All food is not created equal. As you read in our post Why Organic?, buying organic means no genetically modified organisms (“frankenfoods”,) synthetic pesticides or herbicides in your fruits and vegetables, among other benefits (check out the video below.) Still, organic food is not readily available everywhere the way it is here in Los Angeles. So, for those of you who can’t always buy organic but wish to give your liver a break and avoid eating as many pesticides as you can, here is a wonderful tool: The Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides. Read More…
Here are 10 simple tips to improve our food system, compliments of the wonderful people over at Food Inc.:
1. Drink fewer sodas and other sweetened beverages. If you replace one 20 oz soda a day with a no calorie beverage (preferably water,) you could lose 25 lbs in one year, and you can also replace that drink with other nutrient-packed drinks like veggie juices, probiotic drinks like kombucha, and lime-water that will quench your thirst and help balance your pH levels. Read More…
I was shopping at Whole Foods the other day and while waiting in line, someone asked me something I thought people who shopped at this type of establishment would already know: “Why organic?”
As my produce, soy butter, cereal, bread, cinnamon and non-dairy milk were all organic, I guess the person behind me wanted to know why it was that someone only bought what to many was just “the more expensive stuff”. “Isn’t it the same thing?”
Food: In a study published in the journal HortScience, the flesh of pumpkins and squash of various colors was evaluated for carotenoids, compounds that are sources of Vitamin A and are protective antioxidants. Using colormetric analysis, the researchers found nine times more carotenoids within orange-red and yellow-orange colored plants versus yellow and white plants. Looks like color does matter when it comes to food.
Digestion: There’s a reason for eating slowly. A new study to be published in The Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism reports that eating a meal quickly cuts the release of hormones in the gut that give that “I’m full” feeling. The faster we eat, the less hormones released, our brain doesn’t think we’re full and we keep eating. Stop wolfing food down and take a full 30 minutes to chew your meal – you’ll want to eat less and your jeans will fit you better.
Pollution: A study published in HortScience reported that five ornamental plants were found to clean indoor air of pollutants called ‘volatile organic compounds’ (VOC). VOCs are toxic to humans and can originate from building materials, smoke, exterior fumes, paint and more. Purple waffle plant, English Ivy, Variegated Wax Plant and Asparagus Fern had the highest removal rates for VOCs, followed closely by Purple Heart Plant. Bonus: Nice plants have a positive psychological impact on health too. Read More…
Environmental and health-conscious consumers know that eating local organic foods means supporting sustainable farming, giving your body the best nutrient-dense produce, and contributing to the reduction of the pollution in our planet caused by excessive food travel and packaging.
There is a wonderful program to help you do this. It’s open to everyone who wants to participate, and its called Community Sponsored Agriculture (CSA). Basically, for $300-$500 per season ($100 or so per month) you receive a weekly box of their fresh organic produce. In a box you can find a variety of fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs – all from the current season. Some farms in the program allow you to buy per week for as low as $15 a box. This is an option to see what amount would work for you. Every farm differs in the produce they grow, what their price is and the kinds of payment options you have, so you may want to call them and ask them for details on the program and the type of produce. Also, remember to thank them for growing certified organic crops that really nourish our bodies! Read More…
