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Tips for Ripening your Organic Fruit

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Maecenas tristique gravida, odio et sagi ttis justo.

Aliquam vitae mi a eros tincidunt ultricies. Donec porta gravida arcu. Morbi facilisis lorem felis, eu inerdum quam scelerisque eu. Phasellus vel turpis dictum, pulvinar nulla tristique, semper elit. Pellentesque congue accumsan tellus, ac ullamcorper nunc tincidunt sit amet. Integer erat risus, sollicitudin vitae enim ut, efficitur blandit dolor. Quisque elementum, sem at placerat molestie, nibh orci tincidunt odio, at posuere justo enim vitae sapien.

 

Faucibus pellentesque proin ultricie

Lorem ipsum phasellus habitasse tristique fusce ad nec est conubia nunc etiam consectetur augue a, suscipit turpis habitant risus id donec erat torquent inceptos dictum consectetur quis.

Sagittis porta fermentum maecenas inceptos leo sodales vitae eget dui vestibulum porta aeneant torquent inceptos dictum rhoncus.Primis aliquam etiam lorem sodales ipsum, faucibus pellentesque proin ultricies sed odio, massa ac platea tortor netus interdum curae quis platea per ante magna congue dolor. Claritas est etiam processus dynamicus, qui sequitur mutationem consuetudium lectorum. Mirum est notare quam littera gothica, quam nunc putamus parum claram, anteposuerit litterarum formas

Primis aliquam etiam lorem sodales ipsum, faucibus pellentesque proin ultricies sed odi.

Maecenas tristique gravida odio, et sagi ttis justo interdum porta. Duis et lacus mattis, tincidunt ero. Claritas est etiam processus dynamicus, qui sequitur mutationem consuetudium lectorum.

Quisque elementum, sem at placerat molestie, nibh orci tincidunt odio, at posuere justo enim vitae sapien. Aliquam vitae mi a eros tincidunt ultricies. Donec porta gravida arcu. Claritas est etiam processus dynamicus, qui sequi turrum.

Feeding kids organic food doesn’t have to bust the budget

Maecenas tristique gravida, odio et sagi ttis justo. Susp endisse ultricies nisi vel quam suscipit, et rutrum odio porttitor. Donec dictum non nulla ut lobortis.

 

Maecenas tristique gravida, odio et sagi ttis justo.

Aliquam vitae mi a eros tincidunt ultricies. Donec porta gravida arcu. Morbi facilisis lorem felis, eu inerdum quam scelerisque eu. Phasellus vel turpis dictum, pulvinar nulla tristique, semper elit. Pellentesque congue accumsan tellus, ac ullamcorper nunc tincidunt sit amet. Integer erat risus, sollicitudin vitae enim ut, efficitur blandit dolor. Quisque elementum, sem at placerat molestie, nibh orci tincidunt odio, at posuere justo enim vitae sapien.

 

Faucibus pellentesque proin ultricie

Lorem ipsum phasellus habitasse tristique fusce ad nec est conubia nunc etiam consectetur augue a, suscipit turpis habitant risus id donec erat torquent inceptos dictum consectetur quis.

Sagittis porta fermentum maecenas inceptos leo sodales vitae eget dui vestibulum porta aeneant torquent inceptos dictum rhoncus.Primis aliquam etiam lorem sodales ipsum, faucibus pellentesque proin ultricies sed odio, massa ac platea tortor netus interdum curae quis platea per ante magna congue dolor. Claritas est etiam processus dynamicus, qui sequitur mutationem consuetudium lectorum. Mirum est notare quam littera gothica, quam nunc putamus parum claram, anteposuerit litterarum formas

Primis aliquam etiam lorem sodales ipsum, faucibus pellentesque proin ultricies sed odi.

Maecenas tristique gravida odio, et sagi ttis justo interdum porta. Duis et lacus mattis, tincidunt ero. Claritas est etiam processus dynamicus, qui sequitur mutationem consuetudium lectorum.

Quisque elementum, sem at placerat molestie, nibh orci tincidunt odio, at posuere justo enim vitae sapien. Aliquam vitae mi a eros tincidunt ultricies. Donec porta gravida arcu. Claritas est etiam processus dynamicus, qui sequi turrum.

Health Benefits of a Raw Food Diet

As more and more people are turning to more organic lifestyles and trying to improve their health through adopting better eating habits, there are also many people going one step further and enjoying the health benefits of a raw food diet. In this article I am going to firstly look at; why so many people are choosing raw foods over cooked, what the benefits are, and give you tips on how to start eating a mainly raw food diet.

In my experience people who are “raw foodists” mainly eat 75% raw foods and their reason for doing so are, when foods are raw they are in their most natural state and how nature designed them, thus meaning they are biocompatible with our bodies and are easier for us to digest. This is because when we cook food this creates new compounds in foods which our bodies can?t always process, therefore adding to our toxic load and making it harder for our immune system to work efficiently. Our immune systems are affected because when foods that are cooked enter our bodies it leads to our white blood cells becoming more active which means that the food is seen as an invader in the body.

Furthermore raw foods maintain their enzymes and because enzymes are our life force and our bodies need them in order to absorb vitamins and minerals. When food is heated over a certain temperature the enzymes die and it becomes harder for our bodies to assimilate the nutrition from foods.

A major benefit for many is the fact that raw foods replenish our enzymes store and help us to remain healthy and slow down the aging process whereas cooked foods speed up the aging process as they deplete our bodies of enzymes.

However many people are put off eating a raw food diet as they imagine they’ll just be eating salads all day long and what they do not realise is that in fact they can have a whole variety of grains, nuts, seeds, and a vast array of delicious products.

It is always wise to start with a few simple steps and slowly increase your raw food intake for example start by adding salads to all your meals, even if you are eating pizza having salad with it will help your digestion. Breakfast is a great place to start, by having a raw food smoothie, with fresh fruit, nut milk and adding in chia seeds and spirulina this gets your day off to an excellent start.

5 Ways to Live an Organic Lifestyle

Organic living is a lifestyle in a way that is healthy for you and the environment. The term “organic” has several definitions, and many people are still confused by it. As for foods, organic means foodstuff that did not go through fertilization and pesticides. As for living, organic simply means a healthy lifestyle, much as the foods that are not processed with harmful chemicals.

What exactly is organic lifestyle? Simply put, living in an organic way does not only mean doing a healthy diet, but also doing good deeds for the earth. By doing good things responsibly, you can create and keep wonderful and rich places to live in and in order to encourage everyone to switch to an organic lifestyle, you, yourself, have to do it first. Below is a list of ways you can live an organic lifestyle:

Eating organic: Following an organic lifestyle is eating organic foods. It starts with eating vegetables and fruits cultivated without using chemicals as well as meats processed without using hormones and closed factory environments. This way is healthy because the chemicals, such as fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides, can destroy one’s health.

Organic Garden: The best way to ensure that you get pure organic foods is to cultivate your own organic foods. Organic gardening has been around for a very long time. It has become common in recent years. In doing so, you only need to have organic seeds. Composting can give all the nutrients needed for your garden. Yet, the most important key here is to pay attention to the requirements and needs of each plant as well as the soil conditions.

Organic Cleaning: Organic lifestyle does not end with foods but broadens to the way your home is always kept clean by using organic cleaning products coming from natural resources, such as baking soda, vinegar, borax, etc., that are usually found in your kitchen. Today, many products are now made from natural ingredients to provide safe cleaning good for users and the environment.

Organic Beauty: Just because you follow an organic lifestyle does not mean you have to give up your beauty cosmetics. You can take care of yourself using organic skin care products. There are several of them made from natural ingredients on the market, such as organic soaps and shampoos. So, with that, you do not have to give up your make-up addiction. Some people get allergic reactions to organic substances. If you experience such, consult your healthcare provider right away.

Organic Supplements: If you consider yourself a busy person, you may want to take an organic supplement. Busy people might not have time for preparing organic foods and probably would just eat anything eventually if hunger strikes. For this matter, you do not have to get worried about your health even if you are working very hard, for you will be assured of adequate nutrients from taking organic supplements. Change your life, encourage people with your life Now you have followed organic living, you could encourage people to go organic, this way of living is not only for your overall well-being, but also for the earth. By adapting organic lifestyle, you can save the people and the planet. Ensure your health and your family with Ehic

Best Organic Garden Fertilisers

A good fertilizer is the secret to any successful garden and organic fertilizer holds many more benefits than its traditional peers. Organic variants are often cost-effective, easy to find or source and, perhaps most importantly, offer sustainable, green ways to enhance your gardening prowess. Furthermore, it’s free of harmful pesticides and chemicals found in traditional fertilizers. Here are some of the best examples of organic fertilizer available to you and your garden.

Compost

Compost is one of the easiest ways to help your crops grow and it’s also one of the easiest things to make. Organic waste is full of nutrients that plants love, making it an ideal compost resource. Do you have leftover vegetable skins, coffee ground remains or egg shells? All of these can be put into a compost bin and, with a little time, turned into a healthy, nutrient rich compost plants will love! As an added bonus, this cuts down on your waste, helping you to stay greener and save money.

Manure

Manure is very similar to compost, in that it takes left over food and uses the nutritious values within. Specifically, manure can take the waste from herbivores such as cattle and sheep, turning it into a substance very similar to compost. If you own an animal, such as a rabbit, this is always useful, while it’s never too hard to find someone willing to let you take their waste for them, either! In addition to the various ingredients, manure can improve the water retention in your soil, making it a highly useful component.

Mulch

Expert gardeners never leave their soil exposed and, for this reason, mulch is always useful. Soil needs to be protected from the elements, otherwise it will lose its nitrogen, phosphorous and other much-needed ingredients. Mulch comes in many variants, from simple lawn clippings and leaves to wood chips and bark shavings, meaning there are a variety of ways to source it. Even using your own grass cuttings makes a simple mulch that can protect soil, increase water retention and improve the health of your plants. Mulch can also keep your soil warm and, perhaps even more importantly, stop weeds from growing!

Blood and bone meals

When you need to increase the amount of protein in your soil, bone and blood meals make very useful additives. These are ground from bone and blood respectively, sourced from slaughter-houses. This makes for a cheap product that is easy to find, thanks to its constantly replenishing source. One of the main benefits of these meals is that they have a slow release, meaning the fertilizer will release its nutrients slowly, for maximum effect.

Fish emulsion

Fish have always been used as source of vitamins throughout life and, even when it comes to gardening, the likes of cuttlefish bones have used as a form of bone meal. Similarly, you can also buy emulsion, made from grinding down fish. It may not be the most pleasant – odor-free versions are available – but it gives plants plenty of vitamins. It also contains vital nutrients, such as phosphorus, potassium and a high amount of nitrogen.

Milk

As a cheap source of fertilizer when you need it, raw or unpasteurized milk is a quick fix for giving your garden a dose of calcium. For the best results, it’s always recommended that you blend the milk with equal parts water, to create a consistency that agrees with your soil and plants. As a liquid based fertilizer, milk can also be sprayed. If you have a large area of ground to cover, or want to water the plants in your home or greenhouse too, why not add a little milk to the mix?

9 Superfoods you should be eating

Superfoods are foods that contain a high level of various vitamins, minerals and other components that are beneficial for one’s health. These foods have a great nutritional value and protect us from various diseases. Keep reading in order to find out what are the foods you should definitely include into your diet.

  1. Acai

This fruit belongs to family of berries and we are all aware of the amazing health benefits of various members of berry family. Acai originate in South American rain forests. It is widely believed that acai berries aid in weight loss and anti-aging process. They are rich in antioxidants in the form of anthocyanins that prevent cancer and protect our heart. Moreover, acai berries are one of rare fruits that contain oleic acid which is a heart-healthy fat usually found in olives. It has more antioxidant level that other commonly eaten berries like cranberries or strawberries. Acai berry is used for the treatment of ulcers, diarrhea and many other infections.

  1. Goji berries

Goji berries are native to Asia, more precisely Himalayan Mountains, Mongolia and China. Now, they are eaten worldwide due to numerous health benefits. Goji berries contain a high level of Vitamin C, protect our heart health, aid in weight loss, and according to some studies they prevent cancer. Gogi berries are consumed by people on daily basis as it is proved to be a cure for many common problems such as it improves eyesight, hair discoloration, enhances mood, has anti-aging properties, etc.

  1. Cacoa powder

Yes, this is correct. According to the recent studies, cacoa powder can be safely included into group of super foods. Cocoa powder contains flavonoids which lower blood pressure and improve blood circulation to the brain and heart. One tablespoon of cocoa powder has less than 15 calories and almost no fat. Dark chocolate and cocoa powder showed antioxidant activity in studies that was equivalent or even higher to the antioxidant activity of acai berries, cranberries, blueberries etc. The study that discovered the amazing benefits of cocoa powder was conducted by Hershey Company and findings were published in Chemistry Central Journal.

  1. Seaweed

Seaweed contains Omega-3 fatty acids that are essential for our overall health. It is also rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, iodine, iron, potassium, and zinc. Some health benefits of seaweed include: improved memory, good eyesight, strong teeth and bones, healthy thyroid function, improved immune system, reduced risk of allergies and infections, lower blood pressure etc. Moreover, seaweed is beneficial for the skin and regular consumption can give us that healthy glow we always want, and it improves the quality of our hair.

  1. Mangosteens

You have, probably associated this fruit with mangoes, but they aren’t related. The kind of this fruit contains compounds called xanthones which have anti-inflammatory properties and reduce the risk of getting cancer. Mangosteen is a juicy, delicious fruit which is rich in fiber and has no cholesterol.

  1. Kefir

Kefir is an ancient drink that originated in Russia and is most widely used in Eastern and Southeastern Europe e.g. Balkans region. It is similar to yogurt and slightly sour. Kefir is also more powerful probiotic than yogurt; it has powerful antibacterial properties that protect us from various infections, improves our bone health and lowers the risk of osteoporosis. Moreover, kefir has cancer-fighting characteristics too, improves our digestion, and eases symptoms of allergies and asthma. Another great benefit of kefir is the fact it is well tolerated even by people who are lactose intolerant.

  1. Avocado

Avocada is originated from Mexico. They are an excellent source of healthy raw fat. Avocado also contains fiber, potassium, Vitamins E and B, and folic acid. Moreover, avocados have the ability to enable one’s body to more efficiently absorb fat-soluble nutrients like alpha and beta-carotene etc.

  1. Kale

Kale contains antioxidants and fiber. It is, also, one of the best sources of Vitamin A which promotes healthy eyesight and strengthens immune system. One-cup serving of kale has the same amount of Vitamin C as an orange. It is rich in minerals such as potassium, calcium and zinc. Kale is a vegetable and can be consumed on regular basis as it lowers the risk of cancer, high cholesterol and has anti-inflammatory properties.

  1. Kiwi

Kiwis are rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants that flush away toxins from our body and protect us from various diseases and infections. Additionally, kiwis have more nutrients that some other fruits and according to a study whose findings were published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition consumption of kiwi promotes sleep due to the fact it also contains serotonin. Serotonin is a hormone that helps induce and maintains sleep.

4 Simple Steps for Growing Your Own Organic Food

Reasons

There are a lot of good reasons to grow your own organic food. In fact, there is a lot of increasingly disturbing evidence that presents equally good reasons not to buy non-organic supermarket produce. For example, one recent study of pesticide exposure in children in a major U.S. metropolitan area found that traces of garden chemicals were found in 99 percent of the 110 children who were tested. Further, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, 90% of fungicides, 60% of herbicides and 30% of insecticides are considered carcinogenic.

On a happier note, growing your own organic food is not only healthier, but it can save you a lot of money. Produce departments are taking full advantage of an educated public’s desire for organic food, a fact reflected in the huge difference in price. In addition to reducing your grocery bill, by transforming your lawn into a garden, you’ll also save money on your water bill. Trees and shrubs require anywhere from two and a half to four times less water than maintaining a lawn.

Simple Tricks to Start Off

As the person in charge of production of your own herbs, fruits and vegetables, you can replace chemical pesticides with natural alternatives. One such alternative is a little cayenne pepper or horseradish mixed with garlic paste added to a gallon of water. It’s important to test the strength on a leaf or two because if it’s too strong, it can burn the plant. However, it’s remarkably effective as a pest repellent.

You’ll also be able to decide what kind of soil you want to use to grow your food. Different plants thrive in different types of soil. For example, some, such as flowers and annual vegetables prefer peat-free soil, while blueberries require lime-free compost. Fruit trees benefit most from a soil based mix that releases nutrients slowly due to their long lives.

Mulching

No matter what kind of soil composition you choose, mulching is an important factor in preparing it for planting. Mulching is the process of enriching the soil. Two benefits of mulching are weed reduction and water conservation. Organic mulches are commonly made from decomposing plant materials. Many people set up a worm farm to provide natural compost for mulching. Worms are also able to detoxify soil of due to their ability to break down substances, including heavy metals like cadmium and lead.

Experts recommend not using live green materials rather than those already in an advanced state of decomposition because they can leach needed nitrogen from the soil. Proper mulching requires the soil to be covered with up to three inches of material to achieve the maximum benefits. However, the mulch should not cover the plant’s base, but only the root zones.

Reasons to include Organic fennel in your diet

Fennel has become a common word in shows that air lifestyle news. It is a fresh vegetable that belongs to the Umbelliferae family. Physically it composes of three parts; a bulb that is white or pale green closely arranged stalks growing from the bulb and feathery green leaves. Its flowers sprout above the leaves where they produce the fennel seeds. All the parts of fennel are edible. The vegetable is slightly sweet and crunchy and mostly associated with Italian cooking. The season for this vegetable is from the autumn through to the early season of spring.  Food rating systems have rated fennel as either a good or excellent source of nutrients. This article discusses the various nutritional benefits that one derives from eating fennel.

Prevent against inflammation and occurrence of cancer

Fennel is known to contain a unique combination of phytonutrients that act as antioxidants that protect the body against inflammation. Anethole is the most active phytonutrient component in fennel. It is the primary element in the oil produced by fennel. It is this Anethole that help in reducing inflammation and preventing occurrence of cancer. Anethole triggers the shutting down of an intercellular signaling system that in turn prevents activation of a potential gene-altering and inflammation triggering molecule. This destructive molecule is called NF-kappaB.  In animals, Anethole helps in protecting the liver of experimental animals from the toxins in the sedation compound. By reducing inflammation, Anethole contributes in brightening of dull skin.

Support immunity and protect against antioxidants

The bulb of fennel is a rich source of Vitamin C, which is the main water-soluble antioxidant in the body. Vitamin C helps in neutralizing the free radicals found in the liquid environment of the body. The free radicals may cause damage to human cells that may result in pain and deterioration of joints.  People can prevent conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis through increased uptake of fennel. In addition to the antioxidant activity, Vitamin C in the fennel bulb helps in fighting microbes in the body. Vitamin C is antimicrobial that fight micro- organisms in the human body, therefore, increasing the functioning of the immune system. By acting as an antioxidant, Vitamin C prevents skin damage by the sun and smoke. It also promotes smooth skin and improves the skin texture through enhancing production of collagen.

Enhances cardiovascular and Colon Health

Fennel bulb is a rich source of fiber that helps to reduce elevated cholesterol levels in the body. Fennel has the capacity of preventing colon cancer. The fiber contained in the fennel bulb helps in removing the potential carcinogenic toxins from the colon. The fennel bulb is also rich in folate that is a vitamin B component. Foliate help in changing homocysteine that is a dangerous molecule in the body into helpful molecules in the body. Homocysteine is known to increase the risk of a heart attack as it damages the blood vessel walls. The risk of heart attack increases proportionally with the increase in the levels of homocysteine in the body. Fennel also contains potassium, which helps to lower high blood pressure. It is important to note that high blood pressure is a risk factor for heart attack and stroke.

Enhances the health of the bones

Fennel provides the minerals required by the body for efficient functioning. The minerals present in fennel play a key role in building and maintaining the structure and strength of the bone. Iron and zinc help in the production and proper maturation of collagens in the bone. Manganese is important in the formation of the bone matrix. Phosphate and calcium present in fennel help in developing the structure of the bone. Fennel also contains vitamin K, which helps in preventing bone fractures. Vitamin K provides support to the minerals that form the bone matrix. It also improves the absorption of calcium and prevents calcium loss through urinary excretion.

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