by CSLP

Organic Food Suppliers

Organic Food Suppliers

If you’re thinking about going organic there are a few things which you might want to look into first. And one of the most important aspects of trying to go organic is finding good organic food suppliers from whom you can get your organic foods. This includes not only organic fruits and vegetables, but also organic meat and poultry, organic dairy produce as well as organic processed foods.

All of these things come under the heading of organic foods, and when you’re looking to find organic food suppliers for your own needs, then you will have to take these into account as well. On the one hand, and depending on where you live, you have the option of going to the source to get your organic foods, but this will only work if you live in close proximity to organic farmers.

If you do live near an organically run farm, then you have will most likely not have a problem obtaining your organic produce and things. However, since an organic farm will only be able to produce a limited number of organically grown items, it does behoove you to find other organic food suppliers who will be able to look after your other organic needs.

If on the other hand you live in a big city which is miles away from the nearest organic farm, you will have to look around for your organic food suppliers. The best place for you to look would be your local food chain or supermarket, but it’s not guaranteed that these places will have organic foods to begin with or whether they will have a wide range of organic products for you to choose from.

That said, your next option when looking at organic food suppliers is to locate your nearest health food store, make certain that it sells organic foods items and go there for all your organic food needs.

This option however, comes with a few drawbacks, the largest one being the elevated price. Not all health food stores will be expensive, but to a very great extent many health food stores carry food items which are costly, and when you throw in the word “organic” into that mix, it just drives up the prices. Organic foods are costly enough without having to add health food store prices into it as well.

Another option for you to take, and this does seem to be your best option is to go through the many online organic food suppliers to get your organic food needs. Here you will find that you have a larger array of organic foods to choose from as well as a larger number of organic food suppliers.

Eating Right To Stay Looking Young And Anti Aging Tips

Anti Aging tips helps us to know what the effective ways to slow down aging procedure are. Who likes graying and reducing hairline, wrinkled face, protrude belly and above all flawed memory?

The best and most natural anti aging remedy known to man or woman, is incorporating raw foods into your diet. Whole, raw, organic foods are directly accountable for reversing the aging process, while keeping us extremely healthy and free from sickness and disease.

What are anti aging raw foods?

They include uncooked fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, sprouted grains as well as raw food powders, olive oils, seasonings, spices, and nutritious seaweeds. There are now all kinds of delicious, incredible healthy meals that can be put together very easily with these foods.

Food such as raw nuts, green leafy vegetables, seeds, seaweed, barley greens and olive oil are said to help with regeneration, which is when pretend cells are stronger than the dead ones being replaced. An anti aging diet is also high on antioxidants, foods with omega 3 fatty acids and fruit and vegetables.

Benefit of Anti Aging and Tips: -

Take care of your eyes. To prevent age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, or vision impairment, eat plenty of yellow and green vegetables every day (spinach, turnip greens, collards, squash, peas, broccoli, pumpkin, and corn).

Diet suggestions for healthy skin aren’t all that surprising. Choose foods rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, such as fruits, veggies, sustainable fish, and legumes. Too much meat and full-fat dairy, on the other hand, may increase your risk of developing wrinkles.

The benefits to anti aging are huge. Many people have beaten diseases which they’ve been told is life threatening, or extremely uncomfortable, painful conditions which they’ve been told are not reversible.

The weight loss is also dramatic. People shed into new bodies, free from the excess fat they had carried around for years.

Next on the list of anti-aging skin care tips starts on the inside.

Good eating habits and drinking plenty of water helps to keep our skin healthy from the inside out. Our skin cells are constantly being regenerated and with a good diet filled with fruits and vegetables and plenty of water our skin cells will remain healthy and not loose the elasticity and collagen we need to keep wrinkles at bay.

Believe it or not, red wine can also fight the effects of aging and age-related illnesses. Red wine contains high amounts of flavanoids, or antioxidants that reduce the number of free radicals in the body.

These things are not normal, and certainly are not natural. The way to go back to what is natural, the best most effective natural anti aging remedy there is, is by consuming the most natural foods that exists. And these happen to be raw, organic foods.

Vitamin C: believed to supercharge the immune system, fight cardiovascular disease and aging, cancer, HIV infection, cataracts, skin health and other physiological and pathological conditions. Obtained through broccoli, cantaloupe, Kiwi fruit, oranges, peppers, pineapple, pink grapefruit, and strawberries.

by Roothford

Easy Paleo Dinner – Introducing an Easy to Cook Paleolithic Coconut Seafood Recipe

Want to know how to make a really easy paleo dinner? Tell you what…I’m going to share with you a very easy to prepare and cook paleo dinner dish.

Oh and please understand this…This recipe is easy yes, but most importantly….it also tastes absolutely delightful!

So avoid the typical misconception that if a particular dish is easy to make, then it’ll probably taste like crap (yes, I’m talking to you my dear soon-to-be-sous-chef sister!)…

You see, my younger sister is going to become a sous chef soon and she happens to be a big fan of making all these complicated, fancy shmancy recipes…

Well, no way! Not this easy paleo dinner recipe which I’m about to share. See the main ingredient that you will be using in this recipe is coconut and I lo-o-o-o-v-e-e-e coconut….

And I totally love seafood as well, so for me – this recipe is a marriage made in heaven! Okay, I’m going to quit yammering now, and present all you modern caveman and woman, the low down on how to cook this easy paleo dinner…

Now let the show begin!

The Ingredients: coconut oil, coconut flour, some unsweetened coconut flakes, 1 large egg, organic kelp granules salt alternative, pepper, a bunch of shrimp, squid and scallops

Cooking directions:

•    Place shrimp, squid and scallop in a bowl and season them with pepper and organic kelp granules. Now crack egg into another bowl and beat it.

•    Next, dunk seafood mix into the beaten egg and coat them in coconut flour and flakes.

•    Fry the well coated seafood mix using coconut oil. You can even fry them in extra virgin olive oil.

See? Easy isn’t it? I didn’t call this one “easy paleo dinner” for nothing okay…

So enjoy this dinner recipe and I wish you all the best in health and life.

One last thing though… If you want more Paleolithic diet recipes, then maybe you can check out these cookbooks. This cookbook set has boatloads of recipes that cater specifically for us paleo diet followers.

Easy paleo recipes and more complicated one are also included…So take your pick.

More details at – -> www.paleorecipecookbook.info

by sweet mandy kay

Buying Organic Food for Less: How to Save Money on Organic Fruits, Vegetables and More

Buying organic food is the right choice – it’s healthier, it tastes better, and it’s better for the environment. Although the production costs of growing and transporting organic foods sometimes means that it’s more expensive at the grocery store than conventional food, it is BETTER for your health in the long-term. Think about it: doesn’t it make more sense to spend NOW and save yourself years of doctor’s bills then it is to keep a couple extra bucks to yourself and suffering the consequences LATER?

Nonetheless, who doesn’t like to save some money? To help you pinch a few pennies, here are some ways you can SAVE (in the short-term AND long-term!) when you buy organic food:

Buy your most important purchases first. If you’re looking to try a new organic recipe this week, make a list of items you’ll need. You can try organic blueberries another time if you absolutely need organic bell peppers for a new dish.
Remember that thin-skinned fruits and vegetables are the MOST susceptible to pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, and so on. If you have to limit your purchases, be sure to buy the following foods ORGANIC: apples, strawberries, blueberries, peaches, pears, lettuce, peppers, and spinach.
Buy your fruits and vegetables in season when they’re both freshest and in plenty supply. For example, spring is a great time to buy asparagus, zucchini, and strawberries (did you know May is National Strawberry Month?) -Shop at farmer’s markets and independent grocery stores, or join a food co-op. These places often offer a wider variety of organic foods, including fresher fruits and vegetables. Some food co-ops may require a membership fee or ask you to volunteer at the co-op for a few hours per month, but members usually get a discount when they shop. Use Organic Liaison’s Organic Network Locator to find grocery stores and farmer’s markets selling organic food nearest you.
If you’re a meat-eater, eating organic meats is definitely better than eating meat that comes from factory farms, where animals have been fed nutritionally-empty grains and kept in tight spaces until they’re slaughtered. Since meat is often more expensive, try choosing one kind of meat (beef, chicken, lamb) and experimenting in the kitchen. Use your “meat of the week” as the centerpiece around which you create your meals, such as chicken pasta one night, followed by chicken tacos the next.
Buy in bulk whenever possible. You can always freeze leftover portions you don’t use for next week.
Search for coupons from organic food companies like Organic Valley, Amy’s, Stonyfield Farm, Health Valley, and more. What are your tips for saving money on buying organic food? Share with us in the comments!

Photo: alancleaver_2000′s Flickr photostream/Creative Commons

Daina tells you about powerful Acerola; a berry rich in both Vitamin C and antioxidants. She compares Acerola supplements to synthetically derived Vitamin C products and explains the important role Vitamin C plays in your body.
Video Rating: 5 / 5

Wheat Grass 500 MG 1400 Tabs

Wheat GrassPINES Wheat Grass. Its real, its natural, and its certified organic ? a whole food thats been harvested at the absolute peak of its nutritional value. Think of it as concentrated “solar energy,” or simply as an off-the-shelf source of the very best that greens have to offer. Either way, its good nutrition made simple: the vitamins and minerals your body needs, in the form your body was designed to use ? without all of the additives and artificial ingredients youve been hoping to avoid! In an age of “special effects” and technological overkill..
List Price:
Price: 79.99

Organic Apple Cider Vinegar

An organic apple a day keeps the doctor and the pounds away

One of today’s great debates is whether or not organic fruits and vegetables are better for us than chemically enhanced crops. Although scientists have confirmed that organic produce has positive effects on nutritional quality, some are still unconvinced. Ask yourself this question: “Does the term ‘organic’ sound healthier than ‘chemical’?

A recipe for maintaining good health includes eating naturally-grown foods and whole grains. Adding organic apple cider vinegar to the mix will not only increase the nutritional value of your food, but will also help you shed those extra pounds!

Artificial vs. natural
Organic Apple Cider VinegarArtificial fertilization can create extremely large and shiny fruits that look absolutely scrumptious, but one bite is all it takes to realize that they definitely lack flavor. Why? Because the process of artificial fertilization includes swelling the fruit with water in order to produce mass. Naturally grown fruits may be much smaller in size but they are full of great taste as well as healthy nutrients. Chemicals are also added to increase longevity and protect the plants from insect infestation. These pesticides usually coat the fruits with a resistant wax-like substance that is difficult to remove. Moreover, they destroy many of the nutrients and minerals that the fruit would have produced naturally.

Vital nutrients and minerals
In comparison to chemically-enhanced fruits and veggies, organic produce is higher in phytonutrients since they rely on their own natural defense system instead of the protection provided by pesticides and toxins. Studies conducted internationally conclude that organic fruits, such as apples, peaches and kiwis, contain larger concentrations of polyphenols, vitamin C, betacarotene and flavonids than conventionally grown ones. These nutrients help the human body fight off illnesses and diseases such as cancer, Parkinson’s and diabetes. Eating organic does not only benefit our overall health but can also be beneficial in attaining weight loss.

Organic apples and weight loss

Organic apples, as well as other fruits, help reduce weight in several ways:

Fiber – Naturally-grown produce contains higher levels of soluble and insoluble fiber than produce treated with pesticides. Since fiber expands in the stomach, it helps the body feel full for a longer period of time. Low in sodium – Low levels of sodium promote organic weight loss by preventing excess water retention. Enzymes – Apples contain an abundance of enzymes which help the body digest food more efficiently, again helping to shed off those extra pounds.

Organic apple cider vinegar

A well-known natural weight loss option is a diet that includes organic apple cider vinegar. People have been using this beneficial vinegar to reduce weight and improve blood circulation for hundreds of years as it is extremely rich in vitamins and minerals. The combination of vitamins and the pH level of organic apple cider vinegar help to detoxify the body, speed up the metabolism and burn calories. Two tablespoons before a meal will help break down ingested fat.

Eating naturally-grown produce increases vitality and can result in organic weight loss. Undoubtedly, it is a healthier choice, but what will truly convince you is taste – one bite and you will make a permanent switch to organic.

If you are curious about these oils, please visit the main site: www.doterra.com. If you would like a free bottle of lemon essential oil, then email contact me through this link: www.mydoterra.com
Video Rating: 0 / 5

by Steve Rhodes

Is Buying Organic Raw Foods a Waste? (Part II)

As promised, here is Part II of Monday’s article on organic foods. I examined an episode of Penn & Teller’s: Bulls**t in which they called “BS!” on the whole organic food craze based on these five factors:

Environment
Pesticides
Nutrition
Taste
Small Business Farmers

Today I will be discussing nutrition, taste, benefits for the small farmer and conclude with the absolute best option when purchasing raw produce.

*Better Nutrition*

One reason people cite for choosing organically grown food is because it has a higher level of nutrition than conventionally grown produce.

Penn and Teller

The show quotes a 2009 LA Times’ article quoting (I know, a lot of quotes) a study conducted by researchers from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in which they concluded that there was no significant difference in nutritional quality between organic and conventional food.

From the LA Times article:

Surveying 50,000 studies conducted over 50 years, the authors focused on 55 that met their standards of scientific rigor. The studies that led to the group’s controversial conclusions covered a wide range of crops and livestock that are raised and marketed under organic standards.

For 10 out of 13 food crops studied, the researchers found no significant differences. Where they did find differences, those were attributed to differences in fertilizer use (say, the use of nitrogen vs. phosphorus) and the ripeness level at which the crops were harvested. The authors judged the differences observed “unlikely” to “provide any health benefit” to consumers.

My Comments

While the study draws an interesting conclusion, the results really depend upon the farm and the farming methods, whether organic or not (e.g. the soil quality, when the fruit is picked, etc.)

That’s why I highlighted the portion of the quote regarding ripeness; I believe the ripeness level of the food to be the real key. The closer the food is to being allowed to tree-ripen, the more nutritious it will be.

This is especially important for fruits that do not continue to ripen after being picked.  It’s also one reason your best option is to eat locally sourced produce, but we’ll get to that a bit later.

For now, let’s take a look at the fourth criterion.

*Better Taste*

I’m sure you know this one!  How many times have you been told (or maybe told others) how AMAZING organic produce tastes compared to conventional?

Penn and Teller

For this portion, the show conducted a blind taste test for which they had multiple people tasting two different unlabeled plates of food (conventional and organic apples, tomatoes, and bananas) and then asking them which one was organic.

In each test, the majority of the people chose the conventional fruit because it was tastier and so they figured it was organic!

My Comments

The last test was my favorite part of the show. A girl (a raw vegan, actually!) was given half of an organic banana and half of a non-organic banana and asked which one tasted better.

She was very enthusiastic about the organic half, exclaiming that it tasted more like a banana than the conventional banana. In actuality, both halves came from the same conventionally grown banana! It was just one banana!!!

I know, pretty mean, but she was a good sport.

When it comes to fruit, I have to agree with the taste testers.  Organic fruit is typically less tasty than conventional.  And while the quality has definitely been improving over the years and I’ve had some tasty organic fruit, it still isn’t miles and away better than any conventionally grown fruits I’ve ever had.

Greens, on the other hand, are another story. Organic greens are almost always tastier than their conventional counterparts. I’ve also had bitter organic greens – in that case I throw them out – but usually the quality is very good.

*Benefits for the Small Business Farmer*

Lastly, many people interested in eating organic do so because they believe that they are lining the pockets of small business farmers.

Penn and Teller

According to Penn and Teller, this is BS. Now that the organic food movement is such a profitable industry, most (if not all) of the organic farms are owned by large companies.

My Comments

While it is definitely true that the organic foods you find in your local grocery store mostly come from corporations, you can still support small businesses by purchasing produce from local farms at farmers markets (or from the farms directly) in your area.

Which brings me to…

*The Best Option*

By far the best choice for fresh, tasty, nutritious, environmentally friendly produce is to buy locally.

Why?

The closer the produce is to where you live, the less distance it will have to travel to get to you (environment). Also, the fresher and higher-quality it will be because the farmer will not have to worry about the food decomposing on the way and will be able to pick as close to ripe as possible (nutrition).

As far as pesticides go, each farm is different. However, it has been my experience that while many of the farms at the farmers markets are not USDA certified organic, they practice many sustainable methods (i.e. no sewage sludge, no genetically modified seeds, and no irradiation) and use as little harmful pesticides (or even none!) as possible.

There actually IS a certified organic farm at one of my markets, but the prices are ridiculous and the fruit tastes no different than what is offered at the other farms.

Oh, and taste! Fresh, ripe fruit is always tastier than fruit that was picked early to ship, wait in a warehouse, sit on the store shelves, and finally find its way into your kitchen.

The absolute BEST tomatoes, peaches, cantaloupes, watermelons, and blueberries I have ever tasted were not certified organic, but were grown just a few miles (in many cases, less than 30) from where I live.

The best part about buying local produce? You actually get to communicate with the people growing your food and buy directly from them! You can ask them all about what produce they grow, their prices, their farming methods, etc.

To find farms and farmers markets in your area, check out www.pickyourown.org and www.localharvest.org

*Final Words*

Bruce Ames, famous biochemist and creator of the Ames Test (a test that screens chemicals to see if they cause cancer) quoted in this NY Times article:

Everything you eat in the supermarket is absolutely chock full of carcinogens…But most cancers are not due to parts per billion of pesticides. They’re due to causes like smoking, bad diets and, obesity.

And here again in a Reason Magazine interview:

I just think all this business of organic food is nonsense basically. We should be eating more fruits and vegetables, so the main way to do that is to make them cheaper. Anything that makes fruits and vegetables more expensive may increase cancer.

In other words…

Stop obsessing over organic and EAT MORE FRUIT!!!

UPDATE: Judy brought up an excellent point on my blog: home growing!  Growing your food yourself is even better than sourcing locally grown produce, for obvious reasons: you have complete control over the seeds you buy, the composting you use, the soil, pesticide management, etc.

Thanks, Judy!

Go raw and be fit,

Swayze

Is Fish Oil A Better Choice Than Organic Flax Seed Oil?

Are you wondering if fish-oil is better choice over organic flax seed oil? Without any doubt; short and prompt answer is yes, fish-oil supplements are any day better over any vegetarian food sources like – nuts, hemp, pumpkin, olives, flax seed, etc.

Let us explore how.

There are 3 forms of omega3 fatty acids used by our body – alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Of all the three, while ALA is burned for energy, DHA and EPA are more readily used by the body to give health benefits.

Body can convert ALA to EPA and DHA, but since only small portion is left for conversion and this process being very complex and inefficient, you should not rely on ALA food sources to increase the levels of DHA and EPA.

Organic flax seed oil and other vegetarian food sources are rich only in ALA; they do not contain other two essential fats. Thus consumption of these food items will give you benefits of ALA fat only. Benefits like cardiovascular, neurobehavioral, protection to heart from attacks and strokes cannot be reaped to the maximum extent.

Cold water fishes like hoki, tuna, mackerel, salmon contains both DHA and EPA fats. Because of increasing pollution in ocean waters, fishes caught from them are full of toxins like mercury, lead, arsenic, etc. Obviously, consumption of such tainted fishes can do more harm than good.

This is the reason why world has shifted to fish-oil derived from oily fishes. Through various refining process involved in its preparation, all the unwanted chemicals and toxins are removed. Ingestion of pure and fresh fish-oil will not only increase your DHA and EPA levels but will also wipe out all your worries you may have regarding the side effects of consuming fish daily.

In nutshell, organic flax seed oil is good only if you are strict vegetarian. Otherwise to compensate for omega-3 deficiencies and to reap maximum benefits, you should choose effective and pure fishoil omega 3 supplements.

To learn more on pure, fresh and high DHA fishoil supplements visit my website Omega 3 Brief today.

www.localbizblogs.com 1708 E. Lincolnway Valparaiso, IN 46383. phone (219) 465-1984. We are dedicated to providing the community a market with high-quality organic and natural products. We stock healthy alternatives to the additive-laden products found in mainstream stores. We understand that the more you know, the more you will understand how much living a more natural lifestyle can benefit you and your family.