Need another reason to eat vegetables? Well both broccoli and cauliflower which are flowering members of the cabbage family and are cruciferous vegetables contain compounds that reduce the risk of hereditary cancers. The beneficial compound in these vegetables is sulforaphane (SFN). Researchers have known that the compound can fight cancer caused by carcinogens, but now they've found it also fights those caused by genetics. The researchers believe SFN suppressed certain enzymes that are active in mice and humans with colon cancer. They recommended that SFN be evaluated clinically for its cancer-preventative effects in humans.

Broccoli is also an excellent source of vitamin C and calcium. One-half cup of cooked, chopped broccoli provides the same amount of vitamin C as 1/2 cup of orange juice. Broccoli’s dark green color indicates that it is a good source of vitamin A. Cauliflower is a rich source of vitamin C and a good source of potassium. Remember that the phytochemical activity of these vegetables is increased when they are combined with other vegetables. Be sure to select firm, green, tightly headed broccoli. Some may have a purplish color, which is a mark of quality. Cauliflower should be solid, heavy and unblemished, and should have fresh green leaves. Fresh broccoli and cauliflower should be stored in a plastic bag and refrigerated. For best quality, use within four days.
The American Cancer Society estimates that more than two-thirds of cancer may be prevented through lifestyle modification, and nearly one-third of these cancer occurrences can be attributed to diet alone.
The connection between diet and cancer prevention is now clear that the expression of cancer-related genes can be influenced by chemopreventive compounds in the things we eat. We are what we eat as we see clearly expressed through the obesity epidemic. Prevcention is health insurance.

Everything in nature contains all the power of nature. Everything is made of one hidden stuff.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Super Food Tropical Fruit Ah, wondrous refreshing papaya! This is my all time favorite tropical fruit. For years I have been eating a quart of freshly diced papaya almost every day for breakfast. Aside from its luscious taste it is a whole food that supports daily health. Once you add it as a regular part of your diet you will begin to feel the health benefits. The first noticeable effect of eating papaya is that it offers digestive support. The fiber helps to bind and rid the body of cancer-causing toxins in the colon. The folate and fiber helps prevent colon cancer. It contains a digestive enzyme called papain found in the skin and the unripe, green varieties, which helps digest proteins. The enzymes have anti-inflammatory properties that lowers inflammation in the body, which is particularly beneficial for people with asthma, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or burns. When there is a healthy colon it sets the stage for proper immune function. A strong immune system is equipped to fight cancer. Vitamins A and C found in papaya increases immune support. In fact, one serving is about a three-day supply. Other nutrients that offer support are folate, potassium, fiber, and vitamins A, E and K, along with antioxidant flavonoids help to prevent the oxidation of cholesterol in the body. Arterial plaque is caused by the oxidation of cholesterol that sticks to the blood vessel walls, thus leading to heart attacks and strokes.

Rich in lycopene, papaya can prevent damage to DNA and help to fight prostate cancer. Other lycopene-rich fruits and vegetables include tomatoes, apricots, pink grapefruit, watermelon, and guava. Papaya also protects against macular degeneration, the most common cause of vision loss & health of the lungs. Another papaya wonder is that it is also great for your hair, nails and skin. The fruit mashed may also be used as an external treatment as a face or body mask for wounds, especially those that aren’t healing well and to fade freckles. Put a little on an irritated mosquito bites and you'll find the itch relieved.

Please note that the seeds of the papaya ARE edible. They have a pleasant peppery flavor that's especially good added in salad dressings. If you don't wish to eat them, you can certainly plant them. The pregant papaya tree in the picture above was grown from seed in the herb garden. It is double the size of the one planted months before it 7ft away. This may due to the regualr watering from the sprinkler system inside the herb garden. If you opt to buy papaya instead of planting them, choose one with a soft yellow-orange skin and eat it soon for best benefits. Note that the skin may pit as it ripens, simply slice it lengthwise, deseeed and peel the skin away. Store the rest of the peeled, sliced or diced papaya in a sealed glass or stainless steel container & refrigerate up to 3 days or so. Any longer the fruit begins to sour, but most likely it will be long eaten. If you don't have the luxury of tree ripe papaya, buy a green one. To hasten ripening, put the papaya in a brown paper bag. You can eat papaya alone, the way I like it, or squeeze lemon or lime juice to enhance its flavor. It's also delicious as a whipped dessert and smoothie, too. Papaya Recipes

Papaya's peak season is early summer and fall, so right now is an ideal time to enjoy this nourishing fruit. Take the black seeds of the fruit and plant them in the ground with lots of warmth. Papaya Facts

The photo above of the papaya tree is from seed growing in rich garden soil.

Harvest Days are: 5,6, 28, & 29

IN THE KNOW

Farm raised Fish no longer a viable healthy option- is your fish raised in sewage water? The largest exporter of seafood to the U.S. raises fish in conditions that are toxic, dangerous, and downright disgusting.

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Research by a leading German zoologist has shown that genes used to genetically modify crops can jump the species barrier, newspapers reported here on Sunday. A three-year study by Professor Hans-Heinrich Kaatz at the University of Jena found that the gene used to modify oil-seed rape had transferred to bacteria living inside honey bees. The findings will undermine claims by the biotech industry and supporters of GM foods that genes cannot spread.

Genetically Engineered (GE) Insects Soon In Canada?

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Trillion Dollar Health Scam

Pharmaceuticals contaminating public water supplies; anti-seizure meds found in Lake Michigan

Doctors Orders- Licensed to Pill

Basil, bergamot, black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, coriander, eucalyptus, citrodora, grapefruit, juniper, lime, peppermint, petitgrain, pine, rosemary, thyme linalol

* All flower photos come from our Orchid Houses and will soon be available as a screensaver for purchase in the On-Line Store

The basis for attaining an experience in raja yoga meditation is to understand the self and the mind. If we are able to understand the self as the source of energy that creates our feelings, then the following will become our focus. The human mind is the most creative, powerful and wonderful "instrument" we possess. But have we found our true self? We have become the most educated and civilized society in our history, but are we civil towards one another? The soul has three main faculties: the mind or consciousness, the intellect and the subconscious. Thoughts flow from the subconscious mind to the conscious mind.

Feelings and emotions form in accordance with the montage of thoughts flowing in the mind. Therefore our state of mind at any given moment is determined by the thoughts in our consciousness, and also with the feelings that we associate with those thoughts. Since our subconscious contains all our previous thoughts and experiences, it is necessary to selectively control the flow of thoughts that emerge from the subconscious mind. This is discernment.

Awaring our state of mind and the thoughts that flow into it from the subconscious, we are better able to use our intellect that is the controller, to discriminate so that only positive and benevolent thoughts flow into our minds. As we strengthen and sharpen of the intellect we develop more control over the mind allowing only positive and peaceful thoughts to enter. The end result is a constant state of well being.

AFFIRMATIVE THINKING: Upon waking have the thought; I am a peaceful soul, my aim today is to radiate peace to every person that I come into contact with.

Try to experience the stillness of mind of being a peaceful soul as other thoughts emerge in the mind do not judge or focus on them but repeat ............ I am a peaceful soul ............. I am a peaceful soul ............ My mind is filled with peace .............. I radiate peace to the world ............... I feel the gentle waves of peace flowing across my mind ........... As these peaceful thoughts emerge in my mind I feel the stillness and silence envelopes my mind ...........I am the peaceful soul ...... I am a peaceful loving soul ............ My mind feels light and free from worries ........... I realize my real nature is peace .......... Peaceful thoughts flow through the mind and I feel the self becoming light .......... I am a being of light shining like a star ...........I radiate peace and light to the world ......... The light and peace envelopes me and the waves of peace and light shine like a lighthouse...........This is the wonderful journey of self discovery.

The act of Raja Yoga meditation for at least 15 minutes in the early morning has a positive effect during the entire day.