5 Reasons Why I Love Broccoli (#2 Is My Favorite)

I’ve long gotten over the childhood trauma my mother caused by demanding that I remain at the dinner table until my broccoli was finished. I choked it down because my desire to play outside outweighed refusal to eat the mushy mini trees.
My taste buds have immensely matured since then, and now broccoli is one of the first vegetables I grab at the farmer’s market. Turns out, my mother knew what she was talking about: broccoli is one of the top superfoods on the planet. It’s amazing in omelets, on salads and pizza, or simply sautéed with olive oil and freshly minced garlic.

I admittedly enjoy its fresh flavor, crispness and versatility, but as a nutrition nerd, I actually get excited knowing broccoli is chock-full of potassium and folate — it’s able to keep me healthy and ward off disease. Broccoli also is amazing for preventing anemia, and it’s packed with five grams of fiber per cup, which helps prevent constipation and offers a satisfying full feeling after eating. So even if you’re like me and weren’t really feeling that broccoli your mother made you eat, here are some grown-up reasons to stalk the stems.

Cancer conqueror
No, really. Broccoli is as impressive as Muhammad Ali was in the boxing ring when it comes to fighting cancer. Eating lots of broccoli and its cruciferous cousins — including cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens and kale — has been linked to a decreased risk of cancer, particularly lung and colon cancer. New research has added liver cancer to the list. Studies have indicated that sulforaphane, the sulfur-containing compound that gives cruciferous vegetables their bitter bite, is what also gives them their cancer-fighting power.
Researchers have found that sulforaphane, which is being studied for its ability to impede certain cancers, has shown promise in stifling melanoma, esophageal, prostate and pancreatic cancers. Sulforaphane can inhibit the enzyme histone deacetylase (HDAC), known to encourage cancer cell progression. When scientists figure out how to stop HDAC enzymes, broccoli and other cruciferous veggies could become a powerful part of cancer treatment.
Wrinkle reducer
When eaten in fresh produce, the antioxidant vitamin C helps fight the skin damage from sun and pollution, reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture. Citrus fruit almost always immediately comes to mind when thinking about vitamin C, but broccoli actually is loaded with vitamin C with 81 milligrams in one cup — far more than needed in an entire day. Vitamin C helps create collagen, the key factor in the skin’s support system. Broccoli also provides vitamin A and vitamin E, also significant factors in good-looking skin.
Powerful nutrition punch
Broccoli is real winner, too, ranked among the top 20 foods on the ANDI (Aggregate Nutrient Density Index), which scores vitamin, mineral and phytonutrient content in relation to caloric content. It ranks high because it’s packed with nutrition and is very low in calories.
Chronic disease defense
Scientists at the University of Kentucky’s Department of Internal Medicine and Nutritional Sciences Program discovered that consuming high levels of fiber significantly reduces the risk of developing chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension, obesity, diabetes and some gastrointestinal diseases. Research shows that eating more fiber also helps lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, improve insulin sensitivity and boost weight loss in obese people.
Futuristic superfood
Researchers at the University of Illinois are one step closer to using a group of genes found in broccoli to breed a variety of super broccoli, magnifying the benefits of eating this cruciferous plant. The set of genes control the accumulation of phenolic compounds, including some flavonoids that are linked to lowering the risk of coronary heart disease, diabetes, asthma and several types of cancer. Phenolic compounds are powerful antioxidants and help reduce inflammation, which is the body’s natural response to disease or damage and kickstarts several degenerative diseases. Scientists believe people whose diets contain higher levels of these compounds will be less likely to suffer from these diseases. The new research puts them on track to discover exactly how to produce broccoli and other vegetables with mega-doses of phenolic compounds.
7 ways to get more broccoli in your life
Omnipotent omelets — A veggie omelet is good eating for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner. Chop up a handful of broccoli, toss in some baby spinach and crumbled feta cheese to heighten your calcium and antioxidant levels. Use about a quarter cup of veggies for a two-egg omelet.
Wrap it up — Chop up some raw broccoli and roll it up in your next veggie wrap.
Undercover lover — Smother flatbread or pizza with chopped broccoli before baking.
Simple side dish — Drizzle olive oil on broccoli and sprinkle ample amounts of cracked black peppercorns and minced garlic. Adding minced or dried ginger gives even more of a zing. 
Roasted flavor riot — Murder the mush by baking your broccoli. Mix with olive oil, kosher sea salt, freshly ground pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Spread in a single layer over a baking sheet. Bake until the florets are crispy and beginning to brown, about 25 minutes.  
Conjure and create — Mix up your own pesto or pasta sauce and make it special with broccoli.
Comforting casserole — Remember mom’s cooking with an updated version of broccoli casserole. Try throwing in some chopped steamed broccoli florets, diced chicken breasts, lean ham or tofu, corn, cooked brown rice, half a cup of low-fat cheddar cheese, a can of low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and half a cup of skim milk (or dairy-free milk). Add salt, pepper and a pinch of chili and garlic powder. Bake at 375°F for about 30 minutes.
—Kimberly Hayes Taylor

8 Secrets Of Drinking More Water, Including Weight Loss

Your body is composed of about 75 percent water, but are you drinking enough throughout the day? Since water plays such an essential role in our bodies, it is vitally important to our health to stay well hydrated.
However, even though most of us know that drinking eight to 10 glasses of water per day is recommended by health experts, many people may fall short. This is unfortunate, as drinking more water can drastically improve our health in many ways.

We suggest drinking your water warm, not ice cold. One benefit of warm water is that it helps jump start your metabolism. It is also very soothing for the digestive system and muscles. The following are just eight of the many reasons why you should drink more water daily.
Drink more water to lose more weight
Yes, drinking more water can help you reach your weight loss goals! For one, people often mistake being thirsty with being hungry, leading them to eat more without increasing their water intake. Simply drinking some water instead often does the trick. You may find you’re not hungry after the glass is empty.
Additionally, a new study published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics studied the water intake and dietary habits of just over 18,000 adults in the United States. The study found that individuals who increased their consumption of water by just one percent consumed less overall calories, as well as less sugar.  
On their results, the study authors remarked:
“Promoting plain water intake could be a useful public health strategy for reducing energy and targeted nutrient consumption in US adults, which warrants confirmation in future controlled interventions.”
Keep your skin looking soft and youthful
On the importance of drinking more water to skin health, the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health states:
“If your skin is not getting the sufficient amount of water, the lack of hydration will present itself by turning your skin dry, tight and flaky. Dry skin has less resilience and is more prone to wrinkling. As water is lost in large quantities every day, you need to replace it somehow. The unfortunate truth about drinking water and skin is that water will reach all the other organs before it reaches the skin.”
So, to ensure that your organs and your skin get the water they need to stay hydrated, you have to get those eight to 10 glasses each day!  
Enjoy more energy
If you’re dehydrated, your body simply cannot perform to the best of its ability. Not only will you be way too fatigued to exercise if you don’t drink enough water, you probably won’t even have the necessary energy to slog through your day.
Drinking eight to 10 glasses of water per day keeps all of the systems in your body working optimally, so that you have energy to do all you need — and want — to do.
Keep your digestion regular
If you don’t drink enough water, your digestion can be significantly impaired, and you may find yourself feeling quite constipated. Just think about it: If you don’t have enough water flowing through your body to escort waste out, how is it going to be removed?
Drinking ample amounts of water helps keep you regular, and makes your stools softer and easier to eliminate. It’s also important to drink lots of water if you are experiencing diarrhea, as your body needs to replace those lost fluids. 
Maintain lower blood sugar
Research has found that drinking more water helps to keep blood sugar levels lower. A 2011 study published in the journal Diabetes Care tested the relationship between water intake and blood sugar in just under 3,600 individuals. All of the volunteers had normal fasting blood glucose, and the follow up was nine years.
The study authors found:
“Self-reported water intake was inversely and independently associated with the risk of developing hyperglycemia [high blood sugar].” Get through seasonal illnesses with greater ease
If you have a fever, it’s your body’s way of fighting off any infection that may be trying to take hold. Be sure to keep yourself hydrated with extra water, as fevers are quite dehydrating. If you don’t drink enough water, your symptoms may escalate.
If you have a cold, drinking plenty of water helps your body to produce ample mucus to fight the virus. Just like with a fever, the body can become extra dehydrated when fighting a cold, so drink up!
In the case of any illness, water is essential not only for hydration, but also to flush toxins from your body.
Reduce your allergy symptoms
Speaking of flushing out toxins, drinking extra water during allergy season may help to alleviate some of those symptoms. This is because water can help to flush out the substances irritating your body. It also aids in sinus drainage, so you’ll feel less stuffed up.
Sleep more soundly
Quality sleep is crucial to a healthy life. Drinking lots of water throughout the day can help to lower inflammation throughout your body. This can also lead to a better night’s sleep. If your body is inflamed, you may toss and turn throughout the night. If it is kept in check, you may find yourself sleeping blissfully.
Are you drinking at least eight glasses of water each day? If not, it might be time to pour yourself a glass right now!
—Tanya Rakhmilevich

13 Reasons To Drink More Green Tea (We Like #7 Best)

Green tea has been enjoyed in Asian cultures since ancient times. Today, it’s a popular drink all over the world, and for very good reason.

You probably already know that green tea is healthy. However, do you know just how many benefits it has? If you’re not already hooked on green tea, here are 13 reasons to enjoy a cup every day!

It is a natural source of energy Green tea contains caffeine, perfect for that morning “wake-up” or an afternoon pick-me-up. However, it’s not too strong or jarring. That’s because an amino acid present in the tea evens out the caffeine. So, if you’re sensitive to coffee, you might find green tea is the perfect energy beverage.
It helps combat chronic inflammation
Green tea is chock-full of antioxidants, including catechins and flavonoid antioxidants. These compounds are crucial for fighting free radicals in the body, and work to reduce inflammation throughout the body’s systems.
As chronic inflammation is linked to a number of diseases, keeping yours down is crucial to your overall health.
It may lower your risk of developing diabetes
A 2013 study published in the Diabetes & Metabolism Journal linked green tea to reducing blood glucose levels and improving insulin sensitivity. The study, which was performed in Japan, found that participants who drank the most green tea had a 42 percent lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
It supports the health of your heart
Not only do the catechins and flavonoid antioxidants found in green tea help to reduce chronic inflammation, they can also improve cardiovascular health by preventing the aggregation of platelets in the arteries. It may also help to lower blood pressure, another important factor in heart health.
It may help improve your memory
Green tea may have a significantly positive effect on cognition, and in particular, on working memory. A 2014 study performed at the University of Basel in Switzerland found that green tea extract helped to improve working memory. Researchers hypothesize that green tea might help to improve symptoms of dementia with future research.
It may help you lose weight
Research performed at Pennsylvania State University in 2014 found that a combination of green tea and exercise could boost weight loss efforts. Mice that were given green tea extract and exercised regularly reduced their average body mass by nearly 30 percent, and their abdominal mass by about 37 percent.  
It may fight certain cancers
Research has found that green tea may help combat certain forms of cancer. A 2012 study presented at a conference for the American Association for Cancer Research found that green tea may inhibit the growth of prostate cancer tumors.
Also, a 2006 analysis published in the journal Carcinogenesis found that women who drank the highest amounts of green tea had a 22 percent lower risk of developing breast cancer, compared to women who drank the lowest amounts.
It helps fight the signs of aging
A lot of aging signs, such as wrinkles and age spots, have to do with free radical damage accumulating over time. Since the catechins and other polyphenols found in green tea help fight free radicals, drinking it can help you to look younger, especially if you drink it on a regular basis.
It may help protect your joints 
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, drinking green tea may help to keep your joints functioning optimally. Drinking it on a regular basis may help to prevent conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
It may protect the body from toxicity
A 2015 study performed by Pennsylvania State University researchers found that drinking green tea protected against liver toxicity induced by taking green tea extract supplements. Green tea extract is a popular way to get the benefits of green tea, but the high dosage in supplements may be hard on your liver. Researchers found that drinking green tea in the weeks before taking a supplement helped to reduce the risk of liver toxicity. Better to drink the real tea itself!
It’s great for detoxification Because of all the antioxidants that green tea contains, and all of the health benefits mentioned above, green tea is a perfect addition to a detox regimen. You can drink it hot or iced, or use it as the base for a fruit and veggie smoothie.
It can help you to feel less bloated
Caffeine is a diuretic, which means it can help relieve water weight and bloating. This makes a cup of green tea perfect after a big meal. It may also help women to feel less bloated during PMS and during the menstrual cycle.
It can help ease your mind
Green tea contains an amino acid known as L-theanine, which helps to encourage the production of alpha waves in the brain. This can lead to improved mood, and a state of relaxation.
So, there you have it! If you’re in the market for a great green tea, remember to go organic to avoid any exposure to nasty pesticides, and purchase from a source you trust. Steep the tea in boiled water for just two or three minutes. If you steep it for too long, it may become bitter. This tea is wonderful hot or iced.
If you’d like a little sweetness, add a bit of raw honey once the tea has cooled a little — you’ll be getting even more health benefits, along with a delicious flavor!
—Tanya Rakhmilevich

6 Essential Oils That Are As Strong As Conventional Medicine

 


It’s a sad fact that, despite advancements in Western medicine, the overall health of the world’s population is declining. Illness and disease have spread at an unprecedented rate, with the number of fatal afflictions, such as cancer, coronary artery disease and stroke, reaching new highs. All this despite our progress in medicine and our growing understanding of the human anatomy.

The level of frustration with the Western medicine approach has grown. The typical solution of, “Oh, you’re sick? Here, take these drugs” is being questioned by many. More and more people are turning to alternative means to safeguard their health. One such alternative is essential oils, which started out as aromatherapy tools but are now being used by holistic health practitioners to help with, or even cure, almost any ailment under the sun.

What are essential oils? Essential oils are the highly concentrated substance of plants. As the name suggests, they represent the very essence of the plant from which they were taken, and so carry a strong aroma of the original plant. Essential oils can be created by either distillation via the use of steam and water, or extraction via cold pressing.
The governing idea behind essential oils is that they are chosen from plants that display certain favorable traits, such as antifungal properties designed to prevent the establishment of mold and other parasitic fungi on their leaves or stems. These favourable traits are then concentrated into the essential oil of that plant, and can be put to use by humans via inhalation, ingestion, or absorption to help cure illness and heal the body. Essential oils can be up to 70 times more potent than their dried herb form, so they’re nothing to be scoffed at. 
Six essential oils that are as potent as medicine
With the financial support of an ever-growing body of essential oil producers and sellers, there is now a solid body of scientific evidence that shows certain oils can provide a viable replacement for common Western medicines. Here’s a list of six essential oils that are powerful weapons in the fight to maintain your health:
Lavender
Lavender essential oil is easily the most useful and popular essential oil on the market. It has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years, and can be utilized for a wide range of applications. It can be applied topically to alleviate skin disorders, acne, insect bites and even minor burns. It also can be used as a disinfectant for scratches and shallow cuts. It can be used aromatically to help with anxiety and calm frayed nerves, and can even help you get to sleep at night.
Lemon
Similar to lavender, lemon essential oil has a long list of viable uses. It is perhaps most celebrated, however, for its ability to cleanse toxins from the body, stimulate lymphatic drainage, and restore energy levels. Recent studies have even shown that it can promote certain neurological activity, which triggers the breakdown of body fat, essentially making it a natural weight-loss tool. And, of course, a couple of drops of lemon essential oil in water or tea can help to soothe a sore throat. Good old lemon!
Tea tree
Tea tree, otherwise known as Melaleuca alternifolia, is famous for its strong antiseptic properties. It can be used topically to disinfect wounds, and has been shown to kill various strains of bacteria, viruses and fungi. Several studies have examined the use of tea tree essential oil as a replacement to conventional drugs, and have shown that in many cases it makes an excellent alternative to mainstream medicines. Furthermore, tea tree essential oil has actually been suggested to have a synergistic effect in the body, meaning that it may help prevent the development of antibiotic resistance.
Eucalyptus 
Eucalyptus, known for being the food source of koalas, arguably Australia’s cutest marsupial, also has a range of uses as a medicine. It has most commonly been used in relation to colds and flu, helping to cleanse the body of the toxins and microorganisms that make people sick. It can aid in alleviating sinus and allergy problems, and can even help with respiratory illnesses including asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia and tuberculosis when rubbed on the upper chest. 
Peppermint
Peppermint essential oil, in addition to having a great smell, is second only to lavender oil in its range of uses. When applied topically, it provides a cooling sensation, which can relieve sore muscles and itchy bug bites. It also can soothe headaches when applied to the back of the head or the temples. When ingested, peppermint helps relieve nausea due to its ability to reduce muscle spasms. When blended with pine and eucalyptus oil, it can also be particularly effective for dissipating coughing fits and helping to relieve bronchial congestion. Finally, along with lavender essential oil, peppermint oil can help with an underactive thyroid.
Oregano
Oregano essential oil makes a great friend and a merciless enemy, with strong antifungal, antiparasitic, antimicrobial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Pretty much anti-anything bad, so be sure to keep a bottle of oregano oil close at hand. It can aid with fungal infections (including athlete’s foot), sprains, bruises, joint pain, tendonitis, cysts, warts, Candida, and herpes, to name but a few. Keep in mind that oregano is a hot oil, meaning that if used undiluted it can potentially irritate your skin. For this reason, always use oregano essential oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or castor oil. 
Already an avid essential oil user? We’d love to know what oils you like to use and the benefits they provide!—Liivi Hess

Why You Should Always Have Coconut Oil In Your Home

In recent years, the humble coconut has skyrocketed from its lazy days as a poolside beverage infuser or curry improver to a leading superfood in the alternative health industry. Most people interested in natural health have a jar of the stuff in their kitchen or bathroom, and they probably don’t even know about all of its amazing uses.

Since I invested in my first jar of virgin, cold pressed, organic coconut oil, I’ve never looked back. In fact, the more I use coconut oil, the more my love affair with this glorious substance intensifies. Why the love affair, you ask? Well, it probably has something to do with the fact that coconut oil has a multitude of uses. I can think of few other products that are simultaneously good for your health, good for your skin, good for your hair, good for your tastebuds, good for cooking and baking, good for your teeth, and good for the environment.

To put it into context, let’s look at an average morning with my friend, coconut oil: I wake up, take a shower, dry off, and immediately rub coconut oil into my skin to lock in the moisture. This keeps my skin hydrated and protected from the sun during the day. I rub coconut oil into my hair to style it and keep it shiny. I then brush my teeth with coconut oil, and use it as a deodorant in combination with certain essential oils. I cook my organic free-range eggs in coconut oil, and also put some in my organic shade-grown coffee to make it thicker and creamier. And that’s just the morning! The point is, coconut oil can bring untold wonders to your life. And if you haven’t already run out and bought yourself a jar, here are five more reasons to start using coconut oil ASAP.

1. It supports cardiovascular health

Coconut oil is an excellent source of saturated fat. Now, if that sounds like a bad thing to you, there’s something important you need to know: It turns out saturated fat is a good thing! Saturated fats, rather than clogging up your arteries and increasing your risk of heart attack (like your doctor always used to tell you), actually promote healthy cholesterol by increasing the ratio of HDL (good) to LDL (bad) cholesterol.

So, if you’ve recently been told by your doctor that you’ve got cholesterol concerns, eating coconut oil might be a good choice, as it helps to lower blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease. Check with your doctor to see if coconut oil is a good option for you.

2. It’s antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal

In essence, it’s anti-anything bad. Coconut oil is loaded with lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid that fights bad bacteria, helps put candida back in its place, and prevents the spread of viruses. For this reason, it can be consumed during times of sickness to reduce symptoms, during times of health to reduce your risk of getting sick in the first place, and can be rubbed onto areas of the skin, hair or nails which are under bacterial or fungal attack.

3. It’s filling

Coconut oil is a calorie-rich source of nutrients and vitamins. Far from being a bad thing (more on that here), this means that it provides your body with what it needs to function properly and fills you up in the process. Coconut oil keeps you satiated for longer and prevents you from snacking on unhealthy processed foods. For this reason, eating a healthy calorie-rich food such as coconut oil can actually help you lose weight, in direct contrast to an unhealthy low-calorie food

4. It’s anti-inflammatory

The typical Western diet and lifestyle tends to promote inflammatory foods and practices. Coconut oil contains high concentrations of antioxidants that are strongly associated with the lowering of inflammation. In fact, research has found that the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action of coconut oil can effectively reduce the symptoms of arthritis.

5. It improves digestion and nutrient absorption

Coconut oil is an excellent source of saturated fat. Consuming saturated fat allows the body to absorb fat-soluble vitamins, as well as minerals such as calcium and magnesium, in the diet. For example, adding a dollop of coconut oil to a salad dressing will help your body absorb the vital nutrients contained in the salad
The same rule applies for omega-3 fatty acids. Eating omega-3 sources such as coldwater fish or grass-fed beef (or even taking a fish oil supplement) along with coconut oil can improve their bioavailability, as your body is much better equipped to break down the proteins and utilize them. Well played, coconut oil. Well played.

The health-promoting power of coconut oil doesn’t stop there. Read on to discover the magical powers of coconut oil here.
—Liivi Hess

13 Natural Remedies for Summer Bug Bites

Bug bites are an inevitable part of summer. And let’s face it, for many of us, our arms, legs, neck and ankles are a veritable smorgasbord for those biting pests. Bumps and itchiness that accompany bites develop from an anticoagulant that the bug injects to prevent your blood from clotting. What follows is a mild allergic reaction and typical round, red bumps. Fortunately, there are many remedies to soothe those bites, and they don’t involve applying toxic chemicals to your skin.

1. Aloe Vera

Although aloe is about 99 percent water, the remaining one percent contains over 100 active compounds and amino acids, beneficial to your skin. Aloe speeds wound healing by improving blood circulation, preventing cell death, according to a pharmacognosy study published in the National Library of Medicine (NCBI) .

To harvest aloe from the plant, make sure the aloe plant is mature, at least eight inches in length, and the leaves are fleshy and green. Use the outside leaves, since they are the oldest and contain the thick nutrient-rich gel. Once cut, the wound will seal and new growth will sprout from the center. Carefully split open the leaf to extract the gel and rub it on your bug bite.

2. Apple cider vinegar

Using vinegar to fight infections and other acute conditions dates back to 460-377 BC, when Hippocrates the father of modern medicine, recommended vinegar for cleaning ulcerations and treating sores, suggests research from the Department of Nutrition, Arizona State University. Apple cider vinegar is both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, making it ideal for soothing and disinfecting bug bites.
Add a little vinegar to a cotton ball and gently dab the bite. For all-over body bites, add two-thirds cup to a warm bath and soak for at least 10 minutes.

3. Baking soda and witch hazel

Baking soda, a natural disinfectant, reduces inflammation. Witch hazel, a natural astringent, draws out excess fluid. Combining the two ingredients provides quick itch relief while reducing swelling.

4. Banana peel

Peel a banana and rub the soft interior of the peel over your bug bite. The fruit acids, vitamins and minerals in the peel help to soothe away pain and itching.

5. Basil

Basil, a culinary and medicinal herb, is ideal for bug bites thanks to chemical compounds like eugenol that relieves itchy skin. To make a basil rub:

• Boil two cups of water and remove from heat.
• Add 1/2 ounce of dried basil leaves.
• Allow the mixture to steep until it is cool.

Dip a washcloth into it the steeped basil water and rub it gently on your bites. Alternately, chop a few fresh basil leaves until very fine and rub them on to your bite.

6. Raw honey

Raw honey is another ancient remedy. The healing property of honey is due to its antibacterial activity and because it helps maintains a moist wound condition, suggests research conducted by the Department of Physiology and Biophysics, KPC Medical College and Hospital, India. Additionally, its high viscosity helps provide a protective barrier on the bite, preventing infection. Dab a small amount of raw honey onto your bite to reduce swelling and help it heal faster.

7. Lemon or lime juice

Citrus juice not only stops the itch, but also supplies quick antimicrobial relief, preventing infection. Dab lemon or lime juice over fresh bites with a cotton ball. Let it dry, then rinse well. The natural antioxidants and alpha-hydroxy acids found in citrus juice work to naturally cleanse the bug bite.

8. Milk

Proteins naturally present in milk are both anti-inflammatory and anti-itch. Soak a cotton ball in milk and dab your bug bite. Use skim milk for best results, but if you only have high-fat milk on hand, that will do.

9. Peppermint

The cooling oils naturally present in peppermint help stop pain and itching. Apply crushed, fresh peppermint leaves over bug bites or lightly dab the bite with a drop of peppermint essential oil for fast relief.

10. Tea bag

Tea bags draw fluid from bug bites, reducing itching and swelling. Gently rub a cool, moist tea bag over the bite, the natural tannins in the leaves will draw out excess fluid to reduce pain and swelling.

11. Tea tree oil

Used for centuries by the aboriginal people of Australia, tea tree oil is used topically to heal a wide array of skin infections. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, suggests tea tree oil may be used for wounds, fungal infections and skin lesions.  

12. Virgin coconut oil

You probably never thought of using coconut oil on insect bites, but it actually works wonders to stop the itch and pain. A study conducted by the Department of Biochemistry, University of Kerala, India, applied virgin coconut oil to the wounds of young rats. They found that the wounds healed much faster and collagen levels increased.
Coconut oil kills harmful microbes and bacteria from affected areas, healing the wound faster and without infection. Additionally,  coconut oil rejuvenates skin cells, helps in shedding of dead skin cells and provides necessary moisture to the skin, which results in less scarring.

13. Create your own bug bite balm

Make your own kid-safe bug bite balm for camping trips or backyard barbecues. A few simple ingredients melted together and you have instant relief. To make your bug balm:
Ingredients:

• 1 Tbsp, plus 1 tsp grated beeswax, packed
• 2 tsp cocoa butter
• 1 tsp tea tree essential oil
• 1 tsp lavender essential oil

Instructions:
Gently melt beeswax and cocoa butter in a double boiler. Once the mixture is melted, stir in essential oils. Transfer the mixture to a pourable container and pour into individual lip balm tubes or jars. Allow to cool before using.
Here’s to a bite-free summer!
—Katherine Marko

5 Surprising Places You Can Find Lead In Your Home

One of the United States’ top medical groups recently issued a timely reminder about the dangers of lead in the household. Until the recent water crisis in Flint, Michigan, most Americans thought lead was a thing of the past. However, this highly toxic metal still poses a risk to potentially millions of Americans, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). In a report released in June, the AAP warned an “illusion of safety” has been created around lead. The report pointed to current regulations nationwide, which the AAP says don’t match up with the health risks associated with lead.
Speaking to NPR, the report’s co-author Dr. Jennifer Lowry explained lead around the home can pose a serious risk to families, particularly children.
“We’ve taken lead out of the paint and out of the gasoline, but the history is still present,” she said. Lead is a neurotoxin that can find its way deep into the body, including bones. It has been linked to a wide range of health problems, including reduced IQ points, heart and kidney problems, reduced fertility and even behavioral problems. Children are most severely impacted by exposure, as their bodies tend to absorb more lead.
As Lowry explained, testing children for lead exposure can help, but it isn’t enough.
“At that point, when we find out that they have an elevated lead level, the harm has already been done,” Lowry said.
She continued, “We cannot have our children be canaries in the coal mine, where they get exposed first and then we have to try to fix it. If we want to actually do the right thing, we should prevent it from happening in the first place.”
So how can we protect ourselves and our families from lead? The first step is knowing where lead can potentially lurk. Listed below are some of the most common places to uncover lead around the home. Some of these are quite obvious, while others are outright surprising.
Pipes
After the crisis in Flint, Michigan, the first thing most Americans think of when they hear “lead” is piping. As far back as the times of the Roman Empire, lead has been used in the construction of municipal water pipes. Likewise, ancient Roman engineers were among the first to recognize the health dangers that lead posed. Today, as many as 10 million US homes and other buildings still receive water carried by pipes containing lead. Although this is a nationwide problem, most lead pipes are concentrated in the Midwest and Northeast. Drinking water contaminated with lead can lead to a wide array of health issues.
Soil
It may seem surprising, but the ground your house is built on could be contaminated with lead. Contaminated soil can be tracked inside the home, and pose a risk to the family. According to the AAP, houses built on old industrial sites are most at risk, and the government should do more to help families remove lead from their properties.
Roadside dust
If you live next to a major highway, dust contaminated with lead could likewise be a problem. The contamination likely dates back to the years before lead was banned in gasoline. Decades-old exhaust fumes containing lead have settled on the sides of America’s highways over the years, and can still pose a health risk today, especially for children.
As Lowry put it, “We should know where the old houses are that were built before 1960, where the soil is next to the highways, where we have these lead problems and actually fix it before we send our kids out to live in those environments.”
Paint
Lead paint was banned in homes way back in the 1970s, but that doesn’t mean your home is guaranteed to be safe. Obviously, any houses constructed before 1978 could still contain lead paint. In fact, an estimated 37 million homes still contain lead paint nationwide, with the risk increasing depending on the age of the home. According to the EPA, one in four houses built between 1960 and 1977 contain lead paint, compared to an estimated 87 percent of houses built before 1940. Even if the home has been renovated, there could still be lead paint lurking under newer paint. However, the EPA has also noted lead paint isn’t much of a problem if it’s in good condition. It only becomes dangerous when it starts degrading, and becoming easier to inhale or otherwise accidentally consume.
Toys
It may sound crazy today, but decades ago the toy industry had no qualms about packing toys with lead. According to the CDC, antique toys dating back before 1978 can still contain lead paints, which can pose a huge risk to children. However, it’s not just old toys. Toys made in countries that don’t have stringent lead regulations can also be dangerous. For example, back in 2007, Fisher-Price recalled 967,000 toys suspected of containing unsafe levels of lead. In a separate case in 2004, four companies recalled 150 million pieces of toy jewelry potentially contaminated with lead.
As you can see, it is not just lead paint that can pose a health risk to you and your family. Always be cautious and aware.
—Ryan Mallett-Outtrim