Vanilla Extract Scent Repels Mosquitoes

There are many products to keep mosquitoes away from you. Problem is that the spays are filled with chemicals like DEET. You have to decide if keeping the insects away now is a better long term choice than keeping your body chemical free.

To stop mosquitoes from spoiling your outdoor fun grab some pure vanilla extract from your kitchen. In a spray bottle, mix 1 tsp. of vanilla extract with one cup of filtered water. May not need filtered water, all I have is filtered so it's a habit to use only filtered water.

Spray the mixture on pulse points. The sweet smell blocks the receptors on mosquitoes' antennae, which prevents the bugs from being able to "sniff out" human prey.

I read this in First for Women magazine and it did work.

What do you use that worked or what natural repellents have you heard about?

Whole Food Vitamins

Tips to Stop Mosquito Bite Itching

Remedies for itching mosquito bites!

This summer in Minnesota has been on the cool side with little rain. That means we didn't fight mosquitoes - until this past week when we were camping. The pesky mosquitoes were out for blood - OURS!

I keep a bottle of water and Eucalyptus Essential Oil to help repel the bugs. Since bugs have not been a problem I forgot to pack any natural repellent.

I had to use what we packed to stop the itching. I've added other tips - some I've tried others I haven't tried yet.

What we had on our camping trip:

Lemon juice (worked great)

Toothpaste (I used Toms of Maine Peppermint)

Honey (raw) (worked as long we were inside, the mosquitoes seemed to bite more with the honey on.)

Milk

Ice (works)

Tea bags (black, green and chamomile) (works)

The lemon juice worked the best, then ice and tea bags. Sounds like iced tea with a splash of lemon.

Now for some remedies I've read about. I don't know how well these work. If you have tried them let us know how they worked for you.

Apply these to bite on skin (one remedy at a time)

Epsom salt (2 tbls in 1 cup cold water)
Baking soda and water paste
Fresh cut garlic clove
Fresh cut onion
Liquid ammonia (for new bites, not raw open bites!)
Nail polish (for new bites, not raw open bites!)
Lime juice
Salt & Water paste
Vinegar - white or apple cider (for new bites, not raw open bites!)
Vicks Vaporub
Tums Tablets (crush and add a few drops of water)
Aspirin (crush then add a few drops of water
Aloe Vera
Deodorant
Tea tree oil
Lavender oil
Oil of oregano
Bar soap pieces (rub dry bar soap on bites)
Banana peel (inside of peel)
Common Plantain (roll common plantain leaves between fingers to extract juice, or chew on leaves a little bit, then rub the juicy leaf over mosquito bite.
Calamine lotion
Listerine mouthwash or generic equivalent
Scotch tape
Bleach


Internal help:
Vitamin C (Do not take synthetic forms of vitamin C. Whole Food Vitamins)

A few days before going on a camping trip, drink 1 tablespoon of cider vinegar three times a day. Continue throughout your outing and you just might return home without a bite.


I recently read that people who eat lots of sweets get more mosquito bites. I'm not sure about that. I'll let you know after our next camping trip if our sugar eating friends get more bites!

If a remedy doesn’t give fast relief, give it another try, sometimes it will take 2 or 3 applications before it works for you.

The mosquito bite itch comes from saliva that the mosquito injects into you as it sucks your blood. There are many different species of mosquitoes. You may react to some mosquito bites more than others.

I know this is a long list, and I know there are many more remedies to stop mosquito bites from itching. Share your remedies.

We want to hear what has worked for you.

Whole Food Vitamins

Alli Weight Loss Pill Liver Damage Latest FDA News

FDA says continue taking ALLI - for now

FDA is reviewing new safety information regarding reports of liver-related adverse events in patients taking orlistat. Orlistat is marketed in the United States as a prescription product, Xenical, and as an over-the-counter (OTC) product, Alli.

Xenical (orlistat 120mg) was approved as a prescription product by FDA in 1999 for obesity management in conjunction with a reduced caloric diet, and to reduce the risk of regaining weight after prior weight loss. In 2007, Alli (orlistat 60mg) was approved for OTC use for weight loss in overweight adults, 18 years and older, in conjunction with a reduced-calorie and low-fat diet. Currently, orlistat is approved for marketing in approximately 100 countries. In January 2009, a nonprescription version of orlistat was approved for sale in the European Union.

Between 1999 and October 2008, 32 reports of serious liver injury, including 6 cases of liver failure, in patients using orlistat were submitted to FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System. Thirty of the 32 reports occurred outside the United States. The most commonly reported adverse events described in the 32 reports of serious liver injury were jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes), weakness, and abdominal pain. Hospitalization was reported in 27 of the 32 cases.

In addition to the 32 reported cases, this issue was discussed at the CDER Drug Safety Oversight Board in April 2009, and FDA is reviewing other data on suspected cases of liver injury submitted by the manufacturers of orlistat. FDA’s analysis of these data is ongoing and no definite association between liver injury and orlistat has been established at this time.

FDA is not advising healthcare professionals to change their prescribing practices with orlistat. Consumers currently taking Xenical should continue to take it as prescribed and those using over-the-counter Alli should continue to use the product as directed.

Consumers should consult their health care professional if they are experiencing symptoms possibly associated with the use of orlistat and development of liver injury, particularly weakness or fatigue, fever, jaundice or brown urine. Other symptoms may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, light-colored stools, itching, or loss of appetite.

FDA urges both healthcare professionals and consumers to report side effects from the use of orlistat (Alli and Xenical) to FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program using the information at the bottom of the page.

This early communication is in keeping with FDA’s commitment to inform the public about its ongoing safety reviews of drugs. FDA will communicate its findings to the public as soon as its review of orlistat is complete.

This information reflects FDA’s current analysis of available data concerning these drugs. Posting this information does not mean that FDA has concluded there is a causal relationship between the drug products and the emerging safety issue. Nor does it mean that FDA is advising health care professionals to discontinue prescribing these products. FDA is considering, but has not reached a conclusion about whether this information warrants any regulatory action. FDA intends to update this document when additional information or analyses become available

Whole Food Vitamins

Alli Possible Cause of Liver Failure

FDA NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Aug. 24, 2009

Media Inquiries: Siobhan DeLancey, 301-796-4668, siobhan.delancey@fda.hhs.gov
Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA

FDA Issues Early Communication about Ongoing Safety Review of Weight Loss Drug Orlistat
Review includes both prescription drug Xenical and OTC drug Alli

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced today that it is reviewing adverse event reports of liver injury in patients taking the weight loss drug orlistat, marketed as the prescription drug Xenical and the over-the-counter medication Alli.

Between 1999 and 2008, the FDA received 32 reports of serious liver injury in patients taking orlistat. Of those cases, 27 reported hospitalization and six resulted in liver failure. Thirty of the adverse events occurred outside the United States. The most commonly reported adverse events included yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice), weakness, and stomach pain.

The FDA is reviewing additional data submitted by orlistat manufacturers on suspected cases of liver injury, and the issue has been discussed at the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research Drug Safety Oversight Board.

“The issues here are complex, but FDA has benefited from the input of the Board, including comments from representatives from three FDA Centers and several other Agencies in the Department of Health and Human Services,” said Steven Osborne, M.D., executive director of the Board.

The FDA’s analysis of these data is ongoing, and no definite association between liver injury and orlistat has been established at this time. Consumers taking Xenical should continue to take it as prescribed, and those using over-the-counter Alli should continue to use the product as directed.

Full text of the Early Communication about an Ongoing Safety Review can be found here. The Early Communication is a risk communication tool used by the FDA to inform the public about its ongoing safety reviews of drugs. The FDA will release its findings on orlistat as soon as the review is completed.

Consumers who have used orlistat should consult a health care professional if they experience symptoms possibly associated with development of liver injury, particularly weakness or fatigue, fever, jaundice, or brown urine. Other symptoms may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, light-colored stools, itching, or loss of appetite.

The FDA urges both health care professionals and consumers to report suspected side effects from the use of orlistat to FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, or by regular mail, fax, or phone.
-- Online
--Regular Mail: use postage-paid FDA form 3500 and mail to MedWatch, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787
--Fax: 800-FDA-0178
--Phone: 800-FDA-1088

Whole Food Vitamins

Reading Food Labels: Certified Biodynamic

Biodynamic® farming is free of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers in the same manner as certified organic farming. In order to qualify for Demeter Biodynamic® status a farm must first meet the same 3-year transition requirement that NOP certified organic farming requires.

What distinguishes a Demeter certified Biodynamic® farm from a certified organic farm is that, in its entirety, a Demeter Biodynamic farm is managed as a living organism. This is the fundamental principal of the Biodynamic farming method.

The Biodynamic method dates back to 1924 and is one of the original approaches to organized organic farming worldwide. In day-to-day practice Biodynamic farming involves managing a farm within the context of the principles of a living organism. A concise model of a living organism ideal would be a wilderness forest. In such a system there is a high degree of self-sufficiency in all of the realms of biological survival. Fertility and feed arise out of the recycling of the organic material the system generates. Avoidance of pest species is based on biological vigor and its intrinsic biological and genetic diversity. Water is efficiently cycled through the system.

In the realm of day-to-day practice this requires a holistic farming system that is minimally dependant on imported inputs for its survival, but instead arise from within the living dynamics of the farm itself. Demeter/Aurora certification requires that as much as possible a farm be regenerative rather than degenerative.

Consider carefully materials that are imported onto the modern day organic farm. Where do they come from? Often they can be tracked back to a natural resource provided by the earth. Examples of such inputs include petroleum to move materials around, ancient mineral deposits, by-products of unsustainable agriculture-related industry, and the life of the seas and water ways. An important environmental value of Biodynamic farming is that it does not depend on the mining of the earth’s natural resource base. Instead it emphasizes contributing to it. As such, it is a farming philosophy that results in one of the lightest carbon footprints of any agricultural method.

Looked at in its widest view, the scale of this farm organism extends beyond the fence line of the farm and includes the tangible and intangible forces that work through it. Examples of such “forces” include the climate, inherent wildlife of the earth (above and below the ground), the light and warmth from the sun and the focusing of even more distant cosmic influences through the other planetary members of our sun’s solar system. The Biodynamic method of farming attempts to align all of the factors that are inherent in a living farm system in a harmonious manner. The food that results is very true to its essence and provides deeply penetrating nutrition that is medicinal as well as delicious.

Look for the Demeter label on:
Produce, coffee, meat, tea, herbs, wine, personal care products, poultry and many processed foods.

More reading food labels.

Whole Food Vitamins

Spaghetti Squash For Low-Carb Meal

I grew up eating yellow crookneck squash coated with corn meal and fried.(I am a native Texan!) It was good but over the years I've gotten away from fried foods. I started eating my garden harvest of crookneck squash fried lightly in coconut oil and sprinkled with Himalayan salt. YUM....


Today I planned a spaghetti dinner. Problem is I'm cutting back on carbs to lose the belly fat that snuck back on when I wasn't paying attention, bad belly fat!

I'm reading the list of fat burn foods from Dr. Heidi and going through the book Nourishing Traditions: The Cookbook that Challenges Politically Correct Nutrition and the Diet Dictocrats. That's when I decided to try spaghetti squash in place of the pasta. I had no idea what to do with it or even what it looked like so I had to look it up online to get a picture.

I bought the smallest one I could find since I knew my hubby and son wouldn't eat much or any of it. Now I read that the larger ones have more flavor, oh well my three pounder was very good.

I cut it in half (lengthwise and it's not easy cutting), took the seeds out, coated a baking pan with coconut oil and place the cut sides down on the pan. I decided to add water because that's what it said in Nourishing Traditions Cookbook. I cooked it in the oven at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes. I was very surprised that it was so easy to scrape the "spaghetti" out of the cooked skins with just a fork. It looks so much like pasta with a brighter yellow color and a firmer texture.


I couldn't wait to try it so I ate about 5 big forkfuls while finishing the pasta sauce. YUM...

I ate it plain and with spaghetti sauce, loved it both ways.

Let me tell you I will not eat spaghetti at home with anything other than the "spaghetti squash". It tastes wonderful and fits well with the reduced carb food plan and it's veggies! I even got our 11 year old to try it. He doesn't like sauce and wasn't thrilled with the the plain squash. Next time I'll put some butter from grass-fed cows and Himalayan salt on it.

I have a bowl leftover so I have to see if it tastes as good tomorrow. Maybe I'll try it cold with fresh tomatoes, garlic and a spash of coconut oil. I have no idea how I'll eat it or if it will be good the next day.


Whole Food Vitamins

Antioxidant Vegetables

We know we need to eat more veggies. Maybe knowing the real benefit of eating veggies will help us actually eat them.

The consumption of vegetarian diets is associated with many benefits in our body. Regular consumption of fresh vegetables helps to prevent a number of disorders including cancers. The risk of developing heart disorders is reduced to a great extent owing to the reduction of cholesterol levels and high antioxidant consumption in individuals who followed vegetarian diets. Green and fresh vegetables are a rich source of antioxidants that help to clear the free radicals that are associated with cell damage. ¹

Recent studies that have evaluated individuals following vegetarian diet to a large extent have noticed a reduction of the incidence of disorders of the heart, nervous system and also cancer. The presence of various biochemicals commonly known as polyphenols has been attributed to the protective effect of the vegetables. Along with the polyphenols, plant sources contain many other bioactive substances that contribute to the prevention of disorders. ² Another component that extends the benefit of vegetables is the flavinoid. Different types of flavinoids are noted in vegetables that have antioxidant properties. These flavinoids are quite effective in preventing the accumulation of fat in the blood vessels of the heart and thereby decrease the risk of stroke and other heart disorders.³

Asparagus

Asparagus has been used since ancient time in Indian medicine as a cure for many disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Along with its protective effect on the cells of the stomach and intestines, asparagus has also been noted to have antioxidant and immune stimulant effects. Asparagus has been prescribed for the treatment of ulcers in the stomach and intestines. Furthermore it has also been used to cure disorders of the nervous system, liver and certain infections.^{4, 5}

The roots of asparagus contain a wide number of compounds that possess antioxidant abilities. The presence of these compounds may be attributed to the health benefits associated with the use of asparagus. Numerous studies are being conducted worldwide to study the beneficial effects of these antioxidant compounds on the human body. Antioxidants present in asparagus help protect against several disorders that result from the increased action of free radicals and other harmful substances in the body.⁶

Bell Pepper

Bell peppers, also commonly referred to as capsicum, have been known for their antioxidant properties. Available in different colors (green, yellow, orange, and red), bell pepper is studied widely for its beneficial effects in different disorders; especially in disorders related to mental health. The bell pepper contains different bioactive compounds along with significant amounts of beta-carotine (pro vitamin A) and other similar compounds.

When compared with the color of bell pepper and the levels of active contents, red bell pepper had the highest amount of beta-carotine and yellow bell pepper had the lowest levels. All bell peppers were noted to have equivalent amounts of antioxidant activity. When used for cooking it was noted that bell pepper prevented the oxidation of essential fatty acids.⁷ A study performed on rats established the antioxidant ability of bell pepper which has protective effects on the brain cells. The chemical compounds present in bell pepper actively prevented oxidation of the essential fats within the brain cells that are considered necessary for optimal brain function.⁸

Carrot

Carrot is widely grown across the world and is considered as one of the major sources of beta-carotine (pro vitamin A). The beta-carotine is converted into vitamin A in our body and acts as a potent antioxidant. Other antioxidant molecules present in carrots include lutein and lycopene. ⁹ The antioxidants present in vegetables such as carrots are highly essential for our body. Vitamin A prevents damage of the white blood cells that are involved in fighting against various infections. Adequate levels of antioxidants in our body help us to prevent a multitude of disorders including diabetes, hypertension, heart disorders and cancer.¹⁰ Carrots also contain many other bioactive substances known as polyphenols which have potent antioxidant ability. In a study to compare the antioxidant levels in different colors of carrot it was noted that purple-yellow coloued carrots had the highest level of antioxidants.¹¹

Celery

Celery is used as a vegetable and the leaf stalk or the roots are the parts of this plant that are consumed normally. Celery seeds and celery juice are also used in different ways. The benefits of celery have been attributed to the presence of bioactive chemicals known as flavinoids. Among these flavinoids, luteolin is the most common and widely found in celery. This is known to have a variety of properties including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti cancer effects.¹² A study performed on celery leaves noted that the leaves were comprised of 41-57% antioxidants.¹³

Cancer cells generally require the formation of new blood vessels during their progression. Flavinoids such as luteolin present in celery effectively inhibit the formation of new blood vessels and thereby limit the progression of the cancer cells. They are also known to induce cell death in the cancerous cells and prevent the occurrence of cancers. Furthermore, it has also been noted that celery accentuates the effects of anticancer medications and helps healing cancers at a faster pace. This property of celery is being studied widely and the benefits of celery in cancer prevention and treatment are being evaluated.^{12, 14}

Cucumber

Cucumber is believed to have originated in India and is now grown and consumed around the world. It is available in different varieties that vary based on the region it is grown. Cucumber is used in the preparation of several dishes as well as consumed raw. Cucumber is believed to contain significant amounts of antioxidants and vitamins such as vitamin C. However, certain studies have revealed that although cucumber does contain antioxidants and vitamin C their concentration is not particularily high.^15-17 Nevertheless, it is a part of both weight loss and vegetarian diets and is widely used around the world. Its high water and fiber content makes it a widely consumed vegetable. ¹⁸

Spinach

Spinach has high antioxidant levels that are noted to benefit a wide number of conditions, including heart disorder. Formation of several compounds that are able to oxidize the cells and tissues of the heart is one of the main factors responsible for the occurrence of heart disorders. Consumption of vegetables such as spinach that contain antioxidants is useful in preventing the accumulation of such substances. A study noted that consumption of several anticancer medications were associated with formation of molecules in the body that may have detrimental effects on the heart. The risk of heart failure and other associated conditions is increased with the regular use of anticancer drugs. Spinach consumption effectively reduces these effects and protects the heart from various disorders that affect the functioning of the heart. Consumption of spinach is also considered as a safe and effective way to alleviate the toxic side effects of the anticancer drugs. Furthermore, spinach also contains flavonoids which are beneficial in reducing the cholesterol and thus protect the heart. ^{19, 20}

Tomato

Tomato contains high levels of a substance known as lycopene, an effective antioxidant and scavenger of free radicals. Increased oxidative action of several substances including free radicals is noted to be the cause of various disorders. Such effects are commonly noted on the heart which frequently results in heart failure and other associated conditions. Regular consumption of tomatoes that are rich source of lycopene effectively protects the heart from such effects and helps it to function normally. Several animal studies have reported the heart protective effects of tomato. ^{21, 22}

One study was performed to evaluate the benefits of tomato on human subjects suffering from high blood pressure and who were not able to regulate their blood pressure levels with medications. It was noted in the study that regular consumption of tomatoes along with the medications significantly decreased blood pressure levels.²³ Another study concluded that tomato consumption reduced the occurrence of prostate cancer in individuals with high risk of prostate cancer. ²⁴

Source: www.77ingredients.com

References

1. Ginter E. Vegetarian diets, chronic diseases and longevity. Bratisl Lek Listy. 2008;109(10):463-6.
2. Ullah MF, Khan MW. Food as medicine: potential therapeutic tendencies of plant derived polyphenolic compounds. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2008 Apr-Jun;9(2):187-95.
3. Terao J, Kawai Y, Murota K. Vegetable flavonoids and cardiovascular disease. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2008;17 Suppl 1:291-3.
4. Goyal RK, Singh J, Lal H. Asparagus racemosus--an update. Indian J Med Sci. 2003 Sep;57(9):408-14.
5. Bopana N, Saxena S. Asparagus racemosus--ethnopharmacological evaluation and conservation needs. J Ethnopharmacol. 2007 Mar 1;110(1):1-15. Epub 2007 Jan 4.
6. Wiboonpun N, Phuwapraisirisan P, Tip-pyang S. Identification of antioxidant compound from Asparagus racemosus. Phytother Res. 2004 Sep;18(9):771-3.
7. Sun T, Xu Z, Wu CT, Janes M, Prinyawiwatkul W, No HK. Antioxidant activities of different colored sweet bell peppers (Capsicum annuum L.). J Food Sci. 2007 Mar;72(2):S98-102.
8. Oboh G, Rocha JB. Hot Pepper (Capsicum spp.) protects brain from sodium nitroprusside- and quinolinic acid-induced oxidative stress in vitro. J Med Food. 2008 Jun;11(2):349-55.
9. Baranska M, Baranski R, Schulz H, Nothnagel T. Tissue-specific accumulation of carotenoids in carrot roots. Planta. 2006 Oct;224(5):1028-37. Epub 2006 May 13.
10. Saxena R, Venkaiah K, Anitha P, Venu L, Raghunath M. Antioxidant activity of commonly consumed plant foods of India: contribution of their phenolic content. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2007 Jun;58(4):250-60.
11. Sun T, Simon PW, Tanumihardjo SA. Antioxidant Phytochemicals and Antioxidant Capacity of Biofortified Carrots ( Daucus carota L.) of Various Colors. J Agric Food Chem. 2009 Apr 9.
12. López-Lázaro M. Distribution and biological activities of the flavonoid luteolin. Mini Rev Med Chem. 2009 Jan;9(1):31-59.
13. Yildiz L, Başkan KS, Tütem E, Apak R. Combined HPLC-CUPRAC (cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity) assay of parsley, celery leaves, and nettle. Talanta. 2008 Oct 19;77(1):304-13. Epub 2008 Jun 27.
14. Kolarovic J, Popovic M, Mikov M, Mitic R, Gvozdenovic L. Protective effects of celery juice in treatments with Doxorubicin. Molecules. 2009 Apr 24;14(4):1627-38.
15. Stratil P, Klejdus B, Kubán V. Determination of total content of phenolic compounds and their antioxidant activity in vegetables--evaluation of spectrophotometric methods. J Agric Food Chem. 2006 Feb 8;54(3):607-16.
16. Iqbal MP, Kazim SF, Mehboobali N. Ascorbic acid contents of Pakistani fruits and vegetables. Pak J Pharm Sci. 2006 Oct;19(4):282-5.
17. Araya H, Clavijo C, Herrera C. Antioxidant capacity of fruits and vegetables cultivated in Chile. Arch Latinoam Nutr. 2006 Dec;56(4):361-5.
18. Duke J. The Green Pharmacy. St Martin's Press; 1997
19. Piasek A, Bartoszek A, Namieśnik J. Phytochemicals that counteract the cardiotoxic side effects of cancer chemotherapy. Postepy Hig Med Dosw (Online). 2009 Apr 17;63:142-58.
20. Otaki N, Kimira M, Katsumata S, Uehara M, Watanabe S, Suzuki K. Distribution and major sources of flavonoid intakes in the middle-aged Japanese women. J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2009 May;44(3):231-8. Epub 2009 Apr 25.
21. Parvin R, Akhter N. Protective effect of tomato against adrenaline-induced myocardial infarction in rats. Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull. 2008 Dec;34(3):104-8.
22. Erdman JW Jr, Ford NA, Lindshield BL. Are the health attributes of lycopene related to its antioxidant function? ch Biochem Biophys. 2009 Mar 15;483(2):229-35. Epub 2008 Nov 1.
23. Paran E, Novack V, Engelhard YN, Hazan-Halevy I. The effects of natural antioxidants from tomato extract in treated but uncontrolled hypertensive patients. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther. 2009 Apr;23(2):145-51. Epub 2008 Dec 4.
24. Paran E, Novack V, Engelhard YN, Hazan-Halevy I. The effects of natural antioxidants from tomato extract in treated but uncontrolled hypertensive patients. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther. 2009 Apr;23(2):145-51. Epub 2008 Dec 4.
25. Chan R, Lok K, Woo J. Prostate cancer and vegetable consumption. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2009 Feb;53(2):201-16.

What's really in those Pops?

Whole Food Vitamins

Reading Food Lables: Rainforest Alliance Certified

Continuing with the reading food labels series, today the focus is for the Rainforest Alliance Certified labels.

Look for this label on coffee, bananas, oranges, pineapples, cocoa, ferns, flowers and more.

Rainforest Alliance Certified agricultural and wood products are derived from farms and forests where water, soil and wildlife habitat are conserved, where workers are treated well, where families have access to education and health care and where communities benefit.

Rainforest Alliance certification is a process that promotes and guarantees improvements in agriculture and forestry. The independent seal of approval ensures that goods and services were produced in compliance with strict guidelines protecting the environment, wildlife, workers and local communities.

The workers living and working environment is safe. Producers keep naturally shaded area to protect wildlife, and eliminate or reduce pesticide use to avoid damage to surrounding communities or the environment.

Production practices preserve healthy biodiversity and wildlife habitats.

Buy products with the Rainforest Alliance Certified label because goods bearing the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal are produced using farm and forestry methods that are good for people and the planet.

Whole Food Vitamins

Back to Nature Healthy Snacks - Review

I'm always on the look out for healthy snacks with taste! So many times I get something that has the healthy ingredients but the product tastes like the carton it was packaged in. I can make myself eat things like that from time to time but my 11-year-old son will not eat cardboard.

I found snacks that my husband, my son and I all loved and they are made without any hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup or artificial preservatives, flavors or colors - and they really are absolutely delicious!

We sampled granola cookies, granola and seed and herb crackers from Back to Nature. All of these are so much my kind of snacks. I love seeds, nuts, oats, herbs and dried fruits.

My son wanted to taste the Sesame Tarragon crackers right away. I liked them so I didn't expect him to like them. Wrong, he loved them and ate most of the box over a weeks time.

We also received the Poppy Thyme. They were wonderful as well. I would eat them plain sometimes but mostly with raw cheese, YUMMY....

Suggested Retail Price: $2.99 from Whole Foods and many other retailers. I've bought them from Target and natural food stores.

Product Facts and Highlights:
Back to Nature Seed & Herb Crackers, made with delicious pairings of seeds and herbs that have been specially combined to enhance and bring out their distinctive flavors and taste. I love them and feel good about eating crackers again.

Made with no artificial preservatives, artificial flavors or colors and containing no cholesterol and 0g trans fat per serving.

Back to Nature Seed & Herb Crackers are available in three yummy flavors:
o Poppy Thyme – crisp crackers sprinkled with poppy seeds and chopped thyme
o Sesame Tarragon – crisp crackers sprinkled with golden sesame seeds and flecked with tarragon
o Sunflower Basil – crisp, savory crackers with crunchy sunflower kernels and fragrant basil

BACK TO NATURE CRACKERS POPPY THYME

Serving Size 29 Servings per Container about 6 Amount Per Serving Calories 130 Calories from Fat 40 % Daily Value* Total Fat 4g 6 % Saturated Fat 0.5g 3 % Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol 0mg 0 % Sodium 270mg 11 % Total Carbohydrate 21g 7 % Dietary Fiber 1g 4 % Sugars 2g Protein 2g Vitamin A 0 % Calcium 2 % Vitamin C 0 % Iron 8 %

Ingredients: UNBLEACHED ENRICHED FLOUR (WHEAT FLOUR, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMIN MONONITRATE [VITAMIN B1], RIBOFLAVIN [VITAMIN B2], FOLIC ACID), WHOLE GRAIN WHEAT FLOUR, WHOLE GRAIN ROLLED OATS, OLIVE OIL, EXPELLER PRESSED OLEIC SAFFLOWER OIL, EVAPORATED CANE JUICE, BROWN RICE SYRUP, POPPY SEEDS, SEA SALT, SPICES (THYME, PARSLEY, BLACK PEPPER), MALTED BARLEY EXTRACT, BAKING SODA, ONION POWDER, GARLIC POWDER, SOY LECITHIN, TOCOPHEROLS (VITAMIN E) ADDED TO PRESERVE FRESHNESS. CONTAINS: WHEAT, POPPY SEED, SOY. Size: 6.5 oz Upc: 5928300079

Other flavors of crackers :

• Classic Rounds
• Crispy Cheddars
• Crispy Wheats
• Harvest Whole Wheats
• Multigrain Flax Flatbread Crackers
• Organic Stoneground Wheats
• Poppy Thyme Snack Crackers
• Sesame Tarragon Snack Crackers
• Sunflower Basil Snack Crackers
• White Cheddar Flax Flatbread Crackers

It gets better. We received two boxes of granola cookies. I don't eat sweets much at all but these cookies are exactly the kind of cookie I like. They reminded me of the old fashioned oatmeal cookies my Grandmother and Mom would bake. They are not too sweet and they have lots of flavor from the whole grains! They are very filling because of the oats and nuts.

The granola cookies come in two flavors, Cranberry Pecan and Honey Nut
Suggested Retail Price: $3.99
Find them at Whole Foods and other retailers nationwide, in the cookie aisle. I bought some from Target and the local natural food stores in St. Paul.

Product Facts and Highlights:
Back to Nature makes this wholesome chewy granola cookie that is the best I've ever tasted! Just like the crackers, the cookies are made with no artificial preservatives, artificial flavors or colors.

Back to Nature Granola Cookies are available in two flavors:
o Cranberry Pecan - Delightfully chewy and full of tart cranberries and crunchy pecans. These wholesome granola cookies are sweetened with cane juice, fruit juice and a touch of honey. ( I love these and would hide the package when I bought them, so now I buy two packages at a time!)
o Honey Nut - Chewy granola cookies with the delicious crunch of peanuts and a touch of honey. Sweetened with cane juice, fruit juice and honey.

BACK TO NATURE COOKIES GRANOLA CRANBERRY PECAN

Serving Size 30g Servings per Container about 8 Amount Per Serving Calories 130 Calories from Fat 50 % Daily Value* Total Fat 6g 9 % Saturated Fat 0.5g 3 % Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol 0mg 0 % Sodium 105mg 4 % Total Carbohydrate 20g 7 % Dietary Fiber 2g 8 % Sugars 10g Protein 2g Vitamin A 0 % Calcium 0 % Vitamin C 0 % Iron 4 %

Ingredients: WHOLE GRAIN ROLLED OATS, EVAPORATED CANE JUICE INVERT SYRUP, WHOLE GRAIN WHEAT FLOUR, SWEETENED DRIED CRANBERRIES (SUGAR, CRANBERRIES), EXPELLER-PRESSED OLEIC SAFFLOWER OIL, EVAPORATED CANE JUICE, PECANS, PINEAPPLE JUICE CONCENTRATE, PEANUTS, PEAR JUICE CONCENTRATE, HONEY, SEA SALT, PEACH JUICE CONCENTRATE, BAKING SODA, SOY LECITHIN, TOCOPHEROLS ADDED TO PRESERVE FRESHNESS, NATURAL FLAVOR (CONTAINS HAZELNUT), VANILLA EXTRACT. CONTAINS: WHEAT, PECAN, PEANUT, SOY, HAZELNUT. Size: 8.5 oz Upc: 5928300090

I sampled the new granola cookies - here are more flavors of cookies:
* Chocolate & Mint
* Chocolate Chunk
* Classic Crème
* Cranberry Pecan Granola Cookies
* Crispy Oatmeal
* Fudge Mint Cookies
* Fudge Striped Cookies
* Honey Graham Sticks
* Honey Nut Granola Cookies
* Mini Vanilla Wafers
* Peanut Butter

OK, last but not least comes the two packages of Granola we received. I know you might be thinking that all granola tastes the same. Yeah I was thinking the same but the combination of ingredients makes this granola so much better than the average!

I eat it by the handful, take it camping, eat it as a snack and put it in my yogurt.
I love the Sunflower and Pumpkin seed granola. The chocolate Delight was the favorite for hubby and son. It was good, I'm just more a seed fanatic.

Suggested Retail Price: $ 3.79 from Whole Foods and easily found at most grocers.

Product Facts and Highlights:
Back to Nature Granola is a wholesome crunchy granola in two delicious sweet and savory blends.

Made with no artificial preservatives, artificial flavors or colors, Back to Nature Granola is an excellent source of whole grain.

o Chocolate Delight – contains crunchy clusters of whole grain rolled oats and dark chocolate chunks
o Sunflower & Pumpkin Seed – made with crunchy clusters of whole grain rolled oats, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds

More flavors of granola:

• Apple Blueberry
• Chocolate Delight Granola
• Classic
• Cranberry Pecan
• Organic Cherry Vanilla
• Sunflower & Pumpkin Seed
• Ginger Roasted
• Honey Almond
• Wild Blueberry Walnut

BACK TO NATURE BTN SUNFLOWER & PUMPKIN SEED GRANOLA

Serving Size 47g Servings per Container about 7 Amount Per Serving Calories 200 Calories from Fat 60 % Daily Value* Total Fat 7g 11 % Saturated Fat 1g 5 % Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol 0mg 0 % Sodium 140mg 6 % Total Carbohydrate 31g 10 % Dietary Fiber 4g 16 % Sugars 11g Protein 6g Vitamin A 0 % Calcium 2 % Vitamin C 0 % Iron 10 %

Ingredients: WHOLE GRAIN ROLLED OATS, EVAPORATED CANE JUICE, SUNFLOWER SEEDS, PUMPKIN SEEDS, BROWN RICE SYRUP, BROWN RICE FLOUR, EXPELLER PRESSED SAFFLOWER OIL, MOLASSES, SALT, VITAMIN E (A NATURAL VITAMIN TO HELP PRESERVER FLAVOR), EXPELLER PRESSED VEGETABLE OIL (SAFFLOWER AND/OR SUNFLOWER OIL). CONTAINS: SUNFLOWER SEEDS. MANUFACTURED ON EQUIPMENT THAT PROCESSES SOY, MILK, WHEAT. Size: 12 oz Upc: 5928300074

About the company:

Back to Nature & The Nature Conservancy!

Back to Nature is a proud supporter of The Nature Conservancy—a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has protected 119 million acres of land and 5,000 miles of rivers worldwide. Some of their key initiatives include improving the survival of coasts and oceans, protecting freshwater ecosystems, restoring and managing the world's forests and helping to preserve parks all over the world. They have achieved tremendous success in addressing the key threats to conservation.

Back to Nature is proud to use Rainforest Alliance Certified™ cocoa in our products because we believe in supporting farmers and in protecting the land in the regions from which we source the highest quality ingredients. Now, Back to Nature's Chocolate Chunk Cookies and Chocolate Delight Granola not only taste great, they are helping to do great things for others, too. So every time you make a purchase of one of these products, you're actually doing your part to help further make a difference. For more information, please visit www.rainforest-alliance.org.

This is a product review based on the Back to Nature samples I received. I am not affiliated with the company, just passing along info on a product I happen to like a lot. I hope you and your family enjoy it as much as my family does.

Back to Nature snacks

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