Fats play an integral role in your overall health, but not all fats are created equal. Ideally, you want to consume healthy fats that boost satiety factor, nutrient absorption, heart health, and more. Cooking oils are excellent sources of fats, but some may be more harmful than you realize. Additionally, some oils cannot handle high heat cooking and counteract the nutrients and benefits you get from other nutritious foods. 

How do you know which oil is the best to cook with? Well, different oils have different smoke points, making some better for cooking at higher temperatures. The Cleveland Clinic states that the more refined an oil is, the higher the smoke point it has. Unfortunately, these refined oils are not always the healthiest for you. In fact, a higher smoke point oil cooked at a higher temperature can produce toxic fumes and free radicals, both of which can harm your body. That’s why we’ve created a small cheat sheet about which oils to avoid for cooking. 

Vegetable Oil

Over the years, a lot of doctors have recommended vegetable oils to patients to improve cholesterol levels and overall heart health. Newer studies continue to find that vegetable oils are not as healthy for your heart as people originally thought they were. A 2016 study found that vegetable oil consumption increased, not decreased, the risk of heart disease. During the study, men and women were randomly assigned one of two diets: one group replaced all fats with vegetable oil and one group consumed a diet high in saturated fat from margarines, shortenings, and animal fats. At the end of the study, researchers noted that those following the vegetable oil diet had lower cholesterol levels. That said, the results didn’t hold after a year. For every 30 mg/dL drop in cholesterol, there was an increased risk of death by 22%. 

Soybean Oil

Made from the seeds of the soybean plant, soybean oil commonly exists in many foods, including condiments and salad dressings. Soybean oil is hydrogenated, meaning you should avoid it at all costs. Researchers found that soybean oil consumption increased the risk of anxiety, autism, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and other neurological disorders. One study from 2020 compared mice that were fed three different diets: soybean oil, soybean oil with low in linoleic acid, and coconut oil. Researchers noted that soybean oil had significant effects on the hypothalamus, the portion of the brain responsible for metabolism, hormone release, and body temperature regulation. The mice that consumed soybean oil experienced several genes that did not function correctly; plus, another 100 genes were negatively affected.

Sunflower Oil

Sunflower oil is typically high in omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and is highly refined, unless otherwise specified. A few brands offer high-oleic sunflower oils, which are cold-pressed and offer monounsaturated fatty acids. Those varieties, while heat-stable and more nutritious, are much more expensive and harder to come buy. You would be better off buying extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil instead. 

Canola Oil

Roughly 60 to 65% of canola oil, or rapeseed oil, is naturally rich in monounsaturated fatty acids. That sounds appealing and usually fools a lot of shoppers, but there is some bad news. Canola oil is almost always chemically extracted and very refined. Similar to soybeans, an estimated 90% of canola plants in the United States and Canada are genetically modified to the point where they can withstand herbicides that are harmful to the environment. Cold-pressed canola oil is very hard to find, so it’s best not to get this type of oil at all. 

Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil is about 70% polyunsaturated fatty acids, most of which are omega-6s. Although grapeseed oil sounds healthy, it is just another oil that is highly refined. It doesn’t offer unique health benefits, nor does it exhibit a unique flavor profile. Once again, if you can obtain cold-pressed or expeller-pressed varieties, then do not opt for this oil because all of the other varieties do not benefit your health. Even if you get those healthier versions, grapeseed oil is not great for high heat applications because of its high amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids. 

Cottonseed Oil

According to a 2014 report, the cotton plant contained natural toxins, specifically gossypol. High concentrations of free gossypol may cause acute clinical signs of gossypol poisoning. Some of these symptoms include impaired body weight gain, respiratory distress, apathy, weakness, anorexia, and death after several days. Gossypol can also impair immune function, as well as cause issues in both the male and female reproductive systems. Cottonseed oil is also high in saturated fat and only contains a small amount of monounsaturated fat.

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If you have ever eaten at a Japanese restaurant, then you are probably familiar with miso soup. It is a classic starter, but not every restaurant hits it out of the park. Although some bowls comfort the soul, others leave you wanting more flavor. Fortunately, you don’t have to go out to eat if you want to enjoy this gut-friendly soup in a much healthier way. You can quickly and easily make it at home and omit the tofu!

Before we continue, we recommend that you purchase properly prepared miso for the highest quality soup and flavor profile. Miso contains a lot of probiotic benefits, and making it from scratch means that you get to avoid the additives and excess sodium that this soup is often associated with. What sets miso apart from other soy products is that it is a fermented sources of soy, similar to natto and tempeh. Fermenting soybeans yields a completely different set of nutrients! For this reason, you can enjoy miso, natto, or tempeh to promote better gut health.

There are three primary types of miso that you can purchase, including red, white, and yellow/bronze. Red miso has a longer fermentation process, which gives it the bold red color. White miso has a slightly sweeter flavor profile and is more refreshing. The yellow/bronze miso is simply a mixture of those two, so you get to enjoy both flavor profiles. This soup calls for white miso, and it also contains the added benefit of higher vegetable content. It consists of mushrooms, onion, garlic, ginger, and collard greens.

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If you like cinnamon then you clicked on the right article because these candles are better than any air freshener. Cinnamon candles are very simple to make, but they make up for it in their enchanting, fall-themed scent. They will fill your home with the smell of holiday nostalgia or the changing leaves. 

The recipe requires soy wax that you will infuse with cassia essential oil. You can add additional flavors to make cinnamon vanilla or cinnamon apple candles, but that will be at your discretion. Not only do these candles go great in your house, but they also make perfect gifts. If you are the type of person that likes to get a head start on holiday gifts, you can experiment with these candles and start setting them aside. Make the decorations extra nice so you don’t have to rush at the last minute!

Cinnamon Candle Benefits

In aromatherapy, cinnamon essential oil helps to reduce feelings of faintness, exhaustion, and depression. Some people use it to help strengthen libido and immunity, while others use it to reduce joint and muscle pain. When you diffuse cinnamon essential oil in indoor environments, the scent naturally deodorizes and freshens the space. The uplifting fragrance carries throughout the space and has a soothing, therapeutic effect. Many aromatherapists recommend cinnamon essential oil if you want to benefit cognitive functions. It also acts as a natural mosquito repellent! 

What Is The Best Cinnamon Essential Oil For Candles?

Cinnamon essential oil can come from the leaves or outer bark of the cinnamon tree. There isn’t just one cinnamon essential oil; rather, there are three different cinnamon oils. Here is a quick overview of those oils:

• Cinnamon Leaf: This comes from distilling the leaves of the Cinnamomum zeylanicum plant. Cinnamon leaf essential oil has a lighter, muskier cinnamon aroma that is akin to clove’s scent, and the color is slightly amber. 
• Cinnamon Bark: This essential oil comes from distilling the bark of the Ceylon cinnamon plant (Cinnamomum zelanicum, Cinnamomum verum). The oil is slightly red-brown in color and has a warm and spicy scent with a strong undertone of cinnamon.
• Cassia: Steam-distilled from the bark of the cassia tree (Cinnamomum cassia), cassia essential oil is genetically similar to the Ceylon cinnamon plant species. The oil has a slightly sweet cinnamon smell and is golden brown in color. 

All of the above oils are perfectly suitable for candle making. We recommend that you choose cassia essential oil because it has a strong aroma with a hint of sweetness that makes it smell like someone baked cinnamon cookies in the house. It is also more affordable than cinnamon bark essential oil. If you already have a cinnamon essential oil that you prefer, please go ahead and use that. 

DIY Cinnamon Soy Candles

Ingredients:

• 4.5 cups soy wax flakes
• 200 drops cassia essential oil
• 4 pre-tapped cotton candle wicks
• 4 (four-ounce) mason jars

Instructions:

• First off, you have to prep your candle containers. Make sure they are clean, dry, and free of dust. You have to attach the wick to the bottom of the candle container prior to pouring the wax in the jar. 
• To do that, apply hot glue to the bottom of the wick tap and then adhere it to the bottom of the containers. Allow the glue to harden before moving on. 
• To secure the wick, thread it through a wick-centering device, which ensures that the wick stays centered and doesn’t sway when you pour the wax in the jar. 
• Melt your wax in a medium-sized saucepan over low flame. Stir occasionally until the wax is fully melted and then remove from the heat. 
• Allow the wax to cool to 185º F and then add the cassia essential oil. Stir about 30-40 times to properly combine the wax and essential oil.
• Pour the wax into the candle jars and allow the wax to set at room temperature overnight. 
• For the best cinnamon candle, seal the container and allow your candles to cure for one or two days. That will allow the wax and essential oil to bind together and build a stronger scent. 
• Trim the wick to a half-inch above the wax before burning for the first time. Light and enjoy the aroma.

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Are you lucky enough to have fruitful rosemary bushes around your home? Do you have so much rosemary that you don’t know what to do with it besides throw trimmings in the green trash bin? If you don’t want to cook with rosemary, you can harvest a bunch and incorporate them into homemade candles. This project uses a mixture of beeswax and soy wax, mason jars, rosemary sprigs, and essential oils. 

Rosemary Candles

Rosemary exhibits a floral aroma that has been used to aid memory and improve focus. When combined with the organic beeswax, rosemary’s scent is a bit more subtle and evergreen-like. The candles are very easy to make, so this is the perfect entry point if you are about to embark on your DIY journey. Plus, it is so much healthier to burn these candles than other scented store bought candles, which contain fragrances that have harmful toxins. 

Benefits Of Rosemary Aroma

Rosemary’s aroma holds core components, or the essence, of the plant’s compounds. The same is true for rosemary essential oil. Throughout history, rosemary has been used in various medicinal practices. The following health benefits have been associated with rosemary essential oil.

Repels Certain Bugs

Rosemary makes for a great addition to your garden because many insects are deterred by the plant’s scent. The same is true for rosemary essential oil, which may help repel spider mites and mosquitoes. When measured against 11 other essential oils, rosemary essential oil provided the longest repellent effect on mosquitoes. 

May Ease Stress

There are many things in this life that can cause stress, and inhaling some rosemary essential oil may help calm your mind. One study monitored nursing students who breathed rosemary oil from an inhaler before and during test time. Their pulse decreased by about nine percent, but no significant change occurred without rosemary oil. Additionally, another study monitored adults who sniffed rosemary oil for five minutes. Their saliva had 23% lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) compared to those who smelled a non-aromatic compound. 

May Improve Brain Function

According to research, inhaling rosemary oil may prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a brain chemical that you need for concentration and memory. In an observational study, 20 young adults had to answer math questions in a room diffused with rosemary oil. Their speed and accuracy increased in direct proportion to the duration the oil was diffused. Similarly, nursing students inhaled rosemary oil while taking a test. Researchers noted improved concentration and information recall compared to a group that inhaled lavender oil. 

Homemade Rosemary Candles

Ingredients:

• Rosemary sprigs
• 1/2 pound organic beeswax
• 1/2 pound soy wax
• HTP62 waxed and tabbed candle wicks 6”
• 6 milliliters fir essential oil
• 4 milliliters bergamot essential oil
• 4 milliliters cedarwood essential oil
• 1 milliliter juniper berry essential oil
• 2 eight-ounce canning jars

Instructions:

• After harvesting your rosemary sprigs, press them flat between two heavy books or pans. Leave them sandwiched between those heavy objects until completely dry. 
• Cut the sprigs so that they will sit one inch below the rims of the jars. 
• Measure out your essential oils in a glass container and swirl gently to combine. Set aside while you prepare the candles. 
• In the top of a double boiler over medium-low heat, melt the beeswax and soy wax. As the wax is melting, grab some rosemary sprigs with tongs and dip the bottoms into the wax. Transfer these sprigs to the canning jars and adhere them to the insides of the bottoms with the waxy ends. You can use a wooden chopstick or paintbrush to help keep them in place as they dry.
• Cut your wicks so that they just go over the top lips of the jars. Use clothespins or a wooden down to keep the wicks centered in the jars. 
• Once the wax is fully melted, remove from heat and stir in the essential oil mixture using a wooden utensil. 
• Pour the wax mixture into each jar and allow the wax to harden fully. It should take about 48 hours or so, and then you can trim the wick, light, and enjoy!

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About 50% of American adults have high blood pressure, and only one in four people with high blood pressure has it under control. There is no single cause of high blood pressure; rather, health experts attribute high blood pressure to a combination of excess salt intake, poor diet, stress, lack of exercise, and obesity. Managing your salt intake, however, may be one of the best things you can do for your heart.

We’ve been taught that salt is an essential seasoning. In fact, people often review food with comments such as, “It’s too salty,” or, “It needs more salt.” When people say these simple critiques of a dish, they actually mean that the food needs more or less acidity. There are many ways to enhance the flavor and increase the acidity level of a dish without using salt. People just get lazy and don’t want to experiment with other spices. Since salt can contribute to the development of high blood pressure, it’s worth knowing about salt alternatives. 

What Is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, increases your risk of stroke and heart disease, two leading causes of death worldwide. High blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood the heart pumps and the resistance of blood flow in the arteries. If you have narrow arteries, the heart has to work harder to pump blood throughout the body. This increases your blood pressure.

Nutritionists recommend using the following salt alternatives to keep sodium levels in check. Start cooking with them and let us know if they work for you. 

10 Salt Alternatives

Lemon Juice Or Zest

Lemon, or any citrus fruit, brings a bright acidity to a dish. Both the juice and zest act similarly to salt in that they elevate the acidity and enhance the other flavors in the dish. You can finish a dish with a squeeze of lemon, you can marinate with lemon juice, or you can sauté with lemon juice. Adding lemon zest will give a slightly bitter note, so be aware of that. 

Nutritional Yeast

The cheese-like flavor from nutritional yeast goes great in pasta sauces, popcorn, or even quinoa. It doesn’t contain dairy; rather it is deactivated yeast in the form of powder or flakes. It’s a much healthier alternative to salt because it contains vitamin B12, fiber, and protein.

Chives

The intense oniony flavor of chives brings out the inherent flavors of the other ingredients in whatever you’re cooking. They go great in salads, mashed potatoes, and sauces. If you use fresh chives, add them to the dish at the last minute or so before serving because heat destroys the flavor.

Coriander

Did you know that coriander seeds actually blossom into cilantro? They offer a very lemony and floral essence when you grind them up and season your food with them. Whole coriander seeds are excellent for broths, curries, and soups. They also offer a wide range of antioxidants, including tocopherols, quercetin, and terpinene. 

Raw Apple Cider Vinegar

If you’ve ever made a salad dressing with apple cider vinegar, you know that you don’t need the addition of salt. The bright, acidic flavor makes it an excellent salt alternative, and it is incredibly versatile as well. Additionally, apple cider vinegar is great for improving alkaline levels and reducing cholesterol.

Coconut Aminos

Coconut aminos is not completely free of sodium. It does contain about 90 milligrams (mg) of sodium per teaspoon, but soy sauce contains 280 mg of sodium per teaspoon. It offers the same saltiness of soy sauce with a subtle hint of sweetness. You can use it in sauces, dressings, stir-fries, and marinades. 

Dill

Both dried dill and fresh dill offer a signature flavor that is similar to fennel or celery. It’s a great salt substitute that goes well with potatoes, cucumbers, or salad dressings. If you mix dill with lemon juice and olive oil, that goes great on wild caught fish. 

Black Pepper

Salt and pepper are the king and queen of seasonings, but you can rely on pepper to offer that subtly spicy savoriness to dishes, especially if you’re trying to reduce your sodium intake. You can season almost anything with pepper! What’s great about pepper is that the chemical compounds can help fight inflammation!

Garlic

Similar to onion, garlic offers a pungent aroma and flavor to your food. It’s a staple ingredient in most cuisines, and for good reason! Garlic is rich in allium, which is a compound that can help to improve cognitive function, boost the immune system, and reduce blood pressure. 

Ginger

Ginger is like garlic in that it has a pungent flavor. If you add ginger to stir-fries, beverages, soups, sauces, dressings, or marinades, you may notice that you don’t need salt. Ginger is slightly bitter, but it has a sweet undertone. Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce muscle soreness and improve joint health.

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There are foods that support gut health and there are foods that create gastrointestinal problems. The foods that support gut health contain microbes that feed beneficial bacteria in the gut. Foods that are unhealthy upset the gut microbiome, tipping the scales in the favor of unhealthy gut bacteria. This article intends to inform you about the foods that ruin your gut health.

Firstly, we must establish that each person reacts differently to different foods. Each person’s gut health also depends on diet, food sensitivities, allergies, and lifestyle choices. Someone with food sensitivities may suffer from gut health issues when he/she eats a food that promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.

What Is The Significance Of Gut Bacteria?

The human gut contains over 100 trillion bacteria, known as gut flora. Some of these bacterial species that inhabit the gut are friendly, while others are not. Friendly gut bacteria destroy harmful bacteria and microorganisms, and they are necessary for digestion. They also produce vitamin K, short-chain fatty acids, and folate. Harmful gut bacteria increase the risk of insulin resistance, obesity, weight gain, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), chronic inflammation, and colorectal cancer. This is why it is important to have more good than bad bacteria present in the gut at all times. Below, you’ll find numerous foods that harm gut bacteria. 

Diet Soda

A lot of people drink diet soda because it is free of calories and sugar. It was originally marketed as a healthier alternative to regular soda, but this is not the case. Diet soda contains artificial sweeteners, which upset microbes in the gut. A small study in Israel examined the effects of aspartame, sucralose, and saccharine on the gut. Results indicated that they altered gut bacteria and increased glucose intolerance, which increases a person’s risk of type 2 diabetes.

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol in excess has many adverse effects on the body, one major one being that it creates inflammation and an imbalance of gut flora. Excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of bacterial overgrowth, which leads to acid reflux and poor digestion. Drinking a glass of red wine every now and again isn’t harmful, but pounding sugary margaritas and beers can harm gut-friendly bacteria.

Dairy Products

Roughly 65% of the world’s population has problems digesting lactose, which is the primary sugar in dairy products. Diarrhea, bloating, and gas are the three common symptoms of lactose intolerance. If you experience any of these symptoms after consuming dairy products, please consider cutting back on dairy. However, cultured products like kefir contain beneficial probiotics that are much easier on the digestive system; and they promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.

Soy

Besides the fact that soy is one of the most genetically modified foods on the planet, soy is a lectin-rich legume that can be difficult to digest. A common reaction to soy consumption is bloating or abdominal pain. Some people can handle small amounts of fermented soy, like natto or tempeh, because they are easier to digest.

Processed Foods

Chips, cookies, pretzels, toaster pastries, and almost every other packaged food item is loaded with preservatives and additives that harm gut flora. These foods don’t contain gut-friendly fiber, and the refined sugars and carbs only lead to the growth of unhealthy gut bacteria. Skip the snack aisle and focus on freshness for a healthier gut.

Fried Foods

Simply put, fried foods are very difficult for the body to digest. The oils that are used for frying typically contain high amounts of saturated and trans fats, both of which irritate the stomach, causing bloating, gas, or diarrhea. In addition to increasing the risk of liver disease, fried foods also promote the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut.

Sugar

Sugar is the evil ingredient that people keep coming back for. It is extremely addictive and very harmful to your gut health. Various animal studies found that sugar slows the production of proteins that keep gut flora balanced.

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There’s no sexier feeling than snorting or coughing and feeling like you still have some mucus that is too stubborn to leave your throat. We’re joking, obviously. Instead of looking and sounding like a disgusting monster in front of your friends, coworkers, or family, you head to the bathroom to deal with the problem. What if this is happening and you aren’t even sick? If you aren’t sick, you shouldn’t have that mucus, right? Well, not exactly.

As it turns out, certain foods can increase mucus production and lead to the buildup of phlegm in the body. Excess mucus in the body can increase your risk of respiratory infections, including sinusitis, colds, flus, and more. While it is easier to blame the weather, a friend’s child with a runny nose, or a coughing coworker, the reality is that your diet may be the culprit of your congestion and constant hacking.

What Is Mucus?

Mucus lines many tissues in the body and it helps to prevent organs from drying up. It also has the job of keeping bacteria and other airborne particles from entering the body, and mucus contains enzymes and antibodies that work to kill bacteria and other infections. While mucus works to protect the lungs and respiratory system, having an excess amount of mucus can jeopardize respiratory health.

Foods That Trigger Mucus Production

Soy Products

First off, we encourage people to avoid soy because it is one of the most genetically engineered foods on the planet. Now we have a new reason to steer clear of soy. Soy products lead to more unhealthy mucus accumulation in the body than any other plant foods. Not to mention, the mucus that accumulates is unhealthy mucus and can worsen your symptoms if you are sick.

Dairy Products

Dairy products can thicken pre-existing mucus and increase mucus production. People who consume milk, cheese, or yogurt while they are sick can commonly experience difficulty swallowing or thickened saliva. Dairy products contain a protein known as casein, which can increase the secretion of mucus, cause digestive troubles, or increase risk of sinus infection.

Caffeinated Beverages

Sorry, folks, but drinking that coffee, soda, black or green tea, and other caffeinated beverages can increase the risk of dehydration, which leads to thicker mucus production. Not only does drinking water and herbal teas keep you sufficiently hydrated, but it also keeps mucus secretions lubricated and thin.

Foods Allergens

Some people know they have allergies or sensitivities to foods, yet they continue to eat them. Strange…we know. The continued consumption of food allergens can increase mucus production, a common allergic response to foods containing gluten, dairy, or soy. The symptoms typically manifest in the form of nasal congestion, sneezing, or coughing. Eliminating certain foods may help decrease the amount of mucus buildup in the body. Click here to learn more about an elimination diet.

Red Meat

Due to the high protein content of red meat, it is very common to experience mucus production in the throat after consumption. Additionally, a lot of red meat is highly processed, filled with antibiotics, and rich in fat, all of which lead to mucus buildup. If you are going to purchase meat, it is best to purchase grass-fed grain-free meat, or opt for wild-caught fish for a healthier option.

In closing, everyone will react differently to the foods mentioned in this article. Some people may experience tremendous mucus buildup after they eat soy, while others may experience nothing. Pay attention to the foods that you eat and eliminate the ones that cause negative reactions.

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There are over 20 million Americans suffering from a thyroid condition, but it’s safe to assume that they majority of them don’t think about their thyroid when it comes to diet and nutrition. Having a thyroid condition is no walk in the park because various nutrients can heavily influence how they thyroid functions. The secret to improving thyroid health is to pay close attention to what you eat, because foods cause the most harm.

Regulating the metabolism and the release of hormones, the thyroid is the butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the front of your neck. The most common thyroid issue is hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid condition that is associated with weight gain, forgetfulness, extreme fatigue, and depression. Some factors, which lead to the development of hypothyroidism, are out your hands. You cannot control family history and environmental pollutants, but you can control what foods you put on your plate. You can either choose thyroid friendly foods, or foods that continue to damage the thyroid.

Becoming mindful of what you eat can take time, but the road to a balanced thyroid is not easy. The best place to start is by eating your colors (i.e. fresh fruits and vegetables of all colors), trying your best to purchase organic, and avoiding artificial colors and flavors. As much as it may pain you to hear, it is wise to exclude fried foods, processed foods, sugary treats, ice cream, and alcohol from your diet. To help guide you in a healthier direction, steer clear of the following foods that can worsen hypothyroidism.

Tuna And Swordfish

Swordfish, shark, kingfish, mackerel, and tuna are predator fish and tend to contain more mercury than smaller fish. The longer the life of the fish, the more chemicals it can accumulate. It is acceptable to eat about two servings per week of these predator fish. You should also cut out farmed fish like salmon from your diet. Their mercury levels are high because they are fed the chum of other fish.

Soy

Some researchers have posed the link between excess soy consumption and an increased risk of hypothyroidism. Containing isoflavones, soy has been known to interfere with healthy endocrine function, meaning that soy can disrupt hormonal balance in the body. One study found that women who ate soy products experienced the same hormone altering results as when they were given tamoxifen, a drug used for breast cancer patients. Foods that contain soy include natto, tofu, soy sauce, most fake meat products, soy lecithin, soybean oil (vegetable oil), tempeh, and soymilk.

Gluten

The American population has become accustomed to consuming a diet rich in processed white flour, so the idea of not eating gluten and grains is not typically received with a sense of joy. Increasing research is pointing towards a strong link between the consumption of gluten-rich foods and the increased percentage of autoimmune diseases. A 2017 article in the journal Endocrine Connections found that celiac disease and hypothyroidism are often present together. Someone who eats a lot of gluten increases their risk of protein particles, like gliadin, entering the blood. The immune system recognizes this as an intruder and takes care of the problem, but increased gluten consumption over years can cause the immune system to attack healthy tissue. This is essentially what happens in those with Hashimoto’s disease.

Sugar

Just like gluten, sugar can be a tough one to give up because it’s in so many things that people enjoy eating. Most people consume an excess amount of sugar, which contributes to excess fat storage in the body. Because hypothyroidism slows the body’s metabolism, it cannot efficiently burn the sugar you eat, which is a common reason for weight gain. In order to balance blood sugar levels, one should consume fruits with protein sources, like raw nuts, seeds, or green vegetables, to avoid glucose spikes. Solely consuming sugar from fruit is a great way to enhance thyroid function, balance blood glucose, and encourage weight loss.

Alcohol

Alcohol wrecks thyroid hormone levels; there’s no two ways about it. In addition to damaging thyroid hormone levels, alcohol can also affect the thyroid’s ability to produce thyroid hormones by suppressing the gland. In addition to affecting thyroid hormone production, the sugar in alcohol can cause glucose spikes and contribute to weight gain. People with hypothyroidism should eliminate alcohol from their diet to increase thyroid function.

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If you haven’t noticed by now, more and more burger eateries are offering plant-based patty options. Whether it’s the Impossible Burger of Beyond Burger, restaurants are grilling up and dishing out more vegetarian options because of the high demand. And there’s no better day to cook up a plant-based burger than on National Veggie Burger Day (June 5^th). You might be surprised by how delicious veggie burgers can be. We aren’t talking about the frozen patties that contain unhealthy GMOs, excess sodium and unhealthy fats. No, no, no…making one of those is not encouraged today.

The Truth About The Veggie Patty

Even though veggie patties are supposed to be comprised of veggies, they are usually made up of processed soy. Soy is one of the most genetically modified foods on the planet, so we say no to soy. Additionally, veggie burgers are almost devoid of nutrients because of how processed they are. This is changing, but a lot of processing happens to create that veggie patty you’ve grown to love.

On average each veggie burger contains about 400mg of sodium. Frequently eating that much sodium can increase your risk of kidney problems or high blood pressure. Finally, most veggie burgers tend to be large enough to comprise two meals, which adds up to about 1,000 calories per burger.

What We Recommend: Make some of these tasty, real veggie burger recipes below. You’ll be glad you did!

Hearty Quinoa & White Bean Burger

Packed with fiber and full of nutrients, these quinoa burgers are comprised of complex flavors that entice you more & more with every bite.

Click here to make the recipe.

Hearty Eggplant Burger

Some people steer clear of eggplants. When cooked wrong, we steer clear of them as well. This eggplant burger has the perfect amount of crunch and the homemade vegan mayonnaise brings it all together.

Click here to make the recipe.

Black Bean Burgers With Cilantro Lime Sauce

Veggie burgers aren’t always delicious, but we stand by the flavors that have been established in these patties. Don’t forget the avocado!

Click here to make the recipe.

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The Standard American Diet is filled with processed ingredients and chemicals that slowly deteriorate overall bodily health. Aggressive marketing campaigns aim to convince people to buy foods, which people know are not good for them. Despite not being able to pronounce ingredients or understanding what is actually in dangerous food products, people continue to eat them happily and continue about their day.

One of the most recent debates in the food world is whether or not soybean oil is healthy. Several research studies have revealed that it is harmful to the human body, but it is one of the most common ingredients in foods that are especially popular for children and adolescents. Soybean oil is commonly in chips, crackers, candies, and more, and it has been thought to be a heart-healthy oil like extra virgin olive oil or virgin coconut oil.

How Is Soybean Oil Made?

Understanding how soybean oil is made reveals how unhealthy it is for the body. Unlike extra virgin olive oil or other heart-healthy oils, soybean oil is not cold-pressed; rather, it undergoes a high heat and bleaching process, and contains chemical solvents and deodorizers. All of this is done during the process of extracting edible oil from soybeans.

• Mechanical pressing (using heat and pressure to obtain oil)
• Residual oil left in soybean meal is extracted (using a solvent known as hexane)
• Hexane is a toxic solvent that has to be removed from the oil (by way of using steam and vacuums)
• Soybean oil is then bleached to remove impurities
• The last step is a high-temperature deodorization process to remove oxidation products (found in the oil)

According to scientists, soybean oil should be the last oil you choose to cook with or eat. The reason for this is because soybean oil (and actual soybeans) is not recommended for human consumption, due to the fact that soybean oil provokes steroid hormone production, ultimately increasing the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Regular consumption of soybeans or soybean oil can lead to imbalanced sexual hormones in men and women, in addition to premature puberty in younger children.

On top of all the negatives surrounding soybean oil, soy products are some of the most GMO-rich food products on the planet. Roughly 94% of soy products contain GMOs! Additionally, soybean oil contains a lot of polyunsaturated fatty acids, meaning that is has poor oxidative stability compared to avocado or extra virgin olive oils, both of which have a higher degree of saturation. Consuming too many of these fatty acids can lead to chronic inflammation or excess free radical damage, which can lead to cancer development.

One of the most common denominators for illnesses like chronic inflammation, cancer, obesity, heart disease, and diabetes is diet. While the average person can speculate that meat is to blame for the obesity epidemic, it is more accurate to say that processed foods, a high percentage of which contain soybean oil, are helping to drive up obesity rates. A lot of these foods contain excess calories, and soybean oil contributes a hefty amount of calories to the average American’s diet. This is not to say that soybean oil is the sole cause of obesity in the world; rather, it plays a role.

The more important takeaway is that soybean oil consumption can lead to an unhealthy ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-6s are beneficial for the body, but omega-6s are pro-inflammatory, meaning that an overabundance of omega-6s in the body causes it to be in a constant inflammatory state. This leads to chronic inflammation, which is a risk factor for a variety of illnesses. Omega-6s aren’t unique to soybean oil. Other unhealthy oils have the same problems, but soybean oil is just much more present in the foods we eat.

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