disruption.
• Diethanolamine - DEA is used as a skin softener and humectant in personal care products. It can be carcinogenic when combined with other ingredients. It's a skin irritant. It's close and dangerous cousins are TEA, and MEA.
• Ethoxylates - Chemical compounds made as reaction products involving ethylene oxide. Ethoxylated materials include ingredients such as Laureth, Myreth, Ceteth, Ceteareth, Glycereth, etc. Trace contaminants in some ethoxylates have been implicated as potent carcinogens.
• Formaldehyde - A preservative which includes Imidazolidinyl Urea, Diazolidinyl Urea, DMDM Hydantoin and Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate. A known irritant and potential carcinogen. It is often hidden in other ingredients, banned in Sweden and Japan mainly because of its inability to inhibit the growth of acid producing bacteria and it's implication in cancer.
• Fragrance - Highly allergenic. Companies do not have to list the chemicals used in fragrances. They contain large quantities of toxins and chemicals not disclosed. Fragrance-free means that fragrance chemicals have been added to the product to mask the natural aromas of the ingredients.
• Glycol - Often used as solvents for preservatives and other materials. Glycols are potentially irritating and harmful to the skin. Examples are: Propylene, Butylene, Pentylene, Hexylene, and Caprylyl Glycol.
• MMP (Matrix Metalloproteinase) - An enzyme that breaks down collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. They are involved in wound healing, but also cause premature aging of the skin and tumor cell metastasis.
• Methylisothiazolinone - An antimicrobial agent found in some shampoos and hand creams and widely used in industrial settings. It inhibits the development of particular neuron structures that are essential for transmitting signals between cells. Prolonged exposure to low levels of methylisothiazolinone (MIT) may have potentially damaging consequences to a developing nervous system.
• Phthalates - Phthalates are synthetic chemical compounds mainly used as softening agents and to create fragrance. Look out for your plastics - squeeze bottles, shower curtains, soft plastics. Possible carcinogen.
• Parabens - Parabens are synthetic compounds used as a preservative in most beauty products. You can find them listed as methylparabens, propylparabens, butylparabens, and ethylparabens. Parabens cause many allergic reactions and skin rashes. They have also been found in breast cancer tissue and implicated in a multitude of health problems.
• PEG (Polyethylene Glycol) - A water soluble polymer used as an emulsifier and plasticizer. Impurities in these materials have been cited as potentially carcinogenic.
• Petrochemicals - Derived from raw materials of petroleum or natural gas origin. These include materials such as propylene glycol, ethoxylates, acrylamides, mineral oil and polyethylene glycol (PEG).
• Petrolatum - A derivative also known as petroleum jelly. Petrolatum is very occlusive and can clog pores. Additionally, it provides no nutritive value to the skin and contains no essential fatty acids. Petroleum by-products can pass through the brain barrier and cause ADD/dyslexia symptoms. Acne producing, may be carcinogenic, causes dry skin, respiratory toxins, and may cause dizziness.
• Phenoxyethanol - A synthetic ether alcohol preservative. Synthetic preservatives are considered by leading dermatological associations to be the number one cause of contact dermatitis.
• Silicone - A synthetic additive used to provide emolliency. Some forms of silicone such as Cyclomethicone, Dimethicone and Cyclopentasiloxane, Methicone, and Phenyl Trimethicone can be harmful or irritating to the skin.
• Sodium Laurel/Laureth Sulfate - Is used in many soaps, cleansers, and shampoos to enhance the foaming action of a product. It is a common skin irritant and is rapidly absorbed into the heart, liver, brain, and eyes, which can cause long term effects. It has been linked to cataracts in adults and inhibiting proper development of children's eyes.
• Synthetic Dyes - Synthetic colors are byproducts of the petroleum industry. The molecular structure of these products are so small that they can pass through the brain barrier. This can manifest itself as turning numbers backwards when writing or reading, peeling skin, acne, or ADD symptoms. Many people have allergies to artificial colorings, especially red 40.
• Talc - Talc has asbestos in it. Asbestos is another dangerous carcinogen. Do not use on babies, linked to ovarian cancer, possible respiratory toxin.
• TEA (Triethanolamine) - Contains ammonium salts. It is an eye irritant, and sensitizer and is mildly toxic.

What to do if you get the flu

I am planning to write a post about my take on the swine flu, but haven't completed it yet. In the meantime, here is a very practical article that may help calm your concerns about what to do if you or your loved one gets the flu (of any type).

The short points of what I will share with you later on about the swine flu is this:

NO WAY on the vaccine. Dangerous. Not worth the risk. Do your homework. Don't just let yourself become a guinea pig on the latest vaccine fiasco. You may end up paying for it the rest of your life.

Take care of your health in a fundamental way: nutrition and prevention.

Swine Flu Vaccine: No Thank You!

I know that many people are concerned about the swine flu right now, and with the latest hype about the new vaccine for it, it is in the news a lot. For me, there is no way that I would counter the minor risk of a flu like this one with the major lifelong health risk that would be associated with getting the vaccine. Here is an article that will explain more about the ingredients and risks associated with the swine flu vaccine. Please do your best to become informed before subjecting yourself or your family members to any vaccines.

Inspiration: Reversing Diabetes

Just last week I found out about a documentary film called Simply Raw. This film follows 6 diabetics (both type 1 and type 2) as they travel to a healing center where they live for a month, eating only raw fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. I bought it right away and have watched it two days in a row. :) Their transformation was AMAZING! By day 3 many of the people were off of insulin ENTIRELY, and the others had cut down dramatically. I don't want to ruin the surprise of how it all turns out, but I can tell you that I am completely convinced that diabetes can be cured by changing what we're eating.

If you or someone you love is a diabetic or is at risk for it, I would definitely encourage you to check out this film.
http://www.rawfor30days.com/

It comes with some wonderful downloadable bonus items as well.

I get no compensation for telling you about this film. It is just a wonderful resource that I am very excited about!

Basic Cooking Resources

Recently a gal from the online class emailed me to say that she is totally brand new to cooking and was wondering if I had any resources to recommend to her. Here's what I came up with:

I did a google search for basic cooking and found a few sites that look like they might be a help:
http://www.i-hate-cooking-recipes.com/
http://startcooking.com/
http://www.basiccookingtips.com/

This blog is one of my favorites for cooking. She takes tons of photos so you understand what to do every step of the way:
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/
I will say, though, that I find that Pioneer Woman does a bunch of her cooking The Hard Way. (very slow, a lot of fussing, many steps where there needn't be so many, dirtying many pots and pans which I do not have any patience for, etc.) I always redesign those recipes to do it My Way (which is the much, much easier and faster and less annoying way). You will also need to keep an eye open for ways to make those recipes healthier. This isn't a healthy food blog. Sorry.

I also thought of the Joy of Cooking cookbook, which is a classic. They have a web site. not sure how basic it is though:
http://www.thejoykitchen.com/

I got a Betty Crocker cooking back in 1991 when I got married, and it has been one of my favorites. Most general cookbooks tell about pots and pans, what various cooking terminology means, etc. so those are really good for starting out not knowing much. Your library probably has a ton of cookbooks to choose from, so that may be a good resource.

You Tube has a lot of cooking videos that are helpful also.

If you know any older ladies in your neighborhood or church, maybe you could ask them to teach you some things about cooking. Many skilled women are around and find that younger women do not value the domestic talents they have. You'd probably make some lady very happy to be able to share what she's learned. Plus, when you learn from others you can often learn the short cuts and tips that make cooking easier, faster, tastier, and cheaper than if you just follow a cook book.

I hope this helps. Good luck to you on your journey!

Good Guide

A friend of mine told me about this cool new web site, Good Guide. You can find out the safety and health of various food and personal products, as well as how environmentally friendly the companies behind them are. I was happy to see Miessence products rated very well here. You can look for regular grocery store foods as well as healthier options and see how they were evaluated. A really cool resource!

Beth's Books

I know that many of you that listened to my interview with Beth Dotson Brown will also be interested in purchasing her books. Cup of Comfort for Breast Cancer Survivors is available through Supermom's Health and Wellness just for a week or so for any of you that would like to add it to anything else that you want to order. After April 1 please order it here instead.


If stories are medicine, then this collection will help keep hopes up and spirits alive on the road to recovery. Readers will applaud the bravery of 50 exceptional survivors as they tell their unique experiences with breast cancer. Every breast cancer survivor has a different story, but they all have one thing in common: courage. From dealing with diagnosis to undergoing chemotherapy, facing hair loss and possibly the loss of a breast, these fearless women undergo more than anyone ever should. These stories pay tribute to these women and their battles, and celebrate their victories. In this stunning new collection, readers will find compelling, inspiring, and uplifting personal essays about the experiences and emotions of living with—and after—breast cancer. $.50 of every copy will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure®


About Beth's book Yes! I am Catholic :

It is important for all of us to know that we are not alone in valuing our faith. When teens hear someone they respect talking about being a Catholic, whether it is another teen, a celebrity, or an adult they admire, they feel strengthened in their own convictions and beliefs. Here teens will read stories by people who could be next-door neighbors, teachers, favorite athletes, or beloved authors, including the following:





You can purchase Yes! I am Catholic here.

Steve Chabot, United States congressman Timothy Goebel, Olympic medalist, figure skating Bill Gullickson, retired Major League baseball player Catherine Hicks, actress, 7th Heaven Tara Lipinski, Olympic gold medalist, actress Tony Melendez, musician Anne Rice, novelist Tim Roemer, former congressman Matt Smith, MTV Real World Adrianna Trigianni, fiction author These stories are from Catholics who have struggles in their faith life, yet they can still proudly say, "Yes! I am Catholic!"

Reading resources for people dealing with cancer

Compiled by cancer survivors Beth Dotson Brown and Kristin Johannsen (Listen to my interview with Beth here)

There’s No Place Like Hope: A Guide to Beating Cancer in Mind-Sized Bites, by Vickie Girard (Compendium, 2004)
A REALLY wonderful little book of very short essays about hope, with helpful ways to look at things when you’re feeling down, scared, or discouraged. This would be my #1 choice for anybody with any kind of diagnosis. The author survived metastatic breast cancer for 16 years before she died last year. KJ

How to Prevent and Treat Cancer with Natural Medicine, by Dr. Michael Murray (Riverhead Trade, 2003)
This comprehensive book considers the many sides of cancer and offers advice for specific types of cancer. The authors discuss use of supplements and nutrition, dealing with side effects of chemotherapy and promoting relaxation. It’s the kind of handbook readers will refer back to repeatedly. BDB

One Bite at a Time, by Rebecca Katz (Celestial Arts, 2004)
This chef designed recipes with the compromised taste buds and nutrition needs of cancer patients in mind. One of the most interesting facets of the book is her suggestions of nutritious ingredients that can substitute for what we typically use. BDB

Surviving Cancer, by Margie Levine (Broadway, 2001)
The author talks about 31 different things that she did, from eating tons of vegetables to “seeking more joy.” She survived mesothelioma at a time when hardly anybody did. It’s a very uplifting but practical book. KJ

Live Longer, Live Larger: A Holistic Approach for Cancer Patients and Families, by Bill and Susie Buchholz (O’Reilly, 2001)
A GREAT book that helps all kinds of people with cancer make decisions that are right for THEM. It’s the only book I’ve seen that acknowledges not everyone can be cured. Their whole point is that our lives have three dimensions—length, breadth, and depth of experience, and that even if some patients can’t live longer, they can ALWAYS live a richer life. This book has been tremendously helpful to me since my cancer became incurable, though women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer might not find it helpful to read about people’s end-of-life decisions. KJ

Beating Cancer With Nutrition, by Patrick Quillen (Nutrition Times Press, 2005)
I think this is the best book about nutrition for people with cancer. He’s not a fanatic, there’s tons of good information, and it includes a whole-foods cookbook. There’s even a summary section called “If you are too sick to read much, read this.” KJ

Remarkable Recovery: What extraordinay healings tell us about getting well and staying well, by Caryle Hirshberg and Marc Ian Barasch (Riverhead, 1995) An investigation of scientifically validated cases of spontaneous remission in people with cancer. A fascinating read, and it proves that there’s SO much we don’t know about cancer. KJ


Beth Dotson Brown www.bethdotsonbrown.net writerbeth@windstream.net

Free Shoppers Guide to Pesticides

I've found the Environmental Working Group (EWG) to be a very helpful resource in my attempts to live healthier. In a recent newsletter they offered a handy pocket size guide to which fruits and vegetables are not important to buy organic (the "Dirty Dozen") and which produce items are best bets to buy non-organic (The "Clean 15").

You can sign up for their newsletter and get your free copy of this handy list here. There is also a spot on that page to get the free shopper's guide even if you don't want to sign up for the newsletter. I like that!