More Than Meets The Eye

Spring is here and soon it will be that glorious time of year when so many delicious fruits and berries are in season. I don’t know about you, but I love berries. They’re sweet, delicious, and full of vitamin c! Just make sure the berries you eat are not also full of a dangerous pesticide called methyl iodide. Methyl iodide is a highly toxic chemical that has been shown to cause numerous issues including birth defects, thyroid disease and brain damage. What does this stuff have to do with berries? Well, in the great state of California (where most of our strawberries and a good number of other berries are grown) this chemical is used as a pesticide to keep the bugs from snacking on those tasty little fruits. California is not the only state that has legalized this pesticide, but it is the largest producer of most berries in the US. So, what do you do about getting your berry fix? Buy organic!

On average organic berries in season are maybe a dollar or two more per pound, but I’d say that knowing your strawberries are hazardous chemical free is wort the extra bit of money. The one problem that many run into with organic berries more often than with “conventional” berries is that because they are chemical free they tend to mold faster than those with chemicals on them. It’s not surprise to me that even mold doesn’t want to live on those filthy methyl iodide slathered berries. It is very frustrating to have the more expensive fruit last half as long, but my friends, there is a simple way around this. As soon as you bring your berries home rinse them with water and apple cider vinegar. The vinegar will help keep mold from growing and kill any mold spores already there. Be sure, though, to rinse them again before eating to take away any smell of vinegar that may be lingering. You can also freeze berries extremely well. This is best if you are planning to cook with them or use them for smoothies. So, when the organic berries go on sale, stock up and fill your freezer. It’s great to have berries on hand to toss in your oatmeal in the morning or the banana-yogurt shake that powers you through your day.

I can’t wait for berry season, and I hope you are excited as well. Just keep in mind that when you’re buying berries (like so many foods these days) you might be getting more than meets the eye.

Crest Whitestrips Ain’t So Bad!

Crest Whitestrips!  Well I have used these babies in the past and when a reader posed the question “Vicky, what do you think of Crest Whitestrips?”  I must admit to you I had some trepidation.  Initially I really thought I might research Crest Whitestrips and find out they are hazardous to our health.  Well, I have been pleasantly surprised and I hope you are too.

So here’s the real scoop my friends.  As it turns out Crest Whitestrips ain’t so bad!  Since we have now put that aside I will share my personal opinion and of course, personal experience with you.  Based on my own personal experience I have found that Crest Whitestrips Premium are the best.  I have found these nifty little strips work extremely well.  They are fast and inexpensive.  I must caution you however, you are better off using them in the evening.  Do not use them during the day and then drink a cup of coffee or tea.  You will ruin what you have done.  Several other things I would like to mention.  Although they are not hazardous to our health I’m not sure we should use them extremely often.  I am afraid that extended, consistent usage could possibly ruin the enamel on your teeth.  Some people say that the whitestrips are not as effective as the whitening you can get from your favorite dentist.  I am not so sure however.  In fact I would like to point out here that the whitestrips can be used more often.  I have seen the effects on other people when they visit the dentist for professional whitening too often (their teeth become almost translucent, please be cautious).

So we have established that whitestrips are A-Ok, lucky for you and me.  Let me provide you with a list of some of my favorite tooth whitening techniques that happen to be natural:

• Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.  I always keep these in my bathroom cabinet for a quick whitening ever so often.
• Apple cider vinegar, brushing with this really can bring a shine to your teeth.
• Orange peel, did you rub the inside of an orange peel on your teeth when you were a kid?  Well guess what?  It really works.
• Strawberries, rubbed on your teeth.  I know, it sounds strange, but when I learned about this years ago I found out it really works.

In closing, I’m as happy as a lark to find out that Crest Whitestrips are A-Ok.  Here’s the thing though, try some of the natural suggestions too, they really work. well  Let me leave you with my tip of the day.  If you are in the habit of drinking coffee or tea, immediately rinse with apple cider vinegar after your indulgence.  Oh and by the way…you simply must say no to mouthwash, but I’ll save that story for another blog.