Scientists have been warning us that Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical that is used for the production of drink and food containers, food can linings and babies bottles, is toxic for a number of years. They are concerned that it leaches from the plastic into our food and water. Researchers have linked BPA to serious health risks but the manufacturing industry maintain that the amount the average person consumes is not enough to cause any harm.

Estrogen mimics and your health

Bisphenol A is classified as an estrogen mimic also known as gender benders and hormone disrupters. They interfere with the way your hormonal system functions and are not easily detoxified from the body naturally. US researchers found that Bisphenol A actually remains in the body much longer than experts previously believed.

It is thought that these hormone mimics contribute to conditions such as endometriosis, infertility, ovary dysfunction, miscarriage, excessive menstrual bleeding and cancers that are sensitive to estrogen. In high doses given to laboratory animals it causes bad behavior and insulin resistance which is linked to Diabetes 2 (late onset) and Metabolic Syndrome.

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Since the green smoothie revolution some people are asking if blending is better than fruit and vegetable juicing for detox. When you juice fruit or vegetables you extract the juice from the produce leaving a lot of pulp behind. Unless you add this to other dishes you lose the health benefits of the fiber and possibly some other nutrients like flavanoids and anthocyanins. With blending on the other hand you use the whole fruit or vegetable. So which is best for detox?

Fresh fruit and vegetable juicing has been used as part of detox regimes for many years. Proponents argue that the fresh raw juices without the fiber are easy for the body to digest. The vitamins, minerals and other nutrients released from the produce are easily absorbed. In cases of cancer and serious illness the person can consume many more nutrients through juices than he/she can by eating whole fruit and vegetables.

Force out toxins

By flooding the body with these concentrated nutrients it is believed that toxins are forced out of the cells and tissues and damaged tissue is repaired. People with poor digestion or bowel problems like Ulcerative Colitis get all the nutrients without the added digestive burden or irritation of the fiber. Unless you are juice fasting the high intake of whole fruit and vegetables in detox diets provides enough fiber to make up for that lost in the juicing.

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The ancient India healing system Ayurveda recommends  detox at every change of seasons to clear the body of toxins that may have built up over the previous season.

Ayurvedic cleanses are prescribed by Ayurevedic practitioners after taking a detailed history and are chosen for your particular “dosha” -mind and body type.

A complete Ayurvedic cleansing program includes 15 days of preparation and 45 days of actual cleansing but here is an Ayurvedic light vegetarian mini detox that is suitable for all “doshas” and can be followed for 2 or 3 days a week to help flush out toxins.

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Do you like your steak well done? If so you may be increasing your risk of pancreatic and colon cancer. According to a nine year study if you eat a large quantity of well done meat you increase your risk of pancreatic cancer by 70%. Previous studies have shown that your risk of  breast cancer, colon cancer, stomach cancer and prostate cancer is increased if you eat charred red meat.

Fried, grilled and barbequed meat is toxic!

Toxic cancer causing chemicals can be formed when you fry, grill or barbeque red meat. These chemicals do not occur when you stew or roast meat. Two potentially toxic substances known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heterocyclic amines (HCAs) are formed when high protein foods are cooked at high temperatures.

When you barbeque over hot coals, PAH’s are formed when fat drips onto the charcoal. They get deposited onto the meat when the flames flare up which also blackens it.  Burnt toast also contains PAH’s.  Scientists often use PAH to cause cancer in laboratory animals for their experiments!

Cancer researcher Professor Le Marchand says. “But before these compounds can damage DNA and act as cancer-causing agents, they need to be transformed by enzymes in the body to more active forms.”

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