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Food additives are found in many foods and many are of animal origin. In Europe these have to be declared in lists of ingredients, and are referred to as ‘E numbers’. E120, for example, is a food colouring made from crushed insects! E numbers are also increasingly used on food labelling to in other parts of the world, including the United States. Below is a list of those additives / E numbers that are almost always from animal sources. However many other additives can be made from animal sources or from plant-based sources, and so the only real way to ensure something’s vegan is to look for a recognised vegan trademark, or contact the manufacturer. The following E numbers almost always come from animal sources. E120: Carmine , also known as cochineal, carminic acid or natural red 4. Crushed up beetles used as red food colouring E441: Gelatine . A gelling agent made from ground up animal bone and skin, often found in confectionary E542: Bone phosphate . Ground up animal bones used to keep foods moist E901: Beeswax . As the name suggests, this is wax that’s made by bees, and is used as a glazing agent E904: Shellac . Another glazing agent, made from the secretions of an insect called the lac bug E910, E920, E921: L-cysteine   and its derivatives. Made from animal hair and feathers, these additives are found in some breads as an improving agent E913: Lanolin . A greasy substance secreted by sheep and other woolly animals. While mostly used in cosmetics, it’s also often used to make vitamin D3, rendering many multi-vitamins and fortified foods unsuitable for vegans E966: Lactitol . A sweetener derived from lactose, which is made from milk ...

If you are thinking of going on a cleansing diet, then you may be wondering which one is the right one for you. You might already be drinking healthier beverages in your life , but these tend to be a little different. There are many things that you will want to consider when you think about getting the toxins out of your body, and that is the main purpose behind a cleansing diet. Constantly eating a nutritionally unbalanced diet puts your liver and kidneys under a lot of pressure to get the toxins out of your system. Additionally, environmental factors can make your body's system even more toxic. If you have made the decision to go on a cleansing diet, then here are some you may want to consider. Parasite Cleanse While not considered as common as other illnesses, parasites are more prevalent in society than you might think so. Some of the most common types of parasites are roundworms, pinworms, tapeworms, hookworms, ropeworms just to name a few, and they're easier to contract than you may think. Your body can have a multitude of parasites causing conditions like fatigue, brain fog and dozens of other symptoms. The parasite cleanse is designed to remove from the body sources of energy for parasites. Therefore, the key is not to eat processed foods, carbohydrates, grains sugar or drink any alcohol for between five and six weeks. It is even recommended that you do not eat fruit because of the natural sugar that they contain. </sp...

Aromatherapy and essential oils are gaining popularity around the world. According to the New Yorker, this traditionally Eastern practice is moving its way into Western culture, and the availability of products such as essential oil diffusers from online shops and in big chain stores is increasing dramatically and leaving many people asking, "Why?". Read through our list of the benefits of aromatherapy and essential oils to find out why you should add them to your wellness regime today. Hunger Benefits The olfactory receptors in your brain send chemical messages to many areas in your brain, including those associated with signaling your body that you are hungry or nauseous. These brain messages allow for essential oils, such as olive oil, to help you curb your appetite, while oils like peppermint can help to prevent or reduce nausea. They key to using essential oils this way is to be sure to use a minimal amount for the space of the area you will be using it in. Exercising caution will prevent overpowering scents that could irritate you or your guests. Improved Mood and Reduced Anxiousness According to the Mayo Clinic, aromatherapy works by stimulating smell receptors in the consumer's nostrils, which then send signals to the brain and activate corresponding regions such as the one that controls emotions. This brain activation has been shown in studies to help individuals better manage their emotions and mood. . Oils to help with emotions included basil for sadness, geranium for stress, lavender for relaxation, lemon for improved mood and decreased stress, and thyme for fatigue, worry, and stress. Help Muscles in Massage Stressed and tired muscles are...

Maintaining good mental health is as important as looking after your physical health. Just like taking care of your body requires living a healthier lifestyle, there are things you can do to keep your mind and emotions healthy. By learning more about how different aspects of your life affect your mind, you can maintain a stronger, happier, and healthier mind. You Are What You Eat We have known for some time that the foods we eat affect the organs in our body differently, but we're also starting to understand that the brain is also impacted. Research has already discovered that heart-healthy foods also have positive effects on the brain and, conversely, foods that contribute to heart disease and diabetes may also play a factor in the development of degenerative cognitive illnesses. People who eat foods high in unhealthy fats and sugars are also more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Essential Oils Can Affect Mood While studies have shown the positive effects or aromatherapy, that's not to say you should run out and grab a handful of essential oils. Instead, learning how each scent affects the mind and mood can help you enjoy the most significant benefits of this type of therapy. For instance, lavender is excellent for relaxation and stress relief, while lemon should be used as an energy booster. Each scent has a distinct effect on the mind and body, so learning more about what benefits each type of essential oil offers can help you bring more balance to your emotional state. Sleep Affects Your Emotional State Laying in bed for eight hours isn't good enough if you're not spending that time in a deep, regenerative sleep. If you're having difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep, your mind and emotional state will be affected. Yo...

Receiving a diagnosis of diabetes can be difficult. While answers to why you have been feeling so sick may be helpful, you also now have a new set of rules governing your life. This can be hard to navigate but doesn't have to serve as a roadblock to taking control of your health . Following is a list of four things that you can use to help  incorporate a diabetic diet into your everyday life. Make a Meal Plan The first step that you will want to tackle is making a meal plan to follow. This can be done on your own or with the help of a qualified health coach. In addition to your physician-guided treatment plan, a health coach can help you develop a plan and stay motivated along the way. A meal plan will help you track what you are eating and give you the chance to add some of your favorite meals throughout the week. Avoid Drinking Your Calories Drinks such as soda and milkshakes are something to stay away from with a diagnosis of diabetes. It is much ...

Featured Image via Centerra   Having a fit body is a coveted ideal for most of us. Whenever a workout craze comes out, we get highly motivated. We make an official declaration to start exercising and resolve that this time our new fitness routine will stick. But what if you don't know where to start? Or worse, you feel rusty from months or years of not being intentionally active? If you’re like most people, then you know that getting into a fitness routine can be quite intimidating. Fortunately, there are many activities you can do to get yourself into shape at home. For a greater effect on your body, use an exercise buddy  when you do these activities. Here are five fitness strategies you can implement today. Of course, be sure to consult with a physician to ensure these activities fit your physical needs. 1. Walking Yes, walking—it’s simple, effective, and has no gimmicks. Simply put one foot in front of the other and ease your way into working your body. Whether it’s during your lunch break or around your neighborhood park, walking every day can help relieve stress. Later on, you can heighten the intensity by upgrading to power walking. 2. Yoga D...

Every company has a corporate responsibility of taking care of those that are within its operational vicinities. In addition to this, a firm should uphold ethical relations with its suppliers at all times. This ensures that a positive, longstanding relationship is developed between the involved stakeholders. The result of such a relationship is a friendly business environment where all parties mutually benefit from the existence of each other. The following are some of the companies that have proved that it is possible to have ethical partnerships with all the shareholders and at the same time remain profitable: 1. doTERRA This company deals with the supply of essential oils to their broad base of clients. The company has thrived through continued efforts to improving the livelihoods of farmers, harvesters, and distillers. These people are all involved in ensuring that doTERRA delivers one of the finest quality essential oil products in the market. This company has numerous products that are made using oil that is imported from developing countries in other parts of the world. The company has over the years developed strong ties with these suppliers through the creation of employment opportunities and improving their livelihoods. The company also ensures that it makes timely payments for the supplies. Their buying prices are also good enough to ensure that the farmers fully benefit from the sale. Additionally, the company has a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has been active over the years in helping the less fortunate in these countries. 2. Patagonia This cloth making company has been in operation for an ext...

Happy Halloween! Welcome to October, The air is slowly cooling, leaves are falling from the trees, the outdoors become covered in deep colours of orange, red and brown, the distinct aroma of bonfires tickle our nostrils, our favourite fruits and vegetables come into season and probably the most well known event October is known for...Halloween! Halloween has been a favourite annual event for decades, beginning  from Celtic Harvest Festivals. Today we celebrate Halloween in various ways, the most common would be a big party, dressing up in comedic and spooky costumes, carving pumpkins, knocking on your neighbours door for candy, the traditional 'Trick or Treat' With this in mind we thought we would share Healthy Hints &amp; Tips for an alternative Halloween. Maybe you want to reduce added sugar from your or your families diet? Or simply to try some new exciting foods? 1. Seeds - Pumpkin,Sunflower,Black Sesame seeds Seeds are easy to nibble, savoury to taste and black sesame seeds give a spooky look to compliment the theme. You could roast seeds with a splash of Soy or Tamari sauce, Salt and Pepper, spices like Paprika, Chilli flakes Rich in fibre, essential fats, minerals for overall health. 2.  <span style="color: #9900ff; font...

Menopause is the transitory period in a woman's life when menstruation and fertility come to an end. It's considered official after 12 months without a menstrual period. Your body will go through hormonal changes that will bring about a variety of symptoms. The most common symptoms include irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, anxiety, depression, mood changes, and weight gain. The average age for women in the U.S. to enter menopause is 51. One of the best and most natural ways to combat the symptoms of menopause is exercise. Menopause symptoms can be difficult to deal with, but exercise can help you address some of them in a natural, healthy way. Your diet can also play a prominent role in the management of symptoms. Benefits of Exercise During Menopause Regular physical activity has numerous benefits for menopausal women. Exercise boosts your mood, prevents weight gain, strengthens bones, and reduces the risk of cancer and other serious diseases. The hormonal shifts that occur during menopause affect your body and mind in many different ways. Women may gain weight more easily and find it more difficult to lose it. Fat may accumulate in specific areas more than others. The stomach is a problem area for many women. Excess weight can also increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease . Menopausal women often struggle with anxiety, depression, and mood swings.  Women who suffer from menopausal symptoms are often prescribed Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) to manage the effects. The problem with this is they can have certain side effects or even lead to addiction. By using exercise and other natural treatments women could avoid having to go on the drug completely. Exercise releases endorph...

Native to North America, blueberries have long been popular for their sweet, delicious taste and now they are even more popular because of the nutrients they bring in a small package. Specifically, people have discovered that blueberries are packed with antioxidants , those chemicals that mitigate the damage done to the cells by free radical molecules. About Blueberries Blueberries are found on acid-loving bushes that can grow to several feet in height. During the spring, the bush bears many white or pink bell-shaped flowers that turn into berries later on in the summer. In the fall, the oval leaves of the blueberry bush turn bright red-orange. To produce fruit, most blueberry bushes need to cross-pollinate with different varieties. Varieties include highbush blueberries, which can be grown throughout the United States; lowbush blueberries, which are found in New England and rabbit-eye blueberries, which are only grown in the south and the west of the United States. Lowbush blueberries tend to be wild, while highbush blueberries are cultivated. The skin of the blueberry ranges from blue to deep purple-black depending on the cultivar. They also have a lovely, whitish "bloom." This bloom is not only pretty but protects the berry’s skin from pathogens. The skin is thin and encloses flesh that holds seeds so tiny that they're barely noticeable when the fruit is eaten. Blueberries are given their distinctive color by nutrients called anthocyanin flavonoids, which are antioxidants. One hundred grams of wild blueberries contain 558 milligrams of anthocyanin. Blueb...

Do you want to live a more sustainable and healthy life? The world is entering a new age of food that is necessary for its own survival and ours. Eating local, organic, or vegan cuisine is a great way to help yourself and the planet. Plus, this lifestyle is easy to stick to. There won't be as many ups and downs as you see with crash diets. Eat Sustainable Foods Are you thinking about becoming a vegan? Do you already eat a plant-based organic diet? It is the most sustainable way to improve your lifestyle. So, how do you get started? Where can you improve? Eat Locally Farming equals food. Without everyday farmers, fresh, organic, and healthy produce would not be available. They literally put bread on the table. However, much of society's food is produced at corporate factory farms. These places take jobs away from the average cultivator. They use large quantities of pesticides, herbicides, and produce insane amounts of pollution. Not so healthy, right? The best way to keep your diet sustainable is to eat locally. Support your neighbors by purchasing sustainable groceries. Try buying most of your produce from the local farmer's market or grocery store. Make sure the stores you shop at source their produce locally as well. Produce Less Waste Additionally, corporate farms and other food companies waste an astronomical amount of food. Their produce is often shipped for long distances, so it's not as fresh. This causes it to expire quicker once it's purchased. It is subsequently thrown away. Buying fresh food from a local farm is the best way to get sustainable groceries. It takes a lot longer to go bad, so less food is wasted this way. <s...

Welcome to Wholefood Earth. A small team of like minded individuals that have set out to create a healthier, more sustainable, more convenient ethical alternative to online food shopping at an affordable price. We’re working hard to establish an accessible outlet both online and offline that’s organic, fa...