Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Your Moral Compass. What Is Faith? Help Starving Bees!

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Your Moral Compass

Your moral compass“Without a belief in God, there is no anchor for absolute moral truths. Russian novelist, writer and philosopher Fyodor Dostoyevsky, in his novel The Brothers Karamazov, wrote, “If God does not exist, everything is permitted.”

For Christians, God’s Word is our guide and our moral compass.

For Christians, God’s Word is our guide and our moral compass. Philosophies attempting to describe what is moral without acknowledging God can be traced back many centuries. When we consider just the past 95 years we find that prior to the 1920s young men would ask parents’ permission to court their daughter, and there was often a chaperone if they went on a date.

The “New Morality” of the 1920s brought about significant change. An emphasis on personal freedom resulted in social conventions being ignored. Women’s clothing became more revealing, and young men and women became more sexually active. In 1930, President Hoover’s White House Conference on Child Health Protection prepared a report emphasizing “social hygiene” as opposed to moral conduct, with the report encouraging youth to have a “healthy sexual lifestyle” (Sex, Youth, and Sex Education: A Reference Handbook, David Campos, p.73). The moral decline continued in the 1940s and 50s with the advancement of the idea that sexual impulses were not to be ignored as long as two individuals consented.

In 2008 The Barna Group, which does research regarding religious faith and culture in America, conducted a survey about moral issues. Founder George Barna, concluded: "The consistent deterioration of the Bible as the source of moral truth has led to a nation where people have become independent judges of right and wrong, basing their choices on feelings and circumstances."

Moral relativism, also known as situational ethics, promotes the belief that what might be the morally right thing for you may not be the right thing for someone else, and there are no absolute moral truths. The Bible, however, warns, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 14:12), and in Romans we read about the consequences of a debased mind (Romans 1:28-32).

The Apostle Paul in his letter to the church at Corinth addressed the results of unrighteous, unjust, immoral conduct, listing those that “will not inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). Bible prophecies have also predicted the devastating consequences of decadent immorality in the end time. "For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money... without self-control... lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God" (2 Timothy 3:2-4).

The Seventh Commandment, "You shall not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14) is focused on protecting marriage. This is the umbrella command for the many biblical laws that forbid illicit sex. The Bible candidly tells of the penalties suffered by Samson, King David, King Solomon and many others when they ignored this commandment.

Jesus Christ, in His prayer to the Father just before His death, clearly stated: “Your word is truth” (John 17:17), and Deuteronomy 30:15-18 tells us God’s instructions are for our good. But although mankind does not have the authority to define right and wrong, God does allow us to choose. Today more than ever it is crucial that parents instill a solid moral compass into the hearts of their children (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). Fathers are specifically instructed to “bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).

For those who have committed sexual sins, it's vital to understand God's grace, and that He will forgive sin upon sincere repentance (Acts 3:19-21). We can echo the prayer of King David who prayed: "Have mercy upon me, O God... blot out my transgressions... Create in me a clean heart, O God" (Psalm 51:1,10).

Source:  https://www.ucg.org/members/united-news/united-news-november-december-2016/what-your-spiritual-moral-compass

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What is faith?

What is faith?“Many think of "faith" as a feeling or a collection of ideas representing our convictions, but although these concepts involve elements of faith, the full definition is much broader. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “...being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" (New International Version).

The New Testament Greek word translated "faith" is pistis, and is also rendered "belief." It basically means "firm persuasion" and "conviction based upon hearing." (Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, 1985, "Faith").

It's impossible to have living faith in a God we don't know. The God of the Bible tells us we can develop a relationship with Him, and know what He has planned for us in this life and in the future: "...godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come" (1 Timothy 4:8). Abraham "believed God" and "he did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to [and would] perform" (Romans 4:3 and 20-21).

Faith is more than a conviction. To believe in God is only the starting point of faith. God expects us to act on our belief in Him. As the Apostle James noted: "You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons [fallen angels] believe—and tremble!" (James 2:19). We must come to trust God to involve Himself in our lives and, with His help, do His will. God's Word assures us that "the just shall live by faith" and "we walk by faith, not by sight" when we repent of our sins and begin to live dedicated, godly lives directed by our Savior (Romans 1:17 and 2 Corinthians 5:7).

Our model for living faith should be Jesus Christ. Many other biblical figures also provided wonderful examples of living faith. Hebrews 11 identifies people who long ago lived examples of faith. They believed God and obeyed Him even to death, confident that He would deliver them or resurrect them to eternal life in His Kingdom. "Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6). This verse describes two aspects of faith. First we must believe God exists and that He is the Almighty Creator of the universe. Then we must believe God will ultimately reward those who humbly, obediently seek Him—trusting the promises He makes in the Bible.

Since faith involves diligently seeking God, we must base our faith on a correct understanding of His Word and the admonition of Jesus Christ: "If you love Me, keep My commandments" (John 14:15). Changing our lives to start obeying God—what the Bible refers to as repentance—is based on the conviction that God will intervene in our lives and ultimately grant us eternal life. Jesus cautions us against the danger of false faith: "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven" (Matthew 7:21). Simply saying "I believe" without making accompanying life-altering changes is not sufficient.

But what about Paul's statement in Ephesians 2:8, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God"? Was Paul saying there is no need for obedience to God’s commandments? This passage shows us that God's grace—His undeserved favor toward us—is a gift through faith. It includes unmerited forgiveness of sins through accepting the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who died in our place. No amount of obedience will cancel out our past disobedience. Only the blood of Christ can provide atonement for our sins.

But it is wrong to assume that, since grace is a gift, no actions—good works demonstrating a repentant heart—are needed (James 2:14-26). Living faith requires commitment and evidence of that commitment. James asks this rhetorical question, "What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds?" (James 2:14, NIV). God does not forgive our sins so we can keep on sinning. He wants us to change. The book of James makes it clear that faith, if unaccompanied by works, is utterly useless. That is why the Apostle Paul wrote, "But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified" (1 Corinthians 9:27).

We are not saved by grace through inactive faith. We exhibit evidence of our faith when we respond obediently to the love of Christ by keeping His commandments. God gave us the Bible to provide hope and instruction through the examples of others (Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:6; 2 Timothy 3:16). By studying their experiences, we can see real-life examples of faith in action, which will help us to build faith as well.

Source:  https://www.ucg.org/members/united-young-adults/spiritual-growth/vertical-thought-january-march-2004/what-faith

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20th of May was National Bee Day. 

Help Starving Bees!

“If you see a bee of any description on the floor or not flying other than on a flowering plant, it is STARVING! You can help.

We are currently well into the 'June Gap' - the time between when the Spring flowering plants stop and the Autumn flowers start producing pollen and nectar.

You can help by mixing two parts sugar to one part water and offering the syrup to the bee. She (and they are mostly ladies) will happily drink from a teaspoon. You'll see her little black tongue as she drinks. It will take about 10 minutes for her to convert the syrup to energy, but she will fly away if you've helped her in time. The feeling you get on seeing her recovery and flight is well worth your time.

PLEASE NOTE - This is a temporary measure and 'First Aid' only. The Bees need diversity in their diet and need to pollinate plants in their search for food. I'm not suggesting we feed sugar to Bees as a regular thing.

NO HONEY PLEASE - Disease can be spread easily from colony to colony through this practice and you will do more damage than good. White sugar and water only please x

They can't thank you, so I will on their behalf.”

Thanks a million xx ��������

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Help Feed Starving Bees

I may be small, but my work once helped the world grow. I pollinated the flowers you love, the fruits you eat, the trees that clean your air. My wings carried life from one blossom to another, day after day, season after season.

But now… we are vanishing.

Amazing Story : https://youtu.be/o27HAo1w9D0

The flowers are fewer. The fields are poisoned. The skies are silent. And with every bee that disappears, the Earth loses a little more of its heartbeat.

People say, “It’s just a bee.” But without us, there is no food. No color. No balance. Without us, the future fades.

That’s why I’m reaching out to you—not with fear, but with hope.

Please protect us. Protect the flowers. Protect the wild.
Support those who fight for nature. Share our story. Plant for us. Speak for us. Teach others that we matter.

Because when you protect the bees, you protect your own future too.

Let’s bring life back—one garden, one flower, one act of kindness at a time.

�� With all my tiny heart,
A bee that still believes in you.

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Around the world, bees are in crisis. Send aid this World Bee Day

“One out of every three bites of food in the United States depends on honeybees. Without their pollination, much of our food supply would be lost. Bees are responsible for over 130 of the fruits and vegetables we love – and we aren’t the only ones who need these plants and crops. Animals and insects everywhere depend on these plants and crops too!

Natural disasters can have devastating effects on ecosystems, destroying crops and leaving pollinators struggling to survive. In the wake of hurricanes, wildfires, and other disasters, beekeepers face a critical challenge: ensuring their hives have enough food to recover. With natural forage wiped out, bees lack the nutrients they need to rebuild their colonies just as spring—their most active season—begins.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, commercial beekeepers across the United States are reporting the near or total collapse of their colonies—some seeing 70-100% losses—with the apiary industry calling this the worst bee die-off in U.S. history.

Our partner, Greater Good Charities, provides emergency bee pollen substitute to beekeepers to sustain their hives through natural disasters. So far, they’ve supplied tens of thousands of gallons of syrup and pollen substitute, feeding billions of bees and helping pollinators get back to work.

But there is still work to be done. As flowers bloom and crops begin to grow, bees need your help now more than ever. Donate today to ensure our pollinators thrive through springtime!”

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9 Best Charities That Help to Save the Bees (Complete 2025 List)

https://impactful.ninja/best-charities-that-save-the-bees/

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Monday, May 5, 2025

It's Called Irreducible Complexity. What Does It Mean To Be Redeemed? Bee Facts.

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Biblical Creation's Post

“One of the most difficult things for evolutionists to explain. Yes it's been asked before, but bears repeating.

It's called irreducible complexity. You can't remove one part or the whole thing fails. Also, you have to be fit to survive in the first place. The earth could be 100 trillion years old and that's still not enough time for macro evolution to occur. If you go to any anthropology department and ask them for proof of one kind changing into another kind, they have nothing.

You could give Darwin the benefit of the doubt, but now we have millions of fossils and nothing demonstrates one kind changing into another. The truth of it is it's a religion claiming there is no God and when you get rid of God then you're responsible to no one. It takes a lot of faith, more than I have to believe everything is here by accident.

What a sad way to live to believe you're here by accident, your life has no purpose and when you're gone it will never have mattered you existed. This kind of belief is why kids are destroying kids in school.”

No photo description available.

https://youtu.be/aA-FcnLsF1g

Biblical Creation  ·  From:

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What does it mean to be redeemed?

“In a Psalm of repentance David prayed: "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me" (Psalms 51:10), and in Psalm 69:18 he asked his Creator to "draw near to my soul, and redeem it."

In another Psalm King David exclaimed "When I kept silent, my bones grew old through my groaning all the day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me ...[Finally] I acknowledged my sin to You ...I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,' and You forgave the iniquity of my sin" (Psalms 32:3-5).

Redemption is bound up with the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. To redeem is to buy back, whether as a purchase or a ransom price. With regard to Christ's shed blood, redemption essentially means deliverance from death by means of payment of high price. After repentance, which is a firm resolve to turn away from sin, and the admission of our guilt, God promises to totally forgive all our transgressions, because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ (John 3:16).

David looked ahead to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and we are told that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob will be in the Kingdom of God (Matthew 8:11), as they were redeemed in advance by Christ's sacrifice. The Apostle Peter tells us just how high a price Christ paid for our redemption: "... you were not redeemed with corruptible things like silver or gold... but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot" (1 Peter 1:18-19), and Paul adds, "... we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins" (Colossians 1:14).

An important aspect of our redemption lies in the future. The book of Hebrews tells us that "with His own blood He [Christ] entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption" (Hebrews 9:12). This passage introduces us to the concept of eternal redemption—encompassing everlasting life in God's Kingdom.

Jesus spoke of our redemption to eternal life in the prophecy He gave to His disciples on the Mount of Olives shortly before His death. "Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near" (Luke 21:27-28). This occurs at the second coming of Christ when those who have faithfully served God over the centuries, will be resurrected to eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:22-23; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

Redemption cancels out our sins through the blood of Christ and also looks forward to everlasting life in the Kingdom of God, when our physical bodies will be transformed from flesh into spirit (1 Corinthians 15:50-54). In the last book of the Bible the Apostle John quotes the 24 elders (powerful angelic beings residing in heaven) as singing a new song about Christ to His Church. "...You were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth" (Revelation 5:9-10, NIV).

It is always an important moment when an individual admits their sins to God and firmly resolves to turn away from their former life of sin and strive to obey God. Redemption is eternal in its effects, and ultimately means everlasting life in the Kingdom of God.”

From: https://www.ucg.org/good-news/good-news-magazine-march-april-2005/what-does-it-mean-be-redeemed

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Bee Facts.

No photo description available.“Did you know that honey contains a substance that helps the human brain work better?

- Did you know that honey is the ONLY food on earth that can sustain human life alone?

- Did you know that a teaspoon of honey is enough to sustain human life for 24 hours?

- Did you know that propolis produced by bees is the most powerful natural antibiotic?

-Did you know that honey has no expiration date?

- Did you know that to gain 1 kg. treasure, do you need the nectar of more than 1,000,000 flowers?

- Did you know that there is a special wooden spoon for honey, and not a metal one?

-Did you know that bee grazing is the healthiest food in the world?

- Did you know that pollen can have over 1500 colours and shades?

- Did you know that the bodies of the world's great emperors were buried in coffins of gold and then covered with honey to avoid rotting?

- Did you know that bees are the ONLY insects that produce food for humans?

- Did you know that the mother (queen) puts twice her weight in eggs in one day?

- Did you know that bees flap their wings more than 11,000 times per minute?

- Did you know that the only honey that can be enjoyed by people allergic to beekeeping products is manuka honey.

-Did you know that Manuka honey is the best honey for women?

- Did you know that acacia honey is not sweetened?

Did you know that?

A bee lives less than 40 days, visits at least 1000 flowers and produces less than a teaspoon of honey, but for her it is a lifetime!”

THANK YOU BEES, FOR THE DEDICATION... ������

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Thursday, May 1, 2025

Is The Spirit World Real? 19 Foods Banned Abroad, But Not in America.

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Is the spirit world real?

Is the spirit world real?“In Western cultures today there is a growing fascination with the occult and Satanism, despite the traditional Christian teaching that Satan represents consummate evil.

(Photo: Envato)

If we believe the Bible, we know Satan is not only very real and powerful, but God clearly commands us not to get involved with him or the occult. However statistics show Satanism and Wicca are among the fastest-growing religions in the western world. A increasing number of people deny Satan, demons and a spirit world exist, and therefore regard participating in Wicca or Gothic culture as a harmless expression of personal taste.

The Internet is a ready source of "how-to" information for those interested in Satanism, Wicca or other aspects of Gothic culture. There are also a growing number of movies focussing on witchcraft, demonism and any number of "horror" themes. Books can also be checked out of the public libraries on how to cast spells or how to be a witch. Add to this tarot cards, Ouija boards, palm readers and psychic hotlines.

Wicca, from an Old English word for “witch,” incorporates many of the trappings of ancient British witchcraft practices. It is an umbrella group or movement that gathers under its fold very different beliefs and practices— but is at its core a thinly disguised type of old-fashioned witchcraft. We should not consult with people associated with these spirits in spite of any stated intentions to help us. God’s Word is clear: “Give no regard to mediums and familiar spirits; do not seek after them, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God” (Leviticus 19:31).

The Bible reveals Satan is a very real spirit being, who was originally created as "Lucifer," which means "light bringer." In the beginning of God’s creation there was no sin, evil, or disharmony, until Lucifer chose to rebel against his Creator (Isaiah 14:12-15). Ezekiel wrote of him, saying, "You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, till iniquity was found in you" (Ezekiel 28:15).

When this very first sin took place, Lucifer, whose name was then changed to Satan (which means "adversary"), convinced a number of the angels to rebel against God with him. Together they fought God and lost. Satan and the rebellious angels, now known as demons, have been restrained on earth since that time (Job 1:7). Instead of being the "light bringer," Satan came to be known as a ruler of darkness (Ephesians 6:12).

Satan and his demons have not given up their goal of trying to destroy whatever God creates, as we can see by the example of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:1-6). They cannot take control of a human being against his or her will, but we can inadvertently allow ourselves to be influenced. When Israel came into the Promised Land, God warned them not to allow anyone to practice witchcraft, cast spells or try to talk with the dead (Deuteronomy 18:9-14). Put in terms of today's practices, this would include tarot cards, Ouija boards, palm reading, horoscopes and psychics. It would also include filling our minds with music, books and movies about the occult.

In Matthew 4 we read Satan even tried to get Jesus Christ to fall for his perverted reasoning. After showing Him all the kingdoms of the earth and their wealth and power, Satan said, "All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me" (Matthew 4:9).

Perhaps the most powerful way in which Satan influences human beings is through his power to broadcast attitudes, and from this no one is immune. He is described as the "prince of the power of the air" (Ephesians 2:2). The devil cannot make us do anything, but he can make something sound or feel so appealing that you are willing to choose to do it. In Ephesians 6:12 (NIV) we are told: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

We struggle with ourselves, with the unrighteous influences of our society and with the powerful attitudes and temptations presented to us by Satan and his demons. Temptation worked effectively against Adam and Eve, and it can work just as effectively against us. The Apostle James gives very solid instruction about how to resist Satan and his influences: "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded" (James 4:7-8).

We must come to know God through prayer and Bible study and learn to think as He does (Psalm 51:10). We are told to resist the devil, and remove ourselves from situations and activities that promote witchcraft and the occult.”

From:   https://www.ucg.org/vertical-thought/is-the-spirit-world-real

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19 Foods Banned Abroad, But Not in America

“If "you are what you eat" is true, what does that say about America's eating habits? Numerous popular American dishes are packed with potentially harmful ingredients, leading to bans in other nations. Discover 19 American favorites that have been rejected worldwide. 

1. Froot Loops

Banned in: France, Austria, Norway and Finland

Why it's banned: A glance at Kellogg's Froot Loops' ingredients might explain why the colorful cereals of our childhood are banned in many European countries.

The American breakfast staple is packed with food dyes such as yellow 5 and red 40, which are considered harmful. Many scientific studies link these artificial colors with the inhibition of cell development.

The sugary cereal also contains soybean,  cottonseed oil, and hydrogenated coconut — all considered dangerous and banned in the above mentioned countries.

2. US chicken

Banned in: European Union

Why it's banned: Chlorine-washed chicken doesn't sound very appetizing, does it?

In the U.S, the chicken is routinely washed in a chlorine solution before it is market ready.

This antimicrobial treatment reduces the possibility of salmonella contamination and other bacteria that can lead to foodborne illness. This is also the main reason the European Union has had a ban on American chicken since 1997.

The EU is not concerned about chlorine consumption per se. Rather, it questions why the chicken must go through deep cleaning in the first place. The EU thinks there should be a "high level of safety throughout the food chain, from farm to fork," not only cleaning the meat heavily at the end of the process to compensate for insufficient hygiene standards earlier.

3. Mountain Dew

Banned in:  The European Union and Japan

Why it's banned: We all know Mountain Dew is not the healthiest of drinks. But, if you still “do the Dew,” you might want to know the lemon-lime drink contains Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO).

This food additive banned in Japan and the European Union contains bromine, the element found in flame retardants.

According to CDC, the consumption of bromine can lead to a number of health problems such as headaches, memory loss, and impaired balance and coordination. It’s also bad for the skin.

PepsiCo announced in 2014 that the dangerous chemical would be removed from its soft drinks. However, BVO wasn't removed from Mountain Dew's list of ingredients until 2020.

4. US milk

Banned in: Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, and the EU

Why it's banned: Got rBGH? That's what Europe, Canada, and many other countries are asking about milk produced in the United States, where dairy cows are fed with a synthetic man-made growth hormone rBGH to increase milk production.

Developed by the agricultural biotech corporation Monsanto, recombinant bovine growth hormone rBGH, also known as rBST, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1993, allowing companies to produce vast amounts of cheaper milk in awful conditions at factory farms.

As one could imagine, drinking hormone-enriched milk cannot be the healthiest option. Studies have found that cows treated with rBGH produce milk that contains elevated levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IFG-1), which can increase the risk of breast cancer and other cancer types.

Luckily, according to a 2014 report by the USDA, the practice is decreasing as only 9.7 percent of U.S. dairy operations were using rbGH.

Still is highly recommended to stick with organic milk or one that says "does not contain rBGH.

5. Farmed salmon

Banned in: Austria and New Zealand

Why it's banned: Salmon is a go-to meal for many Americans, who enjoy the meaty flavor and health benefits of the omega-3-packed fish. However, the bad news here is there is a big chance that the salmon you are eating is farmed-raised.

Around two-thirds of salmon eaten by U.S. consumers comes from farms, and the other third is wild-caught. Salmon farming has long been scrutinized by sustainability advocates because of the harsh conditions in which the fish are raised.

Farm-raised salmon are kept in crowded cages and are fed with fed processed fish feed and all kinds of dangerous chemicals like methyl mercury and dioxins. Additionally, the fish are given a lot of antibiotics and other drugs that are not safe for humans to consume.

6. Maraschino cherries

Banned in: Norway, Finland, France, Austria, the U.K

Why it's banned: It turns out America's favorite cocktail garnish is actually a forbidden fruit in some countries.

Maraschino cherry, the syrupy sweet fruit, was invented during the Prohibition era to garnish virgin cocktails. Actually, the American maraschino cherry is an imitation of a Croatian delicacy made of Marasca cherries.

What the American version of the sweetened cherry has extra is the artificial food dye Red #40 to give that picture-perfect touch. Red #40 is one of the most widely used food dyes, as well as one of the most controversial. The dye is thought to be linked to allergies, migraine, and mental disorders in children.

7. US apples

Banned in: the European Union

Why it's banned: While apples are supposed to keep the doctor away, that's not exactly the case for those produced in the U.S.

American apples are treated with diphenylamine (DPA), a potentially carcinogenic compound used to keep the fruit from turning brown. It's this chemical that gives the apples you see in the supermarket that glow.

European food safety regulators banned the fruit in 2014 because the chemicals have been linked to various cancers.

Now, how do you like them apples?

8. Little Debbie Swiss Rolls

Banned in: Norway and Austria

Why it's banned: Little Debbie's smiling face isn't welcome in some countries, as the tasty snack contains food dyes that are a big no-no.

Little Debbie's Swiss Rolls contain artificial food color dyes yellow 5 and red 40, which are considered to be carcinogenic.

The European Union requires products with these dyes to include warning labels saying "the coloring agents may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children." But come, countries like Norway and Austria just outright banned the snack.

In the United States, no such warning is required.

9. US breakfast cereal brands

Banned in: Japan, the European Union

Why it's banned: Breakfast may be the most important meal of the day, but not if you are having cereals like Rice Krispies, Honey Bunches of Oats and Frosted Flakes.

These breakfast cereals brands contain Butylated hydroxytoluene, or BHT, a lab-made flavor enhancer that has carcinogenic properties. It's banned in Japan and the European Union.

A number of processed foods, such as chewing gum and frozen foods, contain this preservative.

9. Instant mashed potatoes

Banned in: the Europe Union, Japan, Australia

Why it's banned: This one is easy. It's mashed potatoes in a box. Of course, there is something off.

Instant Mashed Potatoes like Hungry Jack come with a side of Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA). This preservative is also found in rubber and wax food packaging. So, it's definitely not something you would want in your body.

Although it's widely used in the U.S., it's banned in Japan, Australia, and the European Union, because it has been linked with cancer.

10. US prepackaged ground beef

Banned in: the European Union

Why it's banned: Pink slime is definitely not something you want in your burger. Yet, there is a good chance that the prepackaged ground beef you bought for your next barbecue contains pink slime.

According to an ABC News exposé from 2012, around 70% of ground beef sold in U.S. supermarkets contained pink slime - a meat by-product used as a filler in ground beef to reduce fat content.

If you are wondering "what’s the beef?" with pink slime, it is prepared with ammonia gas, an anti-microbial agent which is dangerous for consumption.

The FDA approved the pink goo for human consumption in the U.S. back in 2001.

11. Ritz Crackers

Banned in: Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Iceland, Norway and Denmark.

Why it's banned: Ritz crackers are a must-have for any cheese board, right? Well, in Europe, you’ll have to look for a different brand as the salty snack is nowhere to be found.

Apparently, Ritz crackers contain high levels of sodium—hydrogenated cottonseed oil, a trans fat associated with cardiovascular diseases.

The FDA has actually deemed these types of oils to be "not generally recognized as safe," but certain loopholes allow them to continue to be used in products.

12. US pork

Banned in: the European Union, Russia, and China

Why it's banned: If you were wondering why pigs in the U.S. are much bigger than those in the rest of the world, ractopamine is your answer.

American pigs are given ractopamine, an animal feed additive used to speed up weight gain and increase carcass leanness in finishing swine.

The additive is linked to major health issues both in animals and humans, explaining why it is banned in more than 160 countries.

Next time you are craving some pork chops, opt for organic meat. (Or eat beef!)

13. Coffee-mate

Banned in: Austria, Hungary, and multiple Scandinavian countries,

Why it's banned: Shelf-stable coffee creamer that can make your coffee taste like vanilla or caramel maybe sounds perfect, but don’t expect to find it in Europe.

Creamers like Coffee Mate are generally made from sugar, stabilizers and bunch of flavorings. However, what makes the product a big no-no in several European countries are hydrogenated soybean and cottonseed oils found in this non-dairy product

Hydrogenated oils are packed with trans fats. Many studies have shown that trans fat is the worst type of fat because it raises bad cholesterol and lowers good cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, heart attack, and stroke.

So, take your coffee black next time.

14. Drumstick ice cream

Banned in: the European Union

Why it's banned: Don't expect to find Nestle's drumstick ice cream anywhere in Europe. The product has been banned for containing a sneaky ingredient within its cone, and it's not extra chocolate filling.

The famous ice cream treat contains carrageenan, a seaweed-derived thickening agent used to extend the shelf life of consumer products.

This food additive has been linked with inflammation and possibly cancer.

15. Skittles

Banned in: Norway and the European Union

Why it's banned: Many of us grew up eating Skittles. But we didn't know that while tasting the rainbow we were also eating food dyes and other harmful additives.

Artificial colors yellow 5 and yellow 6 are among the listed ingredients of the childhood-favorite snack. These food dyes are often linked with hyperactivity in children and allergic reactions. On top of the food dyes, the colorful candy contains another iffy ingredient that has led to its ban in the European Union in 2022.

Titanium dioxide is an additive used in consumer products to enhance opacity and brightness. The International Agency for Research on Cancer IARC classified titanium dioxide as possibly carcinogenic to humans after studies showed the substance caused more lung tumors in rats.

As a result, Europeans from now on will be tasting the duller-hued rainbow of Smarties.

16. Hawaiian papaya

Banned in: the European union

Why it's banned: Hawaiian Papaya was genetically engineered to resist the ringspot virus, which destroyed U.S. crops in the 1990s.

Although there are many debates about whether or not genetically engineered produce is safe, the European Union isn't taking any chances, making genetically engineered papaya a forbidden fruit.

17. Twinkies

Banned in: ​​ Norway, Finland, and Austria.

Why it's banned: This one is not a shocker as, well. This ultra-processed sponge cake contains yellow 5 coloring to give it its distinctive golden hue.

Yellow 5 coloring has been linked to allergic reactions such as hives, itching, coughing, and vomiting.

Food dyes that contain these dyes are required to carry warning labels in the EU, but countries such as Finland, Norway, and Austria have decided not to take that risk.

18. Arby's sourdough breakfast bread, croissant, and French toast sticks

Banned in: India, the UK, the European Union

Why it's banned: A tasty Arby's roast beef has tempted even those with the strongest willpower. Traveling abroad, however, will not require willpower, as many countries have banned the savory sandwiches.

Arby's American-style bread is banned in some countries because of a toxic ingredient the fast food chain uses in its baked goods.

Azodicarbonamide, or ACA  is a whitening agent that forms bubbles in foam or vinyl, to lighten and leaven the dough.

Despite concerns that it's a carcinogen, the FDA still permits its use in the U.S.

19. Stove Top stuffing

Banned in: the United Kingdom, Japan, and several European countries.

Why it's banned: Kraft Stove Top stuffing is a go-to choice for a quick weeknight dinner. But, the problem is the stuffing contains a combination of beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT).

Both preservatives are suspected to be carcinogenic and impair blood clotting.

That’s why the product is banned in the United Kingdom, Japan and some European countries.”

This article was produced and syndicated by MediaFeed.  See original with pictures at:  https://www.aol.com/lifestyle/19-foods-banned-abroad-not-135700980.html

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