Consumer agencies such as Terra Choice and Consumer Reports Greener Choices consistently find that 98% of products claiming to be green are guilty of greenwashing. Since there are no legal standards of what constitutes a green product, companies can and do make misleading green claims. The product below often fall victim to greenwashing. What do you need to be aware of, and what should you buy instead? Read on to find out.

All-Natural Claim
It’s easy for products to be labeled all-natural. After all, petroleum and dozens of other chemical compounds are all-natural!

• Many meat products claiming to be all-natural are fed with genetically modified feed, treated with antibiotics, and injected with saltwater. What to look for instead? Meat labeled with a 100% USDA Organic seal.

• Snack foods such as chips are beginning to show up on store shelves with the words “All-Natural” splashed across the packaging. Keep in mind that these items are often still high in fat, are laden with sodium, and may contain genetically modified corn. What should you eat instead? Well, we all like our snacks, don’t we? Look for low-fat, low-sodium, high fiber, 100% organic alternatives.

• Beauty products such as shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and deodorant are one of the worst culprits for claiming to be all-natural while still containing harmful chemicals. Check the label for lauryl sulfates, food coloring, and synthetic fragrances in particular. For a truly green beauty product, look for the IOS Natural and Organic Cosmetic Standard label. The USDA Organic label in beauty products does not regulate plant derived ingredients and essential oils.

Green Images and Packaging ≠ Environmentally Friendly
Many companies trying to cash in on the green movement use labels and logos that contain green images such as trees, leaves, and mountain streams. Another greenwashing trick? Green or brown eco-friendly appearing packaging.

• Laundry and dishwasher detergents often appear green, but in reality contain synthetic fragrances and chemical ingredients. Look for the EcoLogo, or any other 3rd party certified green seal of approval.

• Soft drink companies such as Coca-Cola are featuring green cans to show their support of the environment. But how green is the product? It’s not. An organic alternative is Blue Sky soda, which does contain organic sugar and no artificial preservatives. That does not mean it’s healthy, however. Soda is still soda.

Green Affiliations ≠ Green Products
It’s great when large corporations jump on the green bandwagon and start taking part in environmental causes such as renewable energy and water conservation. Does that mean they change their own business practices and start producing green or organic products? Nope. Again, check the label and look for a third party certified organic seal of approval.

Biodegradable—Really?
The next time you see a product labeled biodegradable, check the ingredients. If you see any chemicals listed, think about how well they would actually break down. Probably not well, and not for a long time. Also, is the product packaged in plastic? Hmmmm…. Look for the Certified Biodegradable label instead. While it does not mean that 100% of the products ingredients are biodegradable, it’s a much greener bet than the general claim. Visit Greener Choices for more information on the Certified Biodegradable label.

The Green Bait-and-Switch
Some companies lure you in with truly organic products. And then they remove the organic standard without changing the packaging. Do you catch on? Consider the following example:

• Dean Foods, the owner of Silk Soy milk and Horizon dairy products, downgraded many of its well-established organic products to natural. Sure, you can find the print on the packaging, but otherwise, the packaging looks exactly the same. If you’ve been buying the product for years, how likely are you to notice that the organic label was stripped?

Less is Green
The claim that because the company uses less packaging, or that you will use less of the product, makes it a greener choice is tantalizing. And partially true. But only partially.

• Detergents packaged in less plastic, that are highly concentrated, may lead you to believe in their eco-friendly claims, but don’t be fooled. Check the label for benzene brighteners and other noxious chemicals. If the product contains any of these, their green claim is only partially true.

• Green paper towels may sound good on the surface, but consumer tests show that many of them can’t stand up to the test. You will end up using 5-10 times the amount of green paper towels over some traditional paper towels, making the true cost of going green not so green after all.

With green claims running rampant in consumer products, it’s best not to assume the green claims are correct. When in doubt, check the ingredients, look for verified labels, and use your own common sense.

Until recent years, it was believed that once brain cells were gone, they were gone forever. The good news is, research has proven that the brain is “plastic”– that it can indeed generate new cells. Extensive research has also begun on what can be done to keep the brain healthy and ward off age related mental impairment. Here are 15 easy ways to get and keep your brain in tip-top shape.

1. Brush and Floss Your Teeth
That’s right—something as simple and easy as brushing and flossing your teeth every morning and night helps your brain. Why? Poor oral health has been linked to decreased cognitive function and Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers believe that the bacteria in your mouth can travel throughout the bloodstream causing damage to other organs, including the brain. The Alzheimer’s Association revealed data at a recent conference that showed that people with missing teeth and gum disease at an early age increased their risk of developing Alzheimer’s by fivefold.

2. Eat Plenty of Omega 3 Fatty Acids
The brain requires cholesterol to function, and Omega 3 fatty acids are a source of good cholesterol. Specifically, Omega 3s help improve memory and learning abilities. Omega 3s can be found in oily cold-water fish, such as sardines and salmon, kiwis, flaxseed, and many nut oils. You can also find capsule and liquid supplements at your health food store.

3. Socialize
Good news for the talkative types—socializing keeps you sharp longer in life. A major public health study of more than 116,000 participants found that people with strong social networks and relationships aged better. The rationale behind the data is that people are unpredictable, so engaging with others on a regular basis exercises the mind.

4. Play Games
Games, specifically brain games, are a fun and easy way to stimulate the mind. Different games stimulate different parts of the brain, so for best results play a variety of games that challenge you in different ways. Brain games include chess, crossword puzzles, sudoku, Ken Ken, bridge, puzzles, and Memory. Many companies are now producing games and software specifically designed for brain fitness, as well. Nintendo’s Brain Age, Mind Fit, and Posit Science are just a few.

5. Learn Something New
Learning something new stimulates the brain better than anything else. Try to learn something new every day, even if it is only a new word.

6. Eat Well
Good and proper nutrition will help ensure your brain receives all the vital nutrients. A diet high in whole grains, fiber, fruits, vegetables, and monounsaturated fat is recommended to optimize brain fitness. Good brain foods include: brown rice, rolled oats, beans, peas, olive oil, avocados, blueberries, sweet potatoes, nuts, salmon, spinach, and flaxseed, to name a few.

7. Think Happy Thoughts
Stress management is vital to a healthy brain, as stress literally destroys brain cells. The memory is especially affected by negative emotions. The hippocampus, the area of the brain that controls memory and deals with emotions, loses synapses and connections when subject to stress.

8. Get Your Beauty Sleep
Sleep deprivation exacerbates the progression of Alzheimer’s, according to a study conducted by Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. When awake, a protein similar in plaque accumulates in the brain. This protein significantly decreases while sleeping, however. Scientists believe that adequate sleep could limit or even block the formation of this protein.

9. Work Out
Physical exercise isn’t just for the body anymore, it’s for the brain, too! Cardiovascular exercise influences the rate at which new neurons are created. Physical exercise specifically leads to the creation of new brain cells in the dentate, an area of the brain associated with memory formation.

10. Bulk up on Bs
B Vitamins, that is, and especially B-12. Low levels of Vitamin B-12 have been associated with brain shrinkage, cognitive decline, and dementia. B-12 is primarily found in animal products, such as meat and cheese, so if you’re a vegetarian, make sure to take a supplement.

11. Maintain Iron Levels
People with low iron levels often suffer from a decrease in memory.

12. Drink Red Wine
Red wine contains a flavanoid called resveratrol. Resveratrol has been shown to reduce the risk of age related cognitive disease, including Alzheimer’s. Resveratrol is also an anti-inflammatory that decreases the risk of various cancers and heart disease. Other flavanoids include green tea and dark chocolate.

13. An Apple a Day
Apples contain acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that’s important to the function of memory. Apples raise the body’s level of acetylcholine.

14. Take Brain Boosting Herbs
Many herbs are powerful brain boosters. (Before taking any herb for the first time, please consult your physician, however.) Brain boosting herbs include Gingko Biloba, which stimulates the blood flow to the brain; Ginseng, which protects against the effects of stress, as well as boosting energy; and Rosemary, which improves memory, concentration, and mental clarity.

15. Avoid Brain “Pollutants”
Studies suggest that air pollution and pesticides could lead to cognitive decline and disease. While hard to avoid, the following everyday pollutants that people can stay away from include:

• acetaminophen—depletes an important antioxidant that protects the brain
• antacids—inhibits the absorption of B-12
• mercury—reduces the brain’s ability to respond to the neurotransmitter dopamine

Do you go and go and go and only stop when you’re completely wiped? Do you just have too much to do to get to bed on time? Do you try and sleep, but can’t turn off your mind? If so, it’s time to kick insomnia in the butt. Adequate sleep is necessary for both your physical and mental well-being. Lack of sleep has been linked to weakened immunity, depression, irritability, forgetfulness, and even an increased risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer, obesity, and diabetes. Though the amount of sleep a person needs varies per individual, experts advise to get between 7-9 hours per night. Less than 7 hours puts stress on your body, which causes inflammation. Inflammation can lead to major illnesses, such as cancer and heart disease.

10 Relaxing Herbs to Help You Sleep

• Ashwagandha
Grown in India and North American, Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb used to help the body deal with stress. If stress is keeping you awake at night, try a supplement that contains this herb.

• Chamomile
This well-known herb is often used in teas, but can also be found as an essential oil for use in baths or applied to the skin. If taking chamomile in tea form, be sure to avoid drinking it at least 2-4 hours before bedtime, otherwise you’ll risk a full bladder call at midnight!

• Hops
Though most often associated with brewing beer, hops are also a powerful sedative. According to The Herbs Place, hops are particularly useful for treating insomnia caused by stress, anxiety, and an overactive mind. Hobs are used in many over-the-counter sleeping aids.

• Lavender
The scent of lavender calms the nervous system. Use the essential oils in a bath, diffuser, as massage oil, or simply inhale.

• Lemon Balm
A member of the mint family, lemon balm has been used since the Middle Ages to treat tension, mood disorders, insomnia, and more. Drink it as tea, or use as an essential oil.

• Magnolia Bark
The bark of the magnolia has long been used in Eastern medicine to treat a variety of disorders, including anxiety and insomnia. Look for it in capsule form, or as an extract.

• Passionflower
Passionflower is often considered the herb of choice as a natural sleep aid. It promotes a restful, relaxing sleep without grogginess or other side effects. It is also not addictive.

• Skullcap
Take orally or use as an essential oil to treat insomnia related to tension, exhaustion, depression, or stress.

• St. John’s Wort
St. John’s Wort is a popular herb used to treat a variety of disorders including depression and insomnia. The plant grows naturally throughout much of the world, especially in northern California, southern Oregon, and Colorado. The flowers and leaves can be dried and ground into a power to form supplements. It can also be found in tea, and as an essential oil.

• Valerian
Backed by strong clinical studies, Valerian has been proven to significantly improve sleep quality, and latency—the amount of time it takes to fall asleep. Valerian has been used for centuries, and is considered a safe alternative to prescription sleep aids.

How-to Turn Off the Mind
If your mind starts racing the minute your head hits the pillow, the following tips will help you quiet your thoughts and fall asleep.

• Stop
You’re probably thinking about something that’s causing anxiety. Stop. Focus on something happy and positive.

• Write it Down
Write down what’s on your mind, and what’s bothering you, an hour or two before bedtime. Work it out then, not when you’re trying to fall asleep.

• Stretch
Try gentle stretches or yoga before hitting the sack. Working the tension out of your body can also help put your mind at ease.

• Breathe
Take a deep breath, and let it out slowly. Focus on breathing in and out, and nothing else.

• Count Sheep
When all else fails, count sheep. When your mind is busy watching those creatures jump a fence, it won’t have time to think about everything else in your life.

General Tips
• Keep the temperature in your room cooler. 65 degrees or less is optimum for sleeping.
• Wear light, comfortable clothing that doesn’t restrict your movement at night.
• Don’t drink caffeine at least 6 hours before bedtime
• Don’t eat at least 4 hours before bedtime.
• Eliminate light. If a streetlight shines in your window, buy heavy drapes, for example.
• Buy a new mattress. If you’re uncomfortable, how are you to sleep?
• Try to stick to a set bedtime and wake time.

Classic food duos are common in American cuisine. Think peanut butter and jelly, ketchup and fries, meat and potatoes, and bacon and eggs, for example. But certain food pairing go beyond just tasting good together. The chemicals and enzymes in certain foods interact with the chemicals and enzymes in other foods to produce powerful health benefits. Which foods should you be eating together? Read on to find out.

Broccoli and Tomatoes
Everyone knows broccoli is packed with health beneficial nutrients. It’s loaded with Vitamin C, Vitamin A, fiber, folic acid, calcium, and potassium. But broccoli also contains glucosinolates and isothiocyanates, powerful enzymes that stimulate the body’s natural cancer fighting process.

Tomatoes, on the other hand, are high in the carotenoid lycopene. Consumption of foods containing lycopene help protect the body against prostate cancer.

Researchers from the University of Illinois found that combining the potent cancer fighting enzymes of broccoli with tomatoes reduced the incidence of prostate cancer tumors better than either broccoli or tomatoes alone.

Apples and Grapes
Apples contain quercetin, a plant-derived flavonoid that gives the apple its red coloring. Quercetin is a powerful antioxidant. Studies have shown it to be effective in treating and preventing a variety of conditions, including allergies, cancer, and heart disease.

While great to consume on their own, apples are even more powerful when combined with grapes. Grapes contain catechin, which is also a plant-derived flavonoid. Many studies link the intake of catechin containing foods and beverages to the reduction of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Apples and grapes consumed together, therefore, offer even greater protection against these ailments, specifically heart disease and stroke.

Spinach and Oranges
The vitamin C in oranges helps the body absorb the iron in spinach. Spinach, and all other plant based foods, contains non-heme iron as opposed to heme iron, which is found in animal protein. The body doesn’t absorb non-heme iron as well as it does heme iron. To boost the absorption percentage of non-heme iron, consume foods high in vitamin C at the same time you’re eating iron rich foods of the plant variety.

Yogurt and Bananas
Yogurt contains beneficial live bacteria known as probiotics, which are similar to those found naturally in your intestines. Probiotics play an important role in the health of the digestive system. Without these good bacteria, harmful bacteria, such as yeast, can flourish and cause bloating, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and other health problems.

Bananas contain prebiotics, which are non-digestible ingredients that stimulate the production of good bacteria in your intestines. The most common types of prebiotics are soluble fiber. When probiotics combine with prebiotics, the prebiotics work to keep the probiotics healthy. They also stimulate the body’s natural production of good bacteria.

A good time to consume prebiotics and probiotics is during and after taking antibiotics. Antibiotics destroy the bacteria in your intestines.

Veggies and Olive Oil
Contrary to popular belief, fat is good for the body. Your brain needs fat to function, and your body needs fat to burn calories and absorb nutrients. There are different types of fat, however, and only the “good” fats—of the monounsaturated and polyunsaturated varieties—are beneficial. However, all types of fats should be consumed in moderation.

Olive oil is an excellent source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat. When eaten in conjunction with veggies, it will help your body absorb the nutrients in those veggies. For example, an olive oil based salad dressing will help your body extract the Vitamin A, Vitamin C, beta-carotene, calcium, folate, fiber, and other phytonutrients found in salad greens.

On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your average energy level? If you’re not in the upper percentile, try the following 12 tips for improving your daily oomph. Often, something as simple as eating breakfast can put you on the right track.

Catch Some ZZZs, not ZZs or ZZZZs
Adequate amounts of sleep, and the quality of your sleep, is one of the most important factors in determining your body’s energy levels. Just as too little sleep will zap your energy, too much can also leave you feeling groggy and lethargic. Aim for 8 hours, no more, no less. And for those afternoon slumps that tend to hit around 4PM, recharge with a 10 minutes power nap. 10 minute seems to be the key amount to provide the most benefit. If you’re tossing and turning, or waking up throughout the night, the quality of your sleep will be affected. Try darkening your room, lowering the temperature, and quieting your mind.

Soak up the Sun
Your body needs sunshine in order to produce adequate levels of Vitamin D. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in your body’s production of energy, its immunity, and your mood. Research has shown that as little as ten minutes of unprotected exposure to sunshine as day is enough protect yourself from deficiency.

Eat Brain Food
You’ve heard it said again and again—the most important meal of the day is breakfast. Well, it’s true, but it’s equally as important that you eat the right things for breakfast. Simple carbohydrates, such as sugar and white starches, will fill you up for only a short period of time before you “crash.” A breakfast of fruits, veggies, and protein will sustain you longer. Try an egg with a slice of tomato and avocado, for example.

Throughout the day, eat smaller, balanced meals and snacks. And don’t forget that between 50%-60% of your brain is fat, and an adequate intake of healthy fats—monounsaturated and polyunsaturated (such as Omega 3)—is necessary to keep your brain processing effectively.

Get Moving
Cardiovascular exercise is one of the best ways to improve your energy and stamina. Exercise forces the body to breath faster and deeper, which increases the amount of oxygen in your blood. It also forces your heart to beat faster, which delivers blood to vital organs at a faster rate. During this process, your body flushes toxic wastes such as carbon dioxide and lactic acid more quickly. At the same time, your brain releases endorphins, a natural “feel good” hormone.

Stay Hydrated
It’s easy to forget to drink water, or to drink something in lieu of water, but water, and lots of it, is a great way to keep the body functioning properly. Water helps carry oxygen and other nutrients throughout your body, and helps flush out waste and other toxins. Too little water will leave you dehydrated and fatigued. Dehydration often leads to headaches and muscle aches, which consequently affect your energy and sense of well-being.

Find an Outlet for Your Stress
Stress is an undeniable aspect of life, but it doesn’t have to leave you feeling depleted. Find a method of relieving stress that works for you and doesn’t otherwise inhibit your body’s energy and well-being. Often, physical activity, such as walking, jogging, tennis, or boxing, will help you shed tension. If physical activity doesn’t work for you, try sitting quietly, meditating, or curling up with a good book.

Get Your Hormones Checked
If you’re getting adequate sleep, eating right, exercising, and the like, but still feeling fatigued on a regular basis, get your thyroid checked. Low levels of thyroid hormone, known as hypothyroidism, will greatly affect your energy levels in a negative way. People who suffer from hypothyroidism also have a hard time losing weight, chill easily, suffer from constipation, depression, weakness, and more.

B is Your Best Friend
All the B Vitamins are essential for maintaining every aspect of your body’s functions, including energy. Buy a bottle of B complex chewables, and eat one when you need a pick-me-up. If your doctor finds you’re particularly low on B, he or she can prescribe injections.

Pump up the Volume
When you need a quick burst of energy, try turning on, and turning up, some invigorating tunes. Energetic music is great for cleaning, exercising, or getting yourself pumped up to do a difficult task. When you need to decompress and mellow out, however, classical music is always a good bet.

Laugh
“Laughter is the best medicine,” is a proverb everyone should pay attention to. Laugher improves optimism, self-confidence, and produces endorphins.

Feng Shui It
According to Wikipedia, Feng Shui is “an ancient Chinese system of aesthetics believed to use the laws of both Heaven and Earth to help one improve life by receiving positive qi.” Qi is often translated as energy flow. The principles of Feng Shui are often applied to the home or office and includes placement of furniture and color schemes.

Aromatherapy
Research has shown that certain scents increase alertness. Citrus and lavender are two scents that people respond positively to. Even 5 minutes or less of aromatherapy with either of these scents can help improve your energy.