Many of you may already know, but our farm, Earth Harmony Organics, is certified organic by CCOF. As a contributing member, I frequently visit CCOF.org to get the latest organic news and check out their ever-growing list of resources.

I was pleased to see a new campaign that they recently started called “Pesticides Bug Me“. The goal is to educate the public about the detrimental effects of pesticides and to encourage consumers to buy certified organic products, helping to keep toxic pesticides out of their food and the environment. By raising awareness on this important issue, we can help wipe out the devastating effects of these toxic chemicals, save our planet and protect our health.

Continue reading: “Pesticides Bug Me: An Organic Awareness Campaign By CCOF”

What is Lactase?

Lactase is an enzyme that hydrolyzes milk sugar (lactose) into its component parts, glucose and galactose, and assists in the digestion dairy products such as, ice cream, milk and cheese. Nutritionists estimate that 10-20% of the U.S. population is lactose intolerant, meaning they have an inability to break down lactose in many of the dairy products they eat.

Some ethnic groups have much higher levels of lactose intolerance. For example, research suggests that up to 75% of all African-Americans and Native Americans, and 90% of Asian-Americans experience at least some difficulty digesting milk sugar. But these are not the only people who may be susceptible to an imbalance of lactase in the gut. Certain digestive diseases and even minor injuries to the intestines can alter our enzyme balance.

The body naturally produces the lactase enzyme in the brush boreder of our small intestines, unless we are lactose intolerant. Lactase production is particularly high when we are infants because lactose accounts for roughly 40% of the total calorie content of breast milk.

Continue reading: “The Health Benefits of Lactase”

This morning, I was emailed this funny little video and wanted to share it with everybody on our blog. It’s a “Veggie-Trailer” that is a shot-for-shot spoof of the trailer for the recent ‘Transformers’ movie that hit theaters a few weeks back. Here it is, I give you Transfarmers: Dark of the Spoon

Continue reading: “Transfarmers: Dark of the Spoon (Funny Video)”

Earlier this year, the American Heart Association (AHA) called for a nationwide reduction in daily salt intake, along with tighter government and industry regulations regarding the levels of standard table salt (Sodium Chloride) found in everyday foods.

The AHA’s previous suggestion – set forth in the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans back in 2005 – called for a maximum upper limit of 2,300 milligrams of salt daily. Most experts now believe that this figure is much too high for the average person, and have lowered the official recommended limit to 1,500 mg per day.

Readily accepted estimates hold that the majority of people consume about twice this newly prescribed amount (roughly one and a half teaspoons of pure salt) each day as part of their regular diet. The bulk of this coming from pre-packaged and restaurant foods. While it’s no secret that the standard American diet is less than ideal, these figures are still cause for concern.

Continue reading: “American Heart Association: Reducing Daily Salt Intake Recommended for Improved Health”

What Is Glucose Oxidase?

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Glucose oxidase is a type of enzyme commonly found in many fungus and bacteria and is one of the many useful enzymes that nature has given us. Commonly found in bee pollen and honey, glucose oxidase plays a key role not only in digestive processes, but also, and perhaps more importantly in overall human health, physical rejuvenation and anti-aging.

What Does Glucose Oxidase Do?

Glucose oxidase catalyzes a reaction in which glucose (sugar) produces hydrogen peroxide and glucono-lactone. This reaction effectively consumes the glucose while also exhibiting significant antibacterial activity due to the production of hydrogen peroxide. This is a crucial part of its digestive support, as well as its multiple health benefits.

Continue reading: “The Health Benefits Of Glucose Oxidase”