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Posted in healthy body By TB Admin

It's our first Christmas and my husband has made very clear his desire to keep up the Evans family tradition of eating egg casserole on Christmas morning. So it's up to me to make a dish that is both satisfying and healthy! Not such an easy task, as these traditional stratas are very rich and full of processed meat and cheese. So I've scoured the internet for some recipes, replacing this ingredient for that, to create the following healthy egg casserole recipe, adapted from eatingwell.com. Wish me luck, as I'll be taking my first stab at it on Christmas Eve!

Ingredients:

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat a 7-by-11-inch glass baking dish or a 2-quart casserole with cooking spray. (I'll be making this the night before, putting it in the refrigerator and baking in the morning!)
2. Whisk eggs, egg whites and milk in a medium bowl. Add mustard, rosemary and pepper; whisk to combine. Toss spinach, bread, ham and roasted red peppers in a large bowl. Add the egg mixture and toss well to coat. Transfer to the prepared baking dish and push down to compact. Cover with foil.
3. Bake until the custard has set, 40 to 45 minutes. Uncover, sprinkle with cheese and continue baking until the pudding is puffed and golden on top, 15 to 20 minutes more. Transfer to a wire rack and cool for 15 to 20 minutes before serving.

Adapted from: Eatingwell.com 

Posted in Delicious and Health Recipes - Three Branches Healthy Living - Recipes By TB Admin

Our personal favorite that was out of stock in the video - Sprouted Sourdough

If you aren't sure what "sprouted bread" really means, here's a good, descriptive article you for you...."Health Benefits of Sprouted Grain Bread".

Related past posts:

Burger, Anyone?

Satisfy That Holiday Sweet Tooth

Posted in healthy body By TB Admin

There has been an increasing flurry of research and articles written concerning the link between chemicals and weight gain. We breathe in car exhaust, perfumes and conventional cleaning products; absorb lotions full of synthetic ingredients and shower in water high in chlorine; and consume foods with pesticides and added hormones. I think we're getting far above our daily dose of synthetic chemicals. By mimicking hormones, our bodies mistake them as such which can lead to disruption of our typical hormone activity. Among hundreds of other jobs, our hormones regulate our metabolism, which dictates our ability to gain and lose weight.

This article, written by Dan Shapley of The Daily Green, does a great job explaining how chemicals can act as "obesogens".

Never heard of "obesogens"? That's because it's a scientific term for chemicals that mess with the hormones that regulate our metabolism, and cause us to gain weight. In recent years, scientists have studied all sorts of substances -- they call them "endocrine-disrupting chemicals" -- that our bodies mistake for hormones. The endocrine system regulates the body's reproduction, development and metabolism, and most research to date has focused on the reproductive and developmental effects of these chemicals. Just like hormones, they may change our bodies in ways both subtle and profound, even at minute concentrations. The timing of exposure is key, and most chemicals seem to cause the most changes when pregnant women or very young children are exposed. Several studies point to links between manmade chemicals and weight gain. Here are a few:

 

Bisphenol A
This common chemical, which is used in a variety of plastics and in the lining of food and drink cans, can leach into foods (or directly into the bodies of babies chewing on teethers or toys) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found it in about 9 of 10 Americans tested. The Food and Drug Administration and the chemical industry stand by its safety, but a growing body of evidence by independent scientists has persuaded several governments (Minnesota, Chicago, Suffolk County, N.Y., and Canada) that it should not be used in children's products. Some of that research suggests that Bisphenol A -- a synthetic estrogen -- makes lab rats pack on extra weight, regardless of their diet. In humans, it has been linked to heart disease, diabetes and other symptoms of metabolic syndrome in humans, possibly by interfering with a beneficial hormone. To avoid Bisphenol A, avoid No. 7 plastics, use a stainless steel reusable water bottle, limit your consumption of canned foods and drinks, don't microwave foods in plastic and look for products explicitly marked "BPA free."

 

PFOA and PFOS
Perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonate are the chemicals that makes nonstick pans, grease-resistant paper and stain-resistant clothing, carpets and furniture withstand oils. We're exposed our entire lives, and the exposure in the womb may be the most important, according to one study. Several studies have shown that the chemicals lead to lowered birth weight, but one showed that the initial drop in birth weight is followed by a rapid gaining of weight that is associated with obesity throughout life. To avoid these chemicals, think twice before buying stain-resistant and nonstick products (cast iron is one good alternative in the kitchen) and limit your intake of fast foods, microwave popcorn and other foods that may be wrapped in grease-proof paper.

 

Phthalates
Another common chemical, phthalates are found in soft plastics, fragrances and many other consumer products. The U.S. recently banned the use of several phthalates in children's products, because of evidence that early exposure affects the normal development of boys by reducing testosterone levels. One study showed that adult men with the most evidence of exposure to phthalates had fatter bellies. To avoid phthalates, avoid No. 3 plastics, and scrutinize the ingredients of products for "fragrances" or the acronyms DBP, DEP, DMP, DEHP, BxBP or DMP -- all of which signal the presence of phthalates.

 

Dioxins
Formed as a byproduct of burning, dioxins are common and known to be harmful at minute levels. (Whereas the Environmental Protection Agency measures most pollutants in pounds, it measures dioxins in grams.) Dioxin rains down after being emitted by smokestacks, tailpipes and fires, and it contaminates farms, leaving us to be exposed when we eat meat, dairy and fish products. One study showed that those who had been exposed to the highest levels of dioxins were five times more likely to have metabolic syndrome, a collection of metabolic conditions that includes obesity, glucose intolerance and hypertension. To avoid exposure to dioxins, moderate your intake of beef, pork and dairy products, and choose lean cuts of meat to avoid dioxin stored in fats.

 

Pesticides
Several pesticides are known or suspected to be endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Among the suspects is tributyltin, which was used in anti-fungal boat paints and to kill pests on some food crops, and which may trigger obesity. On golf courses, workers who handled the pesticide tricholorfon had an 85%-250% greater risk of developing diabetes, depending on how frequently they handled the chemical. Children born to mothers with higher levels of the pesticide hexachlorobenzene in cord blood were "significantly more likely to be overweight and obese" by the age of 6. In a recent study, rats fed water laced with atrazine, a weed killer commonly used on U.S. corn crops (but banned in much of the world) gained 5%-10% more weight than rats that weren't exposed to the chemical. Those fed weed killer and a high-fat diet gained the most weight, but even rats that ate a healthy diet ended up about 5% fatter if they drank the tainted water. To avoid these and other pesticides, avoid using insect and weed killers around the home, and avoid foods with the most pesticide residue.

 

We're used counting calories, following fad diets and blaming our inability to lose weight on genetics. These things have a place, no doubt, but we strongly believe that chemicals play a part in the reason that some people seem to hold on to fat more than others. For instance, if you're genetically predisposed to weight gain, these synthetic chemicals could be making it much harder to maintain ideal weight.

Fight Chemicals With Whole-Food Supplements

But at the very least, we know these chemicals aren't good for us, so why not give it a try and prudently avoid them? Another step you can take is through supplementation. We understand that many of these harmful chemicals are pervasive and almost impossible to avoid, so we highly recommend that people take whole-food supplements that help clear the body's estrogenic pathways. XenoStat and Estro Complex make a powerful duo in the fight against endocrine-disrupting chemicals and are part of our daily regimen. They great increase our body's ability to detoxify xeno (or foreign) estrogenic compounds, such as pesticides and synthetic hormones found in commercial meat, poultry, dairy and synthetic hormone replacement therapy.

Image: one-pak.co.uk

Posted in healthy body By TB Admin

During our trip to California we had the pleasure of meeting Jane Graves, actress, model, researcher and creator of the new and upcoming animation chracter, Ladybug Jane. Jane has a passion for health and non-toxic products and aims to share that with others. We love Jane's idea to teach kids and others about healthy tips via a fun and entertaining media, and we hope you enjoy this little interview we did with her.

To learn more about Ladybug Jane and to watch the full animation film "Red Lips Inspires Ladybug Tips," go to www.ladybugjane.com.

Posted in healthy body By TB Admin

We recommend this soup to anyone in need of a health kick. It's a wonderful way to support your organs in the midst of holiday drinking! The endocrine glands (adrenal and thyroid) will also greatly benefit from a Bieler's Broth cleanse. And the best part? It's delicious ! (As I eat my bowl right now...)

Who was Dr. Bieler?

Henry G. Bieler, M.D., stood fast on the foundation of natural healing, believing whole heartedly that the body has an inherent ability to heal itself, through proper nutrition. In fact, he was often at odds with the American Medical Association due to his outspoken opinion that his patients (many very famous) should avoid drugs and rely on whole foods instead.

In 1965, Dr. Bieler wrote the famous book Food is Your Best Medicine, chalk full of recipes still widely used today. Heads above the rest, his most famous recipe is Bieler's Broth which he used for fasts and/or for detoxification. This simple soup restores alkalinity and mineral balance, therefore is used to target cancer cells, which thrive in acidic environments. Dr. Bieler would often use this  soup to nourish weak organs, especially the liver. A simple internet search will reveal the thousands of people who still believe whole heartedly in Bieler's Broth.

Bieler’s Broth

All ingredients should be organic.

2 lbs zucchini
1 lb string beans
4 stalks celery
1-2 bunches parsley
4 cups purified water
Extra virgin olive oil or unsalted organic butter (I used ghee)

Cut up the zucchini, string beans and celery. You may either steam or boil the vegetables until soft in a stainless steel or porcelain pot using the filtered water.

Blend the vegetables, cooking water and (raw) parsley together to the consistency of pea soup, then add the butter/ghee/oil.

For a Bieler's fast, drink this throughout the day, and avoid adding salt or other condiments. You won't believe how revitalized you'll feel! I myself like to add Pink Salt and Nutritional Flakes if using this as a supplement to my current diet.

Posted in Delicious and Health Recipes - Three Branches Healthy Living - Recipes By TB Admin

We've gone AWOL for the past few days, but with very good reason...

Branch Basics is Born!

Over the weekend, Three Branches (with the help of our beloved family and friends) gave life to our new non-toxic cleaning line, Branch Basics.

Taking a break atop our finished solution!

We've conquered our dream and launched the absolute best, most effective and completely non-toxic cleaning product available! We named it Branch Basics because, well, that's what it is. Basic. Coconut oil, plant-based enzymes and other natural ingredients that work by micelle colloidal technology to break down oils. It's a miracle worker on grease, grime, stains, laundry, countertops, bathrooms...and can even be used as a personal care product. Yep, that's right, you can use it in replacement of your current shampoos and face washes!

As of now, Branch Basics is only available on the shelves at New Living Hardware in Houston (on Kirby), and will be available for purchase on our site VERY soon! We couldn't be more excited for this product to make it into your homes, replacing all your conventional ones. We are confident that you will love it!

A hard day's work and this is all we had to show for it...

ta-DA!

Branch Basics Featured on Great Day Houston!

In fact, Branch Basics will be featured on Great Day Houston on January 5th. For all you non-Houstonians, it's a talk show hosted by the famed Deborah Duncan. So stay tuned!

NYC Seminar on Autism

And as if that's not enough, Kelly, Marilee and I took a mid-week trip to the Big Apple where we just got done with a seminar on the Environmental Causes of Autism and Other Learning Disabilities hosted at the world-renowned Mt. Sinai Hospital. The all-day intensive was hosted by Dr. Phillip Landrigan, MD, M.Sc., an epidemiologist and pediatrician and one of the world's leading advocates of children's health. We can't wait to give you more details in our upcoming posts...

Thanks for being patient as we try to maintain consistent daily posts despite our hectic schedules!

Posted in healthy home By TB Admin

It's a bold, yet fairly agreed-upon statement, that the Toxic Substane Control Act (TSCA) of 1976 doesn't suffice when it comes to protecting Americans from toxic chemicals. Through the use of this act, the Environmental Protection Agency has been able to require testing on only 200 of the 80,000 chemicals on the U.S. market. Only five have been regulated.

This is where Safer Chemicals Healthy Families comes in. This organization, aimed at reducing American's exposure to toxic chemicals, improve health and lower health care costs, is working to reform TSCA. Their executive summary included in the TSCA reform report published in January 2010 stated that "environmental health studies have led to a growing consensus that chemicals are playing a role in the incidence and prevalence of many diseases and disorders in our country, including

• Leukemia, brain cancer, and other childhood cancers, which have increased by more than 20% since 1975. (See Endnote 2)
• Breast cancer, which went up by 40% between 1973 and 1998. (See Endnote 3) While breast cancer rates have declined since 2003, a woman’s lifetime risk of breast cancer is now one in eight, up from one in ten in 1973. (See Endnote 4)
• Asthma, which approximately doubled in prevalence between 1980 and 1995 and has stayed at the elevated
  rate. (See Endnotes 5,6)
• Difficulty in conceiving and maintaining a pregnancy affected 40% more women in 2002 than in 1982. The incidence of reported difficulty has almost doubled in younger  
  women, ages 18–25. (See Endnotes 7,8)
• The birth defect resulting in undescended testes, which has increased 200% between 1970 and 1993. (See Endnote 9)
• Autism, the diagnosis of which has increased more than 10 times in the last 15 years. (See Endnote 10)

Almost half of all Americans are living with these, and other diseases and conditions..."

There is an undeniable trend here. As toxic chemicals continue to flood the U.S. market, we will continue to get sicker. But, in this article, we want to focus on the last bullet point, Autism, as well as other Learning and Developmental Disabilities (LDDs), which now affect about 1 in every 6 children.*

Special education averages just over $12,000 for each student and according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), autistic children incur about $5,000 more in medical expenses than those without the disorder. (Endnotes 41,42) Lead, methyl-mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCPs), arsenic and toulene have been identified as known causes of neurodevelopmental disorders. Levels that were once thought of as safe are now shown harmful as it's been proved that the developmental brain is more susceptible than the adult brain.

"A chemical exposure at three months gestation may result in a different effect than exposure to the same chemical at six months gestation or at two years of age," says the report.

There are about 3,000 chemicals produced in high volume (accounting for over one million pounds per year) and only 12 have been tested for neurotoxicity. It is the hope of Safer Chemicals Healthy Families that TSCA be updated to protect pregnant women and children from these potentially harmful chemicals.

Marilee, Kelly and I are delighted to have the opportunity to attend the scientific workshop "Exploring the Environmental Causes of Autism and Learning Disabilities" at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City on December 8th. Led by the well-respected Dr. Phillip Landrigan, it should be a wonderful learning experience that we can't wait to share with all of you! 

On a more personal note, Three Branches has a special interest in this topic as we believe there is an undeniable link between our environment (toxins in the air as well as the influx of electromagnetic radiation) and the increase in LDDs. We also believe that with the removal of environmental toxins, symptoms can be alleviated. Marilee has witnessed this first hand as she watched her son, Douglas, move through the various stages of mental dysfunction after a toxic Chlordane exposure left him moronic. An extraordinarily bright boy at the age of ten, Douglas went from reading, writing and spelling to a stage marked by stoic apathy, drooling and inability to spell three-letter words. Over the next several years, Marilee diligently and laboriously removed toxins from Douglas' environment and watched in amazement as he moved through the spectrum of near-retardation to autism to ADHD/ADD to exhibiting no learning disabilities at all. He graduated top of his class from the U.S. Naval Academy and is currently a Naval Intelligence Officer. You can read Marilee's full story, a riveting tale of hope, devotion and commitment to finding the answers to true healing.

For a previous article relating chemicals to Autism, click here.

Image source: www.nydaiynews.com

Posted in healthy body By TB Admin

We all eat seafood, whether in the form of baked halibut or fried shrimp. And we've all heard that not all seafood is equal. In fact, some contain high levels of mercury, pesticides, antibiotic and bacterial residue. Others are clean and a wonderful source of Omega-3's which are considered brain food, help flight inflammation and can go as far as turning off bad genes. So don't you think it's worth spending a few extra minutes learning about the seafood that we put in our mouths?!

We've found a great website, chalk full of information regarding seafood. With lists like "The Dirty Dozen", you're armed with everything you need to know about the fish you should avoid. You can even search by the type of fish you like, from mild to thicker and more flavorflul.

Check out National Smart Seafood Guide 2010.

For the highest-quality Omega-3's on the market, check out our Cod Liver Oil which, we can assure you, comes from the best source of Cod available! This supplement is a MUST for everyone, as we all need good oils to maintain optimum health!

Posted in healthy body By TB Admin