Tag: food

  • OUR FOOD, TOXIC FIELDS.

    OUR FOOD, TOXIC FIELDS.

    Among farmworkers, 10,000–20,000 pesticide poisonings occur every year. Beyond the acute poisonings, there are long-term, chronic health effects such as cancer, Parkinsons’ Disease, asthma, birth defects and neurological harms, including developmental delays and learning disabilities.

    Children of farmworkers are particularly at risk. Pesticides cling to workers’ skin and clothing long after they return home, putting their children at risk.

    PROTECTIONS MUST BE STRENGTHENED.

    A healthy, safe, and fair food system would protect us all and safeguard the health and economic needs of farmworkers, farmers, rural communities and consumers. Shifting away from reliance on hazardous pesticides is a key step toward this goal. But as long as harmful pesticides are in use, farmworkers need better protections in the field.

    GOOD NEWS FOR FARMWORKERS.

    After more than a decade of broken promises and delays, EPA recently updated and strengthened the rules protecting farmworker.
    Read reaction from labor, farmworker and environmental groups.

    Growing CHANGE. Being better in growing our food. 

  • Get Your Kids To Eat: Spinach

    Get Your Kids To Eat: Spinach

    It is hard to beat spinach when talking about nutrient packed greens. Just one leaf contains a sampling of more than 20 different nutrients. The list of benefits is nearly as long as the amount of nutrients: cancer fighting, blood pressure beating, bone strengthening, cardiovascular helping, brain boosting, skin smoothing, vision improving, inflammation reducing, energy increasing, and more. Spinach is a green smoothie staple for all!
    We eat it raw. Fresh, Crispy and full of flavor. 
    Some kids need a bit of dressing to ‘tone down’ the boisterous flavor of spinach. For these children we make a ‘real food’ dip.
    They enjoy spinach leaves in this special ‘ranch’ dressing. 
    Thanks to Wellness Mama for this homemade healthy ranch dressing with greek yogurt, olive oil and spices and no artificial ingredients!
    Serves: 4
    Ingredients
    • ½ to ¾ cup Plain Full Fat Yogurt or Greek Yogurt
    • 1 tsp (or more to taste) of dried dill weed
    • Sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste
    • 1 small clove of garlic
    • 6 TBSP olive oil
    • 2 TBSP parmesan
    Instructions
    1. Put yogurt, garlic and spices in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
    2. Very slowly, add the oil so that it emulsifies.
    3. Use immediately, or store up to 1 week in the fridge
    What tricks do you use to get your kids to acquire tastes for healthy fare?
  • As If We Needed More: Fumigants Turn Into Fluoride

    As If We Needed More: Fumigants Turn Into Fluoride

    As if fluoridated water and widespread fluoridated pesticide use like cryolite wasn’t enough, some food processors use sulfuryl fluoride as a fumigant on certain foods, and for pest prevention in warehouses and food containers. Sulfuryl fluoride breaks down into fluoride after application. 

    “Unlike virtually every other western country, the EPA [Environmental Protection Agency] does not require that food processors remove food prior to the fumigation. As a result, any food that is being stored in the facility during a structural fumigation will be contaminated with fluoride.”

    According to EPA estimates, foods most commonly fumigated include cocoa powder (100 percent), dried beans (100 percent), walnuts (99 percent) and dried fruits (69 percent). Other “healthy” foods like brown rice are also very high in fluoride, despite only 3% of the crop being fumigated. Rice tends to have 12.5 parts per million (ppm) compared to 8.4 ppm for cocoa powder. 

    Love your morning coffee? According to a 2005 editorial by the late Albert Burgstahler, PH.D., who was a professor emeritus of chemistry, “Fluoride residues in food fumigated with sulfuryl fluoride are excessively high and are at levels known to cause serious adverse health effects, including crippling skeletal fluorosis.”5

    White grape juice is generally very high as well, due to the use of cryolite. 

    So, whenever possible, buy organic for foods that are likely to be fumigated to protect you and your family from more toxic fluoride. 

  • Cleaning Green Smoothie

    Cleaning Green Smoothie

    Kidneys eliminate about 2 liters of waste material from the blood. Numerous diseases come as a result of too much toxins in the kidneys. We enter the majority of toxins through food and drinks, and we have listed some of the most dangerous enemies:

    • — animal protein
    • — salt
    • — genetically modified food
    • — artificial sweeteners
    • — carbonated drinks
    • — caffeine
    • — cigarettes
    • — dairy products

    To help combat the enormous work that our kidneys do for us every day, this breakfast smoothie can be a healing refresh every morning.

    BREAKFAST SMOOTHIE RECIPE: 

    Combine in a blender: 

    • 2 cups unsweetened almond milk

    • 2 cups baby spinach

    • 1 1/2 cups frozen blueberries

    • 1 frozen banana

    • 1/4 cup superfood greens

    • 1 teaspoon spirulina

    • 1 cup ice

    Blend until smooth. Serve immediately. Makes 3 servings.

  • Parasite Cleanse Diet – Foods To Eat And Foods To Avoid

    Parasite Cleanse Diet – Foods To Eat And Foods To Avoid

    One of the best ways to help the body destroy and get rid of unwanted parasites is following a parasite cleanse diet. This diet should be taken for at least 2 months to give your body an opportunity to get rid of all kinds of parasites and eggs that are hidden in different organs.
    Parasites in the body can originate from several sources, such as raw meat, tainted water, pets or other animals.

    They can cause symptoms like: digestive disorders, fatigue, food cravings and unstable blood sugar.

    A good parasite cleanse diet involves eating herbs, natural whole foods and taking supplements that will help the body eliminate parasites.

    The diet should have high mineral and nutrient content and shouldn’t contain any kind of artificial stimulants.

    Here are some of the common foods and herbs that should be included in a good parasite cleansing diet. You can find them at your local grocery store or health food store.

    What to Eat to Get Rid of Parasites

    Wormwood

    Wormwood is an herb that helps to kill big, adult parasites by making their environment unfriendly to live in. You can find it in tea, capsules and in concentrated liquid form.

    Garlic

    Garlic is a natural antiparasitic and antibiotic food; it also helps support bowel movements and bowel detoxification.

    Cloves

    Cloves help to kill the parasitic eggs that are laid daily by adult parasites. These eggs can remain dormant for a while so it’s important to let them hatch and then destroy them using more cloves.

    Black Walnut Hulls

    This herb helps to kill large adult parasites wherever they are in the body. Black walnut hulls is a powerful anti-fungal and anti-parasitic supplement. 

    Vegetables

    Green leafy vegetables with high nutrient content and probiotics help the body to get rid of toxins.

    Vegetables rich in anti-oxidants like cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes and blueberries help feed the body organs and glands infected with parasites.

    Coconut oil

    Coconut oil contains about 50% of lauric acid, a saturated fat which is contained in coconut products. After conversion by the body it produces a substance that effectively kills parasites, viruses, yeasts, as well as bad bacteria in the digestive tract. Make sure that you choose organic, extra virgin coconut oil for best results. 

    Apple Cider Vinegar

    Need to increase your hydrochloric acid for better digestion (especially meats)? One tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in water about 30-60 minutes before meals will increase your stomach acid and prepare your digestive system for absorption. Just rinse your mouth with fresh water after consuming and then let your saliva remineralize your teeth. 

    Increasing your HCL will help keep your stomach free from parasites and also ensure that you eliminate any larvae you accidentally eat during your meals.

    If you’re concerned about the acidity, ACV actually becomes alkaline in the body. 

    Papaya

    This fruit has a powerful ability to destroy worms, such as tapeworms and most intestinal worms. To enhance its potency, peel off the skin before soaking in apple cider vinegar. Then eat 8 ounces of the papaya and take two ounces of this vinegar solution for four days.

    Green onions

    Like garlic, green onions release an enzyme called alliinase when they’re crushed or cut. To prepare onions and avoid the ‘tear factor’ caused by onions, refrigerate them for one hour and then cut them using a sharp knife.

    For an antiparasitic boost, juice the white section of the onions and add two sesame seed oil teaspoons. Drink twice a day for 3 days without any food.

    Pineapple

    This fruit contains an antiparasitic enzyme known as bromelain. Some studies show that a 3-day pineapple fast can help kill tapeworms.

    Fish and organic meats

    These high-quality protein sources can support your immune system and provide the body with the essential fatty acids needed for fuel.

    Pumpkin seeds

    Pumpkin seeds are usually used for eliminating tapeworms and roundworms. You can mash them and then mix with juice, chew them or make pumpkin seed butter in your food processor. 

    Carrots and carrot juice or cranberry juice (unsweetened)

    You can dilute cranberry juice in water. Carrots or carrot juice kills parasites as well.

    Fennel seed tea

    This mild laxative can irritate certain kinds of parasites in the body.

    You essentially flush them out with fluids in the process. If you have a sensitive stomach, be sure to ingest the tea in small doses so that you know it’s affect on your digestive system. Fennel seed tea is a great remedy for irritable bowel syndrome in general. 

    Pungent spices

    Parasites don’t like spice! Spices like cayenne, chilies, horseradish, turmeric, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and cloves all make parasites disappear.

    Add a kick to your parasite cleanse diet and you’ll feel the results quickly.

    Fermented foods/probiotics

    Some options that you can make at home include rejuvelac (a drink produced from fermented grains like wheat berries, and sauerkraut (fermented cabbage). You can also use probiotic supplements, which help kill the bad bacteria and replenish good bacteria. We love Bio-Kult Advanced Probiotic Multi-Strain Formula for its widely reported effectiveness and personal results with GAPS and other leaky gut diets. 

    What foods should you AVOID in a parasite cleanse diet?

    Sugar

    Sugar feeds parasites and also eats up the supply of B vitamins and minerals in the body. A parasitic infection may lead to cravings for carbohydrates and refined sugar, so it’s best to avoid these kinds of food to starve parasites off their energy and fuel.

    Refined carbohydrates

    Refined carbohydrates like cakes, bread, cookies, cereal and pasta should be avoided. All of these lead to major fluctuations in blood sugar control and therefore put an extra strain on an already burdened system that’s infected with parasites.

    Thank you to the Total Cleanse Detox Diet site for these great parasite cleansing tips! 

    Best herbal supplements for parasite cleanse diet

    The Health Freedom Idaho team and their families have tested a number of protocols and supplements for parasite cleansing. Below are some of the best-rated and most effective supplements and books for parasite cleansing.

    • SCRAM Internal Parasite Formula. This is one of the most highly rated anti-microbial supplements on Amazon and contains high-quality organic herbs such as black walnut, wormwood, clove, milk thistle, enzymes to break down a microbe’s cellular walls and probiotics. It is also vegan and non-GMO. This is a staple to have on hand when you travel and when you’re choosing to do a parasite or candida (yeast) cleanse. 
    • Intestinal Cleanse for Kids by Cedar Bear Naturale. This formulation was designed by a master herbalist to be safe for children and their developing digestive systems. 
    • ParaGuard by Zahler contains the heavy hitters of clove, wormwood and black walnut hulls, but also features powerful anti-microbial oils like oregano and peppermint, along with pumpkin seed (a powerful anti-parasitic, as listed above) and garlic bulb. 
    • Black Walnut Hulls is a powerful anti-parasitic and anti-fungal on its own. This tincture is made according to the standards of Dr. Hulda Clark and has no magnesium stearate or excipients, thereby improving absorption. 
    • Clove Bud Powder is not only a key herbal remedy for parasite cleansing, but also increases circulation and oxygenation in the blood, strengthens arteries and can reduce excess iron in the body. 
    • Wormwood (artemesia) is a go-to for balancing and strengthening the digestive system and ridding the intestines of parasites. Wormwood helps maintain a normal balance of bacteria and other microbes in the intestines and enhances digestive enzymes and the secretion of bile.
    • IntestinePro Intestine Support has 15 ingredients that support digestion and parasite control. By using a supplement like this, you’re approaching microbe balance from a number of angles, including probiotics and lesser known herbs. 
    •  Hulda Clark’s book, “The Cure For All Diseases” is one of the standards in parasite education and supplementation protocols.

    Want more immune-boosting tips? Click on over to these recent articles:

    Using Vitamin C to Recover From Illness and Disease  |  21 Natural Remedies Instead of the Flu Shot  |  Optimize Your Vitamin D Levels to Boost Immunity, Lower Depression and Cancer Risk  |  Apple Cider Vinegar, a Silver Bullet for Health  |  Turmeric Tea, an Anti-Inflammatory Remedy

  • Eat Up those Valentine’s DARK Chocolates – They Are Good For You!

    Eat Up those Valentine’s DARK Chocolates – They Are Good For You!

    Dark chocolate is loaded with nutrients that can positively affect your health.

    Made from the seed of the cocoa tree, it is one of the best sources of antioxidants on the planet.

    Studies show that dark chocolate (not the sugary crap) can improve health and lower the risk of heart disease.

    1. Dark Chocolate is Very Nutritious

    If you buy quality dark chocolate with a high cocoa content, then it is actually quite nutritious.

    It contains a decent amount of soluble fiber and is loaded with minerals.

    A 100 gram bar of dark chocolate with 70-85% cocoa contains (1):

    • 11 grams of fiber.
    • 67% of the RDA for Iron.
    • 58% of the RDA for Magnesium.
    • 89% of the RDA for Copper.
    • 98% of the RDA for Manganese.
    • It also has plenty of potassium, phosphorus, zinc and selenium.

    Of course, 100 grams (3.5 ounces) is a fairly large amount and not something you should be consuming daily.
    All these nutrients also come with 600 calories and moderate amounts of sugar.

    For this reason, dark chocolate is best consumed in moderation.

    2. Dark Chocolate is a Powerful Source of Antioxidants

    Stacked Chocolate Blocks

    It is loaded with organic compounds that are biologically active and function as antioxidants. These include polyphenols, flavanols, catechins, among others.

    One study showed that cocoa and dark chocolate contained more antioxidant activity, polyphenols and flavanols than other fruits they tested, which included blueberries and Acai berries (2).

    Bottom Line: Cocoa and dark chocolate have a wide variety of powerful antioxidants, way more than most other foods.

    3. Dark Chocolate May Improve Blood Flow and Lower Blood Pressure

    Chipped Dark Chocolate

    The flavanols in dark chocolate can stimulate the endothelium, the lining of arteries, to produce Nitric Oxide (NO), which is a gas (3).

    One of the functions of NO is to send signals to the arteries to relax, which lowers resistance to blood flow and therefore reduces blood pressure.

    There are many controlled trials showing that cocoa and dark chocolate can improve blood flow and lower blood pressure, but the effects are usually mild (4, 5, 6, 7).

    However, there is also one study in people with elevated blood pressure that showed no effect, so take all this with a grain of salt (8).

    Bottom Line: The bioactive compounds in cocoa can improve blood flow in the arteries and cause a small but statistically significant decrease in blood pressure.

    4. Dark Chocolate Raises HDL and Protects LDL Against Oxidation

    Woman Holding Chocolate And Milk

    Consuming dark chocolate can improve several important risk factors for heart disease.

    It makes perfect sense that cocoa lowers oxidized LDL. It contains an abundance of powerful antioxidants that do make it into the bloodstream and protect lipoproteins against oxidative damage (10, 11, 12).

    Dark chocolate can also reduce insulin resistance, which is another common risk factor for many diseases like heart disease and diabetes (13, 14).

    Bottom Line: Dark chocolate improves several important risk factors for disease. It lowers the susceptibility of LDL to oxidative damage while increasing HDL and improving insulin sensitivity.

    5. Dark Chocolate May Lower The Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

    Woman Staring at a Piece of Chocolate

    The compounds in dark chocolate appear to be highly protective against the oxidation of LDL.

    In the long term, this should cause much less cholesterol to lodge in the arteries and we should see a lower risk of heart disease over the long term.

    It turns out that we have several long-term observational studies that show a fairly drastic improvement.

    In a study of 470 elderly men, cocoa was found to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death by a whopping 50% over a 15 year period (15).

    Another study revealed that eating chocolate 2 or more times per week lowered the risk of having calcified plaque in the arteries by 32%. Eating chocolate less frequently had no effect (16).

    Yet another study showed that chocolate 5+ times per week lowered the risk of cardiovascular disease by 57% (17).

    Of course, these 3 studies are so-called observational studies that can not prove that it was the chocolate that caused the reduction in risk.

    However, given that we have a biological mechanism (lower blood pressure and oxidized LDL) then I find it plausible that regular consumption of dark chocolate can in fact reduce the risk of heart disease.

    Bottom Line: Observational studies show a drastic reduction in heart disease risk for the people who consume the most chocolate.

    6. Dark Chocolate May Protect Your Skin Against The Sun

    Cocoa Powder

    The bioactive compounds in dark chocolate may also be great for your skin.

    The flavonols can protect against sun-induced damage, improve blood flow to the skin and increase skin density and hydration (19).

    The minimal erythemal dose (MED) is the minimum amount of UVB rays required to cause redness in the skin, 24 hours after exposure.

    In one study of 30 people, the MED more than doubled after consuming dark chocolate high in flavanols for 12 weeks (20).

    Bottom Line: Studies show that the flavanols from cocoa can improve blood flow to the skin and protect it against sun-induced damage.

    7. Dark Chocolate May Improve Brain Function

    Doctor With Thumbs Up

    The good news isn’t over yet. Dark chocolate may also improve the function of the brain.

    One study of healthy volunteers showed that 5 days of consuming high-flavanol cocoa improved blood flow to the brain (21).

    Cocoa may also significantly improve cognitive function in elderly people with mental impairment. It also improves verbal fluency and several risk factors for disease (22).

    Cocoa also contains stimulant substances like caffeine and theobromine, which may be a key reason cocoa can improve brain function in the short term (23).

    Take Home Message

    There is considerable evidence that cocoa can provide powerful health benefits, being especially protective against cardiovascular disease.

    But of course, this doesn’t mean people should go all out and consume lots of chocolate every day. It is still loaded with calories and easy to overeat on. Maybe have a square or two after dinner and try to really savor them.

    Dark chocolates often contain some sugar, but the amounts are usually small and the darker the chocolate, the less sugar it will contain.

    There are of course other benefits to chocolate that I have not mentioned… such as the awesome taste.

    This article originally appeared at: https://authoritynutrition.com/7-health-benefits-dark-chocolate/.
    Find Out more about Health Foods and recipes visit our pages at HEALTHY FOODS
  • Make A Valentine’s Treat That’s Good For Your Heart!

    Make A Valentine’s Treat That’s Good For Your Heart!

     
    Who wants Peanut Butter, Banana and Dark Chocolate Frozen Truffles! 
    GUILT FREE TREAT as DARK CHOCOLATE IS GOOD FOR YOU (in moderation of course!)

    Peanut Butter, Banana and Dark Chocolate Frozen Truffles

    Yield: 20-24 truffles

    These frozen truffles are not only super rich and chocolaty, but they are made with healthy ingredients! The oil is used to thin the chocolate to make it easier for dipping. You can forgo the oil, but it will be more difficult to coat the truffles. Don’t worry if they don’t look like perfectly shaped spheres. They will still look and taste amazing!

    Ingredients

    • 2 large bananas, peeled ( about 8 ounces without the peel)
    • 1/3 cup natural peanut butter, crunchy or smooth (make sure to stir well)
    • 1-1/4 cups dark chocolate chips (preferably with a cocoa % of at least 65%)
    • 2 teaspoons neutral flavored oil or coconut oil (I prefer to use heart healthy Thrive Culinary Algae Oil)

    Instructions

    1. Slice the bananas and place on a parchment or silcone baking mat lined sheet pan. Place pan in the freezer and allow bananas to freeze for about 1 hour.
    2. In the bowl of a food processor, add the frozen banana slices and peanut butter. Process until mixture is smooth. You will probably need to scrape the bowl multiple times before the mixture fully comes together.
    3. Spoon banana mixture into a bowl and place in the freezer until mixture is firm. Start checking after about 1-1/2 hours.
    4. Remove banana mixture from the freezer. If mixture is too firm to scoop, allow to thaw for about 10 minutes. Using a scoop or melon baller with a 1″ diameter, scoop out balls of banana mixture and place back on the lined sheet pan. If this gets a little messy, form balls the best you can with your fingers. Place sheet pan in freezer until balls are frozen, about 15 minutes.
    5. Right before you’re ready to remove the banana balls from the freezer, place the chocolate chips and oil in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave in 20 second increments until the chocolate is melted. Stir chocolate chips after each round. It shouldn’t take you more than a few rounds in the microwave.
    6. Place a banana ball on a fork and dip into the bowl of chocolate. Use a spoon to pour chocolate over the top.
    7. Put truffles back on the lined sheet pan and place in freezer until chocolate is hardened, about 5 minutes. Place truffles in an airtight container and store in the freezer until ready to eat.
    8. When ready to eat, allow truffles to thaw for 5 minutes.
    4.7.2.17

    http://tastybalancenutrition.com/valentines-treat-heart-health/

    Recipe by Lindsey Pine MS, RD, CSSD, CLT
  • SPOTLIGHT: Moscow Local Organic

    SPOTLIGHT: Moscow Local Organic

    Affinity Farm Certified Organic grower

    Moscow, Idaho

    Founded in 2001, Affinity Farm strives to grow and sell the highest quality vegetables and bedding plants. Our mission is to engage in a “right livelihood” producing healthy food for our selves and our customers with as little environmental impact as possible. We farm using only “organic” methods, and try to consider the consequences of all of our actions.

    Soil fertility is maintained through cover cropping, the application of composted manure, broad forking and harrowing, rather than tilling, whenever possible. We adhere to the “soil food web” philosophy, and see our soil as a living, breathing, partner in our endeavor.
    Pests are managed primarily though healthy soils, and physical barriers (row cover), though we periodically also use some CNG approved substances (Savers soap, and Bt) to deter a specific pest.

    We grow a wide variety of vegetables, including heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers, greens such as kale, spinach, lettuce, chard and arugula, hard and softneck garlic, onions, green beans, eggplants, turnips, and many more. We take pride in their quality, and consistency throughout the market season.

    We market our produce May through October at our stand at the Moscow Farmers Market (our stand is located in front of “Hyperspud Sports, on Main Street-the south-east corner of freindship Square), and through our small CSA program.

    We love our work: from spending each day outside growing food, to getting to know the people in our community who eat it. We are a small farm, and strive to work with minimal outside inputs. We are committed to the process of reducing our carbon impact by growing food as close to its consumption point as possible.

    Location

    810 empire lane
    Moscow, ID 83843
    Latah County

    Contact

    • Producer: Russell Poe and Kelly Kingsland
    • Day: (208) 892-9000
    • Evening: same
    • Email
  • 4 Recipes for Creamy Gluten-Free Cheesecake

    4 Recipes for Creamy Gluten-Free Cheesecake

    Basic Gluten-Free Cheesecake

    SERVES 12

    Modify this versatile recipe using different crusts and toppings to suit your needs. It’s fun to create different desserts using one basic no-fail cheesecake.

    2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese or dairy-free cream cheese, room temperature
    1½ cups sugar
    5 eggs, room temperature
    2 cups Greek yogurt, sour cream or dairy-free sour cream
    2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot
    1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    1 gluten-free crust of choice, pre- baked
    – Topping of choice

    1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees.

    2. Beat the cream cheese until fluffy. Add the sugar and continue beating for a few minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating to combine. Then beat in remaining ingredients.

    3. Pour the filling into a springform pan that contains a cooled prebaked crust.

    4. Bake in preheated oven on the middle rack for 2 hours or until the top is golden and feels firm yet soft like a baked custard. Begin checking after 90 minutes. Internal temperature should be 150 degrees.

    5. Turn the oven off and leave the cheesecake inside for about an hour. Five minutes after shutting off the oven, run a sharp knife around the edge of the pan to help prevent cheesecake from cracking as it cools and settles.

    6. Remove cheesecake from the oven and cool completely before chilling in the refrigerator. Cover with toppings of your choice. Slice and serve.

    Each slice with graham cracker crust contains 581 calories, 44g total fat, 24g saturated fat, 0g trans fat, 205mg cholesterol, 373mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate, 1g fiber, 11g protein.

    Dairy-Free Cheesecake

    Find even more Gluten Free and Dairy Free Recipes at: http://www.glutenfreeandmore.com/issues/4_8/Gluten-Free-Cheesecake-Guide-2054-1.html.

  • Ignoring Congress Concerns over safety EPA approves expanded use of Combo Herbicide

    Ignoring Congress Concerns over safety EPA approves expanded use of Combo Herbicide

    EPA Approves Expanded Use of Dow’s “Enlist Duo” Herbicide.

    The Environmental Protection Agency has approved the special blending of the two herbicides developed by Dow. Enlist Duo, containing 2,4-D and glyphosate, for use on Dow’s 2nd generation GMO corn, soy and cotton. About 18 weeds have developed resistance to 2,4-D over the more than 50 years it has been in use. So the idea is to use both herbicides, with each one eradicating the weeds that the other one can’t. Beyond Pesticides states:

    ” These super weeds  now infest tens of millions of acres of U.S. farmland. However, independent and USDA scientists predict that the Enlist Duo “crop system” will only foster resistance to 2,4-D in addition to glyphosate, thus continuing the GE crop pesticide treadmill and escalating the cycle of more toxic pesticides in the environment. Additionally, the health effects of both 2,4-D and glyphosate are well documented. 2,4-D has been linked to  soft tissue sarcoma,  non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma  (NHL), neurotoxicity, kidney/liver damage, and harm to the reproductive system. Glyphosate has been  recently classified as a human carcinogen  based on laboratory studies by the World Health Organization (WHO) in March.”

    Thirty – five members of Congress expressed their concerns over the safety of the spray requesting “more information about EPA’s plan to reevaluate Enlist Duo’s health and environmental risks.”  

    “This is part of a vicious cycle that is leading to more potent, dangerous chemicals being widely used on crops across the United States,” said  Rep. Blumenauer. He continued, “With the rise of herbicide-resistant genetically modified crops, herbicides are more widely sprayed causing weeds to grow more resistant — ultimately, requiring the application of even stronger herbicides. EPA must take action to make sure products entering the market to be used on our food are safe for human health and the environment.”

    Meanwhile, Monsanto, the developer of Roundup Ready corn, is developing its own new generation of herbicide-resistant crops able to withstand a third weed killer.

    The USDA considers only whether the genetically engineered seeds represent a hazard to other crops; the EPA is responsible for overseeing the safety of herbicides used in agriculture. No agency looks at the bigger policy question of whether the nation is embarking on a potentially dangerous path toward creating ever-more-resistant weeds and spraying them and crops with larger and larger doses of stronger herbicides. That question should be answered before the country escalates the war out in the fields. -LA TIMES

    READ: Beyond Pesticides History behind the Question and Approval of Enlist Duo
     
    READ: Escalating the weed wars

    READ: Appendix citing concerns over safety of Enlist Duo Center for Food Safety