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Welcome to Healthy Planet Information and Links

The following blog articles are dedicated to all of the helpful information about nutrition, wellness, warnings, and more that we feel our customers should be aware of. Most of these we will or have shared on our Facebook business page or tweeted on Twitter, so to receive this information daily we suggest clicking on their links and following there. You can also find us on LinkedIn. If you would like to receive updates of our Healthy Planet blog posts via email, use the form on the top left column of this page. You will need to subscribe to our recipe blogs separately. We have temporarily lost our tab functions on the menu on the left. They are supposed to, and have in the past, provided a drop down box of blogs I've written under that particular subject. For now, you can page through until you find the blog in which you might be interested. Hopefully, this will be taken care of soon.

“The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patient in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease.”
~Thomas Edison

Is massage safe while pregnant?...

Healthy Planet Blog Nutrition and Natural Health
January 27, 2012 | 1 Comment

Massage therapy during pregnancy - is it safe?   This question was presented to me a few weeks ago. And I seriously didn't know for sure what the answer should be. I do now. Not only is it safe - it is very good for both the pregnant mom and the baby.  Below are some research articles showing this to be true. I began doing more resear...

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Chickpeas with gravy

Recipes for a Healthier You Vegan Main Meals
January 09, 2012 | 0 Comments

Chickpeas in gravy   Looking for a way to add plant-based protein to your diet? Here is an excellent recipe. I found this recipe on my Tweeter feed this morning and thought it looked like something we should try. It's best to soak dried beans and cook them rather than using canned, but I know it seems easier to just open a can. I even tried...

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Best supplements to prevent dementia...

Healthy Planet Blog Your Healthy Brain
January 08, 2012 | 1 Comment

What supplements will help prevent memory loss?   Mom died in her 80's but she "left us" when she was in her 70's as her Alzheimer's took over a once incredibly talented and bright mind. It's a horrible thing to watch and the Alzheimer's Association estimates that 4 million people have Alzheimer's disease just in the United States. That's a...

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Beautiful Skin Cocktail

Aromatherapy Recipes Naturally Nurturing Skin
November 29, 2011 | 0 Comments

Easy recipe for beautiful skin!   I love that some things are easy in life because so many aren't. This is one of those easy things and it really does make a difference in the look and feel of your skin. I know I have days when my skin looks vibrant and other days when it just looks drab (today for instance) - which is why I started reading...

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Black Bean and Artichoke Medley...

Recipes for a Healthier You Vegan Main Meals
November 13, 2011 | 0 Comments

Black beans and artichokes in a simple vegan stew:   Sometime last year I wrote a blog about "The Mighty Artichoke" - see here - and why it is so incredibly healthy and often overlooked as a superfood. And I also posted a recipe that we had adapted from AICR's website with permission - see here. At this time in our household we are dealing ...

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No-Bake Fudge, Vegan and Raw...

Recipes for a Healthier You Healthy Desserts
September 01, 2011 | 0 Comments

I have to admit I'm always trying to find ways to incorporate and accommodate Warren's addiction for chocolate. By "trying" I mean finding healthier ways to make chocolate desserts that aren't full of saturated fat and high sugar content. This is a great one I think. I am going to surprise him with it this evening. You can leave out the dried fr...

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Cajeput essential oil (Melaleluca cajeputi)...

Healthy Planet Blog Aromatherapy at Home
August 22, 2011 | 0 Comments

Cajeput (Melaleuca cajeputi) essential oil profile:   The most recent addition to our Essential Oil Database where you will find in-depth information about this particular essential oil as well as others as we work to complete this, what we feel to be, very important information. Melaleuca leucadendron = cajeputi – would be the another name...

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Natural Hair Rinse for Redheads...

Home Spa and Beauty Recipes Botanical Nail and Hair
August 22, 2011 | 0 Comments

Alkanet root for red hair highlights!   Okay - I have to admit it, I'm not a natural redhead. Hmmm - and nope, this is not a picture of me (I wish.) So many people are surprised when I tell them that. Yes, I have the natural coloring for a natural redhead plus lots of freckles and I am of Irish descent, but the red comes from a bottle. Now,...

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Does black pepper cause cancer?!...

Healthy Planet Blog Aromatherapy at Home
August 15, 2011 | 0 Comments

What's interesting, to me at least, is that I had spent the better part of the day documenting how and why some of the chemical constituents in Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) essential oil actually inhibited the proliferation of cancer cells. I usually check the internet last - and for a reason. It usually is full of contradictory information, lots...

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Natural Aromatherapy Toothpaste

Aromatherapy Recipes Holistic Healthy Body
August 10, 2011 | 2 Comments

Homemade Toothpaste - a better alternative?   How many of you actually use a "pea-sized amount" of toothpaste when you brush your teeth - and how many of you are sure your kids don't swallow any of that stuff? The warning is clearly there on that tube of toothpaste - look for yourself. And "in case of accidental ingestion, call the poison c...

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Hexane in that veggie burger?...

Healthy Planet Blog Nutrition and Natural Health
August 03, 2011 | 0 Comments

Is there hexane in that veggie burger? And do you know why hexane is used as compared to cold-processed or expeller pressed oils? Are  you worried about hexane residue in your veggie burger?  And as importantly, is there hexane in the oils you use to cook with or used to make your personal care products? We don't think it's a high risk...

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Did you know one of the best ways to ward off cold and flu germs is just getting a massage? According to a study published in The Journal of Complimentary and Alternative Medicine, a good massage doesn't just feel good, it is good for your immune system too. Add to that the very antibacterial and antiviral properties of essential oils and you should have double protection. 

Castor Oil has been given a bad rap since I was a kid. But did you know that it has been found to be effective on age spots or spots referred to as "liver" spots. As easy as applying it undiluted to the particular area or spots at least three times a day for about three months. Check out our organic oils section to see our certified organic castor oil.

It's true - negative emotions such as anger, jealousy, hate, anxiety, resentment, bitterness and on and on - are emotions that are transmitted to our entire body through neurons and neuropeptides that send messages for health or illness.  Neuropeptides are chemicals that affect mood and behavior. They join the brain, glands and immune system in a network of communcation that can and will affect us and disrupt our otherwise healthy immune system. Some neuropeptides can even trigger cancer cells. Candace Pert, Ph.D, has written a well-respected book called Molecules of Emotion that is full of amazing information such as this that she has discovered through extensive research.

Did you know? Dieters who ate eggs for breakfast lost 65% more weight than those who ate a bagel with the same number of calories according to the International Journal of Obesity. What you eat is not as simple as calories in and calories out that we've been taught for the past 50 years. Read more here! adults who eat eggs lose 65% more weight

Do what you can to prevent cancer:  

Scientists estimate that about a third of the most common cancers could be prevented by eating a healthy diet, being physically active and maintaining a healthy weight. NOTE: Tobacco use is a separate risk factor that is itself responsible for one-third of all cancer deaths. - from American Institute for Cancer Research. Check out their website for lots of sensible and easy ways to prevent cancer and tips on what to give out for Halloween. Click here to see more info from AICR.

 

I love lemon in my water, but....according to a 2007 study in the Journal of Environmental Health, nearly 70% of the lemon wedges perched on the rims of restaurant glasses contain disease-causing microbes. When the researchers ordered drinks at 21 different restaurants, they found 25 different microorganisms lingering on the 76 lemons that they secured, including E. coli and other fecal bacteria. Tell your server that you’d prefer your beverage sans fruit. Why risk it?

Read more here from Care2:

 "Bad" Estrogen is Problematic for Guys, Too 

The same estrogen metabolite, 2-hydroxyestrone, known to increase the risk of breast cancer, has been shown to also increase the risk of prostate cancer in men. Research has shown that both men and women can balance the estrogen metabolites toward a healthier direction by increasing intake of cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, brussell sprouts for example).

Jeff Bland, PhD, at Institute for Functional Medicine's 20th International Symposium, Bellevue, WA. Read more about eating well to prevent cancer in our blog.


Saponification - what is it?

 

"Saponification, a chemical reaction used to create soap for millennia, literally means "soap making" in Latin. When water reacts with the fats and oils, a reaction called hydrolysis, the result is glycerol and soap." - Discovery News

FOODS THAT FIGHT CANCER!foods that fight cancer 

Some laboratory research has found that the carotenoids in dark green leafy vegetables can inhibit the growth of certain types of breast cancer cells, skin cancer cells, lung cancer and stomach cancer.Check out details on AICR's website and while you're there take a look at what they are doing in the area of cancer research.

Are you worried about MRSA?
bottle of eucalyptus globulus

If you're not, you probably should be at least aware of it. Essential oils are powerful and have been proven to kill MRSA. "Eucalyptus globulus (at 2 per cent dilution) will kill 70% of ambient Staphylococcus aureus. Duke writes that in Cuba, essential oil of Eucalyptus globulus is used to treat all lung ailments." - Jane Buckle, Clinical Aromatherapy in Nursing. Take a look at what we've written about more information on the different varieties of Eucalyptus.

 GMO food products - another reason why not?

 

Quoted in "AlterNet" is a study done by Dr. Arpad Pusztai who was working on a $3 million grant from the U.K. gov. to test for the safety of GMOs. He found instead that GMO's are "inherently unsafe."  Within 10 days, his supposedly harmless GMO potatoes caused massive damage to rats—smaller brains, livers and testicles, partial atrophy of the liver, damaged immune system, etc. Read more here.



 Essential oils for sinus congestion?

"Charron (1997) carried out an exploratory study of 40 patients with bronchial and sinus congestion. Patients inhaled two drops of Spike Lavender (Lavendula latifolia), floating in a bowl of hot water. All patients cleared their mucus immediately with results lasting from 20 minutes to two hours. Some patients who had been on yearly repeat antibiotics no longer needed them." -- Clinical Aromatherapy, Jane Buckle, 2003

 Cell phones - what are you risking?

Using a cell phone continuously for 50 min or more produces significant changes in brain glucose metabolism, according to a study recently published in JAMA. Studies in Turkey, US, Australia and Greece all showed that men who carry phones in their front pants pockets had reduced sperm counts; 5 breast cancer cases in young women have been traced to carrying phones inside bras.Is it worth it? Pass it on.

Organic milk is healthier!

A new study in the Journal of Dairy Science confirms once again that organic milk is healthier than non-organic milk, containing more beneficial omega-3 fats and conjugated linoleic acid. Researchers at Newcastle University studied 22 different milk brands over different years and found omega-3 levels averaged 60 percent higher in organic milk and CLA levels 30 percent higher. They said the differences are due to the grass-centered diet of organic cows. (Dairy Reporter)

 Is there an "organic" label on that fish you bought?

Did you know? The percentage of 95% of ingredients must be organically produced in order for a food product to be labeled "organic." The one exception to this is seafood - the USDA does NOT have standards for fish products, so an organic label on these foods means nothing. Check out Greenpeace for a list of toxin-laded fish and sustainable fish.

 What do aniseed oil and fishermen have in common?

Anise oil  or otherwise called Aniseed Oil has been used by fisherman since history was written and tales were told. You can use a couple drops on your fingertips before adding your bait or use this recipe here. You can also check out our already made Hunters and Fishermen's products that use aniseed oil.


 Jasmine instead of Valium?

Well, yes, according to a study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry. Injected and inhaled jasmine caused a definite change in behavior by relieving anxiety and promoting sleep. The study showed that the Jasmine worked just as well as traditional sedatives but with fewer side effects. To quote:  "Applications in sedation, anxiety, excitement and aggression relieving treatment and sleep induction therapy are all imaginable. The results can also be seen as evidence of a scientific basis for aromatherapy."

 Lean and green, from the inside out!

"Today's fashion is driven by the look of natural beauty and lighter cosmetics. The healthier our body becomes, the more we obtain clear skin, shiny hair, strong nails, bright eyes, and more energy.  Our skin is our largest organ, and its health reflects the purity of our body on the inside. Eating healthy raw foods will give you the shine of glowing skin and the radiance of overall vitality and natural beauty." - Ani Phyo

Marijuana for medicine - do you really want to sacrifice your brain cells? 

Per Dr. Gabriel Cousens - "In my 40 years of clinical experience, I am clear that the use of marijuana disrupts adrenal function and is associated with increased amounts of hypoglycemia.  The munchies effect of smoking cannabis is a sign of this adrenal disruption.

While THC and other chemicals in marijuana can reduce pain and nausea, they do this by destroying very sensitive brain cells related to perception and coordination.  The drug is highly toxic and literally destroys the brain.  Given the importance of brain health for concentration, meditation, and spiritual growth.

Concerned about GMO products?

 

Look at produce stickers. The PLU code on stickers for conventionally grown fruit consists of four numbers, organically grown fruit has five numbers prefaced by the number nine, and GM fruit has five numbers prefaced by the number eight.

 Calcium from milk is NOT your best answer for osteoporosis!

milk on the shelf

Did you know that fracture rates are significantly higher for those that drink 3 or more cups of milk daily? (Harvard Nurses Study).  190,000 men & women were evaluated over an 18 year period.Studies concluded, “Neither milk nor a high-calcium diet reduces osteoporosis.”Consume a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, especially high-calcium leafy greens such as spinach, kale, Swiss chard and broccoli. Leafy green vegetables such as kale and spinach contain higher calcium values than milk. One cup of kale has 350mg of calcium!

Quality essential oil production: 

Production of essential oils is a risky business - just as any farming endeavor - the distillers depend on Mother Nature along with their own ethical and knowledgeable practices. Did you know that even just the time of the year and/or the time of day the plant is actually harvested can be crucial according to Sue Clarke, "Essential Chemistry for Aromatherapy".  Just to give you two examples: Jasmine should be picked in the evening, rose in the morning before the dew dries off. That's why we search very diligently to find suppliers for our essential oils.

Vitamin D3 is not vegan!

Did you know that Vitamin D3, the more easily absorbed and recommended form of vitamin D supplementation, is usually derived from lanolin, the oil in sheep's wool. Vegans should opt first for sunshine and then for the D2 form.

Cancer prevention and raw food!

 

"More than 200 studies show that raw vegetables have the most powerful potential to protect against cancer." - Dr. Fuhrman

Vitamin D and hunger pains.

 

Did you know that when your vitamin D levels are low you will "feel" hungry all the time? Why is that? According to studies, when our vitamin D levels are low this interferes with Leptin in the blood that tells your brain you should be full. Did you know 2/3's of the American population have low levels of vitamin D? Optimize your nutrients and you will optimize your body according to Dr. Amen.


Are you in your 30's? Are you overweight?

"When someone is overweight during their thirties, they face a 60% increased risk for developing pancreatic cancer.  Obesity at that age increases the risk of pancreatic cancer by 200% to 300%."

 GMO's - what are we doing to our great-grandchildren?!

The third generation of hamsters fed genetically engineered soy suffered slower growth, a high mortality rate, and a bizarre birth defect: fur growing in their mouths. Many also lost the ability to have pups. Check out this slide show of "Top 10 Reasons to Label Genetically Engineered Foods."  If it's not organic and has been processed, the food most likely contains GMO ingredients.

Link to dandelions as a super food

Dandelions - the new Super Food! 

Did you know that dandelions are higher in beta-carotene than carrots, have a higher iron content than spinach, and are very rich in calcium, vitamin K, vitamin C, B vitamins, potassium, and manganese. Read our blog about eating your weeds for cheap organic produce.  Check out this link also for more information about dandelions - the super food!

Walnuts and Omega 3's HealthyWalnuts and Omega 3's - Just one ounce of walnuts!

Did you know just one ounce of walnuts provides twice the recommended daily amount of Omega 3's, plus 9 grams of fiber and 18 grams of protein!?
Want more information?

Protein in vegetables? Yes!!

Steak has 5.4 grams of protein per 100 calories, whereas broccoli has 11.2 grams, nearly twice as much. Eat more broccoli!

Check out Hallelujah Acres »

Cancer prevention juicing!

Did you know that carotene rich (orange in color – usually) fruits and vegetables such as broccoli, pumpkins, carrots, apricots, asparagus, squash, mangoes and dark leafy lettuce, are some of the BEST cancer preventatives available – when juiced.

Do you REALLY need another plastic bag?

Did you know that located in The North Pacific Gyre is what has become an island of trash that consists mostly of plastic debris. This “island” is estimated to cover an area twice the size of Texas. This plastic trash is also estimated to be as deep as 30 feet down into the water! Not pretty! 

READ MORE HERE »

Vitamin D deficiency causes weight gain!

“When there is a lack of calcium, oftentimes due to a vitamin D deficiency, the body increases production of synthase, a fatty acid enzyme that coverts calories into fat. Calcium deficiency can cause synthase production to increase by up to 500 percent, explaining the correlation between low levels of vitamin D and obesity.” 

See full article at Natural News »

Ginger's Warming Properties

The essential oil of Ginger improves circulation and blood flow. You can also use fresh ginger root, chop about 4 Tbsp of fresh ginger, seal it in a cotton muslin bag or cheesecloth and place bag under warm running bathwater.

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba contains a natural anti-inflammatory called myristic acid and is useful in formulations for arthritis and rheumatism – which is why we use it a LOT – especially in our Spicey Muscle Oil.

No more Fruit Loops!

Over the last three decades, repeated studies have concluded that modest doses of synthetic colors added to foods can provoke hyperactivity and other disturbed behavior in children. The effect—contrary to popular conception—is not allergic; it does not appear more commonly in allergy-prone or “atopic” children.

In April 2008, Britain’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) advised the food industry to voluntarily ban the use of six common synthetic food dyes by 2009 (UK food dyes on which the Food Standards Agency has called for a voluntary ban include: Tartrazine, Quinoline Yellow, Sunset Yellow, Carmoisine, Ponceau 4R, and Allura Red).7

Skin Absorption

Skin can absorb up to 60 percent of substances applied to its surface! That means the good, the bad and the ugly. We hope you’ll choose the “good” in our products. We’ll discuss this more in an upcoming blog – stay tuned.

Aromatherapy & Anxiety

Essential oils can play an important role in our choices concerning natural healthy options to interrupt the pattern of anxiety and create balance. Our sense of smell is the closest link to our emotions. Anxiety involves our emotions. Aromatherapy offers many choices for anxiety relief, and here are just a few: Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender), Lemon, Mandarin, Geranium (one of my favorites – also enhances focus at the same time!).

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Aromatherapy and Emotions

“It’s clear that smell has a powerful influence on mood. Researchers believe that’s because aromatic molecules in the nasal cavity stimulate nerves that send impulses to the limbic system, the area of the brain associated with emotion and memory.” 

-Dr. Andrew Weil

Probiotic Power

Raw or fermented foods like pickles and sauerkraut are considered to be probiotics since they contain bacteria or yeasts that may aid digestion and boost immunity.

Probiotics and a Well Child

A 2005 study of 479 healthy people found those who took daily probiotics supplements for at least three months experienced shorter and less-severe colds. And a July 2009 study with 326 children found that probiotics reduced the incidence of cold and flu-like symptoms in children by 50 percent!

broccoli fights cancer

Fight cancer – eat raw broccoli & cabbage!

The tissue of cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and Brussels sprouts, contain high levels of the active plant chemicals glucosinolates. Read more here...

From our Experiences…

We at Wingsets purpose ourselves to build a sense of responsibility within the health care arena so that we don’t pass on half-truths based on only one research study. We prefer to use an entire body of research which is weighed and balanced before making any determinations or giving any recommendations. We also use as our research, what we see actually happening in our own bodies or those of our customers and clients to give us a first-hand, actual tool to guide our recommendations.

essential oils function

Did you know?

Essential oils obtained from plants actually stimulate the secretion of antibodies, neurotransmitters, endorphins, hormones and enzymes – naturally!

READ MORE ABOUT BENEFITS OF ESSENTIAL OILS »

Polyphenols good for skin

Did you know?

UV damage from sunlight is the single most contributing factor in accelerated skin aging. It causes lipid peroxidation in skin cells, which results in the production of damaging free radicals. Polyphenols, such as EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) found in green teas are powerful antioxidants that actually help stop this process.

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chamomile better than corticosteroid creams

Did you know?

Chamomile in one study was found that it was 60% as active as a topical corticosteroid cream. Corticosteroid creams have been shown to actually thin the skin dermis and make it more susceptible to damage and wrinkling.

READ MORE »

Essential Oil facts

Did you know?

Essential oils that are known to be anti-inflammatory for the skin and soothing for those of us who have rosacea, psoriasis or eczema are geranium, blue chamomile, true lavender, myrrh, peppermint and rose.

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alphahydroxy facts

Did you know?

Alpha hydroxyl natural fruit acids are designed to remove the dead skin cells and thereby stimulating the production of new skin cells.

READ MORE »

Vitamin C

Did you know?

Research has shown that vitamin C when applied to the skin prevents premature aging, stimulates collagen production and diminishes the appearance of wrinkles.

See our Organic Vitamin C Ester Serum »