Florida: The Best Organic Food Stores, Farmers’ Markets & Vegetarian Restaurants

Florida: The Best Organic Food Stores, Farmers’ Markets & Vegetarian Restaurants This is the resource book for vegetarian travelers. — Healing Retreats. "This is a terrific and much-needed guidebook that makes traveling easy and worry-free for vegetarians. It lists and rates vegetarian restaurants and also reports on the best places to find produce." — Society [...]

How can any farm in CA call their food “organic” seeing as there is smog all over the place?

Question by Amy: How can any farm in CA call their food “organic” seeing as there is smog all over the place? Zelda: yes, good point. I don’t mean everywhere, obviously, just the farms by large cities. Best answer: Answer by larylzcalifornians lie I guess Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

Army of loyal customers helps Organic Pastures owner Mark McAfee get vindictive raw milk quarantine lifted

(NaturalNews)More than a month after the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) forced a recall and indefinite quarantine on all raw milk products produced by Organic Pastures Dairy (OPD), one of the nation’s largest raw dairy producers, the agency has finally relented…

California regulators frame Organic Pastures and force raw milk shut down over fabricated E. Coli scare

It has been nearly a month since the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) swooped in like vultures on Organic Pastures Dairy in Fresno, Calif., and demanded that the farm recall and stop selling all of its raw milk products immediately and indefinitely…

DHA used in infant formula products comes from genetically modified algae

(NaturalNews) One of the most vulnerable segments of the population — infants — are being affected as chemical giant Martek Biosciences uses cronyism to have its patented GMO products classified as organic. The National Organic Program is trying to correct this, but in the meantime the “organic” infant formula or baby food parents feed their children could contain industrial Frankenfood. History of Irresponsibility The story of how this state of affairs came about reveals much on how politics and profit can undermine food safety. Here’s a timeline on how the word “organic” is being undermined, creating a health threat for babies who are fed with formula. 2002: Food manufacturers begin supplementing infant formula and baby food with synthetic forms of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA). These polyunsaturated omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, naturally present in breast milk, are important components of the human brain and eyes. Although the form of DHA/ARA used in infant formulas is structurally incompatible with the form found in human milk, food manufacturers market their products with the claim that their formulas will make babies more intelligent. 2006: In spite of the fact that its synthetic DHA/ARA is from laboratory-grown fermented algae and fungus through the use of hexane, a petroleum by-product and EPA-identified neurotoxin, Martek applies for organic status for its products. The USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) tells Martek its synthetic DHA and ARA does not quality as organic. Martek attorney J. Friedman ignores the decision of NOP staff and contacts NOP director Barbara Robinson to have the decision reversed. 2009: A front page Washington Post article, “Integrity of Federal ‘Organic’ Label Questioned” uncovers the Martek story. The article quotes Martek’s lawyer saying “I called Robinson up, I wrote an e-mail. It was a simple matter.” 2002-2010: Parents and medical professionals observe reactions in babies fed with products containing Life’s DHA, the product name Martek gives its patented GMO version of naturally occurring fatty acids. The range of infant health problems includes difficulties breathing and gastrointestinal disorders. When affected babies are no longer fed the formula, the ailments disappear. Although Freedom of Information Act requests reveal hundreds of FDA adverse event reports, the FDA is slow to react. 2011: FDA announces it will investigate claims that DHA/ARA infant formulas support brain and eye development. The National Organic Program is now trying to remedy its 2006 decision by asking Martek to formally ask permission of the NOP’s National Organic Standards Board to use its DHA and AHA in organic products. Products Containing this GMO In the meantime, Life’s DHA is being sold in many so-called organic brands which many consumers trust. Paying higher prices for products labeled as organic does not necessarily mean your family’s food does not include this particular Frankenfood. From Martek’s own website, here is a list of infant formulas containing their product which is both genetically modified and typically manufactured using a known toxin: Earth’s Best Organic Soy with DHA and ARA (Hain Celestial Group) Enfamil LIPIL (Mead Johnson Nutritionals) Enfamil Next Step (Mead Johnson) Isomil 2 Advance (Abbott Laboratories) Nestle Good Start Supreme with DHA and ARA (Nestle USA) Parent’s Choice Organic (Wal-Mart) Similac Advance (Abbott Nutrition) Ultra Bright Beginnings Lipids (PBM Products, LLC) There is also a long list of pre-natal supplements as well as vitamins and dietary supplements for infants, children and adults containing this product. A surprisingly wide range of foods and beverages use this GMO substance including Apple Bran Muffins sold at Starbucks; Farm Pride Omega-3 Eggs; Horizon Organic Milk; Kroger Active Lifestyle Premium Light OJ Beverage; Minute Maid Enhanced Pomegranate Blueberry Juice; Pediasure Children’s Beverage; Pompeian OlivExtra Plus and Silk Soymilk. The list of products containing this GMO is multinational, with products in many countries across the globe. If you want to check whether a supplement, food, or beverage you use contains Life’s DHA, the full list is here: http://www.lifesdha.com/Products-Containing-lifesDHA-/Partner-Products/tabid/683/Default.aspx Sources: http://current.com/green/93562887_gmos-being-used-in-organic-baby-food.htm http://www.cornucopia.org/DHA/DHA_FullReport.pdf http://www.naturalnews.com/027437_DHA_baby_formula_Martek.html http://www.organicconsumers.org/documents/MartekStatmentfororganiccustomers.pdf

Organic Food Recipes 2012 Wall Calendar

Organic Food Recipes 2012 Wall Calendar This wall calendar is a perfect companion for any aspiring chef. Each month offers a simple, seasonal and healthy recipe along with tips on growing, harvesting, canning and cooking—all with an emphasis on the importance of an organic approach. List Price: Price: 12.99

Improve your diet with nutritious homemade ketchup

(NaturalNews)Most commercial varieties of ketchup contain sugar or high fructose corn syrup and vague, chemical-disguising ingredients such as “spices” and “natural flavor.” Often the organic brands also contain these health-depleting ingredients, so making your own homemade…

Organic Food Bar – Omega 3 Flax – Box

Organic Food Bar – Omega 3 Flax – Box Omega-3 Flax: Heart Healthy Energy Flax to the max! We pack our Omega-3 Flaxâ„¢ bar with a whopping eight grams of our exclusive sprouted BioSprout flax to provide 3000 mg of essential Omega-3 fatty acids per bar. With a slightly nuttier flavor than our other bars, [...]

CDC admits not a single person has died from consuming raw milk products in 11 years

(NaturalNews) The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) refuses to acknowledge that, based on all available statistics, raw milk produced on clean, small-scale farms is actually far safer than pasteurized milk from factory farms. But the agency did admit earlier this year, after being pressed and warned of a potential Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request if it failed to comply, that not a single person has died from raw milk consumption in over a decade. This may come as a shock to some who, because of all the propaganda about the alleged dangers of raw milk, are convinced otherwise, but it is true — one of the two deaths often cited by the CDC as evidence that raw milk is dangerous was actually linked to the consumption of raw queso fresco cheese, which is currently outlawed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). And the other is likely linked to an adulterated raw milk product as well, rather than to raw milk. After repeatedly petitioning the CDC for clarification about its questionable raw milk statistics and getting nowhere, Mark McAfee, owner of Organic Pastures Dairy Company (OPDC) in California, finally threatened to file a FOIA request to get to the truth. Shortly thereafter, he received a response from an unidentified official at the CDC’s information office explaining that the one “raw milk” death that occurred between 1998 and 2008 was actually linked to illegal raw queso fresco cheese. The agency has not yet provided details about the other death, but it is likely that it, too, was linked to some adulterated raw milk product rather than to raw milk itself. If and when the agency finally fesses up to the truth about that case, it will also be inadvertently admitting that it has lied to the public for many years about the nature of raw milk. The CDC’s continual avoidance of talking about the much worse dangers associated with pasteurized milk further illustrates its raw milk bias. In 2006 alone, there were at least 1,300 people who got sick from pasteurized milk just in California — and yet the CDC only talks about the roughly 39 reported illnesses every year in the Golden State that are alleged, but not necessarily proven to be, linked to raw milk. To learn more about the safety of raw milk versus pasteurized milk, check out this FREE chapter from Dr. Ron Schmid’s book The Untold Story of Milk: Green Pastures, Contented Cows and Raw Dairy Products : http://newtrendspublishing.com/PDFS/15MilkFinal.pdf Sources for this article include: http://www.thecompletepatient.com/journal/2011/2/18/the-power-of-numbers-in-the-war-over-raw-dairy-how-the-cdc-c.html

Heal with honey

(NaturalNews) Honey is known for its many healing properties. Many believe that adding unfiltered, unprocessed, unheated honey to your daily diet can alleviate arthritis, reduce heart disease, lower cholesterol and reduce allergies. Honey has also been known to calm an upset stomach, lessen cold symptoms, strengthen the immune system and provide extra energy during a workout. As one of nature’s natural anti-biotics, honey also heals wounds while minimizing scarring. Honeys that have a wide variety of pollens have achieved wonderful results in minimizing many people’s allergies. A tablespoon of lavender honey before bed helps people achieve a restful night’s sleep. Cinnamon and turmeric combined with buckwheat honey reduces inflammation in the joints, thus relieving pain from arthritis and strengthening the immune system. Cinnamon honey is also known to help people recover from strokes, help lower cholesterol and eliminate bad breath. There are many types of honey and not all honey has the same healing properties. Honey that has been processed or heated will not have the enzymes that aid in digestion. Filtering honey removes many types of pollen and other properties that aid in digestion, alleviate cold symptoms and reduce allergies. When purchasing honey, you should know that USDA Organic does not mean the honey is from the United States. Currently the United States has not defined organic honey. Tests completed on honey produced in the U.S. (that is not organic) has shown extremely small traces of pesticide. It is more important however that the honey be processed organically. It is during this stage that pesticides and other contaminants can penetrate the honey at high levels. Beekeepers Scott Shurman and Jean Vasicek suggest asking the following questions from the beekeeper you purchase your honey from. 1. How many beehives do you have? If they do not have any beehives, then they are not in control of how their honey is being processed. 2. How do you treat for mites? You are looking to make sure that pesticides are not used. 3. How do you feed your bees? Bees should be fed their own honey for most of the year. You do not want to purchase honey from a beekeeper that only feeds the bees sugar water. 4. Are you state certified for beekeeping and for your bottling facility? This answer should be yes. 5. Do you heat your honey? Purchase honey that has not been heated. 6. Do you filter your honey? The more honey is filtered the less medicinal benefits it will have. Shurman, Scott and Vasicek, Jean. Interview September 28, 2011. http://www.winterparkhoney.com Stefan Bogdanov. Honey in Medicine. Web. May 5, 2011. http://www.bee-hexagon.net Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. Honey Can Serve as an Effective Carbohydrate Replacement During Endurance Exercise. 2004;18(3): 466-72. Web. http://www.honey.com/nhb About the author Traci Brosman is co-founder of World Wellness Education, owner of Coaching to Success, a professional speaker and author. She is also a local television and radio host. Believing in the value of doing what it takes to improve her life and the lives of those she meets, Traci thoroughly enjoys her work with World Wellness Education and Coaching to Success. “I love the fact that I get to connect with so many professionals on what it means to be healthy — body, mind and spirit. Then I get to take this information and share it with the world. It is wonderful to be able to do the things I love and then give back to others what I learn.” Brosman is dedicated to encouraging and inspiring others with honesty and integrity. http://www.worldwellnesseducation.org

Next Page »