The ...]]> Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) (a.k.a. Honey Bee Depopulation Syndrome or HBDS) is a phenomenon in which worker bees from a beehive or European honey bee colony abruptly disappear. While such disappearances have occurred throughout the history of apiculture, the term colony collapse disorder was first applied to a drastic rise in the number of disappearances of Western honey bee colonies in North America in late 2006. Colony collapse is economically significant because many agricultural crops worldwide are pollinated by bees.

The cause or causes of the syndrome are not yet fully understood, although many authorities attribute the problem to biotic factors such as Varroa mites and various insectrelated diseases. Other proposed causes include environmental change-related stresses, malnutrition, pesticides and migratory beekeeping. More speculative possibilities have included both cell phone radiation and genetically modified (GM) crops with pest control characteristics, though most experts say no evidence exists for either assertion. It has also been suggested that it may be due to a combination of many factors and that no single factor is the cause.

After learning about Colony Collapse Disorder, Sprouts! launched its “Bee Kind” campaign in 2008 by implementing one of its most successful product innovations ever – the development of plantable seeded “bee friendly” paper that contained 100% pollinator-friendly flower seeds. When the paper is planted in the earth, the flowers that bloom forth will attract honeybees as well as a variety of native bees. Individuals who plant Sprouts! bee friendly paper can create a haven of sustainability for a diverse population of pollinators, including the vanishing honeybee.

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Last month I wrote about “Boosting your Metabolism.” Most everyone wants to lose weight. If you’re like most people, conquering your appetite is one of the biggest challenges you face in your fitness and weight loss journey. As soon as the word “diet” crosses your lips, you may find yourself craving all the junk you know you’re not supposed to eat. The secret is eating the right foods to help calm the cravings for the wrong ones. Adding ...]]> 8 Appetite-Suppressing Foods

Last month I wrote about “Boosting your Metabolism.” Most everyone wants to lose weight. If you’re like most people, conquering your appetite is one of the biggest challenges you face in your fitness and weight loss journey. As soon as the word “diet” crosses your lips, you may find yourself craving all the junk you know you’re not supposed to eat. The secret is eating the right foods to help calm the cravings for the wrong ones. Adding these eight easy-to-find, tasty foods to your meal plan can help you rein in your appetite before it gets out of control!

1. Oatmeal. This hot cereal is high in fiber and low on the glycemic index, which means it fills you up and takes a long time to digest. Research has shown that diets high in slow-burning carbohydrates like oatmeal suppress the hunger hormone grehlin more effectively than diets high in fat. In fact, when you eat oatmeal for breakfast, you may find that your appetite is lower at lunchtime. Steel-cut or rolled oats digest more slowly than the “instant” variety do, so it’s worth taking a few extra minutes in the morning to prepare your breakfast the old-fashioned way.
2. Apples. Not only are apples nutritious, but what sets them apart from other fruits is pectin, a soluble fiber that helps regulate blood sugar, keeps you full and sustains your energy. One medium apple with skin contains 4 grams of fiber, which is more than you’d get in an average slice of whole wheat bread. Add an apple and some cinnamon to your morning oatmeal for an appetite-suppressing breakfast.

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Both beet root and beet greens are very powerful cleansers and builders of the blood. Betacyanin is the phytochemical in beet that gives it its rich “amethyst” color that significantly reduces homocysteine levels. In addition, beets are loaded with vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 and C. ...]]> Beets belong to the same family as chard and spinach. Beet leaves have a bitter taste like chard, but are rich in chlorophyll. Although bitter, the greens have a higher nutritional value than its roots.

Both beet root and beet greens are very powerful cleansers and builders of the blood. Betacyanin is the phytochemical in beet that gives it its rich “amethyst” color that significantly reduces homocysteine levels. In addition, beets are loaded with vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 and C. The greens have a higher content of iron compared to spinach. They are also an excellent source of calcium, magnesium, copper, phosphorus, sodium and iron.

While the sweet beet root has some of the minerals in its greens to a lesser degree, it is also a remarkable source of choline, folic acid, iodine, manganese, organic sodium, potassium, fiber and carbohydrates in the form of natural digestible sugars.

Health Benefits
Beets have long been known for their amazing health benefits for almost every part of the body. And yet, they are something that very few people take, much less their juice. Start adding beets to your juicing diet to enjoy all its heavenly goodness:

Acidosis: Its alkalinity is essential and effective in combating acidosis.

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The Miami blue, which once was common across the southern tier of the state, was last seen on Bahia Honda, in the Florida Keys, in February 2010. Though still found in a national refuge off the Keys, it appears to have vanished from the Keys themselves, and from the Florida mainland.

No ...]]> Pipevine swallowtail. Red-spotted purple. Long-tailed skipper. Many Florida butterflies are even more spectacular than their names suggest. Several species of butterflies, however, are in serious decline, particularly in South Florida.

The Miami blue, which once was common across the southern tier of the state, was last seen on Bahia Honda, in the Florida Keys, in February 2010. Though still found in a national refuge off the Keys, it appears to have vanished from the Keys themselves, and from the Florida mainland.

No Zesto’s skippers have been seen in Florida since 2004, and Schaus’ swallowtail is found only in a few places in the Keys. The Florida leafwing is in serious trouble, as is the Bartram scrub hairstreak.

Scientists believe that habitat destruction and fragmentation are the greatest threats to butterfly populations. Other factors may include loss of native vegetation, particularly tropical hardwood hammocks, changing weather patterns, invasive plants and animals, and pesticide use. But no one knows for sure why some populations are disappearing.

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