Whether you've heard of them are not, it is important to know about the role of parabens in our lives. Parabens are a chemical used in many cosmetic products to prevent bacterial growth. While parabens have been used since the 1950s, there are new forms of them that you should watch out for.
Photo: marin/ freedigitalphotos.net Forms of parabens like butylparaben, methylparaben and propylparaben have been deemed xenoestrogens, or agents that mimic estrogen in the body. This excess of estrogen can in turn cause breast, ovarian and prostate cancer in men. But are the paraben-based products we use the direct cause of these serious health conditions? The answer is partially yes, and partially no. In 2004, Phillipa Darbre of Britain found a number of parabens present in a malignant breast tumor, drawing the conclusion that these compounds sparked the occurrence of the cancer in the first place. However, other doctors assert that Darbre's test was not correctly conducted and assert that the level of estrogen in parabens is so weak that it couldn't have such a serious effect. So with all of these new paraben-free labels, what's the answer? Parabens are in so many of our favorite products, like soaps, mascaras and shampoo, so does this mean that we have to throw them all out? The answer is no, you do not have to throw out all of your paraben products at once. Keep using the products you love, but consult a doctor to make sure that your levels of estrogen aren't too high. If you are worried about the effect of parabens, there are a number of new products on the marked that are marked 'paraben-free'. It is most likely that in the next two years, most cosmetic companies will cease to make their products with parabens, because of the bad stigma. So what is the real truth about parabens? Although they have been linked with breast and ovarian cancer in women, parabens are still considered safe at low levels by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. That means that they need not be completely avoided, but if many of your favorite products have parabens, you should probably start looking for paraben-free replacements. Here are a number of commonly found paraben-free brands: Aveda Burt's Bees Dr. Hauschka Korres Origins Pangea Organics Josie Maran Cosmetics ...and many more! And on the way, learning about parabens will give you that extra push to throw away all those beauty products you don't use anymore... |
8 Great Ways to Use Cucumber to Nurture Your Skin and Hair
Cucumbers have many health benefits, but who would've believed that it could also do good for our skin and hair?
Your Next Deodorant May Already Be in Your Skincare Routine
A short list of effective and cheap natural deodorants
There Are 6 Types of Belly Fat, Which is Yours?
This guide will help you determine what your tummy type is and how best to shrink its size.
9 Ways to Use Coffee to Make Your Hair and Skin Shine
Caffeine, a familiar component of coffee, can stimulate blood circulation, leading to radiant, healthy, and bright skin.
Why Your Body Will Thank You for Using Argan Oil
A list of 8 health benefits in using cosmetic or edible argan oil
Who Knew Mustard Had So Many Helpful Uses?
10 uses you may have never known you can put mustard to.
Is Your Keyboard Hurting Your Wrists? Here’s How to Fix It
Did you know that your keyboard can damage your wrists? This video shows how to use it safely and 3 exercises that to counteract the damage
The Common Cold: Humanity’s Age-Old Nemesis
The common cold has been with humanity since its early history. So why haven’t we found a cure for it yet?
How Can You Tell a Common Cold Infection from Influenza?
The common cold is among the most prevalent virus infections in the world. What's the best way to treat it?
10 Healing Scents That Can Do Wonders for Body and Mind
Smell evokes memories and happy memories but there’s more to scent than nostalgia. Smell offers many benefits for your body and mind.
Warning: The Places Bacteria Hides...
The truth about hand washing and the spread of bacteria. This could keep you healthy longer!
Here's a Quick Guide to Instantly Clearing a Blocked Nose
Got a congested nose? Remember these priceless tricks and thank us later!
How to Increase the Amount of Oxygen in Your Blood
How can we make sure we're getting enough oxygen in our breathing? This video will make sure you know how.
Soothe Your Sciatic Pain with These 8 Natural Remedies
You don’t need to suffer from pain caused by sciatica. These 8 remedies are natural and effective at reducing unnecessary pain.
Full Documentary: What Does It Mean to Be Morbidly Obese?
Looking into the life of an obese person from both a medical and psychological point of view, this video isn't one to miss!
Restorative Yoga to Relieve Sciatica You Can Do Lying Down
This yoga practice is safe for those suffering from sciatica and was compiled specifically to help relieve the pain associated with it
Every Senior Must Do These Simple Seated Exercises
Seniors will find this video extremely helpful.
How to Treat an Obstruction in Your Stomach
Did you know that you can naturally treat gastric obstructions by adding to organic ingredients to your diet?
The Shocking Truth About Eggs and Heart Disease
What exactly do eggs do to our arteries? Find out the truth.
Think Over-the-Counter Medications Are Safe? Think Again!
It's easy to think over the counter drugs are harmless, but you better read this before purchasing! Let's look at the dangers of taking over-the-counter drugs and how they can be avoided.
10 Most Frequent Misdiagnoses Made by Doctors
In the US, 1 out of every 20 adults are misdiagnosed. Here are 10 conditions that are commonly missed or mistaken for something else!
10 Instant Self-Checks Worth Performing Regularly at Home
Our body can give certain signs we don't always realize are indications of a bad health or disease - learn 10 brilliant ways of checking out your body for these signs regularly from home.
How to Treat Hand Pain that Won't Go Away
Hand pain can be mysterious and annoying as heck. We use our hands all the time and it's hard to tell sometimes why we're hurting and what to do about it as we have to continue using them. This video will give you some tips on treating this pain.
Having Leg Cramps at Night? Then You Need to Know This
Night leg cramps beyond annoying: they can interfere with sleep and life quality. Here's everything you need to know about night leg cramps.
Here's How to Clear a Stuffy Nose Instantly
There are some truly bizarre methods for clearing a stuffy nose out there, but they really seem to do the trick. Learn these methods today.
Say Goodbye to Your Double Chin with These 5 Exercises
These 5 exercises will help give your chin a tighter, younger, and healthier look, and eventually to help you get rid of a double chin all together.
Did This Technique Just Kill 99% of Cancer Cells?
This revolutionary method, employing the power of vibrating molecules, heralds a new dawn in the fight against cancer, offering hope for a more efficient and less invasive approach to treatment.
The Complete Map to Our Most Important Pressure Points!
According to ancient oriental beliefs, every organ in the human body has a representative pressure point in the hand and the foot. Find out all about them here.
Are You at Risk for "Building Sickness"?
Have you heard of "building sickness"? Because you may have had it.
An Ancient Chinese Story with a Lovely Moral
This beautiful Chinese tale tells the story of a maid and how she learned respect for her mother-in-law
Everything You Wanted to Know About Healthy Tropical Fruits
Learn about eight easy-to-come-by tropical fruit that are both delicious and oh-so-healthy for you!
What You Should & Shouldn't Eat With a Stomach Ache
Not sure what you should and shouldn't eat with an upset stomach? This video has all the answers!
9 Effective Ways to Make Your Nausea Go Away
Nausea is that unpleasant feeling of discomfort inside your stomach, oftentimes leading to vomiting. Use one of these natural methods to stop it.
The Health Benefits of Waking Up to Lemon Water
Lemon water is nutritious, here is why you should drink water with lemon every day.
11 Warning Signs of a Nutrient or Vitamin Deficiency
You might not be getting enough nutrients, and you don't even know it. Watch out for these signs!
3 One Minute Tricks to Fix Your Nightmare Back Pains
Do you have back pain as a result of prolonged sitting? Here are 3 easy techniques you can try anywhere.
Is Calorie-Counting Just a Nutrition Theory Gone Wrong?
We've all been counting calories for decades in hopes to cut down on our waistlines, but it turns our that the calorie system might be wrong
9 Common Mistakes We Make When Giving First Aid
The 9 most common errors made when providing first aid for simple medical cases.
A Beginner's Guide for Your First Yoga Class
No prior knowledge of yoga is needed for this lesson, which will leave you knowing yoga's basics moves that you can practice at home!
Mystery Revealed: Why Some Don’t Get Bitten By Mosquitoes
Mosquito bites are more than just a mild annoyance and it's very useful to know what may attract these buzzing pests to avoid mosquito bites
3 Easy Exercises to Alleviate Light-Headedness
If you're feeling dizzy or out of balance, these three exercises will help alleviate your symptoms.
Sciatica Back and Leg Pain - 5 Pain Relieving Exercises
Flareups are common for sciatica, but they can be managed and reduced with the help of specific exercises and stretches.
WARNING: Who Shouldn't Consume Turmeric? Find Out Here
Discover more about who shouldn't consume turmeric or curcumin in this video:
12 Superfoods That Burn the Fat Off Your Diet!
These great superfoods should be part of everyone's meal!
Melt Away Neck Pain and Tension Headaches With These Tips!
Tension at the base of the neck is a common cause of tension headaches, neck pain, and many other issues. Let these 3 exercises help you in just a few minutes!
Chair Yoga: a Complete At Home Video Practice
This is a complete 17-minute beginner friendly yoga sequence suitable for all ages you can do on your chair.
What Happens When You Quit Sugar? You'll Be Surprised!
What happens to your body when you quit sugar? Find out!