11Jul 2020 by Vincent Summers No Comments

The Curious Brazil Nut and Brazil Nut Tree

Food, Plants
Buy a can of mixed nuts, and what large nut catches your attention because of its large size? Undoubtedly, it is a Brazil nut, perhaps an excellent indicator by its quantity of how good a quality your can of mixed nuts will be. It is not merely size that sets the Brazil nut apart. There are many factors that make this nut unique among nuts. Let's consider a few of them. The Brazil Nut Tree The Bertholletia excelsa, or Brazil Nut tree, is very imposing to look at. With its very large trunk, it towers above buildings. Atop the trunk is a crown of leaves and branches. Bertholletia's fruits resemble coconuts. In fact, Brazil nuts are not nuts, but seeds from within the fruits. [caption id="attachment_28657" align="alignright" width="400"] Bertholletia escelsa,…
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25Apr 2017 by Vincent Summers 3 Comments

Is Fish Really Brain Food?

Food, People
[caption id="attachment_17712" align="alignright" width="440"] A lovely, healthful salmon dinner. Maybe add a small baked potato.[/caption] It’s been years since I’ve heard anyone describe fish as brain food. But they did. And there was no disproof that the saying was correct. So what’s the verdict? Is there any validity to the idea that fish is good for the central nervous system and specifically for the brain? Fat and Cholesterol Fish is low in calories. Fish is low in fat, especially saturated fat. The varieties of food fish highest in fat contain no more than about 15% fat. In fact, fish is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Most fish are relatively low in cholesterol. The overall conclusion is that fish is a suitable dietary addition for those who wish to reduce their…
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23Oct 2015 by Vincent Summers No Comments

Why You Are Allergic to Cats and They Are Allergic to You

animals, Health
[caption id="attachment_9639" align="alignright" width="480"] Cat allergens are inside a mite's intestines.[/caption] The overwhelming majority of people who are allergic to cats, suffer because of traces of proteins – especially two of them – Fel d 1 (a secretoglobin) and Fel d 4 (a lipocalin). These proteins are associated with the skin and saliva of a house cat. Allergic to Cats? How You're Exposed Flakes of dead skin can be found on the fur. Now, a cat cleans itself by licking its fur. So if you let a cat lick you, you are exposed to both of the primary allergy-related proteins. That and two or three other minor protein allergens as well. What About the Cat? Humans aren’t the only creatures subject to allergies. Cats have them, too. As the cat…
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19Mar 2014 by Vincent Summers 6 Comments

DIY Milk Based Casein Glue

Chemistry, Entertainment
[caption id="attachment_5956" align="alignleft" width="380"] Casein Glue[/caption] Survivalists desire the skill of doing things for themselves. While they may know how to provide food for their families, could they make their own glue if the need arose for it? Would you like to know how you can make your own glue—from milk? That’s right—from milk. It's called casein glue. Elementary Adhesives There are a number of simple ways to make glues using various starches, flour, or gelatin. An improvement to these formulations is casein glue. While it requires a little effort to make, it is still not difficult and it is a superior product. In fact, it is related to some of the famous brands available at your store, including construction glue. Milk is a Natural Casein is an important phosphoprotein…
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