Alfalfa Much? Think Again!

Recently the United States Department of Agriculture deregulated Monsanto’s genetically modified (GM) alfalfa, an action that will surely corrupt the non-GM alfalfa sprouts growing in nearby organic farms.

 

Monsanto is one of the leading agricultural biotechnology corporations in the United States committed to producing genetically engineered seeds for crops.  Soy beans, corn, and cotton are among some of the crops grown from these GM seeds, and due to recent decisions made by the USDA, alfalfa sprouts are now getting tossed into the bag.

 

Not placing any restrictions upon Monsanto’s use of GM alfalfa seeds creates a host of problems. To begin with, bees are responsible for the cross-pollination of alfalfa, which means GM alfalfa can potentially become cross-pollinated with non-GM alfalfa. There is also the risk of GM seeds getting transferred to organic farms by wind or by animals. If GM seeds come into contact with non-GM alfalfa, GM contamination can result, which can also lead organic farmers to lose their contracts.

 

While you might be shaking your head thinking, what’s the big deal? I don’t usually eat alfalfa sprouts, how will it affect me? Think again. Alfalfa sprouts are the fourth largest crop grown in the United States and are used in dairy cow and beef cattle feed because they are such a rich source of protein and calcium. This means our meat and dairy products will also become tainted with genetically engineered seeds because they are ingested by cows.

 

If you would like to see how you can take action against this deregulation, check out Food and Water Watch at the link below. It’s a great site to show your support for organic farming!

 

http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/take-action/

 

References:

http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/take-action/

http://blog.wholefoodsmarket.com/2011/01/no-regulations-ge-alfalfa/

 

 

 

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Chocolate: Good or Bad?

There are few people in the world who do not appreciate the sweet taste of chocolate. Women crave it occasionally during their menstrual periods, kids crave it after having only a small piece for the first time, and a trip to the movies sometimes feels incomplete without a little something sweet. While chocolate is typically grouped in the “junk food” category, a little piece now and then can go a long way when it comes to your health.

As you might already by aware, chocolate contains a beneficial type of antioxidants called polyphenols. Polyphenols are found in substances derived from plants, such as red wine and tea, with the potential to decrease the risk of cancer and heart disease. This special group of antioxidants has also been known to prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, a wax-like substance that sticks to arterial walls when oxidized, increasing your risk of heart attack or stroke. Also, chocolate has the capability of increasing serotonin levels, instilling feelings of euphoria or pleasure that are usually lowered in people with symptoms of depression.

If are a fan of chocolate, a little piece is okay once in awhile, but I recommend eating only dark chocolate. Milk chocolate and chocolate bars contain less polyphenols and much more added sugar and fat. According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, about a half an ounce of chocolate is enough to increase antioxidant activity by four percent. A little taste of sweet dark chocolate here and there never hurt anyone, and it is really all you need!

 

References:
http://www.foodrevolution.org/askjohn/27.htm

 

 

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Taste Nirvana in Coconut Water!

Coconut water is rampant throughout the Pacific Islands, Hawaii, Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean. In Brazil, it is the second most popular fruit juice next to orange juice, and is naturally fat-free with high potassium and mineral content. It is derived from young coconuts which have the most water, because as coconuts mature, they have more meat and become more of a gel than a clear liquid. Out here you can get coconut water in many different stores, but my favorite place to get coconut water is Whole Foods because they have the best tasting brand called Taste Nirvana.

Taste Nirvana is a food and beverage manufacturing company founded in 2007 near Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. It is both eco-conscious and socially responsible, as their entire beverage plant is run on steam, and their coconut water comes in 100% recyclable glass bottles that have a shelf life of up to 2 years! A father and son operation, Taste Nirvana’s sweet-tasting coconut water comes from Thailand’s very own coconut plantation. Because it does not come from Brazil like most coconut water brands, Taste Nirvana’s water tastes naturally sweeter, yet with less of a tart after taste.

I also find that since Taste Nirvana Coconut Water comes in a glass bottle, it has an overall healthier, cleaner taste. Drink coconut water during your exercise workouts by filling half of your water bottle with water and the rest with Taste Nirvana, it will be your electrolyte replacement formula. Although it is not as high in sugar as other fruit juices, I would still recommend drinking coconut water slowly through out the day rather than gulping it down in one shot. Taste Nirvana Coconut Water with the pulp is my absolute favorite—especially after a strenuous yoga class!

 

References:

http://www.tastenirvana.com/allnatural.html

 

 

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Clarified Butter: The Dairy-Free Butter

Healthy foods deserve healthy toppings. Butter is regarded as one of those unhealthy toppings you add to a lot of meals to boost flavor, but is not really good for you because of its high saturated fat content. Some people use organic butter as a healthy alternative, but I suggest a dairy-free type of butter called clarified butter, also known as ghee.

Although I am a strong promoter of dairy free products, clarified butter is my only choice of dairy food because it contains no milk sugar or milk solids (proteins such as casein and whey). Clarified butter is produced when unsalted butter gets melted down and separated from the liquid (whey) and white solids (lactose sugar, cholesterol, protein) so all that remains is pure golden butterfat.

Clarified butter is a healthier fat that aids in digestion, it stimulates the liver and is also good for the gut because it supplies a short chain fatty acid called butyrate, which provides energy to colon epithelial cells and has been shown to lower the risk of colitis and colorectal cancer.

You can use clarified butter on anything you would normally put butter on, like a delicious plate of veggies. The flavor is so rich and tasty; it is not even necessary to use much. Clarified butter does not burn so it is perfect to add to sautéing veggies or frying eggs. It allows you to still capture that smooth flavor without having potentially damaging oxidizing effects on your blood cholesterol. It also stays fresh longer in the fridge than regular butter, so you can enjoy it for much longer! Do look for an organic brand like Purity Farms Organic Ghee; it is available in the refrigerated butter section at most health food stores!

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Come Together at Co-Opportunity

When you think of an organic grocery store, what is the first place that comes to mind? If it is Whole Foods, that is not surprising. They have hundreds of stores in the U.S., Canada, and the United Kingdom with a great selection of organic goods. If you are looking for something a little more intimate though, that caters both to the organic and gluten-free demographic, my number one recommendation is Co-Opportunity.

Located in Santa Monica at the corner of 16th and Broadway, Co-Opportunity is the only Green Certified grocer in Santa Monica, and has even won the 2010 Sustainable Quality Award for its environmental efforts.

The store in and of itself is a co-op, which is a kind of business that is equally run by both patrons and business associates. Essentially, Co-Opportunity gives its members as much opportunity to contribute to the store as its employees. Becoming a member with them demonstrates your contribution to both the environment and homegrown, sustainable agriculture.

Co-Opportunity has been my favorite grocery store for almost twenty-five years, and as a lifetime member of for at least sixteen of those years, I can attest to their abundant organic and gluten-free selections. Co-Opportunity carries bulk organic foods, natural products for pets, herbs, spices, chemical-free household products and all-natural cosmetics.  Many of the brands you will not find anywhere else in Los Angeles. They cater to literally every diet out there with foods that are raw, GMO-free, dairy and lactose free, vegan and vegetarian, macrobiotic, wheat-free, and gluten-free. I support them 100% because they are so environmentally involved, and serve so admirably to people wanting to nourish their bodies with natural, wholesome foods!

References:

http://www.coopportunity.com/index.htm

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The Perks of Organic Wine

I am not a big fan of alcohol, and I do not recommend drinking daily, but if you do have a light alcoholic drink once in a while, I would suggest drinking organic wine. Like all other organic products, organic wine is fermented with chemical and pesticide-free grapes from unpolluted soil. While organic alcohol may not yet be as buzz-worthy a term as any other organic product on the market, it is usually a cleaner, more intense tasting experience.

The main ingredient that conventional wine makers use that organic wine makers do not is a preservative called sulfites. Sulfites acts as a stabilizer in wine and its biggest benefit to wine is its lasting shelf life. In its simplest form it is called sulfur-dioxide, and it is a natural part of the wine fermentation process. In order to have the “organic” label however, organic wines must be fermented without this key ingredient. If you are worried about the lack of sulfites compromising the taste somehow though, rest assured that many wine enthusiasts feel the lack of sulfites gives the wine even more of a clearer taste and texture.

Whole Foods is the most common place to buy organic wine, but there is also a great natural food store called Co-Op in Santa Monica that carries it, along with organic champagne. Also, if you are ever out at a restaurant that does not offer an organic option, try European wine—they still have sulfites but less than your average glass!

BTW- Mold sensitivity individuals should stay away from all types of wine, it can be aggravating to the nasal, lungs and intestinal tissues.

Cooportunity

1525 Broadway Ave

Santa Monica, CA 90404

References:

http://www.organicauthority.com/organic-food/organic-food-articles/organic-vines-for-better-wines.html

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Whole Foods Market: The Best Grocery Store Experience

There are few grocery stores in Los Angeles that live up to my expectations with regard to food quality, eco-focus, and integrity, but one I can firmly stand behind is Whole Foods Market. Their Venice location neighbors Santa Monica and is only a short drive from the infamous Venice boardwalk. It is a unique market with the best hot food bar you will ever find, frequented by young, earthy people shopping for the best in natural and organic food.

Besides their large selection of gluten-free items and organic foods, another   positive aspect of the Whole Foods Market (WFM) in Venice is that their building is a LEED® candidate. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the rating system used by the U.S. Green Building Council, a non-profit organization, to determine how environmentally conscious a particular building is. I really respect buildings that are designed using as little energy as possible, and the Whole Foods Market in Venice rises to the occasion by ventilating their store using systems free of CFC-based refrigerants, which can deplete the ozone, and as well as skylights to minimize the amount of electricity used to light the store. In addition to placing recycling bins around the store, they use only environmentally safe products in their janitorial practices, and very low-toxic paints, sealants, and coatings for in-store labeling.

If you have not visited the WFM Venice store, it would not hurt to swing by and check out all they have to offer. Great food coupled with a hip, good looking crowd—you might never go back to a regular grocery store again!

References:

http://wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/venice/

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Three Cheers for Caffe’ Delfini

Given the large amount of people experiencing digestive discomfort nowadays from processed, over-saturated foods, gluten-free options have become increasingly popular substitutions in many Santa Monica restaurants. For those of you whose diets necessitate gluten-free options, I would like to introduce to you a charming eatery on West Channel Road called Caffé Delfini.

Caffé Delfini is not a very large café, but cozy enough to enjoy a savory, gluten-free dish with a friend. Started over twenty years ago by two Roman natives, Caffé Delfini serves delicious Italian food, as well as gluten-free pasta made of brown rice, as well as a wonderful dish called Zinquine, which is linguine made out of zucchini. Both dishes are one hundred percent kosher and wheat-free. You can order any pasta dish and they will make it with your choice of pasta. Their Linguini Mare for instance, is one I highly recommend! Also, they have selections of protein entrees that are grain-free and have sides of sauté spinach and pototoes.

Caffé Delfini also has a wide selection of seafood too, although I suggest you order their lobster, shrimp, calamari or crab. Bivalve shellfish dishes like clams, oysters and mussels are more likely to give you stomach upsets due to the paralytic shellfish toxins (diatoms) that accumulate in these marine animals when they are in overgrowth algae environments. Consuming these toxins can inhibit nerve impulses vital organs, and affect neural and muscular activity and at the least, cause diarrhea and vomiting.

Since their serving sizes are usually large, split a pasta and entrée dish with your companion and order a side salad to eat on your own. Their Mista salad is my favorite—chopped butter lettuce, shaved carrots, sliced tomatoes, radicchio, extra virgin olive oil, and aceto balsamico—bon appetit!

References:

http://uwnews.org/article.asp?articleid=9497

http://www.caffedelfini.com/index.html

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Friday Thyme!

I have worked in Santa Monica for a long time, and it is hard not to notice the little eateries and cafes that dot the beautiful beach city. In the past I have mentioned a great restaurant called Huckleberry Café, and today I want to share with you a similar place called the Thyme Café and Market located right off of Broadway in Santa Monica.

Thyme Café started out as a catering company in 2004 by Maire Byrn, and has since expanded into its own café and specialty shop. The market’s premiere catering services include parties anywhere from 10 to 10,000, with floral décor, custom menus, valet, and rentals all included. They also have gourmet-to-go meals that can be packaged and delivered for picnics or other small, intimate events.

Like Huckleberry Café, the Thyme Café and Market serves delicious salads and seasonal homemade soups. One of the major differences is that Thyme Café is not as crowded at prime time as Huckleberry’s, and it is much easier to find parking. The Thyme Café is also similar to Kreation Kafe, another restaurant I have mentioned in a previous post, in that they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can also catch their tasty Sunday brunch that lasts from 8am-2pm, so if you are in the mood for a good breakfast in the afternoon, you know where to go!

References:
http://thymecafeandmarket.com/index.html

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Kudos To Kreation Kafe

If you are ever in Santa Monica looking to stop in a wholesome little café that serves clean, delicious fare- there is a wonderful restaurant called Kreation Kafe located on Montana Ave. Kreation Kafe serves mostly organic foods from local farmers’ markets for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so you really could stop in any time and expect to find a meal both healthy and delicious!

A certified green business, Kreation Kafe offers freshly made tapas, kabobs, soups and salads. They have great tasting Niman Ranch meat and their grilled chicken kabob is a must. You can also expect to find the best quinoa salad in town, bar none. Even your standard egg breakfast tastes great because it is all so fresh and organic!

The denizens of Santa Monica enjoy Kreation Kafe for its relaxed atmosphere, guilt-free menu options, enticing décor, and star-studded outdoor patio. Not only do you have a nice, open view of the sky while dining at night, but several celebrities can be spotted at Kreation on any given day, including Kevin Bacon, Kyra Sedgwick, and Mandy Moore. It is also a great place to just relax with hot tea and a good book. I stop in every chance I get!

References:

http://www.kreationkafe.com/

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