Supplements Source

Exotic oils from the far corners of the world are fueling the beauty oil craze. They’re highly versatile—you can mix a few drops into your regular moisturizer or hair conditioner, add them to a bath, or simply use them as-is. And they’re concentrated, so you need only a few drops.

To ensure that you’re purchasing high-quality oils, Tammie Umbel, founder of Shea Terra Organics, says, “Look for oils that are unrefined to maximize their benefits. They should have color and an herbal aroma. Expensive oils are often cut with inferior-quality oils. Argan oil, for example, is often cut with sunflower oil. Choose oils from companies that buy straight from the source and can provide information about the origins and production of their oil.”

Did You Know?

An added benefit to many of these beauty oils is that their harvesting provides economic opportunities for struggling communities in remote villages. 

Black Seed Oil: 

Made from the Nigella sativa plant and revered by ancient Egyptians, this spicy oil is used both topically and internally. It’s packed with antibacterial and antifungal phytochemicals, as well as essential fatty acids that promote skin healing. Massage into irritated skin to soften and decrease inflammation. Rub a few drops into your scalp to
stimulate hair growth.

Tamanu Oil: 

A medicine cabinet in a bottle, this multipurpose oil comes from the nuts of the Calophyllum inophyllum tree, native to Africa, Asia, and the South Pacific. It’s anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal, and is effective for sunburns, rashes, insect bites, wounds, acne, scars, wrinkles, and dry skin.

Marula Seed Oil: 

Collected from the nuts of the African marula tree, the lychee-like marula fruit produces pink oil that is rich in fatty acid and antioxidants. This oil helps repair sun-damaged and aging skin.

Pomegranate Seed Oil: 

Native to the Middle East and Mediterranean, pomegranate seed oil has powerful anti-inflammatory powers. Studies suggest it may help prevent skin
cancer by inhibiting enzymes that assist in cancer cell formation.

Argan Oil: 

The argan plant is found only in a small region of Morocco. A close relative of the shea tree, argan fruit kernels produce an oil that is high in vitamin E and other antioxidants, plus hydrating fatty acids. Argan helps moisturize and nourish skin, nails, and hair. 

1. Soothe dry and irritated skin and improve hair growth with Shea Terra Organics Egyptian Black Seed Cold-Pressed Oil.
2. Replenish parched skin with Derma E Rejuvenating Sage & Lavender Face Oil. A key ingredient, marula oil, helps improve elasticity and hydrate skin.
3. Seal in moisture for silky skin with Badger Damascus Rose Body Oil, which features jojoba, pomegranate, and olive oils.
4. Calm rashes and sun damage, treat acne and scars, and prevent wrinkles with Aura Cacia Nourishing Organic Tamanu Oil.
5. Soften and smooth skin, hair, and cuticles with Acure The Essentials Moroccan Argan Oil. 

The South Orange Village Board of Trustees Jan. 28 meeting turned into a de facto community meeting on police use of force, as Chief of Police Kyle Kroll and other public safety officials presented for well over an hour and then took community questions.

Village President Sheena Collum struck a conciliatory tone to start the meeting. Collum said that the information released by NJ Advance Media was leading to much state level action and reform for data transparency that would “lead to the best level of police accountability that citizens should expect.”

Unlike a meeting hosted by Maplewood on January 14, South Orange leaders sought to supplement and interpret use of force numbers in a lengthly presentation. Maplewood also had a co-chair of its newly formed Community Board of Police lead its forum (South Orange does not, as yet, have a Community Board on Police) inserting community concerns into the meeting from the start.

Kroll thanked NJ Advance Media for The Force Report. “We need to be challenged. We need to be criticized when we do wrong. … We want the community’s assistance,” said Kroll, who expressed that he thought the police department is “on our way to excellence.”

Kroll clearly wanted to give attendees an understanding of how police operate and provide context for the Force Report’s data. Kroll said that the Force Report data “alone will not present an accurate picture or totality of what may exist.”

He stressed that officers did not have the opportunity to refuse calls and they “don’t always know what situation they are going into.” He said that there had “not been one complaint” on use of force in 7 years of data — from 2012 to 2018 — that he prepared for the evening.

A major point that Kroll stressed was an explanation of why the numbers on use of force exceeded calls. “This isn’t mano e mano. This isn’t just, ‘I’ll try to arrest him and you stand back.’ That’s not how police work works. You would want 2 or 3 individuals to approach an armed individuals to ensure no one gets hurt.”

“One consistency that you will see,” said Kroll, “nearly 100% of the incidents of force, either the individual was obstructing, resisting arrest or they failed to comply. That needs to be understood.”

Community members took to the microphone to ask for a Community Board on Police such as that in Maplewood (BOT members said they were open to this) and a statewide database of all incidents. Others expressed frustration that this data was not made available until NJ Advance Media put out the information. “You knew about this before now and didn’t talk about it and address it,” said one community member.

Community member Bobby Brown challenged Kroll’s characterization of compliance holds as not necessarily being painful, and also said, “The thing that I did not hear you say is we have a problem and here is how we are going to fix it.”

Brown asked Kroll to “stop explaining away the data.” He said he knew that Kroll wanted to let his officers know that he had their back, but Brown invoked his own experience and his concern for his sons and said, “I’d like to know that you have their backs too.”

“I came through this school system,” said Kroll in response. “I am as committed to this town just as much as any of you. This town goes down we all go down. I care. … I want my legacy to be that I left this place better.”

Kroll ended his remarks telling Brown, “I appreciate your comments.”

Village Green will continue to report out community comments from this meeting once the video posts on southorange.org.

See the slide presentation here:

Download (PDF, 13.59MB)

Le goûter is the afternoon snack kids are given when they come out of school around four. In my family, we called it simply le thé, and it was the highlight of the day. Around five on weekends, somebody would invariably ask, “On fait le thé?”

Cookies or cake, usually baked by my mother, would be served. For the grownups, black tea in a round-bellied, chocolate-colored teapot, kept warm in a blue tea cosy my mother had sewn. My father sometimes wore it like a hat to make us laugh.

Le goûter should always be turned into an occasion.

And so, when friends came over with their children one recent Sunday afternoon, I baked this cake.

This cake is a family heirloom called Gâteau de Mamy. As the name implies, it is my grandmother’s recipe, which she called “Gâteau d’Ella” because it was her dear friend Ella’s recipe originally. It is anybody’s guess what Ella called it. It was also one of my father’s hands-down favorites.

It is the kind of cake that is described as an upside down cake, meaning you lay fresh fruit at the bottom of the pan, and pour the batter on top. It’s only after baking that you flip it to serve ; sort of a cake tatin. It works with many kinds of fruit: my grandmother made it most with apples, but pears, apricots, and plums are just as welcome.

The resulting cake is golden, buttery and moist, with a slightly caramelized edge. It works hard to make you want a second slice. But if you stop at one and there are leftovers, the reward is that this cake tastes even better the next day.

Photography by Céline de Cérou.

This post was first published in October 2003 and updated in January 2019.

SHEBOYGAN, Wis. — Many people are looking at a certain vitamin to make it through the day: B12.

You may have heard about people getting B12 injections for a boost in energy. What about vaping it? Some worry you could end up inhaling too much.

Allison Vandeveld knows the nicotine they sell in their Sheboygan, Wisconsin vaping store, VapinUSA, delivers a direct hit to their customer's body.

"It goes to the receptors for nicotine and it ends that craving that you have in there and hits the rest of your body going to your brain as well," Vandeveld said.

Which is why she is weary about vaping B12.

"We don't want to put anything out there that could potentially cause danger or possibly overdosing on a vitamin," said Vandeveld.

There are many links online to get your hands on this product. Nikki Walter says she depends on a diffuser to give her an extra push to get through the day.

"I feel like I have more energy. I know that I can go through the day without a nap," Walter said.

The American Lung Association's senior scientific advisor Dr. Norman Edelman said more research is needed to truly answer if vitamin vapes are safe.

"The question is do they get into your bloodstream and do the job of vitamins? The answer is we don't know. I mean there is little to no scientific evidence on that topic," Edelman said.

He adds there is no way to know yet whether the vitamin vapes can cause long-term damage to your lungs.

As the headline in a recent issue of the Whole Dog Journal states, "Some Dog Food Recalls Are More Critical Than Others; This One Is Critical."1

Dry Dog Food Recalled for Dangerously High Levels of Vitamin D

The WDJ is referencing a recall for elevated levels of vitamin D in Nutrisca brand dry dog food, specifically:2

• 4 lb. bags of Nutrisca Chicken and Chickpea Dry Dog Food; Bag UPC: 8-84244-12495-7
• 15 lb. bags of Nutrisca Chicken and Chickpea Dry Dog Food; Bag UPC: 8-84244-12795-8
• 28 lb. bags of Nutrisca Chicken and Chickpea Dry Dog Food; Bag UPC: 8-84244-12895-5 

The bags show a "best by" date (on the back or bottom of each bag) of February 25, 2020 through September 13, 2020. Apparently, Nutrisca became aware of the vitamin D problem after receiving complaints from three consumers whose pets developed vitamin D toxicity after eating the kibble.

The excessive amounts of vitamin D were traced to a formulation error. Unfortunately, based on the number of pet food recalls for excessive amounts of vitamin D, these errors occur all too frequently. In addition to the Nutrisca products, Whole Dog Journal also notes a recall by Natural Life Pet Products of one of their kibble formulas due to dangerously high levels of vitamin D.

The recall was for 17.5 lb. bags of Chicken and Potato dry dog food, bag UPC: 0-12344-08175-1, which were sent to retail outlets in 8 states: Alabama, California, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.3 Per the FDA recall announcement for both brands:

"Consumers should stop feeding the product listed above. Dogs ingesting elevated levels of Vitamin D may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, excessive drooling, and weight loss. Vitamin D when consumed at very high levels can lead to serious health issues in dogs including renal dysfunction. Consumers with dogs who have consumed the product listed above and are exhibiting these symptoms, should contact their veterinarian.

Consumers who have purchased the product affected by this recall should dispose of it or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund."

Nutrisca and Natural Life Pet Products contact information: Phone (888) 279-9420 from 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. Central Standard time, Monday through Friday, or by email at [email protected] for more information.

Vitamin D Toxicosis (Hypervitaminosis D)

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. Your pet's body absorbs it in the same way dietary fats are absorbed, and excess amounts are stored in the liver. Vitamin D toxicity is a very serious and potentially life-threatening emergency that requires immediate veterinary intervention. After accidental ingestion of a compound containing vitamin D, the first 72 hours are crucial in saving the animal's life. Symptoms of toxicity can include:

Avenues of intoxication not pet food-related include the ingestion of rodent bait and commercial skin creams containing high levels of vitamin D. In addition, dogs and cats can also ingest too much when well-intentioned owners supplement diets with sufficient amounts of D with even more, in the form of tablet, pill or liquid D supplements or multivitamins containing vitamin D.

Vitamin D Deficiency in Pets

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to many diseases in humans. In recent years, studies have also shown links between low levels of vitamin D and a number of diseases in cats and dogs, including congestive heart failure, neoplasia, kidney disease, infectious illnesses, IBD and feline oral resorptive lesions (FORL).4

A study from Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine determined that vitamin D may play a role in congestive heart failure (CHF) in dogs similar to the part it plays in human heart disease.5 The Cornell researchers compared blood levels of vitamin D in dogs with CHF and healthy dogs.

The dogs with CHF had lower blood levels of vitamin D than the healthy dogs. In addition, as with humans, low blood levels of vitamin D were linked to poor survival rates in the dogs.

In another study, researchers at the University of Edinburgh's Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in the U.K. evaluated blood samples from 99 cats admitted to the University's Small Animal Hospital with life-threatening conditions.6 Among the values checked was the level of vitamin D at the time of admission.

The researchers discovered that cats with significantly higher levels of vitamin D in their blood had better survival rates 30 days after admission than cats with lower levels.

In my experience, the most common reason for low vitamin D levels in pets is from well-intentioned pet parents feeding a nutritionally unbalanced homemade diet. When people guess at nutritional adequacy (and don't follow a recipe that has been analyzed to be nutritionally complete), the end result is often nutritional deficiencies, including low vitamin D.

How to Ensure Your Pet Is Getting Enough, but Not Too Much Vitamin D

The animal research and veterinary communities still have much to learn about optimal blood levels of vitamin D in dogs and cats and how best to achieve them. An important study published in 2014 established optimal ranges for vitamin D in dogs at 100 to 120 ng/mL;7 however, a range has yet to be established specifically for cats, so we're currently using the 100 to 120 ng/mL for both.

We also haven't yet figured out how to quickly raise serum 25(OH)D levels in pets, since supplementing at high levels doesn't seem to do the trick (and it could be dangerous).8 Most commercial pet food formulas contain at least the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) minimum recommended amount of vitamin D, through amounts found in pet food ingredients plus the addition of a vitamin D supplement.

There has been some controversy over how well synthetic vitamin D is absorbed and utilized by the body, as well as how the body reacts and responds to synthetic nutrients, in general. But for pet food to be labeled as nutritionally complete and balanced, most manufacturers add a synthetic form of vitamin D.

If you prepare a homemade diet, food sources of vitamin D include halibut, salmon and other fish (sardines), as well as cod liver oil (also high in vitamin A). Cheese, yogurt or kefir, liver, and free-range eggs contain small amounts of vitamin D, but not enough.

Contrary to popular belief, none of these food sources contain enough vitamin D to meet minimum nutrient requirements for most carnivores. Mushrooms also contain vitamin D2, and when exposed to UV light can provide some additional vitamin D to your pet's diet (but again, not enough to meet minimum nutrient requirements).

In addition, dogs and cats can't derive adequate levels of D from exposure to sunshine, unlike some other mammals. Because it can be challenging to meet optimal vitamin D levels for immune health, supplementation may be unavoidable in a D-deficient diet (which most homemade diets are). I don't recommend additional vitamin D supplementation above and beyond feeding a balanced diet, unless blood tests show your pet is deficient.

So to summarize this confusing topic, commercial diets can run the risk of containing excessive levels of D, and if you feed a commercial diet you should be familiar with the symptoms of toxicosis. Homemade diets may be vitamin D-deficient, and each animal's ability to absorb and utilize the vitamin D in any diet is variable. If you want to make sure your pet has optimal levels of this important hormone-vitamin, ask your veterinarian to check blood levels at your next visit.

As more and more consumers are incorporating plant-based foods into their diets, they are also increasingly discerning when faced with endless product options. When implemented and verified at the manufacturing stage, the PBCP will then be the trusted "on-pack" trademark/symbol to attract customers, differentiate products, build trusted brand loyalty, and protect the brand reputation, associated with making such a claim. 
 
The Allergen Control Group Inc., (ACG) is a Canadian corporation, operating from Toronto, Canada and is a leading subject matter expert in the field of gluten-free, allergens and "free-from" food-safety compliance standards and consumer claims. ACG was acquired in April 2018 by London U.K. based BRC Global Standards. This acquisition now allows both organizations to provide a broader value proposition when helping customers meet industry's growing and rapidly changing food safety and risk management requirements.
 

One of my very favorite summer stews, vegan and delicious and a great way to use a collection of vegetables from a CSA or the farmers market when the produce season is at its peak. Seasonal. Low Carb. High Protein. Weight Watchers Friendly & Freestyle Friendly. Not just vegan, Vegan Done Real. Naturally Gluten Free. Whole30 Friendly. Paleo.

This Summer Vegetable Curry is an Indian-spiced riff on 2005's Summer Vegetable Stew. Like many vegetable stews, it's perfect way to use up a lot of vegetables all at once. It takes some chopping and dicing but in the end, is completely delicious both hot and cold. I especially like it cold, doused in a simple splash of cream. Swoon ...

It turns out, these vegetable stews are something I look forward to when there's so much fresh produce in late July, August and September – so much that I have an entire collection of Favorite Seasonal Vegetable Stews!

For this Curry, the vegetables I see as "mandatory" – and even then, take such guidance with a grain, ahem, of salt – are the eggplant (for bulk) and the tomatoes (for moisture) and the corn (for a touch of sweetness). I serve it warm with a cool Greek Yogurt Sauce as creamy contrast (wonderful!) and a poached egg on top. Once again, swoon ...

COMPLIMENTS!
"... I knew I would like it and I do." ~ Shaheen

SUMMER VEGETABLE CURRY

Hands-on time: 40 minutes
Time to table: 60 minutes
Made 8 cups, will vary with ingredients, of course

STEW
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, diced
1 poblano pepper, diced
1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1 tablespoon curry powder (or to taste)
1 teaspoon cumin powder (or to taste)
Few sprinkles red pepper flakes

VEGETABLES OF CHOICE, for example
1 eggplant, trimmed & cubed (skin left on is fine)
1 bell pepper (my preference, here, is a green pepper)
1 zucchini or yellow squash, diced
1/2 pound green beans, trimmed & snapped in lengths
1/2 pound fresh okra, trimmed & cut in short lengths
3 large summer tomatoes, cored & diced
2 ears corn, kernels sliced off and the cob "milked" with the flat edge of a knife (here's how)
Salt & pepper to taste

GREEK YOGURT SAUCE with CUMIN & HONEY, OPTIONAL (omit for Vegan & Whole30)
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 tablespoon honey

STEW In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the oil over MEDIUM HIGH until shimmery. Add the onion, garlic and ginger as they're prepped, stirring to coat with fat with each addition. Stir in the spices and let cook for 2 - 3 minutes. Add remaining vegetables as they're prepped. Season generously. Reduce heat to MEDIUM, cover and let cook for 10 - 15 minutes until the vegetables are done but crisp-tender. Adjust seasoning and serve. Can be made ahead of time and refrigerated. Can be served hot or cold.

GREEK YOGURT SAUCE Stir together sauce ingredients and drizzle over stew.

NUTRITION INFORMATION Per Cup (not including Greek Yogurt Sauce): 109 Calories; 3g Tot Fat; 0g Sat Fat; 21g Carb; 7g Fiber; NetCarb14; 5g Sugar; 22mg Sodium; 0mg Cholesterol; 4g Protein. WEIGHT WATCHERS WW Old Points 1, WW PointsPlus 3, WW SmartPoints 4, WW Freestyle 0

Still Hungry?

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QUICK! QUICK! MORE RECIPES WITH THESE INGREDIENTS

bell peppers corn eggplant green beans okra poblano chiles summer squash tomatoes

MORE FAVORITE VEGETABLE STEW RECIPES

~ Summer Vegetable Stew ~
~ Southern Farm-Stand Stew ~
~ Chickpea Gumbo ~
~ more vegetable stew recipes ~
from A Veggie Venture

~ Ratatouille ~
~ Squash & Carrot Stew ~
~ Slow Cooker Curried Vegetable Stew ~
~ Fall Stew Baked in a Whole Pumpkin ~
~ more meatless main dish recipes ~
from Kitchen Parade, my food column

SEASONAL EATING: THIS SAME WEEK ACROSS THE YEARS

Hurricane Rice () Microwave “Baked” Potatoes Roasted Zucchini with Feta Zucchini Pizza with a Twist Nutmeg Carrots Five Things to Eat Before You Die Stuffed Pattypan Squash Simple Pattypan Squash with Squash Blossoms Cherry Tomato & White Bean Salad Baked Eggs, Tomatoes & Anchovies Summer Vegetable Curry () Warm Sweet Potato Salad Spaghetti Squash Salad with Tomato, Basil & Feta Tomato & Sour Cherry Gazpacho Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas Mighty Perfect Cabbage & Broccoli Coleslaw Favorite Seasonal Vegetable Stews () Tomato Cobbler with Cornmeal Biscuits & Goat Cheese

Source: http://kitchen-parade-veggieventure.blogspot.com/2007/09/summer-vegetable-curry.html

Our Mighty Spark Food Co. giveaway starts today! Yay!

If you’re looking for premium quality, small-batch beef and poultry products, you’ll love our giveaway today from Mighty Spark Food Co.

Mighty Spark Food Co. is a Minneapolis-based independent company that creates high-quality meat and snacks. The company first launched at a Minneapolis farmer’s market and then took off from there.

Today,  Mighty Spark Food Co. products are sold in national, regional and independent retailers including Target and Costco, Publix, Sprouts Farmers Market, Stop & Shop, Safeway, Albertson’s and Kroger. In additional to creating remarkable food, the company donates one meal for every product sold to a child in need. In less than two years, the company has already donated more than a million meals. .

We’ll be choosing three winners, at random, to receive a cooler full of Mighty Spark Food Co. products, including:  Mighty Spark”

• Seven packages of Mighty Spark’s fresh meat (a mix of beef and poultry products)
• 5 Packs of Mighty Spark’s chicken snack sticks (one of each flavor)
• The approx. retail value for each prize pack is $57.00 (for product only)

How to Enter:

There are three simple steps to enter to win.

• “Like” AFH on Facebook
• Follow us on Instagram at AppforHealth and Mighty Spark Food Co.
• Share this post with a friend on any of your social media platforms