Buying Organic: Is It Worth The Money?

In order to answer that question, let's first define the term organic. Food that is organic has been grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilizers, antibiotics or hormones.

Conventional vs. Organic

In contrast, conventionally grown fruit and vegetables, have pesticide residues and artificial chemicals on their skins, even after washing, that seeps into the bodies of the produce as well. Dairy products from conventionally raised cows contain hormones and antibiotics that are as used as part of standard farming practice in order to maximize dairy production. Commercially raised beef, chicken and pork also contain antibiotics and hormones.

Benefits of Organic Food

Organic food is more expensive than conventionally grown food, but it is worth the investment. Not only will you significantly cut down your exposure to toxic chemicals that can continue to accumulate in your body over time, but there is evidence that organically grown food contains higher levels of beneficial nutrients than their conventionally grown counterparts. A study published in 2003 in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, found that organic produce had 50-60% more cancer fighting anti-oxidants than conventional produce. Organic milk has been shown to contain higher levels of omega 3 fatty acids (a type of fat that has been shown to have anti-cancer properties), anti-oxidants and Vitamins A and E. Grass fed, pasture raised beef also has a much higher level of omega-3 fatty acids than conventionally raised beef- in fact, the amount of omega-3s in grass-fed beef is similar to the amount found in omega-3 rich salmon.

Choosing Which Foods To Buy Organic

We all want to eat the healthiest food we can, but most people these days do have to pay attention to their budget. So, are there some foods that are more important to buy organic than others? You bet. The Environmental Working Group has a ranking of the "Dirty Dozen"- produce that has the highest pesticide residue. The ranking starts from the most contaminated.

BUY ORGANIC

1. Celery
2. Peaches
3. Strawberries
4. Apples
5. Blueberries
6. Nectarines
7. Bell Peppers
8. Spinach
9. Cherries
10. Kale/Collard Greens
11. Potatoes
12. Imported Grapes

EWG also has a list of the "Clean 15"- produce with the lowest amount of pesticide residue. The ranking starts from the least contaminated.

CAN BUY CONVENTIONAL

1. Onions
2. Avocados
3. Sweet Corn
4. Pineapples
5. Mangoes
6. Sweet Peas
7. Asparagus
8. Kiwis
9. Cabbage
10. Eggplant
11. Cantaloupe
12. Watermelon
13. Grapefruit
14. Sweet Potatoes
15. Honeydew Melon

Even if you can't buy organic produce, don't skimp on fruits and vegetables. It is still better to eat conventional produce than to substitute them with unhealthy snacks and processed foods.

Remember, Organic Is Not Just For Produce

What about dairy products? If you drink milk, you should buy organic. You can also try some of the non-dairy milks such as soy, almond, oat or rice milk. It is best to alternate these and not stick to just one.

In general, It is best to limit meat consumption and try other protein sources such as beans and whole grains. If you are going to eat meat, buy organic whenever possible- it is a much healthier choice.

What About Fish?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has not yet adopted specific requirements for organic fish. Food&Water Watch, a non-profit organization which advocates policies for healthy and safe food and drinking water, recommends the following guidelines:

1. Choose domestic seafood. Less than 2% of imported seafood is inspected for contamination.
2. Choose local seafood rather than seafood that has been shipped from far away.
3. In general, choose wild over farmed seafood. There are, however, some good farmed seafood options, such as U.S. farmed catfish, tilapia, yellowfish snapper, shrimp, mussels, clams and oysters.

For more information, check out The Smart Seafood Guide at http://foodandwaterwatch.org/fish/seafood/guide/

Give It A Try

Don't feel overwhelmed! Even if you try 2 or 3 organic alternatives over the next few weeks, you will be making a substantial change for the better in your overall health.

Reina Marino, M.D.

Dr. Marino specializes in Integrative and Lifestyle Medicine in the Philadelphia area. She uses nutrition, stress management and exercise to help people lose weight, increase their energy, and decrease their stress so that they can look and feel like their younger selves and bring their best to their families, friends and work.

Find out more at http://drreinamarino.com. You can contact Dr. Marino at rm@drreinamarino.com or by calling 267-519-0810

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Putting Compost on Your Organic Garden

Organic garden fertilizers are not only great for your plants; they also slow the moisture loss of the soil reducing the need for watering. Chemical fertilizers usually destroy some of the nutrients of the soil, and by reusing of the soil is also reduced.

Plant this in your garden and forget about it. Apart from the nice North facing wall it sits happily in front of, there was nothing else helping it. Plant and animal matter is normally used and sometimes supplemented with fine dolomite lime (providing calcium and magnesium while raising the pH and " sweetening" the soil) and other mined ingredients. Hopefully the end result of all this work will give the gardener all of the mineral elements his or her next crop will require.

Plants that live in conditions that suit them require less maintenance and are less likely to succumb to diseases and pests.

Soil is prepared properly for the garden, Apply the water deeply for the plants. In summer we should spend the extra concentration for protect the plants. Soil solarization is an organic method of keeping weeds from taking over. Organic garden compost or mulch varies in cost and availability. Soil that has been mulched is also less likely to form a hard crust. Many gardeners have also discovered that they have fewer problems with plant disease when they mulch.

Soil in raised beds warms up and dries out faster in spring and is easer to work. You can reform the beds each spring or make the beds permanent by framing them with rot-resistant wood, plastic or stone.

Mulching helps the soil retain moisture, suppresses weeds, reduces temperature fluctuations, and can prevent soil crusting. Many organic gardeners find that plant disease problems decline as the health of the soil improves. Mulches are invaluable in both water conservation and slowing down weed germination.

Organic gardening Compost is where you recycle food scraps and other waste products into the soil so that it helps to feed the plants. Things you would normally throw away such as eggshells, leftovers like meat, potatoes, tomatoes, cheeses, anything that you would normally eat can be composted into the soil to help it become rich in nutrients and help to feed the new plants. Compost and composted manure, mixed with peat moss, make great soil for organic container gardening. You can also use straight peat moss.

Author: Gregory Wadel

Tips To Producing An Awesome Organic Garden

[http://wadeshealthmatters.info]

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Have You Tried Organic Food?

Organic food is grown and harvested in the old fashioned way, as food used to be in the 'old' days. Today, most of the fresh produce you find in your supermarket is grown artificially, with the aid of pesticides, chemical fertilisers, herbicides and insecticides, to ensure that maximum growth is gained from the land and the biggest harvest possible is collected. This means more produce is made available to you in your local supermarket, but at what cost to your health?

Organic foods are naturally grown and harvested. They contain more nutrients, less pesticides and chemicals than standard produce, and because they are naturally grown, they more often than not taste better. On average, conventional produce has only 83% of the nutrients of organic produce. What's more worrying is that 60% of herbicides, 90% of fungicides and 30% of insecticides are considered to be carcinogenic - cancer forming. Going organic makes sense!

SIMON'S TIPS: ORGANIC FOOD

Upgrade to organic gradually. Start with fruit, vegetables, grains and dairy products. If you can afford it, look to choose organic meat and fish too. You will find an Organic section in your local supermarket.

You can order fresh Organic food online if you prefer, and have it delivered to your door. Just type in 'organic home delivery' in your favourite search engine and see who pops up in your local area.

If you can't find the organic version of what you want, buy the conventional alternative instead. It won't always be possible to find what you want at your local supermarket, so rather than go without, and fear the consequences of eating non-organic food, simply pick the conventional alternative and wash it thoroughly with a vegetable scrubbing brush before eating or cooking.

Be aware of fruit and vegetables with high pesticide levels. Peaches, apples, strawberries, nectarines, pears, cherries, raspberries, grapes, spinach, peppers, celery and potatoes. Make sure you ALWAYS wash your fruit and vegetables before use, whether they are organic or not.

Switch to Organic grains and dairy, but still go easy on their consumption. These foods may contain fewer chemicals than their standard counterparts but they should still be eaten in moderation. Avoid organic white products, like rice, bread and pasta. Still stick to whole wheat varieties.

Find an Organic Farm Shop. Keep your eyes peeled for a traditional farm shop that sells organic fruit and vegetables. You will be able to pick and choose what you want, buy the right amount for what you need, and buy in bulk at a lot cheaper price than your supermarket equivalent.

These places are great for trying different varieties of fruit and vegetables, and also eating what is currently naturally in season. To find the nearest Farm shop in your area, type in 'Farm Shops' to a search engine.

Simon Dainton is a Certified Personal Trainer and fat loss expert. Founder of Fitstreet Personal Training in the UK, his Programs of Lifestyle change guarantee clients results, combining effective exercise, nutrition and lifestyle adjustments. For more information and to receive your FREE fat loss guide, go to http://www.fitstreet.co.uk/ For the latest fat loss news and tips, check out http://fitstreet.blogspot.com

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Neemthe Organic Health Solution

There is a dream in the world of medicine that some day a magic pill will be developed that will cure or prevent multiple health problems. But nature has already created a remarkable tree that does just that. The Neem tree, native to East India and cultivated in other parts of Asia has been called the "village pharmacy" for centuries.

Even before ancient herbalists discovered the analgesic qualities of the willow tree, from which aspirin is derived, people used branches, fruit and leaves from the neem tree to treat or prevent a wide variety of health problems. Its medicinal qualities are outlined in the earliest Sanskrit writings and its uses in Hindu medicine date back to very remote times. In India, the tree is variously known as "Divine Tree", "Heal All", "Nature's Drugstore", "Village Pharmacy" and "Panacea for all diseases".

Used for thousands of years, home remedies made from the Neem tree are non toxic and no hazards have been documented with normal dosages. Organix South, the company currently marketing Neem products in the U.S. does not recommend taking Neem internally. However even the Extension Toxicology Network documentation for using neem as a pesticide shows that it is "relatively non-toxic" and caused no significant problems even at the extraordinary high dosages fed to laboratory rats as part of the approval process required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

What is this amazing gift from nature and what is it used for? The Neem tree is a fast growing member of the mahogany family, native to the India-Pakistan region. It can reach a height of over 50 feet and produces a fragrant white flower which turns into an olive like fruit. All parts of the tree including seeds, leaves, flowers and bark may be used for medicinal preparations. Neem oil is the basic ingredient commonly found in commercially available Neem products.

The uses of Neem vary widely. It is an antibacterial, antifungal, antivirus agent. It can be used to eliminate garden pests, yet is safe and effective for dental and skin care. Neem oil products for pets are used for skin rashes and allergies. Extracts made from the leaf are showing promise in treating diabetic conditions and help boost the immune system.

One primary advantage of Neem oil is its soothing, high fatty acid content making Neem oil especially gentle and nourishing when used for itchy, sensitive or dry skin conditions. Skin ailments, especially ongoing, chronic problems, often respond very well to Neem oil. Clinical studies indicate that brushing with Neem bark extract helps reverse peridontal disease.

Neem tree products, marketed under the name TheraNeem, are a safe, effective organic remedy for a wide range of health ailments and conditions. It is one of the few organic health products that is standing up to the scrutiny of true scientific testing. The results of current medical studies show great promise for even more medicinal uses of this amazing tree that can put "the village pharmacy" in your medicine cabinet.

Carol Bond is the founder of Carol Bond Health Foods http://www.carolbond.com a leader in the nutritional supplement industry for over 25 years. Believing that people are sick and tired of being sick and tired, Carol Bond is dedicated to bringing the finest supplements that can be found on the market today to everyone who wants to live longer, live better.

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Fruits and Vegetables That Heal Eczema - Eczema Organic - Natural Treatment

Did you know that one third of eczema suffers are cause by nutrient deficiencies? Lack nutrients can strike skin eczema. The reason is simple; our skin needs nutrients, so it can remain smooth and healthy.

When the skin finds hard to receive vital nutrients, the skin self defence system can not perform their task and as a result, eczema starts.

You see our skin self defence system, need some kind of energy to work, just like cars needs petrol to run. And how do we get those nutrients? By eating of course!

So you see our skin requires nutrients, but only 2 are vital for our skin defence systems and they are:

· Vitamin E

· Aloe Vera

If you have eczema them you are probably using creams to relief from itching, but did you ever wondered why creams works so well? Let me tell you why! The reason is that these creams are enforced with these 2 vital nutrients artificially!

So why expending hundreds on artificial products to cure eczema if you can cure it naturally by consuming natural and organic products such as fruits and vegetables! And fruits and vegetables as you know are very healthy products. Many people tried this healthy approach and they successfully got relief from eczema for ever! This approach is getting more and more popular and day by day people are filling more healthy and itchy free.

Below are some of the fruits and vegetables example that you should eat to get relief from eczema, as they are rich in vitamin E and Aloe Vera, they are:

· Blackberries

· Avocado

· Plums

· Almonds

· Hazel nuts

· Peanuts

· Broccoli

· Leeks

· Spinach

· Potato

If you want to know more about how to cure eczema naturally and organically I strongly suggest visiting cure eczema using fruits and vegetables diet website.

For more information about how to get relief from eczema, visit http://www.eczemacuretoday.com - subscribe to weekly newsletter to receive latest tips to cure eczema naturally, as well as a free e-book "Get Relief from Itching".

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Growing Fruits Using Hydroponics

Would you like to try growing your own fresh fruits year round, but live in an area where, due to cold temperatures, snow or poor soil, you are unable to do so outdoors? Instead, why not try hydroponics, a form of gardening in which you can grow plants without any soil at all. There are several different types of fruits you could consider growing in a hydroponic manner.

One aspect of plant culture that is wise to keep in mind is to pay attention to the growing conditions a particular plant needs to survive and thrive. Poor choices for hydroponic-style gardening are succulents, because they will only thrive in dry conditions, and you are attempting to grow plants in the medium of water. Water-loving plants make a good choice for hydroponic gardening, because the plants will be growing in water. Melons are a good example of a fruit that grows well in this circumstance. Watermelons and cantaloupe can both be grown successfully hydroponically because both are water loving plants and can thrive in this sort of growing medium.

Although not considered a fruit by some, nevertheless tomatoes meet the scientific criteria for classification as a fruit. Tomatoes grow wonderfully in a hydroponic environment as long as they have excellent lighting.

Other fruits that grow well hydroponically are berries. You can grow strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries very well in a hydroponics system.

Grapes are another favorite fruit that you can grow using this method as well. Both table grapes and wine grapes have been successfully grown using hydroponic methods.

Surprisingly, there are some trees that can be grown in a hydroponic manner. Banana trees are one, and dwarf citrus trees, such as lemons, are another. Imagine growing fruits that would normally require a tropical or very warm climate to produce fruit during an Alaskan or Scandinavian winter, through the appropriate use of a hydroponic plant system and the correct lighting and proper nutrition.

All plants will receive absolutely no nutrients from soil, since this system uses none, so the gardener must supply the plants with nutrients in the form of a nutrient solution. You water the plant with the nutrient, and the plant takes the food up through its roots. Typically the nutrients are dissolved in distilled water, because the water needs to be very pure. If you use your own water, you will likely want to have the water tested for elements that may already be present, so that you do not provide too much of any one nutrient.

Hydroponic-system gardening is an excellent way to increase fruit yields over conventional soil gardening, and it allows gardeners to grow fruits that would otherwise not be possible in their climate or soil.

Hidhut.com is a full-service Hydroponics equipment supplier. They specialize in the retail sale of digital ballasts, grow lights, carbon filters and other types of gardening supplies.

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True Organic Fertilizer: Manure and Muck

I visited a store last week, out in the country, where people might be expected to know better, and discovered that one of their products was 'organic fertilizer.' That's right; they were bagging cow dung and selling it, at six dollars a pound, no less. And this in a remote farming area surrounded by cow pastures!

"Organic fertilizer" sounds lovely, but truth be told, for a little work, you can get it free from any nearby farmer. Or you can usually pay someone to deliver it for you. It doesn't come in plastic bags, but I guarantee, it will be less than six dollars a pound.

What kinds of manure work best as organic fertilizer? Well, the store had one thing right; cow dung is best. Because cows digest so little of their food, cow manure won't burn plants the way nitrogen-rich chicken manure will. Nor does it need to be composted before putting it on the garden. (Actually, elephant dung is slightly better than cow dung. But this article assumes that you'll have a slightly easier time finding cow dung than elephant dung.)

Horse manure is another good one. It's not quite as nutrient-rich as cow dung, but again, it won't burn plants and it can be applied directly to the soil.

Chicken manure is the best as far as sheer nutrients go. It's rich in nitrogen; an application of chicken manure will grow some of the best corn you can imagine. However, chicken manure is what's know as a 'hot' manure; it will burn plants, and cannot be applied directly to the soil. In order to use it, let it compost for at least three months (six months to a year is better) in an out-of-the-way corner of the garden, then apply it sparingly to your unplanted beds and wait at least two weeks and one good rain before planting in it. Or, mix it with dry matter, such as leaf mold or sawdust, to cut down on the heat. (Unfortunately, this also dilutes the nutrients. But chicken manure diluted this way makes an excellent organic fertilizer because it can be applied directly to the beds, left two weeks and one good rain, and then planted.)

Ultimately, organic fertilizer should be free or--at the very least--cheap as...well...dirt. Because that's exactly what it is.

Why wait to learn the truth about healthy lifestyles? There is a gallery of powerful information for the taking. Decide now to improve the quality of your life. Click here: Pet Safe Fertilizer [http://www.fertilizer.best-info-only.com/]

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Organic Food Labels - Deciphering Their Code

When most people see the word organic on a food label, their first impression is "Oh, this product has to be good for me." But the actual reality of this situation means that thought can sometimes be pretty far from the real truth.

What Is The Term "Organic" Actually Referring To?

The term organic has certain restrictions and standards that the farmer and producer must adhere to. The common criteria which the grower is held accountable for means none of the following can be used during the growing stage, harvesting or during processing (if necessary):

synthetic pesticides
any fungicides
sewage sludge as a fertilizer
petroleum-based fertilizers
genetically modified organisms (GMO products)
irradiation

Also, if the product is derived from an animal, the following conditions also apply for dairy, meat, eggs and poultry producers:

no hormones or antibiotics for faster growth and health prevention
they must be fed with organic feed
all animals must have access to free range facilities ( be able to get outdoors without a small cage)

Now because everyone must stay within the confines of these parameters, why is it there is such a discrepancy in the term organic? The simple answer - it's usually processing and packaging.

Different Definitions Of The Term "Organics"

Product labeling in the world of food packaging can be designated in three ways. Therefore, just because a manufacturer states the word "organic" on his label, this is not to be construed as a true organic product. The different label distinctions you will commonly see are:

100% Organic - when this labeling is used, these products may carry the USDA Organics Seal because they are grown, harvested and processed (when necessary) without any of the banned USDA restrictions on notice.
Organic - on a package label this is certifying that at least 95% of the food contents is truly organic. The remaining 5% can be any agricultural product on the approved food list. This means pesticides, fertilizers, a spray program etc. can be used as long as the agent in use is not synthetic in origin.
Made With Organic Ingredients - when this is on a packaging label it only states 70% or some greater amount of the product is truly produced organically.

Several companies though in the manufacturing community have tried, usually unsuccessfully, to push this percentage aside and use this designation on their food packaging. Strict adherence is monitored though by several very active national consumer groups to guarantee the public's safety.

The above criteria are the current requirements of all food products grown in or imported into the United States. These criteria are currently overseen by the NOP (National Organic Standards) society and the USDA (United States Department Of Agriculture).

About the Author: Kathi Robinson
If you are in the store looking through the produce, how can you tell immediately if the selection you are purchasing is organic? Check my website at http://www.allergiesandalternativemedicine.com/organic-produce.html for a neat little way to decipher the code.

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Organic Cooking Schools

Organic foods are fast becoming popular. Recent surveys indicate that the demand is so strong that supply is just not able to keep up with it. The pace at which the demand for organic food is growing is amazing. No wonder so is the demand for organic cooking schools.

One can find these niche cooking schools, through a search on the internet or through local food publications. One can also find out more in detail about them through friends or family members, who may have studied there before you. One reason for the phenomenal demand for organic food lies in the fact that they are perfectly natural and grown without fertilizers, hormones, antibiotics and even without the use of bug killers.
One can find numerous online schools too, which can teach you do-it-yourself stuff. Most of the organic foods can be cooked at home. The recipes and the ingredients are the most important part of organic foods. If you are able to source them, then you can as well follow instructions and cook for yourself. Or you always join weekend or evening classes, which are conducted from time to time at most of the cities.

A good organic cooking school should be able to equip you with the confidence to prepare gourmet and organic cuisine, within a time span of a few weeks. It is best that you learn from experienced chefs. This way you tend to learn to cook more varieties of organic food. Since organic foods are cooked from natural ingredients, with lots of vegetable and fruits, hands-on experience is a great way to learn, without you feeling uncomfortable.

Organic cooking schools will equip you with culinary skills that will enable you to eat in a way that is beneficial to your body and general mental harmony. As one tends to attend organic cooking school classes, gradually one generally feels improvement in one's creativity in cooking, which is reflected in our everyday life, too.

Cooking Schools provides detailed information on Cooking Schools, French Cooking Schools, Italian Cooking Schools, Vegan Cooking Schools and more. Cooking Schools is affiliated with Top Film Schools [http://www.e-FilmSchools.com].

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Why are Online Organic Food Delivery Services on the Increase

Have you realized how much time you spend, and how much energy you use when shopping?

Are you sick and tired of having to waste this precious time, when you could be spending it with your family, chilling out or doing something of your choice? If so, then you need to start looking into deliver services in your area. Delivery services are becoming more and more popular as the growth of the internet means that nearly everybody has access to a computer and can save time by ordering online. You can even save money as its not as easy to get tempted into impulse buying when you cant see the packaging in front of you. Just think, no more dragging young children around the supermarket and watching in dismay as they try to pull everything off the shelves!

At the moment nearly every region in the UK has a delivery service that is easy to find online, GuideMeGreen has loads of local and national organic, fair-trade and special diet delivery services with an increasing range of food and non-food products. You often have to sign up or register with these sites and then you can begin your shopping right away, They are easy and fun and so convenient that you will find yourself with almost too much time on your hands!

Obviously, different companies offer different foods for delivery but you can often buy most if not all of your favourite groceries and more from these companies. You can find a vast selection of fruits and vegetables, both organic, locally grown and sometimes imported. You will find exotic fruits and vegetables as well as the old staples like potatoes and carrots. No matter what you need you can get it from these great food services.

You will also find a huge selection of organic dried and canned goods that you can have delivered right to your door any day of the week. Canned soup and dried pasta are just a few of the great items you can have delivered to you each week. Most of these services even have goodies like organic cookies and even some organic cakes! Many companies have non food lines such as eco friendly washing and laundry products.

You will get a choice of delivery. You may choose to have your food delivered after work or while you are at work. Many people choose to have their shopping dropped off while they are at work so that they are there when they get home. You can even ask that the goods be left in the back garden or with a neighbour so that they do not get stolen.

Organic food delivery services are flexible and convenient and they are something that every one can benefit from. The increasing number of people using these services is testament to that. The choice comes when you decide which ones to use - should it be supermarkets where you can buy anything and everything in one go or should you support the smaller companies where you may not be able to buy everything that you are used to....ill let you decide.

Davinos Greeno works for the organic directory This green directory lists 100s of Organic Food and Drink Companies and Eco Jobs [http://www.jobs.guidemegreen.com]

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Celebrity Diet - Raw Organic Super Foods

We have to thank celebrities such as Sting from the band The Police, David Bowie and Canadian rocker Bif Naked, actresses Demi Moore, Angela Bassett, Lisa Bonet and Alicia Silverstone, actors Robin Williams, and Woody Harrelson, designer Donna Karan and Chef Charlie Trotter. We have to thank them for helping promote one of the healthiest lifestyles on our planet today. We have to thank them in promoting raw food diet.

Raw food diet is a lifestyle that encourages us all to eat un-processed, un-cooked and organic foods. Examples of these foods offer a selection of that includes fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, eggs, fish, and non- pasteurized dairy products. However, if you thought that those foods are boring then you have not heard of superfoods yet.
Superfoods are foods high in phytonutrient contents, antioxidants, anthocyamins, vitamin C, manganese and dietary fiber. They are also raw meaning that they are un-cooked. And they are also organic meaning that they have never been touched by pesticides, insecticides and herbicides. Superfoods are very clean and safe. They are also very delicious. Just check these raw organic superfoods.

One of the tastiest superfoods is of course, Sacred Chocolate. This a type of chocolate that is a pure whole bean chocolate bar that has cacao contents of 70%, 80%, 90%, 99% and 100% cacao. Is a bronze winner of the 2007 International San Francisco Chocolate Salon for best organic chocolate and the Best Organic or Fair Trade Chocolate at the 2008 International San Francisco Chocolate Salon. Look out for this chocolate for it is destined to be the world's finest chocolate.

Another very delicious superfood is Tibetan Goji Berries. In fact they are so delicious that you can have it as snack straight out of the bag. And you can also add them to cereals and tea. But these berries are just not delicious, it can also help the body with strength-building and sexual potency.

Then Tibetan Goji Berries also contains powerful probiotics. It help strengthen the immune system, increase energy, reduce fatigue, reduce the effects of free radicals, engender a sense of well-being and optimism and help curb appetite and over-eating. Rare are the foods who are both delicious and nutritious. That is why Tibetan Goji Berries is very special.

Here's another shocker to the superfood world. One of the very delicious and powerful of them too is Fruity Cacao. This is delicious, because it is still a chocolate bean covered in its luscious fruit pulp. It is powerful because it has got 14 times more antioxidants than red wine and 21 more times than green tea. Rare is the food that has got taste and nutrition all wrapped into one. We have to thank raw organic superfoods. They have combined taste and nutrition. They have made raw food dieting more exciting and more tempting. Enjoy!

Come learn about the greatest selection of Superfoods on The Planet. Please visit our site at http://www.superfoodliving.com and learn about Raw Chocolate Cocao Noni, Tibetan Goji Berries, Maca, Marine Phytoplankton, Sacred Heart Chocolate, Incan Berries and more....

We offer Retail and wholesale pricing for distributors and customers. We can also show you how to make money and receive your superfoods at a discount by sharing our foods and recipes with others.

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Popular Products in the Organic Super Fruit Industry

Superfruits have high nutrient density, richly abound in antioxidants and may also contain fiber and health-sustaining phytochemicals. Their consumer appeal lies in the fact they offer a host of nutritional benefits for health, energy, longevity and beauty. Among the hundreds of fruits found in the elite superfruits category, the ones most talked about and considered to be in the running for the next most popular superfruits are the Maqui, African Baobab, Acai Berry and Chokeberry.

African Baobab, adansonia digitata, grows primarily in Africa. It has a tart and citrusy flavor and has a long history of traditional use. Baobab contains vitamins C, B1, B2, and minerals such as calcium, potassium, phosphorous, iron and magnesium. It also contains a high level of fiber and antioxidants. Baobab is considered to have more than ten times the antioxidant value of oranges, six times more Vitamin C content and more than twice the calcium level of milk.1-2

In 2008, the European Food Safety Authority approved of Baobab as a novel food ingredient. In 2009, the United States Food and Drug Administration approved GRAS status for Baobab. With consumer interest increasing for exotic fruits with health benefits, the Baobab is poised to become a billion dollar industry, according to a report by Ben Bennett from the UK's Natural Resources Institute (NRI) for the Regional Trade Facilitation Program (RTFP). Baobab can be found in personal care products, breakfast cereals, dairy products, sports and fitness drink products, and in vitamin and mineral health supplements as capsules, tablets or drink mixes.

Maqui Berries, aristotelia chilensis, are deep purple berries commonly found in Chile and Argentina. They are rich in minerals such as iron, calcium and potassium as well as vitamins A and C. So far the Maqui stands unbeaten as a superfruit with the highest antioxidant value. It contains flavonoid compounds such as anthocyanins and polyphenols. Research shows they may help support arterial health and blood circulation. Antioxidants are also known to support anti-aging and immune health. Whether herbal dietary supplements are in powdered or capsule form, Maqui berries offer a high dose of daily antioxidant protection.3-4

Acai Berries, Euterpe oleracea, are native to South and Central America. Introduced into the U.S. market in the 1990s, Acai is touted to be an antioxidant-rich superfruit with multiple health benefits, such as supporting healthy cholesterol levels. It also contains a good amount of fiber (about 14 percent) and 19 amino acids, along with vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C, E, potassium, magnesium, calcium, copper and zinc along with plant sterols.

Acai berries are known to have fast-acting antioxidant potency. Their bioactivities are also seen in anti-inflammatory and immune functions. Acai berries may help nutritionally support oxidative stress and support healthy cholesterol levels. Acai continues to be a top-selling superfruit in both conventional and natural markets.5-7 Popular delivery forms for acai berry manufacturers may include capsules, tablets and powdered drink mixes.

Chokeberries, aronia melanocarpa, are shrubs native to North America. Chokeberries are a rich source of anthocyanins and therefore have high antioxidant potency. They contain dietary fiber along with vitamins C, A and E as well as minerals like potassium, iron and manganese. Fresh chokeberries (100 grams) can provide 35 percent of the Required Daily Allowance (RDA) for Vitamin C. The rich polyphenols in chokeberries are being studied for their liver-protective benefits. Chokeberries are known to support vascular functions and may help lower the risk of cardiovascular health.8-9 Chokeberry can be found in a variety of health and fitness products. Popular delivery forms may include capsules, tablets and powdered drink mixes.

Diversification in Superfruit Products

Touted with nutrients, fiber, probiotics (fiber), antioxidants, superfruits have become ubiquitous in the marketplace and are added to a host of food items to enhance their nutritive profile, antioxidant value and to incorporate delicious flavor. With products being sold all over the world, superfruits are a multi-billion dollar industry. You'll find these superfruits in juices, baked products, ice creams, cakes, baby foods and an array of assorted food items. They are also used in personal care products because of their anti-aging benefits and skin-protective properties.10

Because of their high nutritive profile, superfruits are also popular as dietary supplements and can be manufactured in innovative and convenient-to-take delivery forms. Producing and marketing a high-quality, consumer-targeted superfruit formula is easy with the help of GMP-certified, high-quality herbal dietary supplements manufacturers.

The team at Nutricap Labs can help you formulate your own customized herbal dietary supplement formula or we can help you improve an existing formula. With a decade of experience producing science-backed, superior formulas, we can help you target your consumer audience with a range of attractive superfruit supplements.

Nutricap Labs is a full service herbal dietary supplements manufacturer and acai berry manufacturers.

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What Are the Benefits of Organic Fruit and Vegetables

We hear continually more evidence about the benefits of eating organic fruit and vegetables as opposed to chemically enhanced GM fruit and veg. While some researches conclude that there is little or no difference in the nutritional content of non organic and unaltered organic fruit and vegetables. nearly all of us know this not to be true.

If you observe some of the crucial differences between the two types, basic intelligence will be all you need to realise that there is a lot more benefit to be derived from eating chemically unaltered food as opposed to its inferior counterpart.

For a start, the whole process of chemically enhancing now associated with today's conventional methods of turning out our crops, involves growing GM veg with more water content , this gives an unnatural growth rate and an artificial look that is to good to be true. Just look at all the rows and rows of fruit and veg in your local super market and you will know it is not possible, veg can ever look so good. More to the point, organic vegetables have what is known as more "dry matter" this means it is made up of more food substance and less water. This will constitute towards making up more of your day's quota of nutrients.

Another advantage for consuming non GM Veg is the higher count of phytonutrients. These are life enhancing antioxidants that are a crucial part of the plants system, a defence against harmful chemicals and pesticides while it is growing. It it comes as no suprise that a plant allowed to grow without pesticides and chemicals will have a lot more of its natural defences (pyhtonutrients) intact, these of course will be passed on to you as you eat the vegetables. The more common phytonutrients are; lycopene, polyphenols and flavenols. these are found in many of the more common veg that we consume on a daily basis.

Learn to grow your own organic food garden. Visit http://www.squidoo.com/organicfoodgarden

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How To Grow Organic Avocados - One Of The Top 10 Super-Foods

Avocados - contain healthy mono-unsaturated fatty acids, helping to lower bad cholesterol. They also contain antioxidants, potassium, magnesium, folate and fibre. Avocados contain many vitamins, mainly the B complex and vitamins A and E, as well as folic acid and iron.

Avocado helps your body to absorb more nutrients from other foods; such as when you eat tomato and avocado together in a salad.

The avocado tree (Persea americana) is an evergreen tree originating from Central America and the West Indies. Their growth habit varies - depending on the variety - from tall and upright to well-shaped and spreading. It is a fast growing tree with deep green, elliptical leaves that tend to drop constantly.

Cultivation

Avocado is frost tender while young, so if you live in a cold climate you will need to grow them near a North facing wall ( in the Southern Hemisphere - South facing in the Northern Hemisphere ) or in a grove of other trees.

Don't mulch around your avocado trees during winter as you will increase the frost damage on the leaves. Instead grow smaller plants and herbs around them.

You also need to provide perfect drainage as avocado is susceptible to root-rot. Deep, rich soil in full sun, with shelter from the wind are all important factors in deciding where to grow your trees. Water deeply during summer.

Avocados are self-fertile, but if you want good crops it is best to plant at least two compatible trees. If space is limited you could try growing them in the same hole and let the trunks twist around each other.

As avocados are evergreen, you can plant any time of year.

*My own personal tip is to take great care of your young avocado trees by protecting them from direct summer sun and shelter them from the wind for their first few years. Create a hessian shelter for them. You can remove it when your trees are about two metres tall.*

Fertilizing

Growing a green mature crop before planting your avocado tree will enrich the soil giving your new plant the best start. Feed young plants with small amounts of organic fertilizer regularly (about every 8 weeks) during the growing season. Spread the fertilizer evenly around each tree going just further out than the canopy drip line.

For mature trees, fertilize with 10 litres of organic poultry manure per tree applied on top of a layer of organic mulch.

Picking

Avocados won't ripen until they are picked or they have fallen from the tree. This is of great benefit as it means you can have a long season. You can start to harvest them when they are quite immature - even fruit as small as a golf ball. They won't taste as nutty or rich, but you can still enjoy them.

You can leave fruit on the tree until it falls naturally, which will give you a long harvesting time.

If you have the space you might consider growing several varieties that fruit at different times of the year and you will have a year-round supply of this wonderful, healthy fruit.

Hi, I am an avid organic gardener and am known by my friends as the recycling queen. I live on a small country property in South Australia.
It is my mission to encourage as many people as possible to start organic gardening ( I know you'll become addicted). This will improve both our individual lives and the wellbeing of our personal and global environments.
Anyone can grow their own healthy food with Organic Gardening. Click here to get started now! Happy Organic Gardening, Healthy Living...
Julie Williams
http://www.1stoporganicgardening.com

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Organic Gardening - Tips You Should Know When Using Straw Mulch

There are many benefits in mulching your organic garden. Straw mulch is excellent for helping to retain moisture in soil by stopping the water from evaporating. It can be used to suppress weeds, but needs to be applied in a thick layer about four to six inches thick. Once the straw is applied it has to be soaked so that the wind wont blow it away when applied directly from a bale.

When using straw mulch fresh from a bale it is best used when shredded before applied to the garden and should be removed before tilling your soil. A thin layer of straw mulch will slow the spring time warming of the soil, removing the mulch and compost it after the growing season, then reapply new mulch after soil temperatures have warmed.

Straw mulch can tie up nitrogen at the surface of soil during it's decomposition process. Due to this you should use straw around fruit trees and avoid using it around your annual plants or to avoid this from happening use already rotting straw. Leaving straw bales outdoors over the winter months will allow this rotting process to take place due to the wet and dry conditions of nature. This will also help to kill off any weed seeds that may be in the bales. Make sure when you apply straw you keep it fluffed up instead of it's compacted form that it comes in with a bale.

Straw can be purchased at your local garden center. When purchasing straw make sure it is seed and weed free.

A environment friendly and healthy way of gardening. Organic Gardening is away of gardening in harmony with nature. Growing a healthy and productive crop in a way that is healthier for both you and the environment.

John Yazo

http://www.organicheirloomgardening.com

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