Free Republic

New research reveals how anthocyanin-rich fruits and vegetables could help defend your body against toxic microplastic exposure.If it seems like a weekly occurrence that a new microplastic-filled product is potentially harming your health, you’re right. Between tea bags, lipstick, dishwasher detergent, and gum (among many other things), it’s hard to avoid these tiny toxic particles. But there’s a glimmer of good news: a study published in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis found that colorful fruits and vegetables may combat the negative effects of microplastics in the body. Fruits and vegetables are known for their abundant vitamins and minerals, but the...

A fungus causing powdery mildew in blueberries has spread from the U.S. to continents like Europe and Asia, threatening crops and increasing fungicide dependence. NC State researchers found that blueberry powdery mildew has spread globally in two strains, costing the industry up to $530 million annually. A new tool now helps farmers identify and manage the disease. A new study from North Carolina State University has traced the global spread of a fungus that causes powdery mildew in blueberry plants—a disease that lowers crop yields and increases reliance on fungicides. These findings could help blueberry growers better predict, monitor, and...

New research has found that those who consume more foods rich in flavonoids, such as berries, tea, red wine and dark chocolate, could lower their risk of dementia. Led by researchers, the study, reveals that increasing the intake of flavonoid-rich foods and drinks could help reduce the risk of developing the incurable illness. While age and genetics contribute substantially to the development of the disease, evidence has shown that risk factors such as diet, can play an important role in prevention. Flavoniods, primarily found in plant foods, have a range of health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. They...

The foods we eat can go a long way in boosting our moods. Here are our favorite snacks for happiness, according to science. Achieving happiness is top of mind for many people, and we'll try just about anything to get it. Whether it's therapy, exercise or meditation, we all want to bring more peace and joy into our lives. When we think about what makes us happy, our diet isn't usually at the top of the list (unless your favorite fast-food joint brings joy to mind). The foods we eat actually play a major role in how we feel. Studies...

Wyoming’s most famous wild critters, Grizzly 399 and her "absolutely gigantic" cub Spirit, which has had a growth spurt, appeared this week for the first time in about a month, gorging on abundant forage in Teton National Park. Wyoming’s beloved Grizzly 399, her cub of the year, Spirit enjoyed bountiful forage in Teton National Park when they recently made their first public appearance in about a month. Wyoming’s beloved Grizzly 399, her cub of the year, Spirit enjoyed bountiful forage in Teton National Park when they recently made their first public appearance in about a month. (Courtesy Roam Wild Photo...

During Rush's program in a commercial break, I heard an ad for Shari's Berries. I thought that they were one of the sponsors who dropped Rush during the Sandra Fluke controversy and he was not letting those sponsors come back. (I am under the impression that Carbonite is another.) Has Rush let them sponsor him again or was that a local ad trying to circumvent him?

Three southwest Washington strawberry growers were fined $73,000 last week after the U.S. Department of Labor found children between the ages of six and 11 working in their strawberries fields in June. While an exemption in the federal child labor law allows 12- and 13-year-olds to work for unlimited hours on large agricultural operations, children under the age of 12 are strictly prohibited from working under similar conditions.

Foe all you snowed in Freepers! A Pear blossom, Yaupon berries, and a Magnolia blossom.

THE MOSS REPORTS When it comes to maintaining health and fitness, we are all accustomed to the 'no pain, no gain' philosophy. We don't expect to be able to make significant improvements in our health without depriving ourselves of something or pushing ourselves perhaps beyond what is immediately comfortable. How refreshing, therefore, to discover that simply by eating something totally delicious we can also significantly improve our health and help build a defensive shield against cancer.This week I discuss some research that has demonstrated the extraordinary health benefits of berries, those colorful, delightful treats that are such an integral part...

For education and discussion only. Not for commercial use. The region's largest berry packer will decide within three years whether it will shift repacking to Mexico FAIRVIEW -- Townsend Farms laid off a 40-person shift of workers last week and will decide within three years whether to move its re-packing operations to Mexico. Mike Townsend said the region's largest berry packer lost two large customers this fall. He attributes the problem to higher costs due to the higher Oregon minimum wage narrowly approved by state voters in November 2002. The wage makes the farm less competitive in the world market,...