Alternative Healing Today » Organic Food

Organic Milk Should Be Your First Choice

Mendoza — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 22:00:00 +0000

Our mothers told most of us that we needed to drink a big glass of milk with every meal. It's true that children and adults all need a substantial amount of calcium each day. When you are drinking milk bought directly from your grocers you are probably getting a lot more than just the goodness of the milk.

Everyone is aware that most milk that is consumed comes from cows. The cows are fed many additives into their diet including antibiotics. Cows are given antibiotics on a regular basis to ward off any health problems. The cows need to stay healthy in order for the farmers to make a profit. To ensure this is the case, the cows are given medication for their entire lives regardless if they are ill or not. It's seen as a preventative measure. The problem with this approach is that those antibiotics make their way into the cow's milk and eventually into your body. This can lead to problems with your body resisting antibiotic treatment.

Another additive that is commonly found in cow's milk is hormones. These are again given to the cow to increase growth. When these chemicals are consumed through milk, they can change the growth patterns of children.

Cows are left to graze in the pasture. This seems like a healthy diet for an animal who will produce the milk that you and your family will drink. The problem is that the grain they are being fed has been treated with pesticides. These chemicals make their way into the cow's bloodstream and eventually into their milk.

When you purchase organic milk you are assured that you are not going to be drinking a glass of anything but pure milk. The cows that are used to produce organic milk have not been exposed to any harmful chemicals or pesticides. This means that you will never need to concern yourself with the risks associated with consuming these additives.

If you have an infant that is being weaned onto milk it's important that you feed him or her organic dairy products from the beginning. If you do this you are making certain that your baby will not be exposed to anything harmful as they are growing. It's a very important way to give them a good start in life. When you purchase organic milk you are truly drinking nature's goodness.

Organic Baby Food is a Healthy Start to Life

Mendoza — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 18:45:01 +0000

When a woman is pregnant she takes extra good care of herself. She'll avoid alcohol, eat foods low in fat and avoid anything that is filled with preservatives. After the baby is born it's important to continue with that trend and feed the baby foods that are grown organically.

Naturally the healthiest choice for any new baby in terms of diet is breast milk. A baby should be nursed for the first few months of life as the mother's milk contains all of the vital vitamins and minerals that every child needs.

Once the baby begins taking cereals it's wise to feed them brands that have been grown organically. The grains that are used in these cereals have been grown in a manner that is free of all pesticides so the baby is not consuming anything that can hamper their growth.

When it comes time to switch the baby from breast milk to whole milk you'll again want to find an organic brand. This milk is harvested from cows that have not been fed any grain that contains pesticides. In addition these cows have not be given antibiotics. This is especially important because when a child is given regular cow's milk they are inadvertently taking in antibiotics through the milk. These antibiotics can actually affect how the child reacts to illness. The continued ingestion of cow's milk that contains antibiotics can lower a person's tolerance to antibiotics which means that if the infant or toddler becomes ill and needs a prescribed antibiotic it may not be effective.

Fruits and vegetables are also an integral part of the diet of growing children. Toddlers love munching on pieces of oranges, apples and having a small serving of mashed potatoes. In order to ensure that you are giving your child the best foods, choose organic baby foods.

Years ago it was difficult to find baby food brands that boasted being organic, but that is not the case anymore. You can now find organic baby foods in most grocery stores. Follow your pediatrician's advice and introduce fruits and vegetables slowly to your toddler and keep an eye out for any possible allergic reactions.

Taking good care of your baby involves so many different things. Making sure they are eating healthy, organic foods is one important thing you can do for them. Start them on an organic diet early and it will set the stage for a lifetime of healthy eating.

Does Eating Organic Reduce Your Risk of Cancer?

Mendoza — Mon, 28 May 2007 01:15:00 +0000

When you are given a diagnosis of cancer your entire life can feel as though it's falling apart. Cancer is a terrifying term and with the research that is now being done it's becoming more and more obvious that there are things we can do that can greatly reduce our risk.

One area that seems to have become the focal point in the prevention of cancer is our diets. The foods that you are eating can directly affect your health. Consider switching to a diet that is high in organic food choices and you'll be making a positive change that can include reducing your risk of cancer.

Most foods that we have been eating for much of our lives came from farms that are designed to yield a high amount of fruits and vegetables in a short amount of time. The produce is sprayed with chemicals to prevent damage by insects and the soil is enriched with additives that will increase the speed of the growth cycle. These additives may also increase the size of the fruit.

The problem with all of these chemicals is that they have ramifications when it comes to a person's health. Over time, with the repeated consumption of produce that is treated in this manner, these materials will enter the bloodstream.

Food that is grown in an organic environment is free of all chemicals. You never have to worry about the impact of these foods on your health. When you switch to a diet that is rich in organic foods, you are reducing your risk of these cancer-causing agents dramatically.

If you are older and have already been touched by cancer, you can still make a positive change in your life by switching to an organic diet. Many medical professionals believe that changes in diet can help speed treatment, and in some cases, can be the root cause of a person's health improving.

If you would like to know more about how to incorporate organic foods into your diet you can speak with a nutritionist. Your personal physician can also explain to you the impact of organic foods on cancer.

Taking care of yourself is important regardless if you have a family history of cancer. By making a conscious decision to eat organic foods, you are already improving your odds against getting cancer.

How to Keep Your Organic Produce Fresh

Mendoza — Wed, 23 May 2007 23:45:02 +0000

Fresh fruits and vegetables are costly. This is even more apparent when you are buying organic produce. There are things you can do to ensure that the investment you've made in your fresh and healthy organic produce doesn't go to waste.

A few examples of things you can do to keep organic produce fresh are:

* Keep apples refrigerated: Apples are actually one of the most durable fruits and can last for a couple of weeks if stored properly. Apples last much longer if they are placed loosely in one of the bins of the refrigerator.

* Watermelon: Watermelon is fine to keep on the kitchen counter for a few days. However you don't want to store it there indefinitely. Most families don't consume the melon in one sitting, so once it's been cut, cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It's important to eat it within a day or two after you've cut it as it won't last longer than that.

* Strawberries: Strawberries are another fruit that has a relatively short shelf life. You should purchase organic strawberries right before you are ready to eat them. If you do need to store them for a day or two it's best to keep them in the refrigerator. Simply rinse them once you get home from the market, and then cover them loosely with a damp paper towel in the refrigerator. Doing this will keep them at optimum freshness until you are ready to eat them.

* Corn needs to be let in its husk: Fresh corn on the cob can't be beat. It's important when you purchase fresh organic corn to keep it in the husk until you are ready to either boil or roast it. Keeping it in the husk will ensure that it stays as fresh as it possibly can.

* Asparagus needs to be kept refrigerated: Asparagus does go bad quickly whether it's organic or not. Therefore it's wise to only buy it when you know you will be using it that day or the very next day. Until you are ready to use it, keep it chilled and don't wash it until right before preparation.

It's easy to see that with a little care and attention, your organic fruits and vegetables can stay fresh until you are ready to cook and eat them. Plan carefully, buy what you need and enjoy all of the health benefits that come with cooking organic.

Organic Foods are No Longer Just a Trend

Mendoza — Tue, 22 May 2007 21:29:59 +0000

For many years consumers would bypass the organic food aisle to settle on the less expensive "regular" foods. Suffice it to say, that most people had no idea that the regular food they were consuming, although less expensive, came at a cost. The cost being the consumption of many chemicals and additives that no one wanted or needed.

Although many organic foods still do cost a bit more than their standard counterparts it's important to weigh the health benefits carefully. Studies have been conducted for many years that prove that organic foods are a better choice. Our bodies have so much to contend with including second hand smoke and the emissions from vehicles. We shouldn't have to worry about what is in our foods.

One of the drawbacks of organic foods has been that they are not readily available and it often took a trip to a specialty store to find these items. That is no longer the case as most local grocery stores now carry a wide range of organic foods.

It's important to remember when you are purchasing fresh organic foods that they do not last as long as regular produce would. This is because they don't contain the same preservatives. Therefore, it's wise to make a trip to the market every two or three days to pick up your organic fruits and vegetables.

Organic meat, chicken and fish are best served fresh as well. However you can freeze what you purchase if necessary. Follow safe handling instructions for any poultry, pork or beef that you purchase, just as you would with a traditional cut of meat.

The same can be said for cooking. A meat thermometer is a good addition to any chef's kitchen regardless of cooking experience. Cook your meat to the suggested internal temperature always.

If you are a parent it's a great idea to introduce your child to organic foods as soon as possible. When a child is young they are just beginning to develop their palate. This is the perfect time to get them accustomed to eating healthy foods so that you won't have to contend with a toddler who thinks that cookies and candy make a balanced menu.

Shopping for organic foods is a great way to ensure the well-being of your family. We are all willing to spend a little extra on a dinner out or a movie from time to time. Why not invest that money in improving your diet by buying organic foods? It's a wonderful gift to give to not only yourself but your entire family.

Losing Weight on an Organic Food Diet

Mendoza — Sat, 19 May 2007 22:30:04 +0000

At some point in most adult's lives they've decided that it's time to shed a few pounds. Life can get the better of all of us and we can find ourselves making unhealthy food choices based almost completely on convenience. If it's time for you to begin the battle of the bulge consider adding organic foods to your revised menu plan.

Not only are organic fruits and vegetables a great foundation for a weight loss diet, they also serve as a healthier eating choice for anyone. Organic foods are produced in an environment that is free of any toxins. When you eat traditional fruits, vegetables or meats you may be taking in a host of chemicals that you weren't aware of. This is because farmers and food producers turn to chemicals to enhance their food and animal products. Although you reap the benefits of these foods, you are also going to have to pay the price of eating toxins that you simply don't want in your body.

The first step to any weight loss plan is to seek out the advice of your physician. He or she is the most qualified to offer advice on what weight you should be at. They will measure your height, weigh you and may also calculate the amount of body fat you are carrying. They will give you a realistic weight to strive for and will no doubt also encourage you to get physical along with adopting a healthier eating plan.

Once you know how much weight you need to lose begin looking at how you can achieve that by changing your diet. If you are accustomed to eating high fat snacks or sugary desserts, instantly cut those out of your diet.

It's advised by most medical professionals that you try and avoid any type of crash diet. These types of radical weight loss plans may give you great weight loss results but they are temporary at best, and you may even find yourself heavier at the end of the experience than you were when you began.

The ideal goal to strive for is a weight loss of between 1 and 2 pounds each week. This can be achieved by modifying your existing diet plan, consuming 8 – 10 glasses of water per day and incorporating some form of exercise into your daily routine.

Adding organic foods to your diet is a great first step. You can choose fresh, organically grown fruits and eggs for breakfast, an organic salad for lunch and a piece of chicken or fish with some vegetables for dinner. You can also turn to organic fruit juice as an alternative to coffee or sugar laden soft drinks. Each right choice that you make in terms of your diet puts you that much closer to your weight loss goals.

It can be difficult to imagine trying to lose a substantial amount of weight but with a commitment to your own better health you can take it one day at a time until you reach your goal of a healthier body.

Give an Organic Gift Basket

Mendoza — Mon, 14 May 2007 15:14:58 +0000

It can be really difficult thinking of new and innovative gift ideas for those close to you. When someone moves to a new home or is recovering from surgery you want to send along a token that expresses that you are thinking of them. For a new and fun choice in gift ideas why not consider giving someone an organic gift basket?

An organic gift basket can hold almost anything you can think of. With the introduction of new and delicious organic foods items you can include organic versions of all of the recipient's favorite foods including:

* Organic fruits and vegetables: Everyone loves getting a basket filled with fresh apples, grapes and bananas. Giving someone fresh fruit is a lovely way of expressing that you are thinking of their health. This is a great gift to give to someone recovering for a surgical procedure or a new mom.

* Organic cheeses: Organic cheese comes in many different varieties and you won't have trouble finding one that will suit the taste buds of the person you are giving it to. Organic cheese is made from the milk of cow's that have not received any type of preservatives in their feed or any hormones or antibiotics. Organic cheese has a very fresh and clean taste.

* Organic chocolates: A sweet treat tucked into a gift basket will always put a smile on someone's face. Even if they are watching their weight everyone will enjoy just a small chocolate every now and again.

* Organic nuts: Nuts are a great source of protein and organically grown nuts have the extra added benefit of being free of any preservatives used in the growing process.

Finding retailers who specialize in organic gift baskets isn't particularly difficult. You can inquire at your local organic specialty shop if they offer this service. If they don't consider putting together your own version using ingredients that you know the recipient will really appreciate. All you need is a basket, organic items to fill it with, some cellophane and a ribbon.

An organic gift basket is a gesture that not only says that you are thinking about the person but shows that you care about their health as well. They will appreciate the gift and will enjoy it. It might even awaken an interest in organic foods for them if they haven't been that familiar with them up to this point.

Organic Food is Safer for your Kids

Mendoza — Thu, 10 May 2007 04:30:16 +0000

Every parent strives to do what is best for their children. Everything from what they wear in winter to what they are allowed to eat after school becomes a huge responsibility. Most parents try and make the best decisions yet they aren't always aware of what their children need.

One of the most important decisions you will make for your children is the type of food that they eat. The eating habits that you instill in them when they are young will directly impact not only their health as they grow but it can also have a direct affect on future health difficulties.

Organic foods are a great choice when it comes to feeding your children. With the choice of a menu filled with organic items you are giving your children the foundation of having a lifetime filled with good food and in turn good health.

In recent years there has been an increase in incidences of cancer and heart disease. Many experts believe that this is caused by the ingestion of foods that are filled with additives. With the choice of organic foods those additives no longer are an issue.

There are many foods that are now being sold as organic. The choices include:

* Fruits – everything from oranges to apples are being grown organically now. These fruits have not been grown in an environment where pesticides were used. They have also not been coated with a waxy residue that helps retain the freshness for longer.

* Vegetables – Organic peas, carrots and lettuce can all be on your dinner menu this evening. Organic choices in vegetables are said to contain more vitamins and have a much fresher taste than their traditionally grown counterparts.

* Meats – Beef is now being raised in an organic manner. This means that the beef is not subjected to any types of medications or growth hormones. In addition, the feed has not been sprayed with pesticides.

* Chickens. Free range chickens have also been fed a diet that is completely free of pesticides and additives. In addition to being able to purchase the chicken to consume you can also purchase eggs that are organic.

* Chocolate – Organic chocolate is made without the use of refined white sugar. It's an ideal choice for a parent who wants to indulge their child's sweet tooth from time to time.

Feeding your child a diet that is rich in organic foods is a wise choice for any parent. Regardless of your child's age consider introducing some organic foods into their diets today.

Organic Salads are Perfect for Lunch

Mendoza — Sun, 06 May 2007 23:00:03 +0000

If you work in an office or industrial environment you are probably accustomed to eating something quick and easy for lunch. Most of us would rather jot out to the fast food restaurant and pick up something rather than bringing a bagged lunch from home. Long gone are the days when a peanut butter and jelly sandwich alongside a few chocolate chip cookies satisfied those mid-day hunger pangs.

If you really don't have the time or the ambition to prepare a lunch at home to bring to work each consider, you can still make good choices when it comes to buying your meal. One of the best ways to eat healthy at an affordable price is to purchase organic salads.

Fast foods restaurants are recognizing the demand for healthy food at a price that is affordable. Several years ago many of the well known fast food establishments would offer healthier menu items but it came at a steep price. Although consumers wanted to make the right choice they'd glance at the traditional menu of burgers and fries and see a much better deal.

That's simply not the case today. You can now purchase organic salads in many restaurants that rival the price of all of the alternative menu offerings. Coupled together with a bottle of chilled spring water you have a lunch that quenches your hunger and is good for you as well.

If you would rather put together your own organic salad to bring to work that will be even more affordable. When you purchase organic vegetables and lettuce you can normally make several salads for the price you'd be looking at for a ready made fast food restaurant version. After all, convenience comes with a cost.

It's important to remember that although you are placing healthy organic items into your salad, adding a heavy dressing is actually going to negate many of those positive benefits. Creamy dressings are often laden with fat and most people add way more dressing than is needed. Salad dressing is designed to enhance the taste of the other ingredients not overwhelm it.

A nice idea that is both delicious and healthy is to sprinkle some olive oil mixed with red wine vinegar on your salad. This adds a unique and very fresh taste to almost any salad. Fruit juice can also be added to the base salad dressing to complement any fruit that you've added to the salad. An example would be adding orange segments along with a splash of orange juice to the dressing. This is very refreshing and if you haven't tried it yet, you should give it a whirl and see just how much your taste buds appreciate it.

Don't forget that you can make an organic salad a dinner entre as well. Add some grilled organic chicken or thin slices of medium steak to the mix. With a big chunk of organic bread and a glass of wine you have a summer time dinner that is filling without being full of unwanted calories.

Organic Beef – A Cut above the Rest

Mendoza — Wed, 02 May 2007 00:45:00 +0000

Beef is one food that was a staple in the diet of many baby boomers as they were growing up. It wasn't uncommon to be served beef several nights a week. After all ground round was affordable, versatile and inexpensive. Only in recent years has it become obvious that eating a diet high in red meat can lead to serious health problems including heart disease. This news caused many individuals to swear off red meat and opt for a diet rich in chicken and fish instead.

You can still eat your beef and keep your heart healthy. The key to eating beef that is good for you is to choose organic beef. Many grocery stores are now recognizing the increasing demand for organic meat and are selling it right alongside its traditional counterpart.

In order for a cut of beef to be deemed organic there are some requirements. Depending on where you reside these may include:

* The diet given to the cattle: The belief is that in order for beef to be organic they need to have been served a very particular diet. This includes grass that has not been treated with any type of harmful chemicals. Traditional farmers would allow their cattle to graze in a pasture where the grass has been treated with pesticides and herbicides. The cows would ingest this and it would work its way into their bloodstreams and eventually yours. Traditionally farmers would also offer their cattle feed that consisted of animal by-products. Even if the cattle were eating from a pasture that was pure, their feed may include chemicals because of what the animals contained in it ate. This isn't the case with organic cattle. They are fed feed that contains no animal by-products at all.

* The freedom given to the cattle: Naturally all cattle have to be tended to. They must have an area where they are kept so the farmer is aware of where his herd is. With organic cows they are not held in stables but are generally allowed access to both covered and uncovered areas. The reasoning behind this logic is that the cattle feel much less stress when allowed more freedom that results in a healthier animal.

* The cattle are not given medication: Most farmers work on the premise that giving their cattle shots that include antibiotics and hormones works against the threat of disease. Even if the cow has never suffered from any type of illness they are given antibiotics on a regular basis. These medications become part of the makeup of the cow and when you purchase, cook and eat the beef, you are also ingesting these medications. With organic cows this simply is not the case.

It's easy to see that there are substantial health benefits with choosing organic beef. Not only are you choosing a menu item that is high in iron and vitamins but you are not going to be subjecting yourself to any unnecessary chemicals or additives that you do not want.