Interesting Facts About Organic Foods

There is plenty of great information out there about organic foods. The problem though is that not all of it is true. Here are some interesting facts about organic foods that you will find to be very useful. That information can also help you to decide if you want to take advantage of buying such products or not.

It may surprise you to discover that only about 2% of the food in the world is organically grown. That is why you can't always find a huge supply of it locally. That is also part of the reason why they prices are so high for them. Don't let this low percentage fool you though because about million annually is coming in for such food items.

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In the United States, the movements of organic foods are very high and many manufacturers are looking into it. This is the area where most of the organic foods are grown. Today about 70% of grocery stores out there offer some form of organic foods. It may surprise you that there is a huge demand for organic cream and yogurt products.

Interesting Facts About Organic Foods

It isn't just the United States though where organic foods are selling well. Other areas include Canada, Italy, and the UK. It is believed that within the next decade you will find some forms of organic foods being grown and distributed throughout every country in the world. Australia has a very large sector of land where organic foods are grown and it is believed that more land will be allocated for that purpose over the next five years.

Many people are surprised though to learn that the biggest country for organic production of foods is Germany. This is due to the fact that they often have problems with their soil and producing foods because of it. Organic methods though do help them to have soil that is very nutritious. In Europe the movement for more organic foods has to do with the conscious choices of society. They don't want to contribute the addition of chemicals to the food they eat or to the environment if there is a better alternative.

The process of converting farm land from conventional methods though to organic methods is very time consuming. This is why it is taking a while for the numbers out there to steadily increase. On average that process takes five years to complete. A farmer can't just wake up on day and say that he has decided to only grow organic products. Unfortunately the process isn't that easy to complete.

At least 70% of people in the United States have purchased or consumed some form of organic food. They don't find there is much of a difference when it comes to the taste of it. One fruit that seems to be sweeter by many reports though is the apple. Organic foods do spoil faster though because they don't have wax or other preservatives on them. They can also be smaller than others due to that growing process not being sped up through chemicals.

Products that are 95% or higher in ratings according to the USDA can get the label to place on their food products as being organic. Most consumers don't bother to look at those labels though so they are buying what they believe are organic foods but they really aren't. Learning this information should make you interested in finding out more about the process for organic food labeling. You want to be confident that what you buy is the real thing. Why pay for foods that you think are organic when they only contain some elements of what will make them so?

Interesting Facts About Organic Foods

Organic food becomes a good choice by more and more people. The Organic Grocer is an online organic food Sydney based retailer. They provide fresh organic fruit and vegetable. They deliver organic food penrith and organic food blue mountains.

How To Raise Pigs Using Organic Farming - Know The Advantages Before You Start Raising Pigs

Consumers are becoming aware of the health benefits of organic vegetables and organic meat. Now you can go to the market and select between commercial and organic products. But why buy if you can produce? Due to the growing popularity of organic farming, farm owners and hog raisers are switching to organic pig farming and organic feeds. Cooperatives are constantly giving seminars and programs on how to raise pigs using organic methods.

One of the traditional ways on how to raise pigs is as simple as letting them graze in pastures and open range farms. In here, pigs are allowed to grazed grass, plants, and even herbs as its food. The idea is to utilize the natural ventilation and the sun to provide better environment for the pigs. These also serve as an exercise for the pigs to keep them healthy and leaner.

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The open range farms also make sure that clean and beneficial plants are scattered around the pasture. Plants like lemongrass and guava leaves are good for the pigs digestive system while turmeric produce tender and juicy meat. Pigs are also introduce to organic diets which include organic corn, flax seed, buckwheat, barley, roasted soybeans, and vitamins and minerals designed for organic production. Corn shots are also given several days before butchering to integrate a sweeter taste to the meat.

How To Raise Pigs Using Organic Farming - Know The Advantages Before You Start Raising Pigs

Organic farming eliminates the consumption of antibiotics, hormones, and animal products, which can cause certain diseases both to the pigs and the consumers.

De-worming of pigs can also be natural. Garlic is a good alternative for antibiotics and commercial dewormers. Mince the garlic and mix directly to the feeds. Ongoing treatment is recommended to eliminate the worms and prevent them from coming back.

Wondering how to raise pigs at home? If you do not have a grazing land but live near an organic farm then your problem is solved. Purchasing directly from organic farms and farmer's market assures you of fresh produce. Sometimes organic farms also allow fellow farmers to use their land, as the pigs' manure can be instant compost for their plants. You can also purchase fruits in the market as a treat for the pigs.

One of the drawbacks of organic farming is the cost. Organic feeds cost more than conventional feeds. If you stay within the pasture area, it may cost a little lower but this will not ensure a proper diet for the pigs. The high cost of organic pig farming will also affect the selling price when it gets in the market. Diseases that require antibiotics may be substituted by natural remedies but sometimes cannot be prevented to cure the sick pigs.

Organic farming is a natural way on how to raise pigs. Pigs produce from organic farms are leaner and healthier. You are assured that it is fresh and is not touched by toxic antibiotics or genetically modified food. Although it may cost more to produce, the benefits and assurance that you get from organic farming cannot be upended by non-organic and commercially produced products.

How To Raise Pigs Using Organic Farming - Know The Advantages Before You Start Raising Pigs

So keep these points in mind. You will find that learning more about how to raise pigs does not need to be difficult when you're learning from someone who have experienced. Learn more tips on how to raise pigs here: http://www.howtoraisepigs.com

Don't forget to claim your FREE "Pig Basics 101 - Everything You Ever Needed To Know About Pigs, But Didn't Know Who To Ask" eReport!

Organic Gardening - How to Control Stink Bugs on Tomatoes

The stink bug is a common pest with tomato plants and other plants in the garden. I North America alone there are 250 species and worldwide there have been over 4,700 species described in almost 900 genera. They live throughout the world in our fields, meadows and yards and can be controlled by a few different methods in organic gardening.

It is the member of the bug family pentatomidae and easily recognize with having a shield like body. There life cycle like all hemipterans undergo simple metamorphosis with three stages that are the egg, nymph and adult. Eggs are laid in groups on plant stems and the underside of leaves. The nymph look very similar to the adult but have a rounder rather than shield shape body. The nymphs go through 5 instars before becoming an adult and this all happens in a 4 - 5 week period. A major problem in gardens is that the adult stink bug will overwinter in the garden under debris, boards, logs or even leaf litter. There are some species that the nymph will do the same.

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A stink bugs diet in a garden can be devastating. They use there piercing mouth part to suck sap from the leaves, stems and fruit of plants and can cause injury to them. The stink bug actually begins it's life as a herbivores and then becomes a predator. As a predator it will overpower caterpillars and beetle larva and keep pest insects in check.

Organic Gardening - How to Control Stink Bugs on Tomatoes

The defense system against other predators is it's smell. They expel a foul smelling compound from there thoracic gland when threatened. This smell sends a chemical message to other stink bugs that there is danger in the area and it can also suppress the attack of harmful microorganisms. This scent also plays a role in the attraction of mates.

There are organic methods to aid in the control of the stink bug. These methods include companion planting, trap planting, washing and spraying.

Companion planting is one of the best methods to prevent the stink bug from getting into your garden. This is simply done by planting herbs and other natural deterrent plants with your crop that will repel stink bugs, like marigolds, chrysanthemums, garlic, lavender, mints and thyme.

Another method that will keep the stink bug off your plants and deter them from your garden is to simply wash the plants with straight water daily for about a week.

There are sprays that can also be made by mixing either vegetable oil, olive oil or even lavender oil with 1/2 water and spray your tomatoes.

Trap planting is a method that attracts the stink bug to a location away from your garden. The stink bugs is know to like the color yellow. Crops other that your common crops you plant in your garden like sunflowers, buckwheat, triticale, sorghum and millet are plants that will attract the stink bug to a location that you can deal with them.

Fall cleanup of the garden is very important in pest control in an organic garden. Leaving debris in the garden give them the perfect environment to overwinter.

Organic Gardening - How to Control Stink Bugs on Tomatoes

A environment friendly and healthy way of gardening. Organic Gardening is away of gardening in harmony with nature. Growing a healthy and productive crop in a way that is healthier for both you and the environment.

John Yazo

[http://www.organicheirloomgardening.com]

Mushroom Compost - 7 Organic Vegetable Garden Benefits

Spent mushroom compost, also know as "spent mushroom substrate" or "mushroom soil," is fast growing in popularity for organic soil amending. Crops thrive with 7 organic vegetable garden benefits of mushroom compost. Generally containing coconut hulls, hay, corn cobs, cottonseed meal, poultry manure and straw horse bedding, the pure compost is dark, rich and odorless.

1) Completely recycled
This compost is the discarded after mushrooms have grown in it. Fresh compost can only be used once to grow mushrooms, so the used or spent compost must be disposed of. One excellent way to recycle these "leftovers" is to nourish your vegetable garden. Considered a renewable alternative to peat moss, recycled compost can also help save the peat bogs' delicate ecological balance.

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2) Adds organic matter to the soil
Just like regular organic garden compost, microbial activity is created as it breaks down, creating humus. Excellent at breaking up clay soil, amend generously in your soil to create a rich loamy texture. Remember that all organics continue to break down. After a few months you may need to add a top layer to container plants. A 3 to 6 inch outdoor application is expected to last 2 to 5 years.

Mushroom Compost - 7 Organic Vegetable Garden Benefits

3) Drought resistant
Compost conserves moisture to plants by increasing the capacity to hold water, while aerating the soil at the same time. The fungal activity of previous mushroom growing creates a moist barrier against drought and searing heat. This is excellent for vegetable gardens by improving soil structure and saving water costs, especial in arid zones.

4) Controls Garden Pests
Mushroom compost is organic matter that creates good microbial action. Beneficial microbes in turn encourage beneficial insects, earth worm activity and discourage diseases. All these natural controls help gardeners avoid the use of potentially dangerous garden chemicals that can harm our earth and threaten our family and pet health.

5) Fast growing plants and vegetables
Research shows beneficial fungus or mycorrhizae work with plants to produce synergistic energy that results in rapid growth. Since spent mushroom compost used to host mushrooms, it is full of this good fungus and reports abound about fantastic plant growth. Naturally low in nitrogen, mushroom compost does not encourage over leafy growth, making it ideal for flower bearing plants like vegetables.

6) Weed free
Mushrooms must be grown in medium that has been sterilized and composted, so the left over compost is weed and plant pathogen free. This makes perfect mulch for vegetable and flower gardens, trees, shrubs and top dressings for existing lawns. With this compost you can be confident you are not bringing in unwanted weed seeds to compete with your plants.

7) Pleasant smelling
Properly made and stored, this compost does not smell bad. In fact, it has an almost sweet smell when fresh. Even that odor quickly dissipates once put in the ground. A refreshing relief for gardeners every where who may be used to cow or poultry manures as organic fertilizer. No longer will your neighbors shoot you dirty looks for growing organic. If spent mushroom compost has a foul odor, don't use it unless you re-compost.

Mushroom Compost - 7 Organic Vegetable Garden Benefits

Rhonda Abrons bags spent mushroom compost in Austin, Texas. For more information and a free sample of 100% spent mushroom compost, visit [http://mushroomcompostblog.com]

How to Make Your Own Organic Fungicide

Making your own organic fungicide is far easier than you might think and you've very likely got everything you need right at home. One of the reasons I like to make my own garden tonics is because I want to know just what I'm going to be eating later. Most organic treatments can be applied to plants right until the day of harvest without any harm to those eating the fruits or vegetables, even children. I know a lot of chemical products seem to be work faster and sometimes seems more effective than the organic variations, but if I can save myself a trip to the garden store while I keep my plants healthy AND have a little peace of mind, I'm going to go for it. Plus, organic fungicide  is just plain cheap to make!

When our tomatoes got late blight, this recipe saved a few of our plants when I thought there was absolutely no more hope. I also sprayed most of our other plants in the garden (especially watermelon, zucchini, eggplants and grapes)  that looked like they had powdery mildew or other fungus problems and they started looking better (and producing better) within a couple days. To get the best level of protection, you will need to reapply this solution about once a week and especially after it rains.  In fact, if you want to be certain that your plants will not get attacked with fungi, you should be spraying them routinely as soon as you put them in the ground BEFORE anything beings to attack them. If you are combating a very aggressive fungus problem (like blight) you should try to spray the plants daily. Spray plants in early morning or late day when the sun is least intense to prevent leaf burn. This homemade organic fungicide is also effective against anthrocnose, powdery mildew, early tomato blight, leaf blight and spots.

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Organic fungicide
Ingredients

• 1 gallon water
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 2 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil

How to Make Your Own Organic Fungicide

Directions

1. Pour ingredients into a large sprayer and shake well. Spray on affected plants (top and bottom of leaves). Continue to shake ingredients periodically to ensure it says well mixed.

How to Make Your Own Organic Fungicide

Tiffany Muehlbauer has a 1000 square foot garden plus a small orchard to practice her organic gardening skills on. She has been working toward a more self-sufficient and natural lifestyle for the past 5 years. The addition of a daughter to her family about a year ago has greatly increased her desire to live more organically and to free her home and garden of chemicals. You can read more about this American's experiences living in an antique farmhouse in Germany on her blog http://www.NoOrdinaryHomestead.com Not only will you find more about organic gardening but you will also find information about home renovation, parenting, European travel and more.

Organic Gardening - Tips You Should Know When Using Straw Mulch

There are many benefits in mulching your organic garden. Straw mulch is excellent for helping to retain moisture in soil by stopping the water from evaporating. It can be used to suppress weeds, but needs to be applied in a thick layer about four to six inches thick. Once the straw is applied it has to be soaked so that the wind wont blow it away when applied directly from a bale.

When using straw mulch fresh from a bale it is best used when shredded before applied to the garden and should be removed before tilling your soil. A thin layer of straw mulch will slow the spring time warming of the soil, removing the mulch and compost it after the growing season, then reapply new mulch after soil temperatures have warmed.

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Straw mulch can tie up nitrogen at the surface of soil during it's decomposition process. Due to this you should use straw around fruit trees and avoid using it around your annual plants or to avoid this from happening use already rotting straw. Leaving straw bales outdoors over the winter months will allow this rotting process to take place due to the wet and dry conditions of nature. This will also help to kill off any weed seeds that may be in the bales. Make sure when you apply straw you keep it fluffed up instead of it's compacted form that it comes in with a bale.

Organic Gardening - Tips You Should Know When Using Straw Mulch

Straw can be purchased at your local garden center. When purchasing straw make sure it is seed and weed free.

Organic Gardening - Tips You Should Know When Using Straw Mulch

A environment friendly and healthy way of gardening. Organic Gardening is away of gardening in harmony with nature. Growing a healthy and productive crop in a way that is healthier for both you and the environment.

John Yazo

[http://www.organicheirloomgardening.com]

Fruits and Vegetables That Heal Eczema - Eczema Organic - Natural Treatment

Did you know that one third of eczema suffers are cause by nutrient deficiencies? Lack nutrients can strike skin eczema. The reason is simple; our skin needs nutrients, so it can remain smooth and healthy.

When the skin finds hard to receive vital nutrients, the skin self defence system can not perform their task and as a result, eczema starts.

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You see our skin self defence system, need some kind of energy to work, just like cars needs petrol to run. And how do we get those nutrients? By eating of course!

Fruits and Vegetables That Heal Eczema - Eczema Organic - Natural Treatment

So you see our skin requires nutrients, but only 2 are vital for our skin defence systems and they are:

· Vitamin E

· Aloe Vera

If you have eczema them you are probably using creams to relief from itching, but did you ever wondered why creams works so well? Let me tell you why! The reason is that these creams are enforced with these 2 vital nutrients artificially!

So why expending hundreds on artificial products to cure eczema if you can cure it naturally by consuming natural and organic products such as fruits and vegetables! And fruits and vegetables as you know are very healthy products. Many people tried this healthy approach and they successfully got relief from eczema for ever! This approach is getting more and more popular and day by day people are filling more healthy and itchy free.

Below are some of the fruits and vegetables example that you should eat to get relief from eczema, as they are rich in vitamin E and Aloe Vera, they are:

· Blackberries

· Avocado

· Plums

· Almonds

· Hazel nuts

· Peanuts

· Broccoli

· Leeks

· Spinach

· Potato

If you want to know more about how to cure eczema naturally and organically I strongly suggest visiting cure eczema using fruits and vegetables diet website.

Fruits and Vegetables That Heal Eczema - Eczema Organic - Natural Treatment

For more information about how to get relief from eczema, visit http://www.eczemacuretoday.com - subscribe to weekly newsletter to receive latest tips to cure eczema naturally, as well as a free e-book "Get Relief from Itching".

Heart Disease - What Is The Difference Between Organic Heart Disease And Degenerative Heart Disease?

Although Heart Disease is the main cause of death in the Western World it is amazing how little the general public actually know about it.

For example very few people realize that there isn't just one type of Heart Disease. In fact there are at least ten different types and these fall into two distinct categories - Organic and Degenerative.

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The major difference between Organic and Degenerative Heart Disease is their causes.

Heart Disease - What Is The Difference Between Organic Heart Disease And Degenerative Heart Disease?

Organic refers to a situation where the organ (the heart) is damaged by a specific event. This can also be referred to as "acute", which simply means that it happened suddenly or over a short period of time. Degenerative Heart Disease (sometimes referred to as "chronic") is caused by gradual deterioration over a long period of time.

There are two types of Organic H.D. - Congenital and Rheumatic .

Defects that occur at birth are classed as Congenital Heart Disease. These may affect the heart itself : it may not have developed normally during pregnancy, the wall of the heart may be damaged (hole in the heart), or the blood vessels may be underdeveloped. These defects may be hereditary or more likely have been caused by external factors such as drugs or infection during pregnancy. They are normally diagnosed at birth or in early childhood but it is not uncommon for the symptoms to occur for the first time in adulthood..

Rheumatic Heart Disease can be the result of a bout of rheumatic fever. Occurrences have decreased considerably due to the use of antibiotics to treat rheumatic fever.

There are at least eight specific diseases, which fall into the category of Degenerative Heart Disease. The common factors within this category are that the disease has progressed gradually and that there is no specific event that has caused it.

The vast majority of people who are diagnosed with Heart Disease have some form of degenerative heart disease. This is the form of disease that is the target of the awareness campaigns and is the type that we can help to prevent by our lifestyles choices.

Heart Disease - What Is The Difference Between Organic Heart Disease And Degenerative Heart Disease?

Remember:

It's Your Heart!

It's Your Life!

It's Your Choice!

To find out more about the different type of heart disease and the methods I have used to overcome the symptoms of heart disease since I suffered a heart attack in 1999 visit http://heart-attack-and-heart-disease.com

How To Grow Organic Walnuts - One Of The Top10 Super-Foods

Walnuts - are an excellent source of plant based omega 3 fatty acids, known for fighting heart disease. They are also packed with micronutrients, antioxidants and plant sterol, which lower cholesterol.

Walnuts also provide protein and phosphorus as well as vitamins B and D. Eat nuts in moderation though as they are quite high in calories - perhaps a handful up to five times a week. Oil made from the nuts is delicious in salads or on pasta dishes.

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Common walnut (Juglans regia) is a beautiful, slow growing, deciduous tree that may grow to around 15meters/50feet tall with a spread of about 10meters/30feet. Because of it's potential mature size give some thought to its permanent position as not all back yards are able to accommodate such a tree. Even though they will tolerate heavy pruning, they shouldn't be planted near drains or buildings.

How To Grow Organic Walnuts - One Of The Top10 Super-Foods

It is a cool-climate tree and prefers a sunny position. The mature tree is quite frost hardy, but young plants and new spring growth are vulnerable to frost damage. Walnut trees prefer deep, rich, well drained soils with regular watering through summer and plenty of light.

Grafted plants will produce much better fruit than trees grown from seed. The cultivar 'Wilson's Wonder' fruits at around 7 years, much sooner than most others. It is best to plant out young trees in winter, while leafless.

Barely noticeable female flowers grow on the current years growth and greenish/yellow male catkins hang from last seasons twigs on the same tree in spring, just before the large pinnate leaves appear.

The fruits are oval in shape and are 4-5cm across.

The hard shelled nuts form inside green husks that turn dark brown when ripe. The tasty kernel is found inside the hard outer shell.

The fruit should be collected from the ground in autumn (fall) once they have withered and fallen from the tree.

Use gloves to remove the husk from the white kernel inside, to prevent staining your hands.

Black walnut (Juglans nigra) produces the toxin juglone, which is emitted via its roots. Many plants that come into contact with it will wilt or die because this toxin is so strong.

Leaves that fall from walnut trees, as well as the husks, are toxic to other plants, so don't include them in your general composting.

They are also very poisonous to fish and most animals.

The outer husks can be used to make a brown dye.

Some species are grown specifically for their yield of fine timber for furniture production. Sometimes they are just grown for their elegant, aromatic foliage and remarkable form.

How To Grow Organic Walnuts - One Of The Top10 Super-Foods

Hi, I am an avid organic gardener and am known by my friends as the recycling queen. I live on a small country property in South Australia.

It is my mission to encourage as many people as possible to start organic gardening ( I know you'll become addicted). This will improve both our individual lives and the wellbeing of our personal and global environments.

Anyone can grow their own healthy food with Organic Gardening. Click here to get started now!

Happy Organic Gardening, Healthy Living...
Julie Williams
http://www.1stoporganicgardening.com

Worming Goats - Discover an Organic, Natural Goat Wormer With Many Homestead Uses

Looking for a product for worming goats that is safe, non-toxic, organic and highly effective? How about a natural wormer that can also be used to treat chicken lice, keep water clean, and protect stored grain from flour weevils? The answer is diatomaceous earth.

Diatomaceous earth is the fossilized remains of tiny phyto-plankton or diatoms, laid down as marine sediment millions of years ago. While it is totally harmless to mammals and other higher animals (and can even be used as a trace mineral supplement) diatomaceous earth insecticide properties are well established scientifically, and further experiments are confirming its efficacy when used as a goat wormer, for natural sheep worming and organic parasite control in a range of other animals.

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For meat or dairy farming organic certification is not threatened by its use, and there is no withholding period on the produce of animals treated with diatomaceous earth (DE). DE is not even counted as a foreign substance by the United States Department of Agriculture when used in grain for weevil control.

Worming Goats - Discover an Organic, Natural Goat Wormer With Many Homestead Uses

And because its mode of action is physical, chemical resistance is not an issue and there is no need to rotate your wormers as with chemical anthelmintic preparations.

Aside from its usefulness as a natural wormer for worming goats and other livestock, it is also effective as a natural poultry wormer, plus diatomaceous earth insecticide properties make it invaluable to have around the homestead for a myriad of other applications including:

Other Uses for Diatomaceous Earth

• Natural flea killer
• Household insect pest control
• Organic control of grain weevils
• Small hive beetle control
• Organic garden pest control
• Beauty products (e.g. face masks and defoliants)

Warning: These uses apply only to the ultra-fine grade of DE. Swimming pool grade DE is not suitable for the applications described here as it is not only too coarse, but also contains crystalline silica, a respiratory hazard and potential poison.

Worming Goats - Discover an Organic, Natural Goat Wormer With Many Homestead Uses

Permaculture expert Dr Meg Howe is a small farming educator and enthusiast. Visit her website and discover the full story on how to use super-fine quality DE for worming goats and for a myriad of other homestead purposes, or to buy diatomaceous earth.

How To Make An Organic Moisturizer

Organic Skin Care must include moisturizers. Although it is handy to purchase these in a ready to use form, you may want to try some of the following homemade moisturizers for a luxurious change on occasion.

You will find that they leave your skin feeling like a million bucks. If cost is a concern, check prices online before choosing a certain recipe. Keep in mind that the more essential oil that the recipe calls for, the more expensive it is to make. In places that the essential oil is more for light fragrance than for necessity to the recipe, it is marked as 'optional.' Any essential oils marked this way can be omitted or changed to a scent that you prefer. For those not marked optional, you need them for the recipe to work like it should.

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By packaging the moisturizers in small Mason jars, you leave yourself open to decorate and give as gifts in a pinch. Place a bit of colorful fabric over the flat lid to the jar, screw the ring on, wrap a color coordinated ribbon around the ring and add a personal tag and you have a ready to give, organic skin care gift from the heart. Just be sure that you are willing to share the recipe or they may drive you crazy wanting more!

How To Make An Organic Moisturizer

Quick and Simple Moisturizer:

Jojoba Oil is great for any skin type and absorbs easily. Apply a small amount to your freshly cleaned face before you dry it. The water on your face is very important to the use of this oil as a moisturizer. For added enjoyment, mix a drop of your favorite organic essential oil to the jojoba just before application. For anti-aging help, use one teaspoon of jojoba and a dab of active royal jelly (found in refrigerated in health food stores); keep your royal jelly refrigerated or it becomes inactive and no good to you.

Anti-aging Dry Skin Moisturizer

4 ounces shea butter

2 ounces organic olive oil

2 teaspoons organic vitamin E oil, 5000 IU

1 teaspoon active royal jelly (refrigerated section of health food stores)

6 drops organic lavender essential oil

Mix all ingredients on high until smooth and creamy. Store refrigerated in an airtight container. It is necessary to make small amounts of this at a time and keep refrigerated because of the active royal jelly. This is an awesome ingredient for its healing properties and well worth the effort.

Super Simple Moisturizer

With only 2 necessary ingredients, this one is a breeze. Mix 1/4 cup pure aloe vera gel (directly from plant) and 2 tablespoons organic vegetable glycerin. This amount is for use over the entire body. Use immediately because aloe vera gel begins to lose potency immediately. For added effects, you can add 3 or 4 drops of your favorite essential oil or you can add 1/2 teaspoon of active royal jelly for anti aging effects. Active royal jelly must be kept refrigerated to remain active and can be found in refrigerated sections of health food stores.

Dry Skin Moisturizing Cream

This moisturizer has the healing qualities of aloe vera, the anti-oxidant qualities of Vitamin E, and a variety of oils specifically chosen to infuse dry, tired skin with moisture and a renewed radiance.

1/3 cup aloe vera gel (taken directly from plant)

1/4 cup beeswax (liquefied)

1/3 cup coconut oil

3 drops grape seed extract

6 drops of organic lavender essential oil (optional)

3/4 cup organic olive oil

1/4 tsp vitamin E (5000 IU)

2/3 cup water (distilled)

Combine olive oil, coconut oil, and beeswax and melt in a large, microwave safe bowl then pour in blender and let cool until it is about as thick as a milkshake.

While the above is cooling, combine your water, aloe, essential oil, vitamin E, and grape seed extract in a large liquid measuring cup, pour this into blender when the other mixture has cooled enough. Blend until smooth and creamy.

If you are lucky enough to have a heavy duty kitchen mixer (the kind that is on its own stand with its own bowls), you may find that it works better for you because the mixture does become very heavy.
Store refrigerated in small Mason jars.

How To Make An Organic Moisturizer

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Pros, Cons of Organic Foods

Organic clothes, organic food, organic cleaning products - the word "organic" seems to be the hottest trend right now. However, before you jump on the organic bandwagon, it is important to identify the pros and cons of purchasing and consuming organic foods. It may be hard to identify the differences with an untrained eye. At the grocery store, both the non-organic and organic fruits and vegetables look fresh and healthy, so why do the organic foods cost as much as twice as much? The trend has moved beyond the produce aisle and into the shelves of the grocery store aisle, leading to the introduction of drinks, dried fruits, bread, yogurt, cheese and dozens of other food products.

Many Americans harbor increasing concerns about food safety and genetically modified food products. "Organic" when used on the label of a food product means that the food has been grown on land that has been chemical free for at least three years. Food crops labeled organic must also be grown without the use of pesticides or other chemicals. Finally, they must be processed and packaged without the use of artificial preservatives, colorings or any other additives.

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There are many strong arguments in defending the purchase and consumption of organic food products. Organic farming does not pose the threat of pesticide and chemical run-off which could contamination watersheds and drinking water, while many traditional modern farming methods do just that. Organic farms also tend to maintain richer, more sustainable soil through the use of cover crops, crop rotations and composts. These organic farming methods have been shown to slow soil erosion and it vary the nutrient demands on the soil.

Pros, Cons of Organic Foods

One study analyzing twelve foods concluded that organic foods hold more nutritional value and micronutrients than non-organic foods. The nutritional pros from organic foods include higher levels of vitamins A, B, C, E, vitamins, elements such as zinc and minerals such as calcium. Organic foods also do not carry the risk of some health complications linked to pesticides and antibiotics. Organic foods also contain lower levels of heavy metals and virtually no hydrogenated fat which has been linked to heart disease), whereas non-organic processed food can contain both.

Despite the increased nutritional value of organic foods, there are some cons to consuming organic foods. Manure used in organic compost may be more harmful than the health risks related to pesticides and chemicals used on non-organic farms. Manure often contains E. coli bacterium, which can spread harmful animal diseases to humans. Furthermore, organic foods are producible at the same rate as non-organic foods. Organic farming methods often produce lower yields than modern intensive methods. This is why food grown organically can often cost twice as much as food grown on non-organic farms. If large farms started replacing modern farming methods with organic methods, the world may see a food shortage emerge.

Pros, Cons of Organic Foods

Candis Reade is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about the pros and cons of organic foods [http://www.myorganicmarkets.info/pros-cons-of-organic-foods], please visit My Organic Markets [http://www.myorganicmarkets.info] for current articles and discussions.

Is Organic Food & Organic Farming the Future

Ethical businesses such as and the co-op offer a real alternative for people concerned with these issues and with businesses that combine a strong ethical dimension in tandem with making profits.

Here are some of the main features of organic farming:

Organic

o Organic farming severely restricts the use of artificial chemical fertilisers and pesticides.

Is Organic Food & Organic Farming the Future

o Instead, organic farmers rely on developing a healthy, fertile soil and growing a mixture of crops.

o Animals are reared without the routine use of drugs, antibiotics and wormers common in intensive livestock farming.

Synthetic dyes and ingredients such as Sudan1 were in the national news in February and can cause cancer. See http://www.food.gov.uk for further details. Genetically modified (GM) crops and ingredients are not allowed under organic standards.

Why Buy Organic?

It has never been easier to shop for organic food, and there has never been so much choice. Every food category now has an organic alternative. Its also common sense; organic food is good food. Good to eat, good for the environment, good for the small-scale farmers and the farm workers who produce it.

Chefs across the country are committed to using organic ingredients because plants from healthy soils and organically fed livestock provide us with more flavorful food. Organic foods allow true flavour to shine through unlike other non-organic foods that look and taste good but are often full of E numbers and artificial flavourings and ingredients.

By supporting local, sustainable and organic farms in your local community you also support the larger community of which we are all a part. By eating organic food you are providing the healthiest choice for your family and supporting the farms that provide us with healthy and ecological neighbourhoods.

The 'go local' food movement is flourishing - over 15% of people buy organic food locally and this number continues to rise as the number of farmer's markets, box schemes, cafes and restaurants serving organic food increase. Locally produced foods are often fresher, healthier and more economical. It cuts down on transport costs and 'food miles' where an average shopping basket can include fruit and vegetables transported from all over the world.

The big supermarkets in the UK are about to introduce there own vegetable box schemes. This is good because the supermarket schemes should encourage more people to buy organic food and are likely to raise the profile and public awareness of the benefits of organic box schemes in general. These new organic consumers will hopefully become convinced of the benefits of organic food and become more interested in and aware of the advantages of buying local too. The supermarket schemes could therefore be a positive first step on people's journey to buying organic, local food generally and perhaps moving on to subscribe to independent box scheme businesses - as well as supporting other local food outlets like farmers' markets or independent retailers.

The supermarkets themselves may find their businesses becoming subject to more far-reaching changes, as their customers are exposed to the principles and practices which inspire the original local food and grassroots box-scheme movement.

Is Organic Food & Organic Farming the Future

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