Lead crystal goes back a long way in history where lead has been added to silicates to give added brilliance through the refraction of light, particularly when it is cut by machine or by hand – it also gives it that ping. However, crystal can have 24 to 30 percent lead in its composition and this is why it can be hazardous to your health through a process called leaching.

Acidic things like tomato sauce and soft drinks cause the crystal to leach right into your food and the percentage levels of lead will quickly reach unsafe levels. This makes the storage of wines and alcohol particularly unsafe, and indeed, it is unwise to store any ingestible product in crystal containers. Jam is especially bad.

Be particularly aware of antique crystal as it usually has higher levels of lead. The finish may be easily damaged by dishwashers and that will allow even more leaching. This is even true for some modern crystal.

A glass of wine is believed to be okay, due to the short time factor, to come within safe levels of lead. The human body is able to handle eliminating lead in very small doses just fine.

If you do choose to use these beautiful items try to keep it only on special occasions and for short periods of time. Soaking crystal in vinegar for 24 hours before use will also decrease the leaching process. Children and pregnant mothers should avoid crystal all together.

Lead poisoning is a very serious condition and often by the time symptoms appear so much damage has been done to your system that it may be too late to reverse the effects. Health Canada has a list of other articles in the home such as candles, glazed ceramics, and cans that can have lead. They also feature an excellent question and answer section plus other valuable information you might like to peruse.

Since humans are munchers, potato chips and other manufactured treats are always tempting even though we know they are not the healthiest. Here is a list that provides a better choice for the munchies.

• Avocados keep you from bloating after a big meal.
• Almonds boost brainpower.
• Raisins are great in the energy and antioxidant fields.
• Figs are a good filler and an energy food.
• Olives are anti-inflammatory, reduce symptoms of asthma, arthritis, and menopause.
• Walnuts need to be chewed well. They help you think more clearly and keep you focused. They are a great source of protein and omega 3.
• Carrots will improve your eyesight and are tasty in juices.
• Strawberries will improve eyesight and studies strongly indicate they prevent cancer.
• Flax seeds may help reduce the dry eye feeling and energize.
• Sunflower seeds need to be chewed really well. They also beat fatigue.
• Papaya help protect from second hand smoke, rheumatoid arthritis and the common cold.
• Pears are hypo allergenic.
• Green tea strengthens your immune system.
• Ginger helps prevent nausea, stomach gas and eases abdominal muscles. Can be in a tea, candied or in baking.
• Peppermint is a good muscle relaxant, and cleans nasal passages for easier breathing.
• Watermelon gives you energy with minimal calories.
• Low fat yogurt is refreshing, and helps combat bad breath.
• Dark chocolate is full of antioxidants.
• Raspberries are full of nutrients and an antioxidant.
• Water is probably the most important item of all. It helps quell cravings, speeds up metabolism and, most importantly, keeps you hydrated.

For more information please visit Lifehack’s article.

This recipe may sound a little odd at first but the combination is surprisingly delicious. It was a hit!

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup chopped almonds
• 6 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large clove garlic, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 8 ounces dry spaghetti
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes

Preparation

1. Sauté almonds in 1 tablespoon oil until crisp. Reserve.
2. Combine remaining 5 tablespoons oil, cheese, and garlic.
3. Fold in parsley: reserve.
4. Cook spaghetti in salted, boiled water until tender. Drain.
5. Toss with butter and red pepper, Add cheese mixture.
6. Stir in almonds.
7. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Bon Appétit.

Did you know that plants work 24/7 to filter common pollutants, release oxygen and moisture to improve the quality of the air we breath immensely.

Nasa research scientist Dr. Bill Wolverton states to get the maximum benefits he recommends we place at least one houseplant for every 100 square feet of living space.

He discovered that houseplants absorb up to 87% of volatile organic compounds (also known as VOCs) like ammonia, formaldehyde, and benzene that is found in most homes and offices. These toxins are absorbed into the roots and turned into nutrients.

Some plants work nocturnally including Epiphytic Bromelaids and Orchids which make attractive additions to bedroom decor. Snake plants, Broad Sword Ferns, Rubber Plants, Chrysanthemums, Gerbera Daisies, and Spider Plants are among the the best air purifiers during the day.

A study done in Norway found that a plant in each workstation in offices has been proven to reduce headaches, respiratory ailments and fatigue up to 25%. Plants that work well in these areas are Palms, Ferns, Spathiphyllum, Golden Pathos, and Heart Leaf Philodendron.

All in all plants are a green, inexpensive and beautiful alternative to air purifiers.

Photograph by Dawn Turner.

Rachel Gibson, a health advocate and an attorney for Environment California recently wrote an article about the various plastics in use in households today. Here is a breakdown of the plastics by their recycling codes.

• Code 1, 2, 4, 5 are reasonably safe for food that you buy or store in containers but it is still wiser to use stainless steel or glass containers instead.
• Code 3 is a PVC and it’s found in food packaging and shower curtains. This plastic contains phthalates that make it soft and pliable. Phthalates also disrupt hormones which may cause premature breast development, testicular cancer and lowered sperm count.
• Code 7 contains a chemical that makes this plastic rigid. Unfortunately the chemical disrupts hormones which may cause impaired learning, brain damage, early onset of puberty, altered immune systems and prostate cancer.

Ms Gibson also advises that plastic should not be put in the microwave or dishwasher as heat degrades the plastic and allows the chemicals to leach into the contents.

Photograph by Michael Lorenzo.

• That brown and white eggs have the same nutritional value. They just come from different colored hens?
• Canola oils have the least amount of saturated fats and is the highest in cholesterol lowering fats of all the oils including olive oil?
• 80% of cholesterol in your blood stream is produced by your liver not dietary intake?
• Broccoli, cabbage, kale, cauliflower and the “strong” vegetables help the liver detoxify cancer causing substances?
• Alcohol has the highest amount of calorie intake second only to fats?
• Pink grapefruit has more lycopene and 30 times the beta carotene than white grapefruit?
• Skim milk has the same amount of essential nutrients as whole milk, 2%, or 1%?
• There is no scientific evidence that sugar induces hyperactivity in children?
• Mixing alcohol with diet sodas allows the alcohol to enter the blood stream more rapidly?
• Fresh and frozen vegetables are pretty much equal in vitamin content. Frozen products may have more nutrition because they are picked and processed in their prime?

Thanks to Canadian LIving Magazine for the information.

Good on a hot summer day.

• 1/2 cantaloupe diced
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup yogurt

Place ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Pour into popsicle molds or small paper cups with popsicle sticks or plastic spoons inserted.

Photograph by amberdc.

Did you know that eating 90 grams (3.2 ounces) of yogurt twice a day promotes all around mouth health, reduces dental plaque, tongue coating bacteria, cavities, and the risk of gingivitis and as a result eliminates bad breath according to WHFoods.

Photograph by Kanko.