St. Louis-based Monsanto announced recently that it is selling its posilac division that makes bovine growth hormone, also known as rBGH or rBST.

The Organic Consumers Association triumphed over the sale reporting that after 5 years of declining sales and several legal setbacks, Monsanto has decided to dump rBGH.

Monsanto insists that there's no problem with the product. But nationwide declining sales of rBGH injected milk and a growing number of consumers and dairy processors proof otherwise. Signs advertising "No artificial growth hormones used" can be found in dairy departments throughout the United States.

Due to consumer pressure, large retailers, dairies, and cafes, from Kroger to Publix and Safeway are selling milk free of artificial hormones. Countries like Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, and the European Union have banned rBGH because of its impacts on human and animal health. Starbucks has refused to purchase dairy from treated cows. Chipotle Mexican Grill, a McDonald’s spin-off, has banned rBST in its company stores.

From the cultures of the Amazon and Brazilian rainforests comes a small dark purple berry that’s been ranked as one of the new superfoods.

Açai (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) berries, also known as cabbage palm berries, grow on the Acai Palm Tree and are related to the saw palmetto berries, and are extremely rich in antioxidants.

The acai berry is especially rich in the antioxidant properties by its concentration of anthocyanin, a colour purple antioxidant, also found in red wine that prevents oxidants from harming connective tissue while repairing damaged proteins in blood vessel walls. However, the dosage of anthocyanins in acai berries is 10-33 higher than in red wine.

The acai berry also contains 19 essential amino acids, two essential fatty acids (omega-6 and omega-9), calcium, iron, phosphorus, manganese, potassium, copper, zinc, vitamins A, C, E, a range of B vitamins, plus trace minerals, fibre, protein, and phytosterols beneficial for prostate and urinary tract health.

Broccoli and cauliflower, members of the cabbage family, are little powerhouses of health. Other health-supporting cabbage family members, also known as cruciferous vegetables, are Brussels sprouts, cabbage, collard greens, kale, and turnips.

Multiple studies confirms that an increasing consumption of all fruits and vegetables, especially cruciferous vegetables, helps lower the risks of chronic diseases such as cancers, in particular lung, colon, breast, prostate and ovarian cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Broccoli and cauliflower are an excellent source of vitamin C, beta-carotene (precursor to vitamin A), B vitamins, vitamin E, folic acid, calcium and chromium, as well as many other nutrients and minerals.

Cruciferous vegetables are also a rich source of many indoles and isothiocynates, substances known as phytochemicals, which have been found to have cancer fighting properties. One indole in particular, indole-3-carbinol (I3C), is a powerful anti-oxidant which provides protection to cells from free radical damage. Many studies have shown I3C to be a promising agent for preventing breast, endometrial and cervical cancers. Studies have shown that I3C can neutralize harmful estrogens which are believed to be a factor behind hormonal driven cancers such as breast and prostate cancer.

Berries, small in size and vibrant in colour, are associated with amazing health benefits. They are packed with phytochemicals and flavonoids, as well as vitamins, minerals and fibre.

Eating a diet rich in blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, cranberries and strawberries may help to reduce the risk for certain cancers.

One cup of strawberries contains over 100 mg of vitamin C, almost as much as a cup of orange juice.

Raspberry, strawberry, cranberry, elderberry, blueberry and bilberry have been found to significantly inhibit H. pylori bacteria. Researchers believe that H. pylori is responsible for the majority of peptic ulcers.

Honey has been used as a natural remedy for thousands of years. Nature’s nutritious sweetener contains vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, and is also used to nourish skin and hair.

Honey is used topically as antiseptic to disinfect and speed the healing process in sore throats, wounds, ulcers scrapes and burns. Some of the healing proponents and antibacterial agents in honey are enzymes, antioxidants and flavonoids.

A spoonful of honey is more effective than cough syrup containing DM for children over 12 months old, according to Archives of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. Don't give honey-containing products to infants less than one year of age. Honey may contain certain spores and toxins that can cause infant botulism, a life-threatening disease. However, honey is considered safe for children over 12 months and adults.

Infrared energy, also known as radiant heat, is a form of energy that heats objects directly through a process called conversion, without having to heat the air in between. Our sun is the principal source of radiant energy.

Far-infrared rays are part of the sunlight spectrum which is invisible to the naked eye. They are also known as biogenetic rays. Scientists have proven that these rays promote the growth and health of living cells in humans, animals and plants.

Far-infrared light penetrates beyond the skin level and is absorbed by cells below, whereas visible light is mostly bounced off the skin surface. Near-infrared is mostly absorbed at the skin level and raises the skin temperature. Far-infrared can penetrate up to 4 centimetres, causing resonance with water molecules and resonating with cellular frequencies. Thus, FIR can revitalize human cells and tissue by warming the body from the inside.

A series of recent studies shows an interesting link between certain foods and drinks and the prevention of damage through the sun on our skin.

While reducing your exposure to the bright sun and wearing thin, long layered clothing are still the best choices to avoid skin damage and sun burns, there are a number of foods that can help to heal and restore. Just turn to your kitchen and feed your skin.

White, green and black tea, in particular with lemon, have been found to reduce the risk of skin cancer. Exposure to the harmful ultraviolet radiation UVB can cause free radical stress, which can lead to the development of wrinkles. The antioxidants in tea can help the skin the damaging effects of the sun.

Foods rich in lycopene and carotenoids, such as red tomatoes, green peppers, carrots, and onions provide some protection against skin cancer and help against prematurely aged skin. The micronutrient carotenoid is mostly found in dark yellow or red vegetables and fruits. By eating tomatoes, peppers, melons, fresh apples and pomegranates the carotenoids are distributed in the epidermal and dermal layers of the skin. They help absorb the light, act as antioxidants and offer anti-inflammation from sunburn. Plus, they increase blood circulation and absorption of skin nutrition.

Vitamin D has been received much attention in recent months. While natural health practitioners have long integrated vitamin D in the treatment of certain health issues, the Canadian Cancer Society now recommends all Canadians to supplement with vitamin D during winter months.

Vitamin D is produced naturally by the body. People get most of their vitamin D from sunlight. After being exposed to adequate amounts of sunlight, the skin produces vitamin D, which is then converted to its active form by the kidneys. Studies suggest that as we age, we tend to produce less vitamin D.

You can also find good amounts of vitamin D in certain kinds of fish that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as cod liver oil.

Some supplements use synthetic vitamin D2. A much better form is the natural and bioavailable vitamin D3 which is more effective and stays longer in the system.

Get ready for the great outdoors and protect yourself with a good sunscreen.

However, commercial sunscreens contain potentially dangerous ingredients which may be more harmful then beneficial.

According to statistics the number of skin cancer is rising. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States and accounts for 8,500 deaths annually.

One theory for the increasing numbers is that harmful chemicals found in commercial sunscreens are doing more harm than good.

Non-profit Environmental Working Group (EWG) tested 831 sunscreens of which 84 percent did not pass health and environmental guidelines. Some experts even suggest that sunscreen formula may be cancer causing. Many contain potentially harmful chemicals such as Benzophenone, homosalate and octyl methoxycinnamate (also called octinoxate), which are known to mimic naturally occurring hormones. Some sunscreens contain Padimate-0 and parsol 1789 (also known as avobenzone), which are suspected of causing DNA damage when exposed to sunlight.

Tea comes in all colours and varieties, from black and green to white and oolong to red and herbal. So which one offers the most health benefits?

Drinking tea has been regarded in China and India as a healthy tradition for thousands of years. Western research studies tea for the prevention and treatment of different health concerns. Tea contains high levels of antioxidants, some of which are called polyphenols, flavonoids, and catechins. Antioxicants fight the free radicals in our body and protect healthy cells.

Even though researchers can’t quite agree on the exact benefits of tea, numerous studies support a broad spectrum of health promoting qualities in tea.

Studies have found that polyphenols help prevent blood clotting and lower cholesterol levels. According to the Archives of Internal Medicine tea drinkers have lower blood pressure.