New research has suggested that regularly eating cooked tomatoes could give natural protection from the sun. 

Scientists from the University of Manchester and Newcastle University believe that an antioxidant known as lycopene, which is found in high quantities in cooked tomatoes, helps to protect skin from the UV rays which can cause skin damage.

The research involved giving one set of volunteers 55g of tomato paste and 10g of olive oil each day and another group just 10g of olive oil.  By the end of a three month period, the first group were found to have 33% more protection from sunburn than the control group.

The scientists were quick to point out, however, that this natural UV protection isn’t so powerful that it could replace sun lotions and urged people to consider it simply as a ‘helpful addition’ to their current sun care precautions. 

As well as having improved protection from UV rays, the volunteers were also found to have higher levels of procollagen in their skin.

Professor Lesley Rhodes, of the University of Manchester, commented: “These increasing levels suggest potential reversing of the skin ageing process.” 

“These weren’t huge amounts of tomato we were feeding the group.  It was the sort of quantity you would easily manage if you were eating a lot of tomato-based meals,” she said.

A study conducted in America has revealed the presence of many chemicals in pets, and at levels higher than usually found in humans.

In the research by the Environmental Working Group, a number of cats and dogs were tested for 70 chemicals, 48 of which were found to be present.  These included phthalates and mercury, as well as fire-retardant and stain-resistant chemicals.
The results showed that of the 35 chemicals detected in dogs, 40% were at higher levels than in humans.  Cats, on the other hand, tested positive for 46 chemicals, 96% of which were at higher levels. 

Whilst there is no definitive evidence as to the effect of these chemicals on either humans or animals, some of these chemicals have been linked with cancer, hyperthyroidism, birth defects and reproductive problems.  It is possible that this is why dogs have much higher rates of cancer than humans, whilst cats appear to be susceptible to thyroid problems. 

So why is it that pets have such high levels of these chemicals in their blood?  In part this is due to the fact that they ingest some in the process of licking their coats, but flea collars, pet shampoos, chewy plastic toys and the lining of dry pet-food bags likely also play a part.  In addition, seafood-flavoured feed is thought to be a possible source of the mercury detected in pets.  

Green People’s natural children’s shampoos can also be used on pets thanks to their gentle yet effective organic formulas.  See our Organic Children’s range for more details.  

Research from Germany has suggested that people with eczema may benefit from an increased intake of omega-3.

The study, which was published in the British Journal of Dermatology, revealed that participants taking omega-3 tablets over an eight week period experienced an 18% improvement in their eczema.  

Professor Margitta Worm, one of the authors of the study, commented: “The results of this trial are extremely interesting as the data clearly demonstrates that dietary DHA could be bioactive and may have a beneficial impact on the outcome of atopic eczema.

“These positive results will be investigated in further clinical trials to improve the management of atopic eczema which is a growing problem.”

Omega-3 is a fatty acid which naturally occurs in flax, oily fish and some nuts, and has previously been linked with a number of beneficial effects on health.  Although the Western diet has meant that there has been a gradual decline in Omega-3 intake, the last few years have seen it rising in the public consciousness.

Green People’s natural dietary range includes the Organic Omega 3&6 Fuel 3:1, which helps to supplement intake of these essential fatty acids.     

Green People are delighted to be sponsoring a finalist in this years Miss Earth competition.

A long standing fan of our products, Sonia Dham was selected for the final of the 2008 Miss Earth pageant earlier this year.

She commented: “I’d like to be seen as a role model that people in England could genuinely aspire and relate to. I would really like the opportunity to reach out to those less fortunate in life.”

Sonia approached Green People as a sponsor as she felt that our green ethics mirrored that of the pageant's, ‘Green People are by far the best organic brand out there; they care about you and your wellbeing. It is so refreshing to see a cosmetic company with people’s best interests in mind and being a vegetarian I am really impressed that they are producing Vegan friendly products.’

Miss Earth was itself launched with a view to reinventing and improving the beauty pageant concept for the new millennium. Seeing that so many people admired and aspired to be a beauty queen, the organisers Carousel Productions believed beauty queens would be a good and effective advocate of worthy causes, so to give life to this vision Carousel launched the MISS EARTH Beauty Pageant in 2001.

For more details go to www.missearthuk.co.uk

An American study has found that up to 97% of the population test positively for the chemical oxybenzone, a commonly-used ingredient in sunscreen and other skin care products which has been linked with negative effects on health.

It has been suggested that there could be a connection between oxybenzone and cell damage, allergies and hormone disruption.  A sister study, which was also carried out by US researchers, also put forward the possibility that the mums who had high levels of contact with the chemical during pregnancy were more likely to have underweight daughters. 

The concerns over oxybenzone also extend to its effect on the skin.  It is thought that when it is absorbed through the dermal layer, it can increase skin sensitivity and become a photocarcinogen.   

As well as sunscreen, the researchers also found oxybenzone was present in some lip balms, lipsticks and facial moisturisers.

A US organisation, the Environmental Working Group, is critical of the lack of action that has been taken thus far on oxybenzone and is calling for a further safety review of this chemical. 

It commented on its website: “The Food and Drug Administration has failed miserably in its duty to protect the public from toxic chemicals like oxybenzone in personal care products.”

As a result of the safety concerns over oxybenzone, EU regulations have been put in place which state that sunscreens which contain more than 0.5% of this ingredient must be marked accordingly.  However, as long as they declare the presence of oxybenzone in their sun care products, manufacturers are free to use it as an ingredient.    

Green People’s natural sunscreens and other skin care products do not contain oxybenzone.  View our organic sunscreen range now.

Exposure to pesticides may lead to a greater chance of developing Parkinson’s disease, according to research published in the BMC Neurology journal.

The research, which was carried out by US scientists from two universities and the Udall Parkinson’s Disease Research Centre of Excellence, revealed that those who had used pesticides had a 1.6 greater risk of getting Parkinson’s than those who had not.

The study also revealed that people who had extended exposure to pesticides, i.e. had been exposed to them for more than 200 days across their whole lifetime, had an even greater chance of developing the disease.

Whilst the scientists say that there are likely to be a number of factors influencing the development of Parkinson’s, they believe that pesticides may be a key part of the problem.

The lead researcher involved in the study said: “I think there is very strong evidence now linking the two.  What we noticed in our research was that recreational pesticide use in the home and garden was more of a source of exposure than occupational use.”

The study backs up previous research which showed that people with Parkinson’s disease were twice as likely to have used pesticides as those without.  

As Green People uses organic ingredients in its natural skin and hair care products, you can be sure that they do not contain any pesticides.

The Organic Consumers Association, an American organisation formed in 1998, has spoken out after it discovered US organic skin care brands using a petrochemical by-product in their products.

The controversy has been sparked by a chemical called 1,4-dioxane.  It is sometimes found as a contaminant resulting from the ethoxylation process used to make some types of foaming ingredients and so does not need to be listed on packaging under US laws.  As a result, it is unlikely that consumers are aware of the inclusion of this ingredient in their products.

The lack of notice about 1,4-dioxane in organic body care products is not the only issue that concerns the Organic Consumers Association.  There have also been certain safety concerns raised about this product, which has been classified as a ‘probable human carcinogen’ by the US Environmental Protection Agency.

The Organic Consumers Association is now calling for cosmetics companies which allow the presence of 1,4-dioxane in their products to stop describing themselves as organic. 

The Executive Director of the Organic Consumers Association commented: “The practice of ethoxylating ingredients or using other petroleum compounds must end for natural personal care, and that is much more outrageous in so-called ‘organics’ brand products.”

Green People does not use any ingredient that might be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane in any of its skin, body or hair care products. 

The Mail has reported that the common chemicals of modern day living may be influencing the gender characteristics of animals, birds and even babies. 

Scientists have suggested that oestrogen from HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) and contraceptive pills could be leading to changes in male starlings’ brains.  The birds, which live near a sewage plant which does not filter the hormone out of the water, have been observed singing increasingly long and diverse songs in recent years.

Whilst the extended repertoire of the starling may not seem like a very serious problem, the gravity of the consequences of chemicals on other animals is far more obvious.

The Environment Agency has shown that 25% of male roach exposed to filtered sewage in a Kent river have developed feminine characteristics, with some being so seriously affected as to produce immature eggs. 

This problem is not confined to the UK, with America also reporting instances of hermaphrodisation amongst its Florida alligator and turtle populations, probably also as a result of exposure to oestrogen.

However, oestrogen is not the only chemical causing such problems.  Researchers from the University of Rochester in America have discovered that pregnant women who were exposed to phthalates (chemicals commonly used in food and cosmetics packaging) are more likely to give birth to male babies that have feminised characteristics.  

It has been suggested that chemicals such as these could be part of the reason that the worldwide birth rate of girls is increasing, whilst the number of boys being born is dropping. 

At Green People, we ensure that our products and their packaging do not contain phthalates or any other potentially-harmful chemicals.   

The NHS has been accused of failing to provide a consistently good level of service to those who have the skin condition psoriasis.

Research by the Royal College of Physicians and the British Association of Dermatologists found that people with psoriasis are receiving markedly differing levels of care depending on the unit they visit.

According to the survey, 20% of units had no nurses with specialist knowledge of psoriasis treatment and dermatology, whilst 33% failed to provide proper bathing facilities.

The president of the British Association of Dermatologists commented: “Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease which can have a huge physical and psychological impact.  The audit has produced data clearly showing that on a national level, the NHS is failing to provide patients with the level of care they deserve.”

American researchers have linked SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate), a detergent used in many mainstream shampoos and hand washes, with causing irritant contact dermatitis in health care workers.

As in the UK, those working in American hospitals and clinics are required to wash their hands frequently as part of a stringent cleanliness routine.  However, both countries also have a very high rate of irritant contact dermatitis amongst their health care workers.

Researchers from the American Academy of Dermatology have recently presented findings that many medical workers suffering from irritating contact dermatitis are reacting to the detergent SLS.  

In the study, 100 health care workers were patch tested with three common detergents used in hand washes.  The results show that 63% developed irritant contact dermatitis, and that the main determining factor was a positive reaction to SLS. 

The study also found that those medical workers who washed their hands most frequently had a greater chance of developing the uncomfortable skin condition. 

Dr. Nedorost, one of the researchers involved in the study, commented: “We demonstrated that some people are predisposed to skin reactions to irritant detergents, and those who do ‘wet’ work in low humidity conditions where frequent hand washing is an essential part of the job are very susceptible to hand dermatitis.”

He also went on to advise those with irritant contact dermatitis to avoid using topical steroids, as these can increase the chance of the skin being bruised or torn.

Green People does not use SLS in any of its hand washes nor any of its other products.

Research from the US has shown that some products, such as baby shampoo and baby lotion, can contain chemicals which have been linked with reproductive toxicity.

The chemical family concerned is the phthalates.  These synthetic chemicals are used to stabilise fragrances in some cosmetics and beauty products and can also be used to give plastic a more flexible quality.

Unfortunately, this popular group of chemicals may have some less positive effects as well.  Phthalates have been linked with causing reduced reproductive ability in animals and even causing “changes in health outcomes” in some human studies, according to paediatrician Dr. Sheela Sathyanarayana.     

Research carried out by Sathyanarayana, who works at the University of Washington, found that broken down phthalate products were present in the urine of all 163 of the infants tested.  In fact, 81% of the babies showed measurable traces of seven or more different phthalates.

As well as monitoring the level of phthalates in babies’ urine, the researchers also looked into what was causing this potentially-toxic presence. 

Sathyanarayana explained: “We found that reported use of baby lotion, baby shampoo and baby powder was associated with increased concentrations of monethyl phthalate (MEP), monomethyl phthalate (MMP) and monoisobutyl phthalate (MIBP) in infant urine.”

All Green People products are totally phthalate-free.  See our Organic Babies range for a full list of phthalate-free baby care products.

Extensive research from the Co-op has revealed the three main ethical issues for today’s shoppers as being animal welfare, fair trading and environmental impact.