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Are Your Essential Oils Safe from Phthalates?

1 min read | Author - Backyard Vitality

A recent investigation by Mamavation, in partnership with EHN, uncovered concerning levels of phthalates in essential oils. The study tested 22 lavender and peppermint essential oils from 11 popular brands and found that all contained detectable levels of these harmful chemicals. 

Phthalates, commonly used as solvents and stabilizers, have been linked to hormone disruption, fertility issues, obesity, developmental delays, and even cancer. This highlights the need for consumers to be vigilant when selecting essential oils.

Finding safe essential oils is crucial for protecting your health from harmful chemicals like phthalates. To avoid phthalates in essential oils, consider the following tips:

  1. Choose Certified Organic Oils – Organic certification ensures oils are free from synthetic chemicals and contaminants.
  2. Check for Third-Party Testing – Look for brands that provide independent lab reports verifying purity and the absence of phthalates.
  3. Opt for Reputable Brands – Brands like Mountain Rose Herbs, Now Essential Oils, and Plant Therapy have been found to contain lower levels of contaminants.
  4. Avoid Synthetic Fragrances – Pure essential oils should contain only plant-derived ingredients with no artificial additives.
  5. Select Dark Glass Bottles – High-quality essential oils are typically packaged in dark glass to protect against light degradation and chemical leaching.

From Corporate Control to Community Farms: How We Can Re-Claim Our Food System

2 min read | Author - Backyard Vitality

The USDA reports that in just one year, the U.S. lost 14,950 farms and 2,100,000 acres of farmland. This continues a decades-long trend, bringing the total loss to 150,000 farms since 2017. 

A generational shift is underway. With the average American farmer over 60 and nearly 40% now over 65, farmland is changing hands at an unprecedented rate. 

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Stock Your Survival Pantry With These Healthy Canned Essentials

1 min read | Author - Backyard Vitality

Canned foods are more than just convenient – they’re an essential part of any emergency pantry. Whether facing natural disasters, economic uncertainty, or unexpected shortages, having shelf-stable, nutrient-dense foods ensures you and your family stay nourished. 

Here are the best options to stock up on:

Canned Beans – A Protein-Packed Essential

Black beans, chickpeas, and kidney beans provide protein, fiber, and essential minerals like iron and magnesium. They’re an affordable, long-lasting meat alternative. Rinse before eating to reduce sodium.

Canned Tomatoes – A Must-Have Base for Meals

Packed with vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene, canned tomatoes are perfect for soups, stews, and pasta sauces. Choose “no salt added” versions and add seal salt for better health.

Canned Tuna & Salmon – Protein and Omega-3s

A great source of protein and healthy fats, canned seafood supports brain and heart health, making it a valuable emergency staple. Choose pole and line caught tuna to support sustainability and skip jack light tuna for the least mercury.

Canned Pumpkin – A Hidden Nutritional Gem

Full of fiber and vitamin A, pumpkin is great for digestion and immunity. Add it to oatmeal, soups, or smoothies. Choose pure pumpkin without added ingredients.

Canned Coconut Milk – A Dairy-Free Powerhouse

Great for curries and soups, coconut milk adds healthy fats and a creamy texture to meals. Choose full-fat for the best taste and health benefits.

Canned Food Shopping Tips

  • Check sodium and sugar levels – Opt for “low sodium” and “no sugar added” options.
  • Inspect cans – Avoid dented or rusted cans, as they may be compromised.
  • Rotate stock – Use older cans first and replenish regularly.

Egg Shortages Spur Chicken-Keeping Trend Among Florida Homeowners

1 min read | Author - Backyard Vitality

With egg prices rising and supply chain issues continuing, many Floridians are turning to backyard chickens for fresh eggs and self-sufficiency. However, raising chickens in Florida’s unique climate requires careful preparation, and inconsistent local regulations add further challenges.

Katie Whalen of Port St. Lucie hopes to add a chicken coop to her permaculture-inspired backyard, filled with fruit trees and edible plants. She sees chickens as a natural extension of her sustainable lifestyle, but city ordinances prohibit her from keeping hens. 

While some Florida cities, like Clermont, have legalized small backyard flocks, others, including Port St. Lucie, maintain strict bans. Meanwhile, in unincorporated St. Lucie County, a Backyard Chicken Program has thrived since 2021. Inspired by its success, Whalen has launched a petition advocating for food security and economic resilience.

For those legally allowed to keep chickens, preparation is key. Florida’s heat requires shade, ventilation, and constant access to cool water. Predator protection is also crucial, as raccoons and hawks pose significant risks. Sturdy, predator-proof coops with secure latches and wire mesh help keep flocks safe.

Choosing heat-tolerant breeds like Leghorns, Barred Rocks, and Australorps is important. Hydration, proper nutrition, and hurricane preparedness – such as securing coops and keeping emergency supplies – are essential. To ensure flock health and success, new chicken owners should educate themselves on common challenges, including mites, egg production fluctuations, and overheating.

Save Wetlands by Eating Nutria, Says U.S. Fish and Wildlife

1 min read | Author - Backyard Vitality

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is urging Americans to help control invasive nutria by adding them to their menus. As part of National Invasive Species Week (Feb 24-28), officials highlight how these rodents, native to South America, have caused significant damage to U.S. wetlands. Originally brought to Louisiana in the 1930s for the fur trade, nutria escaped into the wild and rapidly multiplied. 

A single nutria can weigh up to 20 pounds and consume its body weight in vegetation daily, leading to the destruction of nearly 90,000 acres of coastal wetlands annually before control efforts began.

Thanks to hunting incentives, such as $6-per-tail bounties, the damage has dropped to about 5,500 acres per year. However, nutria populations continue to expand along the Atlantic Coast and into California.

While eating rodents may sound unusual, nutria meat is lean, mild, and similar to rabbit. It can be prepared in a variety of ways, including nutria gumbo, tacos, and even smoked or grilled. 

Older cookbooks feature dishes like “nutria-bacon rolls” and “macaroni-nutria casserole.” As with all wild game, it’s important to cook it thoroughly to avoid contamination.

If nutria isn’t your thing, National Invasive Species Week also highlights other eco-friendly options, such as invasive carp, feral hogs, and even green iguanas. Yummy!

The Hidden Dangers of Fluoride: Utah Takes a Stand Against Forced Medication

1 min read | Author - Backyard Vitality

Utah is on the verge of passing a groundbreaking bill that would ban the addition of fluoride in all public water systems, removing the ability of local governments to mandate its use. The bill, now awaiting Governor Spencer Cox’s decision, aligns with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s vocal opposition to forced fluoridation and his advocacy for public health transparency.

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Flower Power vs. Microplastics: Natural Antioxidants to the Rescue

1 min read | Author - Backyard Vitality

New research highlights the potential of antioxidants found in fruits and flowers to counteract the detrimental effects of microplastics on the reproductive system. Anthocyanins, the compounds responsible for the vibrant colors in many nuts, fruits, and vegetables, have shown promising protective effects against reproductive toxicity caused by microplastic exposure.

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9 Best Foods to Feed Your Brain and Boost Mental Power

5 min read | Author - Backyard Vitality

Your brain is your body’s command center, controlling everything from memory and focus to emotions and decision-making. Just like the rest of your body, it needs the right fuel to function at its best. Whether you want to sharpen focus, improve memory, or prevent cognitive decline, eating the right foods can help.

Here are 9 of the best brain-boosting foods backed by science, plus a few daily habits to keep your mind sharp.

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Try These 17 Foods to Eat Your Way to Healthy Eyes

7 min read | Author - Backyard Vitality

Vision is one of our most important senses, yet it is often taken for granted until problems arise. With increasing screen time, environmental stressors, and age-related degeneration, maintaining optimal eye health is more critical than ever. 

Fortunately, nutrition plays a powerful role in supporting vision, preventing eye diseases, and reducing strain. Scientific studies have shown that essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can significantly impact eye function, slow vision loss, and even prevent conditions such as macular degeneration, cataracts, and dry eye syndrome. 

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Nature’s Bandage: The Incredible Plant that Stops Bleeding Instantly

3 min read | Author - Backyard Vitality

You knicked your finger with a kitchen knife… ouch! What is the first thing you do? Most likely, you reach for a bandage to cover the wound. Did you know that one medicinal plant has earned the nickname “Nature’s Bandage” for its remarkable ability to stop bleeding instantly? Before the invention of bandages, this plant was a go-to remedy for minor wounds.

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