Florida lawmakers advancing bills to block the sale of LAB-GROWN MEAT in the Sunshine State

02/26/2024 / By Ramon Tomey

Lawmakers in Florida are advancing a set of bills that aim to ban the sale of lab-grown meat in the Sunshine State over safety concerns.

The Epoch Times reported that both houses of the Florida Legislature have pushed such proposals – House Bill (HB) 1071 for the Florida House of Representatives and Senate Bill (SB) 1084 for the Florida Senate. Both HB 1071 and SB 1084 have the same text and aim for the same purpose.

According to the Florida House’s version of the measure, “cultivated meat” is defined as “any meat or food product produced from cultured animal cells.” If it is signed into law, any individual who manufactures, sells or distributes cultivated meat will be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor.

Food establishments are also included in the measure. Businesses that manufacture, distribute, or sell cultivated meat will be subject to disciplinary action, and could have their licenses to operate suspended.

“As such, the bills are now ready for floor votes in both chambers,” the Epoch Times continued. “If passed, Florida will become the first U.S. state to support a total ban on cultivated meat.” (Related: Keeping it real: Italy becomes first nation to BAN FAKE MEAT.)

Republican State Sen. Jay Collins said “more testing” and “more safety data” is needed before lab-grown meat can be sold in Florida. State Rep. Daniel Alvarez, also a Republican, concurred with his colleague’s sentiments.

“Right now, we don’t have the information for a consumer to make an educated, informed consensual decision,” Alvarez said. “Until we have long-term studies that tell me what lab-grown immortalized cells do to your body, I challenge you to put it in your child.”

Both bills have the backing of the traditional agricultural community, with the Florida Cattlemen’s Association extending support. In contrast, the North American Meat Institute – the largest trade association of meatpackers in the U.S. – opposes the bill.

Similar efforts underway to ban FAKE MEAT

Lab-grown meat products are made by extracting cells from animals and placing them into a culture medium. The medium is then placed into big tanks containing a mixture of important nutrients and compounds that the cells need to grow.

Under normal circumstances, cells do not divide by themselves indefinitely. But genetic modification mutates some cells, allowing them to divide indefinitely – accelerating the production of lab-grown meat.

The Washington, D.C.-based Center for Food Safety (CFS) warned in 2020 that the “genetic engineering of cells and their potential cancer-promoting properties” is a “particular concern” when it comes to cultured meat.

“The scale required for making lab-cultured ‘meat’ feasible for mass consumption will be the largest form of tissue engineering to exist. [It] could introduce new kinds of genetically engineered cells into our diets,” the CFS said, adding that genetically modified cell lines could “exhibit the characteristics of a cancerous cell.”

Aside from Florida, other states are also moving to prohibit lab-grown meat. The Alabama Senate recently passed legislation to prohibit the sale and manufacture of fake meat in the Yellowhammer State. Similar action has also been undertaken at the federal level.

In January, Sens. John Tester (D-MT) and Mike Rounds (R-SD) introduced the School Lunch Integrity Act. The proposal by the two senators aims to ban cultured meat from being provided through the federal government’s School Breakfast Program (SBP) and National School Lunch Program (NSLP).

The U.S. Department of Agriculture currently sets nutritional requirements for meals served to students under the SBP and the NSLP. However, it has not issued guidance on the use of lab-grown meat for both meal programs. The bipartisan bill seeks to fix this gap by prohibiting lab-grown meat in students’ meals.

“Our students should not be test subjects for cell-cultivated ‘meat’ experiments,” said Rounds. “With high-quality, local beef readily available for our students, there’s no reason to be serving fake, lab-grown meat products in the cafeteria.”

6 Science-Based Health Benefits of Oregano


By Rachael Link, MS, RD — Updated on October 27, 2017

Oregano is considered a staple herb in many cuisines around the world.

It has a strong flavor and brings warmth to dishes, along with a hint of subtle sweetness.

It can be found fresh, dried or as an oil, and all are said to have significant health benefits.

Though typically used in small amounts, oregano packs in some important nutrients. Just one teaspoon of dried oregano can fulfill about 8% of your daily vitamin K needs (1).

From helping fight bacteria to reducing inflammation, studies have unearthed some of its impressive potential benefits.

Oregano is rich in antioxidants, which are compounds that help fight damage from harmful free radicals in the body.

The buildup of free radicals has been linked to chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease (2Trusted Source3Trusted Source).

Several test-tube studies have found that oregano and oregano oil are high in antioxidants (4Trusted Source5Trusted Source).

Oregano essential oil is especially high in carvacrol and thymol, two antioxidants that can help prevent damage to cells caused by free radicals (6Trusted Source).

In combination with other high-antioxidant foods like fruits and vegetables, oregano could provide a hearty dose of antioxidants that may help improve your health.

Oregano is high in antioxidants, which can help prevent damage by neutralizing disease-causing free radicals.

May Help Fight Bacteria

Oregano contains certain compounds that have potent antibacterial properties.

One test-tube study showed that oregano essential oil helped block the growth of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, two strains of bacteria that can cause infection (7Trusted Source).

Another test-tube study found that oregano was effective against 23 species of bacteria (8Trusted Source).

Furthermore, a test-tube study compared the antimicrobial activity of oregano, sage and thyme essential oils. Oregano was one of the most efficient essential oils against bacteria, second to thyme (9Trusted Source).

Current research is limited to test-tube studies that have used concentrated amounts of this herb. Thus, further research is needed to determine how these results could affect humans.Test-tube studies have found that oregano and its components may be effective against certain strains of bacteria.

Could Have Anti-Cancer Properties

Oregano is high in antioxidants. These compounds can not only neutralize free radical damage, but they may also aid in cancer prevention (2Trusted Source).

Some test-tube studies have shown that oregano and its components may help kill cancer cells.

One test-tube study treated human colon cancer cells with oregano extract and found that it stopped the growth of cancer cells and helped kill them off (10Trusted Source).

Another test-tube study showed that carvacrol, one of the components in oregano, also helped suppress the growth and spread of colon cancer cells (11Trusted Source).

However, keep in mind that these were test-tube studies using high amounts of the herb and its compounds. Human studies using typical doses are needed to determine its effects.

Oregano is high in antioxidants and contains compounds that have been shown to reduce cancer cell growth in some test-tube studies.

May Help Reduce Viral Infection

In addition to fighting off bacteria, some test-tube studies have found that oregano and its components may also protect against some viruses.

In particular, carvacrol and thymol are two compounds in oregano that have been associated with antiviral properties.

In one test-tube study, carvacrol inactivated norovirus, a viral infection that causes diarrhea, nausea and stomach pain, within one hour of treatment (12Trusted Source).

Another test-tube study found that thymol and carvacrol inactivated 90% of the herpes simplex virus within just one hour (13Trusted Source).

While these results are promising, additional research on how oregano may impact viral infections in humans is needed.Carvacrol and thymol are two compounds found in oregano that have been shown to decrease the activity of viruses in some test-tube studies.

Could Decrease Inflammation

Inflammation is a normal immune response that occurs as a result of illness or injury.

However, chronic inflammation is believed to contribute to the development of diseases like heart disease, diabetes and autoimmune conditions (14Trusted Source).

Oregano is rich in antioxidants, which can help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation (15Trusted Source).

It also contains compounds like carvacrol that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. In one animal study, carvacrol reduced swelling in the paws of mice by up to 57% (16Trusted Source).

Another animal study showed that a mixture of thyme and oregano essential oils reduced the number of inflammatory markers in mice with colitis, or an inflamed colon (17Trusted Source).

Remember that these studies looked at the effects of oregano and its components in highly concentrated amounts. Studies are needed to determine how a normal dose could affect inflammation in humans.

SUMMARY:Oregano is high in antioxidants, which may reduce inflammation. Animal studies show that oregano oil and its components could help reduce inflammation.

 Easy to Add to Your Diet
Though you may think of oregano as a topping reserved solely for pizzas and pasta dishes, this versatile herb can be used in many ways.
Try mixing whole oregano leaves into other greens for a nutrient-packed salad or sprinkling the leaves into chili, soups or stews.
You can also use it to make fresh pesto or salad dressing, season meat dishes or kick up the flavor of homemade sauces.
Oregano is available fresh, dried or as an oil, making it super easy to add to your diet.
Oregano is available either fresh, dried or as an oil, and it can be added to stews, dressings, sauces, meats and more.
The Bottom Line
Oregano is an herb that boasts some pretty potent benefits when it comes to your health.
It is high in antioxidants and may help fight off bacteria and viruses, potentially reduce the growth of cancer cells and help alleviate inflammation.
However, current research is limited to test-tube and animal studies. Further research is needed to determine its potential effects in humans.
Luckily, oregano is versatile, easy to add to your diet and can be incorporated into a wide variety of recipes in either fresh, dried or oil form.

5 Healthy Benefits of Drinking Aloe Vera Juice

By Ellen Landes, MS, RDN, CPT — Medically reviewed by Kim Rose-Francis RDN, CDCES, CNSC, LD, Nutrition

The aloe vera plant is a succulent plant species from the genus Aloe. It grows abundantly in tropical climates and has been used for centuries as a medicinal plant.

Aloe vera juice is a gooey, thick liquid made from the flesh of the aloe vera plant leaf. Historically, it’s been used both topically and orally (1Trusted Source2Trusted Source).

This article explores the potential health benefits of aloe vera when consumed as juice or in other forms.

Contains antioxidants

Based on test-tube studies, it’s thought that the aloe plant boasts anti-inflammatory properties. That’s why many people use it to treat and relieve certain skin conditions, like burns and wounds (1Trusted Source2Trusted Source).

Its proposed anti-inflammatory activity is thanks to polyphenols, a group of antioxidant-rich plant compounds (3Trusted Source).

Antioxidants help protect your body from damage caused by free radicals — also known as oxidative stress. Research has shown that chronic oxidative stress can increase the risk of some health conditions, including heart disease and even some cancers.

However, there is currently no research indicating that aloe vera juice directly has an effect on the risk of these conditions.

May help treat skin conditions and improve skin appearance

Aloe vera is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potential treatment for burns and other skin disorders like atopic dermatitis (1Trusted Source2Trusted Source).

Many of the benefits of aloe vera on skin health are seen when it’s applied topically, rather than consumed as a drink. Still, limited research on oral aloe vera supplements does exist (2Trusted Source4Trusted Source).

One study found that taking 40 mcg of aloe sterol per day for 12 weeks improved skin elasticity in a group of men under age 46 (5Trusted Source).

Another study similarly found that consuming aloe vera improved collagen production and reduced the appearance of wrinkles in a group of women over age 40 (6Trusted Source).

It’s important to note that in both of these studies, aloe was consumed as a supplement, not juice. Additionally, while this research is promising, it’s not conclusive and more human trials are needed.

Topically applying aloe vera is commonly believed to help treat certain skin conditions. Some research has found that taking aloe vera supplements may help improve skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles, but more studies are needed.

May benefit pre-diabetes treatment

Older research has indicated that both the gel and juice from aloe vera may lower fasting blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes (7Trusted Source8Trusted Source).

Oppositely, two separate reviews found that drinking aloe vera juice did not improve fasting blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes — though it did in those with pre-diabetes (8Trusted Source9Trusted Source).

Further, another study observed that aloe juice improved both blood sugar and blood fatty acid levels in those with pre-diabetes (10Trusted Source).

While this sounds promising, research is limited. Larger, randomized, and controlled trials are needed to confirm the relationship between aloe vera juice and blood sugar control.

Additionally, aloe vera extract supplements are not standardized, regulated, or considered a safe alternative treatment for diabetes.

Preliminary research has found that aloe vera juice may improve fasting blood sugar levels in people with pre-diabetes. Still, newer, stronger data is needed to explore and potentially confirm these benefits.

May help with digestive issues

Aloe vera juice contains anthraquinone glycosides. These are plant compounds with laxative effects that could help relieve constipation. However, research on this topic is outdated and the safety of using aloe vera juice to treat constipation is unknown (7Trusted Source).

In 2002, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) no longer approved aloe vera laxatives for over-the-counter sales, as they haven’t been tested to confirm their safety and efficacy (12Trusted Source).

Some preliminary research suggests that aloe vera syrup could help treat and reduce the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Other early research shows promising results for using aloe vera extract to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (13Trusted Source14Trusted Source).

Ultimately, while it’s possible that aloe vera may have digestive benefits, there’s not yet enough research indicating the safety or dosage of its use for these purposes.

May improve dental and oral health

Some animal studies suggest that aloe vera offers antibacterial properties and could support the treatment of some dental and oral conditions (15Trusted Source).

Plus, a study in 74 people with oral submucous fibrosis — a chronic condition that causes pain and inflammation in the mouth — showed that taking 1 ounce (30 mL) of aloe vera juice twice daily for 3 months was as effective as traditional treatments like hydrocortisone injections (16Trusted Source).

Another study found that an aloe vera mouthwash effectively reduced the severity and pain related to oral mucositis — a common side effect of chemotherapy and radiation treatments — in individuals with head and neck cancers

Further, a study in 64 people with cancer found that using an aloe vera mouthwash solution 3 times daily for 14 days helped reduce the occurrence and associated pain of chemotherapy-induced stomatitis, which is an infection in the mouth

It’s also speculated that aloe vera mouthwash could help reduce dental plaque and manage pain and swelling following oral surgery

Although more long-term data is needed, these studies indicate that aloe vera juice could offer an alternative approach to treatments for certain dental and oral conditions

Health and nutrition: Study links eating a plant-based diet to lower risk of diabetes

Thursday, April 14, 2022 by: Mary Villareal

New research published in the journal Diabetologia found that the consumption of healthy plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, coffee and legumes is associated with a lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes (T2D).

The study, which was conducted by a team from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, sought to identify metabolite profiles related to different plant-based diets and investigate possible associations between the profiles and the risk of developing T2D.

Over 90 percent of diabetes cases are T2D. Global prevalence of T2D in adults has more than tripled in less than two decades, with cases increasing from around 150 million in 2000 to over 450 million in 2019. It is expected to further rise to around 700 million by 2045.

The global health burden of T2D is further increased by the complications arising from the disease that could damage the kidneys, the eyes and the nervous system. The diabetes epidemic is caused by unhealthy diets, obesity, genetic predisposition and other lifestyle factors like lack of exercise.

On the other hand, the consumption of plant-based foods like whole grains, fruits and vegetables has been associated with a lower risk of developing T2D, but the underlying mechanisms involved are still not fully understood. (Related: Intermittent fasting works like a diabetes drug, study finds… and it also reduces inflammation throughout the body.)

For their study, the team conducted an analysis of blood plasma samples and the dietary intake of 10,684 participants from prospective cohorts. The participants were predominantly white and middle-aged, with a mean body mass index of 25.6 kg/m2.

The researchers also looked at data from earlier studies. Analysis of these results enabled the team to find correlations between metabolite profile, diet index and T2D risk.

The study found that compared with participants who did not develop T2D, those who were diagnosed with the disease during the follow-up had a lower intake of healthy plant-based foods, as well as lower plant-based diet index (PDI) and healthy PDI (hPDI) scores. Moreover, they also had a higher average body mass index (BMI) and were more likely to have high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. They also use blood pressure and cholesterol drugs, have a family history of diabetes and are less physically active.

Professor Frank Hu, one of the researchers, explained that while it is difficult to tease out the contributions of individual foods because they were analyzed as a pattern, individual metabolites from consumption of polyphenol-rich foods are all closely linked to healthy plant-based diets and lower risk of diabetes.

“Our findings support the beneficial role of healthy plant-based diets in diabetes prevention and provide new insights for future investigation…our findings regarding the intermediate metabolites are at the moment intriguing, but further studies are needed to confirm their causal role in the associations of plant-based diets and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes,” the researchers said. (Related: Exploring the inhibitory activity of Tinospora cordifolia (heart-leaved moonseed) against diabetes symptoms.)

Findings supported by previous evidence

These findings have been supported by a wealth of previous evidence suggesting that vegan and vegetarian diets are good for people. Hu said the results in themselves are not surprising, given that the health benefits of healthy, plant-based foods have been well-d0cumented. He also said that understanding the link between specific compounds and plant foods could help better inform people which diets are healthiest for preventing certain illnesses like diabetes.

However, not all plant-based diets were equally beneficial. Those that are high in processed plant-based foods such as refined grains, fruit juice, potatoes and sweets were not linked to a lower risk of diabetes.

Based on data from metabolites, it seems that specific nutrients in polyphenol-rich foods may account for the health benefits of certain plant-based diets. Coffee, for instance, is high in trigonelline, which is linked to better insulin sensitivity in some research. Another compound linked to the consumption of coffee called hippurate has been linked to more stable blood sugar.

“When adopting a plant-based diet, we recommend consumers to choose healthy plant foods, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts. Limit the consumption of unhealthy plant foods, such as refined grains like white bread and pizza and high glycemic foods like sweets and sugar-sweetened beverages,” Hu said.

Find more stories like this at DiabetesScienceNews.com.

Is kombucha really good for you?

Thursday, April 25, 2019 by: Edsel Cook

Kombucha is the term for tea that has undergone fermentation and sweetening. While it is not for consumption by everyone, it is generally safe and offers plenty of health benefits.

The fermented beverage is made from black tea, green tea, or white tea. A sweetener is added, followed by a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast that ferments the mixture over the course of three to 30 days.

The fermentation process turns sugar into ethanol. However, the alcohol content of kombucha is very low compared with proper alcoholic drinks. A glass of beer has 10 times the alcohol content of kombucha.

Tea is a very healthy drink that offers many health benefits such as protection from cancer, strengthening of the bones, reduction of fat, and prevention of cardiovascular disease. Many of these benefits are passed on to kombucha.

Kombucha contains acids, vitamins, and polyphenols like catechins. It also contains more antioxidants compared with ordinary tea. Catechins and other polyphenols are antioxidants that prevent the onset of cancer and other diseases.

Fermentation also produces new substances like D-saccharic acid-1,4-lactone. This compound can inhibit an enzyme involved in the growth of cancer cells. (Related: Snacking on superfoods: What are activated almonds and why are they good for you?)

Kombucha, the so-called “tea of immortality”

Many studies suggest that kombucha is an antimicrobial, detoxifying, and energizing drink. Some of the diseases it may help prevent include cancer, heart disease, and Type 2 diabetes.

The various components of this fermented drink make it good at preventing broad-spectrum metabolic and infectious disorders. These components have antioxidant activity as well as the ability to support the immune system.

Black and green tea kombucha can also inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms or kill them outright. A 2012 study by Ecole Nationale d’Ingenieurs de Sfax researchers identified green tea kombucha  as a more effective antimicrobial. The drink can also kill pathogenic bacteria associated with food poisoning.

Kombucha can be an alternative way to treat cancer. It can stop a tumor from obtaining a constant supply of blood, preventing the cancer from getting too dangerous.

The drink can also protect the liver by improving the functions of the organ and minimizing the harm caused by toxins that accumulate in it.

Regular consumption of kombucha cam improve heart health within 30 days. The fermented tea reduces bad cholesterol and increases its counterpart.

Kombucha can slow down the breakdown of carbohydrates into sugar. This helps decrease blood sugar levels for patients with diabetes and other metabolic diseases.

Because it is a fermented drink, kombucha contains plenty of probiotics like Lactobacillus. These good bacteria and yeasts can improve various processes that take place in the gut.

Some of the drawbacks of kombucha

Kombucha has a few disadvantages. It is a sweetened drink, so it contains a lot of sugar. A study revealed that as much as 19 percent of the sweetener can still be detected in it by the 21st day of fermentation.

Furthermore, some manufacturers add fruit juices or sugar to the fermented drink for flavor or sweetening so it is advisable to check the nutrition facts and go for the low-sugar kombucha.

Fermenting kombucha for very long periods of time also increases its acid content. People with HIV or weak immune systems should avoid these types of kombucha.

A number of people have experienced a range of reactions to kombucha, with the most serious ones involving liver damage and death.  It is therefore not recommended for pregnant or lactating women.

Despite these drawbacks, kombucha is a good, healthy drink with far more benefits than drawbacks. If consumed in the right amounts, it could help improve health.

Sources include:

FoodRevolution.org

OnlineLibrary.Wiley.com

5 Survival essentials for your bug-out vehicle

Friday, September 23, 2022 by: Zoey Sky
Tags: bug outbug out vehiclebugoutcar emergency kitcar repair toolsfirst aidGearoff gridpreparednesspreppingprepping tipsSHTFsurvivalsurvival gearSurvival Tipssurvivalistvehicle tool kit

This article may contain statements that reflect the opinion of the author

(Natural News) If you are planning to bug out when SHTF, make sure that you have the right tools and gear already prepared and packed in your bug-out vehicle. You will need the basics like a car repair kit and a first aid kit that’s kept in your car for any unexpected medical emergencies while on the road.

Packing your gear in your bug-out vehicle ensures that you have tools at your disposal if you ever lose your bug-out bags (BOBs) when disaster strikes. Some items may overlap, but the essential items you’ll want to have in your bug-out vehicle will be different from those in your BOB.

Car repair kit/vehicle tool kit

There are many choices when it comes to a bug-out vehicle. Some may opt for a faster option like a motorcycle while others may opt for something roomier like an RV.

Whatever you choose, you will need a car repair kit or vehicle tool kit for the repair and maintenance of your vehicle.

Having a basic understanding of how to use these tools can spell the difference between getting to your bug-out location and being stranded because your vehicle has broken down.

You don’t have to weigh down your car with a ton of specialized tools. Keep the kit light by only bringing the items that will be most helpful in your survival situation. The tool kit for your car should include these essential items:

  • Allen keys
  • Combination wrench
  • Hammer
  • Phillips head and flat head screwdrivers
  • Pliers
  • Socket wrench with attachments of varying size

If possible, get a tool kit specifically designed for your bug-out vehicle so you get more specialized tools that will address your specific needs.

If you have a car, your kit will probably have some jumper cables. But if you’re bugging out on a bike, your kit will come with other items, like an extra chain.

If you can’t spare the added weight of a bigger tool kit, at least bring a smaller kit with a sturdy multitool equipped with screwdriver heads, pliers and other practical attachments. (Related: 5 Must-haves for your bug-out vehicle.)

First aid kit

You may already have a first aid kit in your bug-out bags, but you also need a separate kit for your bug-out car. Having different first aid kits means you have a backup in case you lose either your car or your survival bag when SHTF.

When packing the first aid kit for your car, you can include more items to cover more medical emergencies. Avoid pre-packaged kits because some of these kits don’t always come with useful things or things that suit your needs, or they may only come with basic essentials, like bandages, disinfecting wipes and common medications.

Because your bug-out vehicle is bigger, you can prep a first aid kit that’s more of a trauma or first responder kit than a basic kit.

Here are some additional tools for your car first aid kit:

  • Ammonia inhalants
  • Antiviral mask or respirator
  • CPR shield
  • Gauze and wraps
  • Hemostatic dressing like QuikClot to stop heavy bleeding
  • Scalpel
  • Splints
  • Trauma sheers
  • Wool blanket

These are all items that will complement the other supplies in your BOB first aid kit so you have more options when a medical emergency occurs and immediate or professional help isn’t available.

Portable air compressor

A portable air compressor or an air compressor kit is a must-have for your bug-out vehicle. With this tool, you don’t have to worry about getting stranded after SHTF because of a flat tire.

An air compressor also ensures that you don’t have to use your spare tire if the issue is something that can be quickly fixed.

If you have the space for an air compressor kit, bring it with you instead of the stand-alone tool. The right kit will also come with other essentials, like a duo power pack and jump starter, so you don’t have to wait for another vehicle to jump your car.

Shovel

A shovel might seem like a strange item to include in your bug-out car, but you may need it when your vehicle’s tires get stuck in mud or snow.

If you have a smaller vehicle, a shovel has many uses around a campsite. You can use it as a makeshift self-defense weapon or for digging and securing your tent.

If there’s limited space in your car, opt for a compact, foldable shovel you can store under a seat or in a backpack.

Spare parts

When SHTF, some people may be forced to abandon their cars because of a damaged component. But if you have the necessary spare parts and your car repair kit, you can make the necessary repairs as you continue to drive to your hideout.

To keep your baggage light, don’t bring every part your vehicle might need. Save space for other essentials and analyze which components on your vehicle are most likely to break and slow you down.

Doing this ensures that you have the spare parts and knowledge so you can be as self-sufficient as possible. Even if SHTF, you can repair your car without having to look for a mechanic or hardware store.

Before you bug out, pack the following spare parts for your car:

  • Lights
  • Spare tire(s)
  • Spark plugs
  • Windshield wipers

Once you have these essential spare parts, learn how to use and install them under various conditions, such as at night or in poor weather conditions. Practicing maintenance and repair can cut the time for repairs, which can sometimes be crucial in a survival scenario and you’re bugging out to safety.