There are lots of molds, filament-shaped fungi, in the environment(1), make their mark on about a quarter of agricultural products(2), especially when stored and processed improperly. They whip out multiple types of(1) compounds called mycotoxins. "[M]ultiple sources now refer to [one type called] Aflatoxins as the MOST deadly naturally occurring toxin." It most avidly adores peanuts, and the top exposure is from peanuts and corn from the humid American Southeast in particular. Even though aflatoxins are a recognized health hazard, the FDA still allows 20 parts per billion of aflatoxins for humans. Dog food, often containing corn, is allowed to have a good number of times higher amounts of aflatoxins (300 ppb). "It shows up in other grains and legumes as well, including quinoa, coffee beans, cocoa beans, soybeans, spices, dairy, [and] dried fruit."(2) A couple of workers have been reported to fall seriously ill cleaning a dusty, moldy grain silo. Quite a few coffee beans are spread on the ground to dry, directly contacting soil, and otherwise contract molds during the processes of "harvesting, drying, processing, and storage." A study of 103 coffee samples of varying forms purchased from supermarkets turned up only 4 not containing mycotoxins. Roasting doesn't eliminate mycotoxins once they're in(1).
   Aflatoxins have tons of ill effects, including: liver(1,2) and kidney damage, immune reactions, allergies, cell damage, cancer, abnormal development of children, loss of coordination, sleep problems, memory problems, and tumors in a whole bunch of locations in the body. Dogs who consume them can experience "severe vomiting with bloody diarrhea, anorexia, fever, sluggishness, discolored urine, and jaundice."(2) Another mycotoxin type, ochratoxin, affects the kidneys at high levels(1).
   Valencia peanuts mostly source from New Mexico - drier climates have less risk of aflatoxins, though heirloom jungle peanuts from the Amazon also tend to be free of them(2). [It is best to buy coffee that is tested for both aflatoxins and ochratoxins - coffee also tends to have pesticides and heavy metals unless labeled otherwise.] Chlorophyll and proper glutathione levels help keep aflatoxins from absorbing and help detoxify them respectively(2).

Personal Product Favorite:
https://shorte.isagenix.com/en-us/products/vitality-well-being/individual/isagenix-coffee

Sources:
1. "Why You Should Drink Only Mycotoxin-Tested Coffee." Isagenix Health, Isagenix Worldwide, Inc. 2 December 2019. Web 15 January 2020. https://www.isagenixhealth.net/why-you-should-drink-only-mycotoxin-tested-coffee/.
2. Hardick, B.J. "Aflatoxins: Poisons Hiding in Plain Sight." GreenMedInfo, GreenMedInfo.com. 26 December 2018. Web 15 January 2020. https://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/aflatoxins-poisons-hiding-plain-sight-0.
   

   Guarani people of Brazil and Paraguay traditionally consumed sunflower-family stevia rebaudiana, stevia, sweetening their yerba mate tea with it, using it medicinally, and otherwise considering it a sweet-tasting treat(1). The little plant's leaves are the sweet-tasting part(1,2). Stevia is rich in non-carb glycoside compound stevioside. When that breaks down, instead of going into the bloodstream, its glucose-containing particles get absorbed by colon bacteria. Stevia is therefore practically non-caloric, doesn't contribute to blood sugar, and therefore serves as a healthy option (depending on the form, see below) to lower sugar consumption. Note: diabetics should still monitor blood sugar as blood sugar may [get too low]. It further is an option to support healthy weight loss(2).
   Stevia, however, isn't stevia isn't stevia. There is a nasty-processed, altered form which is 200-400 times sweeter than sugar and containing GMOs (genetically-modified organisms). Truvia belongs to this category. Otherwise, the least-processed form, green leaf, is already 30-40 times sweet than sugar and a little bitter. Stevia extracts are 200 times sweeter than sugar but not the altered form(2). [Note: Wikipedia tries to insinuate that leaf stevia is unsafe(1) while ignoring the GMOs and other counterproductive properties of highly processed stevia.] Further note: people with reactions to "ragweed, marigolds, daisies, and related plants" may have reactions to stevia - it is, again, in the sunflower family.
   "[G]lycosides in stevia... actually relax the blood vessels, increase urination, and facilitate the elimination of sodium from the body." Its glycosides further reduce free radicals in the body which could otherwise spur the mutation of healthy cells into malignant ones. Stevia leaf extracts are thus high in antioxidants. Stevia reduces [bad] oral and skin bacteria, alleviating cavities, gingivitis, and skin conditions. It even helps increase density of minerals in bones(2). [Please see Source 2 below for more uses!]

Sources:
1. Wikipedia contributors. "Stevia rebaudiana." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 16 Dec. 2019. Web. 31 Dec. 2019. 
2. Staughton, John. "7 Impressive Benefits Of Stevia." Organic Facts: Let's Get Healthy Together. Organic Information Services Pvt Ltd. Updated 21 December 2019. Web 30 December 2019. https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/other/stevia.html.
   

   A couple weeks ago, we delved into apple cider vinegar and acetic acid in general, produced by fermenting apple juice until [brain-affecting] alcohol converts into the better, said acetic acid. Specifically, we covered the properties favorable to weight loss and attending areas heart and blood sugar health(1). We will cover some more, though certainly not all:
   Helping check sugars from absorbing too quickly and get the body to yield to insulin better(2) are examples of digestive-system benefits. It is made and fermented by using good bacteria which means besides various vitamins and minerals, it has enzymes. It is most crucial to get raw apple cider vinegar containing mother, the cloudy substance with the most concentrated enzymes. Becoming alkaline in the body actually lends it a tendency to tone down overmuch stomach acid. NOTE: Vinegars are strong-smelling and strong-tasting plus should always be consumed diluted or they may burn going down. Some folks may experience queasiness after drinking them(1).
   Acne and inflammation in the skin raise its acidity, and apple cider vinegar helps tone down that acidity. General bodily acidity also promotes kidney stones, which may be prevented by getting the body alkaline - also a state apple cider vinegar may help achieve. Apple cider vinegar also acts in an antioxidant capacity, aiding the liver in detoxification(1). Please see our last Brain Nutritional Health blog post, "Apple Cider Vinegar: Weight and Blood Sugar," for more information and a good source of apple cider vinegar!

Sources:
1. Hills, Jenny. "10 Surprising Benefits of Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar According to Science." Healthy and Natural World, Healthy and Natural World. Web 16 December 2019. https://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/apple-cider-vinegar-benefits/.
2. "Ingredient Spotlight: Apple Cider Vinegar." Isagenix Health, Isagenix Worldwide, Inc. 13 November 2018. Web 16 December 2019. https://www.isagenixhealth.net/ingredient-spotlight-apple-cider-vinegar/.