Over the past week, the topic of inequality has been floating around me. I have been thinking about inequality and its direct impact to the well being of, what I would argue the majority of the people on this planet. I started this thinking marathon last weekend when I was at a barbeque and I heard one of the other guests shout something similar to this, “I know, they just raise the prices and kick everyone out!” I looked towards the source of this statement and we made eye contact, the source proceeded with a drawn-out head shake. That is all I heard him say and that was enough for me to know what he was talking about; gentrification. All over America cities are going through gentrification: getting rid of the old and bringing in new money.
Hearing a conversation regarding the topic of gentrification at a friendly barbeque was both a bad thing as well as a good thing. The bad thing is that gentrification exists at all and we have to deal with it, on the other hand it is a good thing because I see it as a sign that it might be becoming more of a concern to the common individual.
My first encounter with gentrification took place at least four years ago when I was at a local tea shop studying for an exam. During my stay there I met a man(I do not remember his name now) who made it clear to me that he was homeless. We talked for most of the day,we talked about life and the adventures that come with it. But one of the things that he said is that he noticed that a lot of people are leaving San Francisco, California. When I heard this I was shocked, “really,” I thought, because as far as I know everyone wants to live in San Francisco. But now I think about it he was probably referring to people who were more like him, people who did not have enough money to afford to live in San Francisco. Since that day I had kept my mind open to learning more about gentrification.
Fast forward one year and I am enrolled in a class that provides me with the opportunity to learn more about gentrification. I had a final paper assignment and the topic that I chose to write on was “the history and impact of murals in San Francisco.” My professor really wanted me to focus on the, “weirdness and or the peculiar messages in the murals,” to this day I do not know what he was saying. But I knew what I wanted to learn about, I surrounded myself with everything regarding gentrification and absorbed as much as I could.
Now back to my marathon of thoughts regarding economic inequality. a couple of days ago I came across pictures(below) of extravagant hotels/resorts in Dubai. I know that Dubai is one of the wealthiest cities but after seeing these pictures I think, “really,” people still have money.
I mean, because I recently started taking business courses, so it is all new to me. But I do know that big corporation(s)/companies do their research before they open a business in a certain area. They find out how much they are going to make, how many people come each year, when they need to advertise, who are their main clients, etc; they find out everything before the invest their money. So basically it surprised me that this resort is doing so well(in this day and age), while others are suffering. One of main problems I find with the state of the world is that things do not have to be the way that they are. It is not necessary to produce or consume nice things in the expense of others; which is exactly the way the world functions today.
Sky View
People’s homes
The smaller of the two palm trees
There aquariums inside the buildings. It can be at least 90 degrees outside.
To sum it all up, I found a video that really puts the economic inequality in America and ultimately the world into perspective. This video is pretty impressive. This video is found on upworthy.com and it is called,”9 Out Of 10 Americans Are Completely Wrong About This Mind-Blowing Fact,” posted by Adam Mordecai.
Most Americans want a more ideal and equal distribution of wealth.
The actual distribution is ridiculous
1% of America has 40% of the wealth.
Peace!
“Only my body is here because I am thinking about what is happening around the world.”-Mumia
Below is a video from Ted.com, it is called “Mother and Daughter Hero Doctors: Hawa Abdi and Deqo Mohamed.” It was filmed on December 2010 and posted on February 2011.
“…women and children are the ones affected most by civil war.”
This is an important statement because it is very true. Women and children have always suffered in times of conflict and ultimately since the existence of human beings. But times have been changing as you can see here is one example.
“No man can beat his wife.”
This is still a global problem.
“We will call the eldest people…if the defy this case..we never release him”
This is an old tradition that is rarely practiced in Western society. Older people have the potential to have so much wisdom and a sense of the way the world works or should work. So, it is ingenious to harness that wisdom.
“Women are most strong, person, all over the world.”
True that.
The people of the community came up with the two rules; democracy?
“I saw how my mother was helping and how she really need the help and how is the care is essential to healthcare…”
I believe that sometimes parents forget that they are the first and in many cases the only example for their children. I mean that children learn how to treat others, how to take care of themselves, how to work hard, how to be a good person, etc; from their parent(s)/guardian(s).
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Below is a video from Al Jazeera, it is called, “Shabeena’s Quest.” I believe it was posted on November 2012. Shabeena is a principal at a school in Pakistan. Under the governing of the Taliban, Shabeena, shuns old-age traditions that prevent girls and women to go to school. Shabeena shows courage and dedication to do what I believe, is right. The video also follows two girls who attend the school: Afshan and Zarina.
Afshan comes from a family with six daughters and they All go to school. On a family salary* that would make your head spin. Truly, for anyone who knows what it is like to live poor in a third world country, you know how amazing that is. Especially in a Taliban dominated environment; imagine.
Zarina, comes from a family that is comparable to Afshan’s but the difference is that her family wants to marry her off at the age of 14. Zarina of course wants to stay in school; she has to fight to learn.
Throughout the video you will really see the hearts and minds of the future generation. I hope at least one the children there rises up to really bring change some where in the world; you cannot deny even at their young age they know what needs changing.
I wanted to say that this post features women who are doing things that many would consider courageous and dangerous. But all women are important in order for this planet to function peacefully. And every mother is important to someone in the world. Bless All mothers.
*Average annual salary in Pakistan $4,650.00 this is based on the 2012/2013 survey.
Peace!
“Only my body is here because I am thinking about what is happening around the world.”-Mumia
Carotenoids( beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-cryptoxanthi) and bioflavonoids.
Red Produce.
Red grapes, pomegranates, raspberries, strawberries, watermelon, pink or red grapefruit, tomatoes, beets, radishes, red peppers, rhubarb, cherries, cranberries, red cabbage, guava and red apples.
Phytochemicals.
Carotenoids(Lycopen, anthocyanin), and resveratol.
Blue and Purple Produce.
Purple cabbage, blueberries, blackberries, black grapes, raisins, eggplant, plums, prunes and figs.
Phytochemicals.
Anthocyanins, phenolics, and resveratol.
Below is a chart taken from Ms. Zimmerman’s website found here.
Phytochemical Families
Family
What They Do
Where They’re Found
Terpenes
Carotenes, limonoids, saponins
Activate body’s protective enzymes, protect eyes, act as antioxidants, modify hormones, help block cholesterol absorption, protect cellular differentiation
Green, red and yellow vegetables and fruits; grains; legumes; nuts; seeds; herbs such as ginseng, chamomile, gotu kola
The information here is not intended to replace standard(allopathic) medicine, which has its benefit in the medical environment in diagnosing and treating diseases. Any persistent, severe, and or unusual symptoms should be evaluated by a registered physician. The natural remedies/habits suggested here, although safer than pharmaceutical drugs, can cause unexpected results, in different people. If a condition fails to respond to the remedies/habits presented here, you should consult a physician. The author of this information, disclaims responsibility for any adverse reactions resulting directly or indirectly from the information given here.
I am hoping that since the last post you had the opportunity to get your hands on some berries. If not maybe you have the intention to. I personally purchased two baskets of strawberries and two baskets of blackberries from the farmers market. I usually wait until the end of the strawberry season(late August-September) because the price goes down as the season goes on. But at this time the price was affordable, so that is really good for my body because I am currently providing it with an adequate supply anthocyacins(reason why blackberries are black and strawberries are red).
To review, phytochemicals are the healthy chemical compounds that give vegetables and fruits their color. In plants these phytochemicals protect plants from the various stresses that come up in their lives. When we eat vegetables and fruits our body utilizes the same phytochemicals that are found in plants. So that our bodies can fight the similar stresses that our own bodies experience; in some cases the stresses are exactly the same. We also need phytochemicals for our bodies to function efficiently. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, research has shown that consuming these phytochemicals may help strengthen your immune system as well as decrease you risk of certain cancers, high blood pressure, stoke, type II diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. It would benefit you if you could take up the habit of consuming vegetables and fruits that represent all the colors of the rainbow.
I did want to add, that your body constantly works on maintaining your bodies pH at around 7.4. Different foods that we eat effect the pH of our bodies differently, for example, animal products, legumes, and grains make our bodies more acidic. Vegetables and fruits may also make our bodies acidic but they also contain alkalizing minerals, which buffer the acidic effects of animal products, legumes, and grains. So people who eat primarily animal products, foods high in sugar, salt, fat and highly processed foods are actually suffering from metabolic acidosis.
Phytochemicals can be categorized in several ways. But I really like how Marcia Zimmerman, CN, categorized phytochemicals based on their chemical structure. The different families are: terpenes, organosulfur compounds, phenols, lipids, Organic acids and polysaccharides(note: Organic acids and Polysaccharides are in the same family). Feel free to click on the different links below to gain access to more information as well as what the structures look like.
Terpenes are essentially single to multiple chains hydrocarbons, a lot of them are isoprene derevatives(isoprene by itself helps trees alleviate aboitic stress and temperature stress).
Organosulfur compounds are organic compounds that contain sulfur as part of their structure.
Lipids are compounds that do not dissolve in water, such as fats, sterols, waxes and fat-soluble vitamins.
Organic acids and Polysaccharides: organic acids are organic compounds that have acidic properties, which is to dissociate in a solution, releasing its hydrogen ions(H+). As a result the PH of the solution is lowered. Polysaccharides are long sugar compounds.
The Break Down of Phytochemicals
Within the terpene family we want to focus on carotenoids, liminoids, anthocyanins and saponins.
Carotenoids are really what make certain vegetables and fruits orange(color), such as carrots, oranges, sweet potatoes. cantaloupe, peaches, pumpkin, apricots, and mangoes. There are at least 600 different types of carotenoids(did I not warn you that there is a lot of information surrounding nutrition and diet?) and within that there are different derivatives such as alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, delta and gamma-carotene; this is based on how oxidation effects them. Vegetables and fruits high in carotene provide vitamin A, they protect DNA from damage, and they protect the body from certain cancers: lung, colorectal, breast, uterine, and prostate cancer.
Liminoids are a certain type of monoterpene that are found in the peels of citrus fruits. According to Ms. Zimmerman, one study showed that taking standardized extracts of d-limonene, pinene and eucalyptol could be effective in the clearing of congestive mucus from the lungs of patients with effective pulmonary disease.
Anthocyanins are what make vegetables and fruits appear blue, red or purple. For example, blackberries, cherries, red cabbage, eggplant, black rice, etc. Anthocyanins are beneficial for bacterial infections, inflammation and certain cancers.
Saponins are believed to be very beneficial for the skin. Because of their capability of holding water on the skin as well as being antimicrobial(our skin is covered with bacteria).
Organosulfur Compounds are found in cruciferous foods, onions, garlic, and produce in the mustard family. There are many classes of sulfides, for this we are going focus on glucosinolates and allylic sulfides.
Glucosinolates are really good at activating the detoxification abilities of the liver, specifically the enzymes in the liver. There is also the speculation that glucosinolates can prevent tumor growth, particularly breast, liver, colon, lung, stomach and the esophagus.
Allylic sulfides, garlic and onions being the most sought after, also include leeks, chives and shallots. Allylic sulfides are activated via oxidation, this is why in a previous post I recommended that you let smashed/chopped garlic sit for at least 15 minutes before consuming. Allylic sulfides are antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, have detoxification properties, and they seem to block the activity of toxins produced by bacteria and viruses.
According to Ms. Zimmerman, indols are considered to be one of the most effective dietary agents against colon cancer. They are also effective against hormone related cancers.
Phenols are beneficial in protecting the heart and vascular system, preventing dental problems and certain cancers. They can be found in grapes, grape juice, strawberries, raspberries, red wine green and black tea. Polyphenols are multi-phenolic complexes, because of the potential for different derivatives, the result is a wide range of biological potential.
Polyphenols, also known as flavan-3-ols, include catechins, which are very important because catechins are found in green tea; we really like green tea. Another important polyphenol is resveratrol, which is found in red grapes and wine. Resveratrol is suspected of preventing tumor growth and it is considered as anti-inflammatory.
Organic acids, Polysaccharides, Esters, and Lactones are considered antioxidants, antibacterial, ant-inflammatory and they have cancer preventative properties. You can find these in herbs, grains, spices, and a few vegetables and fruits. Below is a quote taken from Ms. Zimmerman’s website(2001), it goes further into the phytonutrients in this family:
They include the acids; oxalic (spinach, rhubarb, tea, coffee), tartaric (apricots, apples), cinnamic (aloe, Kava), caffeic (burdock, hawthorn), ferulic (oats, rice), gallic (tea), ellagic (guava), chlorogenic (echinacea), salicylic (peppermint) and tannic (nettles, tea, berries). Some are familiar because they are named for species from which they were first identified (ie, vanillic in vanilla bean). Others such as gallic team up with phenols – in this case catechins – found in green tea, berries and grapes. Catechin-gallate complexes (esters) are “super-charged” antioxidants with enhanced anti-cancer and anti-tumor effects.( 68) The Kava lactones methysticin, dihydrokawain and kawain also belong to this family. Kava lactones account for the anti-anxiety, relaxant, anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic effects of Kava Kava. (69)”
Last but not least we will cover lipids. Which are beneficial in preventing disorders derived from hormonal problems and they are also considered anti-inflammatory. We will touch on isoprenoids, tocotrienols, ubiquinone, lipoic acid, omega-3’s and omega-6’s.
Isoprenoids are considered antioxidants but where they stand out is there unique property of anchoring themselves in membranes. Vitamin E is in the isoprenoid family, which is no coincidence because vitamin E is very good for the skin. Vitamin E can disable free-radicals when it interacts with co-enzyme, vitamin C, gluthathione, and alpha lipoic acid.
Tocotorienols can be found in grains, palm oil and rice. tocotriels appear to have tumor inhibiting properties, as well as cholesterol lowering properties.
Ubiquinone(coenzyme Q) is crucial in the cellular antioxidant enzyme system. Co Q is recognized as a scavenger for hydroxyl radicals, peroxyl, ascorbyl, and chromanoxyl radicals.
Linoleic, an omega-6 fatty acid and alpha linolenic, an omega-3 fatty acid can be found in seeds, legumes, dark leafy greens, grains, nuts and legumes. The two mentioned above are precursors to two fatty acid phytochemical groups: Gamma linolenic acid, GLA(n-6) and eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA(n-6), which are crucial moderators of prostaglandin pathways. The are beneficial to you because of their anti-inflammatory, they moderate cell membrane dynamics and moderate immune response. Docosahexaenoic acid, DHA(n-3) is crucial the health of the brain. Studies show that it is effective in alleviating disorders like depression, schizophrenia, and attention deficits. EPA and DHA are found in fish while GLA, is found in seed oils (primrose, black currant and borage).
The Colors of Vegetables and Fruits
Green Produce.
Green leafy vegetables, kiwi, honeydew melon, avocado, broccoli, artichoke, zucchini, lettuce, celery, asparagus, edamame, okra, and peas.
Phytochemicals.
Lutein, zeaxanthin, indoles, omega-3’s and omega-6’s
Carotenoids( beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-cryptoxanthi) and bioflavonoids.
Red Produce.
Red grapes, pomegranates, raspberries, strawberries, watermelon, pink or red grapefruit, tomatoes, beets, radishes, red peppers, rhubarb, cherries, cranberries, red cabbage, guava and red apples.
Phytochemicals.
Carotenoids(Lycopen, anthocyanin), and resveratol.
Blue and Purple Produce.
Purple cabbage, blueberries, blackberries, black grapes, raisins, eggplant, plums, prunes and figs.
Phytochemicals.
Anthocyanins, phenolics, and resveratol.
I wanted to apologize for some information that I posted on the last post. In the last post I grouped purple and red produce together. This was based on Ms. Zimmerman’s article called, “Color Your Diet: Stave off aging (2012).” I was hesitant in doing what I thought was correct but since I am not an expert on this topic I decided to go with what she had stated. I now would like to take that back and group blue and purple produce together, leaving red produce in it’s own group. It is also important to note that in general all the fruits and vegetables have a lot of the similar phytochemicals. What differentiates the color groups(produce) is the type of phytochemical that dominates in that group(produce) resulting in a different color. I have provided a picture that I took of the article just for your convenience; the pictures are at the bottom of the post.
For people who are auditory learners I have provided a video below featuring Ms. Zimmerman.
Below is a chart taken from Ms. Zimmerman’s website found here.
Phytochemical Families
Family
What They Do
Where They’re Found
Terpenes
Carotenes, limonoids, saponins
Activate body’s protective enzymes, protect eyes, act as antioxidants, modify hormones, help block cholesterol absorption, protect cellular differentiation
Green, red and yellow vegetables and fruits; grains; legumes; nuts; seeds; herbs such as ginseng, chamomile, gotu kola
The information here is not intended to replace standard(allopathic) medicine, which has its benefit in the medical environment in diagnosing and treating diseases. Any persistent, severe, and or unusual symptoms should be evaluated by a registered physician. The natural remedies/habits suggested here, although safer than pharmaceutical drugs, can cause unexpected results, in different people. If a condition fails to respond to the remedies/habits presented here, you should consult a physician. The author of this information, disclaims responsibility for any adverse reactions resulting directly or indirectly from the information given here.
If you ask someone why they think they should eat their fruits and vegetables? I bet they will reply with, “because it is GOOD for you.” As children so many of us are told to eat our vegetables because it is, ‘good for us,’ but we are not told what, ‘good for us,’ means.
For me,’good for us/you,’ means the cycle of life. Growing up I have had the luxury of interacting with nature. In the sense that my backyard was my playground. You know everyday my brothers and sisters had a target animal that we played with, from lizards, to monkeys, to ants, to chameleons, to birds, to bees, to rabbits, and so I can go on forever. But this playground also included a garden, at an early age I was exposed to the beautiful cycle of life. Which allowed me to grow up appreciating how nature serves us and how we serve mother earth. So the answer that I prefer when someone asks why should they eat their fruits and vegetables. Is that, “it is the cycle of life.”
Just like you and me plants get sick, have diseases, parasites, nasty bugs and suffer from oxidative stress. Yes, it is a very interesting idea that plants are constantly fighting off some nasty invader. The idea that there is more to plants than water and soil is foreign to many but it does not have to be. We eat fruits and vegetables so that our body can use the same phytochemicals that plants use to survive for our benefit. Phytochemicals are not officially considered essential for life but I beg to differ. Because we eat fruits and vegetables because our bodies need phytochemicals to function efficiently.
The are many different types of phytochemicals. In the nutrition world phytochemicals can be grouped into different colors: Green, orange/yellow, blue/purple, red and white. Fruits and vegetables that have the same pigment have the similar phytochemicals. Our bodies uses these different phytochemicals for different reasons. For example carotenoids(this is why carrots are orange) found in carrots are good for your eyes but they also have anticancer properties.
The is so much information surrounding vegetables and nutrition but for this post we will keep it a bit more broad.
Below is a quick video featuring Dr. Weil.
“…you know they are just great, I just eat em.”
Haha, he is too funny.
“you want to eat a variety of vegetables across the color spectrum.”
The cycle of life: Dr. Weil tends to the vegetables in his garden and in return the garden provides him with wonderful food.
You do not have to search far and wide to find beneficial foods.
Below is a post from David Suzuki’s Blog. It is called, “Uruguay’s ‘Poor’ President is a unique leader” it was published on March 7, 2013.
Something particularly unique is happening in South America. I only recently learned of Jose Mujica, a remarkable man who became president of Uruguay in 2009. (Credit: Embajada de los Estados Unidos en Uruguay via Flickr)
By David Suzuki
When bright young idealists share their environmental concerns with me, I encourage them to get involved in politics. That’s where decisions have to be made about the severe ecological problems we face.
Have you noticed, though, how often idealism gives way to a sense of entitlement to all the perks that come with political office? It’s amazing how being elected to serve the people is often turned on its head: we’re expected to support elected leaders without protest or question. And what happens to many who leave government? Lucrative board memberships and business deals.
Some politicians take a different road, though. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter stepped down after one term, was roundly ridiculed by popular media, yet continued to dedicate his life to promoting justice and eliminating poverty around the world. Nelson Mandela is another incredible role model who sets a high bar.
But something particularly unique is happening in South America. I only recently learned of Jose Mujica, a remarkable man who became president of Uruguay in 2009.
He’s a radical activist who, in the 1960s, joined the left-wing guerrilla group known as Tupamaros, formed by sugar-cane workers and students. The organization was crushed after a military coup in 1973. Mujica was shot six times and imprisoned for 14 years; he claims incarceration solidified his thinking. In 1985, constitutional democracy was restored to Uruguay and Mujica was released. He ran for office and was elected president in 2009.
And what a politician! He’s a vegetarian who lives in his wife’s ramshackle farmhouse where they work together in the fields growing flowers. He turned down the opportunity to move into the presidential palace in Montevideo, preferring to stay on the farm, which is linked to the capital city by a dirt road. Under Uruguay’s law, elected officials must declare their personal wealth. In 2010, Mujica’s was $1,800, the value of the 1987 Volkswagen beetle he drives. When he added a share of his wife’s assets — her house, land and tractor — it brought his declared family wealth to $215,000.
Mujica receives $12,000 a month as president but donates 90 per cent of it to the poor and small businesses. “I can live well with what I have,” he says. “I’m called ‘the poorest president’, but I don’t feel poor. Poor people are those who only work to try to keep an expensive lifestyle, and always want more and more.”
He added, “This is a matter of freedom. If you don’t have many possessions then you don’t need to work all your life like a slave to sustain them, and therefore you have more time for yourself. I may appear to be an eccentric old man… But this is a free choice.”
Mujica attended Rio+20, the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, in June 2012, where he stated: “We’ve been talking all afternoon about sustainable development — to get the masses out of poverty. But what are we thinking? Do we want the model of development and consumption of the rich countries? I ask you now: What would happen to this planet if Indians would have the same proportion of cars per household as Germans? How much oxygen would we have left? Does this planet have enough resources so seven or eight billion can have the same level of consumption and waste that today is seen in rich societies? It is this level of hyper-consumption that is harming our planet.”
Mujica says most world leaders have a “blind obsession to achieve growth with consumption, as if the contrary would mean the end of the world.”
He’s hit a bit of a bump in popularity, dropping below 50 per cent for refusing to veto a bill legalizing abortion before 12 weeks (as all his predecessors did) and supporting a debate on legalization of marijuana use that would give the state a monopoly over its trade. Mujica points out: “Consumption of cannabis is not the most worrying thing; drug-dealing is the real problem.”
Mujica isn’t worried about the drop in popularity. It’s part of politics, and besides, he’s 77 and can’t run again in 2014. He’s a good role model with wise, enduring values, and an inspiration for people around the world.
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President Jose Mujica is definitely an extraordinary leader. When people attain power, too often their ego or personal goals take over the true and only values that we should all cherish. Jose Mujica has chosen to stay true to the things that really matter in life. David Suzuki gives a little history on the president but there is a nice article on the BBC News website.
Below is a video on President Mujico.
This is the recorded video of President Mujica giving a speech at the G+20 Summit last year.
norest4theweary 