Watch this video to learn effective natural strategies for transitioning out of nicotine, alcohol, and drug addictions. Thank you @Alicia Hamilton

While this article was written around UK studies, I felt it's important to know. Can you imagine what the US stats are?!?! 😮 Maira Butt writes for Independent: “New tests have revealed the fruit and vegetables most affected by potentially cancer-linked pesticide mixtures. Using data released by the government last month, the Pesticide Action Network (Pan) UK found 12 food items were at risk of a ‘cocktail effect’, meaning several pesticides mixed together increase the toxicity level of the chemicals. While the government’s health and safety food monitoring programs concluded that the vast majority of samples tested contained a safe level of pesticides, Pan UK said the report only tested individual pesticides and not a mix. Grapes were found to be the worst of all the food groups, with one sample containing the residue of at least 16 different pesticides. At least 90% of the 108 grape samples tested contained multiple pesticides. Other foods affected included 79% of 24 lime samples, 67% of 73 banana samples, 49% of 96 sweet pepper specimens and 46% of 97 melons. Chilli peppers were found to contain 11 different pesticides, while one sample of broccoli contained eight.” Read how 123 different chemicals were found in the 17 types of fruit and vegetable tested, which included 42 pesticides with links to cancer and 21 known to interfere with hormone systems READ: “New Scorecard Warns: U.S. Food Retailers Lag on Reducing Harmful Pesticides”

Hey Holistic Americans! For decades, we’ve been told to swap butter and animal fats for “heart-healthy” vegetable oils. But what if the oils in your pantry—canola, soybean, corn, sunflower, safflower, and more—are actually fueling inflammation, weight gain, and chronic disease? Let’s break down the science behind seed oils, the omega-6 problem, and how to make smarter fat choices for vibrant health. What Are Seed Oils? Seed oils (often called “vegetable oils”) are extracted from seeds like soybeans, corn, canola (rapeseed), sunflower, safflower, cottonseed, and grapeseed. Unlike olive oil or coconut oil, which can be pressed naturally, seed oils require heavy industrial processing; high heat, chemical solvents (like hexane), bleaching, and deodorizing. Common seed oils: * Soybean oil * Corn oil * Canola oil * Sunflower oil * Safflower oil * Cottonseed oil * Grapeseed oil * Rice bran oil The Omega-6 Problem Seed oils are extremely high in omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially linoleic acid. While omega-6s are essential in small amounts, the modern diet is overloaded, often 10-20 times more than our ancestors ate. Why is this a problem? Omega-6s are pro-inflammatory when not balanced by omega-3s (found in fish, flax, chia, and pastured animal fats). Chronic inflammation is linked to heart disease, diabetes, obesity, autoimmune disorders, and even cancer. Excess omega-6s can disrupt cell membranes, hormone balance, and immune function. The ideal ratio: Traditional diets had an omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of about 1:1 to 4:1. Today, most Americans are at 15:1 or higher, driven by seed oil consumption. How Seed Oils Harm Your Health 1. Promote Inflammation Excess omega-6s are converted into arachidonic acid, which fuels the body’s inflammatory pathways. Chronic inflammation is the root of most modern diseases. 2. Easily Oxidized Seed oils are unstable and oxidize easily when exposed to heat, light, or air. Oxidized fats create free radicals, damaging cells and DNA.

This tall, gangly annual or biennial shoots up along roadsides, fence lines, and waste areas, sometimes reaching six feet or more. Its leaves are often deeply lobed with prickly edges along the midrib, and the plant produces small yellow dandelion-like flowers that bloom in summer. Break a stem or leaf, and you'll see thick, milky white sap ooze out, a telltale signature. Most people dismiss it as an ugly roadside weed, completely unaware that this unassuming plant has been called "poor man's opium" for its traditional use as a natural pain reliever and sleep aid. ✨ Traditional Uses: • The dried milky sap (latex) has been used for centuries as a mild sedative and natural pain reliever for headaches, muscle aches, and restlessness. • Folk healers have brewed the leaves into teas to calm nervous tension and promote restful sleep. • Traditionally valued for easing coughs and respiratory irritation with its gentle, soothing properties. • Used as a topical application for minor skin irritations and to ease the discomfort of insect bites. ✨ DIY Folk Remedy Recipe: Calming Sleep Tea Gather dried leaves (avoid fresh latex in large amounts). Use 1-2 teaspoons of dried, crumbled leaves per cup. Pour hot water over and steep covered for 10-15 minutes. Strain and sip 30-60 minutes before bed for gentle relaxation. This mild, earthy tea has been a traditional remedy for sleeplessness and nervous tension for generations. 👇 Drop your guess in the comments, who knows this "weed"?

Austrian cuisine blends Alpine heartiness with Central European elegance, where simple ingredients are elevated through careful technique and generous spicing. This vibrant paprika potato soup showcases Austria's love affair with sweet Hungarian paprika—a spice that transforms humble potatoes into a warming, colorful bowl of comfort. Rich, satisfying, and deeply flavorful, it's the essence of gemütlichkeit in liquid form. 𝗜𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 (𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝟰–𝟲) 3 tbsp butter or lard 1 large onion, finely diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 2–3 tbsp sweet Hungarian paprika 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth) 2 lbs (900 g) waxy potatoes, peeled and cubed 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 carrot, diced 5 cups (1.2 L) beef or vegetable stock 1 bay leaf 1 tsp caraway seeds 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream or crème fraîche Salt and black pepper, to taste Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish Crusty Austrian bread or semmel rolls, for serving 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion; sauté 6–8 minutes until golden and soft. Add garlic; cook 30 seconds. Remove pot from heat briefly. Stir in sweet paprika and smoked paprika (paprika burns easily—off heat prevents bitterness). Stir 30 seconds until fragrant. Return to heat. Add potatoes, bell pepper, and carrot; stir to coat in paprika mixture. Pour in stock. Add bay leaf and caraway seeds. 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗼𝗶𝗹, 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟱–𝟯𝟬 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗲𝘀 until potatoes are very tender. Remove bay leaf. Partially mash potatoes with a potato masher (leave some chunks for texture), or blend half the soup for creaminess. Stir in sour cream. Season with salt and pepper. 𝗧𝗼 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗺 𝗯𝗼𝘄𝗹𝘀; 𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗵 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮 𝗱𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝗽 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺 Serve with crusty Austrian bread or fresh semmel rolls Perfect with a glass of Austrian Grüner Veltliner or a cold beer 𝗧𝗶𝗽𝘀 & 𝗩𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 Protein boost: add diced smoked sausage (Käsekrainer) or crispy bacon. Vegetarian: use vegetable stock and butter. Extra richness: finish with a knob of butter before serving.