Organic Vegetables and Health

Herbs can be used for a variety of things, in this article we will look at how herbs can be used to boost your sex life

Rhodiola Rosea

This plant, which grows in the Arctic region, has shown great promise in promoting a mojo couples. Extensively studied at Columbia University, researchers have found evidence that the herb can improve sexual desire, energy, performance, and orgasm in men and women. Other studies suggest that the herb may also help some men to prolong resistance. And for women, Rhodiola Rosea may counteract some of the unpleasant side effects of menopause. This herb is commonly found in any health store in pill form with no side effects or interactions with prescription have been reported.

Ginseng

Ginseng, which works similarly to Ginko Biloba (see below), increases blood flow through the legs of a man, but has also shown promise in helping women increase their desire, performance, energy, and orgasm. This is most likely because it affects the dopamine system, which is the complex system of the brain that researchers believe triggers the sexual desire. More than half of all men and women in studies with Ginseng report an improvement of “being in the mood” more often. In general, ginseng has been found to be perfectly safe for use, except in pregnant or breastfeeding, due to its estrogen-like effects. The only other common effect of its use is causing excitability, but that’s exactly what we’re here!

Maca (Peruvian Ginseng)

Better known as “Peruvian Ginseng”, this herb grows in the highlands of Peru. The Incas have conveyed the stories of legendary powers roots generations. Maca is known for the improvement of lust and orgasm in men and women, and having a, say, an effect similar to Viagra. Used to give added strength ancient Peruvian warriors in battle, also stayed away from women while the warriors were out (perhaps for fear of what transpired while they go?). This herb has shown fairly consistent results in animals and humans to increase endurance and libido in both sexes, as reported by Discovery Health. So far no cases of toxicity in this herb, which makes it relatively safe to take for almost anyone.

Horny Goat Weed

As its name implies, horny goat weed is a plant leaf, high altitude, which has long been believed that, er, increase libido. For men, in particular, this herb is thought to play a role in correcting erectile dysfunction or ED. The problem is that the herb appears to be inconsistent in its commercial preparation, which means that if you get a bad batch, will do what is assumed. This herb can be easier to digest in the form of tea and no side effects when taken in this way.

Kava

Kava has a very studied and documented the ability to calm nerves and reduce stress in men and women. One of the most common causes of decreased libido and sexual dissatisfaction is anxiety, tension, stress and other issues caused by relationships, work, or even the thought of sexual activity in itself. For many men, it only takes one time for tool failure, and will not be able to let go of that moment in his mind. Remain in force long after, making the development of what appears to be a form of erectile dysfunction. The mind is a powerful tool for improving health, but can also be a factor in our self-induced sexual dysfunction, if we leave. Although kava may help sexual dysfunction caused by self-induced mental problems, not notice much if any improvement on a real-diagnosed case of erectile dysfunction. You may have heard about this supplements questionable legal status, but is legal in all major countries except Canada and France, who simply do not know what they’re missing!

L-Arginine

This amino acid has been called a substitute for Viagra for men and women. It works in both sexes, increasing the amount of blood flow through the bodies Whoopee. The increased blood flow so that man will give a greater, stronger erection, while for women it can help in stimulating greater. Men can take L-Arginine in the form of herbal pills, while many women the best results are obtained by applying a cream directly where it counts.

Vitamin E

Some, like vitamin E to call the “sex vitamin”. It gets the name of a couple of reasons. One, Vitamin E is said to aid in the production of sex hormones, which aids in the attraction, desire and mood. Two, it prevents the age and disease, of course, indirectly, increases the longevity of one’s sex life. Some women prefer to use vitamin E as a lubricant during sex to increase substantially their experience. Always make sure that vitamin E did not reduce the effectiveness of a condom, if used, such as latex is prone to disintegrate with certain oil-based lubricants.

For the Guys…

Ginkgo Biloba

Many men know about the alleged effects of Ginko Biloba boost in the bedroom, but initial studies Ginko Biloba recognized for its ability to improve circulation and memory in adults. If you take the same conclusions, and apply to men with ED, we can see how increasing the circulation in theory could produce a strong erection. The same chemical, nitric oxide, which is stimulated by Ginko Biloba to relax the arterial walls in the circulatory system, also known to increase blood flow through tofu man’s dog. All scientific and technical jargon aside, basically works like Viagra. The most popular way to add the herb to your diet is through a pill or tablet form.

As for women only…

DHEA

DHEA, known by its full name as dehydroepiandrosterone, can not exactly be a natural herb or vitamin A but is a natural hormone produced by the adrenal glands. DHEA, which can now be purchased directly at the counter, can be used by women who experience age-related decreases in the hormone. It has been shown in studies to be a powerful tool to restore sexual desire. A dose of 50 mg was recommended by the New England Journal of Medicine in September 1999. In some circles of DHEA has even been called the equivalent of what should be Viagra for women. The use of this supplement should be discussed with your doctor before experimenting, because there is a slight chance of risk of heart attack, breast cancer, and unwanted hair growth (it is a male hormone, after all). Therefore, if you want good sex using DHEA, you may have to endure more shaving and increased spending lots of time in the tools section of Sears!

Why health benefits of these supplements are not being published on labels…

The reason you never find any of these claims on the bottle of one of these supplements is that the FDA does not allow non-prescription supplements to advertise health benefits. Why? One of the biggest problems over the counter supplements is poor standardization and regulation, which basically refers to the fact that no two manufacturers use the same method of extraction and the level of power in your product. This is why it is always a good idea to research before choosing a manufacturer’s products.

Safety First…

Although there is no evidence suggesting that these supplements may help improve sexual function should not be used to medicate a problem that should draw the attention of their physicians. Note that while these supplements are “natural”, that interact with your body and can react with other prescription drugs. In case of doubt whether a particular supplement is mentioned here is safe for you, talk to your doctor before trying it.

Adapted from Planet Green

Beautiful to behold in nature, many plants have been used medicinally for thousands of years. Here are ten proven medicinal herbs that scientists have tested in clinical studies. Few people are aware of the multitude of scientific studies done on plants. This information should not be used as medical advice.

Garlic

“If we were to design a drug that had perfect properties according to what we know about heart disease and associated risk factors, we couldn’t improve on garlic,” says Amanda McQuade-Crawford, herbalist and director of the Ojai Center of Phytotherapy in Ojai, Calif. Regular use of garlic is associated with the prevention of cardiovascular disease, she explains. Garlic raises protective HDLs (high-density lipoproteins), while it lowers harmful LDLs (low-density lipoproteins) and triglycerides (blood fats). Garlic is also known to help lower high blood pressure, she says. Garlic aids in cancer prevention by raising the body’s level of glutathione transferase, a liver enzyme known to detoxify the body of carcinogens, says McQuade-Crawford. In China, researchers found gastric cancer was reduced where garlic intake was high. Other researchers have noted improved helper/suppressor ratios of T-cells in AIDS patients who take garlic. Proven to work against various micro-organisms including bacteria resistant to antibiotics, garlic is known to be antifungal and antiviral, she adds.
Hawthorn

The berries of this flowering shrub are best used for the heart, says McQuade-Crawford. Hawthorn aids the heart’s pumping action by opening the coronary arteries to nourish the heart muscle. The herb can also slow a rapid heart rate and strengthen a failing heart. Hawthorn usually lowers high blood pressure, especially a raised diastolic high blood pressure, and it benefits low blood pressure due to weak heart muscles with arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm).

“Hawthorn takes a long time to do its best — six months or longer. In the style of a true herbal tonic, it can be taken safely and effectively over time for its best effects,” notes McQuade-Crawford.
Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba extract from the ginkgo tree has been shown to benefit visual function by improving microcirculation to the eyes especially among patients suffering from senile macular degeneration, a common condition thought to involve free radical damage, says Steven Schechter, N.D., author of Fighting Radiation & Chemical Pollutants With Foods, Herbs &Vitamins (Vitality, Ink).

More than 280 scientific studies indicate standardized ginkgo extract prevents and/or benefits ailments such as vertigo, tinnitus, inner ear disturbances, memory impairment, ability to concentrate, anxiety, depression, neurological disorders, senility, circulatory disorders, edema and Raynaud’s disease (a vascular disorder). Ginkgo extract improves the quality and increases the quantity of capillary circulation, thus increasing blood flow to the brain, heart and tissues in organs and glands, Schechter says. In addition, he notes, the flavonoids in ginkgo are potent free radical scavengers.
Ephedra

Also known in Chinese as ma huang, ephedra may be the world’s oldest herb cultivated for medicinal purposes, dating back nearly 5,000 years, says McQuade-Crawford. It’s commonly used in cold formulas as a decongestant.

“Ephedra is a great bronchial dilator,” McQuade-Crawford says. It helps asthma sufferers by opening the sinus passages and has an antihistamine effect which aids chronic and acute allergies. Ephedra also acts as a circulatory stimulant to blood pressure and heart function; it elevates blood pressure. Ephedra’s main constituent is ephedrine, which increases adrenaline secretion in our bodies. The boost you get from ephedra stimulates certain glands, muscles and tissue functions, while it suppresses others.

“In the long term, ephedra’s adrenaline overdrive can lead to chronic stress and even to degenerative disease,” warns McQuade-Crawford. She notes this is important for people using ephedra for dietary weight loss or “pep pill” purposes because the effects of ephedra linger in the body long after the herb is gone. “Ephedra shouldn’t be used with drugs for the heart or for the lungs and never with antidepressant drugs. It’s not for use with the weak or the ill and when used long term, dosages should be conservative,” McQuade-Crawford cautions.
Licorice

Licorice has been most recently researched as an antiviral and in the treatment of gastrointestinal ulceration, explains McQuade-Crawford. Its soothing, anti-inflammatory and relaxing actions help smooth muscles in the gastrointestinal tract on contact. “Licorice gets into a painful, contracted, tight digestive tract and coats the raw places, relaxes the clenched-up muscles and acts as a local anti-inflammatory,” she says. Licorice also increases bile secretion. Licorice is indicated for any gastrointestinal ulcers, including mouth ulcers. The root is indicated for chronic coughs and bronchitis as a soothing decongestant. It’s also indicated in small amounts to reduce sugar cravings.

The Chinese often use licorice to improve the taste and the effects of other herbs in complex formulas. Japanese research has shown licorice to decrease high testosterone levels in women with ovarian cysts and to increase their fertility. Large amounts of licorice or long-term use raises blood pressure in some people.
Bilberry

A strong antioxidant, bilberry benefits your circulatory system, eyes, heart and brain, and helps generate overall good health, says Schechter. Bilberry fruit contains a type of flavonoid called anthocyanosides, which are responsible for increasing flexibility of capillaries and increasing blood flow.

Research shows that standardized extract of bilberry can enlarge range of vision and improve sharpness of images, enhance ability to focus, and improve blurred vision, eyestrain and nearsightedness. Bilberry extract also helps strengthen coronary arteries and helps prevent atherosclerosis and venous insufficiency, which causes swollen ankles and feet. “Since adding bilberry to my own health program, I’ve noticed my muscles seem to recover slightly faster, I experience less muscular pain and my vision has improved from 20/100 to approximately 20/50,” says Schechter.
Echinacea

Decades of research prove echinacea’s value for aiding the immune system, Schechter explains. Studies have determined echinacea’s ability to activate white blood cells and stimulate the regeneration of the cellular connective tissue and the epidermis. Schechter notes that echinacea’s infection-fighting properties stem from its ability to neutralize a harmful enzyme involved in the infection process. Echinacea also increases two vital components of your immune system that consume and eliminate invading organisms and foreign particles.

German studies have shown echinacea extract contains proteins that help protect noninfected cells against viral infections, one reason why echinacea is regarded as an influenza preventor. Another German study found echinacea effective in allergy treatment because it helps prevent tissue inflammation due to harmful foreign toxins.
Milk Thistle

“I consider standardized milk thistle seed extract the most beneficial herbal product for liver detoxification, regeneration and protection, and, in general, one of the most universally necessary herbal products for the 1990s,” says Schechter. He notes that the stress of toxins from chemical pollutants, pharmaceuticals, alcohol, tobacco smoke, drugs and different forms of radiation have cumulative side effects that need to be addressed.

More than 120 scientific studies have shown that milk thistle extract regenerates, regulates and strengthens liver functions. Because free radicals attack the liver, primarily the fat tissue in the liver, the antioxidant qualities of milk thistle are extremely beneficial. Milk thistle stimulates your body to produce superoxide dismutase, which is one of two primary antioxidants the body can manufacture.
Astragalus

Astragalus has been used as an immunity booster in China for nearly 4,000 years, according to Rob McCaleb, founder of the Herb Research Foundation in Boulder, Colo. Astragalus extracts can increase immune system efficiency by increasing immune activity. One study found that astragalus extracts could increase the impaired immune function of blood cells up to and sometimes beyond normal cell ability.

According to Planetary Herbology (Lotus Press) by Michael Tierra, N.D., astragalus helps strengthen digestion, raise metabolism, strengthen the immune system and promote wound healing. It can also treat chronic weakness of the lungs, shortness of breath, low energy, prolapse of internal organs, spontaneous sweating, chronic lesions and deficiency edema.
Ginseng

Ginseng is one of the most widely studied herbs, having been the subject of more than 3,000 scientific studies to investigate how ginseng helps improve a person’s physical and/or mental performance, notes McCaleb. Studies have shown ginseng helps increase memory and learning by improving circulation. It’s also been shown to reduce cholesterol and protect the liver from toxins. Ginseng, according to Tierra, is known to strengthen the lungs, nourish body fluids and calm the spirit. It may be used for shock, collapse and heart weakness, as well as for promoting longevity and increasing resistance to disease.

A Japanese study showed cancerous liver cells could be reverted to normal cells in a Petri dish culture when treated with Panax ginseng extract. Siberian ginseng has also been shown to stimulate the immune system.

Oregano can be used for many things other than just a kitchen herb, and its medicinal uses are well documented in both Chinese and Western medicine. Before looking at the medicinal uses, however, a quick review of the herb itself and the active ingredients, will provide some of the theoretical information needed to understand these uses.

Oregano is also called pot marjoram, and is native to Europe; mainly the Mediterranean areas of Southern Europe, and also to central and southern Asia. It can be grown in most temperate climates and has a place in most herb gardens in the western world. Like many such plants, it is high in flavonoids that are well known for their antioxidant properties. It also possesses antibacterial properties that render the herb useful in the preservation of foods.

Used by the Chinese in the treatment of gastric problems, jaundice, vomiting and fever, oregano also contains the monoterpene phenol known as thymol that has strong antiseptic properties, and its isomer, carvacrol, another antibiotic that acts synergistically with thymol to increase the antibacterial effect of both. The ingredients of oregano oil are very similar to those found in thyme, which is used medicinally for much the same type of conditions as oregano.

Oregano extracts have been used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions such as those above that can be caused by microbial action, and also other conditions relating to the digestive, respiratory and immune systems. The overuse of prescription drugs for fairly common respiratory and digestive problems has resulted in the over-prescription of antibiotics. People tend to rush to their doctors at the first signs of a cough or a sneeze, and in the current litigious society, the physicians are loathe telling their patients the truth: that they are overreacting, and that they do not require antibiotics for their treatment.

Should the patient’s condition worsen the doctors find themselves at the receiving end of a massive claim for damages because the patient has had to take a few more days of work than they should have. Perhaps a slight exaggeration, but there is no doubt whatsoever that certain medications are being prescribed when there is no need, simply so that the physician cannot be accused of making the wrong call and the resultant financial cost that would ensue.

Hence, many respiratory and gastrointestinal problems are becoming more common, because they are becoming increasingly resistant to the common penicillin clones that are normally used to treat them. Natural remedies are becoming more popular because they are now becoming more effective than the more ‘traditional’ pharmaceutical antibiotics. Oregano oil is one of those that contain at least two very effective antibiotic and antimicrobial substances that act synergistically to help cure many bacterial digestive and respiratory problems.

Throat infections, pneumonia and diseases of the trachea and other upper respiratory infections are generally bacterial infections, and doctors and researchers are increasingly seeking more effective drugs to which the bacteria have not developed resistance. Wild oregano is one of these that have been described by ancient civilizations over 5 millennia ago as being suitable cures for heart and lung conditions, and also snake bites and other wounds.

Oregano oil is once again receiving prominence in the search for alternative cures to which bacteria have not become resistant. Thymol and carvacrol can aid digestion and also calm upset stomachs. Oregano combats digestive problems caused by bacteria and also reduces intestinal gas and similar general conditions. Many other plants have similar properties, such as thyme and marjoram, that share similar constituents, and it is likely its effect in suppressing microbial activity that renders oregano so effective in treating these problems.

Oregano extract is available in the form of Oil of Oregano for the treatment of these conditions, or the herb itself can be used in cooking and in salads. It is very aromatic and goes with practically any type of salad.

Its effect on respiratory problems is also likely due to the antibacterial action of the thymol and carvacrol. Oregano oil has also been found effective in treating toothache, earache and relieving the itch of insect bites. It contains a number of minerals, such as manganese, copper, iron, zinc, potassium and calcium, essential in human biochemistry, and vitamins A and C that are strong antioxidants. The effect of oregano in helping to support the immune system through its antioxidant effect is also likely to be a significant factor in its curative properties for so many diseases and infections.

Not only is it effective in killing off some campylobacter and staphylococcus infections, to name only two, but it has also been shown to be a potent agent in killing off the common amoeba Giardia lamblia, that causes flatulence, vomiting, diarrhea and other problems of the digestive tract. This could explain some of its curative effects for many gastrointestinal conditions.

Other uses are for the treatment of yeast, fungus and parasitic infections, such as candida, although you must make sure that in using oregano, you are using it in the right form. The oregano you use must be the oily extract, because dried oregano has few health benefits apart from its mineral content, and the oregano you buy from local store will not be the same.

If you are finding it difficult to throw off a bacterial infection, in spite of prescribed antibiotics, give oregano oil a try. Bacteria, yeasts and fungi do not become resistant to it, and you might be pleasantly surprised with the ease with you have resolved your problem. The same is true of any persistent digestive problem you might have. That could be due to amoeba (if serious), bacteria or parasites, and oregano can deal with each of these. It will not kill off all bacteria or parasites, but you will have a better chance of overcoming the bacteria by using it than if you didn’t try it.

Oregano is definitely more than a kitchen herb, and in fact it probably has more medicinal uses that culinary ones. Although you should seek the advice of your physician if you are pregnant, there are few side effects and it is well worth trying if you are finding it difficult to throw off your condition or infection. Oregano Oil extract is available at your local or internet health food store.

1. Organic products meet stringent standards -- Organic certification is the public’s assurance that products have been grown and handled according to strict procedures without persistent toxic chemical inputs.

2. Organic food tastes great! -- It’s common sense – well-balanced soils produce strong, healthy plants that become nourishing food for people and animals.

3. Organic production reduces health risks -- Many EPA-approved pesticides were registered long before extensive research linked these chemicals to cancer and other diseases. Organic agriculture is one way to prevent any more of these chemicals from getting into the air, earth and water that sustain us.

4. Organic farms respect our water resources -- The elimination of polluting chemicals and nitrogen leaching, done in combination with soil building, protects and conserves water resources.

5. Organic farmers build healthy soil -- Soil is the foundation of the food chain. The primary focus of organic farming is to use practices that build healthy soils.

6. Organic farmers work in harmony with nature -- Organic agriculture respects the balance demanded of a healthy ecosystem: wildlife is encouraged by including forage crops in rotation and by retaining fence rows, wetlands, and other natural areas.

7. Organic producers are leaders in innovative research -- Organic farmers have led the way, largely at their own expense, with innovative on-farm research aimed at reducing pesticide use and minimizing agriculture’s impact on the environment.

8. Organic producers strive to preserve diversity -- The loss of a large variety of species (biodiversity) is one of the most pressing environmental concerns. The good news is that many organic farmers and gardeners have been collecting and preserving seeds, and growing unusual varieties for decades.

9. Organic farming helps keep rural communities healthy -- USDA reported that in 1997, half of U.S. farm production came from only 2% of farms. Organic agriculture can be a lifeline for small farms because it offers an alternative market where sellers can command fair prices for crops.

10. Organic abundance – Foods and non-foods alike! -- Now every food category has an organic alternative. And non-food agricultural products are being grown organically – even cotton, which most experts felt could not be grown this way.

Watch this cool video

What is hydroponics gardening?
Derived from the Latin Hydro, meaning water and Geoponics, meaning the study of agriculture, hydroponics is the science of growing plants using a solution of suitable nutrients instead of soil. Most types of plant can be grown very successfully using hydroponics.

In conventional gardening the plants are grown in soil and take their nourishment from the chemical compounds contained within that soil. The hydroponic gardener replaces the soil with a balanced, nutrient rich, solution that the plant can absorb with ease. Because the plant does not have to work so hard to absorb the available nutrients it saves energy which can then be utilised for stronger growth.

Because of this energy saving, plants grown using hydroponic methods outperform conventionally produced plants in both growth and fruit production. Due to the consistent results and good profit margins, more and more commercial growers are turning to hydroponic production. Totally organic production is possible using specially designed organic nutrients, giving excellent, inexpensive, vegetables and herbs.

There are several different types of hydroponic system, but all share the same basic principle of supplying the plants with nutrients and water. The most common systems are:

Water Culture, Aquaculture, or Nutriculture
This is a Hydroponics system in which the plant roots are immersed in water containing a complex mixture of dissolved nutrients. A simple example of water culture is the Hyacinth bulb growing in a wine goblet shaped glass, its roots growing down into the hollow goblet stem.

Aggregate Culture
In this system a material such as sand, gravel, or marbles supports the plant roots. It is important to note that the support material, unlike soil, does not absorb nutrient. It merely traps it in the spaces between the grains or stones allowing the plant roots to freely take up the liquid.

Continuous Flow Hydroponics Systems
In these types of system the nutrient solution flows constantly over the plant roots. This is the most commonly used system for commercial production.

Aeroponics
This system is one in which the plant roots hang in the air and are misted regularly with a nutrient solution.

There are a number of pre-packaged hydroponics systems available for both the commercial grower and hobbyist. Individuals, who lack building skills, or are inexperienced plant growers, should consider one of these kits as an introduction to hydroponics, a fascinating and challenging hobby. Similar systems can be built at lower cost, however, by those of you who have the expertise.

The requirements for healthy, strong, disease-free plants are covered in my next article entitled — What do your plants need?

I will give you a quick rundown of what organic really means, and why I think people should only drink organic coffee.

1) No synthetic fertilizers or herbicides may be used to grow certified organic crops.

2) Certified organic foods may not contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

3) To be labeled 100% organic items may only contain organic ingredients (excluding water and salt).

4) Products baring the organic label must contain at least 95% organic certified ingredients, and the remaining 5% must be components
otherwise not available in an organic form.

5) The USDA organic logo is allowed to be be printed on any 100% organic or “Organic” item.

6) Agricultural products labeled “100 percent organic” and “organic” cannot be produced using forbidden methods, sewage sludge, or ionizing radiation.

I’m not trying to belabor this issue with boring organic labeling information, but you need to understand what you’re getting into with “organic” products. I know you may be wondering when we’re going to get to the organic coffee, we’ll here we go. According to the definition of “organic”, organic coffee must be at least 95% organic.

You may be thinking, “who cares if my coffee was grown organically?” well here’s a few reasons:

1) Synthetic herbicides are awful enough, but just consider, sewage sludge!

2) There’s the , I’m going to play mad scientist with your food, issue. I don’t want my cup of Joe to have wombat genes mixed in just so the beans can have less bitterness.

3) For you decaffeinated coffee drinkers, organic coffee is your best friend. Conventional decaffeinated coffees are decaffeinated using toxic organic solvents such as methylene chloride and ethyl acetate. Organic decaffeinated coffee is processed using hot water, and NO chemicals. There is epidemiological evidence to suggest that drinking conventional decaffeinated coffees is associated with an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis.

4) Chemicals are not good for the farmers. A lot of coffee farmers in 3rd world countries can’t read sufficiently, which may result in improper mixing of chemicals and inadequate protective clothing.

I could go on and on about why you should only purchase organic coffee. I haven’t even got into all the environmental damage that is caused by just manufacturing the pesticides and herbicides.

Lastly, one must think about the utter love and attention that comes from growing coffee organically. The farmers inspect and baby their crops, resulting in perfectly developed organic coffee. It’s never too late to start buying organic coffee. So give it a try, you may be surprised.

Just one 320-acre farm going organic equals 117 cars taken off of the road or 1,462,500 miles not driven!” That’s the conclusion of Chris Hill and Greg Bowman, contributors to the Rodale Institute’s NewFarm.org website which has been heavily involved in researching the impacts of conventional and organic farming.

Seems that buying organic food—be it oranges, carrots, soybeans, or lentils—can be an effective way of shrinking your carbon footprint and living green. That’s because organic farming is a powerful atmospheric scrubber. By cultivating diverse crops, organic crops are better able to sequester carbon. In otherwise, they serve as a carbon sink.

But why is growing organic food better at carbon sequestration than growing food conventionally with fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides? Over their 23-year comparison of organic and conventional corn-soybean farming systems, these were the conclusions gathered:

• Retention of organic matter: A general rule of thumb in farming is that the more organic matter is retained in the soil, the more carbon is sequestered. Organic farming generally makes use of animal manure and cover crops as a means of amending the soil; conventional farming on the other hand uses chemicals which deplete the organic matter found in soil. Pound for pound, organic farming adds rather than takes away soil organic matter and therefore helps to sequester carbon.

• Lower fuel consumption: Organic farming systems use about one third less fossil fuels compared to conventional cropping systems because of a lower dependence on heavy machinery. This lower dependence in fossil fuels results in fewer greenhouse gases expended to grow the same amount of food.

These two factors make for a great climate solution. In fact, if the US were to participate in the Kyoto protocol, it could meet 73% of its proposed targets by converting all 160 million acres of corn and soybean farmland to organic farming methods! That would be like taking nearly 60 million cars off the road.

So in addition to organic foods’ better flavor and higher nutrient content, organic food can help you lower your greenhouse gas emissions! Buying organic from the grocery store, therefore, is a great way to shrink your carbon footprint.

If you want to further enhance your environmental impact, grow your own organic food using, compost, natural fertilizers and soil amendments! This is a cost-effective way to get your daily nutrients and a fun activity for the whole family.

Related articles by Zemanta

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• Does Organic Mean Healthier? (blisstree.com)
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It’s like clockwork. Every few days a new organic natural body care product hits the market with promises of a soft, youthful skin. Sucked in by the slick marketing for the product, many people buy it only to find out its just like the other ones they have used before, without any results.

To find out an effective organic natural body care product, you need not try each and every product in the market. Just a few simple checks are enough to separate the wheat from the chaff. Here’s a small checklist that will help you do that quickly – Check the product ingredients for any chemicals inside.
The problem with most common skin products is – they contain harsh chemicals which negate any positive effect of the cream. Chemicals like parabens – which can cause cancer in the long run. Mineral oil, although used for moisturizing the skin, actually makes it even drier and dependent on the oil.

You should avoid such products completely. There are natural products out there which provide much better results without the risk of any side effects.

- Check if its 100% natural
This is really important. Use only a natural body care product. Not only will it be devoid from side effects, but natural products are typically more effective and provide long lasting results too.

- What all does it do for your skin?
A good organic natural body care product should provide a complete solution for the skin. Ingredients like Phytessence Wakame can do exactly that.

This Japanese sea kelp refreshes and rejuvenates the skin in many ways. It provides a multitude of vitamins and minerals to the skin to keep it healthy. It also helps keep the skin smooth and firm by preventing the breakdown of hyraluronic acid in it. To top it off, it protects the skin from the damage caused by the UV rays of the sun also.

Cynergy TK is a very effective anti aging ingredient. It enhances Collagen and Elastin production in the body. This helps in keeping the skin firm, elastic, and wrinkle free.

Grapeseed Oil moisturizes the skin deeply and is a strong anti oxidant too. It is really effective at healing the skin around the eyes also.

- Are there any satisfied customers?
The presence of testimonials from past customers is a good indicator of a quality product. Check for this on the vendor’s website.

So there you have it. A few basic checks, and you will have an effective, organic natural body care product in your hands. That’s all that is needed for a fresh young skin.

Have you ever wondered if there’s a truly pure organic natural skin care face cream? A healthy skin care product that helps reverse aging signs, moisturize and revitalize your skin? Let’s face it, we can’t turn back the clock when it comes to the aging process. But, by using effective ingredients found in a face cream, your skin will look younger, healthier and vibrant.

To understand why your skin ages in the first place is good to know. Why? Because, then you’ll know which ingredients to look for in a quality organic natural skin care face cream.

These are the three main reasons your skin begins showing signs of aging:

i) it’s less efficient at destroying cell damaging free radicals
ii) the hyaluronic acid levels decrease
iii) the collagen and elastin production slows down

It’s also important to know what should be avoided in skin care products. Harmful chemical ingredients like: mineral oils that clog the pores and interfere with your skin’s ability to eliminate toxins; fragrance since many pretty smells are toxic or carcinogenic; and, parabens given that they’re used as preservatives that may cause allergic reactions and skin rashes.

Therefore, effective natural ingredients are the safe and healthy way to go.

What to Look for in a Quality Organic Natural Skin Care Face Cream

Because the ingredients have been clinically tested on human volunteers, take a look at the following substances that reverse aging signs, moisturize and revitalize your skin.

1. Babassu Oil — a light, natural wax that softens and soothes your skin giving it a “velvet like” feel. It creates an invisible barrier that retains moisture but keeps out dirt and grime. This natural oil is made from the kernel of the fruit of Babassu palm and has been used for centuries to soothe the skin. It gently moisturizes your skin without making it oily.

2. Maracuja — a special passion fruit extract. This is a natural emollient very similar to the structure of human skin. It’s rich in an essential fatty acid (linolenic acid) which helps nourish and revitalize your skin.

3. Cynergy TK — a natural ingredient that reverse your skin’s aging signs. A New Zealand skin care company developed a method of naturally boosting collagen and elastin production. Because is causes your body to produce its own natural supply of collagen and elastin proteins, it increases the formation of new skin cells, improves skin elasticity and moisture, and provides antioxidant properties that stop cell damaging free radicals.

Make no mistake about it. All organic natural skin care ingredients mentioned in this article work to enhance your beautiful skin and are found in other quality products. All products are safe, healthy, effective and from a high quality skin care company located in New Zealand. A company committed to using only natural substances.

Visit my website today for more information so you will to be able to make an educated decision on what to look for in the best organic natural skin care face cream.

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Organic farming refers to the approach through which farmers cultivate and develop agricultural produce such as dairy products, vegetables, fruits, grains and meat. Organic farming is designed to promote water and soil preservation and lessen pollution and its effects on the environment. Farmers who cultivate organic products and rear animals do not utilize conventional techniques to prevent livestock disease, control weeds or even fertilize their soils. Organic farming refers to the process through which farmers grow their food, which is mainly done through the use of natural methods with no application of any synthetic methods.

There are various ways in which conventional farming differs from organic farming. For conventional farming, the farmers apply synthetic chemical fertilizers to improve the growth of the plants while an organic farmer would simply apply ordinary fertilizer like animal waste or compost manure to add nutrients to the soil for the plants to utilize. The conventional methods of farming advocate for the use of insecticides and pesticides to control pests and diseases while the organic method prefers the advantageous utilization of birds and insects or even disrupting the pests mating season or trapping the pests.

Conventional farming allows the use of chemical herbicides to control or eradicate weeds while organic farming recommends the rotation of crops, tilling, hand picking or mulching to control the weeds. Conventional farming techniques require animals to be given antibiotics and medicines to control disease as well as growth hormones to spur faster growth of animals. On the contrary, for organic farming, animals are given organic food. They also are given a chance to roam in the fields and the use of other preventative methods such as maintaining clean housing, a balanced diet and rotational grazing, which assist in minimizing diseases, are practiced.

Organic foods are gaining popularity as many people try to avoid the risks that are associated with conventional foods. Many people are concerned about the risks the pesticides sprayed on the crops to control pests and diseases may hinder their own children’s development. Studies have shown that organic foods reduce the risk of exposure of children to pesticides used in farming. Organic foods are also seen to be beneficial to not only the individual but also the environment as a whole. It helps by preventing pollution as well as preserving the ecosystem and the wildlife all together. Some farmers chosen organic foods because they believe they taste better, are fully flavored and juicy as opposed to the conventional foods, which only give a good psychological feeling when consumed.

The dispute opposing the consumption of conventional foods is based on their deficiency in nutrients. Studies have proved that the organic foods contain a wide range of nutrients and in various varieties. A study on organic milk discovered that there are 67 percent more omega 3 and 6 nutrients, antioxidants and vitamins than in conventional milk. Organic foods are also not modified genetically and do not contain preservatives or other additives. Organic farming is considered the best option by many people.

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