September 2009 Newsletter: Benefits of Organic
Hi Everyone,
Welcome to the September newsletter from www.OrganicFood.com.au We specialise in the home delivery of delicious, fresh Organic Mixed Boxes and Fresh Organic Fruit, Veges and Groceries across Sydney and Melbourne. Its healthy, natural, FRESH produce conveniently delivered to your door!
Benefits of Organic
You may have read some recent media about a UK study claiming that research shows organic food is not better for you. You may also have read about the backlash of disagreement that came from around the world in response to this research!
Just to clarify a few important points - firstly, the research in question didn't actually perform any new study, it simply anlaysed a selected sample of other studies that had been performed. Secondly, the samples chosen ignored many of the most recent studies performed in Europe and the USA since February 2008. These recent studies included positive findings in relation to organic food. In particular, the UK study ignored the preliminary findings from the largest ever study commissioned by the EU showing 20-40% more antioxidants in organic food.
A similar review to the UK study performed in the USA in March 2008 applied more rigorous selection criteria to exclude poorer quality studies and found that nutrient levels in organic food averaged 25% higher than conventional foods.
Of course, even ignoring the nutrient debate, there are many other benefits from organic food, including avoiding pesticides, avoiding hyper-activity causing additives, better taste and many, many environmental benefits.
A quote from Shane Heaton, nutritionist from the Biological Farmers Association (BFA - Australia's largest representative body for the organic industry)
"I know there is ample evidence of nutritional benefits in organic food. It is unfortunate that the media gives little attention to studies confirming the benefits of organics, but when a review comes out claiming there are no benefits its big news!".
Organic Grocery Products of the Month
We continue to add to our great range of groceries, check out a selection of some recently added products to our website. With the warmer weather just around the corner, featured products this month are
- a great organic sunscreen from Soleo which uses only natural and organic ingredients, prepared on naturopathic principles without the use of chemical-UV absorbers, titanium dioxide or synthetic preservatives, and
- an all natural insect repellant from Herbon, containing no petrochemicals, artificial ingredients or animal products. Prepare for summer the natural organic way!
Click here to check out our full range of Certified Organic Grocery Products.
Organic Baby Clothing
We know many of you are interested in a broad range of organic topics, so we include a piece this month from ettitude™-stylish. practical. ethical.
Why choosing Organic Cotton Clothing for your baby by ettitude.com.au
What is organic cotton?
Organic cotton starts with organic farming practices, which uses seeds that haven't been genetically modified or treated with pesticides. It is then grown free of toxic chemicals -- highly synthetic and destructive fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides or pesticides. Pest control is accomplished through the use of natural predators and other sustainable practices (such as crop rotation). From growth through harvesting, the process is monitored according to a set of Organic Growing Standards adopted by governmental bodies.
Why is organic cotton better than conventional cotton?
Considered by many to be a pure natural fibre, conventional cotton actually has an incredibly chemically-intensive growing process. Conventional cotton is less than 3% of the world’s agriculture, but uses 25% of the world’s insecticides and 10% of the world’s pesticides. Seven of the most common pesticides used on cotton are “known, probable or likely” to be human carcinogens according to the EPA, causing, among others, cancer, birth defects, and nervous system disorders.
Regardless of where these farms are located, the pesticides used often find their way into the human food chain. For example, cottonseed oil is used in processed foods, beef and dairy cows are fed cotton straw and other cotton waste. Many food crops are often grown in rotation with cotton. Organic cotton are not sprayed with harmful pesticides, fungicides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers, which in turn helps save our water, air and environment as a whole. Organic methods of agriculture are inherently better for our bodies, our homes, our planet and for future generations.
A baby’s skin is five times thinner than that of an adult, making it far easier for dangerous and harmful toxins to enter their bodies. Organic baby clothing is free of toxic residue, making them and you, more comfortable with what they are wearing. Organic cotton is also thicker, softer and longer lasting than conventional cotton clothing that has been chemically processed.
If you are interested in organic cotton baby clothing, the healthiest choice for your baby's skin, visit www.ettitude.com.au.
Organic Toys?
The organic philosophy is spreading to so many industries now, including toys! Thanks to Melinda from EcoToys for a brief introduction to this space...
Babies learn about their world by touching, smelling and tasting objects. We all know they love putting things in their mouth so why take the risk of letting them chew on something that is toxic? At Eco Toys we ensure that all our baby soft toys and teethers are made from certified organic cotton inside and out making them a wonderful and safer toy for your baby to play with. Eco Toys is an online store owned by a mum who is focused on providing a safe and eco friendly alternative to plastic toys. Our toys are handcrafted by highly skilled craftspeople in Australia and in fair trade conditions. They are all made from 100% natural & organic materials, obtained from sustainable sources and only safe, non-toxic paints are used.
Exercise Tips - Warming Up
This months piece is brought to you by Michael Berry, from Vivos Active. Michael runs group and personal training sessions in the northern beaches of Sydney.
Warming up is a very important part of being active, no matter if it is a training session, a game of netball or kicking the footy around when your legs are tight.
Have a global warm up with something like walking, jogging or shadow boxing, an activity that is going to get your heart rate up and start directing more blood to the working muscles, increase the joint integrity and start metabolizing more fuel. Then start some range of movement exercises, like freestyle or hip rotations, working through the body moving all our joints around checking for tension or dysfunction.
Do some static stretching for a short duration approximately 5-10 seconds on each stretch, where each stretch is light and done a number of times for each one. While you are warming up it is a great time to start focusing on your diaphragm breathing, posture and core muscles.
Finish your warm up by linking it to your activity where you start to do some specific actions that you will do during the activity but more controlled or at a lower intensity.
Recipe of the Month
Again brought to you by Georgina, our customer from the northern beaches, and talented chef from her great cooking school Simply Sumptuous Foods. Mention this newsletter when you register for a cooking class and Georgina will give you 10% off the cost of your class! If you have been inspired by Masterchef, now could be the time to get some training from an expert!
Avocado, Almond & Orange Couscous Serves 4
- 200gm Couscous
- 200ml vegetable stock
- 1 Avocado, roughly diced
- ½ red capsicum, finely diced
- 1 tbsp almond slices, toasted
- 1 tbsp pine nuts, toasted
- 1 tbsp pumpkin seeds
- 2 oranges, segmented
- Juice of 1 orange
- ½ punnet cherry toms, cut in half
- 30ml white wine vinegar or cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Walnut or Hazelnut oil
- ¼ bunch mint, finely chopped Salt Pepper
Place couscous in a bowl and pour over stock, cover and stand for 5 minutes. Make vinaigrette by mixing the vinegar and oil together. Pour dressing over the diced avocado and gently mix.
Stir couscous with a fork to break up the particles add the seeds, nuts, orange segments, tomatoes, capsicum, mint and season.Mix through the vinaigrette and avocado and serve.
Check out some more great recipes on our website.
Thanks for your interest in the organic market and the environment....any queries about our shopping service please visit www.organicfood.com.au or contact Leonie@OrganicFood.com.au.
Adam, Amanda, Leonie and the team at OrganicFood.com.au