Organic | Rejuvenation Institute of Natural Health

Category: Organic

Organic Produce Exposed At A Middle School Science Fair

April 20, 2013August 18, 2013
by mkent52

The decades-long organic food debate has found its way from laboratories to farms and our very own kitchens. So, is organic produce really healthier for you? In 2010, Ria Chhabra’s parents were having this very argument when she decided to find an answer.

With a little bit of research, 13-year-old Ria found fruit flies to be the usual suspects for this type of experiment. She reached out to several fly laboratories and peaked the interest of Johannes Bauer, an assistant professor at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. What began with a middle-school science project has turned into three years of research, science fairs and national competitions. Ria’s work has even been published in the Public Library of Science (PLoS).

Ria’s early experiments with fruit flies confirmed the fact that organic foods contain higher concentrations of vitamin C. Following her early success, Ria moved on to explore the effects of organic foods on overall health. She used the flies to test both organic and conventional foods finding organic foods to be far better for the flies. In fact the flies that consumed organic produce displayed better fertility, stress resistance and longevity than those fed conventionally grown produce.

Dr. Bauer admits that more research is needed to determine causation, but there are a few obvious possibilities. Maybe these results are due to pesticide and fungicide residues in conventionally raised produce or maybe organically raised produce has higher nutrient levels. Another popular possibility is that organically raised plants produce more natural compounds to protect themselves from pests and fungi, which may make the plants healthier.

Today Ria is using the flies to observe the affects of natural remedies like cinnamon and turmeric on Type 2 diabetes. To read Ria’s research, check out Organically Grown Food Provides Health Benefits to Drosophila melanogaster

Source: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/04/17/is-organic-better-ask-a-fruit-fly/?ref=health
Photo credit: servitude

Chemical Stress

Family Meals: A Potential Link To Life Or Death For Your Children

New evidence has emerged supporting the health benefits of family meals for children. Take a look at the list mounting evidence in support of family meals.

Women’s Health: Hormone Balancing Food Plan

It seems like new articles are constantly published with “a completely different” idea about how we should eat. We are every bit as tired of them as you are, but because each of us is different, we thought some of these tips may be good for you to try.

Photo Credit: www.CourtneyCarmody.com/

Fast Food

Are Fast Food Salads Good For You?

October 18, 2011February 19, 2012
by RejuvInstitute

People are always asking: “Are fast food salads good for you?” Listen, there is a reason that this question always comes up. Rest assured that the little voice in your head is in fact, correct.

Let’s Explore The Fast Food Salad

Fast Food Vegetables

A great author named Michael Pollan once said “cheap food is an illusion. The real cost of the food is paid somewhere.” The single best illustration of this concept can be found in the fast food industry. In fact, the entire concept of fast food is based on standardized mass production to drive costs as low as possible.

The vast majority of today’s cost cutting measures have a tendency to denature the end product. Things like over-planting fields, shipping foods from far and wide, use of synthetic chemicals, genetic engineering and other practices inflate yield, while making food last for ridiculous amounts of time. Each of these practices drive costs down, but have also been shown to degrade the nutritional value of the food.

Just look at the fast food salad. The ingredients are usually very light in color when compared to quality, organic counterparts. Color is a good indicator of nutritional value, which is why fast food restaurants have been known to dye their food. The vegetables found in a fast food salad are usually more firm or crunchy, implying that they were removed from the plant before they were ripe. Finally, consider all of the synthetic chemical residues that you can’t even see or taste.

Fast Food Chicken

As far as meat goes, prevention.com recently made the point that you might as well skip the chicken breast and order a burger with side salad instead. The reason is that the McDonald’s “Premium” Chicken breast contains 890 mg of sodium where the burger contains 520 mg. They use excessive sodium in an attempt to give their chicken flavor. This doesn’t even account for the low quality feed used to raise the chicken or the antibiotics and hormones it was given. FYI, the burger has little difference in this regard.

Fast Food Dressing

Finally we have the dressing. Fast food salad dressing comes in two varieties, bad and worse. The difference between fast food salad dressings and cheap grocery store varieties is negligible, however it is pretty common knowledge that they are not good for you. Quick note: The “diet”, “low fat” or “lite” dressings may actually be worse than the standard varieties. In fact, we avoid them at all costs.

To Michael Pollan’s point, you are paying less for significantly less nutritional value and more toxins. This leads to poor health, which in turn is the catalyst for missed work days and future medical bills. The moral of this story is pay a little more now or pay big later. Like Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, said “Let thy food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food”.

Fast food chains have officially made salads unhealthy. Nutritionally neutral vegetables covered with unhealthy meat and less healthy dressing, make for a meal that does much more harm than good and will cost you later.

Health

Arsenic Found In Apple Juice

October 1, 2011February 19, 2012
by RejuvInstitute

The Dr. Oz Show recently reported finding significant levels of Arsenic some of America’s most popular brands of apple juice. They found this cancer causing heavy metal in juices made from concentrate, 60% of which were imported from China.

The study cited that popular brands such as Mott’s, Juicy Juice and Gerber all returned samples of arsenic significantly higher than the allowed levels for drinking water. Currently there are no regulations on arsenic levels in apple juice.

Why Arsenic in Apple Juice?

The show speculates that the arsenic made its way in to the apple juice by way of pesticides. Arsenic has been a popular pesticide in China since 900AD and may be used in other countries as well.

Is Arsenic Dangerous?

Arsenic is a very dangerous substance. At higher levels, arsenic poisoning may occur which begins with headaches, confusion, severe diarrhea, and drowsiness as it progresses, individuals often experience vomiting, blood in the urine, cramping muscles, hair loss, stomach pain and convulsions. This is often followed by coma and death. Arsenic most often affects the lungs, skin, kidneys and liver.

While the arsenic levels in apple juice alone may not be enough to cause acute arsenic poisoning, it is one of many heavy metals that is known to build up in the system over time. We are no doubt exposed to it and other harmful metals through a multitude of different sources throughout our entire lives.

Furthermore experts worldwide have found a wide variety of health issues associated with subclinical levels of heavy metals in the body. GET THE SYMPTOMS OF HEAVY METALS

Who Drinks The Apple Juice?

Apple juice is an incredibly common beverage for children. Apple juice is also used as a sweetener in a host of products. It is devastating to think that our children are being exposed to even low levels of arsenic.

The Solution – More than apple juice and arsenic

This problem extends way past arsenic and apple juice. For years we have been told that dangerous chemicals help our plants and never see their way to our tables. Yet every day it seems like more research is coming out proving that plants actually absorb the ingredients that you put on and around them. Isn’t that a novel idea?

What you do with your body is completely up to you, but our philosophy is to go with the only guarantee. Organic farming practices do not employ synthetic pesticides and harsh chemicals. They utilize sustainable farming practices to yield what many believe to be a higher quality, healthier crop. They are our food of choice period.

Note: The FDA is currently disputing the research saying that it could not reproduce the results.

Food

What is Genetically Modified Food?

May 23, 2011February 19, 2012
by RejuvInstitute

Do you know what genetically modified food is? If not, you’re not alone. The general public knows very little about this incredibly important issue. This article will shed some light on the issue and hopefully help you decide whether or not to consume genetically modified foods.

What is genetically modified Food?

Genetically modified food is made from genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This is produce (plants and animals) who’s DNA has been modified to produce specific outcomes. For example: Tomatoes do not survive temperatures below freezing, so in order to make them survive, scientists will genetically modify them. To do this, they take a specific gene from an arctic fish, put it in the tomato and voila! – genetically modified food. While this seems like a great idea, its benefits are unproven and it has very dangerous potential.

The Dangers of Genetically Modified Food

As a general rule of thumb, we would argue against genetically modified foods simply because we do not feel that it is possible to improve on God’s creation. That said, there are a variety of scientific concerns about genetically modified food as well.

For starters, experts like Beth H. Harrison, PhD say that “these modified foods aren’t being altered for the better; they do not resist pesticides, they do not increase yield and more importantly, they have not been proven safe for human consumption.”

Experts are worried about an array of immune, disease and allergy related dangers. In addition to posing a threat to us through consumption, these organisms have the capacity to upset the very balance of our planet. We already know that through reproduction, genetically modified organisms infiltrate the non-GMO produce in the area, eradicating natural options.

There is a battle taking place over genetically modified foods. For the time being, you can stand up against genetically modified food by simply purchasing organic, but there are powers who want to outlaw GMO and non-GMO labeling. They say that there is no difference between GMO and non-GMO. They are actively trying to eliminate your right to choose not to eat genetically modified foods.

Want to see just how little the general public knows about genetically modified foods? Check out this video:

Green Earth

The Perfect Balance of Health & Sustainability

May 21, 2011February 19, 2012
by RejuvInstitute

Beer bottles repurposed as drinking glasses, Anti GMO activists, electronic engine manufacturers, organic farm shares (CSA), green construction experts, water filtration specialists, sustainably made clothing, chiropractors and even a non-profit that turns plastic bags into mats for the homeless. Add a sea of progressive, inspired people to hundreds of unique products and what do you have? The Green Festival 2011.

Its hard not to be absorbed in the sense of hope that accompanies events like this and the highly addictive buzz is only fueled by tasty samples of
free trade chocolate, coffee, tea and the like.

One way or another, health benefits ooze from the pores of sustainable initiatives. After all, humans are every bit as much a part of nature as the animals and ecosystems that so many strive to protect. You can bet that if it is “healthy” for the earth, it is directly or indirectly healthy for you.

It’s hard, possibly even impossible not to get caught up in the aura of hope and excitement.

3 Exciting Products

1. 100% Plant Based Water Bottle by: Green Planet

This speaks for itself. Awesome product with great implications.

2. Vertical Hydroponic Garden by: Living Towers

These things are awesome! A garden that you can have almost anywhere, you never need to water and it grows fruits and vegetables in record time (seedling to salad in 4 weeks!). This contraption allows you to grow and consume organic produce like never before and uses 5% the amount of water it would take to grow the same produce in your garden.

Special Pricing! I caught up with Dr. David Albrecht and convinced him to extend the Green Festival special to every one of our readers. Be sure to mention “green fest” when ordering to receive a really nice free gift!

3. Mineral Water Filtration System by: Adya

Sorry for the video quality. My camera wouldn’t focus.

My Only Complaint

Too many unfermented soy products. Unfermented soy is thought by many health experts to contain toxic properties and also mimic estrogen in the body. Many experts say that the only safe way to eat is when it has been fermented by traditional methods (most isn’t). Just thought you should know.

All in all, a great event, not to be missed. Find a Green Festival near you by visiting www.greenfestivals.org

Food

Dirty Dozen™ Fruits and Vegetables

May 20, 2011April 27, 2013
by RejuvInstitute

The Dirty Dozen is your key to effectively shopping for and consuming the best fruits and vegetables available.

While, we believe that everyone should eat 100% organic, knowing which fruits and vegetables are “dirty” is key for those who cannot transition completely. The Environmental Working Group has compiled the Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides for this exact reason. The guide outlines which fruits and vegetables contain the highest and lowest pesticide residues. These two lists, the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15™ allow you to shop with confidence, knowing that you are feeding yourself and your family the best possible produce.

How Should You Use The Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 Lists?

Lower or eliminate consumption of Dirty Dozen fruits and vegetables while increasing consumption of those in the Clean 15
Continue purchasing conventional fruits and vegetables from the Clean 15 list, but only buy organic items from the Dirty Dozen list.

Why Should You Care About Pesticides?

FoodMatters.tv says it best: “The growing consensus among scientists is that small doses of pesticides and other chemicals can cause lasting damage to human health, especially during fetal development and early childhood. EWG research has found that people who eat five fruits and vegetables a day from the Dirty Dozen list consume an average of 10 pesticides a day. Those who eat from the (Clean) 15 least contaminated conventionally-grown fruits and vegetables ingest fewer than 2 pesticides daily.”

Will Washing and Peeling Help?

The Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides was created by testing fruits and vegetables based on how they are typically consumed. Therefore you can bet that these numbers are for all intensive purposes accurate. Washing and peeling have not been found to eliminate pesticides anyway.

How Was This Guide Developed?

The Environmental Working Group utilized USDA data from just under 89,000 tests conducted between 2000 and 2008.

Download the Shoppers Guide to Pesticides in Produce!

photo by celesteh

Food

4 Ways That Government Corn Subsidies Make You Fat

April 14, 2011April 3, 2012
by RejuvInstitute

You are probably aware of Government subsidizes various items including agriculture, but are you aware that these subsidies, such as those on corn, can make you fat? Well intentioned or not, the effects of corn and other subsidies can be deadly. Below are four instances where subsidies on corn have contributed to epidemic of obesity and its related diseases.

1. High Fructose Corn Syrup

Food manufacturers use corn to produce a variety of food additives including High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS). Contrary to claims from within the industry, high fructose corn syrup is much worse for us than regular table sugar (sucrose). Due to its chemical makeup, HFCS boosts fat storage and has turned everyday products into unhealthy ones. To make matters worse, it has found its way into almost everything. There is an “upside”, however. HFCS is an incredibly good “marker”, that is, any food containing it is likely to be over processed and full of cheap, unhealthy, unnatural ingredients.

2. Subsidies Lower Meat Prices

Subsidized corn is used as feed for animals. This practice has driven down meat prices throughout the industry, making those burgers, chicken sandwiches and grocery store meats cheap. As a result, our country has developed an unmatched hunger for meat, routinely devouring disproportionate servings from one-third to a half-pound or more. This overindulgence is bad for the environment and bad for the body given our relatively sedentary lifestyles.

3. Corn Creates Less Healthy Meat

The cheap corn is also used as feed at “factory farms”, creating poor quality meat and new diseases. As you may know, a cow’s natural diet consists of grass. Feeding them corn causes the cattle to put on disproportionate amounts of Omega 6 based fat. Fatter cows means more profit, but guess where this fat ends up? You guessed it, on our midsections, butts and thighs. It also sabotages the cow’s digestive tract, creating mucous blockages and acidic conditions. This in turn forces the farmers to load their cattle up with antibiotics which prolongs their life, just long enough to get them to slaughter. It has even given birth to new strands of bacteria including E. coli O157:H7. Publicized for numerous deaths in recent years, this strand is resistant to traditional methods of elimination.

4. The Role of Genetically Modified Organisms on Corn(GMOs)

Most corn in the United States is genetically modified. In fact, various organizations have been exposed, but not punished, for forcing small farms out of business simply because they refuse to grow genetically modified corn. This is coming at a time when experts are only beginning to explore a multitude of negative ramifications associated with these genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Add to this the fact that much of our food is being irradiated, destroying enzymes as well as other beneficial properties and what we have is a high calorie, low nutrient food that causes our bodies to fall out of balance while storing lots of excess fat.

Now you understand how subsidies on corn contribute to the excess fat that has been directly linked to a host of diseases from heart disease to diabetes as well as other factors like low workplace productivity, more sick days, absenteeism, higher insurance costs and the list goes on. These subsidies are actively producing imbalances that are contributing directly to the fat epidemic in this country, and corn is not the only one. As we mentioned earlier, there are a few other major players in this arena. The sad reality is that government subsidies on corn, soy and wheat have made it cheaper for parents to feed their children McDonald’s rather than fresh fruits and vegetables.

Health

5 Healthiest Fast Food Chains

October 26, 2010February 19, 2012
by RejuvInstitute

Today we would like to discuss a topic slightly contradictory to our nature. Let me preface this by saying that I am not endorsing these as everyday options. We feel that home cooking with fresh, organic produce is always the most beneficial way to eat, but there are times when you may need to know just which fast food chain to choose. Here is your answer.

Health.com’s panel of experts recently conducted a study of the top 100 fast food chains. Among other factors, they took into account healthy preparations, use of healthy fats, healthy sodium counts, use of organic produce and availability of nutritional information. Read more “5 Healthiest Fast Food Chains” →

Children

Kidnapping Our Children’s Health: Endocrine Disruptors

August 11, 2010February 19, 2012
by RejuvInstitute

Already suspected of causing weight gain, reproductive disorders, and a higher incidence of certain cancers, their reputation is only worsening. Endocrine disruptors—synthetic chemicals that mimic the activity of hormones with hazardous consequences—are believed to be exceptionally dangerous to child development.

Also referred to as “EDCs” (endocrine disrupting chemicals), endocrine disruptors attack the body by mimicking or disrupting the flow of messages from glands in the endocrine system, most notably the hypothalamus, pancreas, pituitary, thyroid, adrenal and reproductive organs. In healthy individuals, the hormones these glands produce serve as communication mechanisms for bodily needs. Endocrine disruptors alter the strength and flow of these signals causing the body to register distorted commands. Read more “Kidnapping Our Children’s Health: Endocrine Disruptors” →