Organic Foods - Which Foods Should Be Organic?

If you have considered starting to purchase some organic foods, sometimes it can be tough to figure out which foods should be organic. In most cases, going totally organic can be too expensive to be a reasonable option. However, there are some foods that are better for you in organic form because they help to reduce your exposure to pesticides. This also allows you to find a slow and gradual way that you can begin to go organic as well.

As you are choosing foods that you want to purchase organically, make sure to remember that some foods are more likely to absorb synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides than some other foods. You will also find that the way certain foods are eaten can limit your exposure to pesticides and other toxins as well. Here is a look at some of the foods you should be choosing in organic form for the best results.

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Eggs and Dairy Products

Organic Foods - Which Foods Should Be Organic?

Both eggs and dairy are foods that you will want to purchase organically. When chickens or cows are fed feed that is not organic and they are given hormone supplement, you get even more chemicals. Since eggs and dairy are both used on a regular basis, it is a good idea to choose organic eggs and organic dairy products. More organic options are available than ever before, so it does not have to break your budget to purchase these items in organic form.

Root Vegetables

Root vegetables, such as potatoes and carrots, tend to absorb a lot of pesticides. Not only are their chemicals sprayed on the plants above the ground, but pesticides can soak into the ground as well. For this reason, choosing organic root vegetables is a wonderful idea. It will cost a bit more, but it will provide big benefits.

Strawberries

Another of the foods you should purchase organic is strawberries. Strawberries are often imported from other parts of the world that do not have strict rules about pesticides. Since the strawberries are eaten whole, you can definitely take in a lot of pesticides. Going with locally grown or organic options helps to decrease the chemicals you take in and usually the strawberries even taste better.

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens can absorb a lot of pesticides, and since you eat the entire plant, this can really spread those chemicals into your body. More and more growers are beginning to grow leafy greens organically. This means they are more readily available today and they are not much more expensive than the non-organic leafy greens that are available at the grocery store either.

Coffee

You may be surprised to find that going with organic coffee is an excellent choice. Most people do not realize that most coffees are being important into the United States. Often the beans are grown in areas where there is very lax oversight over chemicals. There may be a large amount of pesticides in your coffee, which is why going with organic options can allow you to enjoy your caffeine fix without taking in more chemicals.

Organic Foods - Which Foods Should Be Organic?

Going organic can be a great choice, and organic fish options are wonderful for fish chowder recipes. Instead of going with farm grown fish, which may include chemicals, look for wild caught fish to get the best benefit from those oven baked fish recipes you find.

EasyFishRecipes.net - The Only Thing Better Than Our Recipes Is Catching Them Yourself!

Buying Organic - Why Buy Organic Spices and Herbs?

I have had a number of friends ask me why organic spices and herbs are worth the little extra it costs to buy them. The question usually comes up something like; "What's the difference between what I buy at the grocery store and what is offered online?"

Really, you know what, that's a question worth addressing. The fact is that what is available in a store online is targeted to the consumer who has already make the decision to buy organic and is willing to spend a little bit more for the highest quality of spices and herbs that are available. That buyer represents a small slice of the population who use spices, herbs and seasonings and clearly does not represent the mindset of the shopper who goes to the grocery store on a weekly basis and has more of a "salt and pepper" approach to cooking.

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There are primarily two reasons to buy organic spices, herbs and seasonings. You're Health, better flavor, and if there is a third reason, it would be for the health of our planet.

Buying Organic - Why Buy Organic Spices and Herbs?

Organic spices and herbs are grown without using chemicals and unnatural fertilizers. The benefits should be obvious. What we avoid, in terms of ingesting unknown chemicals that may cause cancer, heart disease and other health related concerns, protects us. To be certified organic a grower must grow on land that has not had synthetic fertilizers, growth regulators, insecticides, or herbicides applied to it for a minimum of three years. If not grown organic, you just don't know what you're getting.

The fact is that organic herbs and spices just taste better. Standards for processing, storage, packaging and shipping of these products almost assure that they are fresher and more favorable. Look for a supplier that date stamps their packaging so you know what you are buying is not something that has out lived it's shelf life. The benefit to you, as a consumer, is that you don't have to guess about the quality and freshness of the product you buy.

If you care about Mother Earth then you probably already buy organic and if you don't it may be reason enough to consider the move. Because organically grown foods, herbs and spices don't add pesticides, fertilizers and other dangerous chemicals to the environment the natural balance of the land is maintained. Streams, rivers, lakes and our underground water supplies have less risk of becoming polluted. Bottom line, we all benefit as good stewards of the land while we eat well and stay healthy.

Enjoy!

Buying Organic - Why Buy Organic Spices and Herbs?

Doug Stranahan is the owner of http://www.organicspicesrack.com and knows the importance of picking the right organic spice for the right job.

SEARCH LISTINGS! What is Organic? What is Paid?

If you have ever searched any thing in Google or Yahoo or any other search engine then you know what a listing is. It is the lists of websites that come up after the search.

What you need to know are that there is two different types of listings. Paid and organic. This is the basic knowledge you need to understand to be successful. To keep it simple paid listings are obviously listings that you have to pay for. Organic listing are ones that you don't have to pay for.

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What you want in your website is to be at the very first site that comes up when someone searches a certain keyword, a keyword is the phase that someone puts into Google. Both paid and organic can get to the top of the list but hey get there in different ways.

SEARCH LISTINGS! What is Organic? What is Paid?

Paid listings are ones that you get from AdWords and it automatically goes to the top of the list, but people will be a lot more cautious when clicking on your site so it can be very risky and you could lose a fear bit of money. It could also be very beneficial and people could visit your site a lot more and you could make a nice profit.

Organic listings are simply when Google or another search engine thinks people will like your site and they put at the top of the list. If lots of people visit your site it will obviously rise in the rankings. People will almost always go for an organic over a paid but getting your site to the top can be quite challenging.

It's up to you to choose what you want to do, but as a little tip if you choose organic try to rank for keywords that are not as popular. Good Luck:)

SEARCH LISTINGS! What is Organic? What is Paid?

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Are There Toxic Chemicals in Your "ORGANIC" Personal Care Products?

The Organic Consumers Association has stated that many so-called "organic" or "natural" product brands were actually made with toxic chemicals such as 1,4-dioxane, Olefin Sulfonate, and Amdiopropyl Betaine.

Recently, Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps filed a lawsuit in California Superior Court against a number of personal care brands to force them to stop making misleading organic labeling claims. Companies sued by Dr. Bronner's include Estee Lauder, Ecocert, OASIS, Stella McCartney's CARE, Jasön, Avalon Organics, Nature's Gate, Kiss My Face, Ikove and others. Each of the companies being sued is using potentially dangerous chemicals that certainly don't qualify as natural or organic, according to Dr Bronner's.

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The products include shampoo, body wash, liquid soap, skin cleansers and other personal care products. It seems that many of the companies in the "organic" products industry are flatly dishonest, and they're jumping on the organic bandwagon as a clever tactic to make a quick buck rather than formulating their products with genuinely honest organic ingredients that put consumer health first.

Are There Toxic Chemicals in Your "ORGANIC" Personal Care Products?

The major cleansing ingredient in Jason "Pure, Natural & Organic" liquid soaps, body washes and shampoos is Sodium Myreth Sulfate, a corrosive de-greaser which is cumulative in the body and is listed as hazardous on the data sheets that the US government puts out on chemicals.

The major cleansing ingredient in Avalon "Organics" soaps, bodywashes and shampoos,
Cocamidopropyl Betaine, contains conventional non-organic chemicals combined with the petrochemical Amdiopropyl Betaine. Nature's Gate "Organics" main cleansers are Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate and Cocamidopropyl Betaine. Kiss My Face "Obsessively Organic" cleansers main ingredients are Olefin Sulfonate (a pure petrochemical) and Cocamidopropyl Betaine. Juice "Organics", Giovanni "Organic Cosmetics", Head "Organics", Desert Essence "Organics", and Ikove "Organic" all use CocamdiopropylBetaine. Betaine is a common cleansing ingredient and no cleansers made from it can be certified organic due to its petrochemical compounds.

Ecocert is a French-based certifier that allows cleansing ingredients made from conventional and organic agriculture. It also includes, in the cleansing ingredients contained in products labeled as "Made with Organic ingredients", certain petrochemicals such as Amidopropyl Betaine. Ecocert certifies the Ikove brands' cleansing products to contain less than 50% organic content, noted in small text on the back of the product, where all cleansing ingredients are non-organic including Cocamidopropyl Betaine. Yet the product is labeled "Organic Amazonian Avocado Bath & Shower Gel".

Another instance is Stella McCartney's "100% Organic" CARE line certified by Ecocert that labels products as "100% Organic" that are not 100% Organic alongside ones that are; the labels of products that are not 100% organic simply insert the word "Active" before "Ingredients." In allowing such labeling, Ecocert ignores the requirements of its own certification standards. The primary organic content in most Ecocert certified products comes from "Flower Waters" in which up to 80% of the "organic" content consists merely of just regular tap water that Ecocert counts as "organic."

The new Organic and Sustainable Industry Standard ("OASIS")-a standard developed exclusively by certain members of the industry, primarily Estee Lauder, with no consumer input, will permit certification of products outright as "Organic" (rather than as "Made with Organic" ingredients) even if such products contain hydrogenated and sulfated cleansing ingredients such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate made from conventional agricultural material grown with synthetic fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides, and preserved with synthetic petrochemical preservatives such as Ethylhexylglycerin and Phenoxyethanol. The organic content is required to only be 85%, which in water and detergent-based personal care products, means organic water extracts and aloe vera will be all that is needed to convert conventional synthetic cleansing ingredients to "organic".

The OASIS standard is not only useless but deliberately misleading to organic consumers looking for a reliable indicator of true "organic" products. Organic consumers expect that cleansing ingredients in products labeled "Organic" be made from actual organic ingredients, not conventional farming methods or chemical preservatives. Surprisingly, companies represented on the OASIS board, such as Hain (Jason "Pure, Natural & Organic"; Avalon "Organics") and Cosway (Head "Organics",) produce liquid soap, bodywash and shampoo products with petrochemicals in their cleansers even though use of petrochemicals in this way is not permitted even under the very permissible OASIS standard these companies have themselves developed and endorsed.

Organic consumers have a right to expect that the personal care products they purchase with organic label claims contain cleansing ingredients made from organic material, not conventional or petrochemical material.

Are There Toxic Chemicals in Your "ORGANIC" Personal Care Products?

Rebecca Jablonski

[http://creatingwealthandhealth.info/]

Organic Chicken - Benefits to Health and Environment

The beauty of living in the countryside offers the experience of eating organic chicken, but it is also available in the cities in small quantities. Organic chickens usually just roam around to find food. People raising these chickens use rice, corn or any food available to feed them. They simply call the chickens in some distinct way and the chickens come racing as if panicking for the food. They then throw the grains or any food and each chicken picks as many as it can. When the regular meal is over, the chickens roam around and search the ground for any available food which may be plants, insects, seeds, and if the area is coastal, small fish and live small shellfish.

Organic chickens have high beneficial fats that lower cholesterol, and higher amount of Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Vitamin A. Their eggs taste much much better than those from commercially-raised chickens which receive regular dose of antibiotics, vaccines and other medications. Though it takes longer cooking time for the meat of most native chickens, its taste is incomparable with 28-day broiler confined in overcrowded poultry houses where they also release their wastes.

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Native organic chickens are much smaller in size and grow much slower. While it only takes 28 days for a broiler to be harvested, native chicken usually needs at least six months. That is why, native chickens cannot be grown on commercial basis. Since the supply cannot meet the demand requirements of the chicken meat eating population, no big poultry raiser is interested in venturing into this kind of poultry raising. Organic chicken vendors usually rely on groups of small farmers for their supply and could not at this point meet the growing demand of organic chicken consumers.

Organic Chicken - Benefits to Health and Environment

For organic chicken consumers, eating organic chicken does not only provide health benefits but also better ecosystem. Chickens raised in the open catch insects that may be harmful to the plants, scavenge crop residue and help in fertilizing the soil through its organic manure. By the way, farms using chicken dung as fertilizer do not necessarily produce organic crops. Chicken dung are bought from commercial poultry farms that use chemicals and medications which are proven to be harmful to the human body.

Since most suppliers of organic chicken are small farmers, organic chicken consumers also help build the rural economy and the income potential of small farmers. Consumers also indirectly contribute to the protection and conservation of the environment because growing organic chicken does not produce air pollution that is common in poultry farms. There are also no flies to spread germs and organisms that cause diseases to the people.

Organic Chicken - Benefits to Health and Environment

Organic food [http://www.gonaturalorganicfood.com/] is not an alternative because that was the way nature was created. It only becomes an alternative to people who have gone the unnatural way. Read more organic food articles at Natural and Organic [http://www.gonaturalorganicfood.com/] Food Reviews and get ready for the organic and natural choice. The site is dedicated to provide information about healthy habits and lifestyles, list and links to organic food stores and organic food online, campaigns and advocacy on organic and natural food, organic farming and production and a storehouse full of organic food tips. Exchange of information and comments are always welcome.

Organic - What Does it Really Mean?

A recent post on my blog directed readers to a produce buying guide that is available at no charge and help shoppers understand when purchasing organic vs. conventionally grown foods should be a preference A reader left a comment that it seems now the term organic is used rather loosely. It is similar to the "lite" label on foods. Lite can mean less fat, more sugar or less sugar, more calories. She is confused about what organic really means relating to her food purchases.

I totally agree with her. It is rare to have a conversation these days where someone doesn't use the phrase "organic" or "organically grown" and they are not referring to anything in the food chain. They use it to discuss ideas or trends or products totally unrelated to food consumption. It is not an improper use of the word and, actually, can be quite appropriate. Because it is such an ordinary conversation term, it can also diminish the reality of what organic food is really all about. In the case of food products, there are established and regulated guidelines that must be followed for the word organic to be used on a product.

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  • Foods labeled organic must be produced without the use of conventional pesticides, any artificial fertilizers, human waste, or sewage residual.
  • The foods can not be processed using radiation or food additives.
  • The farmland has to free from chemicals for a certain number of years.
  • Any non-organic production must be kept completely separate from organic production.
  • Sources of food production are also subject to inspections.
  • Facilities and methods of production must comply with the standards.
  • A written production plan is required to include purchases and sales, field and crop locations, fertilization and pest control activities, and harvest and storage activities.

Organic - What Does it Really Mean?

In 2002, the National Organic Program (NOP) came into being. Because of the legislation creating this program, it restricts the use of the term "organic" to only those producers certified as organic producers. If a grower sells less than ,000 a year, the grower must comply to the standards and audits, but they do not need to formally apply. The certification is handled though state, non-profit, or private agencies. Each of these certification agents are approved by the Department of Agriculture and strict standards are maintained.

Organic really does have meaning relating to the food you purchase. When you see the organic sticker on a product, it is there because it meets the criteria, not just because someone put a sticker on it.

Organic - What Does it Really Mean?

Judy Ferril is a freelance writer in Minneapolis. Are you a stranger in your own kitchen? Do you think eating healthy means no fun or flavor in your meals? Judy is the self-trained executive chef for the Ferril family and loves to share her passion for cooking and healthy foods with others. Join Judy Ferril at Baking With Lemons. What does baking and lemons have to do with fun, flavor, and health? Come see, stretch your imagination and enjoy new tastes and flavors at Baking with Lemons and Local Food Connections for fun and healthy local food options. Judy Ferril

Organic Skin Care Products Checklist - Are Yours 100% Organic?

The words "100% organic" are thrown around so carelessly these days. Companies are cashing in big time on the organic craze. It started with food (fruits and vegetables), and now it has spread to the skincare industry. Make sure to read your herbal skin cream label carefully.

For those of you hardcore purists, sorry to disappoint, but a skin care cream cannot possibly be completely organic. Processing is necessary to formulate ingredients scientifically. If you insist on something all-natural, untouched by man, go out to your backyard after a rainstorm and collect some mud. And put that on your skin.

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Scientific processing isn't evil.

Organic Skin Care Products Checklist - Are Yours 100% Organic?

I believe that natural is best like you do. But I also realize that, in some cases, science takes what is found and nature and improves it. Take herbal dietary supplements, for example, they are just made from the extracts of raw herbs. Scientists figured out how to isolate the most potent part of the herb for the benefit of human health.

It's the same with organic skin care products; with scientific processing, the natural substances that smooth, firm, and moisturize skin are made even more effective.

What you need to stay away from are skin creams that are processed with harmful chemicals. Some of these widely used chemicals are parabens (preservatives linked to cancer) and fragrances (nice smelling chemicals that cause skin allergies and irritation).

Okay, besides avoiding parabens and fragrances, what things should you look for in organic skin care products? One of the best ingredients in the product I use is called Phytessence Wakame; it's an extract from a type of exotic Japanese sea kelp. It keeps the level of hyaluronic acid in your body high. This is especially important for skin health, because hyaluronic acid works with the skin proteins, collagen and elastin, to keep skin smooth, stretchy, and supple.

Also, natural oils are great for your skin. But synthetic oils (such as mineral oil) clog pores. Don't get them mixed up. Here are three natural oils you want to see in your product:

Babbasu - natural emollient that softens skin. It's particularly effective in nourishing the ultra-thin skin around the eyes.

Avocado - deeply hydrates skin. And in clinical trial it's been proven to boost collagen production.

Shea Butter - no, this is not a weird form of peanut butter like Nutella. It's a natural moisturizer and emollient that soothes inflamed skin and fades discolorations and stretch marks.

At my website, discover more of the powerful ingredients found in organic skin care products. Remember, it's good that you want to put only natural things on your skin, but don't be a stickler about them being 100% organic.

Organic Skin Care Products Checklist - Are Yours 100% Organic?

Carol Truesdale passionately believes in vibrant health through prevention. She's a lifelong consumer of skin care products. Visit her site now to discover the natural skincare line [http://www.dietary-supplements-guide.com/Quality-Skin-Care-Product.html] she recommends after extensive research.

Green, Organic, Natural - Misleading Words

Consumer demand for safer products to use around their homes and businesses to control pests was jumped upon by various companies. Green, organic and natural are the catch words being used to sell all kinds of products now. But in many cases these words are being used to mislead the consumer into thinking they are safe for people, plants, animals and the environment in general. The saying," buyer beware" should be applied to any product that is being promoted using these words! It is just two simplistic to say because it's green, natural or organic that it is better for the environment.

The demand for organic/natural products is increasing because of this concern for the environment and people. But pesticides that are extracted from a plant or mined from the ground doesn't mean they are "safe" for either people, plants, or animals. Rotenone, one of the most toxic of the organic insecticides, is still seen in many stores, as is Bordeaux mix and copper sulfate, two fungicides that can make a soil poisonous to plants if overused.

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There are two problems with these green/organic products. The first is that they are not as potent as conventional pesticides. Therefore, these green/organic pesticides usually require a larger dose to be effective. These larger doses increase the risk of runoff, leaching into the soil and toxicity to fish and birds. The second problem is the impact they may have on beneficial insect. Using vegetable or mineral oil to control aphids on plants works by smothering the problem insect and requires large amounts to get the job done. It will also kill ladybugs and other beneficial insects that were helping to control the aphids to begin with.

Green, Organic, Natural - Misleading Words

To conclude, the consumer must confront the notion that green/natural/organic choices are always the safest and best products to use for their pest control problems.

Green, Organic, Natural - Misleading Words

David Wheeler

DAVID WHEELER'S PEST CONTROL

http://www.wheelerspc.com

What Makes Organic Food, Organic?

Let's face it. Organic food products are high in demand. You'll see people walking down mall aisles looking for those organic food product sticker labels, a practice set by the FDA, the Food and Drug Administration.

The organic food must pass a stringent set of requirements set by the FDA. For example, the food must be grown with any use of chemical additives. Another example is that the livestock cannot be given growth hormones and antibiotics. These are but a few of the long list of requirements.

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What are some requirements for organic food?

What Makes Organic Food, Organic?

Because the demand for organic food has risen, the government has stepped in to make sure no one is needlessly dying. They've given out a standard saying that organic food must be pesticide and chemical fertilizer free, among other things.

The entire production chain must meet the FDA's requirements. How the seeds grow, how they're maintained, and how they reach consumers - all of these must pass stringent standards.

Even all the suppliers involved in organic food must pass their appropriate requirements. These include the seed providers, farmers, food processing companies, food retailers, and restaurants.

An interesting thing to note here, is that the requirements differ by country; what may be allowed in the United States, may not necessarily be allowed in other countries.

Basically, there can be no influence of synthetic products anywhere along the production chain. Whether it be the use of chemicals, pesticides, food additives, or even the use of sewer sludge (as fertilizer) it will quickly exempt a company from earning a certified organic food provider label.

Production Participants Have Standards, Too

Every company involved in the making of organic food must pass their own meticulous standard. They must keep strict records of production and sales. They must also record every equipment type involved in production. They must also maintain a solid border between the organic production areas from the non-organic production areas.

The company fields must be kept free of pesticides and other chemical additives for a set number of years. Normally, this number if three, but it varies by country.

All the land is subject to periodic inspection. This is necessary in maintaining the title of a certified organic food producer.

Due to these high standards, certified organic food providers must take that extra mile to ensure quality products. Although it may seem cumbersome, the certification process ensures the health promised by organic foods.

What Makes Organic Food, Organic?

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Organic Chemistry Help - Tips for Writing a Good Lab Report

So when I was teaching, the one thing that I always heard was: "O-chem lab is a waste. It is a ton of work for only one credit." I am not going to lie to anyone about this; yes, it is a lot of work for that minuscule credit that (frankly) few people are going to care about. I have been told, however, that medical schools DO care about o-chem lab. So if you are one of those aspiring students who hopes one day to be abused as a resident at a busy hospital working 100 hour work weeks but not having quite as much fun as those crazy kids on the hit TV show "Scrubs", you care about organic chemistry lab.

Now here is the way to an easier time in organic chemistry lab:

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1) Pre-lab preparation:

Organic Chemistry Help - Tips for Writing a Good Lab Report

this is the most underrated portion of what goes on. Go to my favorite site http://www.chemfinder.com and print out information on every chemical you are going to use and bring it to lab with you that day. It will be a great resource to refer to when you need it and will keep you from saying to your already cranky TA, whose English is iffy at best: "Does this look right?"

2) Post-lab write up:

The biggest mistakes here are bad calculations and spending too much time writing things that your TA is never going to read. When calculating things like % yield/recovery of your product, remember that you CAN have a yield over 100%. This is usually due to impurity in your final product and is most likely that you did not remove all of the solvent sued, which makes your product heavier. The key is to be concise, and make sure that the process of your calculations is correct.

While this quickie blog post is NOT going to turn that guy who is a lab disaster into a Nobel prize winner, they are the most commonly made mistakes. Keep it all in mind next time you head into the great unknown which is o-chem lab.

Organic Chemistry Help - Tips for Writing a Good Lab Report

Michael Pintero, PhD, obtained his degree in organic chemistry from a major US university and now works in the private sector.

For more information on organic chemistry labs, and to get organic chemistry help and tutoring, I strongly recommend visiting Organic Chemistry

Weight Loss Superhero - Organic, Unrefined, Virgin Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is used in a number of ways to create a healthier body. It is used in soaps, lotions and for cooking. The benefits of coconut have been discussed and debated with the results being highly controversial. It is claimed to be a weight loss miracle, a cure for hypothyroidism which is a deficiency in the production of thyroid hormones or to put it even more simply, a slow metabolism. The experts all agree it does have definite benefits for the body when used as a food for consumption or as a skin curative. It really depends on how much you use and how you use it. To reap the full benefits of the coconut you need to ingest organic, unrefined, virgin coconut oil.

Why does the oil have to be organic, unrefined and virgin?
Here is the deal. When any food product is refined it loses its nutritional benefits to a large degree. Any food product that is grown with the use of pesticides and chemicals in the soil will contain some of these harmful agents because it draws these from the soil in which it is grown. When ingested these chemicals will end up in your body. Chemicals in your body make the food you ingest hard to digest and introduce toxins that are harmful and prevent your body from absorbing the food properly. Toxins prevent the body from being able to heal itself as it was intended.

Organic

Look for a high-grade Virgin Coconut Oil which is usually indicated by a Gold Label. The purer the food product, the longer its shelf life and the more antioxidants it will contain. Refined coconut oils lose their natural flavor and scent in the refining process. Virgin Coconut Oils are able to keep their coconut fresh taste and smell. Refined coconut oils are frequently labeled as having a coconut flavor but the flavor is not of coconut but more of a burned and bitter taste and not coconut as it is naturally.

Weight Loss Superhero - Organic, Unrefined, Virgin Coconut Oil

What are the benefits of organic virgin coconut oil?
The benefits are actually a long list of truly outstanding claims both for disease prevention and curative and as a weight loss product. The experts all seem to agree to disagree but they all have to admit that coconuts have antibiotic properties, can easily be digested so that the oil is not stored as fat but burned off by the body and thereby help with metabolism and thyroid issues, and because of this is great for weight loss. Other claims are that it will help with mood swings, depression, cure constipation, correct circulation problems, decrease acid reflux and heartburn, lower high blood pressure if not normalize it completely, and attribute to quick weight loss. The weight loss claim is at least ten pounds lost in one month. Here is the list of potential benefits:

-High blood pressure can be corrected.
-Circulation problems vanished.
-Mood swings gone.
-Depression lifted.
-Arthritis pain either reduced or eliminated.
-Constipation cured.
-Cancer put into remission.
-Cholesterol normalized.
-Acid reflux and heartburn diminished or gone for life.
-Weight loss for the obese individual.
-Chronic Fatigue
-Facial and skin care, skin tonic and astringent
-Psoriasis
-Anti-fungal
-Antibacterial
-Emollient

Actually the list goes on. Virtually anything that has to do with the digestive system, the heart, disease prevention and curative qualities, skin care, weight loss, the immune system, dental issues, and more. Basically because the virgin oil breaks down so quickly in the system and digests so easily it is an extremely effective agent in promoting health because it allows the body to absorb all the wonderful nutrients that are contained in the foods you ingest.

How much organic virgin coconut oil should I ingest each day?
The recommendation from the experts is to take one tablespoonful the morning and then one in the late afternoon. Do this for a thirty day period and see how it impacts your overall health. Use the oil for cooking instead of other oils. Other recommendations are for three and a half tablespoons per day so it is up to you. Everyone's body is just a little different. Coconut oil can withstand a very high heat when used as cooking oil and is great for using on your steamed vegetables or wheat pasta dishes in place of butter. It also is a wonderful replacement for the shortening needed for baking.

Realistically what can I expect and will there be harmful side effects?
How much weight you lose or how quickly health issues are corrected will depend on the other foods and health habits that you have on a daily basis. No food will on its own cure all diseases and cause weight to fall off with no other efforts involved. Wellness is about balance and healthy attitudes. Organic Unrefined Virgin Coconut Oil is very stable oil unlike other oils you may choose to use. Overuse of any substance or food product can cause problems because it is not in balance with the rest of your life. However, when you consider that it breaks down differently than other oils you might use and is not a medicine but a food it does not appear to have any real harmful side effects.

As far the benefits, it may be dependent on the lifestyle of the person using the oil. Some people may experience diarrhea and the way to counteract this is to take less of the oil per day to begin and then increase over time so your body can adjust. It is possible to have a food allergy but this is pretty rare as most allergic reactions to foods are connected to foods with protein or dairy products.

Weight Loss Superhero - Organic, Unrefined, Virgin Coconut Oil

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Organic Food vs. Non-Organic - Which is Better?

Farming has been around for ages. At a point in time, this was what most people did until other things developed such as the automobile industry. The old way of farming otherwise known as non-organic involved the use of the following to fight pest infestations and to produce better crops.

The first are pesticides and herbicides. This was discovered in foods that appear to have highly toxic chemical residues. Thought the FDA has already banned these fertilizers from being used, chemical companies export it. Since some crops are imported, this comes back to the States and is eaten at home.

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The second is contaminated sewage sludge. The idea was to use human waste to fertilize non-organic crops. This wasn't a bad idea but this is also mixed with chemical and industrial waste before being sent to the treatment plant. Tests have shown that large amounts of this in the human body may contribute to chronic illnesses.

Organic Food vs. Non-Organic - Which is Better?

The third is the use hormones, antibiotics and remains of other animals. This is usually found in eggs, meat and dairy products. Doctors consider this as a disaster waiting to happen since incidents such as mad cow disease has already happened. This problem could even be worse for humans if this is ingested.

The last is irradiation. Spices are exposed to radiation to kill bacteria or microorganisms that may be present. This also does more harm than good since it can lead to various diseases.

Recently, studies have shown a different view since the chemicals and other substances used are toxic which caused various illnesses and deaths. To alleviate this threat, the government has decided to make changes in the agricultural industry. It encourages farmer to shift from the old ways to something that is better and safer for everyone.

This is what organic farming is all about. This kind of farming aims to develop crops and livestock using the most environmental, humane, economic systems available to date. For this to work, 2 things are needed. First is fertile land that can be used to plant different crops. The other is people who will work on the land.

European countries are also veering away from the old approach and are practicing it. These countries call it ecological agriculture which relies heavily on taking care of the environment.

Organic farming works on the following things:

1. Making sure the soil can be used for a very long time without the use fertilizers that were used in non-organic farming.

2. Giving the crops proper care using soil organisms and not by using pesticides.

3. The recycling of livestock manures and organic materials which includes crop residues.

4. Controlling the growth of weeds and insect infestation through crop rotation. This means not using anything that science has used in the ways of non-organic farming.

5. The growth of farm animals by paying attention to the evolutionary adaptations and respect for the natural process. This means that genetic engineering is strictly prohibited.

6. Lastly, the effects of this method on the environment.

In terms of which is better, everyone can see that this new approach is safer and better than the old one. It no longer uses genetic engineering, irradiation and sewage sludge which were the things used to make non-organic produce.

It is not easy though to stop non-organic produce to enter the market. This is because some products that are the demanded by the consumer have to be imported. Even if there efforts on the part of the government to ban the use of such substances, there are no regulations in the countries that export it to the United States.

Unless there is a regulation that is agreed by that country or the crops that are imported can be made locally in a major scale, this is something that cannot be eradicated. The best thing to do is to only buy organic foods that could substitute those that are not.

This requires more support from the consumer and tougher government legislation for the safety of the public.

The number of organic farmers has more than doubled in the past 16 years. This will continue to grow as long people see the bigger picture.

Organic Food vs. Non-Organic - Which is Better?

Scott Byers is the main contributor to [http://healthyeating.thebloggingplace.com] - a blog all about improving your eating habits.

How to Make Your Own Organic Insecticidal Soap and Keep Your Garden Chemical Free

Many home plant pest problems can be easily solved by using a little insecticidal soap. It is easy and inexpensive to mix up your own organic insect killer at home. You will be saving money on pesticides and won't have to worry about dangerous chemicals on your food.

This recipe works best on soft-bodied pests like aphids, thrips, white flies and spider mites. These are among the most common garden pests. Insecticidal soaps kill insects by entering the pest's respiratory system and breaking down internal cell membranes. It is only effective when it is wet, so aim well. After it is dry it will not harm your beneficial insects. For heavy insect infestations, it is best to spray your plants again in a few days.

Organic

Here's a really simple recipe for insecticidal soap.

How to Make Your Own Organic Insecticidal Soap and Keep Your Garden Chemical Free

1 tablespoon of soap

2 cups water 

Mix thoroughly and add to spray bottle. Spray directly onto the insects on your plants. 

Be sure to check the label on your soap first. The key to this recipe is to use regular dish soap, not detergent or anything anti-bacterial. You can also use pure liquid castile soap. 

You can super-charge your organic insecticidal soap to make it stick to hard-bodied pests like fleas. It also damages the protective waxy coating on insects. Add either one tablespoon of mineral oil or a vegetable oil to your mixture. Sunflower or olive oil will work well, any vegetable-based oil will break down faster in your soil. Oil will help the mixture stay on these pests so the soap has a chance to begin working. But it will also stick to your ladybug beetles so be careful where you are aiming. 

Some plants (especially ferns) are sensitive to soaps. Do not use a soap mixture on ferns. New growth on plants may be too tender for soap, so apply sparingly art first. Plants under stress may have a bad reaction to any insecticide. Plants that are under stress from drought should be soaked with water the day before you treat them. You should always test your mixture first on just one leaf on your plant. If it is fine the next day, your solution should be OK to use. It is better not to spray your plants in the middle of the day. Full sun (especially on hairy plants) can turn the water droplets into little magnifying glasses which can burn the leaves.  

Many garden pests like to hide underneath the leaves of plants. For best results aim upwards and get under that foliage. Aim directly at those bugs. You may need to spray your organic pesticide again in a few days if you have a heavy infestation of pests.

Making your own insecticidal soap is a great way to save money on your landscaping budget and keep your vegetable garden organic at the same time. 

How to Make Your Own Organic Insecticidal Soap and Keep Your Garden Chemical Free

Laura Zinkan is a writer in California. She cultivates a gardening site at http://www.theGardenPages.com with plant profiles, growing tips about succulents and native plants. She also cooks up http://www.MomsRetro.com where you can find retro art and kitchen tips for busy cooks. 2009 by Laura Zinkan. Article may be reprinted if author credit is given with a website link. All rights reserved.

Organic vs. Inorganic Fertilizer

Central to the science of agronomy is the topic of increasing crop yields and growing healthy plants that provide high nutritional value. While the debate will continue between organic and inorganic fertilizers one fact is clear. When it comes to feeding a hungry world inorganic fertilizers are unsurpassed in their ability to provide high levels of nutrients to plants in an efficient and economical manner. Understanding their differences helps us all to understand their appropriate uses.

Plants fed a strict diet of organic fertilizers are not necessarily healthier to eat than plants fed conventional or manufactured fertilizers. The nutritional quality of food is controlled by the amount and proportional balance of the nutrients fed to the plant, not by the source of the nutrient.

Organic

Fertilizers are made of organic or inorganic materials produced from natural or synthetic origins that are added to plant systems in order to supply one or more nutrients required for the plants healthy growth.

Organic vs. Inorganic Fertilizer

Fertilizers produced from organic materials contain carbon and either one or more of the essential plant nutrients nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

Animal manures, composts, sewage sludge and by-products from processed animal and vegetable materials are the most common organic fertilizers.

On the other hand carbon is not normally a component in the basic chemical structure of inorganic fertilizers. Usually referred to as manufactured, commercial, synthetic or mineral, inorganic fertilizers are produced from the naturally occurring substances of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

Nitrogen (N), the most used nutrient in plants, comprises about 78% of the atmosphere. To produce nitrogen for fertilizers air is combined with methane from natural gas, and, under pressure and temperature, is converted to anhydrous ammonia which is the basis for most nitrogen fertilizers.

The fossilized remains of marine life deposited in the earth is the primary source of phosphorus (P), the second most used of the primary plant macro-nutrients, N P and K. Its conversion to usable form by the plant mimics natural processes occurring in the soil.

Evaporated oceans are the primary source of the salts from which potassium (K) is produced.

The primary difference between organic and inorganic fertilizers is the nutrient content. Organic fertilizers contain small concentrations of plant nutrients which means they must be applied at high rates in order to provide the nutrient needs of plants.

While it does contain nutrients, manures nutrient levels vary greatly from load to load. Nutrients in manure usually are not readily usable to the plants and are not properly balanced to provide all the nutrient needs the plant requires. Inorganic fertilizers on the other hand can be applied to the exact
levels or nutrients required by the plants.

Transportation costs for manure are relatively high because its nutrient content is relatively low so it is not economical for farm producers to move manure more than a few mile from the feedlot. Large amounts of organic fertilizers must be applied in order to meet the needs of the growing plants. A 50
pound bag of inorganic fertilizer is roughly equivalent to one ton of feedlot manure. In addition, applying excessive manure can create an environmental liability rather than a nutrient source.

Without the use of inorganic fertilizers farmers could not produce enough food to feed the world. The use of fertilizers accounts for an estimated 30-50% of crop yields in the U.S. Higher yields are common in developing areas of the world through the use of inorganic fertilizers. Still, crops use and remove
more nutrients from the soil than we return with fertilizers. It is a necessity to utilize inorganic fertilizers to replace the nutrients taken from the soil during crop growth. The use of inorganic fertilizers produces higher crop yields and higher yields mean more feed available for a hungry world.

Organic vs. Inorganic Fertilizer

We all need to have access to healthy, nutritious foods. Agronomy is the science of crop production, plant physiology and growing healthy plants that provide high nutritional value. To learn more visit http://www.agronomypros.com

Organic vs. Inorganic Fertilizer

Central to the science of agronomy is the topic of increasing crop yields and growing healthy plants that provide high nutritional value. While the debate will continue between organic and inorganic fertilizers one fact is clear. When it comes to feeding a hungry world inorganic fertilizers are unsurpassed in their ability to provide high levels of nutrients to plants in an efficient and economical manner. Understanding their differences helps us all to understand their appropriate uses.

Plants fed a strict diet of organic fertilizers are not necessarily healthier to eat than plants fed conventional or manufactured fertilizers. The nutritional quality of food is controlled by the amount and proportional balance of the nutrients fed to the plant, not by the source of the nutrient.

Organic

Fertilizers are made of organic or inorganic materials produced from natural or synthetic origins that are added to plant systems in order to supply one or more nutrients required for the plants healthy growth.

Fertilizers produced from organic materials contain carbon and either one or more of the essential plant nutrients nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

Animal manures, composts, sewage sludge and by-products from processed animal and vegetable materials are the most common organic fertilizers.

On the other hand carbon is not normally a component in the basic chemical structure of inorganic fertilizers. Usually referred to as manufactured, commercial, synthetic or mineral, inorganic fertilizers are produced from the naturally occurring substances of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

Nitrogen (N), the most used nutrient in plants, comprises about 78% of the atmosphere. To produce nitrogen for fertilizers air is combined with methane from natural gas, and, under pressure and temperature, is converted to anhydrous ammonia which is the basis for most nitrogen fertilizers.

The fossilized remains of marine life deposited in the earth is the primary source of phosphorus (P), the second most used of the primary plant macro-nutrients, N P and K. Its conversion to usable form by the plant mimics natural processes occurring in the soil.

Evaporated oceans are the primary source of the salts from which potassium (K) is produced.

The primary difference between organic and inorganic fertilizers is the nutrient content. Organic fertilizers contain small concentrations of plant nutrients which means they must be applied at high rates in order to provide the nutrient needs of plants.

While it does contain nutrients, manures nutrient levels vary greatly from load to load. Nutrients in manure usually are not readily usable to the plants and are not properly balanced to provide all the nutrient needs the plant requires. Inorganic fertilizers on the other hand can be applied to the exact
levels or nutrients required by the plants.

Transportation costs for manure are relatively high because its nutrient content is relatively low so it is not economical for farm producers to move manure more than a few mile from the feedlot. Large amounts of organic fertilizers must be applied in order to meet the needs of the growing plants. A 50
pound bag of inorganic fertilizer is roughly equivalent to one ton of feedlot manure. In addition, applying excessive manure can create an environmental liability rather than a nutrient source.

Without the use of inorganic fertilizers farmers could not produce enough food to feed the world. The use of fertilizers accounts for an estimated 30-50% of crop yields in the U.S. Higher yields are common in developing areas of the world through the use of inorganic fertilizers. Still, crops use and remove
more nutrients from the soil than we return with fertilizers. It is a necessity to utilize inorganic fertilizers to replace the nutrients taken from the soil during crop growth. The use of inorganic fertilizers produces higher crop yields and higher yields mean more feed available for a hungry world.

Organic vs. Inorganic Fertilizer

We all need to have access to healthy, nutritious foods. Agronomy is the science of crop production, plant physiology and growing healthy plants that provide high nutritional value. To learn more visit http://www.agronomypros.com

Things to Consider With Basement Drywall Installation

A lot of homeowners prefer to use basement drywall for their basements. You might also be thinking of the same thing. If you aren't a basement expert though, you should consider a few important points before you finally decide on installing a drywall. Here are some crucial advantages to have in mind:

Cheap DIY

Organics

There is one overwhelming reason for drywalls being a popular choice. Drywall or sheetrock is cheaper compared to other materials. If you are on a tight budget and you are simply more concerned about improving the appearance of your basement, then a drywall is for you.

The cost of installing drywalls need not be expensive too. You can always do-it-yourself (DIY). If you have a natural aptitude for working with your hands on home improvement, then installing a drywall would be easy for you. There are many free online guides that will teach you how to measure, cut and install a drywall.

More Ceiling Space

The major problem with some basements is the low ceiling. The lack of ceiling height can make basement renovation a real challenge. There are many decorating tips and tricks that can help you create more space. It would also help though if you could limit the amount of space that a ceiling panel would take up. Drywalls for your ceiling would be the perfect solution. Unlike other ceiling materials, a basement drywall has very minimal space requirements so you don't have to give up a great deal of precious ceiling space.

Smooth Finish

A drywall can leave your basement looking beautifully clean and smooth. This will add to the comfort and warm appeal of your basement. This is important for any home owner who needs the basement for entertaining guests. A drywall can help you establish the perfect look that any visitor can appreciate.

These are only some of the advantages of preferring a drywall over other materials. As with nearly everything though, there are disadvantages to a basement drywall. As a home owner, you should always have more than just price and aesthetics as your major concerns for choosing a material.

Things to Consider With Basement Drywall Installation

Find out why some people choose to pass up the basement drywall.

Looking for more basement remodeling ideas? Find great tips and advise for basement plans.

Problem Pool Water: I'm Doing Everything Right. Why Is My Pool Cloudy?

It’s high summer, the weather is hot and your pool is in constant use. You test your water, keep the chlorine up and shock like you’re supposed to but the pool looks cloudy. The pool stays stubbornly cloudy despite your best efforts. What’s up with that?

Here’s the scoop. Your pool is having contaminants added too fast for chlorine and your filter to handle. Chlorine is an oxidizer. It chemically burns complex organics from swimmers and the environment like sweat, sun tan lotion, dust and other stuff best left unmentioned. It reduces these nitrogen-based chemicals to simpler compounds and makes them useless to algae and bacteria as food. This keeps your pool clean and sanitary.

Organics

During hot weather and heavy swimming chlorine is being used up at a much higher rate and needs constant replenishment. In addition, sunlight breaks down chlorine with ultraviolet radiation. Given lots of chlorine working on lots of contaminants the oxidized, broken-down material never gets a chance to be properly filtered. It stays suspended in the water causing cloudiness despite your test parameters being good.

OK, WHAT CAN I DO?

There are several things that can be done to improve the appearance of your pool water.

-Try a floccing agent. Available at any pool store, a floccing agent drops suspended material to the bottom of the pool overnight so that it can be vacuumed out.

-Run the pump and filter 24/7 until the weather breaks and cooler temps arrive. Make sure your filter is clean. Backwash more often if necessary.

-Take a one day swimming break to let the chlorine and your filter catch up. (This is a last resort.)

Use the steps above and your pool water should clear up quickly. Oh yeah, take a swimming break in a heat wave? I was kidding about that one.

Rob Coxworth

Dr. Duck

WebfootLeisure.com [http://www.webfootleisure.com]

Problem Pool Water: I'm Doing Everything Right. Why Is My Pool Cloudy?

Sarcoidosis Diet - The Super Foods Which Treat Sarcoid

A natural sarcoidosis diet is showing promising results in treating this debilitating disease. As well as relieving uncomfortable symptoms like fatigue, sore lungs, breathlessness, swollen glands and a skin rash, many patients are reporting total remission of their illness.

Your body has an amazing ability to heal itself, even when a potentially serious illness like sarcoid hits. When provided with the right foods, your cells can cleanse and repair themselves and help you regain your health and life. Lets have a look at the super foods that make up the sarcoidosis diet.

\"health Food\"

Firstly an alkalising diet based on an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables is essential. These natural foods are rich in enzymes, antioxidants and fibre that cleanse and rebalance the pH of your cells. Juicing your vegetables and fruit will accelerate your healing process.

The next step in the sarcoidosis diet is to eliminate acid producing foods that disrupt cell function. These toxic foods include alcohol, coffee, colourings, preservatives, excess animal protein, trans fatty acids and chemicals. Too much carbohydrate like that found in sugar and processed grains can worsen inflammation, so should be minimised on this diet.

The addition of healing herbs and nutrients to your sarcoidosis diet will optimize your results. Herbs like ginger, peppermint, milk thistle and immune-balancing Chinese herbs are showing therapeutic benefits in sarcoid patients. Anti-inflammatory nutrients like vitamin C, zinc and fish oil can repair damaged tissues and prevent further damage.

Lastly the use of plant and animal-derived enzymes is invaluable in breaking down the clusters of abnormal immune cells called granulomas which are seen in sarcoid.

The healing foods in the sarcoidosis diet should be at the forefront of your fight against this nasty disease. Unlike conventional drugs, these foods and supplements have no side effects. They are also affordable and easily sourced from your health food shop or grocer. If you or a loved one are struggling with sarcoid, then these foods may be the answer you have been looking for.

Sarcoidosis Diet - The Super Foods Which Treat Sarcoid

Elizabeth Noble is a qualified naturopath and medical researcher who has used the principles of natural healing with amazing success in her patients. For further information on the latest break through information on the natural sarcoidosis diet please refer to the Aden Protocol which is now available in e-book form.

Acid Reflux - What to Drink for It

Some people think ahead, and plan a drink with meals that will help avoid acid reflux. Others Wait, and look for a drink that will relieve acid reflux. Whichever your style, here are a few tips on what to drink for acid reflux.

Acid Reflux - What Not to Drink

\"health Food\"

There are four beverages you may want to avoid if you have trouble with acid reflux: alcohol, coffee, peppermint tea, and milk.

1. Alcohol: There is some debate about whether or not alcohol causes acid reflux. Some warn against all alcohol, while others caution only against a very dry white wine, which tends to have high acidity. If you have acid reflux on a frequent basis, you may want to experiment as to whether it is worse or better after drinking alcohol.

2. Coffee: There is an ongoing debate as to whether coffee is to blame for acid reflux. People have thought so for many years. In fact, people believed this so strongly that coffee companies finally decided there was a market for a "smoother" coffee that did not cause acid reflux. A relatively recent study by Stanford University researchers, however, found no scientific evidence to support the notion that eliminating coffee gives relief from acid reflux. The study, which appeared in the May 2006 issue of "The Archives of Internal Medicine," evaluated published medical reports from 1975 to 2004 on heartburn.

3. Peppermint: Many people suggest avoiding products containing peppermint. Peppermint tea, which sounds so soothing, can increase acid reflux. Peppermint appears to permit the passage of acid from stomach to esophagus.

4. Milk: Many doctors agree that drinking milk with meals may cause acid reflux in adults. Non-professionals believe milk neutralizes stomach acid, making it difficult to digest food. The result can be acid reflux.

Acid Reflux - What to Drink

There are a number of drinks you may want to try for acid reflux. Most fall under the category of folk remedy, but many people get relief with them. This information is for educational purposes only, of course. Please seek advice from your physician before drinking any of these.

1. Slippery Elm Bark Tea: Health food stores usually have slippery elm bark tea. Drink the bark tea with your meal to avoid acid reflux. Bark tea coats the esophagus lining, reducing its sensitivity to acid. If you want to make the tea at home, try to purchase the shredded bark. Use the inner part of the bark, and steep it in hot water for your acid reflux tea. This makes a thick beverage, with a consistency similar to runny gelatin. If it is too thick for you, simply add more hot water.

2. Ginger Tea: Ginger tea also is available in health food stores, and is helpful for acid reflux when used either with the meal or immediately following the meal. It is easily made at home. Use 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger root, or 1,000 mg of ginger powder. If neither is available, use ground ginger from the spice rack. Steep the ginger in 1 cup boiling water for 5 minutes, and then sip. Ginger is helpful for indigestion and acid reflux, especially if caused by spicy foods.

3. Licorice Tea: Licorice tea is also effective in the battle against acid reflux. Purchase your tea, or make it by placing 1 teaspoon of licorice root in 1 1/4 cups of boiling water. Turn the heat low, and simmer the tea for 10 to 15 minutes in a covered pan. Remove from heat, and stir in 2 teaspoons of dried chamomile. Cover and allow your acid reflux tea to steep for 10 minutes. Strain it before drinking.

CAUTION: NEVER use licorice tea for acid reflux if you have high blood pressure (hypertension).

4. Clove-Ade: If you prefer a cold drink rather than tea, you may get relief from acid reflux by drinking a glass of clove-ade. Simply add a few drops of clove oil to a glass of cold water. Stir, and sip the clove-ade slowly to offset acid reflux.

5. Banana Milk-less Smoothies: Bananas seem to be very effective as an acid reflux fighter. Bananas become a natural antacid in the body. Banana milk-less smoothies are a cool way to use the banana's ability to fight acid reflux. Start smoothies the night before by placing 1 banana, peeled and cut in pieces, into a freezer container. The next day, put the frozen banana chunks in a blender with 3 cups of soy milk, 1 cup of frozen strawberries, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Add sugar or other sweetener to taste, and blend until smooth. Sip slowly to relieve acid reflux.

Heartburn, acid reflux, GERD, or indigestion: people have found relief for all of them by abstaining from drinking certain beverages, making a point of drinking other beverages.

Acid Reflux - What to Drink for It

©2007, Anna Hart. Anna herself lives with a husband who used to suffer heartburn frequently, and she empathizes with your problem. She invites you to read more of her articles about heartburn and acid reflux at http://www.heartburnreliefblog.com. Anna continues to research and post additional weekly information on that site. If you are eager to get more information about heartburn and acid reflux, please visit now.

Organic Church Organic Spirituality

Organic Church Defined

I saw this simple definition at OrganicChurch. "Organic is love not legalism. Organic is faith without religion. Organic is spirituality without elitism. Organic is church without the artificial crap". The model we currently follow for conducting church is a protestant mock up of the Catholic Church. Martin Luther the founder of Protestantism was in fact a Catholic priest. Today instead of priests we have Pastors, Ministers or Reverends. It is important to know that when the Roman Emperor Constantine merged religion and politics he created a church that was unnatural. The Roman Christians / Catholics then began to steal pagan temples and turn them into churches. Before Constantine there were no church buildings the oldest ruins of a church building date back between 300 and 400AD. These so-called Christian leaders launched the crusades and even invented holidays like Christmas and Easter to compete against pagan holidays. Rome launched a campaign against the first original institutional church known today as the Eastern Orthodox Church. As politics and religion mixed the church became all the more structured and systematic in the way it conducted itself. The influence that Rome had upon the church basically turned the church into Jezebel the great whore spoken of in Revelations, even going to the extent of selling God's salvation to people called indulgences. The truth is you will not find a systematic model for conducting church in the Bible. Now we have to ask ourselves what is pure and untainted church?

Organic

Pure and Untainted Organic Church

In the Bible the church is referred to as a body with many different body parts. The Bible says specifically that the church is made out of people and not wood, steel or cinder block. It is not hard to see in the Bible from Acts through revelation a clear picture of organic church. The destruction of the original temple made of stone was prophesied by Christ Himself. On the day Christ gave up His spirit the veil of the temple representing the separation between man and God was split in two. As Jesus spoke to the Samaritan woman He mentioned a period where Gods people would no longer be required to worship God in a specific place. The evidence of this was in the prophetic fulfillment of the temple being destroyed and not even one stone was left upon another. The Epistles speak of a tribulation period where labor pains would precede the birth of the church. Many Christians lost their lives as the enemy waged war against the birth of the true church of God. As Jesus promised the gates of hell would not prevail and the founding of the church was successfully implemented. The original church met inside homes. Communion was an actually meal shared in remembrance of Christ's sacrifice. In the first church the members actually participated in the meetings using their spiritual gifts to encourage the entire body of believers. The reimplementation of tithing / giving is revealed in the book of Acts when they gave to each other. If you study tithing you will learn that the people actually consumed the offerings. The true purpose of tithing was actually a way of giving back to God's people some of which were the poor, widows and orphans. The first church meetings were God's people coming together to love Him and execute tangible acts of loving and giving to encourage the other members of the body.

What has Today's Institutional Church become?

For the most part Today's Institutional Church has tried once again to confine God to a building and a system. We are guilty of rebuilding the temple that God destroyed in the form of our dead religion. Today's Institutional Church is for the most part playing the role of Jezebel the whore in selling salvation and tickling men's ears for profit. Today's Institutional Church places systems and structures over the needs of God's people by investing God's money into real estate, empty programs and payrolls. Today's Institutional Church fails to recognize the poor, the widows, and the orphans sitting in it's own pews. Even giving in Today's Institutional Church is done with the expectation that God will return the favor as if God's salvation isn't already enough. Today's Institutional Church is contaminated with marketing ploys, manipulation and the numbering of God's people. Today's Institutional Church re-crucifies our Lord by placing man and systems as a mediator between God and His own people. Today's Institutional Church is failing to develop leaders by monopolizing the power of the pulpit. Today's Institutional Church is guilty of keeping God's people as nursing babies drinking breast milk and never developing a desire for meat. Today's Institutional Church is more about an idolatrous image of power that yields no actual power behind it. Man has given into the temptation to execute power and control over the spiritual and in doing so has produce dead religion in the process. Next time you walk away from a church service you may even get a sense of what I mean by artificial and powerless religion.

In conclusion I want all who read this to become enlightened for the purpose of inner spiritual revival. I am not attempting to destroy, but rather build up and encourage God's people to take back the authority that God has given them. Christians do not have to live powerless and dependent upon dead religion. God welcomes each one of His redeemed people to boldly approach His thrown with their prayers. Through the power of Christ's cross we can obtain the strength to contribute our own spiritual gifts to impact our world. I am not attempting to stop people from attending the institutional church especially if they genuinely spiritual babies only able to digest milk. What I am saying is that in order to live a powerful and rewarding spiritual life we must learn to hunt on our own and mature to the ability to digest the meat of God's word. Meat is representative of something new from God we hunt verses milk easily obtained from the same cow. Meat is harder to chew, but far more satisfying and far more nourishing to our strength. Today's Christian tends to be dependent upon on the same cow and in drinking only milk never growing to full maturity. The Bible says that the church is capable of becoming malnourished and growth deficient. (1st Cor 3:2, 1st Cor 9:7, Heb 5:12 - 13, 1st Peter 2:2)

Ask yourself after reading this where do I stand in this equation?

What is a spiritual baby?

Where does a baby in infancy get food?

What would happen if you tried to give an infant meat?

Can a baby discern what should and should not be placed in its mouth?

Whose responsibility is it to look over a baby?

How do you treat a baby in comparison to an adult?

Do babies envy, fight and divide over foolish things?

How long will milk continue to satisfy a baby?

Do you feel spiritually dissatisfied and hungry?

Before there were grocery stores how did people obtain meat?

What do you think about when you consider the term Organic Church?

Organic Church Organic Spirituality

Author Joshua Guild
http://www.holytriage.info

The Advantage Of Organic Food

With more and more attention being given to the effect diet can have on our bodies, it is inevitable that the question should arise as to whether or not there is a particular advantage of organic food. Organic food enthusiasts will report - without hesitation - of their increased energy and overall health and vitality. As we explore the correlation between our diets and our longevity and health, it stands to reason that we must also explore the possible advantage of organic food.

The definition of organic food lies in the manner in which the food is grown and processed. Organic food is that food which is not exposed to chemicals of any kind during its growing, manufacturing, processing, or packaging. Organic fruits and vegetables are grown without the use of pesticides and are preservative-free on every level. Organic farming has emerged as one of the industries of the future as more and more people are demanding the most natural and nutritious choices for their families.

Organic

In the case of animal products, such as meat and dairy, animals are given only organic feed. Traditional agricultural farmers are in the practice of administering a myriad of chemicals to dairy cows in an effort to increase their size and milk output. Organic agricultural farmers - under stringent government guidelines - are forbidden from using such chemicals; chemicals, that should be noted, that have not been studied thoroughly enough to determine their long-term effects.

Another advantage of organic food is its positive impact on our environment as a whole. Traditionally grown fruits and vegetables are chemically treated while still in the ground, exposing the soil to a chemical cocktail that forever changes its properties - and possibly seeps into our water supply. Growing organically keeps soil in its natural state and protects the ground as well as our water.

The advantage of organic food lies in its ability to impact us on a global level; minimizing our exposure to chemically altered food and saving our planet from needless contact with unnatural contaminants.

The Advantage Of Organic Food

For easy to understand, in depth information about organic food visit our ezGuide 2 m">Organic Food.