Organic Produce and the Dirty Dozen

One of the greatest differences in organic fruits and vegetables lies in how the food is grown, handled and processed. Because organic foods aren’t treated with preservatives and waxes, you may find that organic fruits and vegetables spoil more quickly than non-organic varieties.

Organic fruits and vegetables also aren’t sprayed with herbicides and pesticides, which leave a residue on the food – something many people want to reduce their exposure to whenever possible. Organic farming methods are also designed to conserve water and soil while reducing pollution, making organic foods more environmentally friendly. There is a price for these farming practices however. While these methods encourage the growth of fruits and vegetables free from herbicides and pesticides, it often means that the farming method is more labor intensive, increasing the price of the food.

If you’re interested in shopping organic and there’s a limited supply at your local supermarket, you can look for local farmers’ markets, organic foods and community supported agriculture near you. Check out this link to find out what’s being grown and harvested in your surrounding area.  Continue reading “Organic Produce and the Dirty Dozen”

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Where Do Flowers Come From?

Did you know that Mother’s Day accounts for one-fourth of the floral purchases made for holidays? More than a third (35%) of adults (37% of men; 34% of women) bought flowers or plants as gifts for Mother’s Day 2011. That sure is a lot of flower picking.

Wonder where all those pretty blooms come from?

Just like fruits and veggies, many cut flowers have pesticides. So before you put you take a deep whiff of that bouquet (or let your children do that), keep this in mind…

Most cut flowers from flowers shops in Canada and the US come from Columbia and Ecuador and, according to the Washington, DC-based International Labor Rights Forum (ILRF), an advocacy organization aimed at establishing just and humane treatment of workers around the world, workers on some flower farms in Colombia and Ecuador are regularly exposed to toxic chemicals that have been linked to respiratory problems, rashes, miscarriages, premature births, and congenital malformations.  Continue reading “Where Do Flowers Come From?”

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Increase in Autism Rates

A new report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 in 88 American children has some form of autism spectrum disorder. That’s a 78% increase in 10 years.

The increase in numbers are attributed to better diagnosis, broader diagnosis, and better awareness. However, according to Mark Roithmayr, president of the advocacy group Autism Speaks, the reason for about 50% of the increase is unknown.

Research has pointed to environmental changes as one of the reasons for this increase. The three BIG environmental influences seem to be:

1) Pesticides: Infants and small children should be consuming organic foods as much as possible. Especially when it comes to fruits, vegetables and dairy.

2) Overuse of antibiotics: Ear infections are very common in children and so is prescribing antibiotics. Most ear infections are viral and will not be helped by antibiotics. Overuse can cause resistance to superbugs, as well as lowered immunity. Continue reading “Increase in Autism Rates”

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Pesticides Linked to ADHD

A study published in the journal Pediatrics has linked the level of pesticides consumed in foods to doubling the risk of developing ADHD in children.

Researchers used data collected from almost 1,140 children participating in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey,” including pesticide by-products found in urine. They found that in that group, 119 children met the criteria for ADHD.

Children with substantially higher levels of a breakdown product of neurotoxic organophosphate pesticides were twice as likely to be diagnosed with ADHD. The researchers concluded that parents should buy organic food for their kids. Many other researchers stress the importance of women eating organic at least 6 months before conception, and throughout pregnancy, too.

According to Environmental Working Group (EWG), these are the top 10 foods that you should buy as organic, because they contain the highest levels of pesticides: Continue reading “Pesticides Linked to ADHD”

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Is Your Diet Helping or Hurting Your Health?

Your diet creates your foundation of health. Are you making food choices that support or hinder your health?

Unfortunately, we are seeing many unhealthy trends in the American diet. It is important to keep in mind that your eating habits and food choices have the ability to either help or exacerbate many common health complaints such as headaches, fatigue, acid reflux and indigestion, insomnia, and obesity. Below is a list of eating trends that can negatively affect one’s health. These trends put stress on the body and contribute toward inflammation, obesity, and nutrient deficiencies, as well as increase risk factors for various chronic diseases.

  • Eating out more often, much of it being fast food
  • Eating on the run (in the car, at your desk, in front of the TV, etc.)
  • Eating more processed foods (containing high salt, sugar, refined oils, artificial colors, preservatives, unhealthy fats, synthetic ingredients, and other additives) Continue reading “Is Your Diet Helping or Hurting Your Health?”
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Our Bloggers

  • Paula Gallagher
    Paula Gallagher
    Paula is a highly qualified and experienced nutrition counselor on the staff at Village Green.
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    Margo Gladding
    Margo's impressive knowledge base is the result of a unique blend of educational and professional experience.
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    Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Barnard leads programs advocating for preventive medicine, good nutrition, and higher ethical standards in research.
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    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, ND is a pioneer of integrative medicine and a leading authority on science-based natural medicine.
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    Debi Silber
    Debi is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition, a personal trainer, and whole health coach.
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    Teri Cochrane
    Teri is a is a Certified Coach Practitioner with extensive certifications and experience in holistic medicinal practices.
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    Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker is a holistic family physician, health educator, and best-selling author.
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    Susan Levin
    Susan writes about the connection between plant-based diets and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.
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    Dr. Rob Brown
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