Considering the vast number of products in which it’s now found, aspartame is pretty scary stuff indeed.

For one thing, the artificial sweetener, commonly found in “diet” and “light” foods and beverages, is in the same family as monosodium glutamate (MSG), which I told you about here last week, in that both are brain-cell killing “excitoxins.”  (Aspartame is also on the list of 125 unwanted ingredients, or “No-No’s” in Wild Oats products).

Like the free glutamic acid in MSG, the aspartic acid found in aspartame is a neurotoxic substance that activates a ‘phantom taste’ sensation that can literally excite certain brain cells to death, particularly when consumed by children without a fully formed blood-brain barrier, or older people whose barrier has been compromised. In fact, both MSG and aspartame were found to cause holes in the brains of baby mice

Brain cell death aside, an estimated 85 percent of all complaints made to the Food and Drug Administration are related to aspartame consumption.

In fact, it causes so many adverse reactions that there’s even a support group for people who have experienced them – the Aspartame Consumer Safety Network. Founded in 1987, it has since logged more than ten thousand such reports from both individuals and doctors. These range from migraines to depression to slurred speech to breathing problems to convulsions.

But the most frightening of all may be the ones from airline pilots, who have told of suffering grand mal seizures and vision problems, as well as confusion, disorientation and “aberrant behavior.” The group has logged well over 600 such reports from pilots – something it calls “a problem of astronomical proportions with disastrous results if left unaddressed.”

Aspartame, in other words, is something that can really “zap you out” — and because it carries no warnings (other than that intended for people suffering fromthe genetic condition called phenylketonuria, or PKU), you might never know what did it to you.

If you’re saying “enough already,” unfortunately, there’s more.

Original research done decades ago found that aspartame caused brain tumors in test animals – a fact that researchers for the company that accidentally discovered it in 1965 were accused of covering up.

So it’s up to you to make sure you’re not eating or drinking products that have been sweetened with this toxic additive.

Just think of it as a “no-brainer.”

‘Tis the Season’ for Jack-O- Lanterns and Trick-or-Treat. Ever wonder what those pumpkins are smiling about? – It’s Pumpkin Seeds! Inside every pumpkin are scores of nutrient rich seeds just waiting to be eaten. Of course you can buy pumpkin seeds both cooked and raw at your local store, but if you don’t mind getting your hands dirty, carving a pumpkin and saving the seeds can be a lot of fun. It’s so simple you can let the kids do it, and the nutritional benefits are considerable.

After opening your pumpkin, just scoop out the goopy seeds, rinse, and pull off any pulpy residue, then dry overnight. Spread the seeds on a cookie tray. You can spritz them with Olive oil if you like and add some salt, chili powder, or other spices. If you prefer a sweet treat, try brown sugar and cinnamon. *To keep the highest level of nutrients in the seeds, keep cooking time to no more than 20 minutes at about 350 degrees. I did them last week for 15 minutes and they were perfect for my taste. Once cooled, store in an airtight container. They last almost forever. – And here is a perk that you just can’t beat. Pumpkin seed become more nutritious with age. Yes you read that right. In tests done at the Massachusetts Experimental Station, pumpkin seeds stored for more than five months show notable increase in protein content!

So, how nutritious are they? Well here’s the rundown: A one ounce serving of roasted pumpkin seeds (about a handful) gives you 15 percent of the daily requirement of protein for men and 18 percent of the daily requirement for women. They are low in carbs, and high in fiber.

They are a good source of hard to find vitamin K. (See Linda Bonvie’s blog on why this matters,) and vitamin E, – The diverse forms of vitamin E in Pumpkin seeds is unique and provides more health benefits than a “fixed” vitamin. They also contain thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine) and folates.

Pumpkin seeds are a treasure trove of minerals, Phosphorous, magnesium, (80% of Americans are deficient in this important mineral that helps regulate blood pressure, prevent cardiac arrest and stroke,) they also contain manganese, iron and copper.

The photosterols in pumpkin seeds help reduce LDL cholesterol!

Did you know – Pumpkin seeds hold the unique rank of being the most alkaline seed? So, If you suffer from acid stomach, this easy to store and carry snack could make your life a little easier, offering much more than an over the counter antacid.

Studies have shown that pumpkin seeds prevent kidney stone formation.

They can also reduce inflammation without any of the side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs.

Guys take note: Pumpkin seeds are good for prostate health! The oil from the seeds alleviates difficult urination associated with an enlarged prostate.

If you have read my other bogs you know I am big on the benefits of sleep, (or maybe I am just lazy.) In any event, Pumpkin seeds contain L Tryptophan which can help you sleep and ward off depression.

So if you’ve been wondering what that big orange smile is really about, now you know, it’s Pumpkin seeds!

Pumpkin seed recipes

13 Health benefits of pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seed benefits – Livestrong

9 Benefits of pumpkin seeds – Mercola

Lots of folks tend to think that our only exposure to the pesticides and antibiotics used in agriculture comes through the food products produced with those compounds.

Not so, my friend.

A few years back, the Environmental Defense Fund conducted a survey of antibiotic use in animal agriculture production. As a part of that report, they found that 57% of the nearly 1,500 tons of antibiotics fed to livestock in Iowa in one year alone were excreted in the manure and urine from those animals. That’s 852 tons of antibiotics released into the soil, streams and air. According to newly released figures from FDA, the use of medically-important antibiotics increased by 16% between 2009 and 2012.

Now, the U.S. Geological Survey just released a study concluding that 90% of the urban waterways in the U.S. carried traces of agricultural pesticides. The study noted that the levels were “only harmful to aquatic life” like fish, frogs and insects. Any assurance that something will only kill fish and frogs is hardly an assurance for me.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is now warning the public that rising rates of antibiotic resistance now comprise one of the top health threats facing the nation. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has been working with conventional livestock producers to cut the use of medially-important antibiotics in agriculture. Several of the largest meat and poultry companies have pledged to “phase out” their use of these antibiotics.

I don’t know about you, but I’ll buy my food from farmers who have already stopped using those antibiotics and pesticides.

We’ve heard about the health benefits of dark chocolate.  Fellow Oatie, Sebrina, did a great post about them. Chocolate contains a group of substances called polyphenols that are responsible for lots of the good effects.  So, what’s new?

Research from the Dept. of Food Science at Louisiana State University has uncovered a big reason that it is so healthy. This new information helps to unravel some of the mystery.  I bet you know where I’m heading  … yep, our friendly bacteria (once again) are responsible for most of the health benefits!!

I’ve talked a lot about our friendly bacteria (the “microbiota”).  The reason we consume foods that contain probiotics, or take probiotic supplements, is to increase the amount of friendly bacteria that resides in our GI tract.  My post on Granny Smith apples has a good review.  So, the “friendly bacteria-cocoa connection”?   The study, which used cocoa, showed that:
● Major polyphenols in chocolate are not digested by our digestive enzymes, they are only digested by the microbiota.

●  The digestion of the polyphenols by the microbiota produces epicatechin and catechin, two of the major players in the health benefits of chocolate.

●  Epicatechin and catechin are further processed by the microbiota to create additional pharmabiotics

●  Chocolate contains a prebiotic that  is digested by the microbiota to form small-chain fatty acids.  (SCFA are the major fuel source for the cells that line our GI tract.)

In an unrelated study published this summer, cocoa was found to support blood vessel and cardiovascular health.

In additional research published last month, cocoa was found to protect against abnormal fat storage normally associated with a high fat diet.

Putting these different pieces of information together, here we are again, back to the friendly bacteria, only this time, with chocolate!!  This is awesome!!  I love my friendly bacteria.  I love chocolate.  Nice combo!!

So, are you ready for an over-the-top great, amazing and super easy chocolate mousse recipe (made with cocoa)??  This is so delicious ….. Linda’s Chocolate Mousse!!!

And, of course, there is always hot cocoa, especially as the fall turns into winter.  I don’t know about you, but I could take a cup right now!

If you love to cook — or even if you don’t — the right kitchen tools can make the difference between a satisfying meal and total disaster.

You wouldn’t go hiking without a good pair of boots on your feet and a container of water.  You wouldn’t try to mow your lawn with a weed-whacker and you wouldn’t go mountain climbing without a, ummm, well, mountain climbing thingy.

My point is, if you’re going to do something — anything — you need the proper tools.  Having the right equipment not only makes the job easier and safer, it increases the likelihood of a good outcome and a good time.

Cooking is no different than any other activity you might want or need to engage in.  But so often people think of cooking as a third rate activity.  The same people who would spend hundreds of dollars on the proper running shoe will use a paper cup as a cereal bowl and a napkin as a coffee filter.

I know this first hand.  I have a brother.  And that’s all I’m going to say about that.

The good news is that it is never too late to mend your ways.  You can start today by taking an inventory of your kitchen equipment and adding the things that will make cooking easier, safer, quicker and more fun.  I’ve prepared a list.

The Top 10 Kitchen Essentials

1. 12 Inch Cast Iron Skillet— This could be the only pan you’ll ever need.  It will be your go to for all types of cooking, from eggs to chili to steak or chicken, and everything in between.  It is also nearly indestructible.
2. Cutting Board— Buy a set that contains 3 pieces, small, medium and large.
3. A Good Set Of Knives—These can be pricey, but think of it as an investment.  A proper set of kitchen knives will last a lifetime.
4. A Professional Knife Sharpener— This item doesn’t have to be costly, but it is as important as anything in your kitchen. A sharp knife works better than a dull one. And you’ll be less likely to cut yourself when using it.
5. An Immersion Blender—You’ll probably find that this little tool can replace a large and costly blender. It can make a milkshake or liquify a soup.  It will also froth steamed milk for your skinny latte.
6. Measuring Cups And Spoons—Go for stainless, nesting-type utensils that take up less room and store more easily.
7. Serving Spoon— Stop trying to serve mashed potatoes with tongs. Invest in a proper “big” spoon and do the job right.
8. Ladle—Stop trying to serve soup with a fork.  A good ladle will serve spaghetti sauce, soup or even punch.
9. Meat Thermometer— Whether grilling or roasting, takes the guess work out of cooking meat.
10. Slow Cooker— If you are the type that hates to cook, this will prepare for you a wonderful meal with little fuss and even less time. You dump ingredients in and a meal comes out.  It’s that simple.

These 10 items will get you started on your way to a well-outfitted kitchen.  Now all you need is that special someone to appreciate your hard work.