Farm Communities » Eating Healthy

Becoming a vegetarian

admin — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 22:09:08 +0000

There are many ways people employ to help their bodies become stronger and capable of fighting diseases that are usually caused by the things that people enjoy these days. Most of the diseases that people experience are caused by the unhealthy eating practices and the unnatural food choices that people are exposed to. As children, there are a lot of individuals who have been used to eating these unhealthy foods making them want the same kind of lifestyle until they grow older. When this happens, the body systems are not anymore able to control and fight against the toxins that enter the body causing the problems and complications on people’s health.

Becoming a vegetarian is one of the most usual actions that people take to become healthy. Whether it would be for losing weight, changing eating habits, or just simply wanting to live healthily, there are numerous reasons why people opt to become vegetarians. There are also individuals who would want to show their concern for animals by avoiding eating their meat or their products because they believe that these are harmful and abusive to animals. But overall, ensuring the health and safety of a person should always be a main aspect of changing the way that a person eats.

In becoming a vegetarian eater, there are no certain rules that need to be followed or a plan to be devised. The only thing that is common among all vegetarians is the fact that they do not consume red meat. The kinds of vegetarian eating differ from one person to another, but there are certain types that consume food similarly as the others.

Vegan: Vegan eaters are those that do only eat fruits, vegetables, grains, seeds, and nuts. They strictly consume food that comes from the soil and none of those that come from animals. There are vegans that rigorously practice their lifestyle by avoiding even very small portions of animal by products such as pastries and gelatin. A subgroup of vegan eaters is the raw vegans that only eat unprocessed or uncooked vegan food items.

Lacto vegetarian: This type of vegetarians eats the same kinds as that of vegans but could also consume dairy products. Lacto vegetarians avoid eating any kind of meat, poultry, and poultry products.

Ovo-Lactovegetarian: Vegetarians who consume animal products in their diet except for its meat is pertained to as an ovo-lactovegetarian. They can consume processed, cooked, and baked foods that contain dairy and poultry products, such as milk, cheeses, and eggs.

Semi-vegetarians: There are some people who simply avoid red meat and eat all others. Semi-vegetarians are the most flexible types of vegetarians because they eat all kinds of food.

Fruitarians: These are extreme types of dieters who avoid eating all kinds of food except for fruits that are fresh and uncooked.

Pesci-vegetarians: Individuals who avoid all forms of meat except for fish are under this category. People who are experiencing health problems and complications choose this type of eating pattern because of the many advantages provided by fish.

Pollo-Vegetarians: Vegetarians that consume meat that only comes from poultry like chicken, duck, and turkey, as well as its products and the usual vegan diet. Other kinds of meat are avoided by pollo-vegetarians.

Regardless of the type of vegetarian eating a person chooses, it is a decision that should be made by considering the health of a person. Much research and consultation may also be sought in order to find the best eating pattern to have. There are many health benefits can be resulted from by becoming a vegetarian and all these have been studied and proven by professionals and people who have changed their eating patterns.

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The Importance of Fiber in Our Diets

admin — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:56:21 +0000

Dietary fiber, also known as bulk or roughage, is a type of carbohydrate which cannot be digested by human alimentary enzymes. It only passes through the digestive system without breaking down into smaller nutrients, yet it gives numerous benefits to our body. Healthy eating is necessary in improving your health and eating foods rich in fiber is one of the most important steps.

Fiber is a substance that is usually found in the outer layers of plants. When included in the diet, it provides bulk and suppresses appetite which makes you feel full. High fiber food absorbs water that causes it to swell. This is especially good for people who want to loose or maintain their body weight.

Fiber is broken down in the colon through fermentation and the simple organic acids produced by the breakdown helps to nourish the lining of the colon.

There are two types of fiber classified according to its solubility. One is soluble fiber which dissolves in water and forms into a gel-like substance. It primarily helps in lowering the levels of blood cholesterol and glucose. The other type of fiber is insoluble fiber which cannot be dissolved in water. It primarily improves the movement of material through digestive system and increases the weight and bulk of the stool.

Having fiber-rich diet improves the quality of diet. Several benefits of eating fiber are the following:

• Reduces total intestinal transit time while keeping the contents of the intestines moving

• Helps avoid constipation and provides relief to its symptoms by softening the stool and increases its weight

• Improves bowel function

• When combined with fruits, vegetables, milk and fish, it can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. It also prevents certain diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, diverticular disease, irritable bowel syndrome, gallstones, and kidney stones.

• Lowers blood pressure especially in hypertensive and obese individuals

• Helps in weight loss by reducing the absorption of fats and prevents weight gain that can cause hypertension

• Controls the levels of blood sugar by reducing insulin resistance. It also reduces hunger pangs, headaches, and fatigue due to rapid drops in blood sugar.

• Improves metabolic syndrome

• Lowers triglyceride levels

Fiber can only be produced by plants. It cannot be found in animal foods as they do not contain fiber no matter how chewy or tough they may be. Excellent sources of dietary fiber are the following:
Fruits and vegetables. They have always been an important part of a daily diet. Not only they help in controlling weight, but also they provide more energy, and lower the risk of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. People who include fruits and vegetables in their diet are less likely associated with high blood pressure and diabetes.

Whole grains. Whole grains provide vitamins, minerals, and even high levels of antioxidants and other healthy plant-based nutrients. These grains may lower triglycerides, controls insulin, and helps in weight management.

Too much fiber in the diet can cause some problems especially when first initiated. When increased too fast, it can cause mild adverse effects including gas increase and indigestion. There is also a rare abdominal event called, sigmoid volvulus, which is a result from twisting of large intestine due to increase of volatile gas. So when you incorporate more fiber in your diet, it is best to take fiber gradually.

Healthy eating with fiber is the most recommended in controlling weight. It is best consumed in its natural form rather than adding bran over your food. So when you feel hungry, try to choose foods high in fiber. They can satisfy your hunger without providing too much calories.

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What are cage free and organic eggs

admin — Mon, 03 May 2010 17:35:36 +0000

People are now more conscious about their food. They are reading and are finding more and more about the things which they are eating. This has also changed the way companies are making the products. They are caring more about their customers. This has resulted in better quality and more variety of the eggs. Now there are so many varieties that you may get confused when buying this nutritional food staple.

The incredible edible egg is a protein packed gift of nature. Whether starting off our day, binding our baked goods or enjoying a late night omelet that hits the spot, eggs are a very important part of our daily lives. They are considered the source for an all-in-one edible thing.

Organic eggs are eggs produced by the hens which are fed with all natural diets. There are no pesticides and the synthetic hormones in their diet. This means that these hens are not fed on the man made diet. The human body will not have to process hormones and pesticides which the hen has metabolized. The all natural diet ensures no harmful effects and perfect balance of the proteins, vitamins and the other essential minerals.

Cage free eggs are the most humane option as their living conditions have been kept as nature intended free roaming and not stuffed in cages with many others. These hens are given exposure to the nature. They are exposed to the sun light and the outdoors is in their reach thus producing better eggs for human consumption.

Cage free certified organic eggs may cost you a little more but they are definitely much better than the artificially enhanced eggs. These eggs are produced by the hens which are brought up in the ‘close to nature’ surroundings. These hens are provided natural food and they are not treated with any enhancers and growth catalysts at all. You can find the organic cage free eggs at your local store. You will find many different brands selling different varieties of the eggs. Just make sure that you pick organic and cage free eggs to make sure that you are getting the best and the all natural product.

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Peanuts, good or bad?

admin — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 19:03:10 +0000

Remember last year’s salmonella scare? Well, peanuts were big news that time, and it got people wondering, salmonella aside, are peanuts good or bad for you?

I have always heard to stay away from peanuts since it can contribute to acne break outs. While I have always dismissed this as “old wives tale” I also noticed that I did have breakouts when I enjoy peanuts too much.

This prompted me to do some research. Turns out, peanuts are full of fat, hence the breakouts. Peanuts are also the cause of most allergies in the United States. More people are allergic to peanuts than any other kind of food. So people most especially kids with allergies are asked to stay away from most nuts, including peanuts.

Peanuts are also notoriously high in calories. They also contain uric acid which contributes to arthritis and other joint pains.This is why peanut consumption should be limited to a handful everyday.

On the contrary peanuts are essentially good. They are an excellent source of fatty acids which help the body especially the heart function properly. They are also good sources of niacin, Vitamin E and B6.

As with most other kinds of food, moderation seems to be the key. All natural foods are essentially good, but abuse and overeating can lead to illnesses and complications. They key is to always follow a healthy diet of grains, protein, fruits and vegetables. A healthy diet along with a healthy lifestyle can keep most diseases and illnesses away!

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Which Cooking Oil Is Best For Health?

admin — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 11:14:40 +0000

One of the most confusing issues to ever hit the health world is cooking oil—or edible oil in general. If you just rely on adverts for product information, then you must be one of the many souls who believe that ALL cooking oils are good for their health. Of course, what kind of manufacturer would tell people that their product is not good? With the right blend of half-truths and advertising magic, it’s easy to believe even the most impossible of all.

Part of the reason why cooking oils have become so confusing for a normal person to understand is that there are many different kinds of it. Some of the most popular are canola oil, olive oil, sunflower oil, extra virgin coconut oil and sesame oil. Included in the list are butter and margarine, although they are considered “bad” hands down! Popular cooking oils mentioned earlier have their own followers who swear by them but before we make recommendation, let’s look at fats first, since it’s the most influencing factor to consider.

In a nutshell, it has two groups, the good and the bad fats. The good ones are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats which lessen your health risk by not adding any more bad cholesterol inside your body. The bad ones are saturated and trans fats which increase your health risk by piling up those bad cholesterols in you. Naturally, if you are to choose between the two, you should go with the good ones therefore these fats should also be your choice when choosing the best cooking oil to use. Most recommended are canola, olive and flax seed oils.

Please take note that all cooking oils are bad for your health if you use them in excess. By using them sparingly, healthy cooking oils are sure to delight your taste buds and at the same time, will not expose you to any health risk.

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Organic Milk VS Regular Milk

admin — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:13:05 +0000

A lot of people are now looking into organic foods as more news of the harmful chemicals in the normal food we eat are getting linked to diseases like cancer, heart disease and other ailments. Milk is one of the most staple foods in the American diet and lately, the spotlight on regular milk versus organic milk has hit lots of chat rooms, message boards, blogs and even spurned researchers everywhere.

Organic milk is a little more expensive than regular milk. This is because cows that produce organic milk do it the normal way. They are fed with grass and are free to roam vast farmlands. They are not given any hormone injections to boost milk production and their feeds are not sprayed with chemical fertilizers. In short, they live easy stress-free lives, grazing and eating whenever they feel like it.

Regular milk producing cows on the other hand are given bovine growth hormones (BGH) to increase milk production. They live in crowded pens where they eat feeds laced with ingredients that may have been genetically modified. They live their lives in crowded barns with little exercise. Their milk is cheaper to buy because of all the tricks used to increase milk production.

Studies have found that organic milk contains a higher quantity of vitamins and nutrients. Organic milk contains 50% more Vitamin E, 75% more Beta Carotene and three times more antioxidants compared to normal milk. Aside from this organic milk contains more Omega 3 essential fatty acids that help the body, specifically the heart function properly. Organic milk is also easier for the body to break down and metabolize. This property makes it easier for the body to fight of diseases and boost the immune system.

However, organic milk producers are still small in numbers compared to regular milk producers. This is because of the price differential between the two. Unless studies and advocates for organic milk take their case to the public, this disparity will continue and the number of organic milk farmers will not increase. It is very clear that organic milk is more beneficial to humans than regular milk and the time is ripe for a change in milk.

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MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) – The most common poison in your food.

admin — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:38:39 +0000

The first thing most of us think of when we hear MSG is Chinese food. Monosodium Glutamate is a quite commonly used flavor enhancer and it is an additive in many different foods, including many condiments, snack foods, canned foods and processed meats. According to the FDA, MSG is “generally recognized as safe.” These food labels may not indicate that they contain MSG; they might contain the words “hydrolyzed vegetable protein”, “HVP” or “yeast extract.” The best thing that we can do is to learn how to recognize MSG in our diets and stay away.

MSG might make your food taste better, but is it worth it? Obesity is one of this nations biggest problems and MSG has been linked to the cause. It is also said that toxic compounds can associated with such neurological diseases like Multiple Sclerosis, brain cancers, ADHD and more. Of course, the FDA still stands by their claim in amounts that would be used for cooking. They did admit that MSG symptom complex – short-term responses to the ingestion of MSG – is a problem for some people. The symptoms can include such reactions as headaches, sweating, nausea, chest pain and more. The only way to avoid this effect is to stay away from Monosodium Glutamate.

This additive is presented to us as a food product that is harmless, but it is poison. At the very least, it is completely unnecessary and as a matter of precaution, if nothing else, an additive that we should do our best to avoid.

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Amaranth Farming

admin — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:19:42 +0000

An amaranth seed is considered as a healthy grain and it can be eaten in its whole grain form. In plant form, it is considered as a weed. In some parts of the country where amaranth is known to grow locally and abundantly, they are even considered as “pesky” due to its unrelenting nature but indeed a lifesaver when food shortage is apparent. This small grain is a native of South America but has its roots in Mexico. Rumor has it that amaranth seeds were used in human sacrifice rituals long before the Spanish conquest. It got so bad that the seed were eventually banned in most localities. It is only now when healthy living is given much importance that amaranth seeds are finally getting the attention it truly deserves.

Amaranth is a tasty seed and it is packed with many nutrients a body needs. It has protein, iron and calcium which make it very ideal for vegans. Aside from that, it can be consumed in many different ways such as flour and bread.

When it comes to farming, Amaranth supports sustainable landcare and it doesn’t require any special care since it is mostly considered as weeds. When left alone, it can grow on its own. It also has a long harvesting period that is perfect for farmers. Today, the amaranth plant is subjected to various tests for agricultural development and was introduced to countries experiencing agricultural difficulties such as Kenya. Experts suspect that the amaranth plant may be the answer to rural sustainable livelihood problems across the globe.

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Going local makes more sense for your health and the environment

admin — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 14:47:13 +0000

To eat well means avoiding “edible food-like substances” and sticking to real ingredient, especially more and more from the plant kingdom.
Specialists state that if consumers would reduce their meat utilization by 20%, it would help the environment noticeably. There would be less need to raise herds of livestock for food production and therefore cut down on the amount of gases released into the air. If your diet alteration would include mainly vegetarian dishes, then the damage to the global environment can be reduced significantly.
It has also been proven that keeping livestock for purposes of food production increased the toxic chemicals being released in the air because the animals themselves produce methane gases through natural bodily functions. Cows can produce more harmful toxins than your average car! A standard cow farm can literally produce tons of carbon dioxide and methane in a year.
Eating red meat has been associated to some possibility of cancers and consumers are just not getting enough nutrients in their current diets. The utilization of proteins has doubled in just a short period of time. Nutritionist warn that unless you change your unhealthy eating habits and reduce the amount of meat you eat and replace it with fresh vegetables, grains, and fish, you are subjecting your body to various illnesses and disease.
Change your eating habits and make a conscious effort to buy food that is locally grown. This may include various types of fruits and vegetables. It is ideal to grow your own garden and not hard at all. This will ensure that the fruits and vegetables go from the garden to your table without releasing dangerous emissions and pollutants into the air that contribute to global warming.
By eating locally grown fruits and vegetables you can make an impact on your health and environment as well. Making a difference in your carbon footprint can affect your surroundings and global warming specifically. If you follow these suggestions, you will be doing your part in making the world, a healthier world to live in.

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Buckwheat Farming

admin — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:47:48 +0000

Buckwheat is a fast-growing crop best planted in summer since it is not frost tolerant. It has the uncanny ability to out-grow weeds which farmers have much to thank for. This is also why buckwheat makes the best organic crop as it will require only the littlest effort from the farmer when in comes to weed and pest control. Also, buckwheat is highly recommended for farms with weed problems during summer season. So far, buckwheat’s potential “pests” would be wild animals which just love munching on them.

Buckwheat is not a native crop of America but due to its high demand and adaptability, it has become a major crop for millions of farm acres in the US. It can also be used for crop rotation, planted next to wheat harvest. Buckwheat is a great choice for double cropping in spring and it improves the quality of soil immensely.

The beauty of buckwheat farming is that it has a very high demand nowadays, even for the 100% organic ones. The high demand is called for due to buckwheat’s many uses, one of which is for flour production. Buckwheat is categorized along with other food grains such as wheat and oats. It also makes a great alternative and supplement for feeding the farm’s livestock although it must be dehulled first as it can induce allergic reactions if not. Buckwheat is also a favorite for bee keepers since the crop tends to produce flowers profusely.

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