Spirulina is a blue-green algae that is shaped like a perfect spiral coil. As one of our planets oldest inhabitants, it surprises me that it is not really commonly known. In fact, I had not heard of it until a few years ago, which is why I chose it for todays subject matter.
Spirulina is roughly 3.6 billion years old. Yes, that's billion with a "B", and it grows on virtually every continent in the world. It grows naturally in alkaline lakes, very often near volcanoes. Currently, the best known producers are; Lake Texacano, Mexico; Lake Chad, Africa; and the Great Rift Valley, in East Africa.
While there is evidence that our ancestors knew of, and valued spirulina, it was really "rediscovered" back in the 1960's. Since that time, many studies have been conducted and spirulina farms have popped up in counties. Spirulna makes a great crop because it uses 1/3 rd less water than that needed to grow soybeans and 1/50 th less than what is needed for beef protein. While it needs 20 times less land than what is needed for soybeans, and 200 times less than what is required for beef. Not to mention that the growth of the spirulina helps with global warming since it fixes carbon and produces oxygen.
So all of that is good and fine, but why would anyone want to buy spirulina, even if it was grown and just given to them? I will tell you. Very simply, spirulina is the MOST powerful and well balanced source of nutrition available in this world today. It has been named as a "Super food" by Scientists. It is made up of 60% all vegetable protein, essential vitamins and phytonutrients, such as essential fatty acids. It is cholesterol free, low fat, and low calorie. It also possesses antiviral and wound healing properties that combat free radicals in the body.
In plain English, this very small plant packs a very powerful punch. A small quantity of this food source can feed the masses for less space, less water and less money than any other food source, AND, all the while, do it more efficiently nutrition wise. The more I study this unique plant, the more I want to grow it myself!
Of course there are a good many implications for heath related to a diet rich in Spirulina. In fact, it has been given as a treatment for radiation sickness, and is known to increase wound healing, while decreasing kidney toxicity. But when it comes to the bath and body industry, I was unable to find a lot of uses, however, it does give a wonderful green color to your cold and hot processed soaps, and, like other algae, it makes a truly great, cleansing facial mask too! So it appears that Spirulina is food for the inside, as well as the outside of our bodies!
For some interesting reading about a spirulina farm, see auroville.org
Showing posts with label healthy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label healthy. Show all posts
What's Happening Wednesday- Exotic Oils Cont.- Macadamia Nut Oil
Have you ever broken your nut crackers? Well, you might have, if you'd ever tried to open a macadamia nut with them! But nut crackers won't work on this hard nut, in fact, if you dont have acces to a commercialo grade macadiam huller, you pretty much need a hammer! It's all this work that causes this nut and its byproducts to be costly.
I bet, when anyone says macadamia nut, you probably automatically think of Hawaii. But you may be surprised to know that, this nut was first domesticated in 1858, in Australia. In fact, it is the only native Australian plant ever developed as a commercial food crop. The first commercial macadamia nuts orchard was established (in Australia) about 1888.
Botanically named Macadamia integrifolia, the macadamia tree is a long lived tree. Under favorable growing conditions, the tree can begin to produce after six or seven years of growth. It is a long lived tree, and may have a productive life of sixty years or more. In full production, well grown, mature trees produce from sixty to one hundred fifty pounds, or more, shell buts per year. The macadamia tree can reach heights of sixty feet, and obtain a spread of some forty feet. The leaves are glossy, dark green, and closely resemble holly leaves. It also produces a pink, or creamy white flower. The fruit consists of a fleshy husk, which encloses a spherical seed that is one-half to one and one-quarter inches in diameter, with a very hard, durable shell. In fact, the shell is next to impossible to crack, and it is inside of this super hard shell that the macadamia nut can be found.
Before the nineteenth century, the macadamia nut was known only to the aboriginal tribes who gathered them each autumn, but in all probability, did not cultivate the trees. Hawaii was not introduced to the macadamia nut until 1882, when William Herbert Purvis obtained seeds from Queensland, and planted several seedling trees on the island of Hawaii. Throughout the years, many more commercial farms were planted in Hawaii, resulting in thousands of acres of trees. In fact, Hawaii is the largest producer of macadamia nuts in the world, with Australia being the second-largest. While they currently only have about 7,000 acres of producing trees, each year Australians plant about 1,000 more acres, steadily increasing their crop potential. The Republic of South Africa (with approx. 6,000 acres), Kenya (with approx. 4,000 acres), Guatemala (with about 2,000 acres), and Brazil (with about 1,800 acres), also produce macadamia nuts for commercial trade/consumption. The macadamia nut tree thrives best in mild, frost-free, subtropical climates, in areas without shade, that get at least fifty inches of well-distributed rainfall annually, and have good drainage, and adequate protection from strong winds. While some other countries have made experimental plantings, California is the only state in the continental United States that has been successful in growing macadamia on a scale approaching commercial. However, to date, there are no large scale, commercial orchards in California.
Macadamia nut oil is expeller pressed from the meat of the macadamia nut, and is an unrefined oil. It has a deep amber color, and has
a nutty odor, with sweet undertones. However, when buying it in the grocery store, you may not get the best quality oil, as quality can vary quite a bit.
Macadamia Oil is Very rich in essential fatty acids, which is why it has become such a well sought after cooking oil. It is
made up of about 80% oleic acid, which is
monounsaturated fats, at the same time, it has very low amounts of polyunsaturated fats.
Studies have proven that monounsaturated fats are good for the heart and lower the bad cholesterol [LDL] in the blood, while maintaining the good cholesterol [HDL] cholesterol. Additionally, the essential fatty acids, which are precursors of prostaglandins [hormone like substances] control blood pressure, pain, and the inflammatory process, as well as aide in the contraction and relaxation of smooth muscles. The Linoleic acid present is responsible for burning the brown fat in the body for heat, rather than storing it as white fat. So macadamia nut oil also aids in weight maintenance and weight loss. Some of the other health benefits attributed to this oil are; it promotes a healthy heart, reduces hypertension, reduces the risk of autoimmune diseases and cancers, acts as a blood thinner, improves depression, fights the free radicals in the body, preserves cell membrane integrity, and prevents the formation of clots. One of the oddest, if not best property of this oil, is that it has no allergens and can be used by people who are allergic to nuts and nut oils! In all of my studies, I dont think I have ever come across this before! Aside from all of the healthful benefits gained through consuming this oil, macadamia nut oil has become prized, and is quite a priceless delight, for the skin and the benefits it imparts through cosmetic applications. In fact, some would argue that it has proven itself to be one of the best regenerative oils available. Macadamia nut oil closely resembles sebum, the oil that our body makes to protect the scalp and the skin. Because of this likeness to sebum, it is a fabulous, protective oil, one that is quickly and easily absorbed by the skin. It has been successfully used as a healing oil for scars, sunburns, minor wounds and other irritations. It also makes an ideal enriching and replenishing agent for the skin, as well as the scalp. Because of its high palmitoleic acid content, it is ideal for use in cosmetics, and all of its properties make it quite valuable in
moisturizers, sun screen creams, hair products and more. In soap it is best used at one ounce per pound of oils, but even this small amount will make a difference!
Although macadamia nut oil certainly makes a great emollient, many cosmetic makers will be surprised to know that it is also a great fragrance fixative. The only problem with this oil is that it can be pretty expensive, in fact, the nut itself is one of the most expensive nuts on the market today. However, because it has a shelf life of 10 months to 2 years, [which is dependent upon whether or not it is cold pressed or refined and how it is stored] you can easily purchase a large quantity, which tends to drop the price, making it a more affordable choice. You will need to store the oil some place dark, as it is sensitive to light and needs stored accordingly, but it does not need refrigeration, so this is a small concession to make for having a great oil!
Frankly Speaking Friday- Illipe Butter
Although illipe butter is hard, and not liquid, it is still quite exotic, so I decided to add it into this series of posts, I hope you will indulge me!
Illipe butter comes from the nuts of the shorea stenoptera which is a tropical tree that grows in southeast Asia, Borneo and Sumatra. The tree grows from 16 to 49 feet tall, and has two inch seeds which are enclosed in a thin shell, with wing-like attachments, similar to the whirly birds of maple and elm trees.
It flowers October through January, and after the nuts fall to the ground, never before, they are gathered by natives and set to dry in the sun. Once dried, the shells are placed in rice mortars where they are pounded with the pestles until the seeds break away from the hard shell. From there the whole nut, which is the seed, is sent to be rendered where it is cold pressed. The resulting butter is a hard creamy white to light yellow color, with a slight, nutty odor. The locals have been making butter from the illipe nuts for countless centuries, traditionally using it for both therapeutic and cosmetic purposes.
Illipe butter comes from the nuts of the shorea stenoptera which is a tropical tree that grows in southeast Asia, Borneo and Sumatra. The tree grows from 16 to 49 feet tall, and has two inch seeds which are enclosed in a thin shell, with wing-like attachments, similar to the whirly birds of maple and elm trees.
It flowers October through January, and after the nuts fall to the ground, never before, they are gathered by natives and set to dry in the sun. Once dried, the shells are placed in rice mortars where they are pounded with the pestles until the seeds break away from the hard shell. From there the whole nut, which is the seed, is sent to be rendered where it is cold pressed. The resulting butter is a hard creamy white to light yellow color, with a slight, nutty odor. The locals have been making butter from the illipe nuts for countless centuries, traditionally using it for both therapeutic and cosmetic purposes.
Illipe butters chemical composition parallels that of cocoa butter, and it has nearly the same triglyceride composition, but it is lighter and has a [slightly] higher melting point. This butter, which is quite hard at room temperature, melts quickly and easily when it comes in contact with the skin. And, while it may be this high melting point that makes it a prized ingredient for soaping (as it creates a nice hard bar of soap), surely it is its skin benefiting properties that make it prized for cosmetic applications.
Illipe butter is probably most renown for its skin softening quality, but it also has long-lasting moisturizing attributes. It restores the skins elasticity, helps to reinforce its natural moisture barrier, reduces the degeneration of skin cells while restoring their flexibility and elasticity, and prevents drying which leads to the development of wrinkles. Illipe butter is used in a variety of sun protection and skin care products, as well as massage creams, soaps, balms, make-up foundations, and hair conditioners. It is beneficial for the treatment of numerous skin and hair disorders, especially chronically dry skin, mature skin, sunburn, sores, damaged skin, and mouth ulcers.
Illipe butter has a shelf life of two years, but it should be kept in a dark, cool location, away from moisture. You may use anywhere from 3 to 100% in your lip stick, lip and body balms, creams, lotions, hair conditioners, make-up foundations, and hard soap recipes. Try this exotic butter in your soap for not only a firm bar, but a highly moisturizing one. But for a real treat, use it directly on the skin, without any additives. You won't need much, because a very little goes a very long way!
*Reminder; references and bibliographies for informational posts are available by following the reference tab at the top of the page
*Reminder; references and bibliographies for informational posts are available by following the reference tab at the top of the page
Teaching Tuesdays -Words & Phrases You Need to Know part 2
This past Friday's post began with a rant on companies that "tricked" people with marketing words, and companies that simply didn't understand, or have knowledge of their own ingredients. Either way, with some education, we can discern pure marketing strategies from proprietors that need more education. So, today's post is a continuation of words and phrases that we need to know more about!
"preservative free" - First of all, preservative free does not mean that the product is chemical free, fragrance free, stabilizer free, emulsifier free, synthetic free, or even sodium laurel sulphate (SLS) free, so it really means little, in and of itself. Then there are the handmade soaps that I have seen, advertising they are preservative free. Since a soap does not (as in never ever) need a preservative, using the phrase "preservative free" is either a marketing strategy simply used to sucker us in, or it shows the sellers' lack of education [about their product].
"Eco-Friendly"-This is such a "hot" button term now days, with everyone jumping onto the "save the eco-system" bandwagon. A great wagon to ride, but really, what is "eco-friendly"? What does it mean? There is no government, legally defined, "eco-friendly", so there are no parameters for its use. I have seen many claims of "eco-friendly" products, but what makes the solid deodorant or perfume a more eco-friendly alternative than their spray counterparts (remember, we are comparing to the Indie push sprayers, not the commercial chemical ones). The only possible, non-eco-friendly thing that I could come up with, was that the spray may miss part of its target, and then dissipate in the air. Is that enough to make it a non-eco-friendly choice? And, if it is, why then is the seller offering it along side their solid bars?
"Hypoallergenic"- We all need to understand the definition of this phrase because could impact our health. This label does not mean that the product will not cause an allergy. By definition, "hypo" means "less than", so a hypoallergenic product is "less likely" to cause an allergic reaction, but there is still the possibility of one. It means that the maker of the product has either reduced, or removed ingredients, such as fragrances or preservatives (in jewelry this would likely mean nickel), that tend to cause allergies. Phrases like, "non-irritating", "allergy tested", "dermatologist tested" are all well and good, but they have no industry standard either, so they do not offer any guarantee against an allergic reaction either!
"Not tested on animals"- This one always makes me smile. Who would/could test on animals besides a large corporation? Even if the Indie business wanted too, they just don't have the resources, and in most cases, the education, to do this. Can you envision your local soap-maker going out into the woods to capture raccoons so that they could test their soaps?
The other aspect to using this claim, is that, while they can correctly say they have never tested on an animal, how can they be sure that none of their ingredients ever have? Ingredients come from all over the world, and unfortunately, this includes many places that are not known for their ethical behavior.
"Prevents stretch marks" is another phrase that gets me going. This is not a medically/physically proven statement. Stretch marks are caused by your skin, and as such, have to do with your genetics. Some women do not get stretch marks at all, but that is due to the fact that her skin reacts well to expansion. Look at your Mother, if she has stretch marks from her pregnancy, or from a rapid or large weight gain, then you will be more prone/likely to get them as well. While a lotion or cream will help to alleviate the itchy, uncomfortable feeling that accompanies the rapid skin expansion of pregnancy, it will not diminish your chances of getting the stretch marks. So use the oils, lotions, and creams to help you feel better, but do not expect them to alter genetics!
"Does not contain any surfactants, which are detergents that the big commercial companies use"- I have seen this on a few Indie soaping and lotion sites. A "surfactant" is not necessarily a detergent! According to Wikipedia, "surfactants are compounds that lower the surface tension of a liquid, the interfacial tension between two liquids, or that between a liquid and a solid. Surfactants may act as wetting agents, detergents, emulsifiers, foaming agents and dispersants."
We all know that oil and water does not mix, so haven't you ever wondered how lotion/soap makers get that to happen? They add a surfactant, that;s how. By necessity, you need to have a surfactant to get the oil and the water to mix and stay together. So, while a detergent could be a surfactant, not all surfactants are detergents!
"Organic" is probably the hottest, hot button today, but it is a legally defined phrase in many countries, of which the USA is one. The certification process varies from country to country, but all involve the setting of standards which control everything having to do with the product. Each stage, every process, and all businesses that have anything to do with the product, has a set of standards which must be followed. These standards extend all the way from the seed stage to its final destination, be it a grocery store for resale, or a restaurant for consumption.
In the USA, these standards are set by the USDA, the Department of Agriculture. There are three different levels of labeling for organic products;
1. 100% organic-These products must contain (excluding water and salt) ingredients that are only organically produced. The processing aids must also be all organic, and they cannot be produced using any excluded methods, sewage sludge, or ionizing radiation.
2. Organic products must consist of at least 95% organically produced ingredients (excluding water and salt). Any remaining product ingredients
must consist of nonagricultural substances that are approved on the National List, including specific non-organically produced agricultural products that are not commercially available in organic form.
3. Made With Organic Ingredients are products that contain at least 70% organic ingredients. These products are also allowed to list up to three of the organic ingredients or food groups on the principal display panel.
There are certified [organic] and non-certified [organic] food crop producers. Because the certification process is so costly, many of the farmers simply cannot afford to become certified, however, they still follow the same regulations for food safety and agricultural processes, as well as all of the other applicable government guidelines. Their products will be labeled "non-certified organic". The quality should be the same, the only difference being that they did not pay for the certification process.
Processed products that contain less than 70% organic ingredients cannot use the term organic anywhere on the principal display panel. They cam, however,
identify the specific ingredients that are organically produced on the ingredients statement information panel.
A civil penalty of up to $11,000 can be levied on any person who knowingly sells, or labels as organic, a product that is not produced and handled in
accordance with the National Organic Program's regulations.
And remember (see last Friday's post) that "all natural" and "made with organic ingredients" does not ensure you that there are no "bad for you" ingredients in that product! According to the FDA, "natural" means that the product does not contain any synthetic or artificial ingredients, and to be labeled "healthy" means that the product meets certain criteria which limits the amount of fat, saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium, and also includes specific amounts of various vitamins, minerals and nutrients. So again, you could have an all natural product that is not healthy, by the FDA's healthy standards. For instance, you could have an organic ice cream that is also high in saturated fats, therefore, unhealthy.
Any product labeled as organic must identify each organically produced ingredient in the ingredient statement on the information panel.The name of the certifying agent of the final product must be displayed on the information panel. The address of the certifying agent of the final product may be displayed on the information panel.
Be aware, there are no restrictions on use of other truthful labeling claims such as “no drugs or growth hormones used,” “free range,” or “sustainably harvested.”
"preservative free" - First of all, preservative free does not mean that the product is chemical free, fragrance free, stabilizer free, emulsifier free, synthetic free, or even sodium laurel sulphate (SLS) free, so it really means little, in and of itself. Then there are the handmade soaps that I have seen, advertising they are preservative free. Since a soap does not (as in never ever) need a preservative, using the phrase "preservative free" is either a marketing strategy simply used to sucker us in, or it shows the sellers' lack of education [about their product].
"Eco-Friendly"-This is such a "hot" button term now days, with everyone jumping onto the "save the eco-system" bandwagon. A great wagon to ride, but really, what is "eco-friendly"? What does it mean? There is no government, legally defined, "eco-friendly", so there are no parameters for its use. I have seen many claims of "eco-friendly" products, but what makes the solid deodorant or perfume a more eco-friendly alternative than their spray counterparts (remember, we are comparing to the Indie push sprayers, not the commercial chemical ones). The only possible, non-eco-friendly thing that I could come up with, was that the spray may miss part of its target, and then dissipate in the air. Is that enough to make it a non-eco-friendly choice? And, if it is, why then is the seller offering it along side their solid bars?
"Hypoallergenic"- We all need to understand the definition of this phrase because could impact our health. This label does not mean that the product will not cause an allergy. By definition, "hypo" means "less than", so a hypoallergenic product is "less likely" to cause an allergic reaction, but there is still the possibility of one. It means that the maker of the product has either reduced, or removed ingredients, such as fragrances or preservatives (in jewelry this would likely mean nickel), that tend to cause allergies. Phrases like, "non-irritating", "allergy tested", "dermatologist tested" are all well and good, but they have no industry standard either, so they do not offer any guarantee against an allergic reaction either!
"Not tested on animals"- This one always makes me smile. Who would/could test on animals besides a large corporation? Even if the Indie business wanted too, they just don't have the resources, and in most cases, the education, to do this. Can you envision your local soap-maker going out into the woods to capture raccoons so that they could test their soaps?
The other aspect to using this claim, is that, while they can correctly say they have never tested on an animal, how can they be sure that none of their ingredients ever have? Ingredients come from all over the world, and unfortunately, this includes many places that are not known for their ethical behavior.
"Prevents stretch marks" is another phrase that gets me going. This is not a medically/physically proven statement. Stretch marks are caused by your skin, and as such, have to do with your genetics. Some women do not get stretch marks at all, but that is due to the fact that her skin reacts well to expansion. Look at your Mother, if she has stretch marks from her pregnancy, or from a rapid or large weight gain, then you will be more prone/likely to get them as well. While a lotion or cream will help to alleviate the itchy, uncomfortable feeling that accompanies the rapid skin expansion of pregnancy, it will not diminish your chances of getting the stretch marks. So use the oils, lotions, and creams to help you feel better, but do not expect them to alter genetics!
"Does not contain any surfactants, which are detergents that the big commercial companies use"- I have seen this on a few Indie soaping and lotion sites. A "surfactant" is not necessarily a detergent! According to Wikipedia, "surfactants are compounds that lower the surface tension of a liquid, the interfacial tension between two liquids, or that between a liquid and a solid. Surfactants may act as wetting agents, detergents, emulsifiers, foaming agents and dispersants."
We all know that oil and water does not mix, so haven't you ever wondered how lotion/soap makers get that to happen? They add a surfactant, that;s how. By necessity, you need to have a surfactant to get the oil and the water to mix and stay together. So, while a detergent could be a surfactant, not all surfactants are detergents!
"Organic" is probably the hottest, hot button today, but it is a legally defined phrase in many countries, of which the USA is one. The certification process varies from country to country, but all involve the setting of standards which control everything having to do with the product. Each stage, every process, and all businesses that have anything to do with the product, has a set of standards which must be followed. These standards extend all the way from the seed stage to its final destination, be it a grocery store for resale, or a restaurant for consumption.
Basically, "organic", when related to our crops, means that the use of anything synthetic has been avoided. Chemicals like pesticides, antibiotics, fertilizers, and genetically modified organisms are not used. Additionally, the land used to raise organic crops has been free of chemical use for at least three years, and a physical separation is maintained between the certified [organic] plants and the non-certified ones in order to avoid contamination. Additionally, the grower is required to maintain accurate records, with regard to their production, the production process, and their sales. Also, Inspectors can, and do, show up unannounced to inspect the property and crops.
In the USA, these standards are set by the USDA, the Department of Agriculture. There are three different levels of labeling for organic products;
1. 100% organic-These products must contain (excluding water and salt) ingredients that are only organically produced. The processing aids must also be all organic, and they cannot be produced using any excluded methods, sewage sludge, or ionizing radiation.
2. Organic products must consist of at least 95% organically produced ingredients (excluding water and salt). Any remaining product ingredients
must consist of nonagricultural substances that are approved on the National List, including specific non-organically produced agricultural products that are not commercially available in organic form.
Any product that meets the requirements for either 100% organic or organic may display the terms on their principal contact panel. Additionally, the USDA seal and the seal of the involved certifying agents may also appear on the product packages and in advertisements.
3. Made With Organic Ingredients are products that contain at least 70% organic ingredients. These products are also allowed to list up to three of the organic ingredients or food groups on the principal display panel.
Processed products labeled “made with organic ingredients” cannot be produced using excluded methods, sewage sludge, or ionizing radiation. The
percentage of organic content and the certifying agent seal or mark may be used on the principal display panel. However, the USDA seal cannot be.
There are certified [organic] and non-certified [organic] food crop producers. Because the certification process is so costly, many of the farmers simply cannot afford to become certified, however, they still follow the same regulations for food safety and agricultural processes, as well as all of the other applicable government guidelines. Their products will be labeled "non-certified organic". The quality should be the same, the only difference being that they did not pay for the certification process.
Processed products that contain less than 70% organic ingredients cannot use the term organic anywhere on the principal display panel. They cam, however,
identify the specific ingredients that are organically produced on the ingredients statement information panel.
A civil penalty of up to $11,000 can be levied on any person who knowingly sells, or labels as organic, a product that is not produced and handled in
accordance with the National Organic Program's regulations.
And remember (see last Friday's post) that "all natural" and "made with organic ingredients" does not ensure you that there are no "bad for you" ingredients in that product! According to the FDA, "natural" means that the product does not contain any synthetic or artificial ingredients, and to be labeled "healthy" means that the product meets certain criteria which limits the amount of fat, saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium, and also includes specific amounts of various vitamins, minerals and nutrients. So again, you could have an all natural product that is not healthy, by the FDA's healthy standards. For instance, you could have an organic ice cream that is also high in saturated fats, therefore, unhealthy.
Any product labeled as organic must identify each organically produced ingredient in the ingredient statement on the information panel.The name of the certifying agent of the final product must be displayed on the information panel. The address of the certifying agent of the final product may be displayed on the information panel.
Be aware, there are no restrictions on use of other truthful labeling claims such as “no drugs or growth hormones used,” “free range,” or “sustainably harvested.”
In the end, I hope that you will recognize that a company can do a great job of being "eco-friendly" without necessarily having the certification for being organic. Likewise, I hope that you also can see that words and labels alone do not make a truth or a good product. In the midst of some ill-informed, lack-luster shops, there are a lot of amazing companies out there, doing their best to bring quality products to the marketplace. It is our responsibility as consumers, to research and to seek out these companies!
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