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The Truth about Organic Flax Seed Oil

Posted on March 10, 2010 at 4:52 pm

Lately I have heard people being advised that organic flax seed oil is the ultimate source of healthy omega fatty acids for the last time, and I am here to set the record straight.  While it is true that this plant based oil is full of fatty acids, not all of the acids present are as healthy for you as they should be.  All omega fatty acids are necessary, but it is omega 3 fatty acids specifically that you want in your diet.

Flax seed oil, or linseed oil, has a high omega 3 content, but has about an equal number of omega 6 and omega 9 fatty acids.  The positive attributes of the omega 3s found in flaxseed oil are literally cancelled out by the negative attributes of the omega 6 and 9 fatty acids.  A lot of people don’t realize that some of the omega fatty acids can actually cause you harm if there is an over abundance of them.

The omega 9 fatty acids in organic flax seed oil have been found to be associated with the development of breast cancer.  These fatty acids are not essential to your diet, as the body can produce the entire omega 9s that it needs from unsaturated fat.  The risk posed by an overabundance of omega 9 fatty acids pales in comparison with the dangers you face from having excessively high levels of omega 6s.

It is very difficult for us not to develop high levels of omega 6s, because the diet we typically follow provides us with 10 to 30 times more omega 6 fatty acids than it does omega 3s.  Our staple foods have become beef, poultry, eggs, cereals, whole grains, and far too many baked goods, but what choice do we have.  We have poisoned the fish that are our primary source of omega 3s, and so we cannot eat as much as we need.

Fish would be a far better source of healthy, essential fatty acids than organic flax seed oil if they did not possess high levels of mercury, lead, cadmium, nickel, furans, dioxins, and PCBs.  While still safe too eat occasionally, fish can no longer allow us to swing the balance between our omega 3s and omega 6s.  The only way we can accomplish this is through supplementing our diets with a quality fish oil product.

By consuming purified, concentrated fish oil instead of organic flax seed oil, you can prevent the development of the many ailments that high omega 6 levels can cause.  You can avoid allergies, asthma, arthritis, gout, inflammatory bowel disease, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes type 2.  You will also be able to ward off depression and memory loss, and be able to treat ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia.

Make no mistake about it.  Organic flax seed oil cannot give you the many protective benefits that DHA and EPA omega 3 rich fish oil provides.  In order to be able to enjoy the best health possible you need to include a fish oil supplement as part of your daily routine.  It is truly the best way of obtaining the fatty acids you need.

You can learn more insights by visiting my web site and discovering more natural ingredients I personally use daily.

Laurel Cohen is a strong advocate of natural health in all its forms: skin care, supplementation, and farm fresh foods. She enjoys introducing people to the best natural products she can find and uses herself daily. Visit her site http://www.omega-3-for-health.com to learn about the omega 3 fish oils Laurel uses daily for optimal health.

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What You Need to Know About Organic Foods

Posted on March 9, 2010 at 4:44 pm

What Are Organic Foods?

Organic foods are any type of fruits, vegetables or animals that are unprocessed and unrefined, or that are grown and reared without the use of algaecides, herbicides, insecticides, bactericides, fungicides, antibiotics, antibiotics, growth hormones, or synthetic chemicals. Organic reared animals are fed a very healthy well balanced diet and are not genetically modified.

During organic production certain non-organic fertilizers are used. But these non-organic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and fungicides are restricted and only used as a last resort and are not as harmful to our health and environment as the ones used during the production of Non-Organic Foods.

What Are The Advantages Of Eating Organic Foods?

Eating Organic Foods is a great way to improve and maintain ones health, while at the same time contributing towards protecting our environment from pollution. Aside from the health benefits that one receives when eating Organic Foods, the methods used during the production of Organic Foods are environment friendly. They do not consist of dangerous fertilizers and pesticides that are harmful to the soil and our environment. Therefore they leave the soil fertile and help in the preservation of insects and other small animals.

Contrary to popular belief that Organic Foods only come in the form of fruits, vegetables and livestock, there is a wide variety of foods that fall into the Organic Foods category such as beef, poultry, fish, pastas, sauces, vegetables, fruits, fruit juices, vegetable juices, frozen meals, soups, cereals, grains, nuts, chocolate, cookies, bread, dairy products, sugar, honey, syrup and wine.

Organic Foods are processed without the use of artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, hydrogenated fats, trans fats, saturated fats, additives or artificial preservatives. As a result of this, Organic Foods taste a lot better than Non-Organic foods because they contain natural flavors that have not been altered in any way by the use of synthetic chemicals.

Non-organic Foods on the other hand are processed with large amounts of sodium, sugar, additives and artificial preservatives in order to make them look and taste more appealing to the consumer and in order to extend their shelf life. The nutritional value of Non-Organic Foods is greatly altered by the kind of processing the food undergoes and because of this, essential vitamins, fiber and other healthy nutrients are lost. In an effort to replace the lost nutrients, synthetic vitamins and minerals are added instead.

Organic Foods contain more nutrients, are richer in vitamins, higher in fiber, minerals, and essential fatty acids than Non-Organic Foods. They also tend to be more filling because of their high nutritional value. Non-Organic foods on the other hand tend be less filling because of their low nutritional value. As a result of being over processed and filled with sugars and salts that are highly addictive, Non-Organic foods tend to leave you craving for more food, which often leads to over eating.

Organic foods are not loaded with potentially harmful synthetic chemicals, additives, and pesticides which when consumed are digested and stored in human bodies. It’s a well known fact that pesticides in food have been linked to many diseases such as Cancer, Alzheimer’s, Some Birth Defects, Obesity and Excess Weight. According to recent studies organic foods are actually better for fighting a lot of these chronic health problems that plague our society.

For Delicious Organic Recipes and Resources Click Here.

Sandi M Lewanika is an Entrepreneur and business owner whose goal is to establish multiple online income streams. She has written numerous articles on various topics for Associated Content, Ezinearticles and eHow. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and passion for life with others.

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What is All the Hype About Organic Products?

Posted on March 8, 2010 at 10:44 am

It seems many are going organic these days, but are these products really that much more beneficial?

Organic Products are defined by The Organic Trade Association, as a system of farming that maintains and replenishes soil fertility without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers. These foods or products have been processed very little without any artificial ingredients or preservatives, which more and more people are looking for.

Americans are becoming more and more environmentally aware these days and you likely have noticed that organic products are becoming more popular everywhere you seem to go.

The term organic also includes other items other than foods or organic products, such as personal care products like shampoo, soap, toothpaste and more that are also available in organic form. There are also organic products such as cosmetics, organic mattresses and even organic pet products such as organic cat litter.

Although there are a few laws that govern the personal care ingredients within personal care products, most personal care products are exempt from strict guidelines, so you really need to check the labeling to see what the ingredients are before choosing something that may not be all that beneficial.

The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) allows products that contain at least 95 percent organic ingredients to display the the organic label. Certainly, there are organic farms that exist here in Arizona, but one of the more popular organic farms is Shamrock Organic Farms. I don’t know about you, but I personally believe that it can be quite confusing when looking for organic products.

Here’s the USDA Definition of Organically Produced Organic Products Regulations and tips to help you decide if these products are right for you.

In order for products to be able to display the USDA Certified Organic seal, each product is required to contain 95 to 100 percent organic ingredients.

Products can be labeled 100 percent organic if they contain 100 percent of organic ingredients.

In order for an organic label to be displayed on a product, the item must contain at least 70 percent but less than 94 percent of organic ingredients to make the statement that organic ingredients make up the product. (These products cannot use the USDA Certified-Organic seal, however)

Stiff penalties as much as 10,000 dollars can result for any violators misusing these organic labels.

Farmers need to do their homework if they are to display an organic label. Farmers are required to document and prove that their products and farming operations actually comply with these USDA guidelines. This also includes farmers having to submit their farming system plans as well as documented records in order to keep compliant with the set forth rules. In addition, farmers are also required to allow inspectors inspect their goods at any given time.

There are many reasons why people believe in organic products and are probably the same or similar reasons that others in any other country or state believe that these products are truly better.

More and more Americans are in agreement that organic food and products made without pesticides and fertilizers are the best thing for the future. Many consumers and environmentalists firmly believe that going organic isn’t just about promoting better health. They also believe that organically grown food is good for the soil, the environment and certainly our children and others for many years to come.

Many people believe that eating organic foods is healthier because these products contain very little, if any, pesticides or chemicals that will harm you or your children.

Many people believe that choosing 100 percent organic products benefit consumers because these items do not contain any chemicals such as fertilizers or pesticides or any growth hormones and antibiotics.

Many people will agree that by supporting organically grown products, we are doing our part for a healthier environment for everyone. Organic crops do not require any fertilizers because of the fact that they are rotated, which in turns replenishes the essential nutrients needed for healthier and more nutritious fruits and vegetables.

To know whether you are really purchasing something that is said to be organic, look for the organic certification. If you do not know the difference between organic and sustainable, you are not alone. It can be very confusing trying to decide whether or not food without pesticides are better.

Just keep in mind that, organic farms must be independently certified every year and then approved by the USDA, to be officially identified as an organic farm.

Organic products may not be a priority to some people, but there is one thing that cannot be disagreed upon. Fertilizers are not used with these products which is always a benefit when it comes to pollutants that enter our rivers, lakes and streams.

Cecilia Valenzuela is a full time entrepreneur and supporter of small businesses. Cecilia Valenzuela works with entrepreneurs striving to become successful like herself. Valenzuela supports other online business owners. More information about organic products including resourceful information about the state of Arizona and the desert southwest is available at: http://www.my-arizona-desert-living.com/Organic-Products.html

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Essential Facts about Natural Food Supplements

Posted on March 7, 2010 at 12:55 pm

Health food stores, drug stores, and supermarkets carry a wide variety of different natural food supplements. Health benefit claims made by manufacturers should be based on extensive research, development, and use in traditional healing. It is important to note, that some manufacturers make false promises of the properties of natural food supplements. This is unfortunate, because the only intentions of these businesses have is to abuse customers searching for relief to various health conditions.
Many conservative organizations then point to these few unsubstantiated products, and label the whole industry as unreliable. It doesnt count if the supplement has been used for centuries and certain health benefits are undeniable. Later on, the same products have been discovered by researchers deemed acceptable by these organizations, and at that point the products are widely medically endorsed. It is important to be an informed consumer.

Natural food supplements can be used to aid in digestive problems, add certain nutrients to diet, and to aid metabolic processes. They may have an active ingredient to aid in health problems. In this list are some natural food supplements, which have been recommended for use in dealing with various disorders.

-Acidophilus is one if the friendly bacteria which assists in protein digestion. In this process, enzymes, B vitamins, antibiotic and some other substances are processed. Acidophilus also has antifungal properties. It aids in digestion, enhances the absorption of nutrients, and helps to reduce blood cholesterol levels. 85% of the bacteria in a healthy colon should be lactobacilli, and 15% coliform. Unfortunately the typical colon bacteria count today is reverse. This can lead to bloating, gas, constipation, malabsorption of nutrients, and intestinal and systemic toxicity. Acidophilus also helps to combat Candida overgrowth. Supplements should be kept in refrigerate.
– Aloe vera is known for its many healing properties. There are over 200 species of Aloe. It grows in dry regions around the world. It is used in many cosmetic and hair products. As a natural food supplement, aloe vera has been used to aid in healing of stomach disorders, ulcers, constipation, hemorrhoids, rectal itching, colitis, and all colon problems. It can also be helpful against infections.

-Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) is a by product of wood processing for papermaking. It is an oily liquid, looks like mineral oil, and has a garlicky odor. DMSO has remarkable healing properties applied to sprained ankles, pulled muscles, and dislocated joints virtually eliminating the pain. It also enhances immune system activity. DMSO is absorbed through the skin. It enters the bloodstream and is distributed through the circulatory system and finally excreted through the urine. It has been used in the treatment of brain and spinal cord damage, arthritis, Down syndrome, sciatica, sports injuries, musculoskeletal problems, headaches, herpes, and more.

-Essential fatty acids are necessary for health and can not be made by the body. Every living cell needs essential fatty acids. They are responsible for rebuilding and producing new cells. In order to supplement essential fatty acids they must be consumed in pure liquid or supplement form, and can not be heated. Heat destroys essential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids have many beneficial effects; improve skin and hair, reduce blood pressure, lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, reduce the risk of blood clot formation, in treatment of Candidiasis, eczema, cardio vascular disease, and psoriasis.

-Fiber is found in many foods, but not necessarily consumed enough. When using fiber supplements it is beneficial to rotate among several different sources. There are 7 basic classifications of fiber; bran, cellulose, gum, hemicellulose, lignin, mucilages, and pectin. Each form has its own function. Supplemental fiber should always be taken separately from other supplements and medications. Fiber will keep the colon healthy by sweeping out the fecal matter. It helps to lower cholesterol levels, stabilize blood sugar levels, and prevent hemorrhoids, constipation, colon cancer, and many other disorders.

Here are just a few natural food supplements to aid in staying healthy. In addition there are many food supplements designed for specific circumstances in every shape and form. Natural food supplements potency is affected by the time they sit on the shelf and the temperature which they are kept. Be sure to ask questions and find information about the particular supplements before using.

More information about nutrition, healthy diets, and healthy weight loss at HealthDietPlan.com
Copyright, Tarja Anchor; Kajava Therapist, Holistic Health Practitioner.

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Myths About Organic Food

Posted on March 5, 2010 at 2:07 pm

Sir John’s comments led to a letter in The Guardian newspaper from the Policy Director of the Soil Association, Peter Melchett who wrote, ‘Sir John’s anti-organic prejudice is matched by his love of GMOs…”. So, in 2006, has the organic information overload left us with facts or fiction? We take a look at the top 5 myths.

1. No nutritional difference between organic and conventional produce.

According to the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics the demand for organic foods are increasing due to consumers believing they are safer and healthier than conventional foods. Even though there are still gaps and limits in scientific knowledge, what we do know is that fewer chemicals are used in small organic farming than conventionally grown alternatives. It is well documented that residues remain on our conventional foods and consumed by us over decades, aids heavily to accumulating fatty tissue. Organic food regulations prohibit hydrogenated fat, phosphoric acid, preservatives, colourings, hormones, antibiotics, GMOs and 7000 other artificial flavourings that are permitted in conventional food.

There is also the environmental issue to which the organic farming method lends its benefits. The use of drugs is restricted in organic farming which not only keeps animals healthy but results in cryptosporidium, listeria and almonella being a rare occurrence in organic foods. There is a direct relationship between intensive cattle-rearing and E.coli which is virtually non-existent in organic beef, but kills over 200 Americans and Britons each year.

2.Consumers are paying too much for organic food?

This debate has grown since the days of comparing the price of an organic apple for a conventional apple. It seems that the ‘value’ of organic produce goes beyond its price tag.

Nutritionally: In terms of dry weight and nutrients, organic food tends to have more in it
Why? Produce grown organically through modern methods of small organic farming must be done in enriched soil. The growth of a plant can be sped up by agrochemicals changing its structure to have more water in it. As a result, non-organic produce can sometimes shrink more on cooking as the water content dissipates.

Price: Average price difference is 20 per cent between organic and non-organic. However given that it can contain up to 26 per cent more dry matter (less water) could it actually be cheaper to buy organic?

Conclusion: It may still look like an apple you are actually buying less food if you don’t buy organic.

3. Organic food and weight loss.

Organic butter can still make you put on weight and clog up your arteries. Organic sweets and sugar will still rot your teeth. However, certain kinds of organic food based nutrients found in vegetable broth can act as appetite suppressants as it does not contain excitotoxins. What are excitotoxin? These ingredients can cause neurological disorders by overexciting nerve cells and so causing hunger. Ingredients such as vegetable proteins, autolyzed yeast extract, MSG, yeast extract and others.
This is perhaps more important in babies who can eat five times the amount of food per kg as an adult. Therefore, making sure they eat correctly and to not overeat is nowadays a growing concern. Babies in particular eat far more fruit and vegetables than most adults and are the very foods most likely to be covered in agrichemical residues.

4. The public is happy with regular, non-organic produce.

Some say that the public is happy with what’s on the supermarket shelves, however various consumer surveys in Europe show many people are worried about pesticides, NPK fertilizers in small organic farming and processed food in general. In the United Kingdom a survey found 44% of all consumers were concerned about pesticides and 43% about the use of food additives (Food Standards Agency, 2003). This suggests that organic food based nutrients is something which people are taking more notice of.

5. Organic farming increases the risk of food poisoning.

The Department of Nutrition in Greece said:

“It is difficult…to weigh the risks, but what should be made clear to consumers is that ‘organic’ does not equal ‘safe’.

Much of this was based on the theory that if we don’t use ‘modern’ day chemical pesticides that bacteria such as E Coli could not effectively be treated on crops. However studies made by S.K. Sagoo, C.L. Little & R.T. Mitchell on the microbiological quality of organic vegetables in UK small organic farming & demand showed that:

“The majority (3185 of 3200; 99•5%) of samples were found to be of satisfactory/acceptable quality whilst only 15 (0•5%) were of unsatisfactory quality. Unsatisfactory results were due to Escherichia coli and Listeria spp…..The absence of pathogens and the low incidence of E. coli indicate that overall agricultural, hygiene; harvesting and production practices were good”

They suggested that the growth in the organic market has reflected an increase in the associated microbiological safety.

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