Organic fruits and vegetables are by definition grown without the use of pesticides and grown from soil that it continuously worked on so as to replenish its mineral content.
Agreeably, The price of Organic products are still considered steep as compared to what isn't Organic.
There is a Non Profit Organization called The Environmental Working Group (EWG) who advocates for policies that protect global and individual health. Having conducted tests and studies on the Effects of Pesticides EWG came up with The Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Products to aid consumers in making their consideration and choices.
Of the 43 different fruit and vegetable categories in the Guide to Pesticides, twelve foods have been founded to have the lowest pesticide load when conventionally grown. Consequently, they are the safest conventionally grown crops to consume:
• Broccoli
• Eggplant
• Cabbage
• Banana
• Kiwi
• Asparagus
• Sweet peas (frozen)
• Mango
• Pineapple
• Sweet corn (frozen)
• Avocado
• Onion
on the other hand, Of the 43 different fruit and vegetable categories tested, the following fruits and vegetables had the highest pesticide load, making them the most important to buy or grow organic:
• Peaches
• Apples
• Sweet bell peppers
• Celery
• Nectarines
• Strawberries
• Cherries
• Lettuce
• Grapes (imported)
• Pears
• Spinach
• Potatoes
Sources:
• DrWeil.com July 30, 2008
• FoodNews.org Printable Shopper’s GuideLabels: ana-mari, anamarie, Organic, organic thoughts
If We are to breakdown our bodies into mineral components, an average person will amount to the following and its approximate percentage:
Oxygen 65%
Carbon 18%
Hydrogen 10%
Nitrogen 3%
Calcium 1.5%
Potassium .35%
Phosphorus 1.0%
Sulphur .15%
Chlorine .15%
Magnesium .05%
Iron .004%
Iodine .00004%
Other trace minerals .8%
The above mentioned elements do not exist in our bodies as individual state, but in organic combinations with each other. They are found and variously distributed in the tissues and fluids.
In our foods, they are categorized as Protiens, Carbohydrates, fats, water. minerals, vitamins and indigestable portions such as bulk or roughage in the form of cellulose.
If it were not for the 1.5% calcium in the human body, and the Phosphorus and Magnesium,we would probably be crawling as there would be no bones to hold us up. If it were not for the iron, we would not have any color. Without silicon in our body chemistry there would be no fingernails, no eyebrows, no eyelashes. etc.
As we live, the mineral reserves of our bodies are continuously being used and we replenish them through the foods we eat.
Our Food Source is of the Earth--most of it grows from the soil. Directly or indirectly. The plants. The animals that eat plants.
If we reduce the soil and analyze its components, We will find that it is composed of the very same minerals that we, and all else are made of.
The absence of pesticides and bioradical fertilizers in growing our foods doesn't alone qualify our vegetables and meats as organic.
This the purpose Organic Farming. To ensure the quality of soil from which our plants grow on and our animals feed on.
Organic Farmers takes on the task of remineralizing and restoring the soil.
Working with natural aids found in Nature herself so that we can also replenish and restore our mineral loss through the foods we eat.
if you see a stick suddenly move
with nothing carrying it or lifting it
Chances are.. it is a walking stick
If you see a leaf moving and directed on its own volition
that is probably a Katydid
the walking stick and the katydids share some things in common
they don't look like insects
not very social.. meaning they don't live in groups
the way they were designed by our Creator is their very defense mechanism
that is why they are called "happy-go-lucky passers-by"
and aren't harmful to man and plants
they feed on leaves but as "meals and not
like its the only purpose they were born to do
They are interesting to watch..
Maters of Disguises but not of Disgust
Somehow it reminded me of the story of
"the Ant and the Grasshopper"
You know Ants.. very resourceful
always stacking up
never idle
and the grasshopper...
singing along
taking its time..
could be any of these happy go lucky dudes
...the ant and the walking stick
...or the Ant and the Katydid
but since they're not readily visible for kids to refer to
lets stay with the grsshopper
What I am trying to say is that...
true that there is a moral to the story
of the Ant and the Grasshopper
but true now also
is that even insects have different dispositions
and sense of purpose
we can and should respect that
more than respect, we can learn from them
Because even among them insects
they know that nothing is inconsequential
And perhaps
that is the moral of the story
After all...
Labels: insects, organic gardens, organic thoughts
Nightfall..
When your eyes have adjusted to the dark
you just might notice a tiny blinking light
yellow-greenish glow
flashing
moving almost out from nowhere
It could be a firefly
and it is okay to wish that it is
Fireflies are also known as glow worms
their blinking light is produced by special organs
from their abdomen
the glow that goes on and off
a coded signal
it is an insect's big body talk
to attract a mate
Where Fireflies abound
there is one among them designated as the Pacemaker
He flashes his light
and like symphony
all others begin to flash their lights
in a certain pattern
Fireflies lighting up a whole tree
It is a sight to behold and
a moment to cherish
it Reminds you of Christmas
or of many tinkerbells
Of my many happy childhood memories to recall
seeing a firefly
catching one
putting it in a bottle
and bringing it home to my mom
was one of them
(Oh.. my mom asked me to set it free before she tucked me to bed)
now, grown up and all..
marvelling at the sighting of one or two
is a treasured moment shared with my boys
shared with good company
or simply shared with myself
Labels: fireflies, organic thoughts
in case you are wondering
These are Aphids and what they look like
they are also called plant lice
this is what they can make your plants look like
Aphids decrease the groth rate of our plants
mottles its leaves
stunts their growth
leaves curl, brown and wilt
and die
Gardeners and Farmers are wary of these pests
wheteher you do it the Organic way or not
and you should be
however
Most growers control aphids using conventional or biorational pesticides.
if its not aphids and the other pests
its the pesticides that permeates into the plant's system
that you also bring inside your body when you eat your vegetables and greens
both are harmful really
so you know why we value our "Little heroes"
the lady bug, master Mantis
there are others worthy of mention
such as the bees, wasps, spiders earthworms, dragonflies
they deserve more credit than we give them
next time you look at your vegetables and Salad greens..
or at your plants
or breathe the air
Ponder... Organic thoughts
Labels: organic community, organic farming, organic gardens, organic thoughts, villains
Master Mantis is Our Kung Fu Hero in the Organic Community
Unlike the Ladybug
Master Mantis doesn't look very friendly and accommodating
this serves as his defense over you coming too near
to stop you on your tracks
and subdue your inclination of squashing him with your foot
or the least,
throwing a stone at him
Having earned his place in the world of Bushido
or Martial Arts... particularly Kung Fu
His Fighting Style and form are of speed and continuous attacks.
It may be so
but You are not his fight nor his engagement
His war is to help Organic Farmers
control and eradicate
the "bad guys" such as the Aphids and other insects
that harm our land and produces
with the help of the other heroes
Chemical sprays are kept out as an option
here's a few more things to tell your children,
your date
or your significant other about Master Mantis..
- Brown or green, they camouflage so well they are almost difficult to spot
- they are silent and patient and still in their stalking
- they can turn their heads 180 degrees to scan their surroundings
- and have excellent eyesight for a fact. seeing movement up to 60 feet away
It may take awhile to sum up the courage to come close
much more scoop him in your hands
but you can and may
but gently and calmly please
Labels: heroes, kung fu, manti, organic community, organic farming, organic thoughts
If you happen to spot a ladybug in a garden,around the home or just outdoors..
breathe the air and consider yourself lucky and blessed
their presence is a sign that the Environment or land you are in is Good..
You may try touching it as they are relatively harmless
Most ladybugs are red with black dots on their backs
but the dots may come also the yellow or white
some ladybugs wear stripes instead of dots
the black looking ladybug is also a ladybug
Ladybugs are mighty helpful to Farmers and Gardeners
they play an important part and are regarded as "GARDEN HEROES"
Ladybugs are carnivorous
not flesh as we know and have
but flesh of their kind --plant eating insects
particularly Aphids
the presence of Aphids is a "not-a-good-sign" looking insect in the farm or garden
so..
among the earliest known form and method of natural pest control
is the ladybug
Aphids are their favorires
Oh..
Ladybugs hibernate in the cold months and winter..
you might not see much of them in the coming months
its their way to survive the chills
clustering up in many numbers together and sleep the cold through
if you find them huddled in a tree bark, or some quiet shed
please... please do not disturb
allow these heroes a break
to us who advocate the Organic Way
they help triumph our purpose
as for you
they're a nice animate point of reference to show and tell
to your kids..
your freinds..
your date ..
your wife..
husband too..
Anamarie
Ana-mari.comLabels: heroes, insects, ladybug, organic farms, organic gardens
The manner of it.
Have a basin wide enough to accommodate both feet.
Fill it with hot water.
When nearly full, add a fourth cup of Rice wine.
Drop the lemon wedges.
Slowly immerse your feet in the basin. Enjoy.
It will ease your tired, sore mind and will warm and stimulate you back to circulation.
Don’t be surprised if the water turns murky. Those are the toxins. The ricewine and citrus have certain aiding properties that eliminates toxins.
This is a Japanese bath ritual. Considered ancient and sacred. It has been passed down orally from one generation to another.. You can actually have a full body soak, if you have the luxury of time and amenities.
The rice wine is rather inexpensive unless you prefer the real Sake. You’ll find these in the Supermarket or Healthfood store.
Lemons are not hard to find nor acquire. You just might have one in your kitchen right now. Usually I squeeze the juices in the hot water and leave the rind afloat.
Be it a twenty minute soak or an hour. .while you sit reading, researching, blogging, re-organizing mentally…
a little and simple self-indulgence makes a whole lot of difference.
I do this little treat for myself once in awhile so can and would recommend it. If you do want to try it out.. Please do but please proceed with understanding . I will assume the common sense that you know of your skin's sensitivity. Rice wine and Citruses have astringent properties.
Let me know…
Anamarie
Ana-mari.com
