Food: Friend or Foe!!

It is unfortunate that many people aren't aware of the addictive properties of processed foods. More specifically, it is genetically engineered foods that are greater in damage. It is saddening that many children are acquiring diseases that are normally seen in adulthood. What is the cause of this ? How is it many people are blinded by the importance of a basic need? Which is Food! Food can be a a good friend or a backstabbing enemy!! Which will you choose? 

Question all information given to you by Mass MEDIA!! Commercials !! Advertisements!! 

It is all a ploy to addict consumers and create long life customers(which do not live very long)!!

I encourage you to become informed. Take the responsibility of teaching yourself and family a clean way of eating. Health is priceless! We see a rise in preventable diseases due to the foods we consume. Be proactive and you will see a change in health over time. Let us not become complacent in doing what is right!

Organic Girly

Kelloggs & Genetically Modified Organisms!!

            I am writing this blog post because I know many of you purchase Kellogg's products. Some of you might not know that you are purchasing Kellogg's products (I didn't realize it until recently). Kelloggs is an umbrella company and some of it's brands include KASHI, MORNING STAR FARMS, BEAR NAKED, GARDENBURGER. I had to caps lock those for bluntness..... Here is some Kellogg's Products:

                It is unfortunate that Kellogg's has jumped on the Genetically Modified Organism Bandwagon...They currently and have been using Monsanto's Genetically Modified Organisms:.... gmo sugar, gmo corn, gmo canola etc.... However, you would never know!!! 

                         WHY? The public does not know that the products they purchase have these virus infestations in their foods!! Monsanto has pushed  the USDA on the use of GMO's in USA. Therefore, they were successful on this push, and It is okay for them to grow GMO produce now and be a distributor to many food companies like Kellogg. Mind you, Monsanto is the same company that created Agent Orange, and  Round Up Ready .These are pesticides and herbicides embedded in the GMO crop.They have accelerated the use of these crops. However, they have been adamant of not labeling products ingredients with GMO for public knowledge. Thus, Monsanto claims GMO crops and foods have no significant health risks associated with the consumption. Differently, the European Union has banned the use of GMO until scientific evidence states otherwise. Here a side note:

"Monsanto has refused to release all the results of its own tests on the maize (corn), although it has now been ordered to do so by a German court."

If they are going to use this type of seed then it is their responsibility to educate the public on the ingredients in their foods. The USDA and FDA have fallen short of their responsibility. It is because of Monsanto's infamous influence and financial power on the government with their lobbyist  (Sure, I don't doubt it one bit). 

For those of you who do not know what exactly is a GMO, here is a link

          I encourage you, every single one of you, to be active in this.... This is the future of your food, your children's foods, and the coming generations. God has not called us to sit back and do nothing... that is Idleness... Many of you may not see this as an important issue. But have you ever thought.... Why are foods labeled Organic now?  Before the 1950s and 1960s, the industrial revolution had not infiltrated the food companies.. There was no need for the labeling of Organics because everything was Organic already..... Since the 1950s and 60s, there has been a movement, a Organic movement to educate the people of the United States the right to good wholesome foods without chemicals and preservatives, especially genetically modified foods. 

"The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government-lest it come to dominate our lives and interests." Patrick Henry

         Past genereations had to deal with civil rights with African Americans and Woman rights.... Freedoms that our ancestors fought for. This passion and desire for better was demanded by the people from the government. However, this generation has to stand up and have the burning passion to declare and demand the civil rights of knowledge. The knowledge of the foods sold to us and given in the private and public schools. It is not limited to just schools: Grocery stores, Restaurants.... You know the food you just ordered at your favorite restaurant ( unless it was made with organic ingredients ofcourse). This is our baby to demand and require from the government. The right of the American People to know what is being sold to us, given to our children, and the future of food. 

Many of you cannot afford to purchase Organic food, and I am aware of that!! However, there would be no need for the purchasing of Organically labeled foods if companies like Monsanto and the government did not allow for the production of the GMO food. Similarly, the non labeling of these products are deceiving the public's ability to decipher if it is worthy for their family's meal. Organic labeling is not going away....It is now our duty to ensure the people's civil right to know what is in the food we buy...Then, you decide "Do I want to buy these GMO products?" I think many people would just go the other way and purchase items from other sources that are Anti-GMO. 

So: What to do? You can continue on your merry way. Purchase these products and feed them to your family. In addition, you can act like everything is going to be okay.

OR

You can take part and be active to choose Organic whenever possible. You can sign the petition against Kelloggs... that's one place to start.  Every time you purchase non GMO foods, you take a stand against Monsanto. That ringing at the Cash Register lets companies know what you chose to feed your family.  Organic is a movement for better living. Do not succumb to complacency and contention.  Stand up for your Rights as US Citizens, as did the Europeans against GMOs. Their government listened to their cry!! If the people rise up and declare otherwise in the US, what more could our government do,  but submit to the authority of the people. It is your right!! 

I wrote this article with much passion and love for all of you, it is to educate and promote pro-activity in your daily choices.

Thank you for reading, 

Organic Girly

Here is a link to Non GMO Shopping 

Strawberries!!! How good are they ???

Organic Strawberries


Sweet Sweet Strawberries!!! Especially Sweeter when they are Organic. Unfortunately, Strawberries that are not grown organically have been tested and proven to have 54 different pesticides  from the strawberry farmers chemicals pest solutions. The Organic Consumer Association ranks non organic strawberries to be number one out of all the fruits grown with commercial farming practices. Fortunately, when strawberries are in season purchase Organic... look for the label USDA Organic.

*Organic Strawberries are High in Vitamin C. 1 cup of Organic Strawberries packs 160% of your recommended Vitamin C value. It is only 50 calories a cup full.
Other Perks:
Fiber 2.5 g
Protein .96 g
Potassium 220 mg
Folate 35 mcg
Vitamin A 17 IU
Calcium 23 mg

In addition to all this wonderful knowledge about Organic Strawberries,  they are high in antioxidants. Antioxidants fight off cancer cells that are present in your body. It aids in the removal of them and cleaning. Here is a perk: the antioxidants help with the beautification of your  skin....It is complimentary for the health of your skin as well.

There are tons of recipes for Organic Strawberries. Just to name a few: Strawberry Jam (made with Xylitol, in stead of sugar). (Xylitol is a natural sweetener that comes from fibrous vegetables and fruits). Strawberry Sorbet, Goat Cheese and Strawberry Bruschetta (I will be posting this recipe soon)...

These are just a few of the plethora of recipes out there. While these are in season,  I will be posting recipes.

My favorite way to eat Organic Strawberries is RAW....Just the way they are !!
Buen Provecho..Enjoy!!

Organic Girly

*Reference

Why Organic? Some Facts !

Why Organic? Hmmmmm... Well there are lots of behind the scenes problems with non organic food. For instance, take the tomato; it is picked prior to ripeness then ripen by spraying carbon monoxide on them. Okay that one may not sound too bad. However, there are plenty more out there... that's another page! 

Let us focus on the some educational aspect so you can become better acquainted with it:

The USDA categories food products into:

100% organic: Must contain 100 percent organically produced ingredients.

Organic: Must contain at least 95% organic ingredients.

Made of organic ingredients: Must contain at least 70% organic ingredients.

Have some organic ingredients: May contain less than 70% organic ingredients.

Is organic food good for health?
Duh! Yes... some might argue this; however, no argument could ever surpass the quality of foods produced organically.. Less chemical residue, no genetically modified organisms, just a  few.

Does organic food taste better?

I think so, some people may argue this question, but still Quality is the best taste

From where can I buy organic food?

Some of the avenues for buying organic food are given below:

1. Directly from an organic farm
2. Local organic food markets
3. Natural and organic food stores
4. Health food stores
5. Retail chains such as Walmart, Whole Foods
6. Conventional stores that also stock organic food

Do companies deliver organic food online?
Yes, there are many companies that provide home deliveries through online shopping. www.Amazon.com, sells a variety of organic products as well

How do I know if something is organic?
Organic food can be identified with the help of an organic logo on the packet. Companies, farmers, manufacturers and suppliers, which follow all the norms set by a certifying body of their region, can put a logo of that certifying body on their food items.

Are organic food standards same for all food products?
No, since the mode of production and processing is different for different food items, the standards are also different. For example, the standards for organic honey production are different from the standards for organic milk production or organic coconut oil production.

Are organic food standards same in all countries?

No, organic food standards vary from region to region. Some countries may together follow a unifrom set of codes, example about 18 countries follow the rules set by the International Olive Oil Council, for organic olive oil production. However, there are some countries such as the US, which have their own standards for organic olive oil production.

Should I look for the word Organic on the food item?
Yes, you should look for the word Organic; however, also check the logo of the certifying body.

Can someone sell non organic food claiming that it is organic food?
It is illegal to sell non organic food with an organic label. There have been cases of frauds earlier; which when brought to the notice of authorities, have been dealth with strongly. Hence you should always check the logo of the certifying body properly and should buy organic food items that have an authentic label on them.

Why does organic food cost more?

Organic food production is generally labour intentsive and involves usage of organic fertilizers and organicpesticides which are expensive than chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Hence organic food costs more. Well, sometimes it is a little more; however, due to the demand of more organic products, prices have gone down and their is coupons for somethings or buy in season majority of the time 

Is organic food same as natural food?
No, organic food refers to food items prepared without using chemicals. Natural food refers to food items that are minimally processed. Be careful though, some claim natural but there is no regulation on this term "natural."

Can I produce organic food in my garden?

Yes, you can produce organic food in your garden. Organic gardening is a very common hobby for many people. Including myself, Organic Girly

Is organic food safe for children?
Yes, it is much safer ... now worries about the chemicals entering your child's body 

Does organic food contain more nutrients?
So far, scientific research has proved this only for organic milk and organic tomatoes. 

Organic milk has more omega3, CLA, vitamins and antioxidants than non organic milk. Simillarly, organic tomatoes have more antioxidants than non organic tomatoes.

Does organic food production involve animal welfare?
Yes, animal welfare is an important aspect of organic food production. Animals raised through organic means have to be kept in the open for a specified amount of time. There are guidelines for the general care of the animals as well.

Is organic food free of pesticides and fertilizer residues?
Organic food production does not involve usage of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.