Tag Organic food

Beer that has been made in a traditional way uses chemicals which have been known to cause liver, kidney and heart problems, not to mention the raised cholesterol levels that you may experience as a result of consuming these ingredients. During the initial stages, the hops and barley needs to be grown to make the primary ingredients of organic beer. These plants are treated in the same ways that organic fruits and vegetables are treated. They are sprayed against pests and the ground is fertilized with harsh chemicals.

In addition, these plants attract certain kinds of funguses. Whilst yeast, which is used in the fermentation process, is a healthy fungus, which is actually useful, the fungus that the plants can attract when growing is highly unfavorable. To keep this away and prevent their harvest from spoiling, the farmer will spray fungicides on the plants. This is not good for the local environment as the soil should be treated properly, and by killing off the local wildlife with pesticides and fungicides, this can even damage an entire ecosystem. Not only the surrounding areas can be affected, but also by consuming these chemicals, we, the consumers, can develop health problems of our own.

Organic beers are made with traditional methods. The hops and barley are grown with care and alternative ways to keep funguses and pests away are used. The soil is carefully fertilized and when the organic beer is actually made, there are not harmful chemicals used in that production either. This means that we are not consuming any of the harmful toxins that we would be if we were to drink the commercially produced beer. Because the ingredients are produced organically there are more nutrients and healthier properties to the beer too. You know that you are buying a beer that will taste better and that will be more favorable to your health.

Organic foods are becoming more popular.  As people begin to evaluate their diet, and become concerned about what actually enters their digestive system, they are looking towards organic foods.  It is a controversial subject, as there are many people who believe that organic foods are healthier than traditional food, but there are equally as many who disagree.

The animals that produce organic meat are free from the usual chemicals that are used in meat farming.  The chemicals are there to stop the animals from getting ill when they are being raised, and encourage the animals to build muscle when they have little room to move around.  The animals that are more free range do not have these chemicals pumped into them.  Many people believe that these chemicals are harmful, and even medical professionals believe that these chemicals have caused a rise in diseases such as cancer.

Organically grown vegetables have about 40% more antioxidants than their traditionally grown alternatives.  It has been suggests that antioxidants can actually prevent people from developing health problems.  A 5 a day scheme that has been launched in the UK has made an active effort to ensure that the next generation does not have the health problems of those seen in recent generations.  Some researchers claim that with the increase in chemicals and the development of more industrialized farming, the medical world has witnessed a steep rise in the numbers of people who develop heart disease and cancers.  By encouraging children and young people to eat 5 portions of healthy fruit and vegetables a day and increase their antioxidants in the process, many believe that this will help reduce the number of cases of these terrible illnesses.  There are other healthy properties of such foods as organic garlic and organic olive oil that have been used to help with skin complaints, and even to prevent cancer.

Eggs are a popular ingredient to cook with.  They can be eaten on their own in many different styles of cooking, and they can be used as an ingredient in many dishes, both savory and sweet.  With so much versatility, is there any special reason why we should eat organic eggs?

Eggs are an excellent source of protein.  We are all aware of the importance of having the ideal levels of protein in our system.  It is a great addition to anyone’s diet and it is recommended that eggs should be consumed frequently.  Organic eggs come in many different shapes and sizes.   They often have a richer yolk because the chickens that they come from have plenty of space to run around, and they feed from good quality grain.  Non-organic eggs tend to be far more uniform in shape.  They are usually all the same color as each other, and the yolks are pale yellow, rather than the rich deep yellow that organic eggs are.

There are more nutrients in organic eggs.  They have more vitamins, are far higher in essential omega 3 fatty acids and by eating organic eggs, it is predicted that you will be consuming about double the nutritional value of a commercially farmed egg.

Some people believe that because eggs are so high in protein, that they cause high cholesterol levels.  This is true to an extent, however, organic eggs contain less fat than commercial eggs, as the hens are allowed to roam around and be healthier, and this results in lower cholesterol for the consumer.

The chickens that are raised commercially are not only kept in smaller spaces to encourage them to gain weight more quickly, but they are also fed substandard grain.  The organic hens are fed an organic feed, but the grain that has been grown for the commercial hens has been treated with the usual toxic chemicals.  This means that organic eggs also contain fewer toxins than commercial eggs.

Organic Crunchy Tacos

• 1 lb organic lean, ground beef, buffalo, venison, or turkey
• 1 packet organic taco seasoning
• 12 organic taco shells
• 1 cup each of your favorite toppings:
  – organic grated cheddar cheese
  – organic chopped tomatoes
  – organic shredded lettuce
  – organic chopped onions
  – organic sliced black olives
  – organic salsa or taco sauce

Follow taco seasoning packet directions for browning and seasoning the organic meat of your choice.

Heat the taco shells in the oven according to the package and place your toppings in serving dishes. Remove meat to serving dish. Remove shells to serving dish.

Let everyone layer their taco shells with any combinations of toppings they like. Serves 4-6 kids

This meal usually takes me about 20 min to throw together. Making it what I would call organic fast food.

Organic food prices are well worth the remarkable improvements in your kids’ overall health and future well being. It’s been proven in numerous studies.

Organic Oven Fried Fish Sticks or Nuggets

• 1 lb frozen wild caught fish fillets or steaks, thawed
• 1 organic egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup organic breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup organic butter, melted

Preheat Oven 500*

Cut fish into sticks or nuggets, dip in egg, coat in breadcrumbs. Place fish on well greased stainless steel baking sheet. Drizzle with butter.

Bake for approx 6-9 min, until golden brown. Serve with organic ketchup and/or organic tartar sauce (recipe below). Serves 3-4 kids.

Organic Tartar Sauce:

Combine 1/4 cup organic mayonnaise with 1 tbs organic sweet pickle relish. Flavors meld nicely if allowed to marinate in the fridge at least 30 min.

My guys always liked french fries with their fish sticks.

Warning: Do not feed your kids shellfish. Lobster, shrimp, oysters, clams, crabs, scallops, and mussels.

All shellfish can be a serious health risk.

They are high in mercury, heavy metals, and industrial contaminants from their environment because they’re bottom feeders that eat the ocean’s waste.

I’m sure I don’t have reiterate how damaging these heavy metals and toxins can be to your family’s health.

Organic Oven Baked French Fries

• 2-3 organic potatoes, cut into wedges
• Organic expeller-pressed oil spray (Canola or Olive)
• Sea salt to taste (optional)

Preheat oven 450*

Cut potatoes into wedges. Spray a baking sheet with oil, place potatoes in a single layer and spray with oil.

Bake for 45 min, till golden brown. Sprinkle with sea salt. Serves 4-6 kids

Because you are preparing organic foods, your appetite will return to what it should be – making organic food prices a non issue. You and your kids will be eating less and feeling full.

Organic Mini Cheese Pizzas

• 1 tbs organic butter, melted
• 1/2 tsp organic garlic powder
• 6 (6 inch) organic pita rounds
• 1 cup organic shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon dried organic basil
• 1 small organic tomato, diced
• 2 tbs organic grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup organic pizza or spaghetti sauce

Preheat oven 400*

In a small bowl, combine butter and garlic powder; brush over pitas. Spoon and swirl sauce over pitas. Sprinkle with tomato, basil, and mozzarella cheese.

Place on an ungreased stainless steel baking sheet. Bake for 5-7 minutes or until cheese is melted. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Serves 6 kids

Talk about organic fast food this recipe takes a total of about 10-12 min!

Plus it utilizes very small quantities of your organics, so the organic food prices get spread out over several meals.

Organic celebrities help spread the word of organics and green living by being in the limelight.

Julia Roberts showed off her composting skills, Gorgeously Green author Sophie Uliano gave some great green tips, actress Sandra Bullock, and the man with the plan Al Gore were all on hand to help spread the word of organic and green living.

Oprah rallied the troops for Earth Day 2008 by inviting her celebrity friends on her show to share some of their organic and green tips. She is a great spokesperson for the organic movement. She is always out there spreading the word and has all the right connections to help even more. Not to mention she’s rolling in “green”.

Organic celebrities spend big bucks to green up their lives. But this celebrity put in three organic nurseries! That’s right, three.

Halle Berry spent $60,000 to green up all three baby rooms. Everything from sheets to stuffed animals made with organic cotton.

It seems Halle is obsessed with organics. You go, organic girlfriend! Halle had baby girl, Nahla, on Sunday March 16, 2008 09:20 PM EDT. It is Berry’s first child, at 41 years old.

May you and your family have continued organic good health, Halle!

You don’t have to be Halle Berry to embrace organic living. Living a greener healthier life, for your family’s sake, is only a click away.

Actress Soleil Moon Frye has an on-line organic baby store! You may remember Soleil from the T.V. shows “Sabrina The Teenage Witch” and “Punky Brewster”.

Soleil has two organic babies and offers a nice selection of baby items including toys, clothing and bedding. You can check out Soleil’s The Little Seed community here.

These celebrities are “organic”, what about you?

I appreciate organic and green celebrities for their efforts in promoting green and organic living. Organic happenings all across the country get a lift from these inspirational and influential people.

Some celebrities appear in person to promote a good cause, really giving a big boost to the necessary awareness campaign.