Eat good things ~ Avocados

We are lucky here in North America that we can get a variety of fruits and vegetables at almost any time of the year, however eating foods in season are healthier and more nutritious.  Of course we do not have all fruits or vegetables available even if they are in season as our climate may not support it.  So having said that, here is one of those foods that we do not have and must import...and I am thankful that we do!

Avocados!

I only recently discovered the health benefits of Avocados, and I must say they are very tasty too!
There is a trend of using avocados in recipes where other fats are called for.  It can be used in savory or sweet dishes...oh yes, even desserts! 

I have made a chocolate pudding and truffles (well, they became something different than truffles as I didn't realize I did not have any powdered sugar at home and not enough cocoa - how sad!)
Will post the recipe for the truffles at the end!

So here is some good information about avocados...make sure you eat some today!

Consider adding avocado to salads, and not only on account of taste! Recent research has shown that absorption of two key carotenoid antioxidants—lycopene and beta-carotene—increases significantly when fresh avocado (or avocado oil) is added to an otherwise avocado-free salad. One cup of fresh avocado (150 grams) added to a salad of romaine lettuce, spinach, and carrots increased absorption of carotenoids from this salad between 200-400%. This research result makes perfect sense to us because carotenoids are fat-soluble and would be provided with the fat they need for absorption from the addition of avocado. Avocado oil added to a salad accomplished this same result. Interestingly, both avocado oil and fresh avocado added to salsa increased carotenoid absorption from the salsa as well.
 
The method you use to peel an avocado can make a difference to your health. Research has shown that the greatest concentration of carotenoids in avocado occurs in the dark green flesh that lies just beneath the skin. You don't want to slice into that dark green portion any more than necessary when you are peeling an avocado. For this reason, the best method is what the California Avocado Commission has called the "nick and peel" method. In this method, you actually end up peeling the avocado with your hands in the same way that you would peel a banana. The first step in the nick-and-peel method is to cut into the avocado lengthwise, producing two long avocado halves that are still connected in the middle by the seed. Next you take hold of both halves and twist them in opposite directions until they naturally separate. At this point, remove the seed and cut each of the halves lengthwise to produce long quartered sections of the avocado. You can use your thumb and index finger to grip the edge of the skin on each quarter and peel it off, just as you would do with a banana skin. The final result is a peeled avocado that contains most of that dark green outermost flesh so rich in carotenoid antioxidants!

Avocado has sometimes received a "bad rap" as a vegetable too high in fat. While it is true that avocado is a high-fat food (about 85% of its calories come from fat), the fat contained in avocado is unusual and provides research-based health benefits. The unusual nature of avocado fat is threefold. First are the phytosterols that account for a major portion of avocado fats. These phytosterols include beta-sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol and they are key supporters of our inflammatory system that help keep inflammation under control.
The anti-inflammatory benefits of these avocado fats are particularly well-documented with problems involving arthritis. Second are avocado's polyhydroxylated fatty alcohols (PFAs). PFAs are widely present in ocean plants but fairly unique among land plants—making the avocado tree (and its fruit) unusual in this regard. Like the avocado's phytosterols, its PFAs also provide us with anti-inflammatory benefits. Third is the unusually high amount of a fatty acid called oleic acid in avocado.
Over half of the total fat in avocado is provided in the form of oleic acid—a situation very similar to the fat composition of olives and olive oil. Oleic acid helps our digestive tract form transport molecules for fat that can increase our absorption of fat-soluble nutrients like carotenoids. As a monounsaturated fatty acid, it has also been shown to help lower our risk of heart disease. So don't be fooled by avocado's bad rap as a high-fat food. Like other high-fat plant foods (for example, walnuts and flaxseeds), avocado can provide us with unique health benefits precisely because of its unusual fat composition.

Wide-Ranging Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Supports Cardiovascular Health
Promotes Blood Sugar Regulation
Anti-Cancer Benefits

Click here to read more about Avocados!

History

Avocados are native to Central and South America and have been cultivated in these regions since 8,000 B.C. In the mid-17th century, they were introduced to Jamaica and spread through the Asian tropical regions in the mid-1800s. Cultivation in United States, specifically in Florida and California, began in the early 20th century. While avocados are now grown in most tropical and subtropical countries, the major commercial producers include the United States (Florida and California), Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Brazil and Colombia.

How to Select and Store

A ripe, ready-to-eat avocado is slightly soft but should have no dark sunken spots or cracks. If the avocado has a slight neck, rather than being rounded on top, it was probably tree ripened and will have better flavor. A firmer, less mature fruit can be ripened at home and will be less likely to have bruises.

A firm avocado will ripen in a paper bag or in a fruit basket at room temperature within a few days. As the fruit ripens, the skin will turn darker. Avocados should not be refrigerated until they are ripe. Once ripe, they can be kept refrigerated for up to a week. If you are refrigerating a whole avocado, it is best to keep it whole and not slice it in order to avoid browning that occurs when the flesh is exposed to air.

If you have used a portion of a ripe avocado, it is best to store the remainder in the refrigerator. Store in a plastic bag, wrap with plastic wrap, or place on a plate and cover with plastic wrap. Sprinkling the exposed surface(s) with lemon juice will help to prevent the browning that can occur when the flesh comes in contact with oxygen in the air.

Many avocado recipes that you'll find in cookbooks and on the Internet include avocado as an ingredient in its raw, unheated form. In the World's Healthiest Foods recipes, we also favor this approach. We simply cannot think of a better way to preserve the health benefits made possible by avocado's unique and delicate fats. If you do plan to use avocado in a recipe that calls for heat, we recommend that you use the lowest possible temperature and least amount of cooking time that will still work with your particular recipe.

Recipe for Avocado Truffles!
 Avocado-Chocolate Truffle Recipe

Recipe Type: Candy, Chocolate, Avocado, Truffles
Yields: makes many
Prep time: 25 min

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter
1 large very ripe avocados, peeled and pit removed*
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups unsweetened cocoa
3 cups powdered (confectioners) sugar
Powdered sugar for rolling

* If an avocado is ripe, it will yield to a gentle pressure.

Preparation:

In a large saucepan over low heat, melt butter; remove from heat; set aside.

In your food processor or food blender, puree the avocado until a smooth consistency.  NOTE: If you add a little of the melted butter to the avocado, it helps in the process. Be sure there are no chunks of avocado left.

Add the avocado puree, vanilla extract, cocoa, and powdered sugar into the saucepan with the remaining melted butter. Mix until well combined. Place the chocolate mixture into the refrigerator until it hardens.

When chocolate mixture has hardened, remove from refrigerator. Line a sheet pan or cookie sheet with waxed paper or parchment. Using a cold metal teaspoon, melon baller, or a mini ice cream scoop and your hands, roll the chocolate into small balls about 3/4-inch diameter and arrange them on the sheet pan. If the mixture gets too soft to mold easily, put it back in the freezer for a few minutes. Place the cookie sheet of chocolate balls in the refrigerator until firm.

Once the truffles have hardened, remove from the refrigerator and shape into balls by rolling between the palms of your hands. Roll in powdered sugar to coat the outside. Place the finished truffles in the refrigerator until they are set. They should be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Bring to room temperature when ready to serve.

 http://whatscookingamerica.net/Candy/AvocadoChocTruffles.htm
     

Eat Good Things: Lentils

Health benefits of Lenitls

I love lentils, red, green, brown and yellow! All of these lovely legumes are a valued member in our household.  Whether it is goes into a soup or a stew or even if you make burgers out of it, the health benefits of this humble little 'bean' are quite amazing.

Lentils are legumes along with other types of beans. They grow in pods that contain either one or two lentil seeds that are round, oval or heart-shaped disks and are oftentimes smaller than the tip of a pencil eraser. They may be sold whole or split into halves with the brown and green varieties being the best at retaining their shape after cooking.

Nutrients in
Lentils
1.00 cup cooked (198.00 grams)

Nutrient%Daily Value

molybdenum198%

folate89.5%

fiber62.5%

tryptophan50%

manganese49%

iron36.6%

protein35.7%

phosphorus35.6%

copper25%

vitamin B122%

potassium20.8%

Calories (229)12%

Lentils, a small but nutritionally mighty member of the legume family, are a very good source of cholesterol-lowering fiber. Not only do lentils help lower cholesterol, they are of special benefit in managing blood-sugar disorders since their high fiber content prevents blood sugar levels from rising rapidly after a meal. But this is far from all lentils have to offer. Lentils also provide good to excellent amounts of six important minerals, two B-vitamins, and protein—all with virtually no fat. The calorie cost of all this nutrition? Just 230 calories for a whole cup of cooked lentils. This tiny nutritional giant fills you up—not out.

Lentils—A Fiber All Star

Check a chart of the fiber content in foods; you'll see legumes leading the pack. Lentils, like other beans, are rich in dietary fiber, both the soluble and insoluble type. Soluble fiber forms a gel-like substance in the digestive tract that snares bile (which contains cholesterol)and ferries it out of the body. Research studies have shown that insoluble fiber not only helps to increase stool bulk and prevent constipation, but also helps prevent digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome and diverticulosis.

Love Your Heart—Eat Lentils

In a study that examined food intake patterns and risk of death from coronary heart disease, researchers followed more than 16,000 middle-aged men in the U.S., Finland, The Netherlands, Italy, former Yugoslavia, Greece and Japan for 25 years. Typical food patterns were: higher consumption of dairy products in Northern Europe; higher consumption of meat in the U.S.; higher consumption of vegetables, legumes, fish, and wine in Southern Europe; and higher consumption of cereals, soy products, and fish in Japan. When researchers analyzed this data in relation to the risk of death from heart disease, they found that legumes were associated with a whopping 82% reduction in risk!!

Lentils are believed to have originated in central Asia, having been consumed since prehistoric times. They are one of the first foods to have ever been cultivated. Lentil seeds dating back 8000 years have been found at archeological sites in the Middle East. Lentils were mentioned in the Bible both as the item that Jacob traded to Esau for his birthright and as a part of a bread that was made during the Babylonian captivity of the Jewish people. For millennia, lentils have been traditionally been eaten with barley and wheat, three foodstuffs that originated in the same regions and spread throughout Africa and Europe during similar migrations and explorations of cultural tribes. Before the 1st century AD, they were introduced into India, a country whose traditional cuisine still bestows high regard for the spiced lentil dish known as dal. In many Catholic countries, lentils have long been used as a staple food during Lent. Currently, the leading commercial producers of lentils include India, Turkey, Canada, China and Syria.

Read more here :
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=52

Shower/hand scrub bags

I saw this idea on One Good Thing by Jilliee (just really love her ideas!)

I have adapted the recipe a bit and use it as a scrub/cleanser in the kitchen. 
It uses oatmeal, lavender soap, coconut oil and chamomile flowers.

I did not really measure the amounts just threw things together, feel free to adjust it to however you like it!

The Oatmeal is great for skin, and a wonderful exfoliator.  The Lavender is calming as well as good for skin.  The Chamomile is also 'calming' and another good exfoliator. 

1 cup Oatmeal (use the rolled type not quick cook)
1/2 bar of Lavender soap (you can use any 'natural' soap you like)
4-5 drops Lavender essential oil
1 tsp coconut oil melted (do not use microwave) or almond or olive oil.
2 tbsp chamomile flowers (if you do not have flowers, open a bag of chamomile tea and sprinkle in the ground up tea)

Grate the soap into a bowl, add in the oatmeal, chamomile flowers.  Melt the coconut oil in a small glass that is immersed in a bowl of hot water.  Melting it in the microwave will kill any benefits of the coconut oils so never do that, always melt it this way.  Drop in the Lavender essential oil into the coconut oil and then pour into the dry mixture. Blend everything and scoop the mixture into small bags (or use cheese cloth, that's what I used first but these small bags are way cuter!)

Now when you want you just use this instead of soap to wash your hands, when you need a bit of
extra scrubbing/exfoliating this is perfect!
You can use this in the bath as well. After using just let it dry out and you can use it again, this small bag you can probably get 3-4 uses out of it.  The best part is that you can just open up the bag and fill it up again (after washing it out of course!)

I love the combination of Lavender and Chamomile, but you can use anything really.  Peppermint, lemon, orange, etc!

Let me know how it goes and what combinations you have tried!

10 Most Un-wanted Ingredients in Personal Care & Beauty

Found this article thought it would be very beneficial for everyone to read...even more reason to try and use natural skin care products!! 

The 10 Most UNwanted Ingredients in Personal Care & Beauty Products
These are facts about 10 of the most unwanted ingredients that may be in your personal care and beauty aid products!

1. Isopropyl Alcohol:
This is a solvent and denaturant (poisonous substance that changes another substance's natural qualities). Isopropyl alcohol is found in hair color rinses, body rubs, hand lotions, after-shave lotions, fragrances and many other cosmetics. This petroleum-derived substance is also used in antifreeze and as a solvent in shellac. According to A Consumers Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients, inhalation or ingestion of the vapor may cause headaches, flushing, dizziness, mental depression, nausea, vomiting and coma.

2. Mineral Oil:
Baby oil is 100% mineral oil. This commonly used petroleum ingredient coats the skin just like plastic wrap. The skin's natural immune barrier is disrupted as this plastic coating inhibits its ability to breathe and absorb the Natural Moisture Factor (moisture and nutrition). The skin's ability to release toxins is impeded by this 'plastic wrap,' which can promote acne and other disorders. This process slows down skin function and normal cell development causing the skin to prematurely age.

3. PEG:
This is an abbreviation for polyethylene glycol that is used in making cleansers to dissolve oil and grease as well as thicken products. Because of their effectiveness, PEG's are often used in caustic spray-on oven cleaners and yet are found in many personal care products. PEG's contribute to stripping the Natural Moisture Factor, leaving the immune system vulnerable. They are also potentially carcinogenic.

4. Propylene Glycol (PG):As a 'surfactant' or wetting agent and solvent, this ingredient is actually the active component in antifreeze. There is no difference between the PG used in industry and the PG used in personal care products. It is used in industry to break down protein and cellular structure (what the skin is made of) yet is found in most forms of make-up, hair products, lotions, after-shaves, deodorants, mouthwashes and toothpastes. It is also used in food processing. Because of its ability to quickly penetrate the skin, the EPA requires workers to wear protective gloves, clothing and goggles when working with this toxic substance. The Material Safety Data Sheets warn against skin contact, as PG has systemic consequences such as brain, liver and kidney abnormalities. Consumers are not protected nor is there a warning label on products such as stick deodorants, where the concentration is greater than that in most industrial applications.

5. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) &
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES):Used as detergents and surfactants, these closely related compounds are found in car wash soaps, garage floor cleaners and engine degreasers. Yet both SLS and SLES are used more widely as one of the major ingredients in cosmetics, toothpastes, hair conditioner and about 90% of al shampoos and products that foam. Mark Fearer in an article, Dangerous Beauty, says "...in tests, animals that were exposed to SLS experienced eye damage, along with depression, labored breathing, diarrhea, severe skin irritation and corrosion and death." According to the American College of Toxicology states, "...both SLS and SLES can cause malformation in children's eyes. Other research has indicated SLS may be damaging to the immune system, especially within the skin. Skin layers may separate and inflame due to its protein denaturing properties. It is possibly the most dangerous of all ingredients in personal care products. Research has shown that SLS when combined with other chemicals can be transformed into nitrosamines, a potent class of carcinogens, which causes the body to absorb nitrates at higher levels than eating nitrate-contaminated food." According to the American College of Toxicology report, "SLS stays in the body for up to five days...Other studies have indicated that SLS easily penetrates through the skin and enters and maintains residual levels in the heart, the liver, the lungs and the brain. This poses serious questions regarding its potential health threat through its use in shampoos, cleansers and toothpaste."

6. Chlorine:
According to Doris J. Rapp, M.D., author of Is This Your Child's World? Exposure to chlorine in tap water, showers, pool, laundry products, cleaning agents, food processing, sewage systems and many others, can effect health by contributing to asthma, hay fever, anemia, bronchitis, circulatory collapse, confusion, delirium, diabetes, dizziness, irritation of the eye, mouth, nose, throat, lung, skin and stomach, heart disease, high blood pressure and nausea. It is also a possible cause of cancer. Even though you will not see Chlorine on personal care product labels, it is important for you to be aware of the need to protect your skin when bathing and washing your hair.

7. DEA (diethanolamine) MEA (monoethanolamine) TEA (triethanolamine):
DEA and MEA are usually listed on the ingredient label in conjunction with the compound being neutralized. Thus look for names like Cocoamide DEA or MEA, Lauramide DEA, etc. These are hormone disrupting chemicals and are known to form cancer causing nitrates and nitrosamines. These are commonly found in most personal care products that foam, including bubble baths, body washes, shampoos, soaps and facial cleansers. On the show CBS This Morning, Roberta Baskin revealed that a recent government report shows DEA and MEA are readily absorbed in the skin. Dr. Samuel Epstein, Professor of Environmental health at the University of Illinois said, "repeated skin applications of DEA-based detergents resulted in a major increase in the incidence of two cancers- liver and kidney cancers." John Bailey, who oversees the cosmetic division for the FDA said the new study is especially important since "the risk equation changes significantly for children."

8. FD&C Color Pigments:
Many color pigments cause skin sensitivity and irritation. Absorption of certain colors can cause depletion of oxygen in the body and even death according to A Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients. Debra Lynn Dadd says in Home Safe Home, "Colors that can be used in foods, drugs, and cosmetics are made from coal tar. There is a great deal of controversy about their use, because animal studies have shown almost all of them to be carcinogenic."

9. Fragrance:
Fragrance is present in most deodorants, shampoos, sunscreens, skin care, body care and baby care products. Many of the compounds in fragrances are carcinogenic or otherwise toxic. "Fragrance on a label can indicate the presence of up to 4,000 separate ingredients. Most or all of them are synthetic. Symptoms reported to the FDA have included headaches, dizziness, rashes, skin discoloration, violent coughing and vomiting, and allergic skin irritation. Clinical observation by medical doctors have shown that exposure to fragrances can affect the central nervous system, causing depression, hyperactivity, irritability, inability to cope, and other behavioral changes.' Home Safe Home'.

10. Imidazolidinyl Urea and DMDM Hydantoin:
These are two of the many preservatives that release formaldehyde (formaldehyde-donors). According to the Mayo Clinic, formaldehyde can irritate the respiratory system, cause skin reactions and trigger heart palpitations. Exposure to formaldehyde may cause joint pain, allergies, depression, headaches, chest pains, ear infections, chronic fatigue, dizziness and loss of sleep. It can also aggravate coughs and colds and trigger asthma. Serious side effects include weakening of the immune system and cancer. Nearly all brands of skin, body and hair care, antiperspirants and nail polish found in stores contain formaldehyde-releasing ingredients.
 http://www.naturalhealthway.com/articles/chemicals/chemicals.html

Baby shampoo, powder & oils...are not baby friendly at all!

I just hate it when big companies need to profit off of innocent people.  My rant for today is about how so called baby products are probably more harmful than regular adult versions of some products. Ok, maybe not to that extent but I bet that most of you out there do not know that baby powder if inhaled is dangerous to the baby, it can cause severe breathing problems! As well what is baby oil and vaseline made from...PETROLEUM .... yeah the same thing you put in your car for fuel!!

So here is a brief write up about all these products. 

Baby Oil (Mineral Oil)

Mineral Oil Facts: Mineral oil is a common ingredient in many household products.
It is found in lotions, soaps, cosmetics and motor oil. Mineral oil is a clear, liquid oil with no scent and will not spoil. It is produced as a byproduct of the distillation of gasoline from crude oil. Mineral oil is the leftover liquid, and because it is abundant, it is very inexpensive. In fact, it is more expensive to dispose of mineral oil, than to purchase it. Mineral oil is the main ingredient in many baby care items as well. Baby oil, Vaseline (petroleum jelly), baby wash liquid soap, and baby lotions all contain mineral oil as a key ingredient. As mentioned above, manufacturers can buy it very inexpensively and it will not spoil.
The problem is that mineral oil is foreign to the human body and has many harmful effects, especially on infants.
Mineral oil acts as a thin plastic layer on the skin.
It is difficult to absorb and clogs the pores, which slows the skin’s ability to eliminate toxins. Remember the skin is the body’s largest organ and plays an important role in maintaining overall health!
Once the oil is absorbed, it is broken down by the liver and passes through the intestinal tract. And once the oil is present in the intestinal tract, it will absorb all of the fat-soluble vitamins found there. It essentially robs important vitamins from the body, which the body will not be able to replace. This can eventually lead to nutritional deficiencies.
Studies have also shown forms of pneumonia caused by mineral oil decreasing lung function, known as lipoid pneumonia. Because of these dangers, the medical community has condemned the use of mineral oil taken orally or as an ingredient in medications.
Given these harmful effects, when caring for babies, it is best to use all natural products.
Many caretakers know that babies love to put their hands in their mouths. This also means that whatever is on their hands is also going in their mouth, and into their bodies. It is best not to chance your baby’s health with mineral oil and petroleum-based products.

Petroleum Jelly (Vaseline)

What could be more harmless than a little shine on your rosy lips? Well, as it turns out, lots of things, because the shine in lip gloss comes from petroleum jelly. Petroleum jelly is a byproduct of oil drilling, and when you spread it on your lips, you end up eating it, which is essentially the same as drinking gasoline. Add up the amount of lip gloss the average woman uses (and consumes) over a decade, and it equals 7 pounds. The European Union has banned many petroleum jelly products, and experts are concerned they could be linked to cancer. Women with breast cancer have twice the levels of hydrocarbons (substances found in petroleum jelly) in their breasts than women who haven't had breast cancer.

http://www.luuux.com/health-beauty/johnson-baby-oilharmful-or-not

Baby Shampoo

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics came out with the news two years ago that Johnson & Johnson’s iconic baby shampoo contained the formaldehyde-releasing preservative quaternium-15, as well as the chemical byproduct 1,4-dioxane. Formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane are known carcinogens. The federal Consumer Product Safety Commission has reported that “the presence of 1,4-dioxane, even as a trace contaminant, is cause for concern,” and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services added formaldehyde to its list of known human carcinogens in June 2011.
That report states that while J&J has removed the formaldehyde-releasing preservative from its baby shampoo in several countries, in the United States if you want carcinogen-free baby shampoo you need to pay double the price for the company’s “Natural” brand of baby shampoo.

We heard from allies across the globe that the formulations in their countries were different than those in the United States, and these are countries like Sweden, South Africa and Japan where the chemical is also not regulated,” says Lisa Archer, national coordinator for the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics at Breast Cancer Fund. “That’s a double standard.”

There are also other, non-baby products in the company’s lines that are of concern, Archer notes, and additional chemicals of concern, beyond formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane, in the company’s baby products (such as fragrance, which is protected by trade secret laws and could contain any number of potentially dangerous chemicals).

This is great news, and different from what we expected based on past interactions,” Archer says. “But it’s not over. We have to see how quickly they’re willing to make this shift and where.”

Update: On November 16th, Johnson & Johnson announced that it would remove quaternium-15 and other formaldehyde-releasing preservatives from all of its baby products worldwide within two years, and reduce 1,4 dioxane in all of its baby products to less than 4 parts per million (ppm).  Long term, the company indicated it will replace the chemical process, called ethoxylation, that results in 1,4 dioxane contamination. Johnson & Johnson also announced that it has removed phthalates from all of its baby products worldwide. The announcement does not cover the company’s non-baby products (e.g. products in the Neutrogena and Aveeno lines)

Baby Powder

You heard correctly. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against using baby powder as do many individual pediatricians. The issue is the talc that once was used in powders but, fortunately, has been eliminated in many of these products. Talc is a mineral composed of hydrated magnesium silicate. The danger is that babies can easily inhale tiny particles of it that are light enough to be carried in the air. When inhaled, talc can dry an infant's mucous membranes, adversely affect the baby's breathing, and cause serious lung damage. Studies have shown that talc can lead to shortness of breath and wheezing in babies and can also lead to obstruction of the airways. Some babies have developed pneumonia and some have died as a result of respiratory failure from inhaling the powder. Cornstarch isn't ideal either, but its particles are larger and are not as easily inhaled as talc. You should also be careful not to use either of these powders around older children or adults who have asthma because of the irritation it can cause when inhaled.

You may have read about a possible link between talcum powder and cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, the principal concern is whether talc miners or others who have had long-term exposure to particles of the mineral are at higher risk of lung cancer as a result of breathing them in. In addition, some studies have suggested that women who regularly use talcum powder on the genital area have an increased risk of ovarian cancer.
As for a link with lung cancer, the big question is whether talc itself might be at fault or whether small amounts of asbestos that occur with some kinds of talc are the problem. Other mineral exposures may also play a role. The American Cancer Society notes that no increased risk of lung cancer has been reported with consumer use of talcum powder.
The question of ovarian cancer risk among women who use talcum powder has not been settled. Some studies have shown a small increased risk and other investigations have shown none. However, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, a part of the World Health Organization, classifies the use of talc-based powders on the genital region as "possibly carcinogenic to humans." Although the additional risk, if any, of ovarian cancer would be very small, the American Cancer Society suggests that women may want to avoid or limit the use of products containing talc.
Andrew Weil, M.D.
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA401185/How-Bad-Is-Baby-Powder.html

 
So there you go ...in a nut shell ... DO NOT USE THESE PRODUCTS!

Here are my suggestions for what to use

Baby Oil/ Vaseline :  Coconut oil, Olive oil, Sweet almond oil
                                no harmful effects and your baby will smell coconutty (smile!)

Baby Shampoo: Use baking soda with some natural liquid soap (like Castille soap)
                         or buy a natural soap with no SLS or other harmful ingredients.

Baby Powder: Use cornstarch 
                      or look at this great list of alternatives

Safe Natural Non-Toxic Talc Substitutes

1. arrowroot powder

2. chickpea powder

3. baking soda

4. corn flour

5. cornstarch

6. rice flour

7. oat flour

8. French green clay, finely ground

9. white clay, finely ground

10. powdered calendula blossoms

11. powdered lavender buds

12. powdered rose petals

13. powdered chamomile flowers

14. powdered neem herbs

How to make homemade natural body powder

You can use the natural talc substitute alone or in combination in place of talcum powder.

Once you have picked the powders that you want to use, mix them together in small bowl to blend well. Transfer to a resealable container. Use it like any normal body powder or baby powder.

You may also want to add a fragrance oil of your choice. For example, a few drops of lavender and neroli essential oils to rice flour base powder.

With these natural talc-free alternatives, you need not have to worry about the side effects commonly associated with talcum powder, and your family stay safe!

http://www.nichetopics.info/natural-talcum-powder-alternatives.html