Why hand washing is so important!

You've probably been told to wash your hands since you were a kid: before you eat, after you use the restroom, when you're sick. It's such a simple, well-known and effective way to prevent the spread of germs.


So why are we writing about something you already do?
Because hand washing with safer soaps can reduce toxic exposures, too!

Hand washing is an effective -- but often overlooked -- way to reduce our exposures to toxic chemicals. Chemicals can migrate onto our hands from the many toxic products we use everyday -- and the simple act of washing our hands can help reduce our exposure. This is especially important for young children, whose hands are so frequently in their mouths.

Choose a safer soap.
Ironically, some soaps contain chemicals you should avoid (like triclosan, mostly found in anti-bacterial soap!!). Choosing a safer soap is an important part of reducing your toxic exposures.

(Check out the article regarding anti bacterial soap in the 'facts' section)

7 healthy reasons why to enjoy chocolate without guilt!!

(From an article on the Huffington Post)


1. High in antioxidants:Chocolate is high in flavonoids, an antioxidant in the polyphenol category. Antioxidants can help to prevent cell damage and have been linked to prevention of cancer and other degenerative diseases.

2. Helps with cholesterol: Scientists at Penn State found that dark chocolate and flavonoid-rich cocoa powder reduced LDL ("bad" cholesterol) oxidation.

3. Reduces inflammation: An Italian studyshowed that when volunteers ingested small amounts of dark chocolate,their levels of C-reactive protein (an inflammatory marker) decreased.

4. Lowers blood pressure: A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that dark chocolate had an effect on lowering blood pressure.

5. Helps with mood: Chocolate contains tryptophan,a precursor of serotonin, which can help with depression. Research also shows chocolate can increase dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure. Chocolate also contains phenylethylamine (PEA) known as the "love chemical."

6. Improves blood flow: Research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has shown that cocoa has anti-clotting, blood-thinning properties that work in as similar way as aspirin. Nobody is suggesting to replace your aspirin with chocolate, but the research is compelling.

7. It's delicious! Research shows that enjoying food and life is beneficial for your health.


Most studies were done using cocoa powder or dark chocolate. Experts suggest that adding small amounts(a one ounce piece a few times a week) of dark chocolate to a healthy diet that includes antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables will give you a variety of phytochemicals (beneficial elements of plants) that have proven health benefits.