And with some planning, you can grow organic food pretty much anywhere.

Urban gardening is becoming more popular every day and Metropolitans are getting pretty creative growing tasty organic herbs or vegetables.

So can you.

Whether you are living in the city with little or no outdoor space, or are getting by with a limited lot size, you can set up small vegetable varieties and grow your own organic food.

No excuses, here is how.

How To Grow Organic Anywhere

It may sound intimidating at first but don’t let limited space to grow organic be discouraging, it is quite easy to set up.

Plus, if you are looking for alternatives to GMOs or genetically modified foods a small organic garden will be a fun project.

Everything good starts with a plan.

If this is new for you, getting started may seem overwhelming. Where do I start?

So we made a list of things to think about, make decisions on, and plan out.

Growing An Organic Food Garden Check List

• Make a plan for your garden
• Will it be indoor or outdoors?
• Will you be using sunlight or grow lights?
• Pick your organic veggies or non-GMO herbs
• Decide your method for growing
• Source the organic or heirloom seeds, organic soil, organic pesticides (1) and organic fertilizer you will want to use.

Make your plan according to the space you have available and your goals. Decide whether you are going to grow your garden indoors or outdoors using sunlight or indoor grow lights. Another thing to be thinking about during the planning period is what you plan to grow.

7 Ways To Grow Organic Food In Small Spaces

We will be digging into the following 7 ways to grow organic food in tight spaces:

• Container Gardening
• Vertical Gardening
• Raised Bed Gardening
• Hydroponics
• Aquaponics
• Aeroponics
• Community Gardening

Before we discuss methods, there is some studying to do on your part. Not much…unless you like. I am encouraging you, one will benefit learning as much as possible and have a better output by taking some time to learn more about guilds and permaculture.

Why? Certain plants grow best with other plants like tomatoes grow well paired with carrots. So, planning out harmonious vegetable guilds will benefit all the plants involved. (2)

Studying permaculture will help you create a self-sufficient and sustainable home garden. Not all permaculture designs are strictly organic so adapting what processes work for your goals are the best way to marry the two practices. (3)(4)

So let’s dig into the top seven methods to grow organic food in an urban space I listed above.

Container Gardening

There are a variety of containers available around, think of all the recyclable plastic bottles you could reuse. Without any extra work of weeding big beds or planting in a row, you can start growing your fruits, herbs, and vegetables in mobile containers. To hold your plants and their roots together, go for terra-cotta, plastic, or clay containers of an appropriate size.

Add holes for appropriate drainage if needed, dirt and compost, water and start growing. Since plenty water and sunshine are needed by most vegetables, you can easily carry your garden in and out of the sun. You can keep them anywhere – rooftops, balconies, in a portable greenhouse on a patio.

Vertical Gardening

Do you know you can plant vertically if there are no spaces to plant horizontally? Well, you can hang planters over windowsills on deck railings. Some of these planters are specifically designed for that. This is ideal for growing your herbs or tomatoes without any worry of hungry critters.

There are so many different types of vertical gardens to choose from wall gardens, stackable gardens, pocket gardens and tower gardens.

Raised Bed Gardening

A raised bed garden saves you time and produces more results than a traditional row garden. It allows you to create a very rich organic soil throughout from the start. You will need to think about compaction and improving drainage. You will want to plant in a triangle pattern to use more space versus a traditional row method. (9)

And what better place for ideas like keeping slugs and snails at bay by gluing pennies along the top of your bed’s perimeter than Pinterest. (10)

Hydroponics

Hydroponics may sound complicated but if you have a good system in place you don’t have to mess with soil. Hydroponics sometimes is rumored to even date back to the hanging gardens of Babylon. But a true hydroponic system involves no soil.

The roots grow in a nutrient-rich solution made mostly of water. Nasa uses this process to grow vegetation in space and claim it to be “farming of the future”. (11) Astronauts plan to survive on plants grown hydroponically as a “bio-regenerative life support system”. (12)

But how can you do it? Before you get too excited, realize you will need a power source to run a hydroponics system and every now and then power systems can fail.

The Six Different Types of Hydroponics Systems are:

1. Deepwater Culture (DWC)
2. Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)
3. Aeroponics
4. Wicking
5. Ebb and Flow
6. Drip System

There is definitely a learning curve to this type of grow method but there are plenty of resources online to help you get started. The downside is the need to dispose of hazardous water waste periodically.

Aquaponics

In an aquaponics system, fish waste fertilizes the plant water and then the plants clean the water for the fish. This perfect cycle creates a sustainable garden environment that will effectively use less water and benefit the plants as well as the fish. The fish are in a separate tank connected in a closed-linked system back to the garden.

Luckily, Back To The Roots makes a small version that will fit on a countertop to grow herbs called a water garden, which could be a fun responsibility for kids as well.

Aeroponics

This is my favorite way to grow organic so far! I believe this is the answer to growing organic food in space or on other planets with less than habitable conditions for the organic soil to thrive. An aquaponics system is a great combination, but if you are tight on space and don’t want to mess with fish tanks, aeroponics quite efficient.

There Are Officially 3 Types of Aeroponics Systems:

• Low-pressure Aeroponic Systems or “soakaponics”
• High-pressure Aeroponic Systems “true aeroponic”
• Ultrasonic foggers

This is what NASA has to say about aeroponics,

“Aeroponic growing systems provide clean, efficient, and rapid food production. Crops can be planted and harvested in the system year round without interruption, and without contamination from soil, pesticides, and residue.”

But this isn’t the best part, during this same experiment (12) it was proven that,

“Aeroponics systems can reduce water usage by 98 percent, fertilizer usage by 60 percent, and pesticide usage by 100 percent, all while maximizing crop yields. Plants grown in the aeroponic systems have also been shown to uptake more minerals and vitamins, making the plants healthier and potentially more nutritious.” 

Okay, so I won you over before you even know how it works. Great! The roots dangle free, exposing them to oxygen and a fine mist.

More Oxygen = More Plant Growth.

When successful you may accuse your garden of taking “performance enhancing drugs.” Use Rockwool to germinate your seeds into a plant and then you are ready to rock.

The crown or upper part of the plant grows above the board while the root dangle in a root chamber. This enclosed system serves many purposes, it encases the water/nutrient solution mix to feed the plants, protects the roots from light exposure and recycles the solution throughout the chamber until it is all absorbed.

So, no waste.

What do you need to make this happen? A sump pump, a timer, and a pipe with several nozzles to atomize the solution and then spray the fine mist at regular intervals/durations.

You could buy an aeroponic garden system or DIY it. Although it sounds like a simple method it is a more technical method of growing organic food. Like all things, with some research anything is possible.

Community Gardening

Walk around your neighborhood to know where community garden has already been established. Sharing a garden with a group of concerned neighbors is a worthwhile endeavor to grow a bounty of vegetables. This goes a long way by just providing you with needed space and others knowledge.

Sharing resources help to make a big garden venture more affordable and assure nothing goes to waste. Community gardening fosters friendship around the community. In case it doesn’t exist in your community, why don’t you start one? Or encourage a local school to apply for a learning garden.

Everyone Should Grow Organic

All these options mean you can grow organic anywhere in several different ways. Whether an apartment with patio, no outdoor space, or a townhome with a small yard, growing your vegetables in an urban environment can be tricky, but you can enjoy your urban gardening program by finding some gardening methods that best suit you.

References:

1. https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/organic-pesticides/
2. https://permaculturenews.org/2016/08/22/guilds-small-scale-home-garden/
3. http://modernfarmer.com/2016/04/permaculture/
4. https://www.rodalesorganiclife.com/garden/how-to-create-a-permaculture-garden-that-supports-your-local-ecosystem/
5. http://heavy.com/garden/2015/03/best-urban-container-garden-gardening-farming-supplies-products/
6. http://www.trueactivist.com/organic-urban-gardening-for-beginners/
7. https://www.rodalesorganiclife.com/wellbeing/urban-gardening
8. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/gardeningadvice/10673079/Urban-gardening-how-to-go-green-in-the-city.html
9. https://www.rodalesorganiclife.com/garden/7-secrets-for-a-high-yield-vegetable-garden-even-when-youre-tight-on-space/
10. Exploring Raised Bed Ideas On Pinterest
11. https://www.nasa.gov/missions/science/biofarming.html
12. https://www.nasa.gov/vision/earth/technologies/aeroponic_plants.html
13. http://www.fullbloomhydroponics.net/hydroponic-systems-101/
14. http://home.howstuffworks.com/lawn-garden/professional-landscaping/alternative-methods/aeroponics2.htm
15. http://aeroponicsdiy.com/nasa-review-of-aeroponics/

The post How To Grow Organic In An Urban Space appeared first on Organic Health Now.

“The human body is beautifully designed to heal itself and when you give it the proper fuel and exercise it in the way God intended, it can do amazing things.”

– Alba Hatcher

No Pain No Gain is phrase most everyone has heard and that many live by. It has become the benchmark in many fitness realms and as result has equated to injury, loss of function and innumerable muscle compensations.

This idea has invited trainers to ‘come up with something new’ and while I applaud their desire to be innovative it, many times just leaves me scratching my head.

Top 5 Exercises You Should Never Do

It is always important to understand your GOAL in any exercise and to remember our body, and each of its parts, has been created to work in a certain function, it is our job as fitness professionals to understand that design and to work within it in creating a safe and effective exercise program.

The exercises shown in this video are commonly found in boot camp and group class settings. They are in my opinion found to do more harm than good and should not be used unless for specific movement based training or sports specific (just kidding, I really can’t think any).

Summary:

• Bench Tricep Dips: Commonly found with outdoor based workouts. The strong extension of the shoulder opens the availability for injury to the anterior muscles of the shoulder as well as the internal structure.
• Ass to the Grass Squat: That’s right cross-fitters you’ve been called out and the “research” behind the benefits of this squat opens the idea of pooping while you squat during exercise and no body wants to see that.

“The spine is the most vulnerable of the joints during squatting. Because the lumbar spine is better able to handle compressive force than shear, a normal lordotic curve should be maintained in this region, with the spinal column held rigid throughout the movement.” (1)

• Wall Sit: Creates a shearing force similar to a squat or lunge where the knees pass the toes. This is biomechanically incorrect, damages the joint and leaves muscles out of the equation during specific exercise which defeats the purpose.
• Straight Overhead Weight during a Squat: You’re basically ripping apart your shoulder. Max flexion of the shoulder does not allow your arm to remain straight up in a proper squat movement. It just doesn’t work, STOP IT!
• Lumbar Support for Leg Lifts: This one made the cut because of how common it is. Hip flexor and abdominal exercises are great but if you cant do them without the support of your lumbar spine then you should either avoid or modify.

Resources:

1. SemanticsScholar.org, Global Fitness Services: The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. Squatting Kinematics and Kinetics and Their Application To Exercise Performance By. BRAD J. SCHOENFELD in Scarsdale, New York. © National Strength and Conditioning Association

Alba Hatcher is a licensed bodywork therapist in the great state of Texas, an Ortho-Kinetics Specialist II Trainer, a biomechanics specialist and certified personal trainer through The Cooper Institute. She owns a company called Trainer In PINK offering in home personal training and injury rehab throughout the Dallas metroplex.

The post 5 Exercises You Should Never Do appeared first on Organic Health Now.

We get it. Don’t worry—we’re here to help you figure it all out.

Why Go On a Dairy Free Diet?

Milk, cheeses, yogurt—why would someone want to give these up? Discover why my family chooses to be dairy free by reading about my son’s story here.

The Dairy Free Market Is Growing Steadily

Dairy has been a staple in the western diet and even seen in stone carvings dating back to 3000 BC. Genetic scientific discoveries have found (1),

The ability to digest milk was slowly gained sometime between 5000-4000 B.C.E. by the spread of a genetic mutation called lactase persistence that allowed post-weaned humans to continue to digest milk.

This genetic mutation didn’t pass to everyone; it passed mostly to dairy farmers and their offspring. So some still have a lactose intolerance. In fact, from a 2016 PNAS.org study (3),

Approximately 75% of the global human population is lactose mal-absorbers. In the United States, it is estimated that up to 80 million Americans are at risk for lactose intolerance.

A dairy free diet remains “uncommon” in the west outside of vegans. Why is that? (Could it have to do with advertising?) This article isn’t about an argument or opinion. It is about sharing research and discoveries.

This isn’t about being the only known species to regularly drink another species milk beyond adulthood. That is simply a statement to get people talking. Yes, we know there are random cats, baby pigs and other wild animals doing what they need to do to survive. Those are so few occurrences compared to the amount of milk found in almost everything.

This is about a marketable good that isn’t so great for everyone. If you do not have adverse effects from lactose, chances are you may have ancestors that have this genetic mutation

In the same 2016 study done by The National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, it was also proven that (3):

Consumption of dairy foods by lactose-intolerant individuals may result in clinical symptoms including abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, flatulence, and abdominal cramping.

So, yes, lactose intolerance is real and more than you realize have it. Or in their case, suffer from it. In a world of dairy products, it can feel lonely when you must remain on a dairy free diet. We feel your pain.

Try ordering a “no cheese white pizza” (Please do not try this at an actual Italian restaurant, or in general).

Just know you are not alone and several companies have stepped up to create tasty dairy free foods for the 80 million Americans that may be lactose intolerant. (If only more dairy free restaurants would take root?)

Should I Try A Dairy Free Diet?

If you feel like you may have reactions, allergies or intolerances to dairy or lactose, you may want to go with your gut and try a dairy free diet for 45 days. Just one and half months of your life, you will be okay!

Main Reasons For Dairy Free Diet:

• Allergies: While not as common as lactose intolerance, immune reactions to the proteins found in milk are nonetheless quite common. Like most food allergies, the exact impact can vary from mild to severe. An actual milk allergy is somewhat rare in the population but extremely serious. Always consult your doctor with a true milk allergy.
• Lactose intolerance: Lactose intolerance isn’t a special condition or disease; roughly 65% of humans are lactose intolerant, and more than that have milder problems with lactose digestion due to low levels of lactase. The digestion issue can cause any number of gastrointestinal problems like bloating, flatulence, abdominal pain or cramping, and diarrhea, which in turn can cause countless other ailments to develop.
• Sugar: Even if you’re not lactose intolerant, it’s still a form of sugar—and thus can be of concern for general dieting and a variety of health conditions.
• Going Vegan: If you are going full Vegan or even partially Vegan, giving up dairy with meat goes hand in hand.
• Ethical Reasons: The conditions for milk production vary wildly between different manufacturers, despite FDA and USDA regulations. There are also considerations related to the energy efficiency of raising cattle, the contributions of cows to greenhouse gases, and other ethical concerns like the treatment of dairy cows and their offspring.
• Other health risks: Dairy products have been tied to health risks such as cancer and general mortality. (11)(12)(13)(14) Milk and other sweet dairy products offer the greatest risk, while processed dairy such as yogurt or cheese can offer benefits. D-galactose, in particular, has been linked to surprising increases in mortality (4), so there is peaked interest why many may want to avoid dairy products containing this nutrient.

If you are opposed to these findings, follow the links to read the studies, watch the videos yourself and then send them your emails. A 2014 D-galactose study concluded (4),

High milk intake was associated with higher mortality in one cohort of women and in another cohort of men, and with higher fracture incidence in women.

Okay, hold up. Here are some questions. Is it the added growth hormone injections or GMOs in the grain and corn they eat? Is it a lactose intolerant person’s body reacting to exposure over many years? Was the milk in the studies organic milk? Is too much calcium to blame? We aren’t here to point fingers, just posing questions to publicly released scientific studies.

So many eyes have been opened to those that are researching the topic of milk, too much calcium intake, and dairy related studies. We included scientific study based references at the bottom of this article.

And if you love to argue with people on this topic, the website ProCon.org created a simple page collecting a few cited Milk Pros and Cons, along with a tab at the top for “discussions”.

“Free Dairy” Vs “Non-Dairy”

Do not be fooled by some products on the market labeled “Non-Dairy”, they are not all created equal. Some seemingly “dairy free” products will list “lactose-free” and “non-dairy” on the packaging but still have Casein, (5) a milk-based protein in them. WHAA?

What is going on here? Why sneak milk back into our non-dairy foods?

How does this happen? It is a regulation issue. Currently, the FDA or Food & Drug Administration has no regulatory definition for dairy-free as a term. So, the FDA or Food & Drug Administration (5),

…has not established any regulations regarding use of that terminology (dairy-free) on package labels.

Casein: The Dairy Free Trojan Horse

Even though they do not allow false advertising on a product’s packaging, the term “non-dairy” is another term not regulated. If the product says “dairy free” it is free from any and all milk proteins (or supposed to be).

However, if the product says “nondairy” the dairy lobby has fought long and hard to allow these labeled products to be able to contain small amounts of casein, milk proteins or other variations of milk based products. This is an issue. Especially, if you or your child has an actual dairy allergy.

SO READ THE LABELS AND INGREDIENTS!

How To Maintain a Balanced Dairy Free Diet

Of course, dairy isn’t just popular because dairy products taste good. Milk and milk by-products are packed with some nutrients, making them a bit tricky to simply cut from your diet—unless you take the steps needed to make up for the loss.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) states that 1 cup (8 oz) of dairy with added vitamin D supplies:

• 342 mg Potassium
• 293 mg Calcium
• 224 mg Phosphorus
• 115 mg Sodium
• 24 mg Magnesium
• 8.05 g of Protein
• 12 µg of Folate
• 120 IU of Vitamin D

Impressive! And all of these vitamins and nutrients are important to your health. Taking a multi vitamin and including foods rich in these nutrients is important if you are replacing a dairy based lifestyle to a dairy free diet.

The number one concern you will hear about is getting enough Calcium. Milk is high in calcium, but other foods, cereals, and juices have calcium or are fortified with calcium and vitamin D, which helps your body absorb calcium.

Enough Calcium on a Dairy Free Diet

Calcium is needed for several functions like building and maintaining teeth and bones, regulating the heart’s rhythm, blood clotting and the transmission of nerve impulses. 99 percent is stored in your teeth and bones with 1 percent found in blood and other tissues.

These reserves fluctuate daily according to your bodies needs. Your supply is built up when you consume more. Having an adequate amount of calcium daily may help to prevent osteoporosis. (6)

How Much Calcium Do You Need?

The Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) at the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies, formerly the National Academy of Sciences, recommends this much Calcium: (7)

• 0 to 3 yr olds: 200 to 700 mg a day
• 4 to 8 yr olds: 1,000 mg a day
• 9 to 18 yr olds: 1,300 mg a day
• 19 to 50 yr olds: 1,000 mg a day
• 50+ yrs old: 1,200 mg a day

So if you are, let’s say 18 yrs old and only getting calcium from milk, you would need to drink 4.5 glasses of milk a day to meet the recommended amounts. The actual nutritional facts on cow’s milk vary depending on the source. The dairy industry is very large and quite successful. They care and spends lots of money on advertising and research. (10)

If you grew up as a dairy farmer or from a family that depended on milk sales to provide for your family, could you blame them for wanting to boost sales and fund research?

So, what does a dairy free diet need to be considered a healthy change in diet?

Dairy Free Diet Must Include Plenty Of:

• Calcium: Fortified cereals, juices and certain kinds of nut milk, dark green vegetables (like kale, broccoli, bok choy, watercress), kefir, okra, and almonds will get you calcium. And of course, they’re packed with plenty of other healthy vitamins and minerals.
• Vitamin D: Spend 15 minutes in the sun a day or take a vitamin D supplement. Liquid vitamin D drops are recommended for infants and children. Fish oils and foods like cod liver oil, sardines, salmon, mackerel, tuna, caviar, cage-free eggs, and mushrooms are some of the richest in vitamin D.
• Potassium: You can get 2.6 times the amount of potassium in 1 cup of winter squash. Other potassium rich foods are sweet potatoes, potatoes, white beans, 100% orange juice, broccoli, cantaloupe, bananas, lentils, salmon, pistachios, and raisins.
• Phosphorus: Seeds are high in phosphorus. From highest to lowest amounts are pumpkin, squash, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, sesame seeds and flax seeds. Other great sources of phosphorus are salmon, shellfish, nuts (Brazil, pine nuts, almonds, cashews, and pistachios), beans and lentils.
• Magnesium: You get 6.5 times the amount of magnesium in 1 cup of Spinach (157 mg in fact) than milk offers. Other magnesium rich foods are chard, pumpkin seeds, kefir, almonds, black beans, avocados, figs, dark chocolate, and bananas.
• Protein: Great sources of protein include peas, quinoa, hemp hearts, spinach, almonds, cashews, nut butter, lentils, beans, broccoli, Ezekial bread, pumpkin seeds, Brussel sprouts, cage-free eggs, fish and lean organic meats.
• Probiotics: A great probiotic brand is Garden of Life! Many fermented foods can pick up the slack here. Probiotic/Prebiotic foods like sauerkraut, miso soup, kimchi, kombucha (Buddha Brew<3), pickles, etc, are a must have in your daily routine.
• Healthy fats: Nuts, coconut oil, and avocados are great go-to food for healthy fat sources. Other sources of healthy fats include almonds, dark chocolate (THANK YOU!), whole eggs, nut butter (almond, sunflower seed, peanut), olive oil, flax seeds, olives, and salmon.

It is very important to always consult with a pediatrician you trust when making changes to your children’s diet. Take caution when giving children from the ages 14 months to 4 years old, plant-based milk. It is crucial to your baby or child’s development and health to supply adequate amounts of nutrients they need to grow properly. 

We have mentioned multi vitamins, nutrient rich foods and most dairy free milk/juices fortify with calcium and vitamin D3. Yet, most multi vitamins do not supply enough calcium. In this case, we recommend the Honest Co. Kids Calcium and Vitamin D3 supplement or nut milk brands high in calcium like Ripple or Silk’s Protein Nutmilk.

Dairy Free Diet Food Brands We Love

So now that we got through all that let us get to the stuff that helps you replace dairy without missing your favorite things like milk, cheese, yogurt, cream cheese, butter, pizza (Daiya Pizzas are YUMMY!), ice cream and more.

There are plenty of amazing Dairy Free brands on the market today to try. You may need to travel to Whole Foods, Sprouts, Trader Joe’s or other Health Food stores to find them all.

Dairy Free Milks

There are so many brands of dairy free milk on the market; it depends on where you go. Look for plant based milk like almond milk, coconut milk, flaxseed milk, hemp seed milk, oat milk, macadamia milk, sunflower milk, hazelnut milk, rice milk or cashew milk (ahh, chocolate cashew milk).

Dairy free milk brands:

• Ripple (Our personal favorite!)
• Silk (Need more protein? Look for Silk’s “Protein Nutmilk”)
• Milkadamia
• SO Delicious
• Living Harvest
• Good Karma
• Pacific
• Blue Diamond
• Cashew Dream or Rice Dream
• 365 brand
• Sprouts brand
• Trader Joe’s brand

Make your own dairy free milk with this homemade Cinnamon-Vanilla Almond Milk recipe.

Dairy Free Cheeses

Dairy Free cheese brands tend to carry a variety of flavors, some also make cream cheeses, spreads, dips, cottage cheese, and yogurts. They are mostly made from different nuts, pea proteins, rice or soy (we don’t really recommend too much soy but whatevs).

Dairy free cheese brands:

• Daiya (Smoked Gouda Style, OMG!)
• Follow Your Heart Vegan Gourmet
• Tesse Vegan Cheese
• Field Roast Vegan Chao
• Kite Hill
• Treeline Tree Nut Cheese
• Punk Rawk Labs Nut Milk Cheese
• Miyoko Schinner’s Artisan Vegan Cheese
• Lisanatti® Vegan Cheeze (Warning: Lisanatti also makes an Almond-based cheese with milk casein as an ingredient)
• Bragg’s Nutritional Yeast (Sprinkle this on anything you want to taste cheesy)

Try your hand at making this Vegan Queso.

Dairy Free Yogurts

Getting probiotics into your diet, in general, is essential. The probiotics populate your digestive system with good bacteria or gut flora, that helps you break down and absorb nutrients from the food you eat. If you have more bad bacteria vs. good bacteria you may not be absorbing what you need to maintain a healthy body. Taking a probiotic daily is highly recommended. Yogurt is just another way to get some of the probiotics that your body needs.

Dairy free yogurt brands:

• SO Delicious Dairy Free
• Silk
• Almond Dream
• Amande
• Kite Hill
• Coconut Grove
• Daiya

It may be tricky at first but maybe you are up to this homemade Dairy Free Yogurt recipe.

Dairy Free Butters

Coconut oil is an excellent butter substitute.

Dairy free butter brands:

• Earth Balance
• Jiva Organics Coconut Butter
• Spectrum Organic Shortening
• Miyoko’s Creamery European Style Cultured Vegan Butter

Impress yourself and guests with this dairy free Honey Butter Recipe.

Dairy Free Desserts

Ever wanted to go on a dairy free diet but decided not to because you love ice cream and desserts too much? Honestly, the desserts are probably the best the industry has to offer.

Save the best for last? Yes, we did. Some of these dairy free desserts are, dare I say, too good.

Dairy free desserts to fall in LOVE with:

• Hail Merry Bites (Macaroons, Cups, and Tarts)
• Immaculate Baking Company Dairy Free Cookies
• Pamela’s Whenever Bars
• Daiya Dairy Free Cheezecakes
• Steve’s Ice Cream (Dairy Free)
• Luna & Larry’s Coconut Bliss Dairy Free Ice Cream
• Nada Moo Dairy Free Ice Cream
• Amy’s Non-Dairy Ice Cream
• Almond Dream Dairy Free Ice Cream
• Dream Dairy Free Ice Cream
• SO Delicious Dairy Free Ice Cream and CocoWhip (whip cream)
• Tofutti Cuties Ice Cream Sandwiches
• Jawea Dairy-Free Frozen Dessert

Have fun with this Vegan Chocolate No Bake Cookies recipe.

Read an interview from NBC DFW about the Dairy Free Diet Debate with me and why I started Organic Health Now.

Gluten Free Dairy Free Recipes

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Ask about our 5 Days of Gluten Free Dairy Free Recipes for only $10!

We are here to support you on your new venture. No judgment, just encouragement!

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.   This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

References:

1. ProCon.org. The Leading Source For Pros & Cons Of Controversial Issues. “History of Cow’s Milk from the Ancient World to the Present“
2. Owens, James. National Geographic News. “Stone Age Adults Couldn’t Stomach Milk, Gene Study Shows“
3. PNAS.org. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. “Impact of short-chain galactooligosaccharides on the gut microbiome of lactose-intolerant individuals“
4. BMJ 2014;349:g6015. “Milk intake and risk of mortality and fractures in women and men: cohort studies“
5. FARRP.unl.edu.  Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
   Food Allergy Research And Resource Program of The Unversity oF Nebraska–Lincoln. “Dairy-Free and Non-Dairy: Milk-Allergic Consumers?“
6. Harvard T.H. Chan, School of Public Health. The Nutrition Source, “Calcium: What’s Best for Your Bones and Health?“
7. NIH.gov. National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. “Calcium: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals“
8. USDA.gov. United States Department of Agriculture. Basic Report: 01079, Milk, reduced fat, fluid, 2% milkfat, with added vitamin A and vitamin D
9. JAMANetwork.com. JAMA Pediatr. 2013;167(9):788-789. Three Daily Servings of Reduced-Fat Milk An Evidence-Based Recommendation?
10. PubMed.gov, US National Library of Medicine: National Institutes of Health. The relationship between funding source and conclusion among nutrition-related scientific articles
11. PCRM.org. Physicians Committee of Responsible Medicine. Ask The Expert: Dairy Products.
12. Larsson SC, Orsini N, Wolk A. Milk, milk products and lactose intake and ovarian cancer risk: a meta-analysis of epidemiological studies. Int J Cancer. 2006;118(2):431-441.
13. PubMed.gov. US National Library of Medicine: National Institutes of Health. Milk and diabetes.
14. PubMed.gov. US National Library of Medicine: National Institutes of Health. Whole milk intake is associated with prostate cancer-specific mortality among U.S. male physicians.
15. PubMed.gov. US National Library of Medicine: National Institutes of Health. Severe nutritional deficiencies in young infants with inappropriate plant milk consumption
16. PubMed.gov. US National Library of Medicine: National Institutes of Health. Diet in acne: further evidence for the role of nutrient signaling in acne pathogenesis.
17. PubMed.gov. US National Library of Medicine: National Institutes of Health. Clinical spectrum of food allergies: a comprehensive review.
18. PubMed.gov. US National Library of Medicine: National Institutes of Health. Adverse effects of cow’s milk in infants.

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Genetically Modified Food (GMOs) Crops In The United States

How many crops in the USA are considered genetically modified food? It’s hard to say. GMOs can spread among any and all crops by way of – well, the birds and the bees – along with the water supply, the wind and other elements and facts of nature.

The most genetically modified food crops in the United States are sugar, cotton, corn, and soy.

GMO crop percentages in the USA:

• 95% of sugar beets (used to produce sugar) are genetically modified (GM)
• 94% of soybeans and cotton (cotton used in producing cottonseed oil)
• 88% of corn is GE

It’s has been estimated that over 75% of processed food in the United States has been genetically modified.

Why Is Genetically Modified Food a Part of Food Production?

There are lots of reasons for this. Genetic modifications have been made to crops to protect from pests eating the food before it is harvested. Other GMs have been used to create food variations that can be produced for less money or that have a longer shelf life; some GMOs provide for visual appeal – brighter colors, for example, while others make fruits and berries taste sweeter.

How To Recognize Genetically Modified Food

So, how do we know if we’re eating GMOs? The good news is, there are lots of farmers in the U.S. who are dedicated to cultivating organic, unmodified crops. And when they’re doing this, their packaging will speak volumes about it. Although GMO products do not have to be labeled as such, the fact is that non-GMO products love to promote this certification on their packaging.

Look for labels that are certified organic or verified by the non-GMO project.

Guidelines To Help You on Your Non-GMO Mission

Organic whole foods are the best option for your overall health. Eat more organic whole foods than processed stuff and your body will thank you.

When shopping processed food shop Certified 100% Organic. As demand for it grows, so does supply – thus it’s become more affordable, as well as more available.

Please Note: There is a difference between products labeled “natural”, “organic” and “Certified 100% Organic”. The difference, unfortunately, is a very misleading sales tactic. Any food product, regardless of its contents, can call itself “natural”. There are no government or industry labeling requirements to meet. Companies know that customers are seeking cleaner and healthier foods, so they’re using the word “natural” to make their product seem organic, or to fit into the healthier eating landscape. Products labeled “natural” probably aren’t, though they may contain some organic ingredients. They may also contain pesticides and GMOs. Read ingredient labels!

As far as food that is labeled “organic”, there are variations. Basically, for a food to be labeled “organic”, it must contain between 70% and 95% organic ingredients. “Certified 100% Organic” means just that. “Certified 100% Organic” food products also cannot contain GMOs.

Check. Read. Research. And be aware that some regulations may be changing. In March of 2017, several bills were signed that propose to roll back food labeling regulations over time. For now, these regulations are still in effect. Where there is a lack of information, evaluate individual ingredients. Check out food producers’ reputations online from time to time; see what they’re up to. These should be your food-buying habits anyway.

Undercover Genetically Modified Food Ingredients

Here are some ingredients that are always or almost always genetically modified:

• Fructose, malt, starch, dextrin, maltodextrin, sorbitol, soy lecithin.
• Salad dressings and baby formula often include GM ingredients, as do many kinds of cereal, processed sweets, and fried foods.
• Vegetarians should be aware that in addition to soy and tempeh, lots of veggie burgers and meat substitutes are produced using GMOs.
• Yogurt fans – know that they are not all created equal; read labels; read between the lines.

And, no health or GMO related article would be complete without shaming MSG. (Shame, shame.)

Tips to Avoiding Genetically Modified Food

Support your local, organic farms. Become a regular at your local Farmer’s Market and get to know the supplier’s processes. Check your produce labels, these PLU stickers tell a lot. If a PLU sticker contains 4 digits, it is conventionally grown (i.e. not organic). If a produce item is certified organic, its sticker number will begin with a “9” followed by four more digits.

Careful, though, because if a produce item has been genetically modified it will also have 5 digits, but it will start with the number “8”.

PLU or Produce Label Cheatsheet

• Conventionally grown, 4 digits
• Organically grown, 5 digits starting with the number 9
• GMO grown, 5 digits starting with the number 8

As you may have already heard: “8 rhymes with mutate”.

Read well and eat well! Try to stay up to date, labeling and regulations are ever changing.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2004/01/24/gm-foods.aspx
who.int/foodsafety/areas_work/food-technology/faq-genetically-modified-food/en/
nongmoproject.org/gmo-facts/
www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-truth-about-genetically-modified-food/
https://gmoanswers.com/ask/how-much-our-food-us-genetically-modified-1

The post Are You Buying Genetically Modified Food? appeared first on Organic Health Now.

25 Natural Remedies Found In Your Home

Some of you had to have known a grandma that would tell you some of these as a kid, and you will scoff it off because you knew everything at the time and her ways were too “old school.”

Well, guess what? You only thought you knew everything, and your grandma was right. She is always right (surprise, surprise) and would say, “Kids these days need to learn some respect.”

Now as you begin to grow older, kids having a lack of respect becomes your complaint too. It is all about age and experience, and good ole grandma had both these qualifiers on us.

DISCLAIMER: We are not medical doctors, we are researchers. We are in no way licensed to advise you on your medical care, always consult with your primary care Doctor before trying any of these or other natural remedies that may interfere with any medications you are taking or any diagnosed medical conditions.

25 Natural Remedies For Common Ailments

1. Bad Breath – Chew on mint leaves or parsley to help with bad breath. You can also take liquid chlorophyll in water to help cleanse bodily odors.

2. Cold Sores – These pet peeves can stick out like a real sore thumb. Shorten the lifespan of the cold sore by applying a cold compress (with ice) followed by an application of witch hazel. Alcohol and peroxide at first sign may help as well. Try adding supplements like Lysine, Zinc, Selenium and Vitamin C to your routine. Or soak in an Epsom Salt bath for 20 mins.

3. Colds and Flus – To fight colds and touches of flu faster, mix one part honey with one part lime; a lemon with one cup of water; or half-a-dozen garlic cloves boiled in one cup of water. All three remedies are bursting with antiseptic properties. Gemmotherapy supplements like Briar Rose and Lithy Tree herbal drops in water can also help boost your immune system. If you are fighting anything, boosting your immune system is the way to go. Lots of water, sleep, vitamin rich foods, vitamin C, vitamin D, lysine, probiotics, Zinc, Echinacea Supreme, black elderberry syrup, elderflower and some essential oil blends like Doterra’s OnGuard (1) or Young Living’s Thieves have been shown to aid in boosting the immune system.

4. Constipation – Free the digestive tract by adding more fiber to your diet. One of the go-to natural remedies is mixing one tablespoon of flaxseed with a cup of apple juice. Fiber, probiotics and enough water are essential to staying regular. Drink kombucha, eat some yogurt with milled flaxseed, take some probiotics and if you doctor allows you, soak in an Epsom salt bath (If you have Diabetes, discuss Epsom Salt baths with your doctor first).

5. Cramp in the Leg – Commonly caused by dehydration, leg cramps will usually resolve by drinking more water throughout the day. You may also be lacking enough potassium in your diet so try eating a banana.

6. Eczema – A natural alternative to petroleum jelly is coconut oil. Breastmilk works wonders if it is available. Check out the GAPS program or diet; skin conditions can start with a gut bacterial issue. Vitamin D, magnesium and some sea salt seem to help some conditions of eczema. You could make a magnesium and sea salt spray and get some sunshine, or soak in an Epsom salt. Probiotics are also essential for helping gut issues.

7. Gas – Boil a piece of ginger or mint leaves in a cup of water and sip slowly.

8. Gout – Black Cherry juice is said to “work magic” for alleviating the symptoms of gout. Other things to try is the juice of 1 lemon juice mixed with 1/2 Tsp of baking soda in warm water (allow to settle and take immediately), 1 Tsp of Bragg’s apple cider vinegar mixed water (3x a day), ginger root, cold water, apples, and bananas are worth trying.

9. Hangover – In addition to water, the vitamin C in oranges speed up metabolic processes and flushes the system of alcohol faster. Also getting help if you can control yourself with alcohol will stop hangovers altogether.

10. Hay Fever – Bring chamomile to a boil and place your nose over the steam to breathe in its therapeutic and healing properties.

11. Head Lice – Head to the fridge and grab the mayo. Apply thoroughly to the scalp and hair for a 4-hour stretch, then rinse.

12. Hypercholesterolemia – Add sparkle to your clean food diet with organic red wine, which is believed to lower high cholesterol.

13. Hypertension – Some spices or fruits are well-documented to treat high blood pressure. Some include grapefruits, watermelon, lemon, and garlic.

14. Itchy Scalp – Add the juice of a fresh lime when rinsing your hair after the final conditioning.

15. Joint Pain and Arthritis – Don’t reach for OTC painkillers just yet. Try applying castor oil to the affected area twice per day for a week and see what happens.

16. Mosquitoes – Repel mosquitoes naturally by mixing one part lemon with one part eucalyptus and applying it to exposed skin.

17. Nausea – Ask any expecting mom and most will agree that ginger tea is great for nausea.

18. Pimples and Acne – Put those orange peels to good use by beating them with a mortar, meat tenderizer, or a good ‘ole rolling pin. Add a little bit of water to get the remedy to a liquid-like texture. Use cotton to apply to pimples and leave for five minutes. Rinse and repeat daily as needed.

19. PMS – Evening primrose and black currant seeds are famous for alleviating PMS.

20. Skin Irritations – Natural aloe leaves can be picked up in most grocery chains and feature calming properties for soothing skin irritations. Or organic aloe vera will do the trick.

21. Snoring – While not a complete cure, a humidifier can help to clear the airways at night and reduce snoring. Also, try sleeping on an incline.

22. Trouble Sleeping – Induce sleepiness and get a good night’s rest by fixing a warm glass of honey or milk right before bedtime.

23. Upset Stomach – Ginger, chamomile tea and mint all help to settle an upset stomach.

24. UTIs – Fight the bacteria that causes UTIs by upping the intake of cranberries or cranberry juice.

25. Yeast Infections – Eat one cup of organic yogurt daily to keep yeast infections at bay.

If you or a loved one is feeling under the weather and it’s a non-life-threatening situation, these natural remedies are accessible, universal and non-toxic.

We ‘re passionate about connecting our readers to the best information about organic products, research, and recipes available on the market. Our team enjoys keeping our community healthy and our DIY culture alive.

There are tons of clinical trials that demonstrate the health benefits of going gluten free or dairy free diet. But don’t take our word for it. Try it for yourself at least once – using some of the suggestions we have on our website.

If you’re a new mom looking to keep your family healthy and disease-free with simple, natural, and organic foods, or a new retiree, now is the only time to make a change. Join us!

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For many years, we were in the dark about the dangerous side effects the pesticides used on the fruits and vegetables we eat caused us. We also did not know about the effects of eating grass-fed beef versus eating genetically modified corn-fed beef.

As you may have heard, the more you know the more you don’t really know. Sadly, this could be the case but at least you can aim to be well informed.

Certified USDA Organic vs Organic Foods Decoded

“Organic” means the farmed food avoids using man-made fertilizers, pesticides, growth hormones or any other livestock feed additives.

The USDA organic food legislation prohibits genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or any food produced by genetically engineered seeds or from GMOs.

Companies were forced to respond to the new questions customer had about their food preparation and preservation methods, and this led to the organic and non-GMO labels we look for in our food today.

So how do you know if your food is truly USDA organic? Here are some of the requirements the USDA has to be certified USDA Organic food.

USDA Organic Food Requirements

The USA is very regulated in this area or so they claim (1) and has many requirements for farmers and others involved in the food industry. The following must be achieved to receive a USDA certified organic label:

USDA Organic Regulations on How Food Is Grown:

• No toxic and persistent pesticides
• No synthetic growth hormones
• No petroleum-based fertilizers
• No cloning

USDA Organic Regulations on How Food Is Processed:

• No artificial colors
• No artificial flavors
• No artificial preservatives
• No irradiated products/ingredients
• No GE or GMOs

Top Organic Food Company Buyouts

Here are some of the major corporations that now own many of the organic foods created by known companies you may recognize.

• ConAgra owns: Lightlife and Alexia Foods
• M&M Mars owns: Seeds of Change
• Cadbury owns: Green and Black’s
• Hershey Foods owns: Dagoba
• Kraft owns: Boca Foods and Back to Nature
• Dean owns: White Wave/Silk, Alta Dena, Horizon and Organic Cow of Vermont
• Nestle owns: The Mediterranean Foods
• Coca-Cola owns: Honest Tea and Odwalla
• Pepsi owns: Naked Juice
• Kellogg owns: Bear Naked, Wholesome & Hearty, Kashi, Morningstar Farms and Natural Touch
• Cargill and Heinz jointly own: Walnut Acres, Spectrum Organics, MaraNatha, Garden of Eatin’, Earth’s Best, Celestial Seasonings and Rice Dream
• General Mills owns: Cascadian Farm, Muir Glen, and Larabar.

Organic food purchasing is not meant to be an overwhelming task. To keep it simple, you are choosing to eat the best food to produce the best results from your body. That’s a great thing! This goal requires some due diligence on your part. You are not a pest when making sure a family is getting the best bang for its buck buying organic; and nor should you be eating what a pest is expected to eat.

Resources:

1. The Organic Watergate – White Paper. Connecting the Dots: Corporate Influence at the USDA’s National Organic Program https://www.cornucopia.org/USDA/OrganicWatergateWhitePaper.pdf

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Aside from the health implications, organic and local food greatly improves the economy of the area it’s in. By 2019 sales are expected to grow to 20.2 billion dollars per year industry.

Organic restaurants and markets also contribute to the local economy by utilizing produce and meat from area farms. As consumers continue to prove they’re willing to pay more, large chain stores like Wal-mart and Aldi have introduced organic products into their grocery stores.

How Organic Resturants Differ

Countless restaurants, stores, and markets claim their food is “organic” or “local”, but how do you know if it really is?

Organic food is free of chemicals, hormones, pesticides, fertilizers, or any genetically modified organisms. When something says 100% organic, or certified organic it can only contain organic ingredients.

This is similar to the USDA organic standards for organic beef.

If it says 95% organic, then 95% of the contents including the water and salt are organic, and if it says 70% organic that means it is made with some organic ingredients.

The definition of what is considered “local” or “locally grown” is a little broader.

Local can be considered any produce or meat from a farm 400 miles or less from its destination or sourced from a farm within state borders. It just depends on what state you’re in.

Top 20 Organic Restaurants in Texas

If you happen to be in the lone star state, here’s the top 20 Organic Restaurants, and some of the best dishes they have to offer.

Let’s begin deep in the heart of Texas.

Organic Restaurants in Dallas

• Frank. Food, to the Point

Ranking 5/5 stars, Frank is one of the number one organic spots in Dallas. Famous with a well deserved 5 stars, you can order anything off the menu and not even feel like it’s organic or vegan. This is an “underground” restaurant, for a “private dinner party experience”. Ben and Jennie will take great care of you here, just sign up on their mailing list to experience what all the fuss is about.

• Harvest

Located on the historic downtown McKinney square, this local farm to table restaurant takes reservations only. All produce and meats are locally harvested but beware this place is definitely not vegan, it is a meat lover’s heaven. If you are looking for local and organic, this place is it.

• Spiral Diner & Bakery

With three locations in Dallas, Fort Worth and Denton, this 100% plant based Diner and Bakery is organic, vegan, affordable and so yummy. Anything in the bakery will blow your mind with deliciousness and the Diner will surprise you on just how good vegan can taste.

• Nature’s Plate

This place has 5/5 well-deserved stars, which is not an easy task. Farm to table and all organic, this place is a vegetarian’s dream come true…Plant-based meals, to-go!

• Southpaw’s Organic Grill

Southpaw’s Organic Grill gets 4.5 out of 5 stars (according to Yelp), despite having a 5-star menu. It may or may not be considered a bit pricey but every dish is worth every penny. With 5 different locations alone around Dallas, you can have breakfast, lunch, dinner, smoothies, and juices delivered if you are near one. Try Tiffany’s Avocado Bowl with the blackberry jasmine green tea or the Prodigy juice!

• Sundown at Granada

With over 350 reviews on Yelp and 689 positive reviews on Facebook, Sundown at Granada is the place to try in Dallas. We suggest the Seasonal Kale Harvest salad, to start, a Buddha Burger and the Double Chocolate Cake.

• Flower Child

4.5/5 stars does not do a restaurant like Flower Child due diligence. As one of the ONLY places on the list that offers unlimited options for every diet; including organic, vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free. They deserve 5 stars.

Organic Restaurants in Austin

• Trace

This sophisticated-sleek downtown Austin restaurant is something to experience. Everybody knows about Trace, and their well deserved 4/5 stars. Tucked away but not too hard to find, start your meal with a famous appetizer and lead to the big event with delicious heritage meats.

• True Food Kitchen

True Food Kitchen is the real deal, with 4.5/5 stars which takes them to the top of the list. They have two locations in Dallas and another one in Houston. Vegetarian lasagna and a guac bowl are ON POINT.

• Casa De Luz

The famous Casa De Luz comes in at 4/5 stars with delicious local cuisine. The food concept is macrobiotic, rich in nutrients with balanced properties. Try the Hot Kukicha soup for something light and experience the peace that radiates Casa De Luz.

• Pacha

Pacha has 4/5 stars with a 5-star menu choice. The house made quiche is one of their number one requests. We love the blueberry-coconut pancakes with the Mexican Mocha!

• Modern Market Eatery

Serving vegetarian breakfast and brunch isn’t easy, but they do it with 4/5 stars. The famous coconut salad is amazing! The Modern Market currently has over 30 locations across the US and growing. So be on the lookout for one near you.

Organic Restaurants in Houston

• Harvest Organic Grille

Harvest Organic Grille carries 4/5 stars serving certified Angus Beef and Natural Free Range Chicken. They are a great franchising opportunity offering fresh juices, choice meats, lentil cakes and a delicious vegan squash pasta.

• Local Food

Local Food may sound simple but they are the next level of an eatery. With 4.5/5 stars to boast about. Salad and sandwiches galore, if you’re looking for variety, give Local Food a try. With 4 locations and growing, Local Food has hit Houston hard with delicious satisfaction.

• Julia Cooks Organic

Earning a whopping 5/5, Julia Cooks Organic has a well-deserved spot at the top of the list. The stuffed avocados will leave you feeling full without all the harmful ingredients of the non-organic food. Let Julia bring the organic and fresh-pressed-ness to you with her sleek organic food truck.

• Juiceland

4.5/5 stars make Juiceland near perfect. (We think you are perfect!) Grab a smoothie, a micro-nutrient shot or a salad after a workout or for lunch in Houston, Dallas, Brooklyn or at one of the 20 locations in Austin. Organic and cold-pressed are the theme at this awesome quick stop smoothie shop.

Organic Restaurants in San Antonio

• Sweet Yams

Sweet Yams almost does it with 4.5/5 stars for the best organic soul food in Texas. This is the only 100% organic restaurant in San Antonio, and it’s affordable for everyone. Two of their signature dishes are vegan chili and sweet potato cupcakes for that sugar fix without the sugar.

• 5 Points Local

5 Points Local ranks a well deserved 4.5/5 for food and yoga. If you love to do Chair Pose while you eat, this restaurant is just for you (Just kidding, they have chairs no worries). Drinking hot coffee while in Eagles Pose will get a free “Vinkie”, aka a Vegan Twinkie. (Okay, maybe I made that up too). 5 Points Local is a “100% Gluten Free Restaurant with Vegetarian, Vegan, & Paleo Options”. This place is a must try, again and again.

• Pharm Table

Chef Elizabeth Johnson truly cares about her customers’ health and palate. Table brings you the best with a high ranking of 4.5/5 without all the harmful fillers. The farm to table tacos will satisfy even the biggest appetites. Whether you are signing up for a workshop/class, picking up take out or starting a 3 day cleanse, Pharm Table has you covered.

• Earth Burger

With 4/5 stars Earth Burger serves up the best in traditional American Organic. A plant-based menu keeps this place honest and true to its name. The vegetarian burgers and sandwiches will satisfy your food fix.

Why Organic Restaurants?

Change your lifestyle by giving vegetarian, vegan, organic, local and farm to table a chance. Help the local economy, your body, and the environment by eating local and organic. Farm fresh, can’t be beaten. You’ll live longer and the area you live in will thrive. Do your part and make the change.

The post 20 Organic Restaurants in Texas That Are Killing It appeared first on Organic Health Now.

Food colors are used in foods and drinks to make them more visually appealing, especially in products that are geared more towards children. However, it is not necessarily healthy for us to consume. Here is where organic food coloring comes into play.

What is Organic Food Coloring?

In recent years, there has been a huge spike when it comes to organic foods, including the use of organic food coloring in food and drink products. For this reason, there has been a movement towards changing the system by which organic food coloring is examined and approved.

Certified Organic Colors are those food coloring ingredients which are considered natural. They must be certified by an approved independent organic certification agency, which is based on regulated organic farming, manufacturing, labeling, handling, and distribution practices.

Certified Organic Food Colors are quite different than the “Organic Compliant” National List Colors. The following are important characteristics to note about Certified Organic Food Colors:

• There is permanent approval when it comes to organic products
• Solvent extraction is prohibited in manufacturing
• 3rd party certification is required
• A USDA Organic seal is permitted to be placed on the food or packaging

On the other side, colors that are considered “Organic Compliant” are those that have ingredients that may be from non-organically produced agricultural products. Not all natural food coloring is also considered to be “Organic”.

Organic Food Coloring vs. Food Dyes

Traditional food coloring dyes are labeled by the FDA to indicate the color and the level of brightness. The additives typically are combined with propylene glycol, propylparaben, and water.

Propylene glycol is a solvent that stabilizes ingredients that are in a synthetic product. It is found in food and in skin/beauty products. According to Wikipedia, “Chemically it (propylene glycol) is classed as a diol and is miscible with a broad range of solvents, including water, acetone, and chloroform.”

Propylparaben acts as a preserving agent when it is in a liquid. It has no smell or taste, and it prevents the growth of fungus and mold. It is a part of the paraben family. Yes, the same nasty chemical being found in breast cancer tissues and other alarming EDCs (Endocrine Disrupting Chemical) studies linking to more health issues, like a miscarriage.

“The study demonstrates that parabens may be more potent at lower doses than previous studies have suggested, which may spur scientists and regulators to rethink the potential impacts of parabens on the development of breast cancer…”

Synthetic red dye has these ingredients, plus fd&c (an abbreviation for food, drug, & cosmetics) reds 3 & 40. Synthetic green dye typically will contain the above ingredients, plus fd&c yellow 5 and fd&c blue 1. Synthetic yellow dye contains the above ingredients, as well as fd&c yellow 5 and fd&c red 40. Black dye contains sodium benzoate, phosphoric acid, water, fd&c blue 1, fd&c yellow 5, and fd&c red 40.

Synthetic green dye typically will contain the above ingredients, plus fd&c yellow 5 and fd&c blue 1. Synthetic yellow dye contains the above ingredients, as well as fd&c yellow 5 and fd&c red 40. Black dye contains sodium benzoate, phosphoric acid, water, fd&c blue 1, fd&c yellow 5, and fd&c red 40.

Synthetic yellow dye contains the above ingredients, as well as fd&c yellow 5 and fd&c red 40. Black dye contains sodium benzoate, phosphoric acid, water, fd&c blue 1, fd&c yellow 5, and fd&c red 40.

Black dye contains sodium benzoate, phosphoric acid, water, fd&c blue 1, fd&c yellow 5, and fd&c red 40.

While we are not diving too deep into this right now, let us pose a question. Does water, a synthetic organic compound, an Endocrine Disrupting Chemical and synthetic dye gummy bear sound tasty? Just wondering.

How Using Organic Food Coloring Benefits You

People can experience great benefits consuming food and drinks that contain naturally-derived or food based coloring versus a lab made solvent and dye also known as artificial food coloring (AFC).

No More Allergic Reactions

For one, there are some individuals who are sensitive to certain synthetic food dye (look up the “truth about Red 40”). Since there has been minimal research in regard to food coloring allergies, the use of natural dyes will make it possible to avoid certain allergies in this instance, as well as helping to pinpoint the ingredients to which an individual may be allergic.

Appreciation for Healthy Foods

Children will gain more of an appreciation for healthy foods when they are exposed to it in the form of additives that make a cereal, cookie, or other food items look more “fun”. If you can switch out foods that they already love for those that have natural or organic food coloring, it will be a win-win for the family.

Organic Food Dye Alternatives

There are several alternatives that come from nature that is used as food coloring dyes. Read on to learn just what may be in your food and drink with organic food dye.

Red Food Coloring

Some of the more popular ingredients that are mixed with natural food dye include currants, beetroot, carrots, cherries, and elderberry. Something that has been used to get red food pigment over the last several centuries is cochineal (ground insect), though it has mainly been replaced by synthetic dyes in foods.

Green Food Coloring

It is fairly easy to get the natural green food pigment. This is found in grasses and various other vegetation, as well as in mint.

Yellow and Orange Food Coloring

One of the main sources of natural yellow food pigment is the spice turmeric, carrots.

Black Food Coloring

A natural source of black food pigment is the black currant fruit.

More Organic Food Coloring Options

The following are other forms of natural food coloring that have been approved by the FDA:

• Grape juice color
• Dehydrated beets
• Purple potato juice
• Paprika color
• Saffron extract color
• Blueberry juice color
• Red cabbage extract color
• Pumpkin juice color
• Red radish extract color
• Chokeberry Aronia Juice Color

It sure is an exciting time for the development of a larger organic food coloring industry. Over the next few years, there will be improvements in regards to the manufacturing, approval, and labeling of such natural food dyes for our food and drink. Hopefully, we will all see more of it being offered soon.

Sources:

FDA.gov. International Food Information Council (IFIC) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “Overview of Food Ingredients, Additives & Colors”

https://www.leaf.tv/articles/ingredients-in-food-coloring/

http://ifc-solutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Tech-Bulletin-2009-4-Organic-Compliant-Ingredients.pdf?x49785

https://www.verywell.com/food-coloring-and-food-dyes-2633933

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Today’s consumers are met with more choices and resources regarding the products they consume than in the past. With a wealth of information at our fingertips, we are better educated and as a result, we are more conscientious about our health.

However, the sheer volume of articles written about organic food, genetically modified foods, etc. can leave many of us overwhelmed.

In this article, we will provide you, the consumer, with all the facts to determine for yourself whether or not “Organic Beef” is really a thing and if so, is it any better than traditionally raised beef?

What Does “Organic Beef” Even Mean?

First of all, farmers raising organic livestock must meet specific guidelines and pass an inspection by a USDA certified agent. These guidelines require that the animals have better living conditions than that of traditional farming standards.

In fact, the cattle must have year-round access to the outdoors. This relieves the animals from added stress and disease that are common amongst animals raised in cramped cages.

Another advantage to raising livestock to meet organic requirements is that the livestock is provided with feed that is 100% organic. This way the animal is sure to not be ingesting contaminants.

Even the land they are raised on has to be certified as organic.

Similarly, animals that are to be certified organic can not be treated with antibiotics or growth hormones. The USDA provides farmers with a list of approved drugs that have been proven safe and practice a no tolerance policy where unapproved drugs have been utilized.

This means that if an animal falls ill and must be treated with antibiotics, for instance, after treatment with an unapproved drug the animal can no longer be sold as organic.

What About “Grass-fed Beef”?

The AGA (American Grass-fed Association) outlines four major areas of production to meet the requirements.

• First, is that of diet, all animals to be considered “grass-fed” are fed only grass and must forage for their food from the time they wean off their mother to the time of slaughter.
• Second, is about confinement, all grass-fed livestock are raised solely on pasture. These animals never see feedlot cages.
• Third, is an issue of hormones and antibiotics. All cattle to be certified as grass-fed can never be treated with such drugs.
• Fourth, all animals must be born and raised on American farms.

What Are The Health Benefits of Eating Either Grass-fed Or Organic Beef?

Consumers can rest assured that when they are eating either grass-fed or organic beef, they do not have to worry about ingesting any added hormones, antibiotics, pesticides, etc.

However, there is a difference in nutritional value between the two. Organically raised beef is not solely fed grass. At some point, these animals are fed grains too such as corn.

The problem with feeding large amounts of grain to the cattle is that they fatten up more than grass-fed. This generally means that these grain-fed cows produce a meat that is higher in fat content and not the good kind.

On the other hand, grass-fed beef is never fed grain. This diet made up solely of grass means that the meat these animals produce has a lower percentage of bad fats and a higher percentage of good fat.

In fact, grass-fed beef has more omega-3 fatty acids and CLA (conjugated linoleic acid). CLA, in particular, has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. Also, grass-fed beef is also said to contain more antioxidants and vitamin D.

What’s The Problem With Using Antibiotics On Livestock?

The chief concern with the excessive use of antibiotics on animals meant for meat production is that the idea that these drugs are passed on to the consumer via consumption. One of the big questions here is whether or not this could be contributing to the rise of antibiotic-resistant superbugs and the overall decreased effectiveness of life-saving antibiotics.

What’s The Bottom Line?

Truthfully there is still a lot of research to be done to determine the absolute validity of organic livestock farming. However, you can see from the data currently available there are some real benefits to the practices. Even without hard empirical evidence, one might conclude that simply reducing the number of synthetic drugs and chemicals being introduced into the environment is a step in the right direction.

The post Organic Beef: Is That Really A Thing? appeared first on Organic Health Now.

In a huge market of conscious consumables, here are a few tips for differentiating between the genuinely certified organic and the rest.

What Makes Food Certified Organic?

The idea behind qualifying a product as organic seems pretty straightforward. A basic description is merely the absence of unnatural elements when creating and harvesting products.

As for produce and other naturally occurring products, this implies an absence of sewage, any genetically modified organisms, pesticides or fertilizers in the farming process. In animal byproducts, it indicates a lack of antibiotics or growth hormones, like organic beef.

Simple enough right? These descriptions sound like food our ancestors once ate.

Things have changed.

Our food supply went from the family farm to massive farms that supply endless amounts of supermarkets feeding millions of people every day. This type of demand has created ripples.

Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation.

- United States Department of Agriculture

How To Tell If Food Is Certified Organic By The Label

The easiest way to differentiate between certified organic products and non-certified is to simply look out for a USDA organic seal. These seals ensure that the products are cultivated in an organic-certified environment, with an organic system plan and records of compliance with USDA regulations.

There are three types of seals, coinciding with the three levels of certified organic status, created by The USDA.

The Three Certified Organic Food Categories Are:

1. 100% Organic: Made with 100% organic ingredients
2. Organic: Made with at least 95% organic ingredients
3. Made with organic ingredients: Made with a “minimum of 70% organic ingredients with strict restrictions on the remaining 30%”, including no GMOs (genetically modified organisms).

Before a product can be labeled “organic,” a Government-approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards. Companies that handle or process organic food before it gets to your local supermarket or restaurant must be certified, too.

- United States Department of Agriculture

Any product with 70% or less organic ingredients may list organically produced ingredients on product packaging, but may not bare certified organic claims prominently on the packaging.

Quick Organic Produce Guide

If you are in the produce section, look for numbers that start with a “9”. The first number in the ‘Product Look Up’ or PLU lets you know whether it was conventionally grown (3 or 4), genetically modified (8) or organically grown (9).

A four digit number that starts with 3 or 4 means it was conventionally grown, meaning the peel of that product could be heavily coated with pesticides. Wash this item thoroughly! A great rule to avoid the pesticides is to ditch the peel altogether.

A five digit number starting with 9 means it is organically grown, so “9 is fine”!

If you see a five digit number starting with 8, this means the seed and/or produce itself has been genetically modified (GM), genetically engineered (GE) or is a genetically modified organism (GMOs). Rumor has it this type of labeling for GMOs will soon be retired making it harder to tell if a product/food was altered in a lab or not.

Are There Organic Food Products Without a USDA Certified Organic Seal?

The short answer is: yes.

Many farmers practice natural, non-environmentally harmful farming practices to ensure overall food safety and quality.

A few examples of when you may not see a USDA sticker are:

• A farm could be exempt based on sales, for instance, any farm that sells less than $5,000 in organic products a year. These farms may still embrace natural, organic practices in their farming. If shopping with a local farm, ask about their practices!
• Some local or smaller scale growers may choose not to seek out USDA certification, but may still decide to adhere to an environmentally conscious, organic farming routine. Look closely at labels or ask questions to find out!
• Sometimes even the USDA can make mistakes and oversights can happen.

Can You Tell If Food Is Certified Organic By Quality and Taste?

While scientific evidence has yet to be gathered to prove whether or not certified organic food taste better, many chefs and consumers insist that the lack of synthetic chemicals definitely improves taste profiles!

Even the improved quality of soil (when chemicals are eliminated) can contribute to more fresh, natural tasting produce and animal products.

Next time you are looking for certified organic products in your local market, look for the official seals to ensure you are taking home the best quality products available.

If Farmers Markets are your thing, get to know your farmers and ask them about their growing processes to make sure you are selecting the best possible food option for your family.

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