June 15, 2011
As you may already be aware, superfoods offer you a wide range of nutrients that can make you feel and look better by helping reduce your risk of disease and by fighting the signs of aging (thanks to all of those antioxidants). What you may not know is that to get the best return on your investment, you really need to purchase organic superfoods.
If a food has been certified organic by the United States Department of Agriculture, the distinction means the food was grown without fake pesticides and fertilizers. These fake or synthetic chemicals can be extremely dangerous to our health, so combining them with superfoods to make us healthier just doesn’t make sense.
One study of peaches, for example, found that 98% contained high levels of pesticides even after they were washed and cleaned. These are, of course, not organically grown peaches. While the study doesn’t address the quantities of those pesticides left behind, other research suggests these dangerous compounds can build up in your system so it doesn’t take much on each peach to cause major health problems down the road.
Synthetic chemicals like these often contain carcinogens, or known cancer-causing agents. That means eating them can increase your risk of developing a wide range of cancers. Again, this is where eating organic superfoods makes sense. If you want to consume antioxidants in those foods to reduce your cancer risk, then it doesn’t make sense to be increasing your risk at the same time. You won’t be doing yourself any favors.
If you’re expecting a child or hoping to start a family, organic superfoods make sense for you, too. All of the good nutrients in superfoods can do wonderful things for an unborn baby who is relying on you to fulfill his or her nutritional needs. Without a healthy diet, your child could experience health problems that could last a lifetime. Additionally, the use of pesticides, such as those used on non-organic produce, has been linked to fetal growth problems in studies in New York City.
Furthermore, if you are a parent trying to feed your child healthy foods, you don’t want to offer them a plate of blueberries, pumpkin, spinach or other foods that have been covered in dangerous chemicals. By choosing organic superfoods, you can be confident that you are giving your kids a healthy diet that isn’t tainted by carcinogens or other dangerous chemicals.
The bottom line is that organic superfoods just make more sense. They may cost a little more. You may need to drive to a different store. But, overall, you are going to benefit from delicious, healthy foods that are safe to eat.
Your health is directly related to what you put into your body. Not all foods are created equal. View our choice for the top superfoods and more here.
It is essential to buy quality superfood supplements and not just buy for lowest price. Your body will thank you!
To Your Health!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Emily_Hutchens
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May 22, 2011
Buying organic foods is good for the planet and positive for your health, but because organic produce is often more expensive than non-organic, it is important to think carefully about which fruits and vegetables to spend the extra money on. After all, some fruits and vegetables-especially ones with thick skin, such as avocados, bananas, pineapple, mangoes, and oranges-are just as healthy in their non-organic forms. To help in your grocery-shopping decisions, here are the top ten fruits and vegetables that should be bought organic.
1.Peaches: Due to their thin skins and spongy texture, peaches tend to soak up pesticides and insecticides. Among all fruits routinely treated with chemicals, non-organic peaches carry the highest concentrations of iprodione (a fungicide) and organophosphate (an insecticide). Both are harmful to human health in large quantities.
2.Bell peppers: Bell peppers are not quite as absorbent as peaches, but they have a thin skin that does not provide much of a barrier to pesticides and other chemicals. Testing has shown that non-organic bell-peppers are near the top of the list in terms of pesticides absorbed.
3.Strawberries: Because strawberries have a relatively short growing season, most sold in U.S. stores are imported from other countries, where agricultural regulations may not be as strong. Plus, strawberries are artificially reddened by captan, a fungicide that is likely a carcinogen.
4.Celery: Because celery has no skin and is highly absorbent of liquids and chemicals in the soil and atmosphere, it tends to draw in pesticides and spread them up and down the stalk, where they cannot be washed off.
5.Apples: Apples are prone to a wide variety of growths and infestations, and because the apple industry is so huge, agricultural companies have spent billions coming up with specialized pesticides and other chemicals to keep apples sellable. As a result, practically ever non-organic apple you find in the store is coated with a layer of waxy residue, which permeates through the skin and mixes with the sugary insides.
6.Potatoes: Potatoes are among the most pesticide-treated crops due to the robust varieties of fungi and pests that tend to grow beneath the surface of the ground, where potatoes live. Organic potatoes are much harder to grow and thus typically more expensive, but they are worth it as they taste better and are much cleaner.
7.Blueberries: Due to their growing popularity in health-food circles, blueberries are becoming more and more in demand, which has numerous agricultural companies scrambling for ways to increase their blueberry yields. According to the USDA, blueberries are now treated with 52 different chemicals.
8.Nectarines: Like peaches, nectarines have a thin skin and an absorbent pulp, so that the 33 pesticides they are routinely treated with cannot be washed away. Among tree fruits, nectarines rank right up there with peaches and apples.
9.Leafy greens: Leafy greens such as lettuce and spinach are commonly treated with potent pesticides, which can be difficult to wash off of those pored and wrinkled surfaces. Plus, because most of these plants are so low to the ground, they tend to absorb chemicals from the soil and thus get permeated with unhealthy elements.
10.Pears: Pears are one of those fruits that, despite the best efforts of regulators, seem only to get doused in more and more chemicals by the year. As each new generation of insects grows increasingly resilient to the pesticides, agricultural companies have to keep creating stronger, more toxic pesticides to combat them. At this point, non-organic pears are routinely doused in 28 different pesticides, and this number will only grow.
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April 11, 2011
Beauty should not be skin deep only. A beautiful body inside and out shows a good figure and has healthy organs. Bananas can help you achieve that beautiful body.
First of all, it is widely known that bananas have high potassium content. But what is the implication of this? It has great benefits for your bones for it minimizes calcium deficit, thereby also reducing the possibility of developing osteoporosis in the future. Having strong bones can give you good posture, which is important in having a stunning figure. Likewise, dietary fiber can also be provided by bananas, that is why many people who want to lose weight also try to put in a lot of bananas in their regular diet. The fiber allows you to have smoother bowel movements, which is why it is recommended for weight management.
Potassium surely keeps you in good shape. It is also very essential in maintaining a healthy heart and nervous system. According to studies, high potassium intake can lower blood pressure as well as diminish the risk of stroke and kidney stones. Furthermore, bananas are also good for the blood. This fruit assists in preserving proper blood sugar levels through the conversion of carbohydrates into glucose. The body is also sustained in the development of hemoglobin— a vital ingredient in your blood.
To top it all off, bananas also serve as energy boosters. They do not only taste yummy, but they also contain a protein called tryptophan, which is responsible in improving your mood and making you feel happier. Now you know that being more energetic and cheerful can make you radiant and attractive too.
Bananas are certainly beneficial for a beautiful body, revealed in your marvelous stature and form as well as your hale and hearty body organs. And lastly, a smile on your face brings out an inner beauty that reaches out to others.
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February 21, 2011
When it comes to eating superfoods, perhaps the most popular items are those foods that have aphrodisiac properties. This is a popular concept, as both men and women have been fond of using stimulating foods for thousands of years in every culture. Of course, the history of aphrodisiac foods goes way back to thousands of years. One such popular modern super food with aphrodisiac properties is the famous Peruvian Maca.
It is a raw organic super food that is found in Peru and in nearby South American countries. This special organic substance has various positive benefits to your health. Some of these positive effects on your health include increased energy levels, increased endurance levels, increased stamina, removal of lethargy and chronic fatigue, and increased muscular strength. Some other benefits of Peruvian Maca are improved blood circulation in your body, regulation of your hormonal system and of your various body systems since it is considered an adaptogen which is a special substance that regulates body mechanisms and builds immunity when taken over time.
However, the most popular property is the fact that it helps to increase sexual strength and libido. In addition, fertility is approved for both men and women along with sexual desire. In fact, even legends talk about the aphrodisiac and libido increasing properties. History reports, whenever the ancient Incan warriors invaded a city; the warriors were prohibited from consuming this organic superfood. The reason for this was due to the fact that the Incans were trying to protect the women inhabitants in the city that was invaded. This example clearly shows the aphrodisiac properties of this wonderful super food.
In addition to increasing your sexual prowess, it is a great way to treat hormonal dysfunctions that are associated with men and women. Due to this hormone regulating property of this super food both menopause in women and andropause in men can be treated with the consumption of Peruvian Maca. Another important advantage of Peruvian Maca is the fact that it is non toxic. This allows it to be consumable in great quantities every day by people of all age and sex groups. No discernible side effects are noted making it an ideal super food to consume every day.
Besides increasing your sexual strength and besides increasing your sexual appetite, you will feel healthier after consuming this superfood of Peru, as a nice side benefit your circulation will improve. Also as a result, aches and pains may disappear from your body. Moreover, you will feel better about yourself as your chronic fatigue will dissipate and you will feel more energetic and more alive. Of course, for best results, experts recommend that you consume it regularly either by mixing it with your favorite drink or by consuming it raw by sprinkling it on your salad or on blending in a super smoothie.
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.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_S_Fitzgerald
Image Credit: growfruitandveg.co.uk
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February 14, 2011
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.
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julie_Williams
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As you may already be aware, superfoods offer you a wide range of nutrients that can make you feel and look better by helping reduce your risk of disease and by fighting the signs of aging (thanks to all of those antioxidants). What you may not know is that to get the best return on your investment, you really need to purchase organic superfoods.
